Announcement

**Ripped71** · 06-18-2004, 11:37 AM

National League:

Cincinnati (9.5) at St. Louis (-170), 8:10 ET
Lidle (R) vs. Carpenter (R)
(Matchup)
Lidle - 1-5 TSR in night games
Carpenter - 6-0 TSR pitching on 5 or 6 days rest

Inter-League:

Oakland (N/A) at Chicago Cubs (-150), 3:20 ET
Redman (L) vs. Clement (R)
(Matchup)
Redman - Oakland 18-3 vs. NL Central opponents
Clement - Cubs 1-6 off a win by one run

Chicago White Sox (N/A) at Montreal (N/A), 7:05 ET
Buehrle (L) vs. Patterson (R)
(Matchup)
Buehrle - 11-3 TSR this season
Patterson - Montreal 0-6 last six games

Kansas City (9.5) at Philadelphia (-155), 7:05 ET
George (L) vs. Abbott (R)
(Matchup)
George - Kansas City 1-7 off BB wins
Abbott - 8-1 TSR in interleague games

Seattle (-145) at Pittsburgh (8.5), 7:05 ET
Moyer (L) vs. Vogelsong (R)
(Matchup)
Moyer - 7-1 TSR in night games
Vogelsong - Pittsburgh 1-6 at home vs. left-handed starters

Detroit (7) at New York Mets (-150), 7:10 ET
Robertson (L) vs. Glavine (L)
(Matchup)
Robertson - Detroit 10-1 Under away after winning 2 of their last 3 games
Glavine - Mets 13-4 Under off 6+ interleague games

Cleveland (8.5) at Atlanta (-120), 7:35 ET
Lee (L) vs. Hampton (L)
(Matchup)
Lee - Cleveland 3-14 vs. left-handed starters
Hampton - Atlanta 6-0 off BB losses by 6+ runs

Texas (8.5) at Florida (-175), 7:35 ET
Wasdin (R) vs. Penny (R)
(Matchup)
Wasdin - 0-8 TSR pitching off a team loss
Penny - 5-1 TSR at home in interleague games

Minnesota (7.5) at Milwaukee (-155), 8:05 ET
Silva (R) vs. Sheets (R)
(Matchup)
Silva - 7-1 TSR in night games
Sheets - 6-1 Under at home on Fridays

Anaheim (-125) at Houston (9), 8:05 ET
Escobar (R) vs. Munro (R)
(Matchup)
Escobar - 7-2 TSR away with a line of +125 to -125
Munro - 9-2 Over in night games

Baltimore (14) at Colorado (-120), 9:05 ET
Ponson (R) vs. Estes (L)
(Matchup)
Ponson - 10-4 TSR as a road underdog of +150 or less
Estes - Colorado 0-9 on Fridays

Tampa Bay (8) at Arizona (-230), 10:05 ET
Halama (L) vs. Johnson (L)
(Matchup)
Halama - Tampa Bay 3-14 off 3+ road games
Johnson - Arizona 8-1 after playing BB games as home underdogs

Toronto (7.5) at San Diego (-155), 10:05 ET
Lilly (L) vs. Wells (L)
(Matchup)
Lilly - Toronto 1-5 off 3+ interleague games
Wells - 16-2 TSR at home in June

New York Yankees (-160) at Los Angeles (8), 10:10 ET
Vazquez (R) vs. Weaver (R)
(Matchup)
Vazquez - 0-6 TSR away vs. NL West opponents
Weaver - 14-4 TSR in interleague games

Boston (8.5) at San Francisco (-110), 10:15 ET
Wakefield (R) vs. Williams (R)
(Matchup)
Wakefield - 1-7 TSR in June
Williams - San Francisco 11-1 at home off BB wins

**Ripped71** · 06-18-2004, 11:38 AM

CINCINNATI (37 - 29) at ST LOUIS (39 - 27) - 8:10 PM
COREY LIDLE (R) vs. CHRIS CARPENTER (R)
Top Trends for this game.
LIDLE is 1-5 (-4.9 Units) against the money line when pitching in night games this season. (Team's Record)
ST LOUIS is 12-4 (+8.3 Units) against the money line in June games this season.
CINCINNATI is 27-17 (+14.1 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
CINCINNATI is 21-14 (+13.7 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
LIDLE is 6-1 (+9.0 Units) against the money line as a road underdog of +150 to +175 since 1997. (Team's Record)
LIDLE is 9-2 (+8.6 Units) against the money line in road games when playing on Friday since 1997. (Team's Record)

Head-to-Head Series History
CINCINNATI is 17-18 (+4.1 Units) against ST LOUIS over the last 3 seasons
18 of 33 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Under=+1.3 Units)

COREY LIDLE vs. ST LOUIS since 1997
LIDLE is 0-1 when starting against ST LOUIS with an ERA of 14.40 and a WHIP of 2.800.
His team's record is 0-1 (-1.1 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 0-1. (-1.0 units)

CHRIS CARPENTER vs. CINCINNATI since 1997
No recent starts.

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OAKLAND (37 - 27) at CHICAGO CUBS (37 - 29) - 3:20 PM
MARK REDMAN (L) vs. MATT CLEMENT (R)
Top Trends for this game.
CHICAGO CUBS are 86-112 (-55.5 Units) against the money line after a win over the last 3 seasons.
CHICAGO CUBS are 17-25 (-24.4 Units) against the money line in home games against left-handed starters over the last 3 seasons.
CHICAGO CUBS are 99-100 (-52.8 Units) against the money line in home games in all games over the last 3 seasons.
CHICAGO CUBS are 99-100 (-52.8 Units) against the money line in home games in games played on a grass field over the last 3 seasons.
CHICAGO CUBS are 99-100 (-52.8 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 3 seasons.

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

MARK REDMAN vs. CHICAGO CUBS since 1997
REDMAN is 1-0 when starting against CHICAGO CUBS with an ERA of 3.78 and a WHIP of 1.260.
His team's record is 2-1 (+1.8 units) in these starts. The OVER is 2-1. (+1.0 units)

MATT CLEMENT vs. OAKLAND since 1997
CLEMENT is 0-2 when starting against OAKLAND with an ERA of 8.10 and a WHIP of 2.100.
His team's record is 0-2 (-2.0 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 1-1. (-0.2 units)

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CHI WHITE SOX (34 - 28) at MONTREAL (20 - 44) - 7:05 PM
MARK BUEHRLE (L) vs. JOHN PATTERSON (R)
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
MONTREAL is 2-1 (+1.5 Units) against CHI WHITE SOX over the last 3 seasons
2 of 3 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Under=+0.9 Units)

MARK BUEHRLE vs. MONTREAL since 1997
BUEHRLE is 1-0 when starting against MONTREAL with an ERA of 2.57 and a WHIP of 1.143.
His team's record is 1-0 (+1.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-0. (+1.0 units)

JOHN PATTERSON vs. CHI WHITE SOX since 1997
No recent starts.

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KANSAS CITY (25 - 38) at PHILADELPHIA (34 - 30) - 7:05 PM
CHRIS GEORGE (L) vs. PAUL ABBOTT (R)
Top Trends for this game.
PHILADELPHIA is 9-1 (+8.3 Units) against the money line when playing on Friday this season.
ABBOTT is 8-1 (+7.1 Units) against the money line in an inter-league game since 1997. (Team's Record)
ABBOTT is 11-2 (+9.3 Units) against the money line in June games since 1997. (Team's Record)
ABBOTT is 31-12 (+16.2 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record since 1997. (Team's Record)
GEORGE is 8-2 (+6.7 Units) against the money line when his team is off a win over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)

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

CHRIS GEORGE vs. PHILADELPHIA since 1997
No recent starts.

PAUL ABBOTT vs. KANSAS CITY since 1997
ABBOTT is 1-0 when starting against KANSAS CITY with an ERA of 1.80 and a WHIP of 1.133.
His team's record is 2-0 (+2.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-1. (+0.0 units)

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SEATTLE (26 - 38) at PITTSBURGH (26 - 36) - 7:05 PM
JAMIE MOYER (L) vs. RYAN VOGELSONG (R)
Top Trends for this game.
SEATTLE is 5-16 (-12.8 Units) against the money line in road games against right-handed starters this season.
SEATTLE is 1-5 (-5.5 Units) against the money line as a road favorite of -125 to -150 this season.
PITTSBURGH is 40-22 (+25.8 Units) against the money line when playing on Friday over the last 3 seasons.
MOYER is 16-6 (+9.6 Units) against the money line on the road when the total is 8 to 8.5 since 1997. (Team's Record)
MOYER is 7-1 (+5.9 Units) against the money line when pitching in night games this season. (Team's Record)
MOYER is 10-1 (+8.0 Units) against the money line when playing on Friday over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)
MOYER is 16-6 (+9.6 Units) against the money line in road games when the total is 8 to 8.5 since 1997. (Team's Record)
PITTSBURGH is 1-6 (-5.5 Units) against the money line in home games against left-handed starters this season.

