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**Udog** · 08-04-2014, 08:06 AM

Armadillo: Monday's six-pack

-- Hall of Fame game opened as an even bet, wound up with Buffalo favored by 3 or 3.5 points. Wagering on August football can't be a lot of fun.

-- For what it is worth, over last five seasons, team that won the Hall of Fame game finished that season with a losing record.

-- Hale Irwin finished 9th in Seniors' golf this weekend; he beat his age (69) in all three rounds, which is really impressive.

-- New Texas Longhorns' coach Charlie Strong has already cut/suspended seven players, but notice that none of the seven are linemen.

-- Hunter Pence has played in 333 consecutive games, the longest active streak in the major leagues. Cal Ripken doesn't stay awake worrying about this.

-- Do Indiana Pacer season ticket holders get a rebate with Paul George out?

**********

Armadillo: Monday's List of 13: Wrapping up a sports weekend.......

13) Been a long week; started it in Las Vegas, ended it watching the first preseason football game of the year. Didn't think I'd see Red Sox trading off their starting pitchers this week; Clay Buchholz is the only starter left from the April rotation.

12) If you care about such things, Cubs' SS prospect Addison Russell, the main piece of the Jeff Samardzija trade, is hitting .293 in AA, with eight honers and five walks in 99 plate appearances.

11) Allen Craig wore #21 in St Louis, but the Red Sox haven't given that number out since Roger Clemens left in 1996, so Craig is wearing #5 in Boston.

10) AJ Burnett threw 131 pitches in a July 23 start against the Giants; in his two starts since, he's allowed 12 runs in only 6.2 innings pitched-- he got tossed from his start Sunday, complaining loudly about balls/strikes.

9) Detroit Tigers scored in every inning Saturday, first team to do that since 2006, only fifth team to do that in the last 35 years.

8) Under is 36-17 at Camden Yards this year, making that hitters' park the best under park in the major leagues this season. Not everything makes sense.

7) Why don't the Dallas Cowboys draft a young QB to develop behind Tony Romo, who is in his 30's now? Also, why do they train in California?

6) Sergio Garcia was a combined -42 in the last three tournaments he played in, but didn't win any of them; he did bank a combined $2,231,510, so hard to feel real bad for him. In his career, Garcia has led four PGA Tour events by 3+ strokes after 54 holes, but didn't win any of them.

5) Sounds like Kings-Sharks will be an outdoor hockey game at the new Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara next winter. Outdoor NHL games are very popular.

4) Texas Rangers traded for Mike Carp this weekend; he'll be the 55th player they used this season and there are still eight weeks to go this season.

3) Jake Peavy took a no-hitter into the 7th inning Saturday night against the Mets, but fact remains, he is 0-11, 5.28 in his last 17 starts.

2) In seven of first 12 Super Bowls, the team trailing at halftime hadn't scored a point; that has happened only three times in the last 36 Super Bowls.

1) Since Yasiel Puig came to major leagues last June, he, Hanley Ramirez and Matt Kemp all started in the same game only 76 out of a possible 219 games. Kemp hit five home runs this week, most by any Dodger in a week this season.

**Udog** · 08-04-2014, 08:06 AM

SEC college football betting preview: Alabama still the team to beat, not to bet

Could Alabama’s death grip on the SEC be slipping? The Crimson Tide are still the favorites to top the country’s toughest conference in 2014 but teams like LSU, South Carolina, Auburn, Georgia and Ole Miss all have it out for Alabama.

Alabama Crimson Tide (2013: 11-2 SU, 7-6 ATS)

Odds to win conference: +120
Season win total: 10.5

Why bet the Crimson Tide: Alabama will be a motivated team after failing to get to the National Championship Game last season. The Crimson Tide has the most talented team in the country and they’ll be ready to play from the get-go after losing the Sugar Bowl to finish a disappointing 2013 season.

Why not bet the Crimson Tide: They only return 12 starters and they must replace quarterback A.J. McCarron who was a three-year starter. Alabama also hired loose cannon Lane Kiffin as offensive coordinator, so it may get interesting if the offense struggles early on. Alabama comes with a big reputation, so its pointspreads are always inflated a couple of points.

Season win total pick: Over 10.5

LSU Tigers (2013: 10-3 SU, 6-7 ATS)

Odds to win conference: +300
Season win total: 8.5

Why bet the Tigers: LSU has a strong team every year and 2014 will be no different. The Tigers have an easy path early on this season and they could very well be undefeated when they host Alabama in November. Their offensive line is one of the best in the country and they’ll pave the way for one of the top rushing attacks in the nation.

Why not bet the Tigers: Despite the abundance of talent still on hand, LSU lost six players early to the NFL draft. The Tigers also have to replace a QB, running back, and two wide receivers that put up the best combined numbers in SEC history last season.

Season win total pick: Over 8.5

South Carolina Gamecocks (2013: 11-2 SU, 7-6 ATS)

Odds to win conference: +300
Season win total: 9.5

Why bet the Gamecocks: South Carolina has gone 11-2 in each of the last three years, so it’s been an ultra-consistent team. The Gamecocks return 14 starters and a quarterback (Dylan Thompson) that has plenty of playing experience.

Why not bet the Gamecocks: The defense has to prove itself this season after losing Jadeveon Clowney and Kelcy Quarles. South Carolina’s secondary is a major concern and they will likely lean on true freshmen to man the back seven. The Gamecocks early schedule is tough and the results will likely dictate South Carolina’s direction in 2014.

Season win total pick: Over 9.5

Auburn Tigers (2013: 12-2 SU, 12-2 ATS)

Odds to win conference: +500
Season win total: 9.5

Why bet the Tigers: Head coach Gus Malzahn is one of the best and most innovative coaches in all of college football. His ability to game plan and keep opposing defenses confused is masterful. The Tigers offense returns eight starters from last season, when they averaged 39.5 points per game and played for the national championship.

Why not bet the Tigers: Auburn’s run in 2013 was a big surprise and it will be hard pressed to catch any team off guard this season. The Tigers won six games by eight points or less last season and will be tough to win all the close games this year. Auburn’s road schedule is brutal and it’s likely to regress in 2014.

Season win total pick: Under 9.5

Georgia Bulldogs (2013: 8-5 SU, 3-9-1 ATS)

Odds to win conference: +800
Season win total: 9.5

Why bet the Bulldogs: Georgia was besieged with injuries in 2013 and it simply did not have a fair season. The Bulldogs’ defense will be tremendous and they will be an overall improved team in 2014. Despite losing quarterback Aaron Murray, Georgia will be led by sophomore Hutson Matson, who gained valuable experience when playing as a true freshman last year.

Why not bet the Bulldogs: The team has a lot of promise, but keep in mind their best players are all coming back from injuries. It’s no given that they will all be healthy and if the injuries reoccur, a repeat of 2013 could be in store. Georgia is a popular sleeper team in the SEC this season, so it will be playing with the pressure of high expectations.

