Trends ... Wednesday

[Spark]

Game of Day
Padres (Peavy) @ Cubs (Prior)-- Padres are 7-2 in last nine Peavy road starts, 17-4 if they give him four or more runs; he is 3-0, 1.01 in his last four starts, as his last five starts stayed under total. Prior makes first '05 start after injury issues slowed him in spring- he is 1-0, 0.74 in his last three starts, all unders. This game got rained out yesterday, is part of twinbill today.


Hot pitchers
-- Fogg is 3-0, 2.10 in his last five starts.
-- Lidle is 5-1, 2.64 in his last seven starts. Willis threw 97-pitch complete game shutout his first 2005 start; last year, he was 2-1, 2.49 against Philadelphia.
-- Ortiz was on winning side in four of his last five starts (2-1, 4.26).
-- Star prospect Francis is 3-1, 4.02 in his last 6 starts.
-- Thomson is 6-0, 1.75 in his last ten regular season starts; Braves won his last six at home.
-- Clemens was on winning side in last ten starts in the regular season (5-0, 1.45 in last six).
-- Tomko is 5-2, 2.02 in his last nine starts, but lost to Dodgers 6-0 last week, and is making his eighth start vs Dodgers since start of last season. Perez is 2-1, 2.04 in his last four starts; he won his last three vs the Giants.

-- Greinke got hit by line drive last week, and left in 3rd inning. Royals won four of his last five home starts.
-- Schilling was as hot as you can get last October; he got pounded in rehab start at Indy, but will have juices flowing when he once again opposes Bronx in Fenway. Doubtful his ankle is yet 100%.


Cold pitchers
-- Capuano is 0-2, 14.73 in his last three starts.
-- Mulder is 0-4, 9.30 in his last eight starts.
-- Wood is 0-2, 4.39 in his last four starts; in his debut this season, he threw 102 pitches in 5.2 IP. Lawrence is 2-5, 6.00 in his last eight starts.
-- Estes has one win in his last six starts; last year, he was Colorado's Opening Day starting pitcher.
-- Ohka is 0-2, 4.10 in his last five starts.
-- Ishii is 0-2, 6.65 in his last five starts.

-- Sele is 1-3, 10.80 in his last eight starts.
-- Wright allowed six runs in four IP in his first start for Bronx last week.
-- Lee is 3-4, 9.00 in his last eight starts; he allowed 5 runs in 3.1 IP against White Sox last week. Contreras is 1-0, 1.28 in last three starts vs Tribe, but has no wins in his last seven starts overall.
-- Bedard has only two wins in last ten starts, but threw seven innings, allowing one run in first '05 start. Rays' Hendrickson is 1-6, 8.25 in his last nine starts.
-- Park is 0-3, 7.00 in his last seven starts. Byrd gave up six runs in seven innings in his first '05 start.
-- Lohse is 2-3, 6.57 in his last seven starts. Johnson ended seven-game losing streak when he threw blanks for 6.1 innings against the Royals last week.


Totals
-- 12 of last 17 Fogg starts stayed under the total, but only one of Capuano's last eight starts stayed under.
-- Three of last four Willis starts stayed under the total.
-- Under is 8-4 in last dozen Ortiz starts, 5-0 in his last five on the road, but over is 10-3 last 13 Mulder starts.
-- Under is 5-0 in last five Peavy starts, 3-0 in last three by Prior.
-- Over is 8-2 in last ten starts by Estes.
-- Over is 6-2 in Ishii's last eight starts.
-- Six of last seven Brave games stayed under total, as did ten of last fourteen Thomson starts.
-- Average total in last four Giant games is 14.0.

-- Over is 13-4 in Sele's last seventeen starts.
-- Under is 6-2 in last eight Wright starts.
-- Over is 5-1 in last six Contreras starts.
-- Over is 5-1 in last six Hendrickson starts.
-- Average total in last seven Texas games is 14.7. LA Angels allowed 6+ runs in four of last five games.
-- Over is 6-1 in last seven Johnson starts, 5-2 in last seven starts by Lohse.
-- Over is 8-4 in last dozen starts by Bush.


Hot teams
-- Brewers won five of their first seven games.
-- Phillies won three of their last four games.
-- Arizona won their last three games, allowing six runs.
-- Braves are 5-2 in last seven games, despite blowing ninth-inning lead in last night's game. Nationals are 0-3 in series openers, 4-1 in the other games.
-- Astros won four of last five games, but blew lead in first road game Monday, losing to Mets. NY scored a total of ten 8th-inning runs in winning last two games.
-- Dodgers won five of last six games, scoring 45 runs.

-- Orioles scored 31 runs in winning three of their last four games.
-- White Sox won three of their last four games.
-- Toronto won four in row and is 6-2 this season.

Cold teams
-- Pirates lost five of their first seven games.
-- Florida is 4-4, scoring 8.5 rpg in their wins, 1.8 rpg in their losses.
-- Reds are 0-4 on road, as home team won all seven of their games this season. Cardinals are 3-0 in series openers, 0-3 in other games.
-- Cubs lost four of their last six games. Padres are 3-4 with a pair of 1-0 wins under their belts already.
-- Colorado lost its sixth in row last night and is 0-5 on foreign soil; they blew 8th-inning lead last night.
-- Giants won three of last four games, but are 1-3 vs Dodgers so far this season.

-- Tigers lost three of their last four games.
-- Royals scoring 7.0 rpg in their three wins, 2.5 in their four losses.
-- Bronx lost four of last five games, allowing 39 runs.
-- Seattle split last four games, despite scoring 29 runs.
-- Rangers allowed 41 runs in their last five games.
-- A's lost four of last five games, scoring 15 runs.