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

JAMIE MOYER vs. PITTSBURGH since 1997
No recent starts.

RYAN VOGELSONG vs. SEATTLE since 1997
No recent starts.

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

DETROIT (31 - 34) at NY METS (31 - 34) - 7:10 PM
NATE ROBERTSON (L) vs. TOM GLAVINE (L)
Top Trends for this game.
DETROIT is 10-43 (-25.5 Units) against the money line in road games against left-handed starters over the last 3 seasons.
NY METS are 80-34 (+25.3 Units) against the money line as a home favorite of -150 to -175 since 1997.
ROBERTSON is 5-1 (+3.9 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record this season. (Team's Record)
GLAVINE is 8-17 (-16.4 Units) against the money line in home games when pitching in night games over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)

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

NATE ROBERTSON vs. NY METS since 1997
No recent starts.

TOM GLAVINE vs. DETROIT since 1997
No recent starts.

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

CLEVELAND (31 - 33) at ATLANTA (31 - 34) - 7:35 PM
CLIFTON LEE (L) vs. MIKE HAMPTON (L)
Top Trends for this game.
CLEVELAND is 3-14 (-12.8 Units) against the money line against left-handed starters this season.
CLEVELAND is 1-6 (-6.1 Units) against the money line in road games when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
ATLANTA is 55-22 (+21.9 Units) against the money line in home games after a loss over the last 3 seasons.
ATLANTA is 44-19 (+18.4 Units) against the money line when playing on Friday over the last 3 seasons.
HAMPTON is 45-15 (+21.9 Units) against the money line at home when the total is 8 to 8.5 since 1997. (Team's Record)
HAMPTON is 45-15 (+21.9 Units) against the money line in home games when the total is 8 to 8.5 since 1997. (Team's Record)
HAMPTON is 8-21 (-14.7 Units) against the money line when his team is off a loss over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)

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

CLIFTON LEE vs. ATLANTA since 1997
No recent starts.

MIKE HAMPTON vs. CLEVELAND since 1997
HAMPTON is 2-0 when starting against CLEVELAND with an ERA of 1.00 and a WHIP of 0.944.
His team's record is 2-0 (+2.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 0-2. (-2.0 units)

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TEXAS (34 - 29) at FLORIDA (37 - 29) - 7:35 PM
JOHN WASDIN (R) vs. BRAD PENNY (R)
Top Trends for this game.
WASDIN is 3-19 (-18.4 Units) against the money line in all games since 1997. (Team's Record)
WASDIN is 3-14 (-13.1 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field since 1997. (Team's Record)
WASDIN is 2-10 (-8.1 Units) against the money line in road games since 1997. (Team's Record)
WASDIN is 0-8 (-8.9 Units) against the money line when his team is off a loss since 1997. (Team's Record)
WASDIN is 2-11 (-10.3 Units) against the money line when pitching in night games since 1997. (Team's Record)
WASDIN is 1-10 (-9.3 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record since 1997. (Team's Record)
FLORIDA is 77-36 (+35.1 Units) against the money line at home when the total is 8 to 8.5 over the last 3 seasons.
FLORIDA is 83-56 (+31.1 Units) against the money line in an inter-league game since 1997.
FLORIDA is 118-74 (+42.6 Units) against the money line when the total is 8 to 8.5 over the last 3 seasons.
PENNY is 5-1 (+4.6 Units) against the money line in home games in an inter-league game since 1997. (Team's Record)
PENNY is 24-13 (+13.4 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)
PENNY is 6-1 (+5.4 Units) against the money line in home games when playing on Friday since 1997. (Team's Record)

Head-to-Head Series History
FLORIDA is 2-1 (+1.0 Units) against TEXAS over the last 3 seasons
2 of 3 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=+0.8 Units)

JOHN WASDIN vs. FLORIDA since 1997
WASDIN is 0-1 when starting against FLORIDA with an ERA of 3.86 and a WHIP of 1.000.
His team's record is 0-1 (-1.2 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 1-0. (+1.0 units)

BRAD PENNY vs. TEXAS since 1997
PENNY is 1-0 when starting against TEXAS with an ERA of 0.00 and a WHIP of 1.286.
His team's record is 1-0 (+1.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 0-1. (-1.2 units)

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

MINNESOTA (37 - 28) at MILWAUKEE (33 - 30) - 8:05 PM
CARLOS SILVA (R) vs. BEN SHEETS (R)
Top Trends for this game.
MILWAUKEE is 20-10 (+13.1 Units) against the money line after a loss this season.
SHEETS is 6-0 (+7.2 Units) against the money line when his team is off a loss this season. (Team's Record)
SILVA is 7-1 (+6.4 Units) against the money line when pitching in night games this season. (Team's Record)

Head-to-Head Series History
MILWAUKEE is 5-7 (-0.4 Units) against MINNESOTA over the last 3 seasons
6 of 12 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=-0.7 Units, Under=-0.1 Units)

CARLOS SILVA vs. MILWAUKEE since 1997
No recent starts.

BEN SHEETS vs. MINNESOTA since 1997
SHEETS is 0-1 when starting against MINNESOTA with an ERA of 2.45 and a WHIP of 0.954.
His team's record is 1-1 (+0.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 0-2. (-2.4 units)

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ANAHEIM (36 - 29) at HOUSTON (33 - 32) - 8:05 PM
KELVIM ESCOBAR (R) vs. PETER MUNRO (R)
Top Trends for this game.
HOUSTON is 5-9 (-10.6 Units) against the money line at home when the total is 9 to 9.5 this season.
HOUSTON is 10-16 (-14.7 Units) against the money line when the total is 9 to 9.5 this season.

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

KELVIM ESCOBAR vs. HOUSTON since 1997
No recent starts.

PETER MUNRO vs. ANAHEIM since 1997
No recent starts.

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

BALTIMORE (27 - 35) at COLORADO (23 - 42) - 9:05 PM
SIDNEY PONSON (R) vs. SHAWN ESTES (L)
Top Trends for this game.
BALTIMORE is 70-144 (-79.8 Units) against the money line after 3 or more consecutive losses since 1997.
BALTIMORE is 1-8 (-7.5 Units) against the money line in road games against left-handed starters this season.
BALTIMORE is 3-12 (-10.8 Units) against the money line in June games this season.
ESTES is 39-13 (+20.4 Units) against the money line in home games when playing against a team with a losing record since 1997. (Team's Record)
PONSON is 5-2 (+6.8 Units) against the money line in road games in June games over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)
PONSON is 22-14 (+15.4 Units) against the money line when his team is off a loss over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)
COLORADO is 4-17 (-14.0 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
COLORADO is 0-9 (-9.2 Units) against the money line when playing on Friday this season.
ESTES is 3-10 (-8.4 Units) against the money line in June games over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)

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

SIDNEY PONSON vs. COLORADO since 1997
PONSON is 1-0 when starting against COLORADO with an ERA of 1.17 and a WHIP of 0.782.
His team's record is 1-0 (+1.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 0-1. (-1.2 units)

SHAWN ESTES vs. BALTIMORE since 1997
ESTES is 1-0 when starting against BALTIMORE with an ERA of 0.00 and a WHIP of 1.143.
His team's record is 1-0 (+1.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 0-1. (-1.2 units)

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

TAMPA BAY (29 - 34) at ARIZONA (27 - 39) - 10:05 PM
JOHN HALAMA (L) vs. RANDY JOHNSON (L)
Top Trends for this game.
HALAMA is 1-6 (-4.9 Units) against the money line on the road when the total is 8 to 8.5 since 1997. (Team's Record)
HALAMA is 1-6 (-4.9 Units) against the money line in road games when the total is 8 to 8.5 since 1997. (Team's Record)
TAMPA BAY is 7-2 (+6.2 Units) against the money line after 3 or more consecutive wins this season.
TAMPA BAY is 8-1 (+8.8 Units) against the money line in an inter-league game this season.
TAMPA BAY is 11-3 (+11.2 Units) against the money line in June games this season.
ARIZONA is 6-16 (-13.0 Units) against the money line against left-handed starters this season.
ARIZONA is 10-23 (-16.9 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
ARIZONA is 39-57 (-30.2 Units) against the money line when the total is 8 to 8.5 over the last 3 seasons.

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

JOHN HALAMA vs. ARIZONA since 1997
HALAMA is 0-2 when starting against ARIZONA with an ERA of 13.12 and a WHIP of 2.400.
His team's record is 1-2 (-1.5 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 2-1. (+1.0 units)

RANDY JOHNSON vs. TAMPA BAY since 1997
JOHNSON is 2-1 when starting against TAMPA BAY with an ERA of 1.50 and a WHIP of 1.000.
His team's record is 2-1 (-0.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-2. (-1.1 units)

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TORONTO (28 - 38) at SAN DIEGO (33 - 32) - 10:05 PM
TED LILLY (L) vs. DAVID WELLS (L)
Top Trends for this game.
LILLY is 3-9 (-8.2 Units) against the money line in an inter-league game since 1997. (Team's Record)
WELLS is 16-2 (+12.1 Units) against the money line in home games in June games since 1997. (Team's Record)
SAN DIEGO is 8-15 (-16.2 Units) against the money line as a home favorite of -150 to -175 over the last 3 seasons.