Season win total pick: Over 9.5

Mississippi Rebels (2013: 8-5 SU, 7-6 ATS)

Odds to win conference: +1,400
Season win total: 7.5

Why bet the Rebels: Mississippi will be a very good team this season. It returns a loaded team that includes 15 starters. Head coach Hugh Freeze is in his third season in Oxford and his teams improve as the years go on. The Rebels have exceptional talent on both sides of the ball and they are a true dark-horse contender in the SEC in 2014.

Why not bet the Rebels: The biggest concern coming into 2014 for Mississippi is their offensive line. The Rebels lost three starters from that unit and it will be of utmost importance for them to find capable replacements. Their games in October are challenging and that month could prove detrimental to the Rebels' success.

Season win total pick: Over 7.5

Florida Gators (2013: 4-8 SU, 3-8-1 ATS)

Odds to win conference: +1,500
Season win total: 7.5

Why bet the Gators: Florida had a dismal 2013 but signs are pointing up for the Gators in 2014. Injuries played a major role in their losing season, but a reversal of health figures to grace the Gators. Half of Florida’s losses last year came by six points or less, so it was competitive despite playing with an undermanned team.

Why not bet the Gators: The offense needs to improve by leaps and bounds after averaging an embarrassing low 18.8 points per game in 2013. Florida has ranked in the bottom 20 nationally in total offense over the last three seasons under head coach Will Muschamp’s direction.

Season win total pick: Over 7.5

Tennessee Volunteers (2013: 5-7 SU, 5-7 ATS)

Odds to win conference: +1,600
Season win total: 5.5

Why bet the Volunteers: Tennessee suffered through a miserable 5-7 season in head coach Butch Jones’ first year on the job. Expectations are extremely low in Knoxville, so the Volunteers may be able to surprise some teams this year. Tennessee plays hard for Jones, so it will give an honest effort in every game.

Why not bet the Volunteers: They are the only team in the country that lost all of their starters along the offensive and defensive lines. Tennessee also needs a quarterback to step in and lead the offense. This will be another rebuilding season for the Volunteers and they’ll be on the border of the six-win mark in 2014.

Season win total pick: Under 5.5

Missouri Tigers (2013: 12-2 SU, 11-3 ATS)

Odds to win conference: +2,500
Season win total: 9.5

Why bet the Tigers: Missouri had a breakout season in 2013 and they’ll look to carry over that momentum into 2014. The Tigers get a major break in the schedule this year as they do not have to face three of the better teams in the SEC - Alabama, LSU, and Auburn. Quarterback Maty Mauk gained valuable playing experience last year, so the QB transition should be smooth.

Why not bet the Tigers: The team returns only eight starters and off their best season in years, it’s unlikely they can repeat that success. Missouri’s defense will have the spotlight on it but after losing some key pieces, it’s a stretch to think they can match last year’s numbers when they allowed only 23.1 points per game.

Season win total pick: Under 9.5

Mississippi State Bulldogs (2013: 7-6 SU, 8-5 ATS)

Odds to win conference: +2,800
Season win total: 7.5

Why bet the Bulldogs: Mississippi State has had a winning record in four consecutive years and with 16 returning starters, 2014 should be another successful campaign. The Bulldogs play a favorable schedule and their defense will be a stout unit.

Why not bet the Bulldogs: The Bulldogs regressed on offense last season, so they’ll need to bounce back strong if they want to contend in 2014. Mississippi State also needs significant improvement from its special teams - a unit that has cost it games in the past.

Season win total pick: Over 7.5

Texas A&M Aggies (2013: 9-4 SU, 4-9 ATS)

Odds to win conference: +2,800
Season win total: 7.5

Why bet the Aggies: Texas A&M should possess a potent offense once again in 2014. Head coach Kevin Sumlin runs terrific schemes and the Aggies have plenty of skill players on hand. In two years in College Station, Sumlin’s offense has averaged 44 points per game.

Why not bet the Aggies: Quarterback Johnny Manziel is gone along with big playmaker Mike Evans. Texas A&M’s defense does return nine starters, but that unit allowed an ugly 32.2 points per game last season. They also play six road games this season compared to playing just four away games last year.

Season win total pick: Under 7.5

Arkansas Razorbacks (2013: 3-9 SU, 4-8 ATS)

Odds to win conference: +7,500
Season win total: 4.5

Why bet the Razorbacks: Arkansas holds value this season after going 3-9 in 2013. The Razorbacks will be much improved in the second year under head coach Bret Bielema. With 14 returning starters and two bye weeks on a tough schedule, Arkansas will pull an upset or two this season.

Why not bet the Razorbacks: Arkansas will play a very tough schedule this season. The Razorbacks defense is also a work in progress. They will be under their fourth different defensive coordinator (Robb Smith) over the last two and a half years. Arkansas allowed over 30 points per game in each of the last two seasons, so defensive improvement is a must in 2014.

Season win total pick: Over 4.5

Kentucky Wildcats (2013: 2-10 SU, 4-7-1 ATS)

Odds to win conference: +10,000
Season win total: 3.5

Why bet the Wildcats: Coming off back-to-back 2-10 seasons, Kentucky should be a much better team in 2014, especially with the return of 15 starters. The Wildcats will be in their second year under head coach Mark Stoops and will have a solid defense that will keep them competitive in 2014.

Why not bet the Wildcats: Kentucky’s new Air-Raid offense was grounded last season. And that unit will be under pressure to produce this season. The Wildcats need a starting quarterback to emerge and the job may land on freshman Drew Barker, who will find it difficult to navigate the rugged SEC East in his first collegiate season.

Season win total pick: Over 3.5

Vanderbilt Commodores (2013: 9-4 SU, 7-6 ATS)

Odds to win conference: +25,000
Season win total: 6.5

Why bet the Commodores: Vanderbilt has gotten used to winning over the last two seasons. The Commodores have won 18 games but their wins have gone virtually unnoticed. Vanderbilt always holds pointspread value in the SEC and that makes them dangerous when catching big points.

Why not bet the Commodores: Head coach James Franklin left for Penn State and his departure will have a major impact on Vanderbilt’s future. The Commodores only return 10 starters and they lost five all-conference players. Vanderbilt will likely regress significantly in 2014.

Season win total pick: Under 6.5

**Udog** · 08-04-2014, 08:07 AM

MLB
Dunkel

LA Angels at LA Dodgers
The Dodgers open up an interleague series against the crosstown rival Angels tonight and come into the contest with a 20-4 record in Zack Greinke's last 24 home starts. The Dodgers are the pick (-130) according to Dunkel, which has the Dodgers favored by 2 1/2. Dunkel Pick: LA Dodgers (-130). Here are all of today's MLB picks.

