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**Spark** · 05-13-2005, 08:29 AM

Friday, 5/13/2005

DETROIT (59 - 30) at INDIANA (49 - 42) - 5/13/2005, 7:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
INDIANA is 41-21 ATS (+17.9 Units) on Friday nights over the last 3 seasons.
DETROIT is 9-2 ATS (+6.8 Units) after playing 3 consecutive home games this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
DETROIT is 11-9 against the spread versus INDIANA over the last 3 seasons
INDIANA is 10-10 straight up against DETROIT over the last 3 seasons
14 of 20 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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PHOENIX (67 - 21) at DALLAS (63 - 28) - 5/13/2005, 9:35 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
PHOENIX is 7-6 against the spread versus DALLAS over the last 3 seasons
DALLAS is 7-6 straight up against PHOENIX over the last 3 seasons
7 of 13 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

**Spark** · 05-13-2005, 08:30 AM

Friday, May 13th

National League:

Chicago Cubs at Washington Nationals, 7:05 EST
Glendon Rusch (L) vs. Esteban Loaiza (R)

Rusch - 8-2 TSR vs. Washington with a 3.18 ERA and a 1.235 WHIP
Loaiza - Washington 2-19 after 4 or more consecutive unders over the last 2 seasons

Cincinnati Reds at Philadelphia Phillies, 7:05 EST
Eric Milton (L) vs. Brett Myers (R)

Milton - 66-42 TSR in the first half of the season since 1997
Myers - 10-1 Over when pitching on Friday since 1997

Milwaukee Brewers at Pittsburgh Pirates, 7:05 EST
Chris Capuano (L) vs. Kip Wells (R)

Capuano - Milwaukee 19-5 Under when playing with a day off over the last 2 seasons
Wells - 1-9 TSR at home with a money line of -100 to -150 over the last 3 seasons

St. Louis Cardinals at New York Mets, 7:10 EST
Jason Marquis (R) vs. Tom Glavine (L)

Marquis - 29-34 TSR as a favorite of -110 or higher since 1997
Glavine - 10-4 TSR vs. St. Louis with a 3.57 ERA and a 1.290 WHIP

San Francisco Giants at Houston Astros, 8:05 EST
Kirk Rueter (L) vs. Ezequiel Astacio (R)

Rueter - 53-23 TSR against NL Central opponents since 1997
Astacio - Houston 21-27 against left-handed starters over the last 2 seasons

Arizona Diamondbacks at Colorado Rockies, 8:35 EST
Brad Halsey (L) vs. Jeff Francis (L)

Halsey - 1-0 TSR vs. Colorado with a 0.00 ERA and a 0.00 WHIP
Francis - 2-2 TSR vs. Arizona with a 2.66 ERA and a 1.394 WHIP

Florida Marlins at San Diego Padres, 10:05 EST
Josh Beckett (R) vs. Adam Eaton (R)

Beckett - 3-0 TSR vs. San Diego with a 2.25 ERA and a 1.150 WHIP
Eaton - 1-3 TSR vs. Florida with a 6.63 ERA and a 2.053 WHIP

Atlanta Braves at Los Angeles Dodgers, 10:40 EST
Horacio Ramirez (L) vs. Jeff Weaver (R)

Ramirez - Atlanta 15-4 Under with a bullpen that pitched one inning or less last game over the last 3 seasons
Weaver - 3-0 TSR vs. Atlanta with a 2.35 ERA and a 1.000 WHIP

American League:

Toronto Blue Jays at Cleveland Indians, 7:05 EST
Ted Lilly (L) vs. Jake Westbrook (R)

Lilly - Toronto 9-2 on the road in night games this season
Westbrook - Cleveland 24-41 against left-handed starters over the last 2 seasons

Anaheim Angels at Detroit Tigers, 7:05 EST
Bartolo Colon (R) vs. Jeremy Bonderman (R)

Colon - 11-2 Over when working on 5 or 6 days rest over the last 2 seasons
Bonderman - Detroit 3-17 in home games when playing with a day off over the last 3 seasons

Baltimore Orioles at Chicago White Sox, 8:05 EST
Rodrigo Lopez (R) vs. Mark Buehrle (L)

