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**Udog** · 07-05-2014, 08:37 AM

Armadillo: Saturday's six-pack

-- Joey Chestnut downed 61 hot dogs (and rolls) in 10 gluttunous minutes to win the Nathan's hot dog eating contest; its the most bizarre TV hour of the summer.

-- Matt Kemp had started 35 games in a row before taking a rest Friday.

-- On July 5, Matt Cain is 1-7, 4.27; Giants are only 1.5 games out of first. That said, 26 days ago, San Francisco was in first place by 9.5 games.

-- There has been only one hole-in-one on a par 4 in PGA Tour history; Andrew Magee at the FBR Open in 2001. You can win a bet with that knowledge.

-- Add Vic Carapazza to the list of umpires who get in a lot of arguments.

-- Pirates are 14-8 with Gregory Polanco in the lineup, 31-33 without him; should they miss the playoffs by a game or two, its their own damn fault.

**********

Armadillo: Saturday's List of 13: Breaking down a blockbuster........

13) I've been an A's fan since 1965, when they were based in Kansas City, I was 5 years old and Hawk Harrelson was their defensively-challenged first baseman.

What happened Friday night, Billy Beane pulling off a blockbuster trade to try and win a World Series this year, erases the 1976 fiasco, when Charlie Finley gave away three players in one day, to cut payroll. I was 16 then, my brand-new Puma sneakers, the Clyde Frazier models, got thrown over my house, from front yard to back. I'm damn lucky they didn't get stuck on the roof.

12) Anyway, the A's got Jason Hammel/Jeff Samardzija from the Cubs Friday; and they did not give Chicago anyone off their major league roster- Dan Straily, who has a 13-11, 4.11 record in 41 career starts, plus their first round draft picks the last two years, SS Addison Russell and OF Billy McKinney. Both are very young-- of the 313 combined minor league games they've played, 297 of them have come in A ball, so they're totally unproven prospects, albeit highly touted. ones.

11) Russell has been hurt most of this year, playing in only 18 games; McKinney is hitting .241 in the California League. Hammel/Samardzija both have ERAs of under 3.00, in the major leagues. This makes the A's a huge threat to win right now.

10) It also strips their farm system bare, but their window of success is only open so long; the A's do things differently-- only two players on their current 25-man roster were drafted by Oakland (Gray/Doolittle), and Doolittle was a 1B until he got hurt and turned to pitching. Win now, because the future is shaky.

9) Yoenis Cespedes is signed thru 2015, then can walk; they've made the playoffs both years he's been on the team. To use a word I don't totally understand but fits here, he gives the low-budget A's their swagger--once he walks and breaks the bank, a lot of their invincibility goes too. Thats why it is important for them to win now.

8) Think about it; Beane watched the A's get swept in Detroit this week, after losing to the Tigers in the playoffs the last two years- a team with Brad Mills as its #5 starter (Milwaukee traded him to the A's for $1-- one freakin' dollar!!!) is going to have a tough time making the playoffs, much less winning once they got there.

Now Mills and Jesse Chavez go to the bullpen; this is a dynamite pitching staff.

7) Here are the starting rotations of the three AL West contenders, with Oakland's rotation before and after the trade..........

A's pre: Gray Kazmir Milone Chavez Mills

Angels: Weaver Wilson Richards Skaggs Shoemaker

Seattle: Hernandez Iwakuma Young Elias Walker

A's post: Gray Kazmir Samardzija Milone Hammel

6) I've been saying this for two weeks; didn't think the A's, as they were currently made up, could hold off pitching-rich Seattle, now that Iwakuma is healthy. It is safe to say that I don't feel that way anymore.

5) Random meaningless fact: if you remember the end of Moneyball, Billy Beane was offered the Red Sox' GM job after the 2002 season. When he turned them down, Boston hired Theo Epstein, who is now the Cubs' GM.

4) If you have a fantasy team and need a pitcher, Straily will be OK for you; just pray to God the wind never blows out at Wrigley when he pitches. He is a fly ball pitcher who benefitted from the Coliseum being a pitchers' park.

3) What do the Cubs tell their season ticket holders? Come back in two years? As of this minute, their starting rotation is Arrieta-Jackson-Wood-Villanueva, and they will bring Straily up as the #5 guy. They've got Baez-Bryant-Russell as three huge prospects/infielders, but pitching wins in baseball, not prospects.

2) There are also political ramifications; the A's are fighting a battle to get a new stadium, one that would make them more financially viable; win a World Series and who says no to them? If they get told no then, they move. MLB will let them.

1) No one knows how this willl turn out; maybe the Cubs will be the winners, you just never know, but I'm guessing when they make Moneyball II in a couple of years, Brad Pitt is going to have one scene where he spends his whole July 4th on a phone, getting his A's pitching it needed to win their first World Series since 1989.

**Udog** · 07-05-2014, 08:37 AM

CFL
Dunkel

SATURDAY, JULY 5

Game 327-328: Saskatchewan at Toronto (3:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Saskatchewan 113.983; Toronto 118.901
Dunkel Line: Toronto by 5; 58
Vegas Line: Saskatchewan by 2 1/2; 54
Dunkel Pick: Toronto (+2 1/2); Over

CFL
Long Sheet

Week 2

Saturday, July 5

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SASKATCHEWAN (1 - 0) at TORONTO (0 - 1) - 7/5/2014, 3:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
SASKATCHEWAN is 114-74 ATS (+32.6 Units) as an underdog since 1996.
SASKATCHEWAN is 22-9 ATS (+12.1 Units) in dome games since 1996.
SASKATCHEWAN is 49-25 ATS (+21.5 Units) in July games since 1996.

Head-to-Head Series History
TORONTO is 2-2 against the spread versus SASKATCHEWAN over the last 3 seasons
TORONTO is 2-2 straight up against SASKATCHEWAN over the last 3 seasons
3 of 4 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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CFL
Armadillo's Write-Up

Week 2

Hamilton (0-1) @ Edmonton (1-0)-- Eskimos won eight of last 12 series games, but TiCats' 30-29 (+3) win here LY snapped six-game skid here for Hamilton, which lost 31-10 last week in Regina, turning ball over three times (was 24-1 at half). Four of last five series games went over total. Edmonton pulled upset in Vancouver last week, picking off four passes, rallying back from 17-13 halftime deficit to win 27-20 (+8), taking advantage of QB Lulay's absence.

CFL

Week 2

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Trend Report
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3:00 PM
SASKATCHEWAN vs. TORONTO
Saskatchewan is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games
Saskatchewan is 7-1 SU in its last 8 games when playing on the road against Toronto
The total has gone OVER in 10 of Toronto's last 14 games at home
Toronto is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games at home

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**Udog** · 07-05-2014, 08:39 AM

WNBA
Dunkel

San Antonio at Indiana
The Stars head to Indiana today and come into the contest with a 6-0 ATS record in their last 6 road games. San Antonio is the pick (.+3 1/2) according to Dunkel, which has the Stars favored by 1. Dunkel Pick: San Antonio (+3 1/2). Here are all of today's WNBA picks.

SATURDAY, JULY 5

Game 651-652: San Antonio at Indiana (5:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: San Antonio 111.190; Indiana 110.244
Dunkel Line & Total: San Antonio by 1; 146
Vegas Line & Total: Indiana by 3 1/2; 150
Dunkel Pick: San Antonio (+3 1/2); Under

Game 653-654: Washington at Atlanta (7:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Washington 108.346; Atlanta 115.346
Dunkel Line & Total: Atlanta by 7; 156
Vegas Line & Total: Atlanta by 9; 151 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Washington (+9); Over

Game 655-656: Connecticut at Tulsa (8:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Connecticut 109.527; Tulsa 115.612
Dunkel Line & Total: Tulsa by 6; 167
Vegas Line & Total: Tulsa by 4; 162 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Tulsa (-4); Over

Game 657-658: Chicago at Seattle (10:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Chicago 107.404; Seattle 111.890
Dunkel Line & Total: Seattle by 4 1/2; 142
Vegas Line & Total: Seattle by 2; 146
Dunkel Pick: Seattle (-2); Under

WNBA
Long Sheet

Saturday, July 5

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SAN ANTONIO (9 - 9) at INDIANA (8 - 9) - 7/5/2014, 5:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
INDIANA is 10-2 ATS (+7.8 Units) after a division game this season.
SAN ANTONIO is 8-2 ATS (+5.8 Units) in road games this season.
SAN ANTONIO is 8-2 ATS (+5.8 Units) in road games in May, June, or July games this season.
SAN ANTONIO is 13-3 ATS (+9.7 Units) in road games against Eastern conference opponents over the last 3 seasons.
SAN ANTONIO is 13-3 ATS (+9.7 Units) in road games in non-conference games over the last 3 seasons.
SAN ANTONIO is 14-5 ATS (+8.5 Units) in road games when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
INDIANA is 3-1 against the spread versus SAN ANTONIO over the last 3 seasons
INDIANA is 3-1 straight up against SAN ANTONIO over the last 3 seasons
3 of 4 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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WASHINGTON (7 - 11) at ATLANTA (11 - 5) - 7/5/2014, 7:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
WASHINGTON is 253-308 ATS (-85.8 Units) in all games since 1997.
WASHINGTON is 158-202 ATS (-64.2 Units) as an underdog since 1997.
WASHINGTON is 47-69 ATS (-28.9 Units) when playing with 2 days rest since 1997.
WASHINGTON is 159-200 ATS (-61.0 Units) vs. division opponents since 1997.
WASHINGTON is 1-8 ATS (-7.8 Units) after a division game this season.
ATLANTA is 19-10 ATS (+8.0 Units) in home games over the last 2 seasons.
ATLANTA is 12-4 ATS (+7.6 Units) in home games in May, June, or July games over the last 2 seasons.
ATLANTA is 15-6 ATS (+8.4 Units) in home games after a division game over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
ATLANTA is 10-4 against the spread versus WASHINGTON over the last 3 seasons
ATLANTA is 11-3 straight up against WASHINGTON over the last 3 seasons
7 of 14 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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CONNECTICUT (8 - 10) at TULSA (7 - 10) - 7/5/2014, 8:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
CONNECTICUT is 2-9 ATS (-7.9 Units) in road games after scoring 75 points or more over the last 2 seasons.
CONNECTICUT is 3-12 ATS (-10.2 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 77+ points/game after 15+ games over the last 3 seasons.
TULSA is 12-5 ATS (+6.5 Units) in all games this season.
TULSA is 13-4 ATS (+8.6 Units) in a home game where where the total is greater than or equal to 150 over the last 2 seasons.
TULSA is 12-5 ATS (+6.5 Units) in May, June, or July games this season.
CONNECTICUT is 103-70 ATS (+26.0 Units) revenging a loss versus opponent since 1997.