MONDAY, AUGUST 4

Game 901-902: San Francisco at NY Mets (12:10 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: San Francisco (Hudson) 16.403; NY Mets (Gee) 14.989
Dunkel Line: San Francisco by 1 1/2; 6
Vegas Line: San Francisco (-130); 7
Dunkel Pick: San Francisco (-130); Under

Game 903-904: Detroit at NY Yankees (7:05 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Detroit (Scherzer) 17.899; NY Yankees (McCarthy) 16.323
Dunkel Line: Detroit by 1 1/2; 6
Vegas Line: Detroit (-130); 7 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Detroit (-130); Under

Game 905-906: Texas at Chicago White Sox (8:10 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Texas (Martinez) 14.309; White Sox (Noesi) 12.422
Dunkel Line: Texas by 2; 10
Vegas Line: Chicago White Sox (-160); 9
Dunkel Pick: Texas (+140); Over

Game 907-908: Tampa Bay at Oakland (10:05 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Tampa Bay (Cobb) 17.402; Oakland (Samardzija) 16.332
Dunkel Line: Tampa Bay by 1; 8
Vegas Line: Oakland (-160); 7
Dunkel Pick: Tampa Bay (+140); Over

Game 909-910: Cincinnati at Cleveland (7:05 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Cincinnati (Simon) 15.664; Cleveland (Kluber) 17.208
Dunkel Line: Cleveland by 1 1/2; 6
Vegas Line: Cleveland (-200); 7
Dunkel Pick: Cleveland (-200); Under

Game 911-912: LA Angels at LA Dodgers (10:10 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: LA Angels (Richards) 15.988; LA Dodgers (Greinke) 18.402
Dunkel Line: LA Dodgers by 2 1/2; 7
Vegas Line: LA Dodgers (-130); 6 1/2
Dunkel Pick: LA Dodgers (-130); Over

Game 913-914: Baltimore at Washington (7:05 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Baltimore (Gausman) 16.521; Washington (Roark) 15.430
Dunkel Line: Baltimore by 1; 6
Vegas Line: Washington (-160); 7
Dunkel Pick: Baltimore (+140); Under

**Udog** · 08-04-2014, 08:07 AM

MLB
Armadillo's Write-Up

Monday, August 4

Giants-Mets
Hudson is 1-3, 4.21 in his last four starts.
Gee is 0-3, 8.10 in his last three starts.

San Francisco lost seven of its last ten games.
Mets won ten of their last fourteen home games.
Over is 7-3-1 in last eleven Hudson starts.

Tigers-Bronx
Scherzer is 5-1, 2.08 in his last seven starts.
Bronx won all four McCarthy starts (3-0, 3.65).

Detroiit won four of its last five games.
Bronx won 10 of its last 16 games.

Under is 7-2-1 in Detroit's last ten road games.

Rangers-White Sox
Texas lost last eight Martinez starts (0-6, 8.38).
Noesi is 2-2, 6.29 in his last four starts.

Rangers lost eleven of their last fifteen games.
White Sox lost four of their last five home games.

Last six White Sox games went over the total.

Rays-A's
Cobb is 5-0, 2.89 in his last six starts.
Oakland won four of five Samardzija starts (2-1, 3.09).

Tampa Bay won 10 of 14 games since All-Star break.
A's lost six of their last seven series openers.

Under is 12-6-1 in last nineteen Oakland home games.

Reds-Indians
Simon is 0-3, 4.96 in his last three starts.
Kluber is 4-0, 1.76 in his last five starts.

Reds won three of their last four games.
Cleveland won seven of its last ten home games.

Under is 8-1-2 in last eleven Cincinnati road games.

Angels-Dodgers
Richards is 0-2, 3.86 in his last three starts.
Greinke is 3-2, 2.32 in his last six starts.

Angels won nine of their last thirteen road games.
Dodgers won seven of their last nine games.

Under is 12-6-1 in last nineteen Angel games.

Orioles-Nationals
Gausman is 2-1, 3.54 in his last five starts.
Roark is 4-0, 1.29 in his last four starts.

Baltimore won nine of its last thirteen games.
Nationals won four of their last six home games.

11 of last 13 Baltimore games stayed under total.

Teams' record when this starting pitcher starts:
-- Hudson 12-8; Gee 5-7

-- Scherzer 16-6; McCarthy 4-14/4-0
-- Martinez 4-9; Noesi 8-9
-- Cobb 8-7; Samardzija 3-14/4-1

-- Simon 15-6; Kluber 14-9
-- Richards 15-7; Greinke 13-9
-- Gausman 7-3; Roark 12-9

Pitchers allowing runs in first inning:
-- Hudson 4-21 (3 of last 3); Gee 3-12

-- Scherzer 6-22; McCarthy 5-22
-- Martinez 5-13; Noesi 4-17
-- Cobb 4-16; Samardzija 9-22

-- Simon 5-21; Kluber 4-23
-- Richards 5-22; Greinke 5-22
-- Gausman 2-10; Roark 4-21

**Udog** · 08-04-2014, 08:08 AM

MLB

Monday, August 4

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Trend Report
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12:10 PM
SAN FRANCISCO vs. NY METS
San Francisco is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 9 of San Francisco's last 13 games when playing NY Mets
The total has gone OVER in 9 of NY Mets's last 13 games when playing San Francisco
NY Mets are 1-6 SU in its last 7 games when playing San Francisco

7:05 PM
BALTIMORE vs. WASHINGTON
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Baltimore's last 5 games on the road
Baltimore is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Washington's last 5 games when playing at home against Baltimore
Washington is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing Baltimore

7:05 PM
CINCINNATI vs. CLEVELAND
Cincinnati is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Cleveland
Cincinnati is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games
Cleveland is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Cincinnati
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Cleveland's last 5 games when playing at home against Cincinnati

7:05 PM
DETROIT vs. NY YANKEES
Detroit is 7-3 SU in their last 10 games when playing NY Yankees
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Detroit's last 10 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 5 of NY Yankees's last 7 games when playing Detroit
NY Yankees are 3-7 SU in their last 10 games when playing Detroit

8:10 PM
TEXAS vs. CHI WHITE SOX
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Texas's last 5 games when playing on the road against Chi White Sox
Texas is 5-10 SU in their last 15 games when playing Chi White Sox
Chi White Sox are 10-5 SU in their last 15 games when playing Texas
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Chi White Sox's last 5 games

10:05 PM
TAMPA BAY vs. OAKLAND
Tampa Bay is 12-4 SU in its last 16 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Tampa Bay's last 5 games when playing Oakland
Oakland is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing Tampa Bay
The total has gone OVER in 7 of Oakland's last 10 games at home

10:10 PM
LA ANGELS vs. LA DODGERS
The total has gone OVER in 5 of LA Angels's last 7 games on the road
LA Angels are 15-7 SU in their last 22 games when playing LA Dodgers
The total has gone UNDER in 11 of LA Dodgers's last 15 games when playing LA Angels
LA Dodgers are 4-8 SU in their last 12 games when playing at home against LA Angels

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**Udog** · 08-04-2014, 08:11 AM

MLB

Monday, August 4

Rangers ice cold with this pitcher on the hill

As the Texas Rangers woeful season continues, their backers won't have a lot of reason to be optimistic with Nicholas Martinez on the bump for their matchup against the Chicago White Sox in Illinois Monday. The Rangers are an ugly 0-8 in Martinez's last eight outings.

The ChiSox are currently -143 faves with a total of 9.5.

