Lewis looks to stay hot in Saturday's Game 3
SAN FRANCISCO GIANTS
at TEXAS RANGERS
World Series Game 3 - San Francisco leads series 2-0
Saturday, 6:55 p.m. EDT, Line: Texas -145, San Francisco +135 Total: 8.5
Desperate to avoid a 3-0 hole, the Rangers return home Saturday and give the ball to Colby Lewis (12-13, 3.72 ERA) who has been quite effective for Texas this postseason. San Francisco will counter by sending Jonathan Sanchez (13-9, 3.07 ERA) to the mound.
Sanchez started Game 6 of the NLCS but was pulled in the third inning after he hit Chase Utley with a pitch, causing the benches to clear. The left-hander had struggled since the outset of that game, giving up two runs on three hits in his two-plus innings of work. His previous two outings this postseason saw him give up three earned runs over 13.1 innings (2.03 ERA) while striking out 18 in starts against Atlanta and Philadelphia. All three of his playoff starts have come on the road where he has gone 5-6 with a 2.87 ERA this year, including postseason. Saturday will be his first career start against Texas.
Lewis has come up huge for Texas this postseason, going 2-0 with a 1.45 ERA in three starts. Unlike Sanchez, all of Lewis’ playoff starts have come at home where the right-hander is 8-4 with a 3.15 ERA, including playoffs. Lewis tossed eight innings of one-run ball in the series-clinching Game 6 win against New York in the ALCS. After losing seven decisions in a row, Lewis has now won five of his past six. He has never faced San Francisco but did go 3-1 this year against the National League, posting a 2.57 ERA and 0.86 WHIP in the process.
The FoxSheets like San Francisco to extend its series lead in Game 3:
Play On - All underdogs with a money line of +100 or higher (SAN FRANCISCO) - poor baserunning team - averaging 0.5 or less SB's/game on the season, in October games. (49-31 over the last 5 seasons.) (61.2%, +39.2 units. Rating = 4*).
Play On - All underdogs with a money line of +100 or higher (SAN FRANCISCO) - where team's hitters draw 3 walks or less/game on the season, after 2 straight wins by 4 runs or more. (52-37 over the last 5 seasons.) (58.4%, +31.9 units. Rating = 2*).
SAN FRANCISCO GIANTS
at TEXAS RANGERS
World Series Game 3 - San Francisco leads series 2-0
Saturday, 6:55 p.m. EDT, Line: Texas -145, San Francisco +135 Total: 8.5
Desperate to avoid a 3-0 hole, the Rangers return home Saturday and give the ball to Colby Lewis (12-13, 3.72 ERA) who has been quite effective for Texas this postseason. San Francisco will counter by sending Jonathan Sanchez (13-9, 3.07 ERA) to the mound.
Sanchez started Game 6 of the NLCS but was pulled in the third inning after he hit Chase Utley with a pitch, causing the benches to clear. The left-hander had struggled since the outset of that game, giving up two runs on three hits in his two-plus innings of work. His previous two outings this postseason saw him give up three earned runs over 13.1 innings (2.03 ERA) while striking out 18 in starts against Atlanta and Philadelphia. All three of his playoff starts have come on the road where he has gone 5-6 with a 2.87 ERA this year, including postseason. Saturday will be his first career start against Texas.
Lewis has come up huge for Texas this postseason, going 2-0 with a 1.45 ERA in three starts. Unlike Sanchez, all of Lewis’ playoff starts have come at home where the right-hander is 8-4 with a 3.15 ERA, including playoffs. Lewis tossed eight innings of one-run ball in the series-clinching Game 6 win against New York in the ALCS. After losing seven decisions in a row, Lewis has now won five of his past six. He has never faced San Francisco but did go 3-1 this year against the National League, posting a 2.57 ERA and 0.86 WHIP in the process.
The FoxSheets like San Francisco to extend its series lead in Game 3:
Play On - All underdogs with a money line of +100 or higher (SAN FRANCISCO) - poor baserunning team - averaging 0.5 or less SB's/game on the season, in October games. (49-31 over the last 5 seasons.) (61.2%, +39.2 units. Rating = 4*).
Play On - All underdogs with a money line of +100 or higher (SAN FRANCISCO) - where team's hitters draw 3 walks or less/game on the season, after 2 straight wins by 4 runs or more. (52-37 over the last 5 seasons.) (58.4%, +31.9 units. Rating = 2*).
Preview: Giants (92-70) at Rangers (90-72)
Game: 3
Venue: AT&T Park
Date: October 30, 2010 6:57 PM EDT
ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) - A half-hour after Jeff Francoeur hit an easy fly ball to end Game 2, a most curious sight began to unfold in front of the San Francisco dugout.
General manager Brian Sabean and maybe 100 members of the Giants staff gathered on the grass Thursday night at AT&T Park, posing for a group picture around a huge trophy.
