Cnotes Best Bets For Thursday May 7th - MLB - NBA -NHL !

MLB MONEYLINE


MLB > (971) HOUSTON@ (972) LA ANGELS | 05/07/2015 - 10:05 PM
Play ON HOUSTON using the money line in Road games in games played on a grass field
The record is 10 Wins and 2 Losses for the this season (+10.32 units)


MLB > (965) CLEVELAND@ (966) KANSAS CITY | 05/07/2015 - 02:10 PM
Play ON KANSAS CITY using the money line in All games at home with a money line of -100 to -125
The record is 26 Wins and 8 Losses for the last two seasons (+16.6 units)


MLB > (967) BALTIMORE@ (968) NY YANKEES | 05/07/2015 - 07:05 PM
Play ON BALTIMORE using the money line in All games in night games
The record is 79 Wins and 48 Losses for the last two seasons (+36.05 units)

MLB > (959) MIAMI@ (960) SAN FRANCISCO | 05/07/2015 - 10:15 PM
Play ON SAN FRANCISCO using the money line in All games in May games
The record is 24 Wins and 9 Losses for the last two seasons (+16.7 units)


MLB RUNLINE


MLB > (963) DETROIT@ (964) CHI WHITE SOX | 05/07/2015 - 02:10 PM
Play ON DETROIT using the in All games in day games
The record is 13 Wins and 2 Losses for the this season (+14.15 units)


MLB > (965) CLEVELAND@ (966) KANSAS CITY | 05/07/2015 - 02:10 PM
Play ON KANSAS CITY using the in All games at home when the run line is (+1.5, -155) to (-1.5, +160)
The record is 21 Wins and 13 Losses for the last two seasons (+19.55 units)


MLB TOTALS


MLB > (961) OAKLAND@ (962) MINNESOTA | 05/07/2015 - 01:10 PM
Play OVER OAKLAND on the total in All games in all games
The record is 20 Overs and 7 Unders for the this season (+13.25 units)


MLB TOP POWERLINE


MLB > (953) CHICAGO CUBS @ (954) ST LOUIS | 05/07/2015 - 01:45 PM
Line: ST LOUIS -120 BTB PowerLine: ST LOUIS -149
Edge On: ST LOUIS (29)


MLB > (955) CINCINNATI @ (956) PITTSBURGH | 05/07/2015 - 07:05 PM
Line: PITTSBURGH -135 BTB PowerLine: PITTSBURGH -170
Edge On: PITTSBURGH (35)


MLB > (967) BALTIMORE @ (968) NY YANKEES | 05/07/2015 - 07:05 PM
Line: NY YANKEES -140 BTB PowerLine: NY YANKEES 114
Edge On: NY YANKEES (34)


MLB > (969) TEXAS @ (970) TAMPA BAY | 05/07/2015 - 07:10 PM
Line: TAMPA BAY -175 BTB PowerLine: TAMPA BAY -125
Edge On: TAMPA BAY (25)

Team Pitcher Open Line Movements Current Runline Scores


1:40 PM EDT
951 LOS ANGELES DODGERS (R) Frias, C 7 +156 / -120 -113 +1.5(-150)
952 MILWAUKEE BREWERS (R) Fiers, M -176 8o32 / 8.5u15 / 8.5o13 8.5o15 -1.5(+130)
TV: MLB, DTV: 213


1:45 PM EDT
953 CHICAGO CUBS (R) Arrieta, J 7.5 7.5 / 7.5o15 7.5u15 +1.5(-170)
954 ST LOUIS CARDINALS (R) Lackey, J -142 -120 / -129 / -135 -129 -1.5(+150)
TV: CSN-Chicago, FS-Midwest, DTV: 665, 671


7:05 PM EDT
955 CINCINNATI REDS (R) Desclafani, A 7.5u25 7.5u25 7.5 +1.5(-175)
956 PITTSBURGH PIRATES (R) Burnett, A -145 -145 / -135 -138 -1.5(+155)
TV: FS-Ohio, ROOT-Pittsburgh, DTV: 659, 661


9:40 PM EDT
957 SAN DIEGO PADRES (R) Despaigne, O -140 -140 -120 -1.5(+115)
958 ARIZONA DIAMONDBACKS (R) De La Rosa, R 7.5 7.5 9 +1.5(-135)
TV: FS-Arizona, FS-San Diego, DTV: 686, 694


10:15 PM EDT
959 MIAMI MARLINS (R) Haren, D 8u15 8u15 7o20 +1.5(-165)
960 SAN FRANCISCO GIANTS (R) Hudson, T -142 -142 / -130 -133 -1.5(+145)
TV: CSN-Bay, FS-Florida, DTV: 654, 696


1:10 PM EDT
961 OAKLAND ATHLETICS (L) Pomeranz, D 10o05 +114 / -105 / -106 -115 +1.5(-175)
962 MINNESOTA TWINS (R) Nolasco, R -123 10o05 8.5u15 -1.5(+155)
TV: MLB, DTV: 213


2:10 PM EDT
963 DETROIT TIGERS (L) Lobstein, K -115 7o15 / 8.5o15 / 8.5u13 8.5o22 -1.5(+145)
964 CHICAGO WHITE SOX (L) Quintana, J 7o15 -105 / -106 / -115 -126 +1.5(-165)
TV: FS-Detroit, WGN, DTV: 307, 663


2:10 PM EDT
965 CLEVELAND INDIANS (R) Kluber, C -115 8u15 7.5o20 -1.5(+130)
966 KANSAS CITY ROYALS (R) Volquez, E 8u15 -123 / -126 / -110 -109 +1.5(-150)
TV: FS-Kansas City, SportsTime Ohio, DTV: 662, 672


7:05 PM EDT
967 BALTIMORE ORIOLES (R) Tillman, C 7.5 7.5 9u20 +1.5(-195)
968 NEW YORK YANKEES (R) Eovaldi, N -115 -115 -140 -1.5(+165)
TV: MASN, YES, DTV: 631, 640


7:10 PM EDT
969 TEXAS RANGERS (R) Martinez, N 8.5o20 7u15 / 7u26 / 7u25 7u17 +1.5(-150)
970 TAMPA BAY RAYS (R) Archer, C -154 -154 -175 -1.5(+130)
TV: FS-Southwest, SunSports, DTV: 653, 676


10:05 PM EDT
971 HOUSTON ASTROS (R) Mchugh, C -109 -109 / -108 -115 -1.5(+145)
972 LOS ANGELES ANGELS (L) Santiago, H 8.5u20 8.5u20 7.5o20 +1.5(-165)
TV: FS-West, ROOT-Southwest, DTV: 674, 692

Bets you just shouldn’t be making these Stanley Cup playoffs


Oddsmakers did something on Wednesday we haven’t seen them do yet this postseason: they dropped their first over/under line to 4.5 goals.