Giants struggling behind Hudson as of late

After enjoying a nice start to the season, the San Francisco Giants have gone ice cold behind veteran pitcher Tim Hudson, winning just two out of the 39-year-old's last eight starts.

Hudson and the Giants will try to buck that trend when they visit the New York Mets at Citi Field Monday. San Fran are presently -121 faves with an O/U of seven.

McCarthy on fire since trade to Big Apple

It's been quite the turnaround for Brandon McCarthy. Since being traded from the lowly Arizona Diamondbacks to the New York Yankees in June, the Yankees have won all four games McCarthy has started in pinstripes. He'll get the ball again for the Bronx Bombers when they host the Detroit Tigers Monday.

Detroit are -127 faves on the moneyline with a total of -127.

Post-trade Padres are trending upward

Suddenly, things are going the San Diego Padres' way.

The Padres continued their second-half surge Sunday with a 10-inning, 4-3 win over the Atlanta Braves to complete a three-game sweep. The win capped a 5-1 homestand against two playoff contenders -- the St. Louis Cardinals and Atlanta.

Heavy Cy: Yanks set to face Detroit's three aces

Now all the Yankees have to worry about is facing the past three American League Cy Young Award winners over the next three nights.

Detroit Tigers right-hander Max Scherzer, the 2013 winner, on Monday.

Left-hander David Price, the 2012 winner making his Tigers debut, on Tuesday.

Tigers right-hander Justin Verlander, who won it in 2011, on Wednesday.

Oh, and then there's Detroit right-hander Rick Porcello (13-5) on Thursday.

However, the Yankees, whose bats have struggled all year, come into the series on a bit of an offensive roll.

They scored 14 runs in their last two games -- both wins -- in Boston, including an 8-7, come-from-behind win over the Red Sox on Sunday night.

**Udog** · 08-04-2014, 08:15 AM

Earnhardt holds off Harvick to complete sweep at Pocono

LONG POND, Pa. -- Dale Earnhardt Jr. realized that it took a bit of luck for him to win at Pocono Raceway in June. But he knew his team was firing on all cylinders Sunday when he completed the season sweep.

Benefitting from impeccable pit strategy, Earnhardt led the final 14 laps and a car with the performance to hold off Kevin Harvick on a restart with three laps to go to ring up his third victory of the 2014 season in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series GoBowling.com 400.

"It wasn't about luck this time," said Earnhardt, who roared past Brad Keselowski in the June race after Keselowski caught a piece of trash in his grill and began to overheat.

Earnhardt credited crew chief Steve Letarte and his team for not resting on their laurels at Pocono.

"We were determined to go home from the last win and improve the car," Earnhardt said. "Steve and the guys studied and improved the setup. We had a little luck on the win the last time with Keselowski having the debris and we wanted to be in the driver's seat this go-round with a faster car."

Letarte said the homework paid off in a faster Chevrolet.

"I feel we unloaded a better car for the second Pocono than we did the first Pocono," he said. "You cannot ever assume a winning car is going to be good enough the next week. While we were excited to win (in June) and we'll take it, there was room for improvement, so we worked very hard between that race and this race."

The result was Earnhardt's second season sweep of his career (Talladega 2002). He also became the first driver to sweep at Pocono since Denny Hamlin in 2006.

Almost from the outset, Sunday's 400-miler was a battle of pit strategies regarding fuel strategy and tires. Throw in a 13-car wreck that took much of the field out of contention for the final 34 laps and crew chiefs had their hands full.

Letarte made the ultimate decision to take four fresh tires with 39 laps to go, then bring Earnhardt back for a splash of gas 10 laps later.

"All we needed to get there was a gallon or two while the rest of the guys in front of us needed four tires and a full tank," Earnhardt said "We were on pit road for two seconds in the box and they were in their pit stalls for 12-14 seconds. We were able to leapfrog those guys. We weren't technically leading the race when the (next) caution came out, but we were ahead of those guys on where we needed to be.

"It takes a really, really smart guy to understand what to do and take those gambles. Sometimes they pay off and sometimes they don't. I've got a lot of faith in Steve and the strategy he used today gave us the opportunity to get by some guys that we probably weren't going to pass on the race track."

It was the fifth consecutive Sprint Cup victory at Pocono for Hendrick Motorsports, which also had Jeff Gordon in contention for much of the race.

Gordon, a six-time winner at Pocono, led a race-high 63 laps. He also became the first driver to lead 1,000 laps at Pocono and passed the 24,000 mark in career laps led in Sprint Cup competition.

Joey Logano, who led the first 30 laps, finished third ahead of Clint Bowyer and Greg Biffle.

Saving fuel, Biffle found himself with the lead after AJ Allmendinger's crash brought out a caution with 21 laps left. But Biffle couldn't hold off Earnhardt, who took command with 14 laps to go.

"I was heartbroken when that caution came out," said Biffle, who thought strategy had given him a fighting chance. "That just killed our day. We had a 20th-place car but got track position and drove our butt off. (If the race stayed green) it was going to be 'Mickey Mouse' –- who would run out of fuel -- unless those guys could catch us."

Earnhardt had opened a 2.7-second lead on Harvick when Kurt Busch hit the wall, bringing out another caution that created the final restart.

"With Kevin, I'm racing one of the best," Earnhardt said. "That guy is going to get everything he can out of his car. I was anticipating him being right there on the inside going into (Turn) 1. I knew I was just going to have to really get brave, drive it down in there and pray for it to stick."

Harvick, who overcame a pit road speed penalty on Lap 96 and found himself 14th after driving over a storm drain in avoiding major damage during the 13-car melee, gave it all he could.

"I timed that last (restart) pretty good," Harvick said. "But I couldn't turn into the corner like I needed to to stay beside him. I thought if I could get beside him going into (Turn) 1 I'd have a chance, but he was a little better than I was in Turn 3."

On his way to his Victory Lane celebration, Earnhardt took a phone call from team owner Rick Hendrick.

"I just thanked him for how much he changed my life and how he has supported me," Earnhardt said. "I wanted to thank him and make sure he understood how much I appreciated him. I wanted him to know how much it meant to me that I got the chance to drive this car and get a win today."

NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Race -- GoBowling.com 400

Pocono Raceway

Long Pond, Pennsylvania

Sunday, August 3, 2014

1. (9) Dale Earnhardt Jr., Chevrolet, 160, $193265.

2. (6) Kevin Harvick, Chevrolet, 160, $206058.

3. (2) Joey Logano, Ford, 160, $180941.

4. (14) Clint Bowyer, Toyota, 160, $154466.

5. (25) Greg Biffle, Ford, 160, $150450.

6. (5) Jeff Gordon, Chevrolet, 160, $149451.

7. (8) Jamie McMurray, Chevrolet, 160, $126279.

8. (21) Ryan Newman, Chevrolet, 160, $103515.

9. (13) Denny Hamlin, Toyota, 160, $96965.

10. (12) Kasey Kahne, Chevrolet, 160, $103215.