Head-to-Head Series History
TULSA is 3-2 against the spread versus CONNECTICUT over the last 3 seasons
CONNECTICUT is 3-2 straight up against TULSA over the last 3 seasons
3 of 5 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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CHICAGO (8 - 9) at SEATTLE (7 - 12) - 7/5/2014, 10:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
SEATTLE is 90-59 ATS (+25.1 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 77+ points/game since 1997.

Head-to-Head Series History
SEATTLE is 3-2 against the spread versus CHICAGO over the last 3 seasons
SEATTLE is 3-2 straight up against CHICAGO over the last 3 seasons
3 of 5 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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WNBA

Saturday, July 5

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Trend Report
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5:00 PM
SAN ANTONIO vs. INDIANA
The total has gone UNDER in 13 of San Antonio's last 19 games on the road
San Antonio is 1-4-1 ATS in its last 6 games when playing Indiana
The total has gone UNDER in 9 of Indiana's last 13 games at home
Indiana is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against San Antonio

7:00 PM
WASHINGTON vs. ATLANTA
The total has gone OVER in 10 of Washington's last 13 games when playing on the road against Atlanta
Washington is 2-7 SU in its last 9 games when playing on the road against Atlanta
The total has gone OVER in 8 of Atlanta's last 12 games at home
Atlanta is 7-2 SU in its last 9 games when playing at home against Washington

8:00 PM
CONNECTICUT vs. TULSA
The total has gone UNDER in 15 of Connecticut's last 23 games on the road
Connecticut is 1-14 SU in its last 15 games on the road
Tulsa is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games at home
Tulsa is 3-6 SU in its last 9 games when playing Connecticut

10:00 PM
CHICAGO vs. SEATTLE
Chicago is 3-8 ATS in its last 11 games
Chicago is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games when playing Seattle
The total has gone OVER in 7 of Seattle's last 10 games
Seattle is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games when playing Chicago

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**Udog** · 07-05-2014, 08:40 AM

MLB
Dunkel

Tampa Bay at Detroit
The Rays look to follow up yesterday's 6-3 win in the series opener and come into today's contest with a 5-1 record in Chris Archer's last 6 starts as a road underdog. Tampa Bay is the pick (+145) according to Dunkel, which has the Rays favored by 1. Dunkel Pick: Tampa Bay (+145). Here are all of today's MLB picks.

SATURDAY, JULY 5

Game 901-902: Miami at St. Louis (2:15 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Miami (Heaney) 13.383; St. Louis (Miller) 15.658
Dunkel Line: St. Louis by 2 1/2; 9
Vegas Line: St. Louis (-150); 8
Dunkel Pick: St. Louis (-150); Over

Game 903-904: Philadelphia at Pittsburgh (4:05 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Philadelphia (Buchanan) 15.546; Pittsburgh (Volquez) 14.446
Dunkel Line: Philadelphia by 1; 8
Vegas Line: Pittsburgh (-165); 8 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Philadelphia (+145); Under

Game 905-906: Chicago Cubs at Washington (4:05 a.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Cubs (Villanueva) 15.016; Washington (Gonzalez) 17.994
Dunkel Line: Washington by 3; 8
Vegas Line: Washington (-150); 7
Dunkel Pick: Washington (-150); Over

Game 907-908: Milwaukee at Cincinnati (4:10 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Milwaukee (Garza) 14.832; Cincinnati (Bailey) 13.426
Dunkel Line: Milwaukee by 1 1/2; 7
Vegas Line: Cincinnati (-135); 8
Dunkel Pick: Milwaukee (+115); Under

Game 909-910: LA Dodgers at Colorado (4:10 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: LA Dodgers (Haren) 13.528; Colorado (De La Rosa) 15.275
Dunkel Line: Colorado by 1 1/2; 10
Vegas Line: LA Dodgers (-115); 11
Dunkel Pick: Colorado (-105); Under

Game 911-912 Arizona at Atlanta (4:10 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Arizona (Bolsinger) 14.126; Atlanta (Harang) 15.805
Dunkel Line: Atlanta by 1 1/2; 9
Vegas Line: Atlanta (-165); 8
Dunkel Pick: Atlanta (-165); Over

Game 913-914: San Francisco at San Diego (7:15 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: San Francisco (Hudson) 16.719: San Diego (Despaigne) 15.724
Dunkel Line: San Francisco by 1; 7
Vegas Line: San Francisco (-125); 6 1/2
Dunkel Pick: San Francisco (-125); Over

Game 915-916: NY Yankees at Minnesota (2:10 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: NY Yankees (Phelps) 14.200; Minnesota (Pino) 15.194
Dunkel Line: Minnesota by 1; 8
Vegas Line: NY Yankees (-120); 8 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Minnesota (+100); Under

Game 917-918: Seattle at Chicago White Sox (2:10 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Seattle (Hernandez) 16.528; White Sox (Quintana) 14.316
Dunkel Line: Seattle by 2; 8
Vegas Line: Seattle (-160); 7
Dunkel Pick: Seattle (-160); Over

Game 919-920: Tampa Bay at Detroit (4:08 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Tampa Bay (Archer) 16.715; Detroit (Sanchez) 15.933
Dunkel Line: Tampa Bay by 1; 7
Vegas Line: Detroit (-165); 8
Dunkel Pick: Tampa Bay (+145); Under

Game 921-922: Kansas City at Cleveland (7:05 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Kansas City (Guthrie) 16.086; Cleveland (House) 15.009
Dunkel Line: Kansas City by 1; 7
Vegas Line: Cleveland (-110); 8
Dunkel Pick: Kansas City (-110); Under

Game 923-924: Baltimore at Boston (7:15 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Baltimore (Jimenez) 14.299; Boston (Lackey) 17.265
Dunkel Line: Boston by 3; 10
Vegas Line: Boston (-145); 9
Dunkel Pick: Boston (-145); Over

Game 925-926: Toronto at Oakland (10:05 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Toronto (Buehrle) 17.155; Oakland (Kazmir) 16.075
Dunkel Line: Toronto by 1; 6
Vegas Line: Oakland (-140); 7 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Toronto (+120); Under

Game 927-928: Houston at LA Angels (10:05 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Houston (Feldman) 14.425; LA Angels (Santiago) 16.094
Dunkel Line: LA Angels by 1 1/2; 9
Vegas Line: LA Angels (-165); 8 1/2
Dunkel Pick: LA Angels (-165); Over

Game 929-930: Texas at NY Mets (7:15 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Texas (Lewis) 14.185; NY Mets (Colon) 15.583
Dunkel Line: NY Mets by 1 1/2; 9
Vegas Line: NY Mets (-150); 7 1/2
Dunkel Pick: NY Mets (-150); Over

Game 931-932: Baltimore at Boston (1:05 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Baltimore (Gonzalez) 15.152; Boston (Lester) 14.221
Dunkel Line: Baltimore by 1; 7
Vegas Line: Boston (-165); 8 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Baltimore (+145); Under

**Udog** · 07-05-2014, 08:40 AM

MLB
Armadillo's Write-Up

Saturday, July 5

Marlins-Cardinals
Heaney is 0-3, 5.29 in three MLB starts.
Miller is 0-2, 8.16 in his last three starts.

Miami lost six of its last eight games.
St Louis won eight of its last eleven home games.

Five of last six Miller starts stayed under total.

Phillies-Pirates
Buchanan is 3-1, 3.57 in his last four starts.
Volquez is 3-1, 3.47 in his last four starts.

Philly lost eight of its last ten games.
Pirates won ten of their last thirteen games.
Six of last eight Buchanan starts stayed under.

Cubs-Nationals
Arrieta is 4-0, 0.78 in his last five starts.
GGonzalez is 2-0, 2.00 in three starts since coming off DL.

Cubs won seven of their last eight road games.
Washington won five of its last six games.
Seven of last nine Washington games went over total.

Brewers-Reds
Garza is 1-1, 4.77 in his last four starts.
Bailey is 5-1, 3.38 in his last eight starts.

Milwaukee lost its last four games.
Reds won five of last six home games.

Over is 5-2-1 in last eight Garza starts.

Dodgers-Rockies
Haren is 3-0, 3.77 in his last five starts.
de la Rosa is 2-2, 8.76 in his last five starts, but he won his last two.

Dodgers won 15 of their last 21 games.
Colorado lost 16 of its last 18 games.

Last four de la Rosa starts went over the total.

Diamondbacks-Braves
Diamondbacks lost last five Bolsinger starts (0-4, 4.2), but he has a 1.98 RA in his last two.
Harang is 2-0, 2.77 in his last couple starts.

Arizona lost four of its last five games.
Atlanta won its last eight games.

Over is 3-0-1 in last four Harang home starts.

Giants-Padres
Hudson is 0-3, 7.36 in his last three starts.
Despaigne is 2-0, 0.66 in his first two MLB starts.

Giants lost nine of their last eleven games.
San Diego won its last five games, allowing three runs.
Five of last six Hudson starts went over the total.

Orioles-Red Sox
Gonzalez is 1-2, 5.23 in his last four starts. Jimenez is 1-1, 2.77 in his last four.
Boston won last four Lester starts (3-0, 2.10). Lackey is 1-1, 12.46 in his last two starts.

Baltimore is 11-5 in its last sixteen games.
Red Sox lost three in row, nine of last thirteen games.

13 of last 15 games at Fenway Park stayed under.

Bronx-Twins
Phelps is 1-3, 4.43 in seven road starts.
Pino is 0-2, 6.32 in his three MLB starts.

Bronx Bombers won their last three road games.
Minnesota lost nine of their last eleven games.
Four of last five Bronx road games went over total.

Mariners-White Sox
Hernandez is 7-1, 1.66 in his last ten starts.
Quintana is 2-0, 1.29 in his last three starts.

Seattle won ten of its last thirteen games.
White Sox lost seven of their last ten home games.

Six of last nine Seattle games stayed under the total.

Rays-Tigers
Archer is 1-2, 4.94 in his last four starts.
Sanchez is 3-0, 3.03 in his last six starts.

Tampa Bay won eight of its last ten games.
Tigers won nine of their last twelve games.

Ten of last fourteen Detroit games went over the total, but keep in mind they lost Victor Martinez (back) last night.

