Trends Thursday

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Hot pitchers
-- Florida won Burnett's last three starts (2-0, 2.25)
-- Marquis is 3-0, 3.12 in his four '05 starts.

-- Maroth is 1-0, 1.98 in his last two starts.
Not many hot pitchers going today..............


Cold pitchers
Speaking of cold, Marlins-Rockies got snowed out in second inning last night, so Leiter, Kennedy lose starts and teams play twinbill today, with spot starters going.
-- Colorado is 1-3 in Jennings starts (1-1, 4.91)
-- Capuano is 0-2, 5.40 in four starts, 0-1, 6.55 in his two road outings.

-- Towers is 1-1, 5.66 in four starts; Toronto scored exactly five runs in all four games. Waechter allowed 5 runs in five IP vs Boston in his first '05 start.
-- Lohse is 1-2, 5.95 so far this season. Hernandez is 0-3, 7.71 in his last three starts. Visitor is 4-0 in his '05 starts.
-- Cleveland is 0-4 in Millwood starts (0-2, 5.12).
-- Lackey has gotten 29 runs of support in four starts, but has just one win (1-0, 7.08). Brown is 0-2, 8.25 in his first two starts this season.
-- Meche is 1-2, 7.78 in his four starts; road team won all four of his starts. Young is 2-1, 6.86 in four starts, as Texas scored 25 runs in his four starts.


Totals
-- Under is 8-3-1 in last twelve Cardinal games, 9-4-1 in last fourteen Milwaukee contests.
-- Under is 3-1 in last four Marlin games, 3-1 in last 4 Burnett starts.


-- Over is 3-1 in last four Towers starts.
-- Under is 7-3 in last ten Minnesota road games, 6-3 in last nine Kansas City home games.
-- Over is 5-2 in last seven Cleveland home games.
-- Over is 7-4 in last eleven Bronx home games, 3-1 in last four Lackey starts. .
-- Over is 3-1 in last four starts for both Meche, Young


Hot teams
-- Cardinals won last six games, allowing 18 runs.
-- Marlins won last four road games. Rockies are 3-2 in last five Coors Field games.


-- Tigers won four of last five road games.
-- Seattle is 6-4 away from home.

Cold teams
-- Brewers lost ten of their last twelve games.

-- Tampa Bay is 1-6 on road. Blue Jays lost five of last seven at home, seven of last ten overall.
-- Royals lost seven games in row and 10 of last 11.
-- Indians are 2-5 in their first seven home games.
-- Bronx lost seven of last eleven home games. Angels lost four of their last six on the road.
-- Texas is 4-6 in its first ten home games.

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Heat (2-0) @ Nets-- Miami won easily in first couple of game of series, by 18,17 points, scoring 110 ppg; when Nets double Shaq, Miami guards have hit 14 of 28 treys, while Jersey guards have hit just 16 of 44 on 3's. Heat has taken 73 free throws in two games; will they keep getting calls on road? Nets shot just 35.9% Tuesday nite

Celtics @ Pacers (1-1)-- Indiana scored 82 points both games in Boston, but allowed 23 points less in Game 2, so series is even. Other than Walker/Pierce, Boston was 11-35 from floor in Game 2, so they need a third scorer to emerge, take advantage of doubleteams on Celtics' top two scorers. C's shot 51.4% in Game 1, 38.8% the next night, so Indiana needs to keep defensive intensity.

Mavericks @ Rockets (2-0)-- Dire straits for Mavs, as they try to become just third NBA team to win a series after losing first two series games at home. Houston very hot, shooting 15-34 beyond arc; they won a fast-paced game and slow one, even survived Dallas' red hot 10-15 shooting beyond arc in Game 2. Dirk was just 8-21 from floor last game; he'll need to do better, while McGrady has been playing like he is the best player in NBA.

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13) New Mexico State just spent $25 million on its basketball faciltity, hired Reggie Theus as its coach, as they move into the WAC, and also hired Hal Mumme as football coach. They're going to win in both sports, but they better be careful, because another probation could mean the Death Penalty, and it is not easy to recover from that, especially in football (ask SMU).

12) Keith Hernandez was a very good major leaguer, won two World Series rings, but he doesn't reach the same level as a TV analyst. This was a sampling of his expertise Tuesday night: "Baseball is a game of inches" and "Jose Reyes' future is ahead of him." He seems to do very little in way of preparation, which often leaves him wanting for good things to say.

11) Celtics GM Danny Ainge batted .220 in parts of three seasons as a third baseman for the Blue Jays.

10) To this day, the single season and career assists leader at San Diego State? Tony Gwynn, which may be as big an indictment of Steve Fisher's program as it is a praise of Gwynn, who is now the Aztecs' baseball coach.

9) The average size of an NFL QB's hand is 9.6 inches; Michael Vick's hand is 8.0 inches, which may help explain Vick's 35 fumbles in 43 career games.

8) Texas Tech football coach Mike Leach is one of just five I-AA head coaches who didn't play college football. He did play rugby, however.

7) Every voter in college football polls should make their vote public. Good way to make sure things are above board. Same thing for boxing; the judges should announce their scores in between rounds, so everyone knows what the situation is at the time.

6) Reds' Eric Milton tossed 43 gopher balls last year, an awful lot; unfortunately for him, he is on pace to give up even more home runs this season.

With thanks to espn.com's Alan Schwarz, some tidbits concerning Opening Day rosters, and with what organization those 750+ players originally signed

5) 28 players on Opening Day rosters were never drafted.

4) Of the colleges, 12 big leaguers went to USC, followed by Fullerton State (9), UCLA and Miami (8 each).