Moments later, the party picked up. Family members joined in. Adults ran the bases, a toddler made a headfirst dive toward home plate. Hugs and high-fives for all. Hundreds of fans cheered from the box seats, horns honked outside the ballpark.
Sure looked like the Giants had just won the World Series.
They will, too, unless the Texas Rangers can reverse their fortunes at home. Down 2-0, the hitters are slumping, the bullpen is a wreck and the manager is being criticized. A team that did so well in the AL playoffs got battered 11-7 in the opener, then embarrassed 9-0.
``What you do is you just try to analyze what went wrong and just try to correct it,' Texas manager Ron Washington said before Friday's workout.
``Now that we're home, we feel comfortable back in this place. Not taking anything away from the Giants, they beat us soundly,' he said. ``We've just got to come back here, get focused and win a game. We win a game, everything will be fine.'
Colby Lewis is set to start Game 3 Saturday night against Giants lefty Jonathan Sanchez. It will be the first Series game in the Dallas-Fort Worth area.
Signs around Rangers Ballpark proclaimed, ``It's Time!' Francoeur and his teammates hope so.
``I think it's important for us to come out, play well early, get guys on and put pressure on them. Make them feel uncomfortable,' Francoeur said. ``They did a good job of making us seem uncomfortable in their park. Hopefully we can turn around and do the same to them.'
Lewis, who closed out the Yankees in the AL championship series, will try to stop San Francisco's scoring spree. Texas has been tagged for 20 runs, the most allowed in a franchise's first two World Series games, STATS LLC said. Colorado set the previous record of 15 runs in 2007.
``If you try to get too amped or too overly confident, I think you get yourself in trouble,' Lewis said.
Vladimir Guerrero will rejoin the Texas lineup as the designated hitter. He drove in the first run of this World Series with a single off Tim Lincecum's leg, but also made two errors in right field and sat out Game 2.
Giants manager Bruce Bochy said Pablo Sandoval will be his DH.
``We get to get all of our weapons in that lineup,' Washington said. ``It's just comfortable to be back home in front of our fans. We can draw energy from them, and that's what we need.'
They certainly need some sort of boost.
``We're not playing the same. I don't know what it is,' Texas slugger Nelson Cruz said. ``I wish I could tell you. The way we're playing, it's different. It's not us.'
Neither is San Francisco, apparently. The week began with many fans wondering whether the Giants could hit enough to win - so far, they've become the first NL team to score at least nine runs in back-to-back World Series games.
Bochy and the Giants were merely going about their business inside the clubhouse while the postgame festivities took place on the field at AT&T Park, so nobody could accuse them of celebrating too early.
``There's baseball left,' Bochy said Friday. ``Two wins doesn't get you anything.'
Outside, members of the Giants organization whooped it up. They stood around the NL championship trophy - the official picture might've been a matter of logistics since there's no guarantee the Series will return to San Francisco.
``See you next year,' some giddy fans told ushers on their way out of the stadium. Others chanted ``Sweep! Sweep!'
About 400 Giants employees and guests were set to come to Texas.
``If anything to see how these fans have come out and brought the enthusiasm, energy, it's been a lot of fun here playing down the stretch,' Bochy said after the win.
Texas was one of baseball's best home teams this year, the Giants were among the top road clubs. The Rangers also had been doing well on the road - 5-1 in the AL playoffs - before San Francisco stopped them.
``Obviously they're more comfortable where they play. That's their home ballpark. They're used to having the DH,' Giants second baseman Freddy Sanchez said.
Game: 3
Venue: AT&T Park
Date: October 30, 2010 6:57 PM EDT
ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) - A half-hour after Jeff Francoeur hit an easy fly ball to end Game 2, a most curious sight began to unfold in front of the San Francisco dugout.
General manager Brian Sabean and maybe 100 members of the Giants staff gathered on the grass Thursday night at AT&T Park, posing for a group picture around a huge trophy.
Moments later, the party picked up. Family members joined in. Adults ran the bases, a toddler made a headfirst dive toward home plate. Hugs and high-fives for all. Hundreds of fans cheered from the box seats, horns honked outside the ballpark.
Sure looked like the Giants had just won the World Series.
They will, too, unless the Texas Rangers can reverse their fortunes at home. Down 2-0, the hitters are slumping, the bullpen is a wreck and the manager is being criticized. A team that did so well in the AL playoffs got battered 11-7 in the opener, then embarrassed 9-0.
``What you do is you just try to analyze what went wrong and just try to correct it,' Texas manager Ron Washington said before Friday's workout.
``Now that we're home, we feel comfortable back in this place. Not taking anything away from the Giants, they beat us soundly,' he said. ``We've just got to come back here, get focused and win a game. We win a game, everything will be fine.'