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

TED LILLY vs. SAN DIEGO since 1997
LILLY is 1-0 when starting against SAN DIEGO with an ERA of 0.00 and a WHIP of 0.556.
His team's record is 1-0 (+1.0 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 1-0. (+1.0 units)

DAVID WELLS vs. TORONTO since 1997
WELLS is 4-5 when starting against TORONTO with an ERA of 5.66 and a WHIP of 1.471.
His team's record is 5-6 (-4.6 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 5-5. (-0.7 units)

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NY YANKEES (42 - 22) at LOS ANGELES (35 - 28) - 10:10 PM
JAVIER VAZQUEZ (R) vs. JEFF WEAVER (R)
Top Trends for this game.
NY YANKEES are 4-9 (-10.7 Units) against the money line as a road favorite of -150 to -175 this season.
VAZQUEZ is 1-8 (-7.5 Units) against the money line in road games in an inter-league game since 1997. (Team's Record)
VAZQUEZ is 10-23 (-17.2 Units) against the money line in road games in games played on a grass field over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)
WEAVER is 14-4 (+11.5 Units) against the money line in an inter-league game since 1997. (Team's Record)
WEAVER is 2-9 (-8.8 Units) against the money line at home when the total is 8 to 8.5 over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)
WEAVER is 12-21 (-19.1 Units) against the money line when his team is off a win over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)
WEAVER is 2-9 (-8.8 Units) against the money line in home games when the total is 8 to 8.5 over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)

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

JAVIER VAZQUEZ vs. LOS ANGELES since 1997
VAZQUEZ is 2-4 when starting against LOS ANGELES with an ERA of 3.88 and a WHIP of 1.098.
His team's record is 4-4 (+1.1 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 4-4. (-0.5 units)

JEFF WEAVER vs. NY YANKEES since 1997
WEAVER is 1-2 when starting against NY YANKEES with an ERA of 4.72 and a WHIP of 1.462.
His team's record is 1-3 (-1.4 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-3. (-2.2 units)

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BOSTON (38 - 27) at SAN FRANCISCO (35 - 31) - 10:15 PM
TIM WAKEFIELD (R) vs. JEROME WILLIAMS (R)
Top Trends for this game.
WAKEFIELD is 3-14 (-14.9 Units) against the money line in an inter-league game since 1997. (Team's Record)
WAKEFIELD is 1-7 (-8.8 Units) against the money line in June games over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)
SAN FRANCISCO is 8-1 (+6.8 Units) against the money line in home games after 3 or more consecutive wins this season.
SAN FRANCISCO is 236-132 (+55.5 Units) against the money line in home games after a win since 1997.
SAN FRANCISCO is 164-98 (+45.0 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 3 seasons.

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

TIM WAKEFIELD vs. SAN FRANCISCO since 1997
No recent starts.

JEROME WILLIAMS vs. BOSTON since 1997
No recent starts.

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

**Spark** · 06-18-2004, 04:44 PM

Friday, June 18th (All times eastern)
OAKLAND ATHLETICS (37-27) AT CHICAGO CUBS (37-29), 3:20 P.M.

Probable Starting Pitchers: Oakland - Mark Redman (4-3, 4.52) Chicago - Matt Clement (7-4, 3.15)

(Sports Network) - Sammy Sosa returns from the disabled list today as the Chicago Cubs take aim at their season-high seventh straight victory in the opener of a three-game series against the Oakland Athletics this afternoon at Wrigley Field.

Sosa, who had a recent rehab stint with Double-A West Tenn, has been on the disabled list since May 16 with a sprained ligament in his lower back. He suffered the injury while sneezing shortly after entering the Cubs clubhouse prior to a game against San Diego.

In 35 games this season, Sosa is batting .291 with 10 homers and 24 RBI. He has 549 career homers, ninth on baseball's all-time list. Up next on the list is Reggie Jackson (563). Before going on the DL Sosa had hit safely in 10 of his last 11 games, going 15-for-43 (.349) with a double, five homers and 13 RBI in that span.

The Cubs had won six consecutive contests earlier this season, April 19-25. However, they haven't won seven in a row since a 12-game run, May 19 - June 2, 2001.

Dusty Baker's team completed a four-game sweep in Houston last night. Moises Alou drove in three runs and Glendon Rusch tossed eight strong innings, as the Cubs held off a late rally for a 5-4 victory at Minute Maid Park. Rusch (4-1) allowed just two runs on four hits with seven strikeouts in his longest outing of the season for the Cubs, who had not swept the Astros in a four-game set since June 23-25 of 1967. Derrek Lee added two RBI in the victory as the Cubs remained two games behind NL Central-leading St. Louis.

Matt Clement tries to get some positive momentum building as he starts this afternoon's game for the Cubs. It's been an up-and-down season for the righthander, who won five straight starts at one point this season only to lose the following two. He is 1-0 over his previous two outings and is coming off a no-decision at Anaheim on Sunday when he limited the Angels to a run over six innings. He has lost both of his career starts against the A's.

Oakland is headed in the opposite direction of the Cubs, having been swept in a three-game set at St. Louis. This follows a season-high eight-game winning streak. The A's lost 5-4 last night. Despite giving up three runs in the bottom of the ninth inning and being swept, the A's are still 1 1/2 games ahead of Anaheim for the top spot in the AL West.

Mark McLemore and Jermaine Dye each had two hits and scored once last night for Oakland. Scott Hatteberg went 2-for-4 and has reached base safely in 26 consecutive contests.

Unbeaten in his last three starts (1-0), lefthander Mark Redman toes the rubber this afternoon for the A's. Redman didn't get a decision in his most recent start, last Saturday against Pittsburgh when he allowed nine hits, including a grand slam, and seven runs in five innings of work?

Redman's only career start against the Cubs resulted in a win as he threw seven shutout innings.

Oakland and the Cubs are meeting in the regular season for the first time.

CHICAGO WHITE SOX (34-28) AT MONTREAL EXPOS (20-44), 7:05 P.M.

Probable Starting Pitchers: Chicago - Mark Buehrle (7-1, 3.65) Montreal - T.J. Tucker (0-1, 3.21)

(Sports Network) - Mark Buehrle can equal a career-high by winning his seventh straight decision tonight as the Chicago White Sox open a three-game interleague series against the Montreal Expos at Olympic Stadium.

Buehrle is 6-0 with a 2.22 ERA over his last seven starts and hasn't lost since April 20 when the White Sox were beaten 11-8 by the New York Yankees. The lefthander has sparkled since then and he's coming off a victory on Sunday against Atlanta when he limited the Braves to three runs in eight innings.

One big advantage for Buehrle is that he is receiving 9.46 runs of support per game, the most in the majors. Buehrle also won seven consecutive decisions June 16 - July 29 last year. He is 7-4 with a 5.04 ERA in 12 interleague appearances (11 starts).

The White Sox dropped the final two contests of a three-game set against the Florida Marlins. Ozzie Guillen's club lost 2-1 in 11 innings last night as Cliff Politte gave up the game-winning RBI single to pinch-hitter Matt Treanor.

Esteban Loaiza got the call for the White Sox, but did not figure into the decision as he permitted just one run and five hits over eight strong innings. Loaiza struck out five and walked two. Timo Perez drove in the only run for the White Sox.

After the game, the two teams were involved in a trade that sent relief pitcher Billy Koch and cash to Florida for minor league infielder Wilson Valdez.

The White Sox enter tonight's action 1 1/2 games behind Minnesota for first place in the AL Central.

The Expos have dropped six in a row and were swept in a three-game set against the Twins, losing 6-4 last night. Jose Vidro hit a solo home run and collected his 1,000th career hit with a fifth-inning single for the Expos, while Brian Schneider added three hits and scored a run in the loss.

T.J. Tucker will be on the mound tonight for the Expos. The righthander will make his first start of the season after having 13 relief appearances. He has pitched in 117 major league games, but has started only nine of them. Seven of those starts came last year in an Expos uniform. Tucker has made two relief appearances against the White Sox, saving both games.

The Expos won two of three meetings in Chicago against the White Sox during the 2002 season. The only win for the White Sox was by Buehrle as his team dominated Montreal, 13-2 on June 9 that year. In that game, the southpaw allowed two runs over seven innings.

KANSAS CITY ROYALS (25-38) AT PHILADELPHIA PHILLIES (34-30), 7:05 P.M.

Probable Starting Pitchers: Kansas City - Chris George (0-0, 3.50) Philadelphia - Paul Abbott (0-0, 0.00)

(Sports Network) - The Kansas City Royals shoot for their third straight win as they return to Philadelphia for the first time since the 1980 World Series to take on the Phillies tonight in the opener of a three-game series.