Royals-Indians
Guthrie is 3-0, 3.04 in his last four starts.
House is 0-1, 6.14 in his last three starts.

Royals won 12 of their last 13 road games.
Cleveland lost five of its last six home games.
Four of last five House starts stayed under total.

Blue-Jays-A's
Buehrle is 0-4, 3.71 in his last five starts.
Kazmir is 4-0, 1.24 in his last four home starts.

Blue Jays lost seven of their last eight road games.
Oakland won nine of its last eleven home games.

Eight of last nine Toronto games stayed under.

Astros-Angels
Feldman is 1-3, 6.53 in his last six starts.
Santiago is 0-1, 2.35 in his last three starts.

Houston lost 13 of its last 17 games.
Angels won ten of their last thirteen games.

Seven of last nine Feldman starts went over total.

Rangers-Mets
Lewis is 1-2, 6.82 in his last six starts.
Colon is 5-1, 2.55 in his last seven starts.

Texas lost last six games overall, ten in row on road.
Mets lost seven of their last nine games.

Six of last seven Lewis starts went over the total.

Pitchers allowing runs in first inning:
-- Heaney 1-3; Miller 2-17
-- Buchanan 0-8; Volquez 6-16
-- Arrieta 3-11; Gonzalez 5-12
-- Garza 7-17; Bailey 4-17
-- Haren 8-17; de la Rosa 5-17
-- Bolsinger 2-7; Harang 4-17
-- Hudson 1-16; Despaigne 1-2

-- Phelps 1-11; Pino 0-3
-- Hernandez 2-18; Quintana 2-17
-- Archer 4-19; Sanchez 4-14
-- Guthrie 5-17; House 2-6
-- Gonzalez 6-13, Jimenez 5-17; Lester 5-17, Lackey 4-17
-- Buehrle 5-17; Kazmir 3-17
-- Feldman 3-15; Santiago 2-10

-- Lewis 5-17; Colon 6-17 (3 of last 3)

Umpires
-- Mia-StL-- 11 of last 14 Fagan games stayed under.
-- Phil-Pitt-- Favorites won eight of last nine HGibson games.
-- Chi-Wsh-- Six of last seven Little games stayed under.
-- Mil-Cin-- 10 of 12 Conroy games went over the total.
-- LA-Col-- Underdogs won five of last seven Hoberg games.
-- Az-Atl-- Seven of last ten Diaz games went over total.
-- SF-SD-- Over is 7-4-1 in last twelve Tumpane games.

-- NY-Minn-- Underdogs won eight of last 12 Foster games.
-- Sea-Chi-- Four of last five Hickox games stayed under.
-- TB-Det-- Five of last six Carlson games stayed under total.
-- KC-Clev-- Underdogs are 8-6 in Guccione games this year.
-- Tor-A's-- Underdogs won eight of last nine Miller games.
-- Hst-LAA-- Over is 10-5 in Johnson games; underdogs won six of his last seven games.

-- Tex-NYM-- Under is 6-2-1 in last nine Eddings games.

**Udog** · 07-05-2014, 08:41 AM

MLB

Saturday, July 5

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Trend Report
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1:05 PM
BALTIMORE vs. BOSTON
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Baltimore's last 10 games when playing Boston
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Baltimore's last 9 games when playing on the road against Boston
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Boston's last 10 games when playing Baltimore
The total has gone UNDER in 16 of Boston's last 23 games

2:10 PM
SEATTLE vs. CHI WHITE SOX
Seattle is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games
Seattle is 5-19 SU in their last 24 games when playing Chi White Sox
Chi White Sox are 7-1 SU in their last 8 games when playing at home against Seattle
Chi White Sox are 4-2 SU in their last 6 games at home

2:10 PM
NY YANKEES vs. MINNESOTA
NY Yankees are 9-4 SU in their last 13 games when playing Minnesota
The total has gone OVER in 4 of NY Yankees's last 6 games when playing Minnesota
Minnesota is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Minnesota's last 7 games when playing at home against NY Yankees

2:15 PM
MIAMI vs. ST. LOUIS
Miami is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against St. Louis
Miami is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games when playing St. Louis
St. Louis is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing Miami
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of St. Louis's last 7 games when playing at home against Miami

4:05 PM
CHI CUBS vs. WASHINGTON
Chi Cubs are 4-1 SU in their last 5 games
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Chi Cubs's last 7 games when playing Washington
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Washington's last 7 games when playing Chi Cubs
Washington is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games

4:05 PM
PHILADELPHIA vs. PITTSBURGH
Philadelphia is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Philadelphia's last 6 games when playing Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Pittsburgh's last 5 games when playing at home against Philadelphia

4:08 PM
TAMPA BAY vs. DETROIT
The total has gone UNDER in 12 of Tampa Bay's last 18 games on the road
Tampa Bay is 7-16 SU in its last 23 games when playing Detroit
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Detroit's last 6 games
Detroit is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games at home

4:10 PM
LA DODGERS vs. COLORADO
LA Dodgers are 6-1 SU in their last 7 games on the road
LA Dodgers are 4-1 SU in their last 5 games when playing on the road against Colorado
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Colorado's last 5 games when playing at home against LA Dodgers
Colorado is 1-7 SU in its last 8 games at home

4:10 PM
MILWAUKEE vs. CINCINNATI
Milwaukee is 8-4 SU in its last 12 games on the road
Milwaukee is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games
Cincinnati is 9-4 SU in its last 13 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Cincinnati's last 6 games when playing at home against Milwaukee

4:10 PM
ARIZONA vs. ATLANTA
Arizona is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Arizona's last 7 games on the road
Atlanta is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games
Atlanta is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games when playing Arizona

7:05 PM
KANSAS CITY vs. CLEVELAND
Kansas City is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Kansas City's last 6 games when playing on the road against Cleveland
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Cleveland's last 6 games at home
Cleveland is 11-5 SU in its last 16 games at home

7:15 PM
BALTIMORE vs. BOSTON
Baltimore is 2-3-1 SU in its last 6 games ,when playing on the road against Boston
Baltimore4-1-1 SU in its last 6 games on the road
Boston is 1-3-1 SU in its last 5 games ,when playing Baltimore
Boston is 1-3-1 SU in its last 5 games ,

7:15 PM
TEXAS vs. NY METS
Texas is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing NY Mets
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Texas's last 6 games when playing NY Mets
NY Mets are 1-4 SU in its last 5 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of NY Mets's last 6 games at home

7:15 PM
SAN FRANCISCO vs. SAN DIEGO
San Francisco is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of San Francisco's last 5 games
San Diego is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games
San Diego is 6-2 SU in its last 8 games when playing at home against San Francisco

10:05 PM
TORONTO vs. OAKLAND
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Toronto's last 5 games when playing Oakland
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Toronto's last 6 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Oakland's last 6 games
Oakland is 11-5 SU in its last 16 games

10:05 PM
HOUSTON vs. LA ANGELS
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Houston's last 6 games on the road
Houston is 1-8 SU in its last 9 games on the road
LA Angels are 5-2 SU in their last 7 games when playing Houston
LA Angels are 4-1 SU in their last 5 games

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**Udog** · 07-05-2014, 08:41 AM

MLB

Saturday, July 5

Kazmir untouchable at home

Scott Kazmir has been on-fire for the Oakland Athletics on O-Town. Kazmir is 4-0 in his last four starts at the Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum.

Kazmir has onl given up four hits per game and less than one run per game, leading to four straight unders as well.

Lackey keeping Orioles bats at bay

John Lackey has helped bettors to a 1-5 over/under record in his last six starts against the Baltimore Orioles.

In those six starts Lackey has only given up 19 runs, which averages out to 3.2 per game.

Hernandez struggling at Cellular Field

Felix Hernandez has been unable to lift the Seattle Mariners over the Chicago White Sox as U.S. Cellular Field. The Mariners have gone 0-4 in the last four starts by 'King Felix' in Chicago.

Hernandez gives up almost seven hits per game and four runs per game during that stretch.

De La Rosa has been terrible against Dodgers

The Colorado Rockies send Jorge De La Rosa to the mound in hopes that he can change a terrible career against the Los Angeles Dodgers. The Rockies are 3-12 in De La Rosa's last 15 starts against the Dodgers.

Spanning the past 10 of those starts, De La Rosa has given up 40 runs, while giving up five or more five times.

Brandon Moss, Oakland - Ques Sat

Moss left Friday's game after twisting his left ankle and is questionable to play Saturday against the Blue Jays.

Smoak goes from Mariners' DL to Triple-A

First baseman Justin Smoak is off the Seattle Mariners' disabled list and headed to Triple-A.

The Mariners demoted him Friday after he missed almost a month of the season with a strained quadriceps. At the time of the injury, Smoak was struggling at the plate with a .208 average, seven homers and 29 RBIs in 63 games. He was batting only .191 in his last 56 games.

In four seasons with the Mariners, the 27-year-old has a .227 career batting average with 67 home runs and 204 RBIs.

The Mariners plan to continue to use Logan Morrison at first base and Dustin Ackley and Michael Saunders in the outfield. Corey Hart will serve as the designated hitter.

Wright still out of Mets' lineup

New York Mets third baseman David Wright remained out of the lineup Friday against the Texas Rangers.

Wright has been out with a bruised rotator cuff in his left shoulder.

The club was hopeful that he would return Friday for the start of a 10-game homestand.

Wright missed the final six games of a 1-7 road trip and left the Mets (37-48) a season-worst 10 games out of first place in the National League East after being swept in a three-game series against the Atlanta Braves.

Wright was not with the team in Atlanta, instead receiving treatment in New York on his non-throwing shoulder that forced him out of the June 26 game at the Pittsburgh Pirates.

The Mets have avoided placing Wright on the 15-day disabled list while playing a man short for the past six games. Eric Campbell has been filling in for Wright at third base.

Wright had a 10-game hitting streak in which he was batting .385 with two home runs and seven RBIs despite dealing with discomfort in the shoulder for more than two weeks.

For the season, Wright is batting .277 with six homers and 41 RBIs.

**Udog** · 07-05-2014, 08:42 AM

MLB

Saturday, July 5

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MLB Weekday Series - Five Key Takeaways
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It is once again time to round the bases from Point Blank range, focusing on those key issues from the MLB mid-week series that can lead to major profits in the games ahead.