[Spark]

Game of the Day
Grizzlies @ Rockets-- Memphis won five of its last seven games, with six of those seven staying under the total. Rockets beat Griz twice early in season, but they returned favor with 99-80 home win Jan 17. Rockets won, covered last three games; 13 of their last sixteen games stayed under the total.


Elsewhere, Bulls won twelve of last fourteen games, just losing 85-84 to Detroit, after clinching playoff spot; over is 6-2 in their last eight games. Wizards ended five-game loss streak with win Monday; four of their last five games went over the total.

Hawks, Bobcats met two nights ago in Atlanta, with the expansion guests winning in OT. Atlanta's last two losses are both in OT, with a win in between.Five of last six Hawk games went over total. Charlotte ended eight-loss streak Monday, with seven of last eight going over total.

Detroit won last seven games (6-0-1 vs spread); Friday, they won 114-102 at Orlando, now go for fourth home win in row- three of their last four home games stayed under total. Magic lost their last four games (0-3 in last three vs spread); their last six games went over total.

Celtics got much-needed win last night, their third in four nights, and puts them in good shape to win division; they beat Milwaukee 103-97 a week ago at Fleet Center. Last three Boston games stayed under. Bucks lost 11 of last 13 games, with three of last four staying under total.

Pacers won nine of last eleven games, with three of last four staying under. Indy beat Nets 96-83 Dec 30, then lost back-to-back games last month, 94-85, 98-91, as they played twice in three nights. Nets won three in row and six of last seven; they've been off since Saturday.

Golden State hot streak halted with double OT loss to Spurs, then loss at even hotter Denver. Last five Warrior games, and ten of last eleven contests went over the total Wolves are on last breath, playoff-wise, trailing by four games, after an abysmal loss at Atlanta in their last game

Hornets lost last four games, including 99-85 loss in the desert last night; they're 1-5 vs spread in last six games, with last seven staying under total. Denver still jockeying for playoff position; they've won eight games in row (7-1 vs spread, covering last five in a row).

Seattle floundering with Lewis hurt, losing five in a row, going 0-7 vs spread in last seven, 2-13 in the last fifteen. Three of last four Seattle games went over. Dallas won four in row and 12 of last 14; they're 8-4 vs spread since Avery Johnson became permanent head coach.

Jazz lost six of last nine home games, are back home as 1-3 road trip ends; they lost 94-85 at Clippers last night in game that wasn't nearly that close (45-33 at the half). Spurs beat Portland at home last night; seven of their last nine games stayed under the total.

[Spark]

13) Rash of dropped fly balls so far this season. Saw something weird in Giant-Dodger game, as Tucker of Giants dropped fly with bases loaded, still got force at second, but run scored, so he was spared an error.

12) How would you like to be the new owner of the Cavaliers, if Lebron James asks to be traded?

11) Roger Bresnahan was the first catcher to wear a mask, way back in 1907. Smart guy.

10) Rumor out there that Red McCombs will sell the Vikings, buy the Saints, then shell out $81 million and move the Saints to his hometown of San Antonio.

9) All but three infields in Japanese baseball are carpet the other three are all-dirt infields.

8) Pat Burrell had 17 RBI in his first seven games; he must be glad to be rid of Larry Bowa. Question #1 for me would be, why did they let Scott Rolen get away?

7) Devil Rays are getting better, but will they be able to overcome 38 games a year vs Bronx and Boston? And when Piniella gets tired of the struggle, they will need a strong manager to take his place.

6) NBA regular season only has a week to go; follow all the playoff action here on ***************, as we'll toss around ideas on every game through the Finals.

5) Colorado Rockies' 1-5 start is their worst ever.

4) Reds were last team in majors not to make an error

3) Reds and Rockies both started 0-3 on the road; for teams whose pitchers have issues at home, a bad sign.

2) As far as I'm concerned, Pedro Martinez' place on Monday was to be in Shea Stadium, at home opener for his new team. Anyone who says anything else is a Red Sox fan, or totally clueless, or both.

1) Hey what a sports weekend we have coming up, as the NHL playoffs are in ful--- oh wait, WNBA Draft is this we-- no, that's no good, the NFL Draft is th- no that's next weekend, ahh, forget it.............

[keawe]

Thanks for all the info Spark!!
Goodluck today buddy!!

[No.1Swami]

its peavy against wood and lawrence against prior

[Spark]

SEATTLE MARINERS (3-4) AT KANSAS CITY ROYALS (3-4), 2:10 P.M. -------------------------------------------------------------

Probable Starting Pitchers: Seattle - Aaron Sele (0-0, 6.35) Kansas City - Zack Greinke (0-0, 0.00)

(Sports Network) - Seattle manager Mike Hargrove can reach a significant milestone this afternoon, as the Mariners take on the Kansas City Royals in the middle portion of a three-game set at Kauffman Stadium.

Hargrove can become the 51st manager in major league history to reach 1,000 wins. He was signed to a three-year contract in the offseason to skipper the Mariners and has a lifetime record of 999-967 and has won five division titles and two American League pennants in his 13-plus seasons with Cleveland and Baltimore.

After having his 2005 debut cut short, Zack Greinke hopes to go a bit deeper into the contest today for the Royals. The righthander had to leave his first outing after only 2 1/3 innings last Thursday in Detroit. He was struck in the right forearm by a line drive off the bat of Jose Guillen. Greinke allowed no runs on four hits in the game, which the Royals wound up losing, 7-3.

In 2004, his rookie season, Greinke started one game against the Mariners, allowing four runs on 10 hits in six innings in a 7-5 loss on August 27.

Aaron Sele will toe the rubber for the Mariners today, as he makes his second start in his second go-around with the team. He got a no-decision in a 9-6 victory over Texas last Friday, allowing four runs on six hits in 5 2/3 innings of work. Sele did not strike out a batter and walked three.

Lifetime against Kansas City, Sele is 8-9 with a 4.99 ERA in 23 games -- all starts.