11. (1) Kyle Larson #, Chevrolet, 160, $123010.

12. (24) Casey Mears, Chevrolet, 160, $111298.

13. (4) Kurt Busch, Chevrolet, 160, $84415.

14. (27) Marcos Ambrose, Ford, 160, $108835.

15. (11) Austin Dillon #, Chevrolet, 160, $132826.

16. (22) Justin Allgaier #, Chevrolet, 160, $105523.

17. (30) David Gilliland, Ford, 160, $102723.

18. (23) Ricky Stenhouse Jr., Ford, 159, $116090.

19. (39) David Ragan, Ford, 159, $99573.

20. (37) Ryan Truex #, Toyota, 159, $86937.

21. (33) Cole Whitt #, Toyota, 159, $79340.

22. (38) Michael Annett #, Chevrolet, 159, $78990.

23. (3) Brad Keselowski, Ford, 159, $120848.

24. (31) Josh Wise, Chevrolet, 159, $78515.

25. (34) Travis Kvapil, Ford, 158, $78790.

26. (40) Dave Blaney, Chevrolet, 158, $74940.

27. (35) Reed Sorenson, Chevrolet, 158, $77765.

28. (42) Alex Kennedy, Chevrolet, 158, $74615.

29. (26) Carl Edwards, Ford, 157, $93465.

30. (10) Danica Patrick, Chevrolet, 156, $86815.

31. (36) Alex Bowman #, Toyota, 154, $76665.

32. (19) Martin Truex Jr., Chevrolet, 144, $101898.

33. (29) Paul Menard, Chevrolet, 143, $101004.

34. (20) AJ Allmendinger, Chevrolet, Accident, 137, $73590.

35. (28) Aric Almirola, Ford, Accident, 125, $110376.

36. (16) Tony Stewart, Chevrolet, 124, $107348.

37. (15) Brian Vickers, Toyota, Accident, 116, $105079.

38. (18) Matt Kenseth, Toyota, Accident, 116, $117166.

39. (17) Jimmie Johnson, Chevrolet, Accident, 111, $117966.

40. (41) Joe Nemechek(i), Toyota, Accident, 88, $68030.

41. (32) Landon Cassill(i), Chevrolet, Accident, 28, $56030.

42. (7) Kyle Busch, Toyota, Engine, 23, $99871.

43. (43) Johnny Sauter(i), Toyota, Electrical, 11, $48530.

Average Speed of Race Winner: 127.411 mph.

Time of Race: 03 Hrs, 08 Mins, 22 Secs. Margin of Victory: 0.228 Seconds.

Caution Flags: 8 for 35 laps.

Lead Changes: 15 among 10 drivers.

Lap Leaders: 0; J. Logano 1-30; Kurt Busch 31-43; J. Gordon 44-64; Kurt Busch 65-74; A. Allmendinger 75-76; A. Almirola 77; D. Gilliland 78; J. Gordon 79-94; K. Harvick 95; Kurt Busch 96-102; M. Kenseth 103-105; J. Gordon 106-131; K. Harvick 132-135; G. Biffle 136-146; D. Earnhardt Jr. 147-160.

Leaders Summary (Driver, Times Lead, Laps Led): J. Gordon 3 times for 63 laps; J. Logano 1 time for 30 laps; Kurt Busch 3 times for 30 laps; D. Earnhardt Jr. 1 time for 14 laps; G. Biffle 1 time for 11 laps; K. Harvick 2 times for 5 laps; M. Kenseth 1 time for 3 laps; A. Allmendinger 1 time for 2 laps; D. Gilliland 1 time for 1 lap; A. Almirola 1 time for 1 lap.

Top 16 in Points: J. Gordon - 757; D. Earnhardt Jr. - 740; B. Keselowski - 687; M. Kenseth - 668; R. Newman - 642; J. Johnson - 633; J. Logano - 633; C. Edwards - 618; C. Bowyer - 617; Kyle Busch - 611; K. Harvick - 608; K. Larson # - 595; G. Biffle - 590; K. Kahne - 589; A. Dillon # - 588; P. Menard - 562.

**Udog** · 08-04-2014, 09:59 AM

MLB
Long Sheet

Monday, August 4

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

SAN FRANCISCO (60 - 51) at NY METS (53 - 58) - 12:10 PM
TIM HUDSON (R) vs. DILLON GEE (R)
Top Trends for this game.
SAN FRANCISCO is 68-77 (-22.7 Units) against the money line when the total is 7 or less over the last 2 seasons.
SAN FRANCISCO is 60-67 (-23.1 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.
NY METS are 23-14 (+11.1 Units) against the money line in day games this season.
SAN FRANCISCO is 31-21 (+13.3 Units) against the money line in road games this season.
SAN FRANCISCO is 179-121 (+52.5 Units) against the money line when playing on Monday since 1997.
SAN FRANCISCO is 31-21 (+13.3 Units) against the money line in road games in games played on a grass field this season.
SAN FRANCISCO is 19-11 (+9.8 Units) against the money line in road games against right-handed starters this season.
SAN FRANCISCO is 18-12 (+8.5 Units) against the money line in road games after a win this season.
SAN FRANCISCO is 39-20 (+17.3 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 3 seasons.
HUDSON is 45-24 (+19.3 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
HUDSON is 51-17 (+28.5 Units) against the money line in August games since 1997. (Team's Record)
HUDSON is 44-23 (+18.9 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
HUDSON is 159-89 (+36.3 Units) against the money line after a win since 1997. (Team's Record)
NY METS are 46-66 (-21.6 Units) against the money line when the total is 7 or less over the last 2 seasons.
NY METS are 18-35 (-14.6 Units) against the money line as a home underdog of +100 to +125 over the last 2 seasons.
NY METS are 97-119 (-34.4 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 3 seasons.
NY METS are 97-119 (-34.4 Units) against the money line in home games in games played on a grass field over the last 3 seasons.
NY METS are 10-31 (-21.4 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
SAN FRANCISCO is 5-1 (+4.1 Units) against NY METS this season
3 of 6 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=-0.1 Units, Under=-0.4 Units)

TIM HUDSON vs. NY METS since 1997
HUDSON is 17-10 when starting against NY METS with an ERA of 3.52 and a WHIP of 1.254.
His team's record is 21-10 (+8.5 units) in these starts. The OVER is 12-19. (-8.4 units)

DILLON GEE vs. SAN FRANCISCO since 1997
GEE is 0-1 when starting against SAN FRANCISCO with an ERA of 8.10 and a WHIP of 2.024.
His team's record is 1-1 (+0.2 units) in these starts. The OVER is 2-0. (+2.1 units)

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DETROIT (61 - 47) at NY YANKEES (57 - 53) - 7:05 PM
MAX SCHERZER (R) vs. BRANDON MCCARTHY (R)
Top Trends for this game.
DETROIT is 159-122 (-15.5 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
DETROIT is 31-20 (+8.3 Units) against the money line in road games this season.
DETROIT is 31-20 (+8.3 Units) against the money line in road games in games played on a grass field this season.
DETROIT is 24-13 (+10.4 Units) against the money line in road games in night games this season.
DETROIT is 22-11 (+9.9 Units) against the money line in road games after a win this season.
DETROIT is 11-3 (+7.8 Units) against the money line in road games after 3 or more consecutive wins this season.
DETROIT is 14-7 (+8.0 Units) against the money line in road games when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
SCHERZER is 42-15 (+19.8 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
SCHERZER is 40-15 (+17.8 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
SCHERZER is 23-6 (+13.4 Units) against the money line after a win over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
MCCARTHY is 16-28 (-15.6 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
MCCARTHY is 3-9 (-7.8 Units) against the money line in home games this season. (Team's Record)
MCCARTHY is 3-9 (-7.8 Units) against the money line in home games in games played on a grass field this season. (Team's Record)
MCCARTHY is 5-12 (-9.7 Units) against the money line in home games in night games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
MCCARTHY is 5-15 (-12.2 Units) against the money line after a win over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
MCCARTHY is 4-14 (-10.8 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)

Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.