Royals – James Shields, and the toll of innings

The next time Shields takes the mound the pitching forms will show an 8-4/3.93. That will not cause many second takes; if anything it would appear to be “business as usual” for a consistent veteran that has worked to a 108-87/3.80 over 269 MLB starts. But it might be time to start taking a closer look – the bells of pitching age may be beginning to toll.

Shields turned in a solid 13-9/3.15 in his first season with the Royals LY, a strong enough bottom line for there to not be major concerns over his K-per-9 falling from 8.8 in 2012 to 7.7, and his BB-per-9 being the highest since his rookie season. He brought a reputation as a guy that could eat innings at a quality rate, and that is what he did. But over time, has he eaten too many innings?

2013 marked his seventh straight campaign of 200 IP or more, and when post-season games are added, only Justin Verlander worked more over that span. But Shields does not have Verlander’s stuff, which means that he has had to work harder to get through those frames, and while there were some signs of decline creeping in LY, they are becoming even more apparent now. But not necessarily apparent to the betting markets – he has been favored in 15 of his 18 starts, nine times by -135 or more.

First, ignore the W/L tally – in the six games in which he did not get a decision he was knocked around to a 6.28 tune, but bailed out by the Kansas City offense. That was most fortunate – the Royals have backed him with 5.1 RPG, despite averaging only 3.9 in all other games. His K-per-9 has taken another significant drop, down to 7.1, but while his BB rate has been terrific, he is giving up a lot of hard contact. Over the past six starts it has been particularly ominous – 50 hits vs. only 23 K. In those six games his PPI reached 18.0 on four occasions, something that only happened eight times in all of 2013.

Shields is not going to fall off the table – he is too savvy for that, and being in a pennant race will have some of those competitive juices flowing again. But the issue of decline is genuine, especially now that he is not pitching all of his home games in air conditioning. He is not the pitcher that the markets are pricing him to be, and there will be opportunities for the savvy handicapper to take advantage.

Blue Jays – Mark Buehrle, and those recent bombs

Buehrle could actually snicker at the Shields workload – he has topped 200 IP in 13 consecutive seasons, and seemingly shows no sign of aging, with his 10-5/2.50 for the first half of 2014 having him on pace to have his best season ever. Don’t bet on it.

The crafty left-hander has set a terrific ERA pace, and understand the extreme via a little context – that is a full run below any season he has had since 2005. Yet there is nothing all that different about his “stuff” – K-per-9 is at 5.2, which is his career mark; 2.3 BB-per-9 would actually be the highest since 2003, though not far off of his career tally; and a 42.9 percent ground-ball rate is not far off of his 45.4, though actually trending the wrong way. So how do the same basic pitches lead to such better results? There is one key category that got him off to the great start, and it turned in recent starts that is worth a closer look.

Buehrle has allowed at least 20 HR in 12 of his 13 seasons as a full-time starter, and dealt 17 in the only time he came up below that plateau. But somehow he got through his first 12 starts this season allowing only two, despite the fact that his fly-ball rate had gone up. Now things are beginning to even up, with six HR over the last five starts. But it is who hit them that may really tell the tale for what we can expect going forward.

How about this group – Derek Jeter (one HR in his other 298 at-bats); Brian Roberts (hitting .245, with three HR in his other 244); Brian McCann (hitting .224, with eight HR in his other 271); Moises Sierra (hitting .206, with one HR in his other 106); and Randal Grichuk (back in the minors after hitting .136 in 44 at-bats, with that lone dinger). That is not a very powerful cast, and Buehrle may be a short-odds favorite to be the answer to the trivia question of “Which Pitcher Gave up Jeter’s Final HR?”. It also means that it is might just a matter of time until the better hitters also find the seats, especially in the AL East ballparks.

Buehrle’s HR/FB rate of 6.4 percent would be the second best of his career, and on only one other occasion was it below 8.0. There could be a lot of correction in that category ahead, and he just does not have the stuff to work around it – his LD% of 23.1 matches his career-high from back in 2003. He has been giving up as much contact, at as hard of a rate, as in the past, it has just converted into HR’s at a lower rate. Hence an FIP of 3.67, and xFIP of 4.16, which are much better indicators for where his 2014 is heading than that current ERA. But like Shields, his past reputation will carry a lot of weight even through a decline – he has been favored in 12 of 16 starts, and with the Blue Jays in first place in the AL East those prices will stay high.

Dodgers – Understanding Dan Haren, circa 2014

It is a case of being a little late to the party on this one, after Haren’s sparkling outing vs. the Indians on Monday night. But it really took time to come to terms with his transformation, preferring caution and patience as the season progressed to a knee-jerk reaction. The numbers are still not easy to believe, and when you see them under the microscope you will understand why.

Haren appeared to be on the downside of his career entering 2014, off of back-to-back registers of 12-13/4.33 and 10-14/4.67. The Dodger uniform was his fifth since 2007, which is rarely a good sign. He was 33 when the 2013 season ended, but looked older than that in “pitchers years”, having thrown at least 217 IP from 2005-2011, which can certainly age someone that relies on power. And in both 2012 and 2013, he set new career highs for HR/FB ratio.

With that in mind, Haren’s numbers in some key categories through the mid-point of 2014 would ordinarily scare you to wit’s end. His 6.0 K-per-9 is by far a career low, well off of his 7.6 average, and trending worse – in 10 of his L11 starts it has been five or fewer. His HR-per-9 has increased again, to 14.4 percent, and of the 132 pitchers with at least 60 IP, that puts him at #118. His swinging strike percentage is an almost shocking 6.5 (#118!), off of a career 9.4. If he was already in decline, and those numbers are factored in, this season would be a mini-disaster, right? Based on the peripherals alone, you might even project him to have already been on the waiver wire.

But that would be Wrong. Haren is sitting on an 8-4/3.57, and he has done it via something that was visible early, but not trustworthy – he is getting ground-balls. His 47.4 percent rate is by far a career high, and it jumps off the page compared to the 39.6 and 36.0 of the previous two seasons. It was a transition that was difficult to believe through his early starts, since it was so far off of his norm, but then he put it into perspective himself, and one had to take heed - "I'm trying to do what I did in the second half of last year, to focus on location and not focus on how hard I'm throwing. Really I'm just trying to focus on keeping the ball down."

So should anyone feel bad for missing that “second half of last year” change? In truth, it was not an easy read. He was indeed a better pitcher overall after coming off of the DL, but a 34.9 percent ground-ball rate in the first half of 2013 only elevated to 37.9 the rest of the way. There just was not enough there for even the smallest of bells to chime. But his own words, and the recent results, show that he had made a conscious change, and while all of those MLB innings can take something out of an arm, they also represent the opportunity to gain a lot of savvy. Haren seems to have done just that. The brilliant outing vs. Cleveland on Monday is not likely to be repeated, but for now the lower K counts and velocity can be mitigated – at over 100 IP in 2014, there have been enough ground-balls to be accepted as the new norm. Of course, what happens after Haren leaves games is another matter entirely…

Dodgers – But after those starters leave…

Isn’t it nice to have the #5 guy in your rotation working at an 8-4/3.57 clip? Over the first half of the 2014 season there has been an individual take in this space on every one of the Dodger starters, now that Haren makes concrete sense, every one of them dealing with a positive issue. As a group they check in at 43-23/3.00, the allowance a quarter of a run less than any other team, and nearly a full run better than the rest of the league. It is why they draw so much money in the Futures markets – a Kershaw-Greinke-Ryu trio in October can be dynamite, and Josh Beckett is as good as any current #4. Haren would likely be reduced to long relief, something that the team rarely has a need for.

But you will already notice that there is something that they do need, given that those special numbers from the starters only has them 10 games over .500. It is in the latter stages where things have not worked out, and when you are as close as they are to being an October factor, it could mean some activity as the trading deadline approaches. The Los Angeles bullpen is 6-16/3.73. Only the Mets have more losses, and as a group the Dodgers are #27 in BB-per-9.

Closer Kenley Jansen has been fine. While he is 0-3 in decisions, he has converted 26 of 29 saves, taking his career mark to 88 of 105. That 3.79 ERA may jump off the page, after his 1.88 of 2013, but you can comfortably ignore that – his xFIP is at 1.84, a career best. He has far more K (57) than Hits + BB (45), and that is with the hit count inflated by a BABIP of .388, more than 100 points above his career average in the category. His ERA will gradually drop. It is the group that needs to patch between the starters and Jansen that is struggling.

Brian Wilson came into the season as a wild card, and in going 1-3/5.52 he has found the strike zone elusive, to a danger zone of 6.8 BB-per-9. Like Wilson, Chris Perez was a former closer with another team, and a wild card. He has not fared much better, an 0-3/4.85, at a 4.3 BB-per-9 that would be his highest since 2009. Jamey Wright and Brandon League have been decent, but neither sports the K ratios needed for high- leverage situations in the 8th inning of a close game, and while J. P. Howell is effective in his particular role, the Left/Right gap will always be there.

It is rare that teams go after set-up men at trade time. But midway through the season Don Mattingly still does not have an “automatic” option for the 8th inning of a close game, and there should not be all that much confidence that someone from the current cast is going to step up and lock it down.

Diamondbacks – Aaron Hill “better walk (before they make him run)”

Any time a Keith Richards reference can be thrown in you should seize the opportunity. But as the trading deadline approaches and Hill’s name gets mentioned often, with several contenders needing help at 2B, there is an issue that the decision makers have to deal with – what happened to his batting eye at the plate? And for those of us having to generate a rating each day, it is an issue regardless of which uniform he is wearing over the second half of the season. The Diamondbacks have certainly been a disappointment through the first half, and Hill has been a prime reason why.

Hill seemed to have found a second-life in the desert, turning in that terrific .302/.360/.522 of 2012, with 26 HR, and while injuries shortened his 2013 campaign, it was still a solid .291/.356/.462. This season has been much different, entering the 4th of July at .248/.285/.368, actually posting a negative value in WAR. You do not have to look much further than plate discipline to see why.

In the 4th inning of a 2-1 loss to the Padres last Sunday, Hill drew a BB from Odrisamer Despaigne, who was making only his second MLB start. They did not stop the game to give him Hill the baseball, but it was almost to that point – it was his first free pass after 120 PA’s, dating all the way back to May 25 against Jose Valverde, who was appearing in what was likely his next-to-last MLB game at the time. And since taking that trot down the first base line, Hill has followed up with 15 more trips to the plate without a free pass. That is an ominous stretch for a competent MLB hitter.