In Monday's series opener, Ryan Franklin carried a three-hit shutout into the ninth inning and Adrian Beltre cracked a two-run homer as Seattle routed Kansas City, 8-2, to spoil the Royals' home opener.

Ichiro Suzuki ended 2-for-5 with two RBI to extend his season-opening hitting streak to seven games and 20 overall dating back to last season for Seattle. He has smacked two hits in six of the first seven games this year.

Miguel Olivo collected a pair of hits with two RBI, while Bret Boone finished 2-for-5 with an RBI and a run scored as the Mariners snapped a two-game slide.

After surrendering singles in each of the first three innings, Franklin buckled down and stymied Kansas City's offense, retiring the next 15 batters he faced before Ruben Gotay drew a one-out walk in the ninth. Franklin, making his first start of the season, allowed two runs on five hits to earn the win. He fanned one with two walks.

Kansas City starter Runelvys Hernandez was not as fortunate on the mound, allowing four runs on eight hits in 7 1/3 innings to get tagged with the loss. He fanned four with three walks for the Royals, who have dropped three of five. Emil Brown and Terrence Long each had an RBI single for KC in the setback.

Seattle went 5-2 against Kansas City last season, including a 1-1 mark at Kauffman Stadium.


NEW YORK YANKEES (3-4) AT BOSTON RED SOX (3-4), 7:05 P.M. ---------------------------------------------------------

Probable Starting Pitchers: New York - Jaret Wright (0-1, 13.50) Boston - Curt Schilling (0-0, 0.00)

(Sports Network) - The bloody sock of Curt Schilling was a signature moment of the World Series title run for the Boston Red Sox last season. The veteran righthander, who has been recovering from ankle surgery, will be activated off the disabled list to start the middle contest of a three-game series, tonight against the New York Yankees at Fenway Park.

Tonight marks his first start since Game 2 of the World Series, a 6-2 win for the Red Sox over St. Louis at Fenway Park on October 24. He had surgery to repair a detached tendon in his right ankle November 8, and required only one rehab start last Thursday with Triple-A Pawtucket. Although the 38-year-old had a poor outing, allowing seven runs on 11 hits over six innings, the Red Sox proclaim he's ready for his first start of 2005.

Schilling topped the majors with 21 wins (21-6) last season and was ranked second in the American League with a 3.26 ERA, third with 203 strikeouts and fourth with a .239 batting average against. He became just the eighth pitcher in club history to win 20 games in his first season in a Red Sox uniform and won his final eight decisions of the season while the Red Sox went 9-0 over his final nine starts. Schilling hasn't lost in the regular season since August 9 to Tampa Bay. He was also dominant at Fenway Park, posting a 12-1 mark in 18 home starts.

Schilling made two starts versus the Yankees in the ALCS last year, losing Game 1 in the Bronx, but then winning Game 6 with a brave performance after giving up one run on four hits in seven innings. During his career, Schilling is 3-2 with a 4.72 ERA in 10 regular season appearances (7 starts) against the Yankees.

The Red Sox got their World Series championship rings on Monday and then battered their AL East rivals, 8-1. Tim Wakefield pitched seven strong innings and Doug Mirabelli belted a two-run homer. Trot Nixon and Kevin Millar both drove in a pair of runs. Red Sox manager Terry Francona made his return to the dugout Monday after missing the past four games following his hospitalization for chest pains.

Gary Sheffield collected two hits and Alex Rodriguez scored New York's only run in the fourth inning.

Jaret Wright will be on the mound tonight for the Yankees, as he makes his second start of the season. The righthander faced the Orioles last Friday, and in his first appearance in a Yankee uniform took the loss after allowing eight hits and six runs in only four innings. In his career versus Boston, Wright is 0-3 with a 7.79 ERA in seven starts.

The Yankees won two of three games from the Red Sox last week. Boston won 11 of 19 matchups during the regular season last year.


CHICAGO WHITE SOX (5-2) AT CLEVELAND INDIANS (3-4), 7:05 P.M. -------------------------------------------------------------

Probable Starting Pitchers: Chicago - Jose Contreras (0-0, 1.50) Cleveland - Cliff Lee (0-0, 3.50)

(Sports Network) - The Chicago White Sox try to keep up their hot start to the 2005 season tonight when they take on the Cleveland Indians in the middle portion of a three-game set at Jacobs Field.

Chicago took two-of-three from the Indians and Twins to start the season, and began this set with a 2-1 victory over the Tribe on Monday. Scott Podsednik finished 2-for-4 with a run scored and an RBI and Freddy Garcia hurled eight strong innings to lift the Sox to the decision.

Joe Crede also added a pair of hits for the Pale Hose, who improved to 5-2 on the season. Carl Everett drove in the other run for the White Sox.

Garcia surrendered just one run and four hits, while striking out four batters and walking two. Garcia picked up his 86th career win, placing him second all- time among Venezuelan pitchers. Wilson Alvarez is first on the list with 101 victories. Shingo Takatsu retired the final batter of the game to nail down his third save of the season.

Travis Hafner drove in the lone run for the Indians, who dropped to 3-4 on the season. Kevin Millwood was dealt the tough-luck loss after surrendering two runs and six hits in seven innings. Millwood also tossed six shutout innings in his Cleveland debut last Wednesday against the White Sox only to see the bullpen blow that lead.

This evening the White Sox will hand the ball to Jose Contreras, who didn't factor into the decision despite a solid performance against the Indians last Thursday. Contreras allowed only one run on four hits in six innings of work, but the bullpen imploded thereafter. Takatsu allowed three home runs in the ninth inning to tie the contest, then the Tribe put six runs on the board in the 11th to provide the difference in an 11-5 contest.

In his career against Cleveland, Contreras is 1-0 with a 1.31 ERA in three starts.