Lopez - Baltimore 4-19 when the total is 8 to 8.5 over the last 2 seasons
Buehrle - 18-6 TSR in the first half of the season over the last 2 seasons

Tampa Bay Devil Rays at Kansas City Royals, 8:05 EST
Doug Waechter (R) vs. Mike Wood (R)

Waechter - n/a
Wood - 2-12 at home this season

Texas Rangers at Minnesota Twins, 8:10 EST
Ryan Drese (R) vs. Joe Mays (R)

Drese - 18-8 TSR in night games over the last 2 seasons
Mays - 21-5 Under in home games after a loss since 1997

New York Yankees at Oakland Athletics, 10:05 EST
Mike Mussina (R) vs. Rich Harden (R)

Mussina - 9-1 TSR on the road when the total is 7 to 7.5 since 1997
Harden - Oakland 30-58 as an underdog of +100 or higher over the last 3 seasons

Boston Red Sox at Seattle Mariners, 10:05 EST
Jeremi Gonzalez (R) vs. Joel Pineiro (R)

Gonzalez - Boston 9-0 Under after 3 straight games without giving up a stolen base this season
Pineiro - 2-13 TSR as an underdog of +100 or higher over the last 2 seasons

**Spark** · 05-13-2005, 08:31 AM

Hot pitchers
-- Loaiza has 2.49 RA in his last three starts.
-- Myers is 2-2, 1.86 in seven starts this season.
-- Capuano is 2-0, 2.66 in his last three starts. Wells is 3-0, 2.88 in his last four starts, but is 0-2, 8.76 against the Brewers so far this season.
-- Marquis is 2-0, 1.64 in his three road starts.
-- Rueter is 1-0, 2.75 in his last three starts.
-- Beckett is 5-2, 3.00 in seven starts this season, but has an 8.31 road RA, a 0.62 home RA. Fish are away. Padres are 3-1 in Eaton's last four starts.
-- Weaver is 2-0, 2.84 in his last two starts.

-- Bonderman is 3-0, 2.45 in his last three starts. Colon has 1.13 RA in his last two starts; he just lost 2-1 to the Tigers and Bonderman Saturday night.
-- Buehrle is 3-0, 1.80 in three home starts.
-- Mussina is 2-0, 1.13 in his last two starts. Harden is 2-2, 2.59 in his six starts this season.

Cold pitchers
-- Rusch threw 81 pitches in 4.2 IP, allowing two runs in a 2-1 home loss to Phillies in his first '05 start.
-- Milton is 0-2, 7.23 in his last four starts.
-- Glavine is 0-2, 12.21 in his last three starts.
-- Astacio is 0-1, 9.82 in pair of 2005 starts.
-- Halsey is 0-1, 4.34 in his last three starts. Francis is 1-2, 5.82 in his last four starts.
-- Ramirez is 1-2, 5.09 in three road starts.

-- Westbrook is 1-6, 7.41 in seven starts this season. Lilly has 10.67 RA in his last three starts.
-- Lopez is 0-0, 11.57 in his last three starts.
-- Carrasco was 3-2, 2.28 at AAA Omaha; he made only three starts in 11 appearances there. Waechter is 1-2, 7.54 in four starts this season.
-- Mays has a 6.75 RA in his last three starts. Drese has an 8.31 RA in his three road outings.
-- Gonzalez is 1-1, 5.06 in pair of 2005 starts. Pineiro is 2-3, 5.66 in five starts this season.

Totals
-- Under is 7-2 in last nine Cub contests, 5-0-1 in last six Washington home games, 6-1 in Loaiza starts.
-- Over is 6-1 in last seven Cincinnati road games.
-- Under is 3-0-1 in last four Brewer road games, 3-1 in last four Capuano starts.
-- Under is 5-2 in Marquis starts this season.
-- Over is 5-1 in last six Houston home games.
-- Under is 9-2 in last 11 Arizona road contests.
-- Over is 5-1 in last six Florida road games.
-- Over is 5-1 in last six Atlanta road games, but 0-5 in last five Los Angeles home contests.

-- Under is 5-2 in last seven Detroit home games, 7-1 in last eight Angel road games.
-- Under is 6-1 in last seven Toronto road games.
-- Under is 7-3 in last ten Baltimore games, 6-1 in last seven White Sox home games.
-- Over is 5-1 in last six Tampa Bay home games.
-- Under is 9-3-2 in last fourteen Boston road games, 6-1 in last seven Seattle home games.
-- Mussina's last four starts stayed under the total.