3) 29.2% of all big leaguers were born outside of the United States.

2) Pitchers signed by Brewers that were on Opening Day rosters won a total of 142 big league games, 80 less than any other team.

1) There are 42 big leaguers who originally signed with Toronto, the most of any team; Dodgers (38) were next. Tampa Bay, still kind of an expansion team, has just 12 signees in the big leagues with Milwaukee next with just 15 signees in the bigtime.

[Spark]

TAMPA BAY is 8-13 in all games this season. (141-203 over the last 3 seasons.)
TAMPA BAY is 1-6 in road games this season. (57-112 over the last 3 seasons.)
TAMPA BAY is 8-13 in April games this season. (23-43 over the last 3 seasons.)
TAMPA BAY is 2-0 when playing on Thursday this season. (18-34 over the last 3 seasons.)
TAMPA BAY is 5-11 against division opponents this season. (65-102 over the last 3 seasons.)
TAMPA BAY is 3-4 in day games this season. (54-86 over the last 3 seasons.)
TAMPA BAY is 7-9 in games played on artificial turf this season. (96-109 over the last 3 seasons.)
TAMPA BAY is 5-8 against right-handed starters this season. (96-148 over the last 3 seasons.)
TAMPA BAY is 4-8 after a loss this season. (80-123 over the last 3 seasons.)

Key performance records for TORONTO
TORONTO is 6-6 when playing against a team with a losing record this season. (81-70 over the last 3 seasons.)
TORONTO is 11-11 in all games this season. (164-181 over the last 3 seasons.)
TORONTO is 4-6 in home games this season. (85-87 over the last 3 seasons.)
TORONTO is 11-11 in April games this season. (28-43 over the last 3 seasons.)
TORONTO is 1-1 when playing on Thursday this season. (22-22 over the last 3 seasons.)
TORONTO is 7-8 against division opponents this season. (73-93 over the last 3 seasons.)
TORONTO is 3-5 in day games this season. (57-63 over the last 3 seasons.)
TORONTO is 6-7 in games played on artificial turf this season. (101-104 over the last 3 seasons.)
TORONTO is 7-9 against right-handed starters this season. (115-133 over the last 3 seasons.)
TORONTO is 5-5 after a win this season. (80-84 over the last 3 seasons.)

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MINNESOTA is 8-3 after a win this season. (119-77 over the last 3 seasons.)
MINNESOTA is 8-3 when playing against a team with a losing record this season. (112-73 over the last 3 seasons.)
MINNESOTA is 12-8 in all games this season. (196-156 over the last 3 seasons.)
MINNESOTA is 6-6 in road games this season. (93-85 over the last 3 seasons.)
MINNESOTA is 12-8 in April games this season. (38-29 over the last 3 seasons.)
MINNESOTA is 2-0 when playing on Thursday this season. (28-23 over the last 3 seasons.)
MINNESOTA is 10-7 against division opponents this season. (99-70 over the last 3 seasons.)
MINNESOTA is 3-3 in day games this season. (58-57 over the last 3 seasons.)
MINNESOTA is 6-6 in games played on a grass field this season. (81-82 over the last 3 seasons.)
MINNESOTA is 6-5 against right-handed starters this season. (136-100 over the last 3 seasons.)

Key performance records for KANSAS CITY
KANSAS CITY is 2-11 in home games this season. (75-98 over the last 3 seasons.)
KANSAS CITY is 5-16 in April games this season. (28-37 over the last 3 seasons.)
KANSAS CITY is 0-3 when playing on Thursday this season. (17-31 over the last 3 seasons.)
KANSAS CITY is 3-12 against division opponents this season. (81-86 over the last 3 seasons.)
KANSAS CITY is 3-9 in day games this season. (47-82 over the last 3 seasons.)
KANSAS CITY is 5-14 in games played on a grass field this season. (134-174 over the last 3 seasons.)
KANSAS CITY is 3-10 against right-handed starters this season. (98-144 over the last 3 seasons.)
KANSAS CITY is 5-11 after a loss this season. (84-113 over the last 3 seasons.)
KANSAS CITY is 0-2 after 5 or more consecutive losses this season. (7-11 over the last 3 seasons.)
KANSAS CITY is 2-7 when playing against a team with a winning record this season. (60-114 over the last 3 seasons.)
KANSAS CITY is 5-16 in all games this season. (146-199 over the last 3 seasons.)

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FLORIDA is 5-3 in day games this season. (75-57 over the last 3 seasons.)
FLORIDA is 12-8 in games played on a grass field this season. (180-150 over the last 3 seasons.)
FLORIDA is 10-6 against right-handed starters this season. (139-130 over the last 3 seasons.)
FLORIDA is 5-6 after a win this season. (106-92 over the last 3 seasons.)
FLORIDA is 1-3 when playing against a team with a losing record this season. (84-67 over the last 3 seasons.)
FLORIDA is 12-8 in all games this season. (197-164 over the last 3 seasons.)
FLORIDA is 4-2 in road games this season. (89-89 over the last 3 seasons.)
FLORIDA is 12-8 in April games this season. (41-30 over the last 3 seasons.)
FLORIDA is 0-2 when playing on Thursday this season. (26-20 over the last 3 seasons.)
FLORIDA is 1-1 when playing with a day off this season. (19-19 over the last 3 seasons.)