The 1980 Fall Classic ended with Tug McGraw striking out Willie Wilson in Game 6 at Veterans Stadium as the Phillies captured their only World Series title. The two teams haven't played each other since then, except for spring training games.

Now the Phillies are in a new venue, Citizens Bank Park, but a big figure in Philadelphia's title run is still with the team. Current manager Larry Bowa was the shortstop for the Phillies in 1980.

Bowa's team lost two of three games to the Tigers, splitting a doubleheader yesterday, winning 6-2 in the day game and falling 5-4 in 11 innings in the night contest. Jason Michaels homered and drove in four runs to lead Philadelphia in the day game, while Todd Pratt and Jimmy Rollins knocked in runs during a two-run seventh inning that gave the Phillies a 4-3 lead in the nightcap. Ricky Ledee added a solo homer in the loss.

Billy Wagner, who pitched both games of the doubleheader, gave up the game- tying homer to Brandon Inge in the ninth inning.

Paul Abbott will get the start tonight for the Phillies. The righthander, who was released by Tampa Bay earlier this season, made his first start as a Phillie and first in the National League Sunday at Minnesota. He threw five shutout innings despite allowing a baserunner in every inning.

Abbott is 1-1 in nine games (4 starts) versus Kansas City.

Lefthander Chris George will be on the mound tonight for the Royals as he makes his fourth start of the season. George was recalled from Omaha on June 1 and made his 2004 KC debut that night in a 5-3 Royals win at Detroit. His last start came last Saturday versus the New York Mets, a 4-3 KC win when George allowed two runs in six innings, but he did walk six. This will be his first ever appearance against the Phillies.

The Royals posted consecutive 10-4 victories over the Atlanta Braves Wednesday and Thursday. Yesterday, Desi Relaford went 3-for-5 with a homer, three runs batted in and three runs scored to lead the Royals.

Carlos Beltran added a two-run homer for the Royals, who pounded out 20 hits Wednesday and added 13 yesterday to win for the fourth time in their last six outings. The Royals have won three in a row one other time this season, April 9-11.

Former Brave Darrell May (4-8) went the first five innings to win his second straight start for the Royals. He gave up one run on five hits with four strikeouts.

SEATTLE MARINERS (26-38) AT PITTSBURGH PIRATES (26-36), 7:05 P.M.

Probable Starting Pitchers: Seattle - Jamie Moyer (5-2, 3.80) Pittsburgh - Ryan Vogelsong (1-6, 7.93)

(Sports Network) - Unbeaten for nearly the last two months, Seattle lefthander Jamie Moyer tries to win his fifth straight decision tonight as the Mariners begin a three-game interleague series against the Pittsburgh Pirates at PNC Park.

The 41-year-old Moyer has gone 4-0 over his last nine starts and hasn't lost since April 22 against Oakland. He threw seven shutout innings in a victory over Montreal last Saturday. Moyer has yet to lose on the road this year, even though he has just one decision in four starts. He is 4-6 with a 5.89 ERA over his career versus the Pirates.

The Mariners come into tonight's action having won four of their last six games, but they dropped two of three at Milwaukee earlier this week. On Thursday, Scott Spiezio drove in the go-ahead run with a solo homer in the eighth inning to lift Seattle over Milwaukee, 6-3. Jolbert Cabrera and Randy Winn each added two-run homers for the Mariners. Cabrera finished with three RBI.

The Pirates have won two in a row on the heels of a nine-game skid. Last night, Tike Redman and Jack Wilson homered in Pittsburgh's go-ahead seventh inning as the Pirates beat the Anaheim Angels 5-2 in the rubber-contest of a three-game interleague set at PNC Park. Redman also belted a two-run shot in the eighth off of reliever Kevin Gregg and finished the evening 3-for-4 for the Pirates.

Rob Mackowiak added a solo shot and ended 2-for-3 in the triumph. Still the Pirates are just 3-15 overall against the AL West.

Kris Benson (5-6) allowed two runs -- one earned -- on five hits in eight innings. He fanned eight with no walks for his first home win of the 2004 season.

Jose Mesa worked the ninth for his 16th save in as many chances and the second in as many nights. Mesa tied Mike Williams' 2000 and 2002 club record for consecutive saves in a season.

Ryan Vogelsong will get the start tonight for the Pirates. The righthander won his first outing of the season, April 8 against Philadelphia, but it's been downhill ever since for the veteran. Tonight the 26-year-old Vogelsong will attempt to snap a personal six-game losing streak. He is winless in his last 11 starts. His six-game losing streak is the longest by a Pittsburgh pitcher since Todd Ritchie dropped eight straight in 2001. Vogelsong has never faced the Mariners.

This will mark the first ever meeting between the Mariners and Pirates during the regular season.

DETROIT TIGERS (31-34) AT NEW YORK METS (31-34), 7:20 P.M.

Probable Starting Pitchers: Detroit - Nate Robertson (5-3, 3.91) NY Mets - Tom Glavine (7-3, 2.03)

(Sports Network) - Richard Hidalgo will make his debut with the New York Mets tonight, as they open up a three-game interleague series against the Detroit Tigers at Shea Stadium.

New York acquired Hidalgo from Houston on Thursday in exchange for relievers David Weathers and minor league pitcher Jeremy Griffiths. The Mets could be simply renting Hidalgo for the rest of the season, as the struggling outfielder has a $15 million price tag next year if they don't choose to buy him out for $2 million.

Hidalgo recently lost his starting job in Houston due to his hitting struggles. In 58 games this year, Hidalgo is batting just .256 with four homers and 30 runs batted in. He has also been bothered recently by a sore neck and has been used as a pinch-hitter in the past three games.

The Mets will honor Mike Piazza for becoming the league's greatest home run hitting catcher tonight. Carlton Fisk, the man whose record Piazza broke, will be on hand as will Gary Carter, Yogi Berra and Tommy Lasorda.

The Mets are coming off taking two of three from the Cleveland Indians, including a 6-2 win on Thursday. Kaz Matsui drove in two runs and Mike Cameron homered in the victory.

Jae Seo started for the Mets but tossed only four innings due to a rain delay. He was not eligible for the win despite allowing two hits and no runs. He also struck out six.

Ricky Bottalico, John Franco, Mike Stanton and Braden Looper then finished the game. Bottalico (3-1) was credited with the win after tossing 1 1/3 scoreless innings.

Franco, who hurled two perfect frames, tied Dan Plesac for fourth place on the all-time list for games pitched with his 1,064th appearance.

New York will pin its hopes on ace lefthander Tom Glavine this evening. Glavine, the league-leader in ERA (2.03), has won three of his last four starts. The southpaw tossed 7 2/3 solid innings last Sunday against Kansas City, surrendering four hits and two unearned runs. Glavine has allowed a total of six earned runs through his last 38 2/3 innings -- a span of five starts.

Glavine will be facing the Tigers for the first time in his career.

The Tigers will counter with an impressive lefthander of their own in Nate Robertson. Robertson is unbeaten (3-0) over his last five starts, including a win over Florida last Saturday. The southpaw twirled eight scoreless innings versus the Marlins, surrendering just four hits while fanning three and walking two. Robertson has given up only eight earned runs over his last 33 2/3 innings of action.

Robertson will head to the hill against New York for the first time.

Detroit continues to be a surprising team, as it is just three games shy of .500 (31-34) on the heels of a 119-loss season. The Tigers have won six of their last eight games overall, including a split of a doubleheader in Philadelphia Thursday.

The Tigers dropped the early contest, 6-2, before recovering with a 5-4 comeback win in 11 innings in the nightcap. Eric Munson homered for the Tigers in the early loss. Mike Maroth (5-4) suffered the defeat after surrendering three runs on six hits and four walks in six frames.

Carlos Guillen's two-out single in the 11th inning plated the winning run. Greg Norton sparked the two-out rally with a pinch-hit single before moving to second base on a Bobby Higginson base hit. Guillen then stroked his second hit of the game through the left side of the infield, and Norton scored on a close play at the plate.

Ugueth Urbina (2-2) earned the win in the nightcap after getting out of a bases-loaded jam in the 10th inning. Danny Patterson earned his second save with a perfect 11th inning for the Tigers, winners of six of their last eight games.

Detroit starter Gary Knotts yielded two runs on four hits through five innings.

The Tigers is 6-3 in interleague action this season and 59-71 all-time. Meanwhile, the Mets are 65-62 all-time against the AL in the regular season and 3-6 this year.

This is the first-ever meeting between these teams in the regular season.

CLEVELAND INDIANS (31-33) AT ATLANTA BRAVES (31-34), 7:35 P.M.