Colby Lewis is set to start Game 3 Saturday night against Giants lefty Jonathan Sanchez. It will be the first Series game in the Dallas-Fort Worth area.
Signs around Rangers Ballpark proclaimed, ``It's Time!' Francoeur and his teammates hope so.
``I think it's important for us to come out, play well early, get guys on and put pressure on them. Make them feel uncomfortable,' Francoeur said. ``They did a good job of making us seem uncomfortable in their park. Hopefully we can turn around and do the same to them.'
Lewis, who closed out the Yankees in the AL championship series, will try to stop San Francisco's scoring spree. Texas has been tagged for 20 runs, the most allowed in a franchise's first two World Series games, STATS LLC said. Colorado set the previous record of 15 runs in 2007.
``If you try to get too amped or too overly confident, I think you get yourself in trouble,' Lewis said.
Vladimir Guerrero will rejoin the Texas lineup as the designated hitter. He drove in the first run of this World Series with a single off Tim Lincecum's leg, but also made two errors in right field and sat out Game 2.
Giants manager Bruce Bochy said Pablo Sandoval will be his DH.
``We get to get all of our weapons in that lineup,' Washington said. ``It's just comfortable to be back home in front of our fans. We can draw energy from them, and that's what we need.'
They certainly need some sort of boost.
``We're not playing the same. I don't know what it is,' Texas slugger Nelson Cruz said. ``I wish I could tell you. The way we're playing, it's different. It's not us.'
Neither is San Francisco, apparently. The week began with many fans wondering whether the Giants could hit enough to win - so far, they've become the first NL team to score at least nine runs in back-to-back World Series games.
Bochy and the Giants were merely going about their business inside the clubhouse while the postgame festivities took place on the field at AT&T Park, so nobody could accuse them of celebrating too early.
``There's baseball left,' Bochy said Friday. ``Two wins doesn't get you anything.'
Outside, members of the Giants organization whooped it up. They stood around the NL championship trophy - the official picture might've been a matter of logistics since there's no guarantee the Series will return to San Francisco.
``See you next year,' some giddy fans told ushers on their way out of the stadium. Others chanted ``Sweep! Sweep!'
About 400 Giants employees and guests were set to come to Texas.
``If anything to see how these fans have come out and brought the enthusiasm, energy, it's been a lot of fun here playing down the stretch,' Bochy said after the win.
Texas was one of baseball's best home teams this year, the Giants were among the top road clubs. The Rangers also had been doing well on the road - 5-1 in the AL playoffs - before San Francisco stopped them.
``Obviously they're more comfortable where they play. That's their home ballpark. They're used to having the DH,' Giants second baseman Freddy Sanchez said.
Sandoval to start at designated hitter for Giants
By: Staff Writer - AP
Published: 10/29/2010 at 7:19:00 PM
ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) - Pablo Sandoval is set to be the San Francisco Giants' designated hitter in Game 3 of the World Series on Saturday night.
With the Series shifting to the home of the American League champion Texas Rangers, Bochy had to decide who would DH. While Sandoval struggled through a down year, batting .268 with 13 home runs and 63 RBIs, using him will not disrupt a lineup that has been working. The Giants scored 20 runs in the first two games at home for a 2-0 lead in the best-of-seven Series.
Sandoval - nicknamed ``Kung Fu Panda'' - has played in five games this postseason, making two starts in the NL division series against Atlanta and two more in the NLCS versus the Phillies.
By: Staff Writer - AP
Published: 10/29/2010 at 7:19:00 PM
ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) - Pablo Sandoval is set to be the San Francisco Giants' designated hitter in Game 3 of the World Series on Saturday night.With the Series shifting to the home of the American League champion Texas Rangers, Bochy had to decide who would DH. While Sandoval struggled through a down year, batting .268 with 13 home runs and 63 RBIs, using him will not disrupt a lineup that has been working. The Giants scored 20 runs in the first two games at home for a 2-0 lead in the best-of-seven Series.
Sandoval - nicknamed ``Kung Fu Panda'' - has played in five games this postseason, making two starts in the NL division series against Atlanta and two more in the NLCS versus the Phillies.
MLB
Dunkel
San Francisco at Texas
The Giants look to follow up their 9-0 win in Game 2 and take advantage of a Texas team that is 2-8 in Colby Lewis' last 10 starts after allowing 5 runs or more in their previous game. San Francisco is the pick (+130) according to Dunkel, which has the Giants favored by 1. Dunkel Pick: San Francisco (+130). Here are all of today's picks.
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 30
Game 955-956: San Francisco at Texas (6:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: San Francisco (Sanchez) 17.172; Texas (Lewis) 16.011
Dunkel Line: San Francisco by 1; 9 1/2
Vegas Line: Texas (-150); 8 1/2
Dunkel Pick: San Francisco (+130); Over
MLB
Long Sheet
Saturday, October 30
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SAN FRANCISCO (101 - 73) at TEXAS (97 - 78) - 6:55 PM
JONATHAN SANCHEZ (L) vs. COLBY LEWIS (R)
Top Trends for this game.