MAX SCHERZER vs. NY YANKEES since 1997
SCHERZER is 6-1 when starting against NY YANKEES with an ERA of 3.12 and a WHIP of 1.289.
His team's record is 6-1 (+6.5 units) in these starts. The OVER is 3-4. (-1.3 units)

BRANDON MCCARTHY vs. DETROIT since 1997
MCCARTHY is 2-3 when starting against DETROIT with an ERA of 3.28 and a WHIP of 1.178.
His team's record is 5-4 (+0.6 units) in these starts. The OVER is 3-5. (-2.6 units)

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TEXAS (43 - 68) at CHI WHITE SOX (54 - 58) - 8:10 PM
NICK MARTINEZ (R) vs. HECTOR NOESI (R)
Top Trends for this game.
TEXAS is 43-68 (-26.8 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
TEXAS is 17-30 (-15.0 Units) against the money line when the total is 9 to 9.5 this season.
TEXAS is 41-64 (-24.8 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
TEXAS is 29-51 (-24.3 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
TEXAS is 32-47 (-15.6 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
TEXAS is 27-40 (-15.1 Units) against the money line after a loss this season.
TEXAS is 12-22 (-13.9 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
CHI WHITE SOX are 54-58 (+8.4 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
CHI WHITE SOX are 21-7 (+14.4 Units) against the money line in home games when playing on Monday over the last 3 seasons.
CHI WHITE SOX are 39-33 (+16.0 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
CHI WHITE SOX are 9-16 (-12.7 Units) against the money line as a home favorite of -125 to -150 over the last 2 seasons.
CHI WHITE SOX are 112-151 (-23.8 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
CHI WHITE SOX are 60-93 (-22.9 Units) against the money line after a loss over the last 2 seasons.
CHI WHITE SOX are 50-70 (-21.6 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
TEXAS is 2-1 (+0.4 Units) against CHI WHITE SOX this season
2 of 2 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+2.0 Units)

NICK MARTINEZ vs. CHI WHITE SOX since 1997
No recent starts.

HECTOR NOESI vs. TEXAS since 1997
NOESI is 0-2 when starting against TEXAS with an ERA of 8.18 and a WHIP of 1.273.
His team's record is 0-2 (-2.0 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 1-1. (-0.1 units)

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TAMPA BAY (54 - 57) at OAKLAND (67 - 43) - 10:05 PM
ALEX COBB (R) vs. JEFF SAMARDZIJA (R)
Top Trends for this game.
TAMPA BAY is 54-57 (-17.5 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
TAMPA BAY is 34-37 (-12.3 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
TAMPA BAY is 24-32 (-16.1 Units) against the money line after a loss this season.
OAKLAND is 165-112 (+27.4 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
OAKLAND is 139-81 (+34.3 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 3 seasons.
OAKLAND is 278-206 (+63.1 Units) against the money line in August games since 1997.
OAKLAND is 65-39 (+11.8 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
OAKLAND is 165-110 (+45.3 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 3 seasons.
OAKLAND is 174-120 (+46.4 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 3 seasons.
OAKLAND is 104-77 (+25.8 Units) against the money line after a loss over the last 3 seasons.
OAKLAND is 122-72 (+30.8 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 3 seasons.
SAMARDZIJA is 7-16 (-10.0 Units) against the money line in all games this season. (Team's Record)
SAMARDZIJA is 2-12 (-10.5 Units) against the money line when the total is 7 or less this season. (Team's Record)
SAMARDZIJA is 10-20 (-12.0 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
SAMARDZIJA is 0-6 (-6.8 Units) against the money line at home when the total is 7 or less this season. (Team's Record)
SAMARDZIJA is 7-16 (-10.0 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season. (Team's Record)
SAMARDZIJA is 0-6 (-6.8 Units) against the money line in home games after a loss this season. (Team's Record)

Head-to-Head Series History
OAKLAND is 2-1 (+1.0 Units) against TAMPA BAY this season
2 of 2 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+2.0 Units)

ALEX COBB vs. OAKLAND since 1997
COBB is 3-2 when starting against OAKLAND with an ERA of 2.34 and a WHIP of 1.110.
His team's record is 4-2 (+1.7 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-3. (-2.3 units)

JEFF SAMARDZIJA vs. TAMPA BAY since 1997
No recent starts.

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CINCINNATI (56 - 55) at CLEVELAND (56 - 55) - 7:05 PM
ALFREDO SIMON (R) vs. COREY KLUBER (R)
Top Trends for this game.
CLEVELAND is 148-126 (+22.0 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
CLEVELAND is 84-52 (+22.8 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 2 seasons.
CLEVELAND is 142-120 (+19.7 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
CLEVELAND is 55-30 (+17.5 Units) against the money line in home games after a win over the last 2 seasons.
CINCINNATI is 684-756 (+55.9 Units) against the money line in road games since 1997.
CINCINNATI is 621-700 (+39.9 Units) against the money line in road games in games played on a grass field since 1997.
CINCINNATI is 445-492 (+34.4 Units) against the money line in road games in night games since 1997.
CINCINNATI is 496-545 (+46.6 Units) against the money line in road games against right-handed starters since 1997.
CINCINNATI is 344-355 (+48.9 Units) against the money line in road games after a win since 1997.
SIMON is 16-6 (+11.3 Units) against the money line in all games this season. (Team's Record)
SIMON is 10-2 (+9.3 Units) against the money line in road games this season. (Team's Record)
SIMON is 16-6 (+11.3 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season. (Team's Record)
SIMON is 11-2 (+10.0 Units) against the money line after a win this season. (Team's Record)
CLEVELAND is 20-40 (-19.0 Units) against the money line in August games over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.

ALFREDO SIMON vs. CLEVELAND since 1997
SIMON is 1-0 when starting against CLEVELAND with an ERA of 2.57 and a WHIP of 0.571.
His team's record is 1-0 (+1.1 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-0. (+1.0 units)

COREY KLUBER vs. CINCINNATI since 1997
No recent starts.