Probable Starting Pitchers: Cleveland - Cliff Lee (5-1, 3.93) Atlanta - Mike Hampton (1-6, 5.32)

(Sports Network) - The Atlanta Braves will attempt to snap a two-game skid this evening, when they begin a three-game interleague set versus the Cleveland Indians at Turner Field. It will mark the first-ever regular season meeting between these teams.

Outside of spring training games, these squads haven't met since the 1995 World Series. Atlanta won that series in seven games, as it registered the lone major professional sports championship the city has ever had.

Atlanta lost the final two contests of its series with Kansas City -- both by a 10-4 difference. In the series finale Thursday, Braves starter John Thomson (5-5) allowed eight hits and six runs over 6 2/3 innings. Thomson walked and struck out two in the defeat.

Mike Hessman homered for Atlanta, which has lost four of its last five overall. Andruw Jones and Nick Green added two hits apiece in the losing effort.

Atlanta is just 3-6 in interleague play this season and hasn't won consecutive games since May 31 and June 1. The Braves are 74-53 all-time against the AL during the regular season. Atlanta owns a 16-15 home mark this year.

Heading to the hill for the Braves tonight will be veteran lefthander Mike Hampton, who was forced to miss a start last weekend due to a bruised bicep. Over his last three starts, Hampton has posted an 0-1 mark despite giving up eight runs through 16 2/3 innings. Last time on the hill, Hampton surrendered nine hits and three runs over seven innings, but got a no-decision against Detroit on June 8.

Hampton has been terrific in his career against the Indians, going 2-0 with an 0.86 ERA. The lefty has surrendered 17 hits and only two runs over 21 innings of action.

Cleveland will pin its hopes suddenly struggling lefthander Cliff Lee this evening. Lee is 0-1 over his last five starts, including an ugly no-decision against Cincinnati last Sunday. The southpaw was tagged for six hits and seven runs over 3 2/3 innings, while walking five and fanning four.

Lee will be pitching against the Braves for the first time in his career.

The Indians have lost two of their last three games, including a 6-2 loss to the New York Mets at Shea Stadium Thursday. Rick White (3-2) suffered the loss after allowing one run on one hit in relief of starter Scott Elarton, who worked four scoreless innings. Elarton didn't return after a long rain delay.

Travis Hafner posted two hits and an RBI for the Indians, who lost for just the second time in seven games. Matt Lawton extended his hitting streak to 14 games. During his streak, Lawton is hitting .362 (21-58).

Victor Martinez saw his 14-game hitting streak snapped Thursday, going 0-for-4 and ending his night with a ninth-inning flyout.

Cleveland is 5-4 against the NL this season, pushing its all-time mark to 65-65 in interleague play. The Indians are just 10-18 on the road this season.

TEXAS RANGERS (34-29) AT FLORIDA MARLINS (37-29), 7:35 P.M.

Probable Starting Pitchers: Texas - John Wasdin (0-0, 5.79) Florida - Brad Penny (6-4, 2.62)

(Sports Network) - The NL East-leading Florida Marlins will shoot for their third consecutive win tonight, when they take on the Texas Rangers in the opener of a three-game series at Pro Player Stadium.

Florida won the final two contests of its series with Chicago White Sox, including a 2-1 win in 11 innings Thursday. Matt Treanor drove in the winning run with a pinch-hit single in the 11th inning for the Marlins. Alex Gonzalez hit a solo homer for the Marlins, who have won three of their last four games.

The Marlins pushed their division lead to two games over the Phillies, who split a double-header with Detroit Thursday.

Florida ace Josh Beckett made his first start since being placed on the disabled list May 31 with a blister on his right middle finger, but he left the game after just 3 2/3 innings after sustaining a strained intracostal muscle to his left side.

Beckett was cruising, allowing only two hits while striking out eight, but the 2003 World Series MVP grabbed his side after inducing Frank Thomas into a fly ball. He left shortly therafter.

Florida's bullpen was outstanding, not allowing an earned run and yielding only four hits over 7 1/3 innings. Ben Howard, Darren Oliver, Josias Manzanillo and Armando Benitez had a hand in the win. Benitez (2-0) got the win after two scoreless innings.

The Marlins boosted their already solid bullpen Thursday, as they acquired Billy Koch from the White Sox for minor league shortstop Wilson Valdez. Koch appeared in 24 games with the White Sox this season, posting a 1-1 record with a 5.40 ERA. He had eight saves in 11 chances.

Taking the ball tonight for the Marlins will be 26-year-old righthander Brad Penny. Penny has lost consecutive starts for the first time this season, including a defeat to Detroit last Saturday. The hard-throwing hurler allowed six hits and four runs -- two earned -- over seven innings, while fanning 10 walking two.

Penny was excellent in his only other career outing against Texas on June 13, 2003, allowing only five hits over seven scoreless frames. The Broken Arrow, OK native fanned six and walked four in the victory.

Desperate for healthy arms, the Rangers are turning to veteran righthander John Wasdin to take the hill tonight. Wasdin didn't get a decision in an emergency start for the Rangers on April 25 versus Seattle, as he allowed seven hits and three runs over 4 2/3 innings. The hurler struck out four and didn't walk anyone in the win. Wasdin, who was called up from Triple-A Oklahoma to replace R.A. Dickey, has made just four major league appearances since 2001.

Wasdin has never faced the Marlins in his career. With Wasdin's arrival on Friday, the Rangers will have nine players who were not with the club on Opening Day.

Texas is reeling after a three-game sweep at the hands of the Cincinnati Reds at Great American Ball Park, including a 4-3 loss Thursday. Texas, which has lost four straight, scored its three runs on homers by Mark Teixeira and Hank Blalock. Blalock finished 2-for-4 with a two-run blast, but his error helped contribute to Cincinnati's rally in the seventh.

Ryan Drese (3-4) was saddled with the loss. He was charged with four runs -- three earned -- on seven hits and three walks in 6 1/3 innings. Drese also singled and registered his first two major league hits.

Texas started 3-0 in interleague play, but is now 4-5 after dropping five of six to the Cardinals and Reds.

Lefthander Brian Shouse lowered his ERA to 2.61 Thursday with 1 1/3 innings of scoreless relief.

The Marlins took two of three from the Rangers at Ameriquest Field last season.

MINNESOTA TWINS (37-28) AT MILWAUKEE BREWERS (33-30), 8:05 P.M.

Probable Starting Pitchers: Minnesota - Carlos Silva (7-3, 4.00) Milwaukee - Ben Sheets (5-4, 2.66)

(Sports Network) - The Minnesota Twins try for their fourth straight victory tonight when they visit the Milwaukee Brewers for the opener of a three-game interleague series.

The Twins swept the Montreal Expos this week at Olympic Stadium and picked up a 6-4 win in Thursday's finale. Torii Hunter broke a tie game with a double in the top of the eighth inning to lift Minnesota.

Matthew LeCroy slammed a pinch-hit, two-run homer in the seventh to help the American League Central leaders to their eighth win in 10 outings. Doug Mientkiewicz also homered for the Twins, who rallied from an early 3-0 deficit.

Aaron Fultz (3-2) received the win after setting Montreal down in order in the seventh and Joe Nathan threw 1 2/3 scoreless innings to notch his 18th save.

The Brewers, meanwhile, were denied a three-game sweep over the Seattle Mariners with a 6-3 setback in Thursday's finale at Miller Park. Scott Spiezio drove in the go-ahead run with a solo homer in the eighth inning to lift Seattle to the win.

Brady Clark homered for the Brewers, who fell for just the third time in nine outings.

Chris Capuano tossed the first six innings for the Brewers and allowed two runs, but it was Matt Kinney (3-4) who suffered the loss. The reliever was tagged for two runs on four hits in two frames of work.

Carlos Silva will try to win his third straight decision, as he heads to the mound for the Twins tonight.

Silva picked up a victory last Saturday against his former team, the Philadelphia Phillies. He surrendered just one run and eight hits in eight innings of work.

The 25-year-old righthander is 2-0 with a 2.53 earned run average in his last three starts.

Silva has no record in five career relief appearances.

The Brewers will counter with Ben Sheets, who is trying to pick up his first victory in over three weeks.

Sheets' last win came on May 27 against Los Angeles. Since then he has been 0-1 in his last two starts.

The 26-year-old righthander was handed a loss last Sunday against Houston. He surrendered four runs and seven hits in seven innings of work.

Sheets is 0-2 with a 2.45 ERA in two career starts against the Twins.

Minnesota is 67-62 all-time in interleague play, while the Brewers have posted a 45-57 record.

ANAHEIM ANGELS (36-29) AT HOUSTON ASTROS (33-32), 8:05 P.M.

Probable Starting Pitchers: Anaheim - Kelvim Escobar (4-2, 3.27) Houston - Pete Munro (0-0, 2.79)

(Sports Network) - A pair of struggling teams begin a three-game interleague series tonight, as the Anaheim Angels visit the Houston Astros at Minute Maid Park. This will be the first-ever meeting between these teams.