Here are the bottom lines – a 4.5 BB% that is by far a career low, and 32.8 percent below his career rate. And a 17.5 K% that is not only a career high, but a full 23.5 percent above his career norm. Those numbers are alarming when there are now 337 PA’s into a season, and especially when they are getting worse, instead of better - since the end of May Hill has contributed a .236/.243/.300 line. Over a span in which he has drawn one BB, he has struck out 19 times.

There have been many instances in this column where the focus was on a performer that seemed to be underachieving in the box scores, but was actually playing well and merely suffering from some of Baseball’s idiosyncracies. Hill is not one of them – he has lost his patience and is pressing badly at the plate, and until that changes the downward spiral will not end. Opposing pitchers are adjusting accordingly, and so should shrewd handicappers.

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**Udog** · 07-05-2014, 10:33 AM

MLB
Long Sheet

Saturday, July 5

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MIAMI (41 - 45) at ST LOUIS (47 - 40) - 2:15 PM
ANDREW HEANEY (L) vs. SHELBY MILLER (R)
Top Trends for this game.
MIAMI is 10-28 (-16.0 Units) against the money line when the total is 8 to 8.5 over the last 2 seasons.
MIAMI is 4-19 (-13.8 Units) against the money line on the road when the total is 8 to 8.5 over the last 2 seasons.
MIAMI is 114-172 (-43.5 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 3 seasons.
ST LOUIS is 23-4 (+16.5 Units) against the money line in home games in July games over the last 3 seasons.
ST LOUIS is 37-10 (+20.7 Units) against the money line in home games when playing against a team with a losing record in the second half of the season over the last 3 seasons.
MIAMI is 342-391 (+39.8 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season since 1997.
ST LOUIS is 77-74 (-18.3 Units) against the money line after a win over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
ST LOUIS is 1-0 (+1.0 Units) against MIAMI this season
1 of 1 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+1.0 Units)

ANDREW HEANEY vs. ST LOUIS since 1997
No recent starts.

SHELBY MILLER vs. MIAMI since 1997
No recent starts.

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PHILADELPHIA (37 - 49) at PITTSBURGH (45 - 41) - 4:05 PM
DAVID BUCHANAN (R) vs. EDINSON VOLQUEZ (R)
Top Trends for this game.
PHILADELPHIA is 110-138 (-29.9 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
PHILADELPHIA is 53-70 (-23.7 Units) against the money line in day games over the last 3 seasons.
PHILADELPHIA is 110-136 (-27.9 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
PHILADELPHIA is 79-107 (-31.7 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
PITTSBURGH is 142-112 (+24.8 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
PITTSBURGH is 132-92 (+41.8 Units) against the money line in home games when playing on Saturday since 1997.
PITTSBURGH is 140-111 (+23.2 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
PITTSBURGH is 118-93 (+23.2 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
PITTSBURGH is 78-51 (+17.6 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.
PHILADELPHIA is 340-355 (+51.0 Units) against the money line in road games when playing against a team with a winning record since 1997.
PHILADELPHIA is 374-349 (+40.5 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season since 1997.
PITTSBURGH is 46-50 (-33.1 Units) against the money line as a home favorite of -150 to -175 since 1997.

Head-to-Head Series History
PITTSBURGH is 1-0 (+1.0 Units) against PHILADELPHIA this season
1 of 1 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+1.0 Units)

DAVID BUCHANAN vs. PITTSBURGH since 1997
No recent starts.

EDINSON VOLQUEZ vs. PHILADELPHIA since 1997
VOLQUEZ is 3-2 when starting against PHILADELPHIA with an ERA of 3.12 and a WHIP of 1.269.
His team's record is 3-2 (+2.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-4. (-3.1 units)

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CHICAGO CUBS (38 - 46) at WASHINGTON (46 - 39) - 4:05 PM
CARLOS VILLANUEVA (R) vs. GIO GONZALEZ (L)
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
CHICAGO CUBS is 3-2 (+1.5 Units) against WASHINGTON this season
4 of 5 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+3.2 Units)

CARLOS VILLANUEVA vs. WASHINGTON since 1997
VILLANUEVA is 0-1 when starting against WASHINGTON with an ERA of 11.25 and a WHIP of 2.250.
His team's record is 0-1 (-1.9 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 0-1. (-1.1 units)

GIO GONZALEZ vs. CHICAGO CUBS since 1997
GONZALEZ is 2-1 when starting against CHICAGO CUBS with an ERA of 3.03 and a WHIP of 1.045.
His team's record is 3-2 (+0.4 units) in these starts. The OVER is 2-2. (-0.0 units)

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MILWAUKEE (51 - 36) at CINCINNATI (44 - 41) - 4:10 PM
MATT GARZA (R) vs. HOMER BAILEY (R)
Top Trends for this game.
MILWAUKEE is 62-84 (-31.7 Units) against the money line in day games over the last 3 seasons.
CINCINNATI is 20-11 (+9.1 Units) against the money line in day games this season.
MILWAUKEE is 51-36 (+12.4 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
MILWAUKEE is 23-12 (+14.0 Units) against the money line as a road underdog of +100 to +125 over the last 2 seasons.
MILWAUKEE is 27-18 (+11.6 Units) against the money line in road games this season.
MILWAUKEE is 51-34 (+14.4 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
MILWAUKEE is 93-88 (+9.9 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
MILWAUKEE is 34-30 (+13.1 Units) against the money line in road games after a loss over the last 2 seasons.
CINCINNATI is 342-369 (-95.7 Units) against the money line in home games after a win since 1997.

Head-to-Head Series History
CINCINNATI is 6-2 (+4.0 Units) against MILWAUKEE this season
4 of 8 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=-0.2 Units, Under=-0.7 Units)

MATT GARZA vs. CINCINNATI since 1997
GARZA is 1-3 when starting against CINCINNATI with an ERA of 5.44 and a WHIP of 1.563.
His team's record is 2-5 (-2.7 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 0-6. (-6.5 units)

HOMER BAILEY vs. MILWAUKEE since 1997
BAILEY is 4-7 when starting against MILWAUKEE with an ERA of 5.24 and a WHIP of 1.400.
His team's record is 9-9 (-2.1 units) in these starts. The OVER is 10-8. (+1.2 units)

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LA DODGERS (50 - 39) at COLORADO (36 - 51) - 4:10 PM
DAN HAREN (R) vs. JORGE DE LA ROSA (L)
Top Trends for this game.
LA DODGERS are 23-26 (-11.4 Units) against the money line after a win this season.
HAREN is 33-44 (-25.8 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
HAREN is 58-75 (-39.9 Units) against the money line against division opponents since 1997. (Team's Record)
HAREN is 32-44 (-26.8 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
HAREN is 26-33 (-19.1 Units) against the money line after a win over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
HAREN is 11-19 (-14.4 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
DE LA ROSA is 31-15 (+17.2 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
DE LA ROSA is 17-4 (+11.5 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
DE LA ROSA is 11-1 (+11.5 Units) against the money line in day games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
DE LA ROSA is 31-14 (+18.2 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
DE LA ROSA is 20-2 (+19.8 Units) against the money line after a loss over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
DE LA ROSA is 15-7 (+10.2 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
LA DODGERS are 72-56 (+13.8 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 2 seasons.
LA DODGERS are 21-8 (+11.1 Units) against the money line in July games over the last 2 seasons.
LA DODGERS are 45-23 (+19.4 Units) against the money line when playing on Saturday over the last 3 seasons.
LA DODGERS are 28-16 (+10.5 Units) against the money line in road games in games played on a grass field this season.
LA DODGERS are 10-1 (+8.8 Units) against the money line in road games against left-handed starters this season.
LA DODGERS are 43-20 (+20.9 Units) against the money line in road games when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.
LA DODGERS are 24-8 (+16.2 Units) against the money line in road games when playing against a team with a losing record in the second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
COLORADO is 36-51 (-14.3 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
COLORADO is 8-18 (-12.7 Units) against the money line in home games in July games over the last 3 seasons.
COLORADO is 36-51 (-14.3 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
LA DODGERS is 8-3 (+3.8 Units) against COLORADO this season
6 of 9 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+2.6 Units)

DAN HAREN vs. COLORADO since 1997
HAREN is 7-7 when starting against COLORADO with an ERA of 4.55 and a WHIP of 1.243.
His team's record is 8-8 (-1.9 units) in these starts. The OVER is 5-8. (-3.6 units)

JORGE DE LA ROSA vs. LA DODGERS since 1997
DE LA ROSA is 3-10 when starting against LA DODGERS with an ERA of 6.17 and a WHIP of 1.617.
His team's record is 3-12 (-9.7 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 8-6. (+1.1 units)

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ARIZONA (36 - 52) at ATLANTA (48 - 38) - 4:10 PM
MIKE BOLSINGER (R) vs. AARON HARANG (R)
Top Trends for this game.
ARIZONA is 36-52 (-16.0 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
ARIZONA is 36-52 (-16.0 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
ATLANTA is 38-15 (+18.3 Units) against the money line after 3 or more consecutive wins over the last 2 seasons.
HARANG is 14-23 (-18.3 Units) against the money line in home games when playing against a team with a losing record in the second half of the season since 1997. (Team's Record)

Head-to-Head Series History
ARIZONA is 2-2 (+0.1 Units) against ATLANTA this season
2 of 3 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+0.8 Units)

MIKE BOLSINGER vs. ATLANTA since 1997
No recent starts.