TEXAS is 176-139 (+15.5 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
TEXAS is 75-50 (+8.0 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
TEXAS is 130-107 (+19.7 Units) against the money line after a loss over the last 3 seasons.
TEXAS is 57-45 (+14.7 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
TEXAS is 184-153 (+11.0 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
TEXAS is 35-15 (+13.6 Units) against the money line as a home favorite of -125 to -150 over the last 2 seasons.
SAN FRANCISCO is 100-72 (+20.9 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
SAN FRANCISCO is 69-48 (+16.5 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
SAN FRANCISCO is 74-54 (+16.5 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
SAN FRANCISCO is 54-47 (+7.7 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
SAN FRANCISCO is 35-23 (+13.9 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season this season.
SAN FRANCISCO is 101-74 (+19.8 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
SAN FRANCISCO is 33-22 (+9.7 Units) against the money line when the total is 8 to 8.5 this season.
SAN FRANCISCO is 47-40 (+10.7 Units) against the money line in road games this season.
SANCHEZ is 23-13 (+10.5 Units) against the money line in all games this season. (Team's Record)
SANCHEZ is 22-13 (+9.1 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season. (Team's Record)
SANCHEZ is 16-7 (+9.7 Units) against the money line in night games this season. (Team's Record)
TEXAS is 24-29 (-11.8 Units) against the money line when the total is 8 to 8.5 this season.
Head-to-Head Series History
SAN FRANCISCO is 2-0 (+2.2 Units) against TEXAS this season
2 of 2 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+2.1 Units)
JONATHAN SANCHEZ vs. TEXAS since 1997
No recent starts.
COLBY LEWIS vs. SAN FRANCISCO since 1997
No recent starts.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
MLB
Short Sheet
Saturday, 10/30/2010
** World Series - Best of 7 - Game 3 - SF LEADS 2-0
SAN FRANCISCO at TEXAS, 6:55 PM ET FOX
SANCHEZ: 6-1 TSR as an underdog of +125 to +175
LEWIS: 10-14 TSR as a favorite
** (TC) Denotes Time Change
MLB
Saturday, October 30
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Trend Report
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
6:30 PM
SAN FRANCISCO vs. TEXAS
San Francisco is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games
San Francisco is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games on the road
Texas is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games at home
Texas is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games when playing San Francisco
Dunkel
San Francisco at Texas
The Giants look to follow up their 9-0 win in Game 2 and take advantage of a Texas team that is 2-8 in Colby Lewis' last 10 starts after allowing 5 runs or more in their previous game. San Francisco is the pick (+130) according to Dunkel, which has the Giants favored by 1. Dunkel Pick: San Francisco (+130). Here are all of today's picks.
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 30
Game 955-956: San Francisco at Texas (6:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: San Francisco (Sanchez) 17.172; Texas (Lewis) 16.011
Dunkel Line: San Francisco by 1; 9 1/2
Vegas Line: Texas (-150); 8 1/2
Dunkel Pick: San Francisco (+130); Over
MLB
Long Sheet
Saturday, October 30
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SAN FRANCISCO (101 - 73) at TEXAS (97 - 78) - 6:55 PM
JONATHAN SANCHEZ (L) vs. COLBY LEWIS (R)
Top Trends for this game.
TEXAS is 176-139 (+15.5 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
TEXAS is 75-50 (+8.0 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
TEXAS is 130-107 (+19.7 Units) against the money line after a loss over the last 3 seasons.
TEXAS is 57-45 (+14.7 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
TEXAS is 184-153 (+11.0 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
TEXAS is 35-15 (+13.6 Units) against the money line as a home favorite of -125 to -150 over the last 2 seasons.
SAN FRANCISCO is 100-72 (+20.9 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
SAN FRANCISCO is 69-48 (+16.5 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
SAN FRANCISCO is 74-54 (+16.5 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
SAN FRANCISCO is 54-47 (+7.7 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
SAN FRANCISCO is 35-23 (+13.9 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season this season.
SAN FRANCISCO is 101-74 (+19.8 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
SAN FRANCISCO is 33-22 (+9.7 Units) against the money line when the total is 8 to 8.5 this season.
SAN FRANCISCO is 47-40 (+10.7 Units) against the money line in road games this season.
SANCHEZ is 23-13 (+10.5 Units) against the money line in all games this season. (Team's Record)
SANCHEZ is 22-13 (+9.1 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season. (Team's Record)
SANCHEZ is 16-7 (+9.7 Units) against the money line in night games this season. (Team's Record)
TEXAS is 24-29 (-11.8 Units) against the money line when the total is 8 to 8.5 this season.