The Angels have lost four of their last five games and are currently second in the American League West -- 1 1/2 games behind Oakland. Houston, which is fifth in the NL Central, has dropped four straight and six of its last seven contests.

The Astros were swept in a four-game series by their division rival, the Chicago Cubs. Moises Alou drove in three runs and Glendon Rusch tossed eight strong innings to lift Chicago to the 5-4 win in Thursday's finale.

It was the Cubs first four-game sweep of the Astros since June 23-25 of 1967.

Lance Berkman homered and scored twice for Houston, which has dropped six of seven. Jason Lane finished 2-for-4 with a two-run homer in the loss.

Roy Oswalt continued his struggles this season and absorbed the loss. Oswalt (4-6) surrendered four runs on 11 hits in seven innings with six strikeouts and two walks.

Before the game, the Astros shipped outfielder Richard Hidalgo to the New York Mets in exchange for reliever David Weathers and minor league pitcher Jeremy Griffiths. After hitting 28 homers last season, Hidalgo is struggling in 2004 and has just four homers with a .256 batting average.

Anaheim dropped the final two contests of a three-game series in Pittsburgh, including a 5-2 loss on Thursday. Tike Redman and Jack Wilson homered in the seventh inning to lead the Pirates.

Bartolo Colon (4-6) surrendered three runs on eight hits in seven innings. He struck out four with two walks for the Angels.

Darin Erstad and Jose Guillen each had an RBI, while Garret Anderson went 3- for-4 with two runs scored in the setback.

Pete Munro heads to the mound for the Astros tonight for his second start of the season.

Munro started last Sunday in Milwaukee and yielded just one run and seven hits in four innings of work. He posted a no decision, but the Astros earned a 5-4 victory.

Munro has three career appearances against the Angels, but they have all been out of the bullpen.

Kelvim Escobar takes the ball for the Angels tonight and tries to pick up his first victory in two weeks.

Escobar picked up a win against Cleveland on June 3, but has posted two straight no decisions since. His most recent outing was Sunday against the Cubs. Escobar pitched well, allowing two runs and five hits in seven innings, but the Angels lost the game, 6-5.

The 29-year-old righthander is 2-0 with a 1.71 ERA in his last five starts.

Escobar has never faced the Astros in his career.

This is the first interleague series of the season for Houston, which is 59-49 all-time against the American League. The Angels are 67-64 all-time in interleague play.

The Angels, who are 16-14 as the visitor this season, will play 15 of next 22 games on the road leading into the All-Star break.

BALTIMORE ORIOLES (27-35) AT COLORADO ROCKIES (23-42), 9:05 P.M.

Probable Starting Pitchers: Baltimore - Sidney Ponson (3-8, 6.60) Colorado - Shawn Estes (6-3, 5.81)

(Sports Network) - Sidney Ponson hopes to end his five-game personal losing streak tonight, as he heads to the mound for the Baltimore Orioles in the opener of a three-game interleague series against the Colorado Rockies. This will be the first-ever meeting between these teams.

In his last five starts, Ponson has been simply terrible, going 0-5 with an 8.15 earned run average.

Ponson's last outing came Sunday against the San Francisco Giants. He surrendered six runs and 13 hits in the 7-3 setback.

The big righthander had one career start against the Rockies and posted a win in that outing.

Shawn Estes will try to pick up his first win in a month, as he takes the ball for the Rockies.

Estes' last victory came on May 18 in Cincinnati, but he has been 0-1 with a 4.87 earned run average in five starts since. He has four straight no decisions, including one in Tampa last Saturday. Estes surrendered six runs in five innings in the 10-7 loss.

Estes posted a victory in his only career start against the Orioles.

The Orioles have been struggling recently, dropping five straight and seven of their last eight games. Baltimore has posted a dismal 3-12 record so far in the month of June.

The O's were handed 4-3 setback by the Los Angeles Dodgers in the finale of a three-game series on Thursday. Adrian Beltre belted a go-ahead solo homer in the bottom of the eighth inning to complete the sweep for the Dodgers.

Baltimore starter Erik Bedard worked five innings and allowed just one run on five hits, but did not factor in the decision.

Miguel Tejada delivered three hits and scored a run for Baltimore.

Orioles third baseman Melvin Mora left the game with a sprained ligament in his left foot while running out a bunt in the first inning. X-rays were negative, but he is still doubtful for tonight's game.

Meanwhile, the Rockies were denied a three-game sweep of the Boston Red Sox, as they were handed an 11-0 setback in Thursday's finale. Derek Lowe tossed seven scoreless innings and David Ortiz had a career-high five RBI to lead the Red Sox.

Aaron Cook (1-2) surrendered three runs on six hits in five innings of work to absorb the loss. He fanned a career-high seven with four walks for Colorado, which has now dropped 21 of its last 27 contests.

Both of these teams have struggled historically in interleague play. The Rockies have a 43-63 all-time interleague record, while Baltimore is 53-77 against the National League.

TAMPA BAY DEVIL RAYS (29-34) AT ARIZONA DIAMONDBACKS (27-39), 10:05 P.M.

Probable Starting Pitchers: Tampa Bay - John Halama (2-1, 2.76) Arizona - Randy Johnson (9-4, 2.77)

(Sports Network) - The Tampa Bay Devil Rays try to extend their franchise- record eight-game winning streak this evening when they start a three-game interleague set against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Bank One Ballpark.

However, extending that streak might be easier said than done tonight, as they will be facing perhaps the best lefthander in the game in Randy Johnson, who will be trying to win his seventh straight start.

Johnson, whose winning streak started with a perfect game against the Atlanta Braves back on May 18, is 9-4 on the season with a 2.77 earned run average. His nine wins are tied with Houston's Roger Clemens and Texas' Kenny Rogers for the most wins in the league.

The five-time Cy Young award winner's latest win came on Sunday against the Toronto Blue Jays, as he allowed two runs and six hits in six innings. He also fanned 11 and walked a pair in the win.

Johnson has faced the Devil Rays three times in his career and is 2-1 against them with a 1.50 ERA.

Tampa, meanwhile, will counter with lefthander John Halama, who will be making his first start of the season. The 32-year-old hurler has won his last two decisions, though, and picked up a victory in his last appearance on Sunday against the Colorado Rockies.

Halama is 0-2 lifetime against the Diamondbacks with a 13.11 ERA in three games.

Tampa comes into tonight's tilt red-hot and has won 11 of its last 13 games, 14 of its last 16 and are 19-6 since May 20. It is the Devil Rays best stretch of 20 or more games ever and the only team in the league with a better record in that span is the New York Yankees, who are 18-5.

Last night, Fred McGriff belted his 493rd career home run, tying him with Lou Gehrig for 21st on the all-time list and helping the Devil Rays to a 4-1 victory over San Diego at PETCO Park.

McGriff gave the Devil Rays a 2-1 lead with his two-run blast in the sixth inning, extending the major league record he owns by homering in a 43rd different ballpark.

McGriff has never homered at the BOP.

Chad Gaudin (1-1) picked up the victory in his fifth career start, yielding one run on seven hits and a walk in five innings. He struck out four. Danys Baez got three outs in the ninth for his 13th save.

Arizona, meanwhile, salvaged the finale of its three-game set with the New York Yankees on Thursday, as Juan Brito snapped a seventh-inning tie with his first major league home run and ended with two RBI in the D-Backs 6-1 win.

Steve Sparks (3-4) pitched seven strong innings to earn the win. The knuckleballer, who snapped a four-game losing streak against the Yankees, held the high-powered New York attack in check as he yielded only three hits despite walking seven.

Danny Bautista and Shea Hillenbrand also drove in a pair of runs for the Diamondbacks, who snapped a two-game losing streak.

The Rays are 8-1 so far this season in interleague play and 46-69 overall against the NL. Last year Tampa mustered just three wins in interleague action. Arizona, meanwhile 5-4 against the AL this season and 52-48 all-time in interleague action.

TORONTO BLUE JAYS (28-38) AT SAN DIEGO PADRES (33-32), 10:05 P.M.

Probable Starting Pitchers: Toronto - Ted Lilly (5-3, 4.02) San Diego - David Wells (2-4, 3.02)

(Sports Network) - The San Diego Padres try to put the brakes on a season-high five-game losing streak this evening when they begin a three-game interleague set against the Toronto Blue Jays at PETCO Park.

San Diego's latest setback came last night, as the Padres found themselves on the wrong end of a 4-1 decision against the red-hot Tampa Bay Devil Rays. Mark Loretta knocked in the only run for San Diego, as the Padres dropped their seventh game in their last nine tries.

Loretta is riding an 11-game hitting streak.

Adam Eaton (3-7) took the loss despite giving up just two runs -- one earned -- on two hits and two walks through six innings. He fanned one.

Heading to the hill tonight for the Padres will be lefthander David Wells, who has not allowed a run in his last two starts, but has no wins to show for it. On Sunday against the New York Yankees, Wells was sensational, as he scattered five hits over seven scoreless innings. He also fanned four without walking a batter in his team's 6-5 12-inning loss.