Key performance records for COLORADO
COLORADO is 4-9 after a loss this season. (77-116 over the last 3 seasons.)
COLORADO is 4-5 when playing against a team with a winning record this season. (80-118 over the last 3 seasons.)
COLORADO is 6-13 in all games this season. (148-195 over the last 3 seasons.)
COLORADO is 5-6 in home games this season. (92-81 over the last 3 seasons.)
COLORADO is 6-13 in April games this season. (30-37 over the last 3 seasons.)
COLORADO is 0-1 when playing on Thursday this season. (20-32 over the last 3 seasons.)
COLORADO is 0-4 when playing with a day off this season. (11-31 over the last 3 seasons.)
COLORADO is 2-6 in day games this season. (54-74 over the last 3 seasons.)
COLORADO is 6-13 in games played on a grass field this season. (145-183 over the last 3 seasons.)
COLORADO is 4-8 against right-handed starters this season. (100-143 over the last 3 seasons.)

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DETROIT is 3-3 when playing against a team with a losing record this season. (53-88 over the last 3 seasons.)
DETROIT is 9-10 in all games this season. (124-219 over the last 3 seasons.)
DETROIT is 4-5 in road games this season. (58-113 over the last 3 seasons.)
DETROIT is 9-10 in April games this season. (24-41 over the last 3 seasons.)
DETROIT is 1-2 when playing on Thursday this season. (20-34 over the last 3 seasons.)
DETROIT is 8-9 against division opponents this season. (68-101 over the last 3 seasons.)
DETROIT is 9-7 in games played on a grass field this season. (112-197 over the last 3 seasons.)
DETROIT is 3-7 in night games this season. (82-140 over the last 3 seasons.)
DETROIT is 7-9 against right-handed starters this season. (86-142 over the last 3 seasons.)
DETROIT is 0-3 after scoring 10 runs or more this season. (7-17 over the last 3 seasons.)
DETROIT is 4-4 after a win this season. (50-72 over the last 3 seasons.)

Key performance records for CLEVELAND
CLEVELAND is 2-1 when playing on Thursday this season. (17-27 over the last 3 seasons.)
CLEVELAND is 6-9 against division opponents this season. (77-90 over the last 3 seasons.)
CLEVELAND is 0-3 after a game where they had 4 or less hits this season. (15-13 over the last 3 seasons.)
CLEVELAND is 8-12 in games played on a grass field this season. (142-170 over the last 3 seasons.)
CLEVELAND is 5-5 in night games this season. (108-129 over the last 3 seasons.)
CLEVELAND is 1-6 against left-handed starters this season. (43-70 over the last 3 seasons.)
CLEVELAND is 1-0 after allowing 10 runs or more this season. (17-14 over the last 3 seasons.)
CLEVELAND is 5-6 after a loss this season. (81-107 over the last 3 seasons.)
CLEVELAND is 2-3 when playing against a team with a losing record this season. (77-68 over the last 3 seasons.)
CLEVELAND is 8-12 in all games this season. (156-188 over the last 3 seasons.)
CLEVELAND is 2-5 in home games this season. (84-85 over the last 3 seasons.)
CLEVELAND is 8-12 in April games this season. (24-44 over the last 3 seasons.)

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Key performance records for ANAHEIM
ANAHEIM is 12-9 in all games this season. (181-167 over the last 3 seasons.)
ANAHEIM is 4-4 in road games this season. (83-87 over the last 3 seasons.)
ANAHEIM is 12-9 in April games this season. (38-32 over the last 3 seasons.)
ANAHEIM is 2-0 when playing on Thursday this season. (22-24 over the last 3 seasons.)
ANAHEIM is 12-9 in games played on a grass field this season. (166-152 over the last 3 seasons.)
ANAHEIM is 11-5 in night games this season. (130-119 over the last 3 seasons.)
ANAHEIM is 10-6 against right-handed starters this season. (118-121 over the last 3 seasons.)
ANAHEIM is 3-8 after a win this season. (94-87 over the last 3 seasons.)
ANAHEIM is 5-7 when playing against a team with a losing record this season. (74-65 over the last 3 seasons.)

Key performance records for NY YANKEES
NY YANKEES is 9-12 in all games this season. (226-147 over the last 3 seasons.)
NY YANKEES is 6-7 in home games this season. (120-71 over the last 3 seasons.)
NY YANKEES is 9-12 in April games this season. (40-28 over the last 3 seasons.)
NY YANKEES is 1-1 when playing on Thursday this season. (40-10 over the last 3 seasons.)
NY YANKEES is 7-12 in games played on a grass field this season. (190-132 over the last 3 seasons.)
NY YANKEES is 6-6 in night games this season. (140-85 over the last 3 seasons.)
NY YANKEES is 5-10 against right-handed starters this season. (157-120 over the last 3 seasons.)
NY YANKEES is 6-6 after a loss this season. (91-58 over the last 3 seasons.)
NY YANKEES is 4-4 when playing against a team with a winning record this season. (91-76 over the last 3 seasons.)

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Key performance records for SEATTLE
SEATTLE is 6-5 after a loss this season. (85-95 over the last 3 seasons.)
SEATTLE is 10-11 in all games this season. (166-179 over the last 3 seasons.)
SEATTLE is 6-4 in road games this season. (74-97 over the last 3 seasons.)
SEATTLE is 10-11 in April games this season. (35-36 over the last 3 seasons.)
SEATTLE is 1-1 when playing on Thursday this season. (22-27 over the last 3 seasons.)
SEATTLE is 4-5 against division opponents this season. (59-66 over the last 3 seasons.)
SEATTLE is 10-11 in games played on a grass field this season. (153-164 over the last 3 seasons.)
SEATTLE is 3-7 in night games this season. (110-130 over the last 3 seasons.)
SEATTLE is 9-6 against right-handed starters this season. (113-127 over the last 3 seasons.)