Hot teams
-- Brewers won ten of their last thirteen games. Pirates are home after a terrific
-- Mets are 5-0 in home series openers. Cardinals are 5-0 in road series openers, 10-3 overall on road.
-- Arizona allowed a total of seven runs in winning last three in a row.
-- Marlins won seven of their last nine road games. San Diego won eight of its last ten home games.

-- Toronto is 10-5 in its last 15 games.
-- Orioles are 9-3 on road, 8-3 after a loss. White Sox won their last six home games.
-- Twins won five of their last seven games. Rangers are 5-1 in their last six road games.
-- Red Sox won eight of their last nine games.
-- Bronx scored 34 runs in winning last five games.

Cold teams
-- Cubs lost their last five games on foreign soil. Nats lost three of their last four games.
-- Reds lost the game that followed each of their last six wins. Phillies lost four of their last five games.
-- Over is 7-2 in last nine Met home games.
-- Astros lost last three road games and nine of last 10 games overall. Giants lost six of their last eight games.
-- Colorado lost nine of their last twelve games.
-- Braves are 5-7 in last 12 road games, and lost last three road series openers. Dodgers are 4-5 in their last nine home games.

-- Indians lost eight of their eleven home games.
-- Royals lost 12 of their 15 home games, and are 1-8 in game following a win this season. Tampa Bay is 1-11 on the road. losing last seven away contests.
-- Seattle lost ten of its last eleven games.
-- A's lost eight of their last nine games.

**Spark** · 05-13-2005, 08:32 AM

Pistons (1-1) @ Pacers-- Both series games went over so far, despite Indiana shooting 39.5%/38.9%, and just 10-36 beyond the arc. Detroit had +14/+10 first halves, but they shot 40 free throws in first game, 19 in second, so Pacers defended without fouling as much. After +8 in turnovers in Game 1, Pistons were -5 last game. Visitor is 5-1 in series games so far this season.

Suns (1-1) @ Mavericks-- Dallas will do better in lower scoring games; they held Suns to 41.6% in second game after Phoenix made 52.3% of shots in Game 1. Dallas' FG% went up from 44.9% to 49.4%, as Nowitzki was more assertive, as Dampier gave them 10 first half points and seven offensive rebounds. Phoenix was an excellent road team this season. Johnson will miss next couple of games, with lacerations above his left eye.

**Spark** · 05-13-2005, 08:34 AM

13) DDLohaus was co-winner of a $20 buy-in Texas Hold 'em event with 35 participants last week, making up for his dismal effort handicapping the Derby (just kidding). Good job, and he will be back next week as the Preakness takes center stage.

12) Think of the millions of dollars involved in playoff games in the NBA; the salaries, the gate receipts, just a ton of money. And it still comes down to foul shots, just like CYO, junior high, high school and college tilts do. The Spurs lost Game 3 because they choked on their foul shots in a 92-91 loss. No matter what level you play at, the little things win the big games.

11) To me, Brent Musberger is a great announcer; he understands things, he is into it, and he sets the scene at the end, because he thinks like a coach. He gets it, and his enthusiasm for the game comes over clearly.

10) So baseball is going to have a World Cup event next March. How would you like to plan the logistics for this, with 16 different countries, guys on same team playong on opposite sides, and the with spring training sites losing attention and traffic? Will it be wood bat? Where? When? Lot of questions to answer.

9) There will be a Brazilian kid in the NBA Draft, 20 years old, 6-10, great name: Tiago Splitter. Wonder if he is related somehow to Gaylord Perry.

8) This week's Sports Illustrated ranks their Top 25 high school sports programs: interesting concept, as it shows some interesting facts, but not sure we need to be encouraging an arms' race for facilities at that level

7) Such as, the booster club at Hoover (AL) raises as much as $750,000 every year, or...........

6) The new high school football field in Denton, Texas cost a nifty $18.3 million. That's million with an M.

5) Michael Irvin and Chris Evert went to the same high school in Fort Lauderdale.

4) In case you were wondering, Long Beach Poly was their choice as the #1 athletic program for high schools Willie McGinest and Calvin Broadus (Snoop Dawg) are both former Jackrabbits.