AARON HARANG vs. ARIZONA since 1997
HARANG is 3-9 when starting against ARIZONA with an ERA of 3.30 and a WHIP of 1.241.
His team's record is 6-11 (-4.5 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 13-4. (+8.3 units)

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SAN FRANCISCO (47 - 39) at SAN DIEGO (39 - 47) - 7:15 PM
TIM HUDSON (R) vs. ODRISAMER DESPAIGNE (R)
Top Trends for this game.
SAN FRANCISCO is 59-67 (-21.4 Units) against the money line when the total is 7 or less over the last 2 seasons.
SAN FRANCISCO is 9-20 (-16.5 Units) against the money line in July games over the last 2 seasons.
SAN FRANCISCO is 49-63 (-30.2 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.
SAN DIEGO is 42-27 (+16.9 Units) against the money line in home games in day games over the last 3 seasons.
SAN DIEGO is 15-7 (+12.0 Units) against the money line after shutting out their opponent over the last 3 seasons.
SAN DIEGO is 26-17 (+14.1 Units) against the money line after 3 or more consecutive wins over the last 3 seasons.
SAN DIEGO is 68-73 (+8.2 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
SAN FRANCISCO is 22-16 (+9.0 Units) against the money line in road games this season.
SAN FRANCISCO is 110-79 (+23.3 Units) against the money line against division opponents over the last 3 seasons.
SAN FRANCISCO is 22-16 (+9.0 Units) against the money line in road games in games played on a grass field this season.
SAN FRANCISCO is 523-513 (+51.5 Units) against the money line in road games against right-handed starters since 1997.
SAN FRANCISCO is 87-57 (+24.6 Units) against the money line after getting shut out since 1997.
SAN FRANCISCO is 55-44 (+17.8 Units) against the money line in road games after a loss over the last 3 seasons.
HUDSON is 43-21 (+20.4 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
HUDSON is 48-18 (+21.7 Units) against the money line in July games since 1997. (Team's Record)
HUDSON is 13-2 (+11.4 Units) against the money line against division opponents over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
HUDSON is 100-54 (+30.9 Units) against the money line in day games since 1997. (Team's Record)
HUDSON is 42-20 (+20.1 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
SAN DIEGO is 30-40 (-11.9 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
SAN DIEGO is 6-4 (+3.4 Units) against SAN FRANCISCO this season
7 of 9 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+4.7 Units)

TIM HUDSON vs. SAN DIEGO since 1997
HUDSON is 7-3 when starting against SAN DIEGO with an ERA of 2.96 and a WHIP of 1.261.
His team's record is 9-6 (+1.2 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 10-4. (+5.5 units)

ODRISAMER DESPAIGNE vs. SAN FRANCISCO since 1997
DESPAIGNE is 1-0 when starting against SAN FRANCISCO with an ERA of 0.00 and a WHIP of 0.571.
His team's record is 1-0 (+1.5 units) in these starts. The OVER is 0-1. (-1.1 units)

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NY YANKEES (43 - 42) at MINNESOTA (38 - 47) - 2:10 PM
DAVID PHELPS (R) vs. YOHAN PINO (R)
Top Trends for this game.
NY YANKEES are 21-27 (-11.2 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
NY YANKEES are 21-14 (+11.3 Units) against the money line in road games in day games over the last 2 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 83-120 (-31.9 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 3 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 83-120 (-31.9 Units) against the money line in home games in games played on a grass field over the last 3 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 44-77 (-28.9 Units) against the money line in home games after a loss over the last 3 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 20-45 (-21.0 Units) against the money line in home games when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 14-38 (-20.8 Units) against the money line in home games when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
NY YANKEES is 3-2 (+0.3 Units) against MINNESOTA this season
3 of 5 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+1.0 Units)

DAVID PHELPS vs. MINNESOTA since 1997
PHELPS is 1-0 when starting against MINNESOTA with an ERA of 5.69 and a WHIP of 1.264.
His team's record is 1-0 (+1.2 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-0. (+1.0 units)

YOHAN PINO vs. NY YANKEES since 1997
No recent starts.

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SEATTLE (47 - 39) at CHI WHITE SOX (41 - 46) - 2:10 PM
FELIX HERNANDEZ (R) vs. JOSE QUINTANA (L)
Top Trends for this game.
SEATTLE is 52-62 (-21.5 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.
SEATTLE is 320-297 (-73.8 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record in the second half of the season since 1997.
SEATTLE is 47-39 (+9.4 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
SEATTLE is 26-17 (+14.4 Units) against the money line in road games this season.
SEATTLE is 19-13 (+12.5 Units) against the money line in road games when playing on Saturday over the last 3 seasons.
SEATTLE is 19-9 (+12.6 Units) against the money line in day games this season.
SEATTLE is 23-16 (+11.1 Units) against the money line in road games in games played on a grass field this season.
SEATTLE is 20-12 (+10.5 Units) against the money line against left-handed starters this season.
CHI WHITE SOX are 104-145 (-27.8 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
CHI WHITE SOX are 1-12 (-11.3 Units) against the money line when playing on Saturday this season.
CHI WHITE SOX are 99-139 (-27.9 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
CHI WHITE SOX is 1-0 (+1.0 Units) against SEATTLE this season
1 of 1 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+1.0 Units)

FELIX HERNANDEZ vs. CHI WHITE SOX since 1997
HERNANDEZ is 4-5 when starting against CHI WHITE SOX with an ERA of 3.98 and a WHIP of 1.263.
His team's record is 6-8 (-3.4 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 7-7. (-0.6 units)

JOSE QUINTANA vs. SEATTLE since 1997
QUINTANA is 0-0 when starting against SEATTLE with an ERA of 7.45 and a WHIP of 1.965.
His team's record is 1-1 (-0.4 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 0-1. (-1.3 units)

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TAMPA BAY (39 - 50) at DETROIT (48 - 35) - 4:05 PM
CHRIS ARCHER (R) vs. ANIBAL SANCHEZ (R)
Top Trends for this game.
TAMPA BAY is 39-50 (-23.9 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
TAMPA BAY is 29-34 (-14.6 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
TAMPA BAY is 20-26 (-11.8 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
TAMPA BAY is 24-6 (+14.2 Units) against the money line in July games over the last 2 seasons.
DETROIT is 12-16 (-11.2 Units) against the money line in home games against right-handed starters this season.
DETROIT is 22-25 (-13.9 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
TAMPA BAY is 1-1 (+0.1 Units) against DETROIT this season
2 of 2 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+2.0 Units)

CHRIS ARCHER vs. DETROIT since 1997
ARCHER is 0-0 when starting against DETROIT with an ERA of 5.40 and a WHIP of 1.600.
His team's record is 1-0 (+1.3 units) in these starts. The OVER is 0-1. (-1.0 units)

ANIBAL SANCHEZ vs. TAMPA BAY since 1997
SANCHEZ is 2-1 when starting against TAMPA BAY with an ERA of 4.05 and a WHIP of 1.170.
His team's record is 4-1 (+3.8 units) in these starts. The OVER is 2-2. (-0.1 units)

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KANSAS CITY (45 - 40) at CLEVELAND (41 - 44) - 7:05 PM
JEREMY GUTHRIE (R) vs. T.J. HOUSE (L)
Top Trends for this game.
CLEVELAND is 133-115 (+18.7 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
CLEVELAND is 74-47 (+19.4 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 2 seasons.
CLEVELAND is 127-109 (+16.4 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
KANSAS CITY is 66-57 (+13.3 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 2 seasons.
KANSAS CITY is 48-41 (+16.5 Units) against the money line on the road when the total is 8 to 8.5 over the last 3 seasons.
KANSAS CITY is 60-52 (+11.0 Units) against the money line in road games in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
KANSAS CITY is 16-8 (+8.4 Units) against the money line in road games in night games this season.
GUTHRIE is 29-21 (+9.4 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
GUTHRIE is 28-14 (+17.2 Units) against the money line when the total is 8 to 8.5 over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
GUTHRIE is 16-7 (+9.4 Units) against the money line against division opponents over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
GUTHRIE is 29-18 (+12.4 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)

Head-to-Head Series History
KANSAS CITY is 4-3 (+1.0 Units) against CLEVELAND this season
4 of 7 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+1.0 Units)

JEREMY GUTHRIE vs. CLEVELAND since 1997
GUTHRIE is 4-4 when starting against CLEVELAND with an ERA of 4.55 and a WHIP of 1.308.
His team's record is 5-4 (+1.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 5-3. (+2.0 units)

T.J. HOUSE vs. KANSAS CITY since 1997
No recent starts.

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BALTIMORE (46 - 39) at BOSTON (38 - 47) - 7:15 PM
UBALDO JIMENEZ (R) vs. JOHN LACKEY (R)
Top Trends for this game.
JIMENEZ is 4-12 (-8.3 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season. (Team's Record)
BALTIMORE is 47-39 (+10.1 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
BALTIMORE is 19-13 (+12.5 Units) against the money line as a road underdog of +125 to +150 over the last 2 seasons.
BALTIMORE is 24-18 (+10.9 Units) against the money line in road games this season.
BALTIMORE is 39-29 (+17.9 Units) against the money line on the road when the total is 9 to 9.5 over the last 3 seasons.
BALTIMORE is 33-16 (+19.3 Units) against the money line when playing with a day off over the last 3 seasons.
BALTIMORE is 23-16 (+9.3 Units) against the money line against division opponents this season.
BALTIMORE is 206-163 (+46.2 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 3 seasons.
BALTIMORE is 32-22 (+11.4 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
BALTIMORE is 35-27 (+9.8 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
BALTIMORE is 97-68 (+19.5 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 3 seasons.
JIMENEZ is 12-4 (+9.3 Units) against the money line when the total is 9 to 9.5 over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
BOSTON is 38-48 (-18.5 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
BOSTON is 588-522 (-69.6 Units) against the money line when the total is 9 to 9.5 since 1997.
BOSTON is 20-23 (-10.8 Units) against the money line in home games this season.
BOSTON is 46-51 (-23.7 Units) against the money line at home when the total is 9 to 9.5 over the last 3 seasons.
BOSTON is 41-52 (-27.3 Units) against the money line in home games against division opponents over the last 3 seasons.
BOSTON is 36-44 (-16.4 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
BOSTON is 24-32 (-13.3 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
BOSTON is 189-181 (-44.2 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 5-5 (+0.4 Units) against BOSTON this season
7 of 10 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+3.7 Units)

UBALDO JIMENEZ vs. BOSTON since 1997
JIMENEZ is 1-4 when starting against BOSTON with an ERA of 8.55 and a WHIP of 1.871.
His team's record is 2-5 (-2.7 units) in these starts. The OVER is 4-3. (+0.9 units)

JOHN LACKEY vs. BALTIMORE since 1997
LACKEY is 14-6 when starting against BALTIMORE with an ERA of 3.55 and a WHIP of 1.235.
His team's record is 17-8 (+5.0 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 17-7. (+9.7 units)

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TORONTO (47 - 41) at OAKLAND (53 - 33) - 10:05 PM
MARK BUEHRLE (L) vs. SCOTT KAZMIR (L)
Top Trends for this game.
OAKLAND is 53-33 (+11.3 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
OAKLAND is 130-77 (+33.3 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 3 seasons.
OAKLAND is 36-17 (+19.0 Units) against the money line in July games over the last 3 seasons.
OAKLAND is 51-29 (+13.8 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
OAKLAND is 91-59 (+18.6 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.
OAKLAND is 115-68 (+39.7 Units) against the money line after shutting out their opponent since 1997.
OAKLAND is 91-58 (+21.0 Units) against the money line after a win over the last 2 seasons.
OAKLAND is 69-49 (+18.9 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
OAKLAND is 23-14 (+10.6 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.
KAZMIR is 70-45 (+26.7 Units) against the money line after a win since 1997. (Team's Record)
KAZMIR is 65-57 (+22.3 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record since 1997. (Team's Record)
BUEHRLE is 31-19 (+14.4 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
BUEHRLE is 51-22 (+28.6 Units) against the money line when playing on Saturday since 1997. (Team's Record)