The move comes for Game 4 of the New York Rangers-Washington Capitals series and you might say it’s about four games overdue.

Ranger games have seen less scoring than the 40-year-old virgin these playoffs with an average of just 3.5 goals per contest. That has translated to a 6-1-1 over/under record for New York through its eight games and when you go back the past five postseasons, the ‘under’ in Ranger games is a golden goose with an over/under record of 9-18-9.

So 4.5 goals or no 4.5 goals, taking the ‘over’ in Ranger games right now isn’t your best puck logic – especially considering their current opponents.

The Caps have slipped under the number at a rate of 6-2-2 in their 10 playoff games and their last five games have seen them score just eight goals combined while allowing a mere eight goals. Washington also lays claim to the goalie with the best save percentage these playoffs with Braden Holtby stopping pucks at a magical rate of .949. New York’s Henrik Lundqvist is right behind with a .940 save percentage.

When you pile it all up, you have to wonder why it’s taken oddsmakers so long to adjust. The only answer is – that’s hockey for you. You’ll see slower adjustments than other sports simply because they don’t see the same type of action.

Taking the ‘over’, period

It’s not just Rangers games. It shouldn’t take the sharpest skate in the trainer’s room to realize by now that taking the ‘over’ this postseason isn’t good for the bankroll.

After jumping out to a 10-6 start, even the squarest ‘over’ bettor looked like a wise guy if he blindly bet every game to jump the total. But as we’re accustomed to seeing in the postseason, teams clamped down and we’ve seen the tide turn.

The ‘under’ is a lucrative 12-20-10 since those first 16 games and scoring has plunged to just 4.89 goals per game. That’s on pace to be the lowest scoring postseason since 2011-12 when the NHL playoffs saw just 4.83 goals per game and the over/under finished at 25-44-17.

Betting against the Lightning when they play the Canadiens

Nobody was a bigger Detroit Red Wings fan last round than Montreal. That’s because Tampa Bay tuned up the Habs for a 5-0 record during the regular season and have now beaten them in seven straight.

The combined score in those contests? 29-11.

If you’re a Montreal bettor it makes you angry enough to throw an elbow pad.

The Flames on the road

Canada’s current best shot to make the Stanley Cup finals is a tale of two teams. The Flames are 4-0 at home for a combined score of 18-10 compared to just 1-4 on the road while being outscored 16-5.

Calgary will get at least one more home game (Friday) and one more away game (Sunday) after winning at home Tuesday night.

Betting against Chicago with a lead

If you can bet in-game with your sports book, the Blackhawks have been the definition of money in the bank with a third-period lead this season. Chicago is 29-0-0 this season when leading after two periods.

You could get the Blackhawks at 14-5 to win the Stanley Cup at the Westgate LV SuperBook on Monday but you can kiss those odds good bye after the Hawks jumped out to a 3-0 lead over Minnesota. Expect a big difference when next week’s odds come out.

Preview: Dodgers (17-9) at Brewers (8-19)
Game: 4
Venue: Miller Park
Date: May 07, 2015 1:40 PM EDT

Milwaukee's recent success was too little, too late to save Ron Roenicke's job.


The Brewers can still save their season, though, especially if they keep pitching the way they have been lately.


They'll look to win a second straight series Thursday against the visiting Los Angeles Dodgers.


Milwaukee relieved Roenicke of his duties following Sunday's 5-3 win against the Chicago Cubs, the finale in the club's first series victory of the season. Though the Brewers (9-19) still own baseball's worst record, they're 2-1 under Craig Counsell and have a chance to win another series after Wednesday's 6-3 victory.


The pitching staff owns a 3.05 ERA during a 5-2 stretch, down from 4.87 during a 4-17 start, which included a 5.55 mark by the rotation. Starters have recorded a quality outing in six of seven, however, and Mike Fiers (1-3, 4.74 ERA) looks poised to turn in another.


Fiers seemed to put a rough April behind him Saturday against Chicago, striking out 12 and allowing three hits while giving up one run on a homer over six innings in a 6-1 road win.


"It's definitely a step in the right direction," he said. "I think I was fine mentally before, but it's great to get a great start like this and get a good team win and move on from it, so the next start I have that in the back of my mind that, 'Hey, I can still do this.'"


Fiers won his three previous appearances against the Dodgers, including two starts, giving up two runs in 16 2-3 innings.


Milwaukee's offense continues to be sparked at home by Adam Lind, who homered and doubled Wednesday and has three doubles in his last four games. He's hitting .389 with four home runs and 12 RBIs in 16 games at Miller Park compared to .231 with one homer and three RBIs in 11 on the road.


Joc Pederson continued to shine for Los Angeles (17-10), which had won eight of 11. The rookie homered twice and has nine on the season with each of his last seven hits leaving the park.


"He's got quality plate discipline and he's got power, those are two pretty good traits," Counsell said.


Manager Don Mattingly said he would like to rest some starters for Thursday's finale, including Jimmy Rollins. Wednesday's Nos. 1-4 hitters Pederson, Rollins, Howie Kendrick and Adrian Gonzalez have played in all 27 games.


Carlos Frias (2-0, 0.00) has yet to allow a run over 7 2-3 innings and won as a starter for the first time in his career Friday, defeating Arizona 8-0. Frias was making a spot start for the injured Brandon McCarthy but could stick around in the rotation if similar performances are in store with McCarthy undergoing Tommy John surgery last week.


"I think you saw tonight what he's capable of," third baseman Justin Turner said. "He's got unbelievable stuff, and he throws 95-98 (mph) with a lot of sink and he can command his pitches "


Frias had his start pushed back a day to give him additional rest.


"Not really worried about his arm, just wanted to give him an extra day," Mattingly said.


Frias struggled in three relief appearances versus Milwaukee last season, giving up five runs in six innings.




SERIES AT A GLANCE


GAME 1
Dodgers at Brewers
Mon, May 4 Final 3 to 4
Boxscores • Recaps


GAME 2
Dodgers at Brewers
Tue, May 5 Final 8 to 2
Boxscores • Recaps


GAME 3
Dodgers at Brewers
Wed, May 6 Final 3 to 6
Boxscores • Recaps


GAME 4
Dodgers at Brewers
Thu, May 7 - 1:40PM EDT

Preview: Cubs (13-12) at Cardinals (20-6)
Game: 4
Venue: Busch Stadium
Date: May 07, 2015 1:45 PM EDT

After blowing leads in each of the first two games in the series, the Chicago Cubs finally held off the rival St. Louis Cardinals.