Head-to-Head Series History
SAN FRANCISCO is 2-0 (+2.2 Units) against TEXAS this season
2 of 2 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+2.1 Units)
JONATHAN SANCHEZ vs. TEXAS since 1997
No recent starts.
COLBY LEWIS vs. SAN FRANCISCO since 1997
No recent starts.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
MLB
Short Sheet
Saturday, 10/30/2010
** World Series - Best of 7 - Game 3 - SF LEADS 2-0
SAN FRANCISCO at TEXAS, 6:55 PM ET FOX
SANCHEZ: 6-1 TSR as an underdog of +125 to +175
LEWIS: 10-14 TSR as a favorite
** (TC) Denotes Time Change
MLB
Saturday, October 30
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Trend Report
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
6:30 PM
SAN FRANCISCO vs. TEXAS
San Francisco is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games
San Francisco is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games on the road
Texas is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games at home
Texas is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games when playing San Francisco
MLB
Saturday, October 30
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Payoff Pitch: Today's Best Mound Matchup
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Jonathan Sanchez, San Francisco Giants vs. Colby Lewis, Texas Rangers
Jonathan Sanchez (13-9, 3.07 ERA)
When the left-hander is on the mound, you know two things: he is going to walk a lot of people and you will see a filthy curve ball.
Sanchez was eighth in the National League in strikeouts this season with 205 thanks to his fantastic hook, but also led the Senior Circuit with 96 walks, a staggering number of free passes, especially considering he averages just under 98 pitches per start. It’s a wonder he ever makes it out of the fifth inning.
In his most recent start in Game 6 against Philadelphia, an altercation with Chase Utley left him so rattled that he had to be pulled after giving up two runs over a meager two innings. Also over that span, he threw an absurd 50 pitches and walked a pair.
Not good news for facing a Texas lineup looking to find its groove and breakout after getting shutout in Game 2.
"I'm going to go there with the same mentality I always have," Sanchez told MLB.com. "You're not always going to have a perfect game, so you just have to be realistic. There are going to be good days and there are going to be bad ones."
Colby Lewis (12-13, 3.72 ERA)
And if you think Sanchez has a nasty curve ball, then you need to pay close attention when Lewis takes the bump.
Lewis threw the curve an average of 11.2 times per start before mid-September, with opponents hitting .304 against it. But since then, he is throwing it 14.6 times per outing with opponents hitting just .056 against it when they make contact. And in the playoffs he has leaned on the pitch even more. Through three postseason outings, he is tossing 18.7 curves per start.
And it’s not like the Yankees could hit it.
In two victories over the Bronx Bombers and their vaunted batting order, Lewis went a combined 13.2 innings, giving up just nine hits and allowing a measly three earned runs. His biggest issue -- like Sanchez -- is his walks. In three postseason starts, he has 18 punch-outs, but also has a postseason-leading issued 11 free passes.
"He has swing-and-miss stuff," Rangers manager Ron Washington told MLB.com. "When he's commanding the strike zone, he's as tough as any pitcher in the game. We've needed him twice so far in this postseason, and he's come through, and that's why we're so confident with Colby."
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Hot Lines: Today's best MLB bets
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
San Francisco Giants at Texas Rangers (-152, 8.5)
So maybe this will be the round where the Rangers finally embrace home field advantage?
The Rangers reached the postseason by being among the best in the league at home, posting a 51-30 record in their own back yard. During the regular season, Texas averaged a whopping 5.3 runs per game at home and supported that number with a solid 93 home runs and 136 doubles. At home, the team also is hitting a phenomenal .288, making the most of opposing pitchers’ mistakes.
This postseason, however, the team is averaging nearly a run per game less -- 4.6 per game -- and is just 2-3 in its own yard. But anything familiar would be good for the Rangers at this point, as the team needs to win Game 3 of the World Series to have a legitimate chance at claiming a title in its first appearance in the Fall Classic.
"Now that we're home, we feel comfortable back in this place. Not taking anything away from the Giants, they beat us soundly," Texas manager Ron Washington told the Associated Press. "We've just got to come back here, get focused and win a game. We win a game, everything will be fine."
The team may be gripping the bat tight, but should be able to get loose on Saturday night and do enough to keep this series interesting.
Pick: Rangers
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This Day in Baseball
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
On October 30 in Baseball History...
1911 - Clark Griffith is named manager at Washington, beginning a stand in the nation's capitol as manager, then owner, that will last until his death in 1955.
1945 - Branch Rickey signs Jackie Robinson to a contract with Montreal of the International League for 1946. Black pitcher John Wright also signs.
1956 - The Dodgers sell Ebbets Field to a real estate group. They agree to stay until 1959, with an option to stay until 1961.