The Tribe will counter with lefthander Cliff Lee, who hopes to bounce back from a less than spectacular 2005 debut. The 26-year-old was touched for five runs on eight hits in only 3 1/3 innings of work in last Thursday's game, but was bailed out by the ChiSox bullpen collapse. Lee struck out four and walked one.

Lifetime against the Pale Hose, Lee is 2-2 with a 7.13 ERA in seven starts.

Chicago is 51-42 against Cleveland since 2000.


BALTIMORE ORIOLES (4-3) AT TAMPA BAY DEVIL RAYS (3-4), 7:05 P.M. ----------------------------------------------------------------

Probable Starting Pitchers: Baltimore - Erik Bedard (0-0, 1.29) Tampa Bay - Mark Hendrickson (0-0, 2.70)

(Sports Network) - Brian Roberts has been on track offensively for Baltimore all season, while Sammy Sosa is starting to show signs that his power is returning. The two hope to help the Orioles to their third straight win as they resume a three-game series versus the Tampa Bay Devil Rays tonight at Tropicana Field.

Roberts went 2-for-4, including his fourth home run of the season, three runs batted in, two runs scored and two steals in Baltimore's 7-6 win last night. Roberts has hit safely in all seven games this season and is batting a robust .414 (12-for-29).

Although Sosa is batting just .241 this season, he did drill his first homer in an Orioles uniform last night, connecting off Scott Kazmir in the third inning for a solo blast. Sosa has 575 career homers, eight shy of Mark McGwire for sixth place on the all-time list and 11 short of Frank Robinson for fifth.

Erik Bedard starts tonight's game for Baltimore. The 26-year-old lefthander gave up just three hits and a run over seven innings in a no-decision versus Oakland last Thursday. He is 1-1 with a 4.58 ERA in five games (4 starts) during his career against the Devil Rays.

Mark Hendrickson will be on the mound tonight for Tampa Bay. The 6'9" lefthander didn't get a decision in his first outing of the season, last Wednesday, when he allowed six hits and three runs -- two earned -- over 6 2/3 innings versus his former team - the Toronto Blue Jays.

Hendrickson has appeared in more games (12), pitched more innings (67) and owns more wins (4) against the Orioles than any other club overall he is 4-3 with a 4.03 ERA in the dozen games (11 starts).

The series concludes tomorrow night with Sidney Ponson expected to pitch for Baltimore against Rob Bell. Tampa Bay outfielder Alex Sanchez will be eligible to return from his 10-day suspension tomorrow. Sanchez was suspended after violating Major League Baseball's new steroid policy.

Last season Baltimore won the season series, 11-8, over the Devil Rays. The two teams have been pretty well matched over the past three years, with the Orioles holding a 30-28 edge in that span.


LA ANGELS OF ANAHEIM (5-3) AT TEXAS RANGERS (3-5), 8:05 P.M. ------------------------------------------------------------

Probable Starting Pitchers: LA Angels - Paul Byrd (0-1, 5.14) Texas - Chan Ho Park (0-0, 4.76)

(Sports Network) - The Angels hope to have reigning American League MVP Vladimir Guerrero in the lineup tonight, as they go for a three-game sweep of the Texas Rangers at Ameriquest Field.

Guerrero left last night's 13-8 win after bruising his right knee while stealing a base in the third inning. In 23 career games against the Rangers, Guerrero has a .415 average with nine homers and 16 RBI.

Righthander Paul Byrd will be on the mound tonight for the Angels. He suffered the loss last Friday against Kansas City after allowing nine hits and six runs -- four earned -- in seven innings. He is 3-6 lifetime against the Rangers.

Texas will send righthander Chan Ho Park to the hill this evening. He made his first start of the season Friday in Seattle, taking a no-decision in the Rangers' 9-6 loss. Park allowed four hits and three runs in 5 2/3 innings. He made four starts against Anaheim last season, going 0-4 with a 9.00 ERA. He is 3-6 lifetime against the Angels.

Last night, Orlando Cabrera went 2-for-4 and drove in three runs to lead a 14- hit attack as the Angels outslugged Texas, 13-8. Jeff DaVanon compiled two hits, three runs scored and two RBI for the Angels, who are 4-1 versus Texas this season.

Hank Blalock finished 3-for-4 with two RBI while David Dellucci and Adrian Gonzalez each homered for Texas.

The Angels have won 10 of the last 14 meetings, dating back to last year. With a win tonight, the Angels can sweep a three-game set at Texas for the first time since September 19-21, 1997.


DETROIT TIGERS (3-4) AT MINNESOTA TWINS (4-3), 8:10 P.M. --------------------------------------------------------

Probable Starting Pitchers: Detroit - Jason Johnson (1-0, 0.00) Minnesota - Kyle Lohse (0-1, 6.75)

(Sports Network) - A night after a comeback victory, the Minnesota Twins try for their third straight win when they host the Detroit Tigers in the middle portion of a three-game set at the Metrodome.

En route to Tuesday's 5-4 decision, the Twins did something that had never done -- post an earned run against Tigers closer Troy Percival. Shannon Stewart doubled home a run in the bottom of the ninth inning to lift the Twins.

Stewart drilled the first pitch from Percival deep to center field and Lew Ford raced home from second as the ball bounced over the wall for a ground rule double with one out in the ninth. It was the first earned run ever for the Twins against Percival in 40 1/3 innings.

Michael Cuddyer also homered for the Twins, who have won two straight. Juan Rincon retired all three batters he faced in the top of the ninth to earn the win.

Twins starter Joe Mays made his first start since August 29, 2003 and gave up three runs in five innings. Mays struck out three, but walked four. Mays, who did make a relief appearance this season, missed all of last year after Tommy John surgery.

Cuddyer and Jason Bartlett homered for the Twins. Juan Rincon retired all three batters he faced in the top of the ninth to earn the win.

Craig Monroe homered for Detroit, which has lost three of its last four games.