Jake Arrieta will try to give the Cubs a split in this four-game set by adding to his dominance over the Cardinals on Thursday.


Expected to contend for a playoff spot after years of rebuilding, Chicago (14-12) showed that it still has some work to do to compete with the Cardinals (20-7) in the NL Central. St. Louis showcased the resilience that's led to back-to-back division titles in the first two games of this series.


The Cardinals rallied from an early five-run deficit in the opener and a three-run hole in a 7-4 victory Tuesday but fell just short of another comeback Wednesday, losing 6-5 with the tying run on third in the ninth.


"I just think this is who we are," manager Mike Matheny said. "We're just going to keep coming. Regardless of what's happened in recent games, just keep playing."


Anthony Rizzo homered for the third time in five games and added a two-run double for the Cubs, who ended the Cardinals' win streak at eight and kept them from adding to the best start in franchise history.


"It was huge for us to get that win," said third baseman Kris Bryant, who went 2 for 4 with an RBI.


Batting .291 with 19 runs in this series, the Cubs will next try to give Arrieta (3-2, 2.84 ERA) enough support for another win against St. Louis. The right-hander gave up three hits and three walks over seven innings while striking out seven in a 2-0 win April 8, improving to 3-0 with a 0.74 ERA in six starts versus the Cardinals.


Arrieta will attempt to bounce back from his least effective outing of the season. He gave up four runs in the first two innings Saturday against Milwaukee and didn't make it past the fifth for the first time in a 6-1 loss.


Arrieta, who had a 2.03 ERA in his first four starts, has held batters to a .171 average the first time through the lineup.


"I've got to come out better, that's really it," he told MLB's official website.


John Lackey (1-1, 3.69), meanwhile, is coming off one of his better outings but did not get a decision Saturday against Pittsburgh. He allowed one run in six innings as the Cardinals won 2-1 in 11.


Lackey is 1-1 with a 2.70 ERA in three starts against the Cubs. Chris Coghlan is 5 for 8 when facing the right-hander while Miguel Montero is 3 for 6 with two doubles.


Matt Adams has performed the best against Arrieta for the Cardinals, going 5 for 12. Matt Holliday, Matt Carpenter and Jon Jay are a combined 1 for 37 with 12 strikeouts.


The Cubs have lost 28 of 40 in St. Louis since the start of the 2011 season.


SERIES AT A GLANCE


GAME 1
Cubs at Cardinals
Mon, May 4 Final 9 to 10
Boxscores


GAME 2
Cubs at Cardinals
Tue, May 5 Final 4 to 7
Boxscores • Recaps


GAME 3
Cubs at Cardinals
Wed, May 6 Final 6 to 5
Boxscores • Recaps


GAME 4
Cubs at Cardinals
Thu, May 7 - 1:45PM EDT

Preview: Indians (9-16) at Royals (17-9)
Game: 3
Venue: Ewing M. Kauffman Stadium
Date: May 07, 2015 2:10 PM EDT

It's been 26 years since a team has gone winless with a reigning Cy Young Award winner on the mound as many times as the Cleveland Indians have with Corey Kluber.


The visiting Indians seek to avoid falling to 0-7 in Kluber's starts in Thursday's three-game series finale against the Kansas City Royals.


Cleveland has lost all six starts by Kluber (0-4, 4.62 ERA), becoming the first team to lose that many since the 1989 Minnesota Twins lost Frank Viola's first seven outings. The right-hander lasted five-plus innings Saturday, yielding five runs and eight hits in an 11-4 defeat to Toronto.


Opponents have fared well when swinging early against him, batting .448 on the first pitch, .545 on a 0-1 count and .444 on a 1-0 delivery. Hitters are at .172 on 2-2 pitches and 1 for 10 on a full count.


Kluber believes his problem is related to pitch sequence.


"I'm not doing that good a job of keeping guys honest," he said. "For the most part guys are hanging out over the plate and when they do that, they eliminate one half of the plate. When you do make a mistake it's kind of magnified."


The Indians (10-16) insist Kluber is fine physically. His run support average of 2.08 is one of the league's lowest.


Kluber went 2-1 with a 1.15 ERA in four starts against Kansas City last year before allowing six runs over 6 1-3 innings in a 6-2 loss to the Royals on April 27. Alex Gordon and Eric Hosmer are each 5 for 27 against him, Lorenzo Cain is 3 for 19 and Salvador Perez is 3 for 18.


Mike Moustakas is 11 for 25 against Kluber.


Cleveland finished with 13 hits for the second time in three games in Wednesday's 10-3 rout. Brandon Moss homered and added a two-run double to lead the charge and Mike Aviles went 3 for 4.


The Indians have averaged 5.9 runs in their last 12 games after scoring 3.1 in their first 14.


'You're not going to score five or six runs every night,' Moss said. 'But the last two weeks we've been a good bit better.'


They will look to get the better of Edinson Volquez (2-3, 2.10), who will start for the Royals after yielding two runs in six innings in Saturday's 2-1 defeat to Detroit.


The right-hander owns a 12.19 ERA against the Indians for his worst mark against an opponent he has faced more than once. He is 1-2 in three starts versus Cleveland, which he hasn't faced since 2011.


Michael Bourn has the most experience against Volquez among Cleveland hitters, going 5 for 17. Bourn did not start the first two games since the Royals (17-10) started left-handers and figures to return to the lineup Thursday.


Cain went 1 for 4 and scored twice Wednesday in his return from a two-game suspension for his role in a brawl with the Chicago White Sox. Cain is batting a team-best .330.


It's possible that Royals shortstop Alcides Escobar will be activated from the 7-day concussion disabled list. Escobar is 5 for 29 with 12 strikeouts versus Kluber.


SERIES AT A GLANCE


GAME 1
Indians at Royals
Tue, May 5 Final 3 to 5
Boxscores • Recaps


GAME 2
Indians at Royals
Wed, May 6 Final 10 to 3
Boxscores


GAME 3
Indians at Royals
Thu, May 7 - 2:10PM EDT

Preview: Orioles (12-12) at Yankees (17-10)
Game: 1
Venue: Yankee Stadium
Date: May 07, 2015 7:05 PM EDT

Whether the New York Yankees want to celebrate it or not, there seems to be a decent chance for Alex Rodriguez to move into sole possession of fourth place on the all-time home run list Thursday night at home.


Rodriguez has an excellent history against Baltimore Orioles starter Chris Tillman as they match up in the opener of a four-game series.


General manager Brian Cashman said over the weekend that the team won't pay a $6 million bonus to Rodriguez for his 660th home run, which he hit Friday in Boston to tie Willie Mays for fourth.