Key performance records for TEXAS
TEXAS is 5-6 in home games this season. (99-74 over the last 3 seasons.)
TEXAS is 11-11 in April games this season. (36-34 over the last 3 seasons.)
TEXAS is 0-3 when playing on Thursday this season. (22-26 over the last 3 seasons.)
TEXAS is 6-7 against division opponents this season. (61-68 over the last 3 seasons.)
TEXAS is 10-10 in games played on a grass field this season. (160-157 over the last 3 seasons.)
TEXAS is 6-9 in night games this season. (120-125 over the last 3 seasons.)
TEXAS is 8-8 against right-handed starters this season. (119-114 over the last 3 seasons.)
TEXAS is 3-8 after a win this season. (88-82 over the last 3 seasons.)
TEXAS is 4-4 when playing against a team with a losing record this season. (79-59 over the last 3 seasons.)
TEXAS is 11-11 in all games this season. (171-175 over the last 3 seasons.)

[Spark]

American League Game Previews Thursday, April 28th

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TAMPA BAY DEVIL RAYS (8-13) AT TORONTO BLUE JAYS (11-11), 12:35 P.M. --------------------------------------------------------------------

Probable Starting Pitchers: Tampa Bay - Doug Waechter (0-0, 5.40) Toronto - Josh Towers (1-1, 5.66)

(Sports Network) - Josh Towers hopes to get back on the winning track this afternoon, as he leads the Blue Jays against the Tampa Bay Devil Rays in the conclusion of a three-game series from the Rogers Centre.

Toronto came into this series with five straight defeats, but now aims to sweep the set with another solid effort from a starting pitcher. Last night, Gustavo Chacin tossed seven-plus innings of two-run ball, Alex Rios triple twice and drove in two runs and Toronto defeated Tampa Bay, 8-2.

The win came on the same day the Blue Jays extended the contract of manager John Gibbons through the 2007 season. Rios and Corey Koskie each collected three hits, while Reed Johnson chipped in with a two-run double for Toronto.

Alex Gonzalez and Eduardo Perez each had an RBI single for the Devil Rays, who have dropped three straight.

Towers has given up 16 hits, including four homers, and 10 earned runs in eight innings over his last two starts, during which time he's 0-1. The righthander has struck out 17 batters and walked just one in his 20 2/3 innings this season. Towers is 3-4 in 11 games (9 starts) against Tampa Bay.

Doug Waechter, who has been replacing Rob Bell in the starting rotation, will be on the mound today for the Devil Rays. The 24-year old righthander, a St. Petersburg native, will be making his 20th big league start and second this season. Waechter made his first start last Saturday at home against Boston and allowed 10 hits and five runs in five innings of a no-decision. Waechter gave up two homers to David Ortiz. Last year, Waechter allowed 20 homers in 70 1/3 innings pitched.

Waechter is 2-1 lifetime against Toronto with a 6.27 ERA.

The Devil Rays are 1-6 on the road. Tampa Bay opened last year's road schedule going 3-17 before winning their first road series May 31-June 3 when they took three of four at Minnesota. As a matter of fact, the Rays have not won a series on the road in April since April 14-16, 2000 at Detroit.

The Blue Jays are 4-1 versus Tampa Bay this season. Toronto has won 11 of its last 14 at home against the Devil Rays.


MINNESOTA TWINS (12-8) AT KANSAS CITY ROYALS (5-16), 2:10 P.M. --------------------------------------------------------------

Probable Starting Pitchers: Minnesota - Kyle Lohse (1-2, 6.62) Kansas City - Runelvys Hernandez (1-3, 4.62)

(Sports Network) - Off to their worst start in 13 years, the Kansas City Royals turn to Runelvys Hernandez today, as he tries to help his club snap a seven- game losing streak in the finale of a three-game series versus the Minnesota Twins at Kauffman Stadium.

This is Kansas City's worst 21-game start since the team was 3-18 in 1992. The Royals are 2-11 at home. The team last lost eight in a row, July 23-30 last year, when the Royals hit rock bottom by losing a franchise-record 104 games.

Hernandez has lost three straight starts, and in that time the Royals have been outscored 22-5. In that span, the righthander, who turned 27 yesterday, has given up 24 hits and 12 earned runs, covering 18 1/3 innings. Hernandez is 1-3 with a hefty 9.00 ERA in four career games against the Twins.

No Kansas City starter has won a game since lefthander Brian Anderson beat the Angels on April 10.

Kyle Lohse tries to rebound from a loss in his last outing, as he takes the mound for Minnesota this afternoon. The righthander was touched for seven hits, including three homers, and five runs in six innings in a loss to the White Sox on April 18. He is 5-4 with a 4.64 ERA in 13 games against the Royals.

Last night, Jason Bartlett went 2-for-5 and drove in three runs, while Joe Mays tossed six solid frames as Minnesota won, 9-4. Mays picked up his first win since 2003. Matthew LeCroy smacked a two-run homer for Minnesota, which will attempt to sweep a three-game set at Kansas City for the first time since August 24-26, 2001.

Ruben Gotay hit a two-run homer for the Royals, while David DeJesus had two hits and scored once.

The Twins are 4-0 against the Royals this season and are 16-7 versus KC since the start of last year.


LA ANGELS OF ANAHEIM (12-9) AT NEW YORK YANKEES (9-12), 7:05 P.M. -----------------------------------------------------------------

Probable Starting Pitchers: LA Angels - John Lackey (1-1, 6.64) NY Yankees - Kevin Brown (0-2, 8.25)

(Sports Network) - Kevin Brown tries to turn things around tonight when the New York Yankees host the Angels in the finale of a three-game set in the Bronx.