Jason Johnson will take the hill for the Tigers tonight, after winning his first outing of the season last Thursday against the Royals. Johnson tossed 6 2/3 innings of shutout ball in the 7-3 victory. He allowed five hits while striking out four and walking one.

Johnson has appeared in 12 games (11 starts) against Minnesota during his career, going 6-4 with a 4.02 ERA.

The Twins will counter with Kyle Lohse, who was touched for four runs on seven hits in just 5 1/3 innings against the White Sox last Friday. The 26-year-old righthander took the loss in the 5-1 defeat.

Lifetime against Detroit, Lohse is 5-1 with a 4.26 ERA in 11 starts.

On the injury front, Detroit's Magglio Ordonez, who missed four games due to a viral infection, returned to the lineup but went 0-for-4 with two strikeouts.

Minnesota went 12-7 against Detroit last season.

Yesterday, the Twins placed first baseman Justin Morneau on the 15-day disabled list, retroactive to April 7, with a concussion. Morneau suffered the injury when he was hit in the head with a pitch in last Wednesday's game against the Mariners.


TORONTO BLUE JAYS (6-2) AT OAKLAND ATHLETICS (3-5), 10:05 P.M. --------------------------------------------------------------

Probable Starting Pitchers: Toronto - David Bush - (0-1, 5.40) Oakland - Joe Blanton - (0-0, 3.60)

(Sports Network) - The Toronto Blue Jays try to continue their torrid start and sweep the Oakland Athletics tonight when the teams conclude their three- game series at McAfee Coliseum.

Toronto is a major league-best 6-2 in the early going, leads the majors with 52 runs and is third with 11 homers. The Jays have won their first three series for the first time since 2001 when they did so in six straight.

The Blue Jays can also sweep a three-game set at Oakland for the first time since August 30 - September 1, 1993.

Tonight the Blue Jays will hand the ball to David Bush, who suffered the loss in one of the team's two defeats this season. Last Friday he allowed three runs on four hits in five innings of work during a 6-5 loss to Boston at Rogers Centre. He struck out one and walked two.

Bush has faced Oakland only once in his career, last July 20 at the Coliseum. He pitched eight innings of shutout ball, striking out six and walking three. However, the A's won 1-0 in 14 innings and he got a no-decision.

Oakland will counter with Joe Blanton, who makes his second 2005 start after a no-decision against Tampa Bay last Friday. Blanton allowed two runs on four hits in five innings of work, but the A's lost 3-2 in 10 innings. Blanton has never faced Toronto in his career.

On Tuesday, Eric Hinske belted a three-run homer and Josh Towers worked 6 2/3 solid innings, as the streaking Blue Jays downed the Athletics, 5-2. Towers allowed two runs on six hits with six strikeouts for the Blue Jays, who have captured four straight. This marks the Blue Jays' best start since the 1992 season (7-1), when they won the first of their back-to-back World Series titles.

Gregg Zaun homered and Shea Hillenbrand recorded two hits with a run scored in the victory.

Danny Haren allowed four runs -- three earned -- on five hits in seven innings and absorbed the loss. Haren truck out three and issued three walks. Nick Swisher drove in a pair of runs for the A's in the loss.

Oakland went 6-3 against Toronto last season, including a 4-2 mark at home.

[Spark]

National League Game Previews Wednesday, April 13th

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PITTSBURGH PIRATES (3-5) AT MILWAUKEE BREWERS (4-3), 1:05 P.M. --------------------------------------------------------------

Probable Starting Pitchers: Pittsburgh - Josh Fogg (1-0, 1.42) Milwaukee - Chris Capuano (0-0, 5.06)

(Sports Network) - The Pittsburgh Pirates have struggled driving in runs this season, but today will try to win a three-game set from the Milwaukee Brewers at Miller Park. Daryle Ward belted a two-run homer and David Ross added a solo shot in Pittsburgh's 4-2 triumph last night, leaving today's contest as the rubber match of the series.

The Pirates have gone 10-for-54 (.185) with runners in scoring position this season. They went 2-for-8 in the two games versus Milwaukee last week, 5-for-32 (.156) in the four against the Padres and 3-for-14 in the last two games against the Brewers.

Josh Fogg will be on the hill today for the Pirates. The 28-year-old righthander will be making his second start of the season after a 3-2 win at San Diego on Friday night. In that game, he allowed four hits and a run over 6 1/3 innings. Fogg went 3-0 with a 1.42 ERA in three starts against the Brewers last year and is 5-2 with a 3.39 ERA in 10 career starts versus Milwaukee. He has gone 1-0 with a 3.28 ERA in four career appearances at Miller Park.

Chris Capuano toes the rubber this afternoon for the Brewers. The righty, who is 0-1 with a 10.13 ERA all-time against the Pirates, started last Friday's 12-inning win over the Chicago Cubs. In that contest, Capuano threw 5 1/3 innings, struck out seven batters and yielded five hits and three runs.

Mark Redman tossed six solid innings for last night's win. He allowed two runs on five hits, while walking none and striking out five. Redman was struck very hard in the knee by a Carlos Lee line drive, but shook it off.

Rob Mackowiak went 4-for-4 and scored a run for the Pirates, while Ross finished with three hits and two runs batted in.

Brady Clark and Lee each had two hits for the Brewers.

With his next appearance, Benito Santiago will tie Al Lopez for sixth place on the all-time list for most career games caught with 1,918.

The Pirates have gone 1-3 against the Brewers this season and have lost five of the last seven meetings, dating back to last year. Milwaukee has outscored the Pirates 27-10 this season.