With that in mind, it's unlikely there will be any special tribute in the Bronx if Rodriguez hits No. 661. He is 5 for 10 with three homers against Tillman.


Tillman (2-3, 6.23 ERA) went 1-1 with a 1.98 ERA in four starts against New York last year when Rodriguez was out of baseball. That included a seven-inning effort in an 8-0 road win June 22 after he went 2-3 with a 9.62 ERA in his first six outings at Yankee Stadium.


The right-hander lost his second straight start Friday when he yielded two runs with seven strikeouts over seven innings in a 2-0 loss at Tampa Bay.


Tillman has also has trouble facing Mark Teixeira, who is 7 for 21 against him. Brett Gardner is 6 for 27 in this matchup.


Gardner sat out Wednesday's 5-1 defeat at Toronto with a stiff neck, though he could return Thursday. Chase Headley went 0 for 4 after missing one game with a sore lower back.


Second baseman Jose Pirela went 2 for 4 in his season debut after being out with a concussion. Stephen Drew moved to shortstop, with struggling Didi Gregorius getting the night off.


Baltimore (12-13) could welcome shortstop J.J. Hardy for his season debut Thursday. Hardy has been out with a strained left shoulder and manager Buck Showalter said it's possible he could play in the series opener.


The Orioles make the short trip to the Bronx after totaling three runs in losing twice in Queens to the New York Mets, including Wednesday's 5-1 defeat.


Adam Jones was 1 for 7 in the two games. He went 5 for 11 with two homers in the first series between these teams when Baltimore took two of three April 13-15.


The Yankees (17-11) dropped two of three to the Blue Jays after going hitless in six at_bats with runners in scoring position Wednesday while Toronto was 2 for 9.


'That's the difference in the ballgame,' manager Joe Girardi said. 'We didn't get the hits with runners on, they did."


New York has captured the last three starts by Nathan Eovaldi (2-0, 3.81), who allowed two runs over 6 2-3 innings to earn Saturday's 4-2 win at Boston.


The right-hander made his lone career start versus Baltimore on April 15, allowing two runs and striking out nine in five innings as he did not receive a decision in a 7-5 road loss.


Eovaldi's .328 opponent batting average is one of baseball's worst marks.




SERIES AT A GLANCE


GAME 1
Orioles at Yankees
Thu, May 7 - 7:05PM EDT


GAME 2
Orioles at Yankees
Fri, May 8 - 7:05PM EDT


GAME 3
Orioles at Yankees
Sat, May 9 - 1:05PM EDT


GAME 4
Orioles at Yankees
Sun, May 10 - 1:05PM EDT

Preview: Reds (13-13) at Pirates (12-14)
Game: 3
Venue: PNC Park
Date: May 07, 2015 7:05 PM EDT

A.J. Burnett has been one of baseball's best pitchers through the first month, but the often hapless Pittsburgh Pirates offense has left him without much to show for it.


The Pirates' recent play doesn't suggest that will change.


Burnett will try to give his struggling club a chance to avoid being swept by the Cincinnati Reds for a second time Thursday night.


The Pirates (12-15) have dropped seven of eight and scored five runs during a five-game skid. They were 0 for 6 with runners in scoring position in Wednesday's 3-0 loss at PNC Park to fall to 2 for 36 during the losing streak.


Pittsburgh's offense has routinely been at its worst when Burnett (0-1, 1.45 ERA) takes his turn in the rotation as his ERA matches his run-support average.


The right-hander is the first pitcher to go winless through five starts with a 1.45 ERA or lower since the Chicago Cubs' Ryan Dempster was 0-1 with a 1.02 ERA in 2012.


However, the 38-year-old has dismissed his teammates' lack of production and lamented his own inability to eat up innings. He's failed to complete seven innings in four of five outings, one of few shortcomings during his sparkling start to the season.


"I need to start going deeper into games," he said. "Six (innings) is all right. But I need to mix some sevens and eights in there and go a little farther."


He limited St. Louis to two hits over six scoreless innings in a 2-1 loss in 10 on Friday. Seven strikeouts pushed his career total to 2,397, surpassing Sandy Koufax and tying him with Kevin Brown for 41st all-time. Dennis Eckersley is 40th with 2,401.


Burnett is 6-3 with a 2.29 ERA in his last 11 starts versus Cincinnati. He gave up two runs on a Joey Votto homer while throwing 5 1-3 innings in a 3-2 walk-off loss April 9.


Votto is 8 for 23 against Burnett but he could be subject to punishment for making contact with the home plate umpire after being ejected in the third inning Wednesday. Votto appeared to say something to Chris Conroy after a swinging strikeout before being tossed, and Votto approached him, bumping his chest.


The Reds (14-13) are trying to sweep Pittsburgh twice in a season for the first time since 2009, having held the Pirates to nine runs in five meetings.


Marlon Byrd had two hits with a home run for the third consecutive game Wednesday for Cincinnati, which was without shortstop Zack Cozart for a second straight game due to a bruised index finger and sore wrist.


Anthony DeSclafani (2-2, 2.03) put together a stellar April before a shaky outing in Friday's 4-3 loss at Atlanta, giving up four runs and walking a career-high five in five innings. He had issued six walks and allowed three earned runs over his first four starts before absorbing his second straight defeat.


DeSclafani yielded two runs in six innings while pitching opposite Burnett last month.






SERIES AT A GLANCE


GAME 1
Reds at Pirates
Tue, May 5 Final 7 to 1
Boxscores • Recaps


GAME 2
Reds at Pirates
Wed, May 6 Final 3 to 0
Boxscores • Recaps


GAME 3
Reds at Pirates
Thu, May 7 - 7:05PM EDT

Preview: Padres (14-14) at Diamondbacks (10-14)
Game: 1
Venue: Chase Field
Date: May 07, 2015 9:40 PM EDT

The San Diego Padres and Arizona Diamondbacks were struggling to score before finally breaking out prior to the opener of this four-game series.


Odrisamer Despaigne shut down Arizona last month and he'll be matched up Thursday night against Rubby De La Rosa, who pitched the Diamondbacks to their only win in that three-game set.


San Diego (15-14) was shut out in its first two games at San Francisco and was on a 22-inning scoreless streak before getting five runs in the third of Wednesday's 9-1 victory.


Prized prospect Austin Hedges hit an RBI single in the third for his first major league hit and added a sacrifice fly in the eighth in his first start at catcher after being called up from Triple-A El Paso on Monday.


"I thought he handled himself great," manager Bud Black told MLB's official website. "I had a good sense for today early this morning when Austin was in the clubhouse. He had a good look in the eye."