3) Tampa Bay's Scott Kazmir is winless in eight starts this season. Where are New York know-it-alls who have been pounding the Mets for trading him? Maybe they knew something, after all, those crafty Mets.

2) How baseball has changed: from 1979-82, the A's had a pitcher named Rick Langford, who was 54-54 in those four years, but completed 65 of his 117 starts. Last year, with a good pitching staff, but a terrible pen, the A's finished 10 of their 162 starts.

1) I am not totally sure how NFL coaches spend their offseasons, but if I coach offense for the Saints, I try like hell to figure out what to do early in games, or else 2005 will be my last year on Bourbon Street.

**Spark** · 05-13-2005, 04:27 PM

Friday, 5/13/2005

BALTIMORE (22 - 12) at CHI WHITE SOX (26 - 9) - 8:05 PM
RODRIGO LOPEZ (R) vs. MARK BUEHRLE (L)
Top Trends for this game.
BALTIMORE is 4-19 (-17.6 Units) against the money line when the total is 8 to 8.5 over the last 2 seasons.
CHI WHITE SOX are 26-9 (+16.0 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
CHI WHITE SOX are 13-1 (+11.8 Units) against the money line when the total is 8 to 8.5 this season.
CHI WHITE SOX are 20-6 (+13.5 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
CHI WHITE SOX are 15-6 (+8.8 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
CHI WHITE SOX are 18-5 (+12.2 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
CHI WHITE SOX are 20-6 (+13.6 Units) against the money line after a win this season.
CHI WHITE SOX are 9-0 (+9.2 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
BALTIMORE is 100-96 (+5.9 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
BALTIMORE is 9-3 (+7.9 Units) against the money line in road games this season.

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

RODRIGO LOPEZ vs. CHI WHITE SOX since 1997
LOPEZ is 1-0 when starting against CHI WHITE SOX with an ERA of 4.85 and a WHIP of 1.231.
His team's record is 2-0 (+2.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 2-0. (+2.0 units)

MARK BUEHRLE vs. BALTIMORE since 1997
BUEHRLE is 2-1 when starting against BALTIMORE with an ERA of 2.78 and a WHIP of 1.206.
His team's record is 4-1 (+2.6 units) in these starts. The OVER is 3-2. (+0.8 units)

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TAMPA BAY (13 - 23) at KANSAS CITY (9 - 26) - 8:05 PM
DOUG WAECHTER (R) vs. DJ CARRASCO (R)
Top Trends for this game.
TAMPA BAY is 12-46 (-27.9 Units) against the money line in road games after a loss over the last 2 seasons.
TAMPA BAY is 92-121 (+8.4 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 3 seasons.
KANSAS CITY is 67-130 (-38.3 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
KANSAS CITY is 36-59 (-19.1 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 2 seasons.
KANSAS CITY is 36-59 (-19.1 Units) against the money line in home games in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
KANSAS CITY is 41-96 (-41.4 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
KANSAS CITY is 20-48 (-24.5 Units) against the money line after a win over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
KANSAS CITY is 1-0 (+1.3 Units) against TAMPA BAY this season
1 of 1 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+1.0 Units)

DOUG WAECHTER vs. KANSAS CITY since 1997
WAECHTER is 0-0 when starting against KANSAS CITY with an ERA of 15.75 and a WHIP of 3.750.
His team's record is 1-1 (-0.2 units) in these starts. The OVER is 2-0. (+2.0 units)

DJ CARRASCO vs. TAMPA BAY since 1997
No recent starts.

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TEXAS (18 - 17) at MINNESOTA (20 - 13) - 8:10 PM
RYAN DRESE (R) vs. JOE MAYS (R)
Top Trends for this game.
MINNESOTA is 113-86 (+18.0 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 80-53 (+24.7 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.
TEXAS is 107-90 (+26.2 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
TEXAS is 47-48 (+12.3 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 2 seasons.
TEXAS is 72-60 (+15.7 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.
TEXAS is 76-61 (+21.0 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
TEXAS is 12-4 (+9.5 Units) against the money line after a loss this season.
DRESE is 18-8 (+10.4 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
MINNESOTA is 33-38 (-18.2 Units) against the money line in home games after a loss over the last 3 seasons.