Wells, who broke into the league with Toronto in 1987, is 4-7 lifetime against the Blue Jays with a 5.50 ERA in 14 starts.

Toronto, meanwhile, has dropped four in a row after its 8-5 loss to the San Francisco Giants on Thursday. Frank Catalanotto doubled twice and scored two runs for the Blue Jays, who reside in the AL East cellar, while Eric Hinske and Orlando Hudson each finished with a pair of hits in defeat.

Justin Speier (1-4) took the loss after surrendering three runs on four hits in two innings of work.

Toeing the rubber this evening for the Blue Jays will be lefthander Ted Lilly, who is 5-3 on the year to go along with a 4.02 ERA. Lilly, though, absorbed the loss in his last outing on Sunday against the Arizona Diamondbacks, as he allowed four runs - two earned - on six hits in 6 2/3 innings.

Lilly has faced the Padres twice in his career, one start, and is 1-0 against them with a 3.48 ERA.

Toronto is just 11-21 on the road and has lost six of the last seven games away from SkyDome. The Padres, meanwhile, are 16-15 in their ballpark.

San Diego is 2-7 against the AL this season and is 54-65 all-time in interleague play. Toronto is 3-6 against the Senior Circuit this season and is 61-69 all-time against the NL.

NEW YORK YANKEES (42-22) AT LOS ANGELES DODGERS (35-28), 10:10 P.M.

Probable Starting Pitchers: New York - Javier Vazquez (7-4, 3.43) Los Angeles - Jeff Weaver (4-7, 4.54)

(Sports Network) - The New York Yankees and Los Angeles Dodgers meet for the first time in the regular season this evening, as the two storied franchises begin a three-game interleague set at Dodger Stadium.

However, these two organizations are anything but strangers, having met on a record-setting 11 occasions in the World Series, with the Yankees winning eight of them. However, they have not met since 1981 when the Dodgers captured the title in six games.

New York has posted a 37-29 record against Los Angeles in the Fall Classic, but has dropped eight of the 11 World Series games played at Dodger Stadium, including six of the last seven dating back to Game 5 of the 1977 World Series.

The Yankees are also no strangers to Dodger Stadium, where they played the California Angels from 1962-65, compiling a 21-15 mark in that time. New York also played the Dodgers there in a pair of exhibition games prior to the start of the 1999 campaign and lost both contests.

Toeing the rubber tonight for New York will be righthander Javier Vazquez, who has won his last four decisions and is 7-4 on the season to go along with a 3.43 earned run average. However, he did not earn a decision on Sunday against the San Diego Padres, as he allowed a pair of runs on six hits in eight innings. He also matched a season-high with eight strikeouts and did not walk a batter in his team's thrilling 6-5 12-inning come-from-behind victory.

Vazquez, who spent the first six years of his career pitching in the National League, is 5-3 lifetime against the Dodgers with a 4.04 ERA in 12 starts.

Los Angeles will counter with former Yankee Jeff Weaver, who was traded by New York this past offseason for Kevin Brown after a year and a half of disappointment in the Bronx. Weaver, originally acquired by New York during the 2002 season, posted a 12-12 mark in pinstripes with a 5.35 ERA and was a constant whipping boy for the Yankee faithful.

Weaver has yet to get on track in LA, posting a 4-7 mark this season to go along with a 4.54 ERA. However, he did win his last start on Saturday against the Boston Red Sox, as he allowed five runs and five hits in five innings.

The 27-year-old righthander is 1-2 lifetime against the Yankees with a 4.72 ERA in four starts.

New York had its four-game winning streak stopped on Thursday, as it dropped a 6-1 decision to the Arizona Diamondbacks at Bank One Ballpark. Alex Rodriguez provided the offense for the Yankees with his second home run in as man nights.

Rodriguez also extended his career-high streak of reaching base safely to 53 consecutive games. It is the longest such streak in the Major Leagues this season and the longest by a Yankee since Derek Jeter reached base safely in 57 straight games from 9/24/98 through 6/5/99.

The Yankees, who have won 18 of their last 22 games overall, have been dominant in interleague play since its inception in 1997, going 79-50 against the Senior Circuit -- the second-best record in the majors -- with wins in 17 of their last 18 regular season contests against the NL.

Only the Oakland A's (81-50) have a better interleague record than New York.

LA, meanwhile, completed a sweep in their three-game interleague set against the Baltimore Orioles on Thursday with a 4-3 win. Adrian Beltre homered and finished 3-for-4 and scored twice while Jason Grabowski hit a two-run homer for the Dodgers, who have captured five of their last seven overall and upped their lead in the NL West to 1 1/2 games over the San Diego Padres.

The Dodgers are 5-4 in interleague play this season and 65-54 all-time versus the AL.

In the history of the two franchises, 159 players have worn both uniforms, with Fred Kipp, Elmer Valo and Danny McDevitt as the lone players to have worn the jersey of the New York Yankees, Brooklyn Dodgers and Los Angeles Dodgers.

Seven of the 159 players are in the Hall of Fame (Leo Durocher, Burleigh Grimes, Waite Hoyt, Wee Willie Keeler, Tony Lazzeri, Dazzy Vance and Paul Waner) while one other is certain to get the call from Cooperstown once he becomes eligible (Rickey Henderson).

Fifty-one of the 159 were All-Stars at some point in their career, including active players in this series such as Brown, who is currently on the disabled list, Weaver, Paul Quantrill and Robin Ventura.

BOSTON RED SOX (38-27) AT SAN FRANCISCO GIANTS (35-31), 10:15 P.M.

Probable Starting Pitchers: Boston - Tim Wakefield (4-5, 4.46) San Francisco - Jerome Williams (6-4, 4.30)

(Sports Network) - Tim Wakefield tries to stop a personal three-game losing streak this evening when the Boston Red Sox kick off a three-game interleague series with the San Francisco Giants at SBC Park.

Wakefield's latest setback came on Saturday against the Los Angeles Dodgers, who roughed up the knuckleballer for eight runs and 10 hits in just 4 1/3 innings of work, dropping him to 4-5 on the season, while raising his earned run average to 4.46.

The 37-year-old righthander is 1-3 lifetime against the Giants with a 4.55 ERA in four starts.

San Francisco will counter with righthander Jerome Williams, who has won his last two starts. On Sunday against the Baltimore Orioles, the 22-year-old righthander yielded three runs on six hits over 7 1/3 frames to improve to 6-4 on the season and lowered his ERA to 4.30.

Williams then celebrated his victory by shaving his head on Wednesday, as part of a promotion which saw fans do the same to get electric shavers, as well as free tickets to that night's game.

This will be his first appearance against the Boston Red Sox, but he has compiled a 4-0 lifetime interleague mark with 2.68 ERA.

The Giants come into tonight's tilt riding a four-game winning streak after Thursday's 8-5 win over the Toronto Blue Jays. Michael Tucker hit a tie- breaking two-run triple in the bottom of the eighth in the win and ended the day with three RBI, while Pedro Feliz and Dustan Mohr each collected two hits and drove in two runs to help San Francisco to its fifth win in six chances.

Reliever Jim Brower (4-3) threw two scoreless innings to pick up the win and Matt Herges hurled a 1-2-3 ninth to record his 18th save.

Boston also comes into tonight's opener on a winning note after crushing the Colorado Rockies, 11-0, in the finale of their three-game set on Thursday. Derek Lowe (6-5) allowed just four hits in seven scoreless innings with three strikeouts en route to his second victory in his last nine starts. Scott Williamson worked the eighth inning and Lenny Dinardo threw the ninth to complete the six-hitter.

David Ortiz smacked a two-run homer, collected an RBI single and a two-run double as he ended 3-for-4 for Boston, which snapped a two-game losing streak.

Mark Bellhorn and Pokey Reese each had two RBI in the triumph, while Nomar Garciaparra ended 3-for-5 with two runs scored.

Boston is 5-4 in interleague play this season and 61-69 all-time against the NL. The Giants, meanwhile, have posted a 6-3 mark in interleague play this season and are 67-52 against the AL.

06/18 11:32:56 ET

**Spark** · 06-18-2004, 04:46 PM

Friday, June 18th (All times eastern)
Cincinnati Reds (37-29) at St. Louis Cardinals (39-27), 8:10 p.m.

Probable Starting Pitchers: Cincinnati - Cory Lidle (4-5, 5.50) St. Louis - Chris Carpenter (7-2, 3.97)

(Sports Network) - There will be no lack of excitement tonight at Busch Stadium, as NL Central rivals St. Louis and Cincinnati battle while Ken Griffey Jr. will once again be going for his 500th career home run.

St. Louis owns a two-game advantage in the standings over Cincinnati and Chicago, while Milwaukee is 4 1/2 games back. The Cardinals have won four straight, including an impressive three-game sweep of the Oakland Athletics.