1963 - Sandy Koufax wins again. The Dodgers southpaw, who won 25 games and pitched 11 shutouts, outpolls Cardinals shortstop Dick Groat 237 to 190 for the NL MVP award.
1967 - Arthur Allyn announces that his White Sox will play nine games in Milwaukee in 1968. Chicago will become the first AL team to play regular season games outside its own city since 1905.
1974 - Catfish Hunter is named the AL Cy Young Award winner. He led the league with 25 wins and a 2.49 ERA.
1975 - Giants pitcher John Montefusco outpoints Expos catcher Gary Carter for NL Rookie of the Year honors.
1984 - Tigers reliever Willie Hernandez wins the AL Cy Young Award, edging fellow reliever Dan Quisenberry of the Royals. Hernandez was 9-3 with 32 saves and a 1.92 ERA.
Saturday, October 30
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Payoff Pitch: Today's Best Mound Matchup
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Jonathan Sanchez, San Francisco Giants vs. Colby Lewis, Texas Rangers
Jonathan Sanchez (13-9, 3.07 ERA)
When the left-hander is on the mound, you know two things: he is going to walk a lot of people and you will see a filthy curve ball.
Sanchez was eighth in the National League in strikeouts this season with 205 thanks to his fantastic hook, but also led the Senior Circuit with 96 walks, a staggering number of free passes, especially considering he averages just under 98 pitches per start. It’s a wonder he ever makes it out of the fifth inning.
In his most recent start in Game 6 against Philadelphia, an altercation with Chase Utley left him so rattled that he had to be pulled after giving up two runs over a meager two innings. Also over that span, he threw an absurd 50 pitches and walked a pair.
Not good news for facing a Texas lineup looking to find its groove and breakout after getting shutout in Game 2.
"I'm going to go there with the same mentality I always have," Sanchez told MLB.com. "You're not always going to have a perfect game, so you just have to be realistic. There are going to be good days and there are going to be bad ones."
Colby Lewis (12-13, 3.72 ERA)
And if you think Sanchez has a nasty curve ball, then you need to pay close attention when Lewis takes the bump.
Lewis threw the curve an average of 11.2 times per start before mid-September, with opponents hitting .304 against it. But since then, he is throwing it 14.6 times per outing with opponents hitting just .056 against it when they make contact. And in the playoffs he has leaned on the pitch even more. Through three postseason outings, he is tossing 18.7 curves per start.
And it’s not like the Yankees could hit it.
In two victories over the Bronx Bombers and their vaunted batting order, Lewis went a combined 13.2 innings, giving up just nine hits and allowing a measly three earned runs. His biggest issue -- like Sanchez -- is his walks. In three postseason starts, he has 18 punch-outs, but also has a postseason-leading issued 11 free passes.
"He has swing-and-miss stuff," Rangers manager Ron Washington told MLB.com. "When he's commanding the strike zone, he's as tough as any pitcher in the game. We've needed him twice so far in this postseason, and he's come through, and that's why we're so confident with Colby."
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Hot Lines: Today's best MLB bets
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
San Francisco Giants at Texas Rangers (-152, 8.5)
So maybe this will be the round where the Rangers finally embrace home field advantage?
The Rangers reached the postseason by being among the best in the league at home, posting a 51-30 record in their own back yard. During the regular season, Texas averaged a whopping 5.3 runs per game at home and supported that number with a solid 93 home runs and 136 doubles. At home, the team also is hitting a phenomenal .288, making the most of opposing pitchers’ mistakes.
This postseason, however, the team is averaging nearly a run per game less -- 4.6 per game -- and is just 2-3 in its own yard. But anything familiar would be good for the Rangers at this point, as the team needs to win Game 3 of the World Series to have a legitimate chance at claiming a title in its first appearance in the Fall Classic.
"Now that we're home, we feel comfortable back in this place. Not taking anything away from the Giants, they beat us soundly," Texas manager Ron Washington told the Associated Press. "We've just got to come back here, get focused and win a game. We win a game, everything will be fine."
The team may be gripping the bat tight, but should be able to get loose on Saturday night and do enough to keep this series interesting.
Pick: Rangers
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This Day in Baseball
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
On October 30 in Baseball History...
1911 - Clark Griffith is named manager at Washington, beginning a stand in the nation's capitol as manager, then owner, that will last until his death in 1955.
1945 - Branch Rickey signs Jackie Robinson to a contract with Montreal of the International League for 1946. Black pitcher John Wright also signs.
1956 - The Dodgers sell Ebbets Field to a real estate group. They agree to stay until 1959, with an option to stay until 1961.
1963 - Sandy Koufax wins again. The Dodgers southpaw, who won 25 games and pitched 11 shutouts, outpolls Cardinals shortstop Dick Groat 237 to 190 for the NL MVP award.
1967 - Arthur Allyn announces that his White Sox will play nine games in Milwaukee in 1968. Chicago will become the first AL team to play regular season games outside its own city since 1905.