SAN DIEGO PADRES (4-3) AT CHICAGO CUBS (3-4), 1:05 P.M. (DH) ------------------------------------------------------------

Probable Starting Pitchers: San Diego - Jake Peavy (0-0, 0.00) - Brian Lawrence (0-1, 2.57) Chicago - Kerry Wood (0-0, 3.18) - Mark Prior (0-0, 0.00)

(Sports Network) - Chicago's familiar 1-2 punch of Kerry Wood and Mark Prior will be on the mound this afternoon, as the Cubs take on the San Diego Padres in a doubleheader from Wrigley Field. The Cubs lost 1-0 on Monday, but yesterday's contest was rained out.

It was just two years ago that Wood and Prior were instrumental in leading the Cubs to the playoffs, as they combined for 32 victories. Last year was a different story, as both pitchers were limited due to injuries and they totaled a 14-13 mark.

Wood had his first start of the season pushed back due to shoulder problems, but pitched last Friday against the Brewers and allowed four hits and two runs in 5 2/3 innings of a no-decision. The powerful righthander also walked five and struck out seven. He's 2-2 with a 2.84 ERA in four career starts against the Padres.

Prior has been suffering from inflammation in his right elbow and began the season on the 15-day DL, but was activated yesterday. The Cubs, who had been using a four-man rotation, will now ease the 24-year-old righthander back into the mix. He had missed most of spring training with the elbow injury, making just one start in Cactus League play. Prior also made a rehab start at Triple- A Iowa last week, throwing 88 pitches in six innings.

Prior did not pitch until June last season because of problems with his right Achilles and elbow. He was limited to 21 starts and finished 6-4 with a 4.02 ERA. He is 1-1 with a 7.20 ERA in three career appearances versus San Diego.

Jake Peavy, who led the majors with a 2.27 ERA last year, has yet to let up a run as he heads into his second start for the Padres. The righthander, who will pitch the opener, allowed four hits, walked two and struck out 10 in 6 2/3 innings of a no-decision versus Pittsburgh on Thursday. He has yet to record a decision in two starts versus the Cubs and has a 2.45 ERA.

Brian Lawrence toes the rubber in game two for the Padres. The righty took the loss last Friday against the Pirates, but still pitched well. He allowed two runs on seven hits over seven innings as the Padres lost 3-2. He hasn't faced the Cubs since August 5, 2003 at San Diego, and is 0-3 with a 2.84 ERA in four lifetime games versus Chicago.

The Padres won Monday, 1-0, by taking advantage of an error by new Chicago rightfielder Jeromy Burnitz. Ramon Hernandez finished 2-for-4 with a run batted in and Adam Eaton tossed six strong innings to help the Padres to the victory. Ryan Klesko doubled and Xavier Nady added a single for San Diego, which won despite getting just four hits.

Derrek Lee had two of Chicago's six hits. The Cubs' big mistake came in the sixth inning when Burnitz dropped a line drive hit by Brian Giles. Klesko doubled to right, and one out later Hernandez grounded out to drive in the game's only run.

Cubs outfielder Corey Patterson has hit safely in all seven games this season.

Padres shortstop Khalil Greene already has three errors this year.

The Cubs won four of the six meetings last season and are 8-5 versus the Padres since the start of 2003.


PHILADELPHIA PHILLIES (4-4) AT FLORIDA MARLINS (4-4), 1:05 P.M. --------------------------------------------------------------

Probable Starting Pitchers: Philadelphia - Cory Lidle (0-0, 1.69) Florida - Dontrelle Willis (1-0, 0.00)

(Sports Network) - It's been feast or famine for the Florida Marlins this season. They have outscored their opponents 34-2 in their four wins, but in their losses Jack McKeon's club has been beaten by only a 13-6 count. One of those lopsided victories as a shutout by Dontrelle Willis, and he takes the mound this afternoon for the Marlins in the rubber match of a three-game series versus the Philadelphia Phillies in Miami.

Willis threw a five-hit shutout versus Washington last Friday. The lefthander walked one and struck out three in the dominant performance. He is 2-1 with a 2.91 ERA in seven career starts against Philadelphia.

The Marlins posted an 8-2 win last night behind a complete-game effort from A.J. Burnett, who surrendered just two early runs and gave up eight hits. Mike Lowell and Paul Lo Duca each hit a two-run homer. Lo Duca finished 3-for-4 and scored twice and Miguel Cabrera added a solo shot for the Marlins.

Phillies leftfielder Pat Burrell failed to drive in a run in a game for the first time this season. He did, however, extend his hitting streak to eight games. His 17 RBI are just five shy of the team record for April. That mark is held by Von Hayes, who drove in 22 runs in April of 1989.

Cory Lidle will be on the mound this afternoon for the Phillies. The righthander didn't get a decision last Friday at St. Louis when he allowed five hits and two runs -- one earned -- in 5 1/3 innings. The righthander has an unblemished 2-0 mark in 10 games (4 starts) all-time against the Marlins.

Several Phillies have struggled to hit Willis during his career, namely David Bell (1-for-11), Placido Polanco (3-for-21), Jimmy Rollins (3-for-20) and Jim Thome (3-for-16).

Jeff Conine is 16-for-28 (.571) lifetime against Lidle with three homers and nine RBI.

The Phillies had a difficult time solving the Marlins most of last season, losing 11 of the first 12 matchups, until late September, when they captured six of the final seven meetings. Florida has won 25 of the last 35 matchups and the Marlins are 15-6 versus the Phillies in Miami since the start of 2003.


WASHINGTON NATIONALS (4-4) AT ATLANTA BRAVES (5-3), 1:05 P.M. -------------------------------------------------------------

Probable Starting Pitchers: Washington - Tomo Ohka (0-1, 4.50) Atlanta - John Thomson (1-0, 1.29)

(Sports Network) - Tomo Ohka tries to secure his first win in Atlanta in nearly four years, as the Washington Nationals play the Braves this afternoon in the rubber match of a three-game series at Turner Field.