Head-to-Head Series History
TORONTO is 3-2 (+1.2 Units) against OAKLAND this season
5 of 5 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+5.1 Units)

MARK BUEHRLE vs. OAKLAND since 1997
BUEHRLE is 8-13 when starting against OAKLAND with an ERA of 3.75 and a WHIP of 1.283.
His team's record is 9-18 (-10.9 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 17-7. (+9.3 units)

SCOTT KAZMIR vs. TORONTO since 1997
KAZMIR is 4-6 when starting against TORONTO with an ERA of 3.80 and a WHIP of 1.371.
His team's record is 5-11 (-6.0 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 10-5. (+4.4 units)

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HOUSTON (36 - 52) at LA ANGELS (49 - 36) - 10:05 PM
SCOTT FELDMAN (R) vs. HECTOR SANTIAGO (L)
Top Trends for this game.
HOUSTON is 38-91 (-38.2 Units) against the money line when the total is 8 to 8.5 over the last 2 seasons.
HOUSTON is 9-45 (-28.6 Units) against the money line in July games over the last 3 seasons.
HOUSTON is 87-145 (-52.7 Units) against the money line in road games when playing on Saturday since 1997.
HOUSTON is 86-180 (-50.8 Units) against the money line after a loss over the last 3 seasons.
HOUSTON is 31-93 (-39.4 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
HOUSTON is 9-44 (-24.8 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.
FELDMAN is 18-33 (-18.5 Units) against the money line against division opponents since 1997. (Team's Record)
FELDMAN is 7-22 (-16.7 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
FELDMAN is 3-11 (-10.4 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. (Team's Record)
LA ANGELS are 29-10 (+17.5 Units) against the money line when the total is 8 to 8.5 this season.
LA ANGELS are 20-5 (+14.1 Units) against the money line at home when the total is 8 to 8.5 this season.
LA ANGELS are 27-13 (+12.8 Units) against the money line when playing on Saturday over the last 2 seasons.
LA ANGELS are 19-4 (+13.2 Units) against the money line in home games when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
LA ANGELS are 145-128 (-61.1 Units) against the money line as a home favorite of -150 to -175 since 1997.
LA ANGELS are 50-62 (-26.7 Units) against the money line against division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
LA ANGELS are 119-118 (-20.9 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
SANTIAGO is 9-24 (-14.0 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
SANTIAGO is 9-24 (-14.0 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)

Head-to-Head Series History
LA ANGELS is 8-4 (+1.9 Units) against HOUSTON this season
7 of 12 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+1.5 Units)

SCOTT FELDMAN vs. LA ANGELS since 1997
FELDMAN is 5-6 when starting against LA ANGELS with an ERA of 5.31 and a WHIP of 1.487.
His team's record is 6-8 (-1.4 units) in these starts. The OVER is 7-7. (-0.1 units)

HECTOR SANTIAGO vs. HOUSTON since 1997
SANTIAGO is 0-1 when starting against HOUSTON with an ERA of 5.07 and a WHIP of 1.689.
His team's record is 0-1 (-1.3 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 0-1. (-1.3 units)

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TEXAS (37 - 49) at NY METS (38 - 48) - 7:15 PM
COLBY LEWIS (R) vs. BARTOLO COLON (R)
Top Trends for this game.
TEXAS is 37-49 (-12.6 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
TEXAS is 11-19 (-13.7 Units) against the money line in July games over the last 2 seasons.
TEXAS is 36-47 (-11.6 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
TEXAS is 23-38 (-16.3 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
TEXAS is 85-86 (-17.0 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
NY METS are 25-16 (+13.3 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.
COLON is 30-17 (+12.1 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
COLON is 30-17 (+12.1 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
COLON is 28-15 (+13.7 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)
NY METS are 51-69 (-22.6 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 2 seasons.
NY METS are 5-15 (-12.7 Units) against the money line in home games when playing on Saturday over the last 2 seasons.
NY METS are 51-69 (-22.6 Units) against the money line in home games in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
NY METS are 47-71 (-30.6 Units) against the money line in home games in night games over the last 3 seasons.
NY METS are 16-33 (-20.8 Units) against the money line in home games after a win over the last 2 seasons.
COLON is 18-26 (-17.6 Units) against the money line as a home favorite of -125 to -150 since 1997. (Team's Record)

Head-to-Head Series History
NY METS is 1-0 (+1.5 Units) against TEXAS this season
1 of 1 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+1.2 Units)

COLBY LEWIS vs. NY METS since 1997
LEWIS is 0-1 when starting against NY METS with an ERA of 23.18 and a WHIP of 3.433.
His team's record is 0-1 (-1.1 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 0-0. (+0.0 units)

BARTOLO COLON vs. TEXAS since 1997
COLON is 20-8 when starting against TEXAS with an ERA of 3.47 and a WHIP of 1.112.
His team's record is 21-12 (+6.4 units) in these starts. The OVER is 12-19. (-8.7 units)

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BALTIMORE (46 - 39) at BOSTON (38 - 47) - 1:05 PM
MIGUEL GONZALEZ (R) vs. JON LESTER (L)
Top Trends for this game.
BALTIMORE is 8-16 (-11.5 Units) against the money line after 3 or more consecutive wins over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 69-46 (+16.2 Units) against the money line after a loss over the last 2 seasons.
LESTER is 18-7 (+10.9 Units) against the money line after a loss over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
BALTIMORE is 47-39 (+10.1 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
BALTIMORE is 19-13 (+12.5 Units) against the money line as a road underdog of +125 to +150 over the last 2 seasons.
BALTIMORE is 19-14 (+16.4 Units) against the money line as a road underdog of +150 to +175 over the last 3 seasons.
BALTIMORE is 24-18 (+10.9 Units) against the money line in road games this season.
BALTIMORE is 33-16 (+19.3 Units) against the money line when playing with a day off over the last 3 seasons.
BALTIMORE is 23-16 (+9.3 Units) against the money line against division opponents this season.
BALTIMORE is 44-29 (+23.8 Units) against the money line in road games in day games over the last 3 seasons.
BALTIMORE is 206-163 (+46.2 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 3 seasons.
BALTIMORE is 97-68 (+19.5 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 3 seasons.
BOSTON is 38-48 (-18.5 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
BOSTON is 16-22 (-10.5 Units) against the money line when the total is 8 to 8.5 this season.
BOSTON is 20-23 (-10.8 Units) against the money line in home games this season.
BOSTON is 41-52 (-27.3 Units) against the money line in home games against division opponents over the last 3 seasons.
BOSTON is 36-44 (-16.4 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
BOSTON is 24-32 (-13.3 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
BOSTON is 189-181 (-44.2 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.
LESTER is 12-18 (-13.5 Units) against the money line in home games when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)

Head-to-Head Series History
BALTIMORE is 5-5 (+0.4 Units) against BOSTON this season
7 of 10 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+3.7 Units)

MIGUEL GONZALEZ vs. BOSTON since 1997
GONZALEZ is 3-0 when starting against BOSTON with an ERA of 3.38 and a WHIP of 1.179.
His team's record is 3-0 (+3.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 0-2. (-2.3 units)

JON LESTER vs. BALTIMORE since 1997
LESTER is 15-4 when starting against BALTIMORE with an ERA of 2.92 and a WHIP of 1.304.
His team's record is 17-9 (+4.8 units) in these starts. The OVER is 10-11. (-1.7 units)

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**Udog** · 07-05-2014, 10:42 AM

MLB

Saturday, July 5

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Saturday's MLB betting cheat sheet: Jimenez the Night Owl
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California Lows

Expect offense to be at a premium Friday when the San Francisco Giants (-116, 6.5) visit the San Diego Padres in the opener of a three-game series at Petco Park. The teams have combined to go 1-7-1 O/U in their nine meetings this year, a big reason for the Padres' 26-55-4 overall O/U mark.

Low, Low Price

Tampa Bay ace David Price has increased his trade value exponentially of late, recording seven straight quality starts while racking up 68 strikeouts against just nine walks over that span. It's no surprise, then, that Price is 1-6 O/U in that stretch entering Sunday's showdown with host Detroit.

Pitching Notes

* Nights have been kind to Baltimore starter Ubaldo Jimenez - at least, compared to days - as he gets ready to face the visiting Los Angeles Angels on Saturday evening. Jimenez is 3-3 with a 2.53 ERA under the lights compared to 0-5 with a 10.55 ERA during the day.

* New York Yankees hurler Hiroki Kuroda looks to preserve his recent string of Unders as he takes the mound Sunday afternoon against the host Minnesota Twins. Kuroda has put together six consecutive Under outings, though he has just one victory to his credit in that stretch.

Hitting Notes

* Detroit designated hitter Victor Martinez belted his 21st home run of the season in the Tigers' 8-1 drubbing of Tampa Bay on Thursday. Martinez will face Rays right-hander Chris Archer on Saturday night; Martinez is 1-for-3 in his career against him.

* Royals left fielder Alex Gordon went 0-for-4 in Wednesday's win over Minnesota and finds himself in the clutches of a 2-for-32 slump. Gordon may not find much relief Sunday, as he's just 4-for-22 with eight strikeouts against Cleveland probable starter Corey Kluber.

Totals Streak

San Diego Padres (3-13-1 O/U): With most teams alternating Overs and Unders with at least some regularity, the Padres can be counted upon to provide a reliable source of low totals. The Padres are far and away the class of the league when it comes to the Under, going 26-55-4 to date.

Injury Notes

* New York Yankees left-hander CC Sabathia will visit Dr. James Andrews after an MRI revealed swelling in his injured knee. Sabathia is 3-4 with a 5.28 ERA in eight starts this season; New York is 3-5 S/U and 5-3 O/U in those outings.

* Oakland Athletics third baseman Josh Donaldson missed his second straight game Thursday with back stiffness. Oakland is 2-1 S/U, 2-1 O/U and +100 units with Donaldson out of the lineup so far this season; he has 18 homers and 61 RBIs on the campaign.