Wil Myers, Cory Spangenberg and Alexi Amarista each had three hits as the Padres totaled 16 after having six in the first two of the series.


"We were due," Black said. "We think we're going to hit and we hit. Our guys came in with an edge."


The Diamondbacks (12-14) finally got to play Wednesday after the first two games of their series in Colorado were rained out. They matched a season best with 18 hits while setting a season high for runs in a 13-7 win in the first game of a doubleheader and completed the sweep with a 5-1 victory.


Arizona was shut out twice by the Los Angeles Dodgers in a three-game sweep last weekend.


Aaron Hill went 4 for 5 and tied a career high with four RBIs, Ender Inciarte was 4 for 6 with two RBIs, and Mark Trumbo and Yasmany Tomas drove in three runs apiece in the first game.


Hill added two more hits in the nightcap and Paul Goldschmidt hit his seventh homer and had two RBIs.


"I think it's going to be less roller coaster-like," said catcher Tuffy Gosewisch, who went 3 for 4 in Game 2. "We have to continue to work hard and do this day in and day out."


Despaigne (2-0, 2.95 ERA) is back in the rotation for the second time after the Padres placed Brandon Morrow on the 15-day disabled list Tuesday. The right-hander won both of his starts in April, including 5-1 over the Diamondbacks after allowing one run and two hits in seven innings.


He's 0-2 with a 5.06 ERA in two starts at Arizona compared to a 2-0 record and 1.31 ERA in three matchups at home.


De La Rosa (2-2, 5.40) has dropped back-to-back decisions since winning 8-4 at San Diego on April 13 after allowing three runs over six innings.


The right-hander is coming off a rough outing, giving up five runs in the second inning on a grand slam and solo shot and lasting five in an 8-0 loss to the Dodgers on Friday.


"That's part of the learning process for him," manager Chip Hale said. "He's had a hard time with those types of innings that have gotten away from him."


Myers is 4 for 7 with two doubles when facing De La Rosa.




SERIES AT A GLANCE


GAME 1
Padres at Diamondbacks
Thu, May 7 - 9:40PM EDT


GAME 2
Padres at Diamondbacks
Fri, May 8 - 9:40PM EDT


GAME 3
Padres at Diamondbacks
Sat, May 9 - 8:10PM EDT


GAME 4
Padres at Diamondbacks
Sun, May 10 - 4:10PM EDT

Preview: Marlins (13-14) at Giants (14-13)
Game: 1
Venue: AT&T Park
Date: May 07, 2015 10:15 PM EDT

The San Francisco Giants lost their home winning streak when their pitching let them down, though there's reason to believe they'll be able to regroup with Tim Hudson on the mound.


The veteran right-hander will try to lead the Giants to a ninth victory in 10 games at AT&T Park on Thursday night by winning his seventh consecutive start against the Miami Marlins.


San Francisco posted a 1.36 ERA over eight straight home wins - including three consecutive shutouts - before surrendering 16 hits in Wednesday's 9-1 loss to San Diego.


The Giants (14-14), however, appear to be in good hands as they look to bounce back in the opener of a four-game series.


Hudson (1-2, 3.78 ERA) has allowed three runs or less while pitching into the seventh inning in four of five starts. He worked into the ninth Saturday, giving up three runs and two hits in a 5-4 home win over the Los Angeles Angels.


"It is nice to know that you can go out there and pitch deep into the game," the 39-year-old told MLB's official website after earning his 215th victory. "But I wouldn't expect it too much from the old guy, to be honest."


Hudson has surrendered five home runs over his last three starts, though the past four have been solo shots. He's only allowed two homers while recording a 2.32 ERA in six consecutive victories against the Marlins.


Only St. Louis' Adam Wainwright (vs. Houston), Philadelphia's Aaron Harang (vs. Houston) and the Chicago Cubs' Jason Hammel (vs. Washington) have longer active runs against a single opponent with seven straight wins.


Hudson has never faced the Marlins at AT&T Park, where including the 2014 playoffs he had gone 0-8 with a 6.00 ERA in his previous 11 starts before Saturday's win.


Giancarlo Stanton is 3 for 18 when facing Hudson and Dee Gordon has gone 1 for 8. Stanton hit his seventh home run in Wednesday's 7-5 loss at Washington, while Gordon is 25 for 45 (.556) over an 11-game hitting streak and is batting .430 on the season.


The Marlins (13-15) have dropped three of four following a 9-1 stretch.


"I'm pretty pleased with the way we're playing, except for the fact that we had two leads in the first game of the series (against Washington) and couldn't get outs," manager Mike Redmond said.


Dan Haren (3-1, 2.70) has gotten off to a solid start with Miami, giving up two runs or fewer in four of five outings. The right-hander allowed four hits over six innings in Saturday's 7-0 victory over Philadelphia.


Haren hasn't had a decision despite yielding two earned runs and four hits over 13 innings in his only two starts against San Francisco in the past six seasons. He's 2-4 with a 4.06 ERA in nine starts at AT&T Park.


Brandon Belt, Brandon Crawford and Buster Posey have each gone 1 for 6 when facing Haren. Belt, whose hit was a home run, has gone 6 for 13 with four doubles in the last four games.


Posey is expected to be in the lineup after getting Wednesday off, but he's 4 for 37 in his last 11 home games against the Marlins. Crawford is 4 for 29 in nine games versus Miami at AT&T Park.


The Marlins are hoping outfielder Christian Yelich can return from a lower back strain that landed him on the disabled list April 24.




SERIES AT A GLANCE


GAME 1
Marlins at Giants
Thu, May 7 - 10:15PM EDT


GAME 2
Marlins at Giants
Fri, May 8 - 10:15PM EDT


GAME 3
Marlins at Giants
Sat, May 9 - 9:05PM EDT


GAME 4
Marlins at Giants
Sun, May 10 - 4:05PM EDT

Preview: Athletics (12-17) at Twins (15-13)
Game: 4
Venue: Target Field
Date: May 07, 2015 1:10 PM EDT

The Minnesota Twins wasted little time getting back in a groove at the plate and back in the win column following the end to a five-game run.


The Twins will next try to reach a mark they haven't seen in five years Thursday against the Oakland Athletics while aiding Ricky Nolasco's attempt to build on his victorious return from the disabled list.


Minnesota (15-13) was held to five singles in a 2-1 loss to Oakland (12-17) on Tuesday, snapping its longest win streak in two seasons, but rebounded with a 13-0 rout Wednesday that featured 12 hits. Eddie Rosario homered on the first pitch he saw as a major leaguer and Eduardo Escobar went 3 for 4 with five RBIs.