After beginning the season on the disabled list due to his bad back, Brown has lost his first two outings and has an 8.25 ERA. Last Friday in a 5-3 loss to Texas, Brown allowed five runs on 11 hits in six innings, striking out four and walking one.

Overall, Brown has lost five consecutive starts dating back to last season. The 40-year-old righthander is 9-11 with a 4.01 ERA in 24 career appearances against the Angels (23 starts).

The Angels will counter with John Lackey, who has yet to pitch past the sixth inning in any of his outings this season. Last Friday, he allowed only two runs (1 earned) on six hits in five innings in a no-decision versus Oakland at Angel Stadium.

Lackey has faced New York six times during his career, posting a 1-5 mark and 7.07 ERA. His lone victory against the Yankees came on May 13, 2003.

On Wednesday, Garret Anderson finished 3-for-4 with a home run and three RBI to lead the Angels past the Yankees, 5-1. Steve Finley also homered, while Vladimir Guerrero and Chone Figgins contributed two hits for the Angels, who bounced back from a loss in Tuesday's opener and won for the fifth time in their last seven tries.

Jarrod Washburn picked up his first win of the season, as he yielded a run on nine hits over 7 2/3 innings. He also struck out four and walked a pair.

Alex Rodriguez, who belted three home runs with a career-high 10 RBI on Tuesday, homered and Gary Sheffield had three hits for New York, which had a two-game winning streak stopped and lost for the third time in five games.

Rodriguez, who is 8-for-13 with four home runs and 12 RBI in his last three games, tied ****** Bench for 45th place on the all-time home run list and is now one homer away from matching Graig Nettles for 44th place.

This is the first time since the 1991 season that the Yankees will not have a winning record in April. They are 9-12 and have three games left this month. Since 1996, the Yankees have had a losing record in only four of their 54 baseball months (April-September).

The Angels went 5-4 against the Yankees last season, including a 4-2 mark in the Bronx.


DETROIT TIGERS (9-10) AT CLEVELAND INDIANS (8-12), 7:05 P.M. ------------------------------------------------------------

Probable Starting Pitchers: Detroit - Mike Maroth (1-1, 4.03) Cleveland - Kevin Millwood (0-2, 3.91)

(Sports Network) - Kevin Millwood once again shoots for his first victory in a Cleveland uniform tonight when the Indians host the Detroit Tigers at Jacobs Field in the conclusion of a rain-shortened two-game series.

Millwood, who signed with the Tribe after two inconsistent seasons in Philadelphia, is 0-2 in his first four starts. Last Thursday in Anaheim, he didn't get a decision in a 6-5 loss to the Angels. He yielded three runs on eight hits in 5 1/3 innings of work, striking out five and walking two.

Millwood has faced Detroit twice in his career, going 1-0 with a 2.63 ERA. He has struck out 16 batters in 13 2/3 innings versus the Tigers and walked only one.

The Tigers will counter with Mike Maroth, who has pitched well in consecutive starts after two sub-par outings to begin the year. Last Friday against Minnesota, he did not factor into the decision, as the bullpen couldn't hold his lead. Detroit did win the game, 5-4, in the 10th inning on an Ivan Rodriguez homer. Maroth allowed two runs on five hits in six innings of work, striking out three and walking one. Lifetime against Cleveland, the lefthander is 3-2 with a 3.93 ERA in six starts.

On Wednesday, Jeremy Bonderman was masterful on the mound and Detroit scored nine early runs, as the Tigers mauled Cleveland, 10-3. After being rained out Tuesday, Detroit unleashed a 12-hit attack, including a season-high six doubles. Leading the assault was Craig Monroe, who followed up Monday's three- hit game with a 2-for-4 effort, including a two-run homer, and three runs batted in.

Brandon Inge extended his hitting streak to 12 games with a two-run single, Carlos Pena went 2-for-4 with two runs scored and Carlos Guillen contributed two hits and two runs in the victory -- the Tigers' sixth in nine games. Detroit has won three in a row.

Leading the Indians, who have dropped five of seven, were Aaron Boone and Grady Sizemore, who each hit solo home runs. Boone is hitting a mere .138 this season (9-for-65), but four of nine hits have been homers.

As a team the Indians are batting a major league-low .227 this season.

After rotating wins and losses in his four starts, Bonderman surrendered just two runs on three hits, mixing in seven strikeouts and one walk in eight innings. He retired the Tribe in order in the first, second, fourth, fifth and eighth innings.

Indians starter Jake Westbrook remained winless on the season, working just 2 1/3 innings. He was torched for nine runs on eight hits and two walks.

Cleveland took two-of-three games from the Tigers earlier in the season, after Detroit went 10-9 in the series in 2004.


SEATTLE MARINERS (10-11) AT TEXAS RANGERS (11-11), 8:05 P.M. ------------------------------------------------------------

Probable Starting Pitchers: Seattle - Gil Meche (1-1, 6.86) Texas - Chris Young (2-1, 5.79)

(Sports Network) - Six-foot-10 rookie righthander Chris Young tries for his third consecutive win tonight when the Texas Rangers host the Seattle Mariners in the finale of a three-game set at Ameriquest Field.

Since beginning the season 0-1 with a pair of outings that saw him fail to escape the fourth inning, Young has posted wins over the Blue Jays and Yankees. Last Friday in the Bronx, he allowed one run on four hits in 5 2/3 innings against New York, anchoring a 5-3 victory. He struck out seven and walked two.

Young has faced the Mariners once in his career, on September 25 after being called up late last season. He allowed four runs (3 earned) on eight hits in 4 1/3 innings. Young fanned four and didn't walk a batter.