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LA ANGELS (66 - 44) at LA DODGERS (63 - 49) - 10:10 PM
GARRETT RICHARDS (R) vs. ZACK GREINKE (R)
Top Trends for this game.
LA ANGELS are 5-14 (-10.2 Units) against the money line when the total is 7 or less over the last 2 seasons.
LA ANGELS are 10-21 (-16.4 Units) against the money line when playing on Monday over the last 2 seasons.
LA ANGELS are 60-78 (-22.2 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
LA DODGERS are 32-16 (+12.3 Units) against the money line after a loss this season.
LA DODGERS are 19-5 (+13.0 Units) against the money line in home games when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
GREINKE is 36-17 (+14.5 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
GREINKE is 32-11 (+17.2 Units) against the money line when the total is 7 or less over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)
GREINKE is 25-8 (+13.8 Units) against the money line as a home favorite of -125 to -150 since 1997. (Team's Record)
GREINKE is 20-4 (+13.1 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
GREINKE is 36-17 (+14.5 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
GREINKE is 27-10 (+13.6 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
GREINKE is 19-5 (+13.3 Units) against the money line after a loss over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
LA ANGELS are 66-44 (+14.1 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
LA ANGELS are 732-717 (+62.7 Units) against the money line in road games since 1997.
LA ANGELS are 93-70 (+30.9 Units) against the money line in road games in an inter-league game since 1997.
LA ANGELS are 611-601 (+56.5 Units) against the money line in road games in games played on a grass field since 1997.

Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.

GARRETT RICHARDS vs. LA DODGERS since 1997
RICHARDS is 0-0 when starting against LA DODGERS with an ERA of 3.08 and a WHIP of 1.799.
His team's record is 2-0 (+2.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 0-1. (-1.0 units)

ZACK GREINKE vs. LA ANGELS since 1997
GREINKE is 1-4 when starting against LA ANGELS with an ERA of 4.24 and a WHIP of 1.510.
His team's record is 2-6 (-4.3 units) in these starts. The OVER is 4-4. (-0.2 units)

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

BALTIMORE (62 - 48) at WASHINGTON (60 - 49) - 7:05 PM
KEVIN GAUSMAN (R) vs. TANNER ROARK (R)
Top Trends for this game.
WASHINGTON is 93-63 (+29.3 Units) against the money line in home games in an inter-league game since 1997.
BALTIMORE is 63-48 (+20.3 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
BALTIMORE is 23-16 (+15.0 Units) against the money line as a road underdog of +125 to +150 over the last 2 seasons.
BALTIMORE is 33-23 (+18.3 Units) against the money line in road games this season.
BALTIMORE is 9-3 (+7.9 Units) against the money line when playing on Monday this season.
BALTIMORE is 56-46 (+13.7 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
BALTIMORE is 45-27 (+22.9 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
BALTIMORE is 47-33 (+19.0 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
BALTIMORE is 18-14 (+9.6 Units) against the money line in road games after a win this season.
BALTIMORE is 28-19 (+14.3 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
BALTIMORE is 14-7 (+10.1 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season this season.
WASHINGTON is 101-93 (-17.7 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
WASHINGTON is 29-29 (-9.2 Units) against the money line after a win this season.
WASHINGTON is 50-60 (-17.7 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
BALTIMORE is 2-1 (+1.8 Units) against WASHINGTON this season
2 of 3 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+1.0 Units)

KEVIN GAUSMAN vs. WASHINGTON since 1997
GAUSMAN is 0-1 when starting against WASHINGTON with an ERA of 15.75 and a WHIP of 2.250.
His team's record is 0-1 (-1.1 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 0-1. (-1.2 units)

TANNER ROARK vs. BALTIMORE since 1997
No recent starts.

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

**Udog** · 08-04-2014, 10:11 AM

MLB

Monday, August 4

Rain on tap at U.S. Cellular Field

Forecasts are calling for a 40 percent chance of scattered thunderstorms at U.S. Cellular Field as the Chicago White Sox host the Texas Rangers Monday.

The White Sox, currently -145 home faves, are scheduled to send Hector Noesi to the mound, while the visiting Rangers are slated to give the start to Nicholas Martinez.

Paul Goldschmidt, Arizona - out for season

Goldschmidt has been placed on the 15-day disabled list with a fractured left hand. He is expected to miss the remainder of the season.

**Udog** · 08-04-2014, 10:11 AM

MLB

Monday, August 4

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Game of the Day: Orioles at Nationals
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Baltimore Orioles at Washington Nationals (-138, 7)

The Washington Nationals will host the Baltimore Orioles on Monday in a makeup game from a rainout back on July 8. That game was washed away following a 2 1/2-hour delay, prompting both teams to reconvene on a previously scheduled off-day nearly a month later. Both squads won twice over the weekend, with the Nationals splitting a four-game set against the Philadelphia Phillies and the Orioles taking two of three from the Seattle Mariners.

However, neither team enters this game with much offensive momentum. Washington totaled six hits in Sunday's 4-0 win over Philadelphia and did not homer in that game, giving the team a total of one home run over its last 11 contests. Baltimore managed five hits in squeaking past Seattle 1-0 on Sunday with Nick Markakis (3-for-4, home run) doing the bulk of the damage.

TV: 7:05 p.m. ET, MASN2 (Baltimore), MASN (Washington)

LINE HISTORY: The Nationals opened as -130 faves and now sit -138. The total has held at 7.

INJURY UPDATE: Nationals - LF Nate McLouth (Out indefinitely, shoulder), 3B Ryan Zimmerman (Out indefinitely, hamstring)

POWER RANKINGS: Orioles (-182), Nationals (-190)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Orioles RH Kevin Gausman (5-3, 3.70 ERA) vs. Nationals RH Tanner Roark (11-6, 2.74)

Gausman's success in 2014 has largely been predicated around limiting the home run ball, as he has given up only two homers in 56 innings. The 23-year-old has not allowed a home run to a right-handed hitter all season and allowed just three extra-base hits - all doubles - against righties. Gausman made one start against Washington last season, allowing seven runs and three homers in four innings.

Roark is coming off a terrific month in which he went 4-1 with a 2.06 ERA, including four straight starts allowing exactly one run over seven innings to close it out. He held opponents to a .198 average in July and gave up only three hits in each of his final two starts. None of the current Orioles players has ever faced Roark, who leads the Nationals in victories.

TRENDS:

* Over is 5-0 in the last five meetings in Washington.
* Orioles are 5-2 in the last seven meetings in Washington.
* Nationals are 4-0 in Roark's last four starts.
* Over is 7-1 in National's last eight interleague home games.

CONSENSUS: 52.67 percent of wagers on Consensus are behind the Nationals.

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

**RS170** · 08-04-2014, 12:52 PM

Hey Udog--I'm also wondering how Jerry Jones could ever have passed on Johnny 'Football' Manziel. Sellouts guaranteed for yrs--but---I'm not complaining---we got him!!!! Reports out of Berea suggest Johnny is doing better than they thought he would. Observers say he is unbelievably fast. Just hope Schanahan learns his lesson from coaching RG3, and doesn't overuse his running ability. Let the RB's do that.
Mark my words, He is the most exciting thing to happen in Cleveland since the Jim Brown days of the 50's. --I don't think they should start him in the first game at Pitt though.