1974 - Catfish Hunter is named the AL Cy Young Award winner. He led the league with 25 wins and a 2.49 ERA.
1975 - Giants pitcher John Montefusco outpoints Expos catcher Gary Carter for NL Rookie of the Year honors.
1984 - Tigers reliever Willie Hernandez wins the AL Cy Young Award, edging fellow reliever Dan Quisenberry of the Royals. Hernandez was 9-3 with 32 saves and a 1.92 ERA.
MLB
Saturday, October 30
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Payoff Pitch: Today's Best Mound Matchup
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Jonathan Sanchez, San Francisco Giants vs. Colby Lewis, Texas Rangers
Jonathan Sanchez (13-9, 3.07 ERA)
When the left-hander is on the mound, you know two things: he is going to walk a lot of people and you will see a filthy curve ball.
Sanchez was eighth in the National League in strikeouts this season with 205 thanks to his fantastic hook, but also led the Senior Circuit with 96 walks, a staggering number of free passes, especially considering he averages just under 98 pitches per start. It’s a wonder he ever makes it out of the fifth inning.
In his most recent start in Game 6 against Philadelphia, an altercation with Chase Utley left him so rattled that he had to be pulled after giving up two runs over a meager two innings. Also over that span, he threw an absurd 50 pitches and walked a pair.
Not good news for facing a Texas lineup looking to find its groove and breakout after getting shutout in Game 2.
"I'm going to go there with the same mentality I always have," Sanchez told MLB.com. "You're not always going to have a perfect game, so you just have to be realistic. There are going to be good days and there are going to be bad ones."
Colby Lewis (12-13, 3.72 ERA)
And if you think Sanchez has a nasty curve ball, then you need to pay close attention when Lewis takes the bump.
Lewis threw the curve an average of 11.2 times per start before mid-September, with opponents hitting .304 against it. But since then, he is throwing it 14.6 times per outing with opponents hitting just .056 against it when they make contact. And in the playoffs he has leaned on the pitch even more. Through three postseason outings, he is tossing 18.7 curves per start.
And it’s not like the Yankees could hit it.
In two victories over the Bronx Bombers and their vaunted batting order, Lewis went a combined 13.2 innings, giving up just nine hits and allowing a measly three earned runs. His biggest issue -- like Sanchez -- is his walks. In three postseason starts, he has 18 punch-outs, but also has a postseason-leading issued 11 free passes.
"He has swing-and-miss stuff," Rangers manager Ron Washington told MLB.com. "When he's commanding the strike zone, he's as tough as any pitcher in the game. We've needed him twice so far in this postseason, and he's come through, and that's why we're so confident with Colby."
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Hot Lines: Today's best MLB bets
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San Francisco Giants at Texas Rangers (-152, 8.5)
So maybe this will be the round where the Rangers finally embrace home field advantage?
The Rangers reached the postseason by being among the best in the league at home, posting a 51-30 record in their own back yard. During the regular season, Texas averaged a whopping 5.3 runs per game at home and supported that number with a solid 93 home runs and 136 doubles. At home, the team also is hitting a phenomenal .288, making the most of opposing pitchers’ mistakes.
This postseason, however, the team is averaging nearly a run per game less -- 4.6 per game -- and is just 2-3 in its own yard. But anything familiar would be good for the Rangers at this point, as the team needs to win Game 3 of the World Series to have a legitimate chance at claiming a title in its first appearance in the Fall Classic.
"Now that we're home, we feel comfortable back in this place. Not taking anything away from the Giants, they beat us soundly," Texas manager Ron Washington told the Associated Press. "We've just got to come back here, get focused and win a game. We win a game, everything will be fine."
The team may be gripping the bat tight, but should be able to get loose on Saturday night and do enough to keep this series interesting.
Pick: Rangers
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This Day in Baseball
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
On October 30 in Baseball History...
1911 - Clark Griffith is named manager at Washington, beginning a stand in the nation's capitol as manager, then owner, that will last until his death in 1955.
1945 - Branch Rickey signs Jackie Robinson to a contract with Montreal of the International League for 1946. Black pitcher John Wright also signs.
1956 - The Dodgers sell Ebbets Field to a real estate group. They agree to stay until 1959, with an option to stay until 1961.
1963 - Sandy Koufax wins again. The Dodgers southpaw, who won 25 games and pitched 11 shutouts, outpolls Cardinals shortstop Dick Groat 237 to 190 for the NL MVP award.
1967 - Arthur Allyn announces that his White Sox will play nine games in Milwaukee in 1968. Chicago will become the first AL team to play regular season games outside its own city since 1905.
1974 - Catfish Hunter is named the AL Cy Young Award winner. He led the league with 25 wins and a 2.49 ERA.