The Mariners will counter with Gil Meche, who is 1-1 after starting the season with two no-decisions. Last Friday he was on the wrong end of a 6-1 contest in Cleveland, allowing five runs on seven hits in five innings of work. He struck out three but issued four walks.

Meche faced Texas on April 10, but didn't factor into the decision, getting touched for five runs (3 earned) on seven hits in 3 2/3 innings. He is 3-5 lifetime against the Rangers with a 7.25 ERA.

On Wednesday, Kenny Rogers pitched six scoreless innings for his first win of the season, leading the Rangers to an 8-2 victory over the Mariners. Rogers surrendered just two singles and five walks while striking out one batter. An 18-game winner last season, the 40-year-old lefthander had lost his last two starts.

Relievers Brian Shouse and Nick Regilio pitched one scoreless inning apiece to carry the Texas shutout through the eighth. Francisco Cordero then surrendered three hits in the ninth, including a two-run double to Ichiro Suzuki that accounted for the only Seattle runs.

Cordero didn't earn a save in the contest, but heads into Thursday leading the American League with eight saves. Cincinnati's Danny Graves also has eight saves, while Arizona's Brandon Lyon leads the majors with 10.

Michael Young hit a three-run homer and Laynce Nix added a solo shot and two RBI for the Rangers, who snapped a two-game losing streak.

Richie Sexson reached base three times for the Mariners, on a single and two walks. Seattle won Tuesday's series opener, 7-4.

Texas leads this season's series with the Mariners, 3-2.

[Spark]

National League Game Previews Thursday, April 28th

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MILWAUKEE BREWERS (7-13) AT ST. LOUIS CARDINALS (14-5), 2:10 P.M. -----------------------------------------------------------------

Probable Starting Pitchers: Milwaukee - Chris Capuano (0-2, 5.32) St. Louis - Jason Marquis (3-0, 2.77)

(Sports Network) - The St. Louis Cardinals, off to their best start since 1968, go after their seventh straight win today, as they conclude a three-game series versus the Milwaukee Brewers at Busch Stadium.

The Cardinals have won 11 of their last 12 games. A victory this afternoon would ensure the club its best 20-game start since 1941 (15-5).

Jason Marquis tries to win his fourth consecutive start and remain unbeaten, as he gets the ball today for St. Louis. The righthander was shaky against Houston last Friday, allowing seven hits and five runs in 5 2/3 innings, but the Cardinals won, 8-7. Marquis is 3-3 in eight games (6 starts) versus the Brewers.

Chris Capuano toes the rubber for the Brewers, losers in 10 of their last 12 games. The lefthander has lost two straight starts, including one last Saturday at San Francisco, when he allowed nine hits and five runs in 5 2/3 innings. Capuano last faced the Cardinals on April 8, 2004 at Busch Stadium and led the Brewers to an 11-5 victory, earning his first win in a Milwaukee uniform. Capuano is 1-1 in two career starts versus St. Louis.

Both teams were supposed to be off today, but Monday night's game was rained out and rescheduled for this afternoon. Yesterday, Mark Grudzielanek hit for the cycle for the first time in his career and finished 4-for-5 with three runs scored and two RBI, as the Cardinals defeated the Brewers, 6-3. Grudzielanek hit a leadoff homer in the first inning, singled in the second, doubled in a run in the fourth and tripled in the sixth. He also came to bat in the eighth and grounded out.

Chris Carpenter celebrated his 30th birthday with a victory. He allowed three runs on eight hits in 7 2/3 innings, with no walks and a career high- tying 12 strikeouts. Julian Tavarez struck out the side in the ninth inning to earn his first save of the campaign. Tavarez moved into the closer's role after Jason Isringhausen was placed on the 15-day disabled list Wednesday with a right abdominal strain.

Jim Edmonds contributed two hits and two runs batted in for St. Louis. Albert Pujols had two hits and an RBI and has reached base in 27 straight regular season games going back to last year.

Russell Branyan belted a two-run homer for the Brewers, who have dropped two straight and 10 of their last 12 games.

St. Louis is 5-0 versus Milwaukee this season and has captured won 13 of the last 16 meetings.

Following today's contest, the Cardinals begin a three-game series at Atlanta. Former Oakland teammates, Mark Mulder and Tim Hudson will match up at Turner Field Friday night. Meanwhile, the Brewers host Cincinnati for a three-game set.


FLORIDA MARLINS (12-8) AT COLORADO ROCKIES (6-13), 3:05 P.M. (DH) -----------------------------------------------------------------

Probable Starting Pitchers: Florida - A.J. Burnett (2-1, 2.40) - Travis Smith (0-0, 0.00) Colorado - Jason Jennings (1-2, 4.21) - Byung-Hyun Kim (0-3, 9.64)

(Sports Network) - After having last night's game postponed due to wintry conditions, the Florida Marlins and Colorado Rockies will try to complete their three-game series today with a doubleheader at Coors Field.

Last night's game was halted with Colorado ahead 1-0 in the bottom of the second inning. More rain and snow is in the forecast for today in Denver. This is the only time the Marlins are scheduled to play at Coors Field this season. The teams will meet in Miami, May 6-8.

A.J. Burnett heads to the mound in the opener for the Marlins against Jason Jennings. Travis Smith pitches for Florida in game two against Byung-Hyun Kim.

Burnett is 2-0 over his last three starts, but is coming off a no-decision against Cincinnati last Friday, when he allowed four hits and two runs in six innings. The righthander struck out 13 batters and walked five. He's 2-2 in four career games versus the Rockies.