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

RYAN DRESE vs. MINNESOTA since 1997
DRESE is 2-3 when starting against MINNESOTA with an ERA of 8.40 and a WHIP of 2.151.
His team's record is 2-5 (-3.2 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 1-6. (-5.8 units)

JOE MAYS vs. TEXAS since 1997
MAYS is 3-1 when starting against TEXAS with an ERA of 4.79 and a WHIP of 1.452.
His team's record is 6-1 (+6.1 units) in these starts. The OVER is 4-3. (+0.7 units)

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NY YANKEES (16 - 19) at OAKLAND (14 - 20) - 10:05 PM
MIKE MUSSINA (R) vs. RICH HARDEN (R)
Top Trends for this game.
NY YANKEES are 13-16 (-14.1 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
NY YANKEES are 9-12 (-12.7 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
NY YANKEES are 10-14 (-14.3 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
NY YANKEES are 16-19 (-16.4 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
NY YANKEES are 50-46 (-15.2 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 2 seasons.
NY YANKEES are 0-5 (-8.5 Units) against the money line when playing on Friday this season.
OAKLAND is 74-72 (-18.2 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
NY YANKEES is 2-1 (+0.5 Units) against OAKLAND this season
2 of 2 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+2.0 Units)

MIKE MUSSINA vs. OAKLAND since 1997
MUSSINA is 6-6 when starting against OAKLAND with an ERA of 3.99 and a WHIP of 1.215.
His team's record is 7-9 (-8.1 units) in these starts. The OVER is 7-8. (-2.1 units)

RICH HARDEN vs. NY YANKEES since 1997
HARDEN is 1-1 when starting against NY YANKEES with an ERA of 4.29 and a WHIP of 1.476.
His team's record is 1-2 (-0.5 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 1-2. (-1.0 units)

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BOSTON (21 - 13) at SEATTLE (13 - 21) - 10:05 PM
JEREMI GONZALEZ (R) vs. JOEL PINEIRO (R)
Top Trends for this game.
SEATTLE is 2-12 (-10.7 Units) against the money line after allowing 10 runs or more over the last 2 seasons.
SEATTLE is 45-75 (-25.7 Units) against the money line after a loss over the last 2 seasons.
SEATTLE is 76-120 (-38.0 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
SEATTLE is 73-110 (-31.5 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
SEATTLE is 48-82 (-30.8 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.
SEATTLE is 116-134 (-38.8 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 3 seasons.
PINEIRO is 2-13 (-11.4 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)

Head-to-Head Series History
BOSTON is 2-1 (+0.6 Units) against SEATTLE this season
2 of 2 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+2.0 Units)

JEREMI GONZALEZ vs. SEATTLE since 1997
GONZALEZ is 1-0 when starting against SEATTLE with an ERA of 3.65 and a WHIP of 1.297.
His team's record is 1-1 (+0.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 0-2. (-2.3 units)

JOEL PINEIRO vs. BOSTON since 1997
PINEIRO is 2-5 when starting against BOSTON with an ERA of 7.08 and a WHIP of 1.770.
His team's record is 2-5 (-3.0 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 2-4. (-2.4 units)

**Spark** · 05-13-2005, 04:28 PM

Chicago Cubs at Washington (3) 13th, 14th, 15th

The Cubs could do no better than 3-3 against this team when they were still in Montreal last year (-$555), so theyÕll have their hands full here at RFK Stadium (Chicago 6-10, -$535 as visitors). The Nationals have been very profitable (+$600), and their rotation has looked particularly sharp in recent days (3.026 ERA last 10). They should take at least 2 out of 3 vs. the sputtering Cubs, who continue to lose ground in the NL Central. BEST BET: Nationals in all games.

Milwaukee at Pittsburgh (3) 13th, 14th, 15th

The Brewers have already topped the Bucs in 4 out of 5 head to head matchup this year (+$325) and they look very promising on this return trip to PNC Park, where the hapless Pirates are only 3-9 so far (-$650). The Brewers have gotten surprisingly good pitching (3.93 ERA, 4th best in the NL) and despite a .252 team BA, theyÕve averaged almost 4.8 runs per game. Avoid lefty Mark Redman (3.05), but the rest of the Pittsburgh rotation (6.20 ERA last 10 days) is fair game. BEST BET: Brewers in all games unless opposed by Redman.