* Colorado Rockies outfielder Carlos Gonzalez expects to be activated from the disabled list prior to the All-Star break as he continues his recovery from finger surgery. The Rockies are just 10-23 SU, 18-11-4 O/U and a whopping -1,123 units with Gonzalez on the sidelines.

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**Udog** · 07-05-2014, 10:43 AM

Gilliland tops rain-shortened Daytona qualifying

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. -- No one knew what to expect when knockout NASCAR Sprint Cup Series qualifying came to Daytona International Speedway for the first time on Friday.

But no one could have predicted what transpired in a chaotic qualifying session for Saturday night's Coke Zero 400.

David Gilliland, who has finished no better than 20th in 17 starts this season, captured his third career Coors Light Pole (second at Daytona) when rain forced cancellation of the second and third rounds.

The surprises didn't end with Gilliland capturing the first-ever pole for Front Row Racing.

Joining Gilliland on the first row will be Reed Sorenson, who has been no better than 21st for Tommy Baldwin Racing since finishing 16th in this year's Daytona 500. Sorenson, winless in 206 career Cup starts, last had a top-10 finish in 2010.

Third fastest qualifier was Landon Cassill, who has yet to have a top-10 finish in 132 career Cup starts and whose best finish this season is 11th at Talladega.

Also on the second row will be 2000 premier series champion Bobby Labonte, driving a Chevrolet for Phoenix Construction. Labonte, 50, owns 21 career wins in 23 seasons, but his last victory was in 2003 at Texas.

What does it all mean that some of this season's top qualifiers, including Brad Keselowski (26th) and Joey Logano (28th), would have been shut out of a second qualifying round if rain had not halted the proceedings? What about Denny Hamlin, Kyle Busch and Kurt Busch, among seven drivers who relied on owner's points to make the 43-car field?

For one thing, it means that drivers are still figuring out the best ways to handle NASCAR's new qualifying format on superspeedways, especially when teamwork and drafting partners can be as important as raw speed.

Strategies varied as drivers attempted to find drafting partners while some cars slowed and others sped up on the 2.5-mile track. At times, drivers rolled through the pits or paused on pit lane, trying to pick the perfect time to pair with a partner or find open racing room on the track.

"I ain't never seen anything like it," said Dale Earnhardt Jr., who teamed with Jimmie Johnson (fifth) and Jeff Gordon (ninth) to get in a fast lap midway through the session and qualified seventh.

Earnhardt said watching the various strategies unfold with rain on the horizon was "the funniest thing I ever seen."

Not every driver found it humorous.

"That was pretty dumb," said Logano, who had 14 top-10 starts in the season's first 17 races. "Sometimes (drivers) are lifting, sometimes going. It is very difficult to figure out what is going on there. Before you know it, you are stopped on the racetrack and asking yourself what you are supposed to do."

It had already been an eventful week for Gilliland, who lost his wedding ring while swimming in the Atlantic. Moments after he'd won the pole, his 11-year-old daughter joked that maybe the ring was bad luck.

Gilliland prefers to think that his "Support Our Military" camouflage paint job on his No. 38 Ford, signed by Medal of Honor recipients Friday morning is "the secret to the extra speed in the car."

"Our strong point is definitely the speedway racing," said Gilliland, who sat on the pole in 2007 for his first Daytona 500 start. "Some of it's been circled on our calendar and I feel like we put a lot of emphasis in. The restrictor plate tracks are a great equalizer. I think David Ragan (teammate, qualified eighth) and I both have good enough cars to win, so that's an exciting feeling -- something myself and my teammates don't have every week.

"Obviously, starting on the pole and having the No. 1 pit stall is going to help. I feel like we have 100 percent as good a chance as anybody to win (Saturday) night."

But Gilliland, who also landed a berth in the 2015 NASCAR Sprint Unlimited with his pole performance, acknowledges that the current qualifying format at restrictor plate tracks is a "crapshoot."

"At Talladega, for two weeks in our competition meetings, we said we're going to do this, do that," Gilliland said. "We're going to stick together. We had Eric McClure driving a third car, who had to make the race on speed. David Ragan and I were probably 35th on back and just never could make it happen. It was soooo frustrating.

"This week, we said, look, we're not going to have a plan. We know what we need to do to make a fast lap -- position yourself right. But you can't plan it. You can try to get in a groove and do this or that, but then you have people slowing down because you don't want other people to make a run. You just know what you need to do to try to make a fast lap and try to make it happen."

Sorenson, driving a Chevrolet, and Cassill, in a Chevrolet, said the strong starting positions should facilitate their approach on Saturday night.

"It will be good to stay in that first group and keep all that (potential) trouble behind us," Sorenson said.

"We'd like to run up front the entire race if we can," said Cassill, who turns 25 on Monday. "We don't have the reputation of being fast week in, week out. But, actually we have equipment for this race is as good as anybody's. We just need to show people how good the car is."

**Udog** · 07-05-2014, 10:45 AM

Late push propels Kahne to Nationwide win at Daytona

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. -- Kasey Kahne and Ryan Sieg were non-factors during much of Friday night's Subway Firecracker 250 at Daytona International Speedway.

Kahne, sitting in 12th place on a restart with three laps remaining, hadn't won a NASCAR Nationwide Series race since August 2007. Sieg, a rookie running 14th, had never finished better than ninth in 19 previous Nationwide starts.

But when it came to the final push, there they were -- Kahne charging from eighth during a green-white-checkered finish and Sieg nudging him past Regan Smith for the victory.

"Ryan Sieg was pushing me hard, letting off and bumping and that was the reason we were able to win," Kahne said. "Sieg hit me from behind and hit me hard. I just kept getting more momentum coming to the line."

The victory by just 0.021 of a second (third closest in the series at Daytona) was the second Nationwide win in a row for JR Motorsports and owner Dale Earnhardt Jr., who won at Kentucky Speedway last week with Kevin Harvick driving the No. 5 Chevrolet.

Earnhardt couldn't lose in the photo finish. He also owns the car of Smith, who was denied a 2014 Nationwide Series sweep at Daytona.

"It's been a while since I've been in any victory lane. It felt great," said Kahne, who said he felt "kind of trapped" mid-pack for much of the race.

"We just kind of sat there through most of the race. I was kind of at the wrong place at the wrong time. Then, the last half-lap I had tons of momentum. The cars in front of me moved in the right direction. Ryan Sieg was pushing and letting off and bumping and hitting me good and hard. That was kind of the whole reason we were able to win."

On the final restart, Smith, who led a race-high 47 laps, had his hands full fending off Kyle Larson, who was being pushed by Ryan Reed. Meanwhile, Smith was getting help on his rear bumper from Joey Logano, who battled back from an early speeding penalty to finish sixth.

"I didn't even know the 5 (Kahne) had a run until we were past the start-finish line," said Smith, who has excelled at restrictor plate tracks this year with his victory at Daytona and third-place finish at Talladega. "I knew he had so much momentum when he went past me, I kind of figured he nipped me. I had enough time to look at the (scoring) pylon real quick and it had already adjusted, so I knew, right there.

"It's amazing at the end of these races. We hit each other all race long and every time somebody touches you in the middle of the corner, it's 'Oh, man, don't do that.' It feels like the car is dancing around. Then we get out there at the end and we just blast the back bumpers off each other and somehow make it back to the stripe."

Sieg, driving a Chevrolet for RSS Racing, not only posted his best career finish (third) but was praised by Kahne and Earnhardt, who said he noticed how hard he raced earlier in the season at Dover despite less-than-top equipment.

"It was crazy," Sieg said of the finish. "Kasey got clear and I just pushed him a little harder at the end. He wasn't squirrely or nothing, so I kept going."

Kahne said, "(Sieg) does a great job. It's tough to run with the JR team and Gibbs and Penske and Roush and Turner Motorsports. He does a good job with what they have, and if he keeps it up, he’ll get more opportunities."

What had been a nearly-clean race turned chaotic with two crashes in the final seven laps, the second of which involved Elliott Sadler as he tried to rally from 11th place. Like Sadler, contenders Kyle Busch and Chase Elliott also required pit stops before the final restart.

Smith regained the Nationwide Series points lead, taking a 12-point advantage on Sadler, who led 28 of the first 35 laps but was forced to return to the pits after the first round of stops left him with a wheel vibration. Sadler dropped all the way to 27th, a lap down, and finished 21st after his incident on the restart with three laps remaining.

The finishing order was also significant because the top four among full-time Nationwide Series drivers (Smith, Sieg, Reed, who finished fourth, and Jeremy Clements, who rallied for eighth), qualified for the Nationwide Insurance Dash 4 Cash program that pays at least $100,000 to top performers in each of the next four races.

Kyle Busch, no worse than fourth in any of his previous 12 Nationwide starts this season, seemed poised for another strong finish. He led seven laps but settled for 17th after his late pit stop. Joe Gibbs Racing was dominant early with Sadler, Busch and Darrell Wallace Jr. (seventh) running 1-2-3 in front of Trevor Bayne and pole-sitter Dakoda Armstrong during much of the early going.

Armstrong picked up the pole in rain-shortened qualifying and was in contention for much of the race before falling to 19th. Jeffrey Earnhardt, driving despite a broken collarbone, gave way to relief driver Matt DiBenedetto in a 33rd-place showing.

**Udog** · 07-05-2014, 10:50 AM

MLB

Saturday, July 5

Troy Tulowitzki, Colorado - Ques Sat

Tulowitzki did not play Friday due to right groin tightness and is questionable for Saturday's game against the Dodgers.

Braves' winning streak reaches eight

Ervin Santana is showing signs of awakening from his midseason slumber.

The right-hander scattered six hits in 7 1/3 innings to pitch Atlanta to a 5-2 win over the Arizona Diamondbacks on Friday night, extending the Braves' winning streak to a season-best eight games.

It was another positive sign for Santana, the free-agent signee who struggled since starting the season 3-0 with a 1.95 ERA. Santana (7-5) won his second straight start, lowered his ERA to 3.93 and improved his career record to 3-0 against the Diamondbacks.

Santana struck out six and walked one. At one point, he retired 11 straight batters before exiting after allowing two singles in the eighth.

**Udog** · 07-05-2014, 11:15 AM

MLB

Saturday, July 5

David Ortiz, Boston - Doub Sat

Ortiz is not expected to be in the line up for game one of Saturday's double header against the Oriels.

Announcement

Saturday's Trends and Indexes - 7/5 (MLB, WNBA, CFL, Misc.)

Saturday's Trends and Indexes - 7/5 (MLB, WNBA, CFL, Misc.)

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