1975 - Giants pitcher John Montefusco outpoints Expos catcher Gary Carter for NL Rookie of the Year honors.
1984 - Tigers reliever Willie Hernandez wins the AL Cy Young Award, edging fellow reliever Dan Quisenberry of the Royals. Hernandez was 9-3 with 32 saves and a 1.92 ERA.
Saturday, October 30
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Payoff Pitch: Today's Best Mound Matchup
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Jonathan Sanchez, San Francisco Giants vs. Colby Lewis, Texas Rangers
Jonathan Sanchez (13-9, 3.07 ERA)
When the left-hander is on the mound, you know two things: he is going to walk a lot of people and you will see a filthy curve ball.
Sanchez was eighth in the National League in strikeouts this season with 205 thanks to his fantastic hook, but also led the Senior Circuit with 96 walks, a staggering number of free passes, especially considering he averages just under 98 pitches per start. It’s a wonder he ever makes it out of the fifth inning.
In his most recent start in Game 6 against Philadelphia, an altercation with Chase Utley left him so rattled that he had to be pulled after giving up two runs over a meager two innings. Also over that span, he threw an absurd 50 pitches and walked a pair.
Not good news for facing a Texas lineup looking to find its groove and breakout after getting shutout in Game 2.
"I'm going to go there with the same mentality I always have," Sanchez told MLB.com. "You're not always going to have a perfect game, so you just have to be realistic. There are going to be good days and there are going to be bad ones."
Colby Lewis (12-13, 3.72 ERA)
And if you think Sanchez has a nasty curve ball, then you need to pay close attention when Lewis takes the bump.
Lewis threw the curve an average of 11.2 times per start before mid-September, with opponents hitting .304 against it. But since then, he is throwing it 14.6 times per outing with opponents hitting just .056 against it when they make contact. And in the playoffs he has leaned on the pitch even more. Through three postseason outings, he is tossing 18.7 curves per start.
And it’s not like the Yankees could hit it.
In two victories over the Bronx Bombers and their vaunted batting order, Lewis went a combined 13.2 innings, giving up just nine hits and allowing a measly three earned runs. His biggest issue -- like Sanchez -- is his walks. In three postseason starts, he has 18 punch-outs, but also has a postseason-leading issued 11 free passes.
"He has swing-and-miss stuff," Rangers manager Ron Washington told MLB.com. "When he's commanding the strike zone, he's as tough as any pitcher in the game. We've needed him twice so far in this postseason, and he's come through, and that's why we're so confident with Colby."
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Hot Lines: Today's best MLB bets
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
San Francisco Giants at Texas Rangers (-152, 8.5)
So maybe this will be the round where the Rangers finally embrace home field advantage?
The Rangers reached the postseason by being among the best in the league at home, posting a 51-30 record in their own back yard. During the regular season, Texas averaged a whopping 5.3 runs per game at home and supported that number with a solid 93 home runs and 136 doubles. At home, the team also is hitting a phenomenal .288, making the most of opposing pitchers’ mistakes.
This postseason, however, the team is averaging nearly a run per game less -- 4.6 per game -- and is just 2-3 in its own yard. But anything familiar would be good for the Rangers at this point, as the team needs to win Game 3 of the World Series to have a legitimate chance at claiming a title in its first appearance in the Fall Classic.
"Now that we're home, we feel comfortable back in this place. Not taking anything away from the Giants, they beat us soundly," Texas manager Ron Washington told the Associated Press. "We've just got to come back here, get focused and win a game. We win a game, everything will be fine."
The team may be gripping the bat tight, but should be able to get loose on Saturday night and do enough to keep this series interesting.
Pick: Rangers
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This Day in Baseball
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
On October 30 in Baseball History...
1911 - Clark Griffith is named manager at Washington, beginning a stand in the nation's capitol as manager, then owner, that will last until his death in 1955.
1945 - Branch Rickey signs Jackie Robinson to a contract with Montreal of the International League for 1946. Black pitcher John Wright also signs.
1956 - The Dodgers sell Ebbets Field to a real estate group. They agree to stay until 1959, with an option to stay until 1961.
1963 - Sandy Koufax wins again. The Dodgers southpaw, who won 25 games and pitched 11 shutouts, outpolls Cardinals shortstop Dick Groat 237 to 190 for the NL MVP award.
1967 - Arthur Allyn announces that his White Sox will play nine games in Milwaukee in 1968. Chicago will become the first AL team to play regular season games outside its own city since 1905.
1974 - Catfish Hunter is named the AL Cy Young Award winner. He led the league with 25 wins and a 2.49 ERA.
1975 - Giants pitcher John Montefusco outpoints Expos catcher Gary Carter for NL Rookie of the Year honors.
1984 - Tigers reliever Willie Hernandez wins the AL Cy Young Award, edging fellow reliever Dan Quisenberry