St. Louis at N.Y. Mets (3) 13th, 14th, 15th

The Cardinals dominated the Mets in 2004 (5-1, +$380), when they won 105 games and racked up huge profits on the road (+$1720). TheyÕve continued their winning ways as visitors (10-3, +$595) and their pitching is among the leagueÕs most effective (3.69 ERA). The Mets have been playing well, particularly at Shea Stadium, so weÕll limit ourselves to playing against Tom Glavine (6.88 ERA, -$325) who has been awful in his 7 starts this year. The Cardinals are averaging 5.9 runs per game vs.lefties. BEST BET: Cardinals vs. Glavine.

Florida at San Diego (3) 13th, 14th, 15th

The Marlins continue to get great pitching from most of their staff (2.78 team ERA, best in baseball), but Al Leiter has been one notable exception (-$565, 6.68 ERA). The Padres have been the hottest team in the NL in recent days, taking 3 out of 4 from the high flying Cardinals at Busch Stadium last weekend. They are 10-4 at Petco Park (+$445), taking 4 out of 5 against lefthanders along the way. WeÕll trust any of their starters when FloridaÕs struggling veteran is on the mound. BEST BET: Padres vs. Leiter.

Atlanta at L.A. Dodgers (3) 13th, 14th, 15th

Matchup of two first place teams who are facing stiff challenges within their respective divisions. The Braves have looked very sharp in recent days (7-2, +$460 last 10 with a 2.64 ERA and 6.6 runs per game), but we worry that they may have trouble at Chavez Ravine. The Dodgers are 7-1 (+$570) vs. southpaws, with 7.5 runs per game in those contests and will see both Mike Hampton (2.05 ERA) and Horacio Ramirez (3.68) in this series. They look like a solid value at home laying a short price. BEST BET: Dodgers vs. lefthanders.

Toronto at Cleveland (3) 13th, 14th, 15th

The Blue Jays got roughed up by the red-hot White Sox at Skydome last weekend, but they should fare much better here at Jacobs Field vs. the struggling Indians. TheyÕve been very effective on the road so far (11-7, +$785) and theyÕll be sending their very promising young lefthander Gustavo Chacin (+$420, 3.13 ERA) to the mound. The Indians are a dismal 1-8 vs. lefties so far (-$745) averaging only 2.3 runs per game in those contests. BEST BET: Chacin.

L.A. Angels at Detroit (3) 13th, 14th, 15th

The Tigers dealt the first place Angels a setback when they took 2 out of 3 in Anaheim last week. (+$215). Now LA will look to exact a measure of revenge here at Comerica Park, and the setting looks quite favorable (Detroit only 6-8, -$390 at home so far). Last year the Angels were 20-7 (+$1220) on the road vs. lefthanders, and they are already 3-0 (+$360) in that situation this year. The Tigers have three southpaws in their starting rotation, so LA will get some chances to improve on those numbers. BEST BET: Angels vs. lefthanders.

Texas at Minnesota (3) 13th, 14th, 15th

The Rangers are starting to swing the bats well (5.9 runs per game last 10 days) and thatÕs a good thing, because their pitching has taken a noticeable step back this year (4.84 team ERA, 3rd worst in the AL). TheyÕve been profitable on the road thus far (9-5, +$660) and they will get to take on a Minnesota team that has been disappointing vs. righthanders here in the Metrodome (4-5, -$295 with only 4.1 runs per game). A good opportunity to stay within range of the leaders in the AL West. BEST BET: Righthanders vs. the Twins.

N.Y. Yankees at Oakland (3) 13th, 14th, 15th

The obituaries being written about the Yankees may be a bit premature. They bounced back from a miserable run with back to back shutouts against the AÕs last weekend. Oakland was a disappointing 2-7 (-$470) against New York last year and their offense is struggling (.236 team BA). They are only 2-7 in night games at the Coliseum so far (-$440) and the first two games of this series are evening affairs. Oakland will face Randy Johnson on Sunday, so theyÕll be in against Mussina & Brown in the first two games, both of whom will be coming off their best performances of the year (AÕs only 3.3 runs per game vs. righties). BEST BET: Mussina & Brown in night games.