The Twins are batting .325 and have produced 63 runs while winning seven of nine. They hit .228 and scored 64 runs in the first 19 games.


"It's kind of a thing I like to look at, how we respond even though it's early," manager Paul Molitor said. "It was a nice bounce back. ... We were able to find a way to win a game and do it convincingly."


Nolasco (1-1, 10.13 ERA) got enough support for a 5-3 victory over the Chicago White Sox on Saturday in his first game back from an inflamed elbow. The right-hander allowed three runs in five innings after being tagged for six over three in an 11-0 loss at Detroit in his only other start April 8.


Nolasco will face Oakland for the first time since June 29, 2011, and he's 1-0 with a 1.69 ERA in two matchups. Another strong outing against the A's might get Minnesota to three games above .500 for the first time since it finished 94-68 in 2010.


The Twins have lost 383 games in the past four seasons, surpassing 90 defeats each time.


Oakland is on the verge of dropping six games below .500 for the first time since it was 29-35 on June 14, 2012. The A's have a 5.50 ERA over the past 12 games with their starters posting a 4.56 mark.


Oakland is 7-13 since its only set of back-to-back wins April 13-14.


"It's very frustrating," manager Bob Melvin said. "There was a great feeling in here (Tuesday) after we won a hard-fought game. ... We just couldn't put together a good game."


The A's might not have too much success in this one as they're 1-8 in day games.


They'll send out Drew Pomeranz, who is 0-2 with a 6.20 ERA in his last four outings. The left-hander gave up three runs and eight hits over 5 1-3 innings in Saturday's 8-7 loss in 10 at Texas.


Pomeranz (1-2, 4.61) will pitch against Minnesota for the first time and no player on the Twins has faced him.


Brett Lawrie is 3 for 5 with a double against Nolasco, and he's riding a 10-game hitting streak in which he's batted .450 in the last five.




SERIES AT A GLANCE


GAME 1
Athletics at Twins
Mon, May 4 Final 7 to 8
Boxscores • Recaps


GAME 2
Athletics at Twins
Tue, May 5 Final 2 to 1
Boxscores • Recaps


GAME 3
Athletics at Twins
Wed, May 6 Final 0 to 13
Boxscores • Recaps


GAME 4
Athletics at Twins
Thu, May 7 - 1:10PM EDT

Preview: Tigers (17-11) at White Sox (10-14)
Game: 3
Venue: U.S. Cellular Field
Date: May 07, 2015 2:10 PM EDT

Chicago White Sox general manager Rick Hahn expressed optimism for his team's future earlier this week even after a winless road trip that seemed to put manager Robin Ventura's future in doubt.


A pair of wins over AL Central rival Detroit, including a stunning comeback in the latest game, has likely brightened the mood on the South Side.


The White Sox will try to lift those spirits even more by completing their first three-game home sweep of the Tigers in nine seasons Thursday.


Expected to contend for the division title, Chicago was 8-14 after going 0-5 on a trek that included two postponements and a game played in front of zero fans because of the unrest in Baltimore.


"This team is far, far better than what we've seen the last few days," Hahn said after that trip. "Based on the rotation we put together, based upon this lineup, we feel there are far, far better days ahead."


The White Sox snapped that skid with a 5-2 win in Tuesday's series opener before rallying from a three-run deficit in the eighth for a 7-6 victory the next day. Melky Cabrera provided a three-run homer and Avisail Garcia singled home the go-ahead run, all with two outs in the inning.


"It definitely feels good," pitcher Chris Sale said. "When you're down in the dumps then all of a sudden you turn it around and you win a game like we did tonight, I think it's going to help our morale, our mentality and give us a little jolt going forward."


The White Sox (10-14) will try to take all three games at U.S. Cellular Field over the Tigers (17-11) for the first time since Aug. 11-13, 2006, and they'll likely need a better effort from Jose Quintana (1-2, 5.28 ERA) against Detroit.


The left-hander was charged with a career-worst nine runs and 10 hits in four-plus innings in a 9-1 road loss to the Tigers on April 19. He's gone 0-1 with a 1.93 ERA in two subsequent outings and gave up one run in seven innings in a 1-0 loss at Minnesota on Friday.


Quintana is 2-0 with a 2.84 ERA in five career home matchups against Detroit and will pitch opposite Kyle Lobstein (2-2, 3.91) in this one. The Tigers left-hander couldn't overcome a difficult first inning in Friday's 4-1 loss at Kansas City.


Lobstein gave up three runs after getting the first two outs of that game then allowed one over his next 6 1-3 innings.


Lobstein, the replacement for an injured Justin Verlander, could have been skipped in the rotation after Monday's off day, but manager Brad Ausmus chose to keep his pitchers in the same order.


"He's pitched well," Ausmus told MLB's official website. "Even (Friday), you thought he was in trouble early and he kept the Royals right where they were. So he certainly has earned a little bit (of breathing room), I think."


Lobstein was a 2-0 loser in his only start against Chicago on Sept. 22, giving up two runs in seven innings.


The White Sox are batting .199 against left-handers for one of the majors' worst marks.




SERIES AT A GLANCE


GAME 1
Tigers at White Sox
Tue, May 5 Final 2 to 5
Boxscores • Recaps


GAME 2
Tigers at White Sox
Wed, May 6 Final 6 to 7
Boxscores


GAME 3
Tigers at White Sox
Thu, May 7 - 2:10PM EDT

Preview: Rangers (11-16) at Rays (15-13)
Game: 1
Venue: Tropicana Field
Date: May 07, 2015 7:10 PM EDT

Nick Martinez looks like a far more formidable pitcher now as he returns to the site of his big league debut one year later.


The Texas Rangers look to improve to 6-0 in Martinez's starts and win their fourth straight Thursday night in the opener of a four-game road series against the Tampa Bay Rays.


Martinez (2-0, 0.84 ERA) gave up three runs over six innings and left with the lead before the bullpen blew it in a 5-4 loss at St. Petersburg in his debut April 5, 2014. He allowed two homers.


The right-hander has yet to be taken deep in 32 innings this year. His worst effort was Saturday's 8-7 win in 10 over Oakland in which he was charged with five runs - two earned - over six innings.


Martinez is second in the majors in ERA, and what is unusual about his success is his lack of strikeouts (13). His 3.66 strikeouts per nine innings rank among the lowest in baseball.


Not far behind Martinez among the ERA leaders is Tampa Bay starter Chris Archer (3-3, 1.64), who saw his mark rise from 0.84 after he allowed four runs over six innings in Saturday's 4-0 defeat to Baltimore.