Ohka last posted a win at Turner Field on August 30, 2001. It was his fifth start for the Expos after being acquired from Boston. The Japanese righthander is 2-5 with a 4.48 ERA in 11 career games versus the Braves.

Ohka's first start of 2005 resulted in a 9-0 loss last Friday at Florida. In that contest versus the Marlins, Ohka surrendered five hits and three runs in six innings. He struggled last April, going 0-5 with a 5.13 ERA. His last April win came in April 22, 2003 against Arizona.

John Thomson tries to follow up a win in his first start of the season with another solid outing today for the Braves. The 31-year-old righthander scattered eight hits, gave up one run, and struck out five over seven innings in a victory over the Mets last Friday night. He is 6-5 with a 3.99 ERA in 13 career games against the Nationals/Expos.

Last night, Brian Schneider hit a two-run double in the top of the ninth inning to lift the Nationals to a 4-3 comeback victory. Jose Vidro homered and Jose Guillen posted two hits with a run scored to help spoil the home debut of Atlanta's prized offseason acquisition, starter Tim Hudson.

Pete Orr finished with three hits and two runs scored for the Braves, who have dropped two of their last three. Chipper Jones notched a pair of RBI in the losing effort.

The Nationals/Expos are 1-8-1 in the last 10 season series against Atlanta. The only season series win came in 2000 at 7-6. Atlanta went 15-4 versus the Expos last season, including an 8-2 mark at Turner Field. Since the start of 2002, the Braves are 21-10 at home against the Nationals/Expos.

Braves skipper Bobby Cox needs just one win to tie Hall-of-Fame manager Leo Durocher for eighth place (2,008 wins) on the all-time victory list.

The Braves hope to have second baseman Marcus Giles back in the lineup today. He missed his fourth straight game on Tuesday due to a swollen left foot. Giles fouled a ball off his foot on Friday in a game against the Mets.


CINCINNATI REDS (3-4) AT ST. LOUIS CARDINALS (3-3), 1:10 P.M. -------------------------------------------------------------

Probable Starting Pitchers: Cincinnati - Ramon Ortiz (0-0, 1.80) St. Louis - Mark Mulder (0-0, 6.00)

(Sports Network) - Mark Mulder hopes his second start as a Cardinal goes a little better than his first today when St. Louis hosts the Cincinnati Reds in the finale of a two-game set at Busch Stadium.

Last Friday, the former Athletic didn't get a decision in the Cardinals' 6-5 comeback victory over Philadelphia. He allowed five runs (four earned) on nine hits in six innings of work, striking out four and walking three. The Redbirds trailed 5-1 after his final inning of work, but rallied with a run in the sixth and seventh, and three in the eighth.

Mulder hopes to continue his success against the Reds, as he is 2-0 with a 2.08 ERA in a pair of career starts.

Righthander Ramon Ortiz toes the rubber for the Reds, making his second start of the season. He made his Cincinnati debut Friday in Houston, but didn't get a decision in a 3-2 loss. Ortiz allowed one run on five hits in five innings of work, and the score was knotted at 1-1 when he left.

This will be the first time Ortiz faces the Cardinals.

In Tuesday's series opener, Jason Marquis tossed six-plus strong innings and helped his cause with a bases-loaded triple, as St. Louis defeated Cincinnati, 5-1.

Marquis allowed one run, while scattering five hits over 6 1/3 innings to earn the win. He fanned six with two walks for the Cardinals, who rebounded nicely after a woeful weekend performance against Philadelphia. The Cardinals dropped two-of-three against the Phillies, getting outscored by a combined 23-8 in the final two contests. In Sunday's rubber match, the Phils left town with a 13-4 victory.

Jim Edmonds and Reggie Sanders smacked back-to-back homers in the sixth and each scored two runs in the win. Edmonds' homer was his 1,500th career-hit.

Austin Kearns collected an RBI single to provide the lone offense for Cincinnati starter Aaron Harang, who absorbed the loss.

Edmonds' homer was the 25th he has slammed against the Reds in his career, having faced them 77 times.

Last year the Cards won the season series against the Reds, 14-5.


COLORADO ROCKIES (1-6) AT ARIZONA DIAMONDBACKS (5-3), 3:10 P.M. ---------------------------------------------------------------

Probable Starting Pitchers: Colorado - Jeff Francis (0-0) (13.50) Arizona - Shawn Estes (0-0) (6.00)

(Sports Network) - After a 4-2 victory in last night's game, the Arizona Diamondbacks will turn to Shawn Estes today in hopes of completing a three- game series sweep of the Colorado Rockies at Bank One Ballpark.

Estes is 8-4 lifetime against the Rockies with a 4.25 ERA in 17 games. His last start came against the Los Angeles Dodgers on Friday, when he didn't get a decision in six innings of work. He allowed four runs on eight hits and recorded three strikeouts. However he has struggled at Bank one Ballpark with a 2-5 lifetime record in eight appearances and a 6.02 ERA

In last night's action, Brandon Webb got his second win of the season for the Diamondbacks. He was able to hold the Rockies to just two runs in eight innings of work, and the Diamondbacks' offense gave him plenty of support as Royce Clayton went 3-for-4 with a run scored, and drove in the go-ahead run in the eighth inning. Luis Gonzalez also drove in two runs for the Diamondbacks, who have won three in a row.

The Rockies will turn to Jeff Francis to break their major league-worst six game losing streak. Francis is 1-0 lifetime against the Diamondbacks in two appearances with a 4.09 ERA. He struggled in his first outing of the season, pitching to a no-decision in a loss to the San Francisco Giants. In four innings of work he allowed six runs -- on eight hits, and recorded two strike-outs. In his only start at Bank One Ballpark, Francis recorded a no-decision on September 16, 2004. He allowed four runs on nine hits in five innings.