Jennings can set an all-time victory record at Coors Field today. The righthander notched a 9-1 complete game victory over the Dodgers last Friday, to record his 24th career win at Coors Field, tying Pedro Astacio's ballpark record. Jennings is 24-14 lifetime at Coors and the Rockies are 33-18 in his 51 starts in Denver. The win last Friday was Jennings' first win since August 17, 2004, as he snapped an 11-game winless drought. He's 3-1 in five career games against the Marlins.

Smith was used as a starter four times in 16 appearances last season for the Atlanta Braves. The righthander has made just one relief appearance this year and is 6-5 lifetime in the majors. This will be his first career start against the Rockies.

Kim was tagged with his third loss and second blown save on Sunday versus the Dodgers, as he failed to retire a batter leading to a five-run eighth inning. Even though opponents are hitting only .188 (6-for-32) against him this season, Kim's problems have been walks. The righty issued 11 free passes in 9 1/3 innings and has also hit two batters. Kim, who was acquired from Boston late in spring training, has spent the majority of his career as a reliever, but has started in 16 of his 307 career appearances.

The Rockies may be without manager Clint Hurdle again today. He missed Tuesday night's contest and wasn't at the stadium last night due to flu-like symptoms. Bench coach Jamie Quirk ran the team against the Marlins last night and would likely do so again today if Hurdle decides to remain at home.

Josh Beckett overcame a sluggish start to post his fourth win of the season and keyed a five-run seventh inning with a two-run double in Florida's 9-3 rout in the first game of this series, Tuesday night. Juan Pierre tripled and homered, going 3-for-5 with two RBI and scored twice. Miguel Cabrera also had three hits and drove in a run, while Alex Gonzalez homered in Florida's 15-hit attack. The Marlins have won seven of their last nine games.

Preston Wilson stroked an RBI double and Matt Holliday added a run-scoring triple in the first inning for Colorado, which has lost two straight.

Todd Helton has 844 RBI for his career, just four shy of tying Larry Walker's Colorado franchise record of 848 RBI.

Florida went 5-1 versus the Rockies last season. Colorado is 10-4 at Coors Field against the Marlins since the start of 2001.

[Spark]

NBA Previews Thursday, April 28th

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(1) MIAMI HEAT (2-0) AT (8) NEW JERSEY NETS (0-2), 7 P.M. ---------------------------------------------------------

(Sports Network) - The New Jersey Nets will try and avoid falling into a 3-0 hole in their Eastern Conference quarterfinal series, as they welcome the Miami Heat tonight to Continental Airlines Arena.

This is a best-of-seven series, with Game 4 scheduled for Sunday at the Meadowlands.

The Heat dominated Games 1 and 2, as they defeated the Nets, 116-98, in the opener and 104-87 in the second contest. All-Star Dwyane Wade leads Miami in scoring (24.5 ppg) and assists (9.0 apg), while center Shaquille O'Neal has averaged 15.5 points and a team-high 10.5 rebounds per game in the series.

Guard Damon Jones has been unbelievable for the Heat in the first two games of the set, as he poured in 30 points in Game 1 and is averaging 22 in the series. He has also drained an amazing 11-of-15 attempts from three-point range.

The Heat have lost nine straight playoff contests on the road. Their last victory away from home in the postseason was a 77-76 overtime victory against the New York Knicks on May 12, 2000 at Madison Square Garden during the Eastern Conference semifinals.

Miami, which was a respectable 24-17 as visitor during the regular season, has never lost a playoff series when it wins the first two games of the set, while it has lost two of three and six of its last 10 Game 3s in the postseason.

The Heat's postseason success has been limited to a single trip to the Eastern Conference Finals in 1997, when they lost four of five games to the Michael Jordan-led Chicago Bulls.

New Jersey, which won its last four games at home during the regular season, has been led by Vince Carter, who is averaging a team-highs in points (24.0 ppg) and assists (5.5 apg). Carter has also grabbed 7.5 boards per contest and has played at least 40 minutes in both games.

Center Nenad Krstic has been solid for New Jersey as he has registered averages of 19 points and a team-best eight rebounds in Games 1 and 2, while star point guard Jason Kidd has contributed 14 points, 7.5 boards and 4.5 assists per game.

The Nets have won two straight and are 6-4 in their last 10 Game 3s. They have never comeback to win a playoff series after dropping the first two games of the set. New Jersey has won 10 of its last 13 home games in the postseason.

New Jersey has been a postseason regular over the last four seasons, losing no earlier than the Eastern Conference semifinals in any of the seasons. The Nets were ousted by the eventual world champion Detroit Pistons in the semifinals last season. New Jersey hasn't lost a first round series since being swept in three games by Chicago in 1998.

The Nets posted a 24-17 record at home during the regular season. .

During the regular season, the Nets had very little success against the Heat, losing all three meetings by an average of 21.3 points. Miami has won seven in a row over the Nets, including the victories in Games 1 and 2.

(3) BOSTON CELTICS (1-1) AT (6) INDIANA PACERS (1-1), 8:30 P.M. ---------------------------------------------------------------

(Sports Network) - The Boston Celtics and Indiana Pacers resume their Eastern Conference quarterfinals set tonight, as one of the teams will take a 2-1 lead in the series when the clubs meet at Conseco Fieldhouse.

This is a best-of-seven series, with Game 4 scheduled for Saturday at Conseco Fieldhouse.

This is the third consecutive campaign that these teams have met in the first round of the postseason. Indiana swept the Celtics in four games last season, but Boston ousted the Pacers in six games two years ago. These teams have met four previous times in the opening round, with Boston taking three of the sets.

The Celtics are 3-1 all-time in Game 3s against the Pacers in the postseason. Indiana is 5-3 as the host versus Boston in the playoffs.