Archer is 1-0 with a 2.25 ERA in three starts against the Rangers, with Adrian Beltre going 1 for 9 with three strikeouts when facing the right-hander.


Tampa Bay (15-13) has failed to give Archer any runs of support in his defeats.


Runs figure to be at a premium Thursday, and hitters have been grumbling about how much tougher their jobs are getting. Rays star Evan Longoria hit two solo homers in Wednesday's 5-3 victory at Boston after not going deep since opening day.


'It's become more and more difficult in this league to hit,' he said. 'Luckily for me, the team was winning ... so it doesn't put a whole lot of pressure on me necessarily to hit home runs.'


David DeJesus went 6 for 10 and Steven Souza Jr. was 4 for 7 with three walks as Tampa Bay took two of three from the Red Sox.


Texas (11-16) completed its first three-game sweep by winning 11-3 at Houston on Wednesday. Beltre finished a home run shy of the cycle, Carlos Peguero hit a pair of solo homers and Robinson Chirinos drove in three runs.


'One thing we did tonight is we continued to add on,' manager Jeff Banister said. 'It was special to see the middle of that lineup show up. Guys got on base and barreled the baseball. It's fun to watch those guys run around the bases.'


Peguero, who did not homer in his first 18 games, has three in the last two. His only other multihomer effort was June 2, 2011, against Tampa Bay.


"I tried to wait for the ball, let it drop and I put a good swing on it,' he said.


The Rangers played the final two games without Leonys Martin, who is day to day with a sprained left wrist.


Tampa Bay took five of seven from Texas in 2014.




SERIES AT A GLANCE


GAME 1
Rangers at Rays
Thu, May 7 - 7:10PM EDT


GAME 2
Rangers at Rays
Fri, May 8 - 7:10PM EDT


GAME 3
Rangers at Rays
Sat, May 9 - 6:10PM EDT


GAME 4
Rangers at Rays
Sun, May 10 - 1:10PM EDT

Preview: Astros (18-10) at Angels (13-15)
Game: 1
Venue: Angel Stadium of Anaheim
Date: May 07, 2015 10:05 PM EDT

The Los Angeles Angels continue to be mediocre offensively, but timely hitting has them in position to win three straight after their longest losing streak this season.


They'll try to hand Collin McHugh his first loss in 16 starts Thursday night when he takes the mound for the visiting Houston Astros.


Los Angeles (13-15) has won back-to-back games in walkoff fashion, taking a 4-3 victory Wednesday on Johnny Giavotella's double. Carlos Perez helped end a four-game skid when he homered in the ninth inning of his major league debut in Tuesday's 5-4 win.


One of baseball's worst hitting teams with a .226 average, the Angels only combined for 15 hits in those victories, though they were 4 for 7 with runners in scoring position.


"It's very exciting for us to get two big wins against a Seattle team that's as good as they are," Giavotella said. "It was big for us, especially since we got off to such a slow start to the season. Hopefully we can keep it rolling."


McHugh (4-0, 3.41 ERA) extended the majors' longest active undefeated streak Saturday despite allowing four solo homers over seven innings in an 11-4 victory over Seattle. The four home runs were one fewer than he had given up in his previous 16 starts.


"Let's be honest, it was not a good night to pitch," he told MLB's official website. "It was probably the toughest seven innings of my career."


Houston has won McHugh's last 10 starts and he's 11-0 in 15 outings since a July 27 defeat to Miami. The winning streak is the longest by an Astros pitcher since Wade MIller won 12 straight decisions from July 7-Sept. 21, 2002.


McHugh's run includes a 4-1 win against the Angels on Sept. 3. He gave up one run in 7 2-3 innings, improving to 2-2 with a 1.90 ERA in four career matchups.


Unlike McHugh, Houston's good fortune has vanished. The Astros (18-10) lost 11-3 to Texas on Wednesday and totaled five runs while being swept in three games after winning 14 of their previous 15, including 10 straight. Jose Altuve is 1 for 13 in his last four games after driving in 15 runs during an 11-game hitting streak.


"This is just a series to forget," manager A.J. Hinch said. "A day to forget."


The Astros hope Los Angeles' Hector Santiago (2-2, 3.14) is off his game again. He allowed four earned runs over five innings in a 5-4 loss Saturday at San Francisco after giving up three in his last three outings.


Santiago is 0-2 with a 7.47 ERA in five games versus Houston, including three starts. He lasted two-plus innings in his last start against the Astros, giving up three runs and walking five in a 6-1 loss on Sept. 14.


Chris Carter, who homered Wednesday, is 4 for 8 off Santiago, as is Jason Castro.


Houston will be without George Springer, who was placed on the seven-day concussion list after sitting out Wednesday's game. He was injured when crashing into the outfield wall on a catch in Tuesday's 7-1 loss. Springer is hitting .192 with four homers and 12 RBIs.


"Hopefully, he bounces back quickly," Hinch said. "He'll go through the exercise of getting cleared to play again. We lose a lot of energy. We lose great defense."


The Angels have won eight of nine at home against the Astros.




SERIES AT A GLANCE


GAME 1
Astros at Angels
Thu, May 7 - 10:05PM EDT


GAME 2
Astros at Angels
Fri, May 8 - 10:05PM EDT


GAME 3
Astros at Angels
Sat, May 9 - 9:05PM EDT


GAME 4
Astros at Angels
Sun, May 10 - 3:35PM EDT

Thursday's Tip Sheet


May 7, 2015




Who’s Hot:


Texas – The Rangers are going through a rebuilding season, but Texas has made some noise of late by sweeping the surprising Astros on the road. Following a 2-1 victory on Monday, the Rangers outscored the Astros in the last two wins, 18-4, while cashing each time as a road underdog for a total of 4.35 units.


Texas owns a solid 3-1 record in its last four road series openers, heading to Tampa Bay for a four-game set. Nick Martinez has turned into one of the most surprising young pitchers through the first month, as the Rangers are 5-0 in his first five starts. However, the last two wins came in extra-innings against the Angels and Athletics, but the Rangers are 4-0 in Martinez’s starts within the division. In his only start against Tampa Bay last season, Martinez received a no-decision in a 5-4 loss as Texas blew a 4-1 lead.


Cincinnati – Although it’s not a long winning streak, the Reds go for the sweep of the Pirates after limiting Pittsburgh to one run in the last two wins. Cincinnati has played well away from the Great American Ballpark of late, winning seven of 10, including five of those victories against division rivals Pittsburgh and Milwaukee.


The Reds send out right-hander Anthony DeSclafani to the mound, who is winless in his last two starts after Cincinnati won his first three outings. DeSclafani picked up a no-decision the last time he faced the Pirates at home during the first week of the season, allowing two earned runs in six innings of work as the Reds edged Pittsburgh, 3-2.