Colorado was unable to hold onto a late inning lead last night after starting pitcher Shawn Chacon left the game in the seventh after surrendering a lead- off single to Shawn Green. Aaron Miles had two hits and drove in a run for the Rockies in the loss, and Todd Helton continued to be an offensive spark for the Rockies, finishing the game 2-for-4 with a double and a run scored, bringing his average to .417 on the year.

Brian Fuentes took the loss for the Rockies as he entered the game for Chacon with a one run lead in the seventh. Fuentes gave up two runs in the seventh -- one earned -- before being replaced by Ryan Speier in the same inning. Speier gave up the final two runs in the 4-2 loss.

The Rockies hope to utilize closer Chin-hui Tsao today. He was activated off the disabled list yesterday after being sidelined with right shoulder inflammation.


Houston Astros (4-2) at New York Mets (2-5), 7:10 p.m. ------------------------------------------------------

Probable Starting Pitchers: Houston - Roger Clemens (1-0, 1.29) NY Mets - Kazuhisa Ishii (0-1, 6.75)

(Sports Network) - Future Hall of Famer Roger Clemens can move into sole possession of ninth place on the all-time victory list tonight, as he pitches for Houston versus the New York Mets in the middle contest of a three-game series at Shea Stadium.

Clemens pitched seven outstanding innings and hit a tie-breaking, two-run single in the bottom of the sixth to lead the Astros to a 3-2 victory over Cincinnati last Friday night. The Rocket allowed just one run and struck out nine batters to earn his 329th career victory, which matches Steve Carlton for ninth place on the all-time list. The seven-time Cy Young Award winner scattered five hits and did not walk a batter.

Now in his 22nd major league season, Clemens has a losing record in only two ball parks, Dodger Stadium (0-1) and Shea Stadium (0-3, 7.64 ERA). He also has a winning record against every major league club except three teams - Atlanta (0-2), Los Angeles (0-1) and the Mets (3-5, 5.72 ERA in nine starts).

Veteran lefthander Kazuhisa Ishii gets the start tonight for the Mets. He took the loss last Thursday versus Cincinnati, allowing two hits and six runs -- five earned -- in 6 2/3 innings. He also walked four and struck out seven. Ishii's only appearance against the Astros came at Dodger Stadium on September 8, 2002, a 6-2 loss. He was credited with the loss and left the game after being struck on the left side of his forehead by a line drive off the bat of Brian Hunter. Ishii would suffer a nasal fracture and underwent surgery.

The Mets picked up their second win of the season on Monday with an 8-4 triumph in their home opener. Jose Reyes keyed a five-run eighth inning with his speed, beating out a potential double play ball to knock in the tying run and scoring the go-ahead run on a base hit by Kaz Matsui. Cliff Floyd added a two-run single in the big inning for the Mets.

Carlos Beltran faced his former club for the first time and went 1-for-3 with a single and two walks.

Morgan Ensberg went 3-for-3 with two doubles and a walk for the Astros, who had won four in a row.

Beltran is 3-for-14 lifetime against Clemens, while Mike Piazza is 8-for-17 with four homers and 10 RBI versus the powerful righthander.

Craig Biggio is two RBI away from becoming the second player in Astros history to drive in 1,000 runs, joining current teammate Jeff Bagwell. Biggio is also two steals away from 400 for his career.

The Mets won four of the six meetings last season from the Astros.


SAN FRANCISCO GIANTS (4-3) AT LOS ANGELES DODGERS (5-2), 10:10 P.M. ------------------------------------------------------------------

Probable Starting Pitchers: San Francisco - Brett Tomko (0-1, 4.50) Los Angeles - Odalis Perez (1-0, 1.80)

(Sports Network) - After last night's amazing rally to win in the ninth inning, Los Angeles will hand the ball over to Odalis Perez in hopes of completing a two-game series sweep of their NL West rivals, the San Francisco Giants, tonight at Dodger Stadium.

Perez will try to repeat his performance from last Wednesday, as he put together a stellar outing in a 10-4 win against the Giants. Perez pitched five innings, allowing one run on six hits and registered two strikeouts in the victory. Perez is 4-5 lifetime against the Giants, and has compiled a 17-12 record at Dodger Stadium, with an astounding 2.90 ERA in 43 appearances.

The Dodgers' offensive juggernaut continued yesterday as the team put together a monumental comeback in the ninth inning. LA scored four times in its final at-bat. Milton Bradley stroked a two-run single to tie the game and a fielding error by Jason Ellison enabled the winning run to score in the bottom of the ninth in a 9-8 final.

The Dodgers trailed 8-5 entering the home half of the ninth. Pinch-hitter Ricky Ledee got things started with a one-out double off Armando Benitez and Cesar Izturis singled. After pinch-hitter Jose Valentin popped out, J.D. Drew and Jeff Kent received consecutive walks to force in a run. Bradley then stepped to the plate and singled to left to knock in Izturis and Drew. On the play, Ellison misplayed the ball and Kent was able to score all the way from first to give Los Angeles the victory.

Izturis continued his multiple-hit streak to five straight games going 3-for-5 and scoring twice.

Brett Tomko will take the mound for the Giants tonight. In his first start of the season, Tomko struggled against the Dodgers surrendering four runs -- three earned -- on seven hits, and registered four strikeouts in six innings of work. He is 7-6 lifetime against the Dodgers, with a 3.93 ERA in 20 appearances. However, he has had success when playing on the road against the Dodgers. Tomko has a career record of 4-1, with a 2.63 ERA when playing at Dodger Stadium.

The Giants' offense was spectacular in the loss yesterday as the team pounded out 16 hits. Edgardo Alfonzo and Pedro Feliz led the way for San Francisco. Alfonzo went 4-for-5 with an RBI and run scored, while Feliz went 2-4 with four RBI and a home run. However, the Giants committed four errors.

The Dodgers are 3-1 versus the Giants this season.

[trick4]

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