Boston at Seattle (3) 13th, 14th, 15th

WeÕre disappointed in the Mariners, who have failed to bounce back from a lousy 2004 season. They are only 4-10 here at Safeco (-$735) and are coming off a miserable stretch of games in which theyÕve failed in all aspects of the game (3-7, -$360 with 3.0 runs per game and a 6.03 ERA among starters). The Sox are holding up well despite a rash of injuries to their rotation (3.37 ERA among starters last 10 days). WeÕll try our luck with Matt Clement (3.35) who has emerged as a key man in this depleted staff. BEST BET: Clement

Cincinnati at Philadelphia (4) 12th, 13th, 14th, 15th

The Reds are coming off a miserable stretch of games (1-8, -$740 last 10 days), highlighting by St. LouisÕs 7 run 9th inning comeback last week. Their pitching is dreadful (5.79 ERA, 2nd worst in the NL) and theyÕve only won 3 of their first 14 road games (-$670). The Phillies have struggled offensively with Jim Thome on the DL, but theyÕve gotten sensational work from Jon Leiber (+$325, 2.57 ERA) and Brett Myers (+$175, 1.49), both of whom will take the hill this weekend. Cincinnati canÕt handle righthanders (only 6-16, -$965) so lay the price on the two home favorites. BEST BET: Lieber/Myers.

San Francisco at Houston (4) 12th, 13th, 14th, 15th

The Giants are hovering near the .500 level right now and their pitching does look a bit thin. But they are leading the league in team BA (.280) and should fare well against a Houston team that has been dreadful against lefties (2-8, -$740, with only 2.4 runs per game). The Astros have played better at home, but the Giants were one of baseballÕs most profitable road teams in 2004 (+$1215) and theyÕve held their own as visitors so far in Ô05. Both their lefty starters will take the hill in this series, and given the anticipated underdog prices, a split would yield a nice profit. BEST BET: Rueter/Lowry.

Arizona at Colorado (4) 12th, 13th, 14th, 15th

The Diamondbacks are off to a terrific start after last yearÕs 111 loss disaster. but theyÕve not been nearly as effective away from Bank One ballpark (6 wins vs. 7 losses), and that leaves them vulnerable against a Colorado team that is overdue for some successes. As bad as the Rockies have been, theyÕve got a pair of very capable hurlers in Shawn Chacon (3.25 in 5 starts) and Jeff Francis (4.59 in 6 starts, not bad by Coors Field standards). Both will pitch in this series, and we like the home teamÕs chances to emerge victorious at at least one, if not both of those contests. BEST BET: Chacon/Francis.

Baltimore at Chicago W. Sox (4) 12th, 13th, 14th, 15th

This should be a great series between two teams that have unexpectedly jumped to sizeable leads in their respective divisions. The OÕs are an offensive powerhouse (.292 team BA, tops in the majors) and their 4.18 team ERA is 7th best in the AL. The White Sox pitching has been outstanding (3.04 ERA, best in the league) and that 17-4 (+$1300) record vs. righthanders is impossible to go against. With very few angles weÕll take a shot on BaltimoreÕs Eric Bedard (2.50 ERA in 6 starts), one of the outstanding young lefthanders in baseball (Chicago is only 2-2 at home vs. southpaws). BEST BET: Bedard.

Tampa Bay at Kansas City (4) 12th, 13th, 14th, 15th

Attendance figures to be pretty thin for this battle of the ALÕs most inept. The Devil Rays have only won once on the road so far this year (-$640), but the Royals have been every bit as bad here at Kaufman Stadium (only 2-12, -$1010). Tampa Bay has shown some spark offensively, but their pitching is the leagueÕs worst (6.06 ERA). KC canÕt hit (.232 team BA, with 3.4 runs per game) and their only decent pitcher, Zack Greinke, is winless in 6 starts (-$635). weÕll stay as far away from this mess as possible. BEST BET: None

**Spark** · 05-13-2005, 05:48 PM

Detroit at Indiana**

-- Indiana pulled off the biggest upset of the conference semifinals to date on Wednesday by defeating Detroit 92-83 in Game 2 of their best-of-seven series.

-- Rick Carlisle’s club trailed 69-68 after three quarters, but outscored the Pistons by 10 points (24-14) in the final 12 minutes en route to evening up the series 1-1.

-- The Pacers’ Jeff Foster played the game of his life, finishing with 14 points, 20 boards, two steals and two blocks. Jermaine O’Neal added 22 points and 10 boards, while Reggie Miller dropped in 19 points, including three bombs from the arch.

-- Ironically, this was the first playoff game in which the winning team shot a lower field goal percentage in still won the game. The Pacers shot 38.9 percent, while the Pistons hit 41.6 percent of their shots.

-- The Pacers victory came as 8 1/2-point road underdogs, while the combined 175 points slipped ‘over’ the closing total of 173.

-- Surprisingly, the ‘over’ cashed for the second straight time between the two teams. This little run is definitely out of the ordinary, considering the ‘under’ was 7-1 in the previous eight battles.

-- Money line players who backed the Pacers cashed tickets at a generous plus-400 (Bet $100 to win $400) price.

-- If you like follow trends so far in the playoffs then all signs would point to a double-digit home victory for Indiana on Friday.

-- How do I figure? Indiana rallied for two straight past Boston, including a 99-76 in Game 3 of the first round. Also, Detroit dropped Philly in the first two tilts at home, but later gave up 115 points in its first road setback of the postseason.

-- Keep in mind that these are just trends and I don’t expect you to run to the counter and preach “Chris David told me so!”

-- Make a mental note that Larry Brown’s team is 4-0 both straight up and against the spread in the last four meetings from the Hoosier State, including two victories in the last year’s Eastern Conference Finals.

-- Detroit is 1-1 both SU and ATS on the road in the playoffs, while the Pacers are only 1-2 both SU and ATS at home in the postseason.

-- Most books have the Pistons listed as four-point favorites for Game 3, with the total inching towards 174.

-- Detroit is only 12-16 ATS when listed as a road ‘chalk’, while Indiana owns an eye opening 8-2 mark versus the number when listed as a home ‘dog.

-- After this game, Game 4 will take place on Sunday from Conseco Fieldhouse.

-- Tip off for this game is slated for 7:00 p.m. EST, with ESPN providing national coverage.

**Phoenix at Dallas**

-- Dallas evened up its second round series at 1-1 on Wednesday after nipping Phoenix 108-106 in Game 2 as a seven-point road underdog. The combined 214 points went ‘under’ the closing total of 223.

-- The Mavericks’ Dirk Nowitzki hit the game-winner on a turnaround jumper from the baseline. The Suns’ Quentin Richardson had an opportunity to win the game at the buzzer, but his 3-point attempt rimmed out.

-- Dallas got great performances from Michael Finley and Erick Dampier, who combined for 46 points in Monday’s victory. Finley was 12-of-18 from the floor, including 83 percent (5-of-6) from downtown.

-- Dampier’s 15-point effort came after his teammate, Nowitzki, criticized the center for offering a bagel from the floor in Game 1. Dampier’s performance was much better in the second game, but note that 12 of the 15 points came in the first quarter.

-- The Suns struggled from the field in Game 2, shooting just 41 percent from the floor. Center Amare Stoudemire led the club with 30 points and 16 boards, while Shawn Marion and Steve Nash posted 23 points apiece.

-- The fourth piece of Phoenix puzzle got dropped Wednesday – literally. Guard Joe Johnson left the game just before the half after hitting his eye on the floor from a failed dunk attempt. Jerry Stackhouse was called for a flagrant foul on the play, but replays showed that the referees made the wrong call. Johnson is “out” for Game 3 and possibly the series.

-- Jim Jackson is expected to start for Johnson. Jackson will have to step up for the former Alabama standout (Johnson), who was averaging 17.1 points per game.

-- Dallas opened as a three-point home favorite for Game 3, but most books dropped the Mavs quickly to 2 ½-point favorites. The total opened at 221.

-- Phoenix is 33-10 SU and 26-16 ATS on the road this season, including 2-0 both SU and ATS versus Dallas at American Airlines Center. Also, the Suns are 2-0 both SU and ATS in the playoffs on the road.

-- Dallas is 31-14 SU and 20-24 ATS mark at home this year, which includes an inconsistent 2-2 SU and 1-3 ATS record in the postseason.

-- The two teams will square off on Sunday in Game 4 from American Airlines Center.

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