San Francisco – The Giants have climbed back to the .500 mark after taking two of three from the Padres, while going 10-4 the past 14 contests. San Francisco’s pitching came back down to Earth in Wednesday’s 9-1 loss to San Diego, as the Giants tossed three straight shutouts prior to yesterday’s defeat. Bruce Bochy’s team is currently 5-1 on their 10-game homestand, which includes four ‘unders’ in this stretch.


Tim Hudson takes the hill against Miami tonight, as the veteran right-hander picked up his first home win in three tries with a 5-4 win over the Angels in his previous outing. Since last June, the Giants own a dreadful 4-8 record at AT&T Park when Hudson starts, but he did beat the Marlins last season as a short road favorite in a 5-3 victory at Marlins Park.


Road Punch


The Astros open up a four-game road set against the Angles on Thursday from Anaheim. Houston has gone 10-2 on the road season, which is the best record in the majors. The reason for the Astros’ success has been their offense, which is averaging a league-best 6.58 runs per games as visitors. This influx of scoring has watched the ‘over’ go 9-3 in Houston’s 12 road games.


Totals Report


Tampa Bay has been the best ‘under’ team in the majors, going 18-10 this season and that includes a 13-3 mark on the road. Heading into Thursday’s game versus Texas, the Rays have seen the ‘under’ cash in 11 straight games. The total for tonight opened at 7 runs.


Baltimore is on a 5-0 run to the ‘under’ and those tickets have been helped by its inept offense. During this span, the club has scored 11 runs. On Thursday, the Orioles will meet the Yankees and oddsmakers have put out a total of 9 runs. Baltimore has had three totals listed this season at 9 and the ‘under’ has produced at 2-1 record in those games.


Team Total Trends


Cincinnati at Pittsburgh – The Reds have seen the ‘over’ go 10-5 (67%) in their 15 road games


Miami at San Francisco – The Marlins are 9-3 (75%) to the ‘over’ on the road


San Diego at Arizona – The Padres are 8-4 (67%) to the ‘over’ on the road


Pitcher Total Trends


Cincinnati – Anthony DeSclaafani is 3-0-2 to the ‘under’


Pittsburgh – A.J. Burnett is 4-0-1 to the ‘under’


Miami – Dan Haren has seen the ‘over’ go 4-1 in his five starts


San Francisco – Tim Hudson is 4-1 to the ‘under’


Texas – Nick Martinez is 4-1 to the ‘over’ with an average run support of 7.6


Tampa Bay – Chris Archer has watched the ‘under’ cash in five straight games


L.A. Angels – Hector Santiago is 4-1 to the ‘over’ which includes four consecutive tickets

Armadillo: Thursday's six-pack

-- Rockets 115, Clippers 109-- Houston was 42-64 from foul line. LA was 25-32; they outscored Rockets 41-21 in second quarter but still lost.

-- Cavaliers 106, Bulls 91-- Chicago's starting guards were 11-34.

-- Tampa Bay 2, Montreal-- Lightning is up 3-0 in series; they've won Stanley Cup more recently than the Canadiens.

-- Washington 2, NY Rangers 1-- Rangers scored once in last two games.

-- Chase Utley sat out last night; he is batting .103 this season.

-- Angels 4, Mariners 3-- Last two nights, 52 of 60 starting pitchers got decisions in their games, an unusually high number.

**********

Armadillo: Thursday's List of 13: Doing some thinking out loud.......

13) Some Las Vegas sportsbooks took the Week 1 Steelers-Patriots game off the board after the DeflateGate report was released; others lowered the spread from 6.5 to 3.5. This just in; Tom Brady is worth more than three points.

Roger Goodell makes a fortune as commissioner, but he's going to earn that cash with this decision. He'll get crushed by the media if he doesn't suspend Brady for at least a game, even if it is on NBC.

12) LA Clippers are the only team of the eight still playing in the NBA playoffs that doesn't have a Florida Gator alum on their squad.

11) Dylan Ennis (9.9 ppg last year) transfers from Villanova to Oregon, where he will be eligible to play immediately.

10) Bryce Harper hit three homers yesterday; Joc Peterson has six homers in his last seven games, Mike Trout does awesome stuff every night. Would be nice if some of these guys got to play on Sunday Night Baseball, instead of ESPN showing the Bronx Bombers every week.

9) Ernie Johnson won a Sports Emmy the other night, but he gave it to the late Stuart Scott's children, because Johnson is a classy guy and someone for all of us to look up to.

8) Houston Astros were on a 10-game roll coming into this week, until Texas swept them three games in a row- Astros scored five runs in the three games. They still have a five-game lead in the putrid AL West.

7) I'm curious how sabermetricians view the Red Sox pinch-running for David Ortiz when he was at second base with the tying run in the bottom of the 8th inning? With leftfield being so short in Fenway, I'm thinking it lessens the amount of times a faster runner could score from when second when Ortiz could not. Anything off the Monster you and I (and Ortiz) could score on- I'm just curious, thats all...........

....especially because Ortiz' spot came up in the order in the last inning and he wasn't in the game to tie or win the game. You know the math guys have figures on all this, just wish I knew what those numbers said.

6) Don't think I've mentioned this yet: ESPN re-designed their website and I don't like it-- the new layout isn't easier to navigate, not at all.

5) Unintended impact of instant replay: in the Met game, they were going to pinch-hit for the pitcher with a guy on second after the previous batter hit a double. The pinch-hitter was announced into the game, but in meantime, the play got changed from a double to a home run, meaning the bases were empty, so they let the pitcher hit, but Baltimore objected, saying the pinch-hitter was announced, so the pitcher had to leave the game. They lost that argument and the game. One of the cool things about baseball is these obscure rules pop up and they've never had to be dealt with before.

4) A's are a very disappointing 12-17; they've allowed 15 runs in the 12 wins, have been outscored 120-56 in their 17 losses- they're 1-11 in games following a win-- that not good.

3) The Knicks hired Isiah Thomas to run the WNBA's NY Liberty, which is amusing on numerous levels. Incompetence, sexual harassment; not totally sure which one is worse, but he has both of those covered, so good hire!!!!

2) Oklahoma City had 7.98 inches of rain in a 24-hour period this week, setting the city's record for most rain in a 24-hour period. Bad week for car washes. Hope everyone stays safe; tornadoes are scary stuff.

1) When you look up "leading by example" in the dictionary, there should be a picture of Mike Conley. How can one of his teammates not dive for a loose ball or go all-out for a rebound? The guy is playing with a broken face.......