**Udog** · 08-04-2014, 01:29 PM

MLB
Short Sheet

Monday, August 4

Detroit at NY Yankees, 7:05 ET
Scherzer: 38-12 TSR as a favorite
McCarthy: 3-9 TSR in home games

Texas at Chicago White Sox, 8:10 ET
Martinez: TEXAS 11-1 in road games revenging a loss vs opponent as a home favorite of -150 or more
Noesi: CHI WHITE SOX 9-16 as a home favorite of -125 to -150

Tampa Bay at Oakland, 10:05 ET
Cobb: TAMPA BAY 18-8 in the second half of the season
Samardzija: 2-9 TSR when the money line is -100 to -150

Cincinnati at Cleveland, 7:05 ET
Simon: 11-2 TSR after a win
Kluber: 10-2 OVER after 3 or more consecutive wins

LA Angels at LA Dodgers, 10:10 ET
Richards: LA ANGELS 5-14 when the total is 7 or less
Greinke: 12-1 TSR as a home favorite of -125 to -175

Baltimore at Washington, 7:05 ET
Gausman: BALTIMORE 23-16 as a road underdog of +125 to +150
Roark: WASHINGTON 11-20 after allowing 3 runs or less 3 straight games

TSR = Team Start Record

**Udog** · 08-04-2014, 01:33 PM

MLB

Monday, August 4

Tigers dominant versus Yankees when Scherzer starts

When the Detroit Tigers visit the New York Yankees Monday, they'll be bolstered by the fact that Max Scherzer will be the starting pitchers. The Tigers are 6-1 in Scherzer's last seven starts versus the Bronx Bombers.

This will mark his first start versus the Yanks this season, but he did get the win in his lone outing against them last year.

Scherzer is 13-3 with a 3.27 ERA and 1.17 WHIP on the season. The Tigers are currently -119 road faves.

This team has been a boon for Over bettors recently

The Chicago White Sox are one of the top Over bets in the Major Leagues this season and have been cashing tickets of late to the tune of a 6-0 Over/Under record in their last six games overall.

The Pale Hose host the Texas Rangers with a currently total of nine on the board Monday. The pair have met three times thus far in the seasons and have posted an O/U count of 2-0-1.

Reds just can't win at Progressive Field

The Cleveland Indians host the Cincinnati Reds in Interleague action Monday, and Cleveland's Progressive Field just has not been kind to the National League club.

The Reds are 0-9 in the last nine meetings between the two Ohio ball clubs at Cleveland's home stadium.

Most recently, the Indians won both meetings at home last season by scores of 7-1 and 5-2.

Alfredo Simon is up in the rotation for the Reds, while the Indians send their ace Corey Kluber to the mound.

**Udog** · 08-04-2014, 01:37 PM

MLB

Monday, August 4

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
MLB early-week betting cheat sheet: Simon lacking recent run support
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Here's a comprehensive look at betting notes for the early-week major league games:

No Offense ...

The Atlanta Braves continued their dry spell Sunday, falling 4-3 in San Diego for their sixth consecutive loss. The Braves' offense has been dreadful on their six-game West Coast jaunt, scoring a total of 13 runs; despite the outage, Atlanta is 3-3 O/U on the trek thanks to low totals and decent pitching.

Simon Struggling

Cincinnati Reds hurler Alfredo Simon will look to get back on track Monday as he visits the Cleveland Indians (-194, 7) in an interleague showdown. Simon leads the majors in pitching value but is 0-3 since the All-Star break, with the Reds scoring just six runs in those three starts.

Price Makes Detroit Debut

David Price makes his first start in a Detroit uniform Tuesday as the Tigers face the host New York Yankees. Price, who was shipped to the Tigers in a blockbuster trade at the non-waiver deadline, went 7-2 SU and 2-7 O/U in his final nine starts with Tampa Bay - including a win over the Yankees.

Pitching Notes

* Oakland right-hander Jeff Samardzija has settled into a pair of trends as he leads the Athletics into Monday's showdown with the visiting Tampa Bay Rays (+126, 7). Samardzija is 3-0 in his last three starts - all as a major favorite - while going 3-0 O/U after producing just four Overs in his first 14 starts.

* Bet against Clayton Kershaw at your own risk. The Dodgers lefty enters Tuesday's matchup with the visiting Angels on an 11-game SU win streak, going 10-0 with a no-decision in that span while allowing more than one run just twice over that stretch.

Hitting Notes

* Baltimore Orioles outfielder Nelson Cruz enters Monday's game against host Washington (-137, 7) mired in an 8-for-73 slump that has dropped his average to .262 for the season. Fortunately for Cruz, Baltimore is 12-8 SU and 5-15 O/U in that stretch.

* New York Yankees outfielder Brett Gardner had a week to remember, hitting .478 with five home runs and seven RBIs. Gardner now has 15 home runs on the season, easily surpassing his previous career best of eight; the Yankees are 8-6 SU and 5-8-1 O/U when Gardner goes deep.

Totals Streak

Chicago White Sox (6-0 O/U): White Sox games have been rather entertaining of late, with the winning team scoring at least seven runs in each of them. That stretch includes four games in which teams combined to score 14 or more runs, highlighted by Sunday's 16-3 loss to Minnesota.

Prop of the Day

Bettors may want to consider taking the host Dodgers to defeat the rival Angels by more than two runs, a wager that stands at +325. Dodgers starter Zack Greinke is 6-1 with a 2.52 ERA in nine home starts, while Angels counterpart Garrett Richards has allowed four runs in each of his last two outings.

Injury Notes

* The Arizona Diamondbacks have lost first baseman Paul Goldschmidt for the season with a broken hand. Goldschmidt, the defending National League MVP runner-up, finishes the year hitting .300 with 19 home runs and 69 RBIs in 406 at-bats.

* Colorado Rockies outfielder Carlos Gonzalez is expected to avoid the disabled list as he continues nursing a sore right ankle. Gonzalez has missed 44 games this season with a variety of ailments; the Rockies are 16-28 SU, 21-17-6 O/U and -993 units in those contests.

Weather Watch

* Fans at Yankee Stadium should expect winds out to left field at 8 mph for Monday's game against visiting Detroit (-119, 7.5). Teams combined to average a whopping 3.6 home runs in five games under similar conditions a season ago - well above the stadium average of 2.06.

* Wind at Citizens Bank Park will blow out to straightaway center field at 5 mph Tuesday when the Philadelphia Phillies host the Houston Astros. The hosts went 7-13 SU and 12-7-1 O/U in 20 games under similar conditions in 2013, including marks of 5-6 SU and 5-5-1 O/U at less than 10 mph.

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Monday's Trends and Indexes - 8/4 (MLB, WNBA, CFL, Misc.)

Monday's Trends and Indexes - 8/4 (MLB, WNBA, CFL, Misc.)

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