The teams split the first two games of the set at the FleetCenter, as Boston won Game 1, 102-82, and the Pacers captured Game 2, 82-79. Raef LaFrentz scored 21 points to lead the Celtics to victory last Saturday in the opener, while veteran Reggie Miller netted 28 on Monday to help Indiana even the series.

Stephen Jackson is averaging a team-high 22.5 points for Indiana in the series, while Miller has contributed 17.5 points, 4.5 rebounds and 3.5 assists per game. All-Star Jermaine O'Neal, who still appears to be bothered by a shoulder injury that sidelined him during the regular season, has netted 10 and pulled down 5.5 boards per contest.

Indiana has lost two in a row and five of its last six Game 3s in the postseason. The Pacers have dropped two of three and nine of their last 13 playoff contests on the road.

The Pacers took two of the three regular-season meetings between these squads this year, but both of their wins came in November. Indiana was 19-22 on the road during the regular season, while Boston was 27-14 as the host.

Paul Pierce has been Boston's top scorer in the series, as he netted a game- high 33 in Game 2 and is averaging team-highs in points (22.5 ppg) and rebounds (8.0 rpg). Pierce is shooting just over 40 percent from the field and has made 27.3 percent of his attempts from beyond the arc.

Veterans Antoine Walker and Gary Payton need to pick up their production for Boston. The 28-year-old Walker has averaged 16 points and six boards, which are below his regular-season averages of 19.1 points and nine boards. Payton has recorded just nine points and a team-high 5.5 assists per game in the first two contests.

Boston has lost two straight and five of its last eight Game 3s in the postseason. The last time the Celtics were tied 1-1 in a best-of-seven series was in 2003 against the Pacers, and they went on to win the set in six games.

This is the Celtics' fourth consecutive trip to the postseason after a six- year drought in the mid-1990's. Boston is still looking for its first NBA title since the 1985-86 campaign. The Celtics, who have won 16 championships, haven't been back to the NBA Finals since 1987.

Indiana was 25-16 as the host during the regular season, while the Celtics were 18-23 on the road.

(4) DALLAS MAVERICKS (0-2) AT (5) HOUSTON ROCKETS (2-0), 9:30 P.M. ------------------------------------------------------------------

(Sports Network) - The Houston Rockets attempt to take a commanding 3-0 lead in their Western Conference quarterfinals series, as they welcome the Dallas Mavericks tonight to the Toyota Center.

This is a best-of-seven series, with Game 4 scheduled for Saturday at the Toyota Center.

The Rockets surprised the Mavericks in the first two games of the series, as they won Game 1, 98-86, and Game 2, 113-111, at American Airlines Center. Houston, which is 7-0 when it leads a playoff series 2-0, has history on its side, as only the Los Angeles Lakers in 1969 and Houston in 1994 have come back from an 0-2 deficit to win a best-of-seven series after losing the first two games at home.

Houston has been led by its two All-Stars, Tracy McGrady and Yao Ming. McGrady played 47 minutes and finished with 28 points, eight rebounds and 10 assists in Game 2, while Yao netted a game-high 33 points and grabbed eight boards in 36 minutes of action for the Rockets, who lead a playoff series 2-0 for the first time since 1997 when they defeated the Minnesota Timberwolves, 3-0, in the opening round.

Yao rebounded in Game 2 from a tough series opener, as the 7-6 center contributed just 11 points and eight boards in 20 minutes of action before fouling out of Houston's victory in the first game of the set. Yao looked unstoppable in Game 2, as he was an incredible 13-of-14 from the floor and was a perfect 7-for-7 from the foul line.

A five-time All-Star, McGrady is averaging team-highs in points (31.5 ppg) and assists (8.0 apg) in the first two games of the set with Dallas. He has also grabbed 6.5 rebounds and registered 2.5 steals per game.

The last playoff series Houston won was in 1997, when it eliminated the Seattle SuperSonics in seven games in the conference semifinals. The Rockets have won six straight Game 3s in the postseason.

Houston is 6-4 in its last 10 games at home in the postseason.

Dallas lost the first two games to Sacramento in last year's playoffs and was eventually eliminated in five games. The Mavericks did comeback from a 2-0 deficit to beat Utah, 3-2, in the first round of the 2001 postseason.

Dirk Nowitzki leads the Mavericks in scoring with 23.5 points per game in the first two contests. However, the All-Star forward, who shot just under 46 percent from the floor in the regular season, made just 32.5 percent of his attempts from the field in the first two games of the series. He has also averaged just 4.5 rebounds, which is well below his season average of 9.7 boards per game.

Second-year forward Josh Howard, who celebrates his 25th birthday today, played very well in Games 1 and 2 for the Mavericks. He averaged 17 points and a team-high nine rebounds, while guard Jason Terry contributed 17 points, seven boards and a team-best 4.5 assists in the first two contests of the series.

Dallas center Erick Dampier, who played in his first playoff game of his nine- year career in the series opener, has netted 10.5 points and pulled down eight boards per contest in the Mavericks' losses.

The Mavericks have won three straight and five of their last seven Game 3s in the postseason. Dallas has lost three straight and six of its last eight road contests in the playoffs.

This is the second time that Dallas and Houston have met in the postseason. In 1988, the Mavericks eliminated the Rockets, 3-1, in the first round. During the regular season, the teams split four games as each club picked up win at home and on the road. In last year's playoffs, Dallas fell to Sacramento in the first round, while the Rockets were also eliminated in five in the opening round by the Lakers.

Houston was 26-15 as the host this season, while the Mavericks were an impressive 29-12 on the road.