The Cardinals have been alone in first place for seven straight days -- their longest such streak last season was four days in a row.

The Cardinals completed their whitewash of the Athletics with a 5-4 comeback win Thursday. Reggie Sanders' pinch-hit RBI single capped a three-run ninth- inning to lift St. Louis to the victory. Albert Pujols and Cody McKay each had two hits for the Cardinals in the win.

Ray King (1-0) was credited with the win after recording the final out in the top of the ninth. St. Louis starter Jeff Suppan surrendered four runs -- three earned -- and eight hits over the first five frames.

St. Louis will hand 29-year-old righthander Chris Carpenter the ball this evening. Carpenter had a six-decision winning streak stopped last Saturday against Texas, as he was tagged for 10 hits and seven runs over 5 2/3 innings. The hurler struck out five and walked one in the losing effort -- his first since April 14.

Carpenter, who has spent most of his career in the American League with Toronto, will be facing the Reds for the first time. The Exeter, NH may be the guy that gives up Griffey's 500th homer, as he has surrendered 15 long balls in 79 1/3 innings of action.

The Reds will send 32-year-old Cory Lidle to the mound tonight. Lidle, a teammmate of Carpenter's in Toronto last season, is winless (0-1) in three June starts. The Hollywood, CA native was fortunate to avoid a defeat last Sunday against Cleveland, as he was touched up for seven hits and six runs over 5 1/3 innings. Lidle permitted four walks, while fanning two in the contest.

Lidle has appeared in five career games against the Cardinals -- going 3-1 with a 7.71 ERA. The hurler has surrendered 15 hits and eight runs over 9 1/3 career innings versus St. Louis.

Cincinnati has righted the ship with three straight wins on the heels of a seven-game losing streak. The Reds completed a three-game sweep of Texas Rangers Thursday at Great American Ball Park, posting a 4-3 win.

Sean Casey capped a three-run seventh inning with a tie-breaking sacrifice fly, as the Reds rallied for their 21st come-from-behind victory. Ryan Freel, Barry Larkin and Griffey each drove in a run for the Reds in the win.

Griffey, though, finished 0-for-3 with a sacrifice fly. He was hoping to hit the milestone homer in his hometown, but the Reds will now head out on a six- game road trip. Cincinnati is just 16-19 on the road, including seven consecutive defeats.

Tim Hummel continues to earn his place with the big club, as he went 3-for-4 with a run scored Thursday. Hummel is 9-for-14 with four runs scored, two doubles, a homer and a RBI in his last four contests.

Todd Van Poppel (3-2) went the first seven innings to win for the first time since May 15. The veteran righthander had been 0-1 in his previous five starts, but on Thursday limited the Rangers to three runs on six hits with a walk and three strikeouts.

Cincinnati reliever Todd Jones worked around a two-out single in the eighth and Danny Graves set down the side in order in the ninth to record his 27th save.

This is the first meeting of this season between these teams. Last season, the Reds owned a 9-7 edge in the set, including a 4-5 record at Busch Stadium. Since the start of the 2001 campaign, the Cardinals are 28-24 versus the Reds.

06/18 11:50:44 ET

**Spark** · 06-18-2004, 04:48 PM

Friday, June 18

National League

Cincinnati Reds at St. Louis Cardinals, 8:10 p.m.
Mostly cloudy with a 30-percent chance of rain. Winds blowing from left to right field at 5-15 m.p.h. Game-time temperature: Around 75.

Inter League

Oakland Athletics at Chicago Cubs, 3:20 p.m.
Mostly cloudy with a 40-percent chance of rain. Winds blowing from left to right field at 5-15 m.p.h. Game-time temperature: Near 80.
Kansas City Royals at Philadelphia Phillies, 7:05 p.m.
Mostly cloudy with a 60-percent chance of rain. Winds blowing from left to right field at 5-15 m.p.h. Game-time temperature: Near 85.
Seattle Mariners at Pittsburgh Pirates, 7:05 p.m.
Partly cloudy. Winds blowing out to center field at 5-15 m.p.h. Game-time temperature: Near 80.
Detroit Tigers at New York Mets, 7:10 p.m.
Mostly cloudy with a 30-percent chance of rain. Winds blowing out to right field at 5-10 m.p.h. Game-time temperature: Around 80.
Cleveland Indians at Atlanta Braves, 7:35 p.m.
Partly cloudy with a 40-percent chance of rain. Winds blowing out to right field at 5-15 m.p.h. Game-time temperature: Near 85.
Texas Rangers at Florida Marlins, 7:35 p.m.
Partly cloudy. Winds blowing in from right field at 10-20 m.p.h. Game-time temperature: Around 85.
Minnesota Twins at Milwaukee Brewers, 8:05 p.m.
Mostly cloudy with a 40-percent chance of rain. Winds blowing out to right field at 5-15 m.p.h. Game-time temperature: Around 65.
Anaheim Angels at Houston Astros, 8:05 p.m.
Partly cloudy. Winds blowing out to center field at 5-10 m.p.h. Game-time temperature: Around 85.
Baltimore Orioles at Colorado Rockies, 9:05 p.m.
Cloudy with a 60-percent chance of rain. Winds blowing out to left field at 5-15 m.p.h. Game-time temperature: Near 55.
Tampa Bay Devil Rays at Arizona Diamondbacks, 10:05 p.m.
Clear. Winds blowing from left to right field at 10-15 m.p.h. Game-time temperature: Near 100.
Toronto Blue Jays at San Diego Padres, 10:05 p.m.
Mostly cloudy. Winds blowing from left to right field at 5-15 m.p.h. Game-time temperature: Near 70.
New York Yankees at Los Angeles Dodgers, 10:10 p.m.
Partly cloudy. Winds blowing out to right field at 5-15 m.p.h. Game-time temperature: Around 70.
Boston Red Sox at San Francisco Giants, 10:15 p.m.
Partly cloudy. Winds blowing out to left field at 10-20 m.p.h. Game-time temperature: Around 60.

**Spark** · 06-18-2004, 04:57 PM

Ken Griffey Jr. will try for his 500th career homer tonight.

--White Sox slugger Frank Thomas tweaked his ankle Thursday and is "questionable" for tonight's game at Montreal. With no DH, either Thomas or Paul Konerko will be on the bench. Take note of this morning's pitching change for the Expos. Frank Robinson will send T.J. Tucker to the mound for his first starting assignment of the season. Tucker is 0-1 with a 3.21 ERA in 13 appearances out of the bullpen in 2004. Tucker did start seven games last year, posting a 1-2 record and 4.05 ERA. The Expos have lost six in a row.

--Cincinnati completed a home sweep of Texas yesterday by rallying for a 4-3 win. However, the Reds go back on the road tonight for the opener of a series in St. Louis. Cincy has lost seven in a row on the road. The 'over' has cashed in all seven of those games, in addition to nine of the last 10 Cincy road games. The 'over' is 23-12 overall for the Reds in road games.

--Back to the Expos, who have watched the 'under' prevail at a 39-24 clip this season. Like I've said in this space a few times in the last two weeks, this trend isn't going to continue to produce. Montreal's pitching won't hold up, and the loss of Tomo Ohka for at least two months is a tough blow. Plus, the hitting is going to get better with Nick Johnson now healthy, and Carl Everett coming back from the disabled list this week. On this note, it's no surprise that the 'over' has cashed in four consecutive Montreal games.

--Ken Griffey Jr. will try to hit his 500th again tonight. He has three hits in 11 career at-bats versus St. Louis starter Chris Carpenter.

--Baltimore's Melvin Mora left last night's loss to the Dodgers in the first inning with a foot injury. He is "doubtful" for tonight's game but shouldn't miss too much time.

--Break up the Devil Rays! Tampa Bay has won eight in a row and 19 of its last 25. Forget the notion that NL teams are lucky to get the D-Rays on their schedule. Tampa Bay is 8-1 in interleague play this season. Skipper Lou Piniella will rest left-handed hitters Fred McGriff and Tino Martinez against Randy Johnson tonight. The D-Rays can be had at generous plus-200 odds at most sports books.

--Cubs slugger Sammy Sosa is expected to be activated from the DL and be in tonight's starting lineup. However, Moises Alou isn't likely to play tonight. Dusty Baker's team returns home with a six-game winning streak.

--Florida's Jeff Conine is "questionable" for tonight's home game against the Rangers. Anaheim's David Eckstein is also a question mark.

--The White Sox are 11-3 with Mark Buehrle on the mound. The lefty is the fourth-best money pitcher in all of baseball, helping his club bring home 8.1 units of profit. The 'over' is 11-3 in Buehrle's 14 assignments.

--The Orioles face Shawn Estes tonight at Coors Field. Baltimore is only 1-8 against southpaws on the road.

Never bet more than you can afford. Resist the temptation to go for the big payoff. Keep your bet sizes affordable and consistent. Discipline is by far the biggest key to being successful at betting on sports.

**trick4** · 06-18-2004, 05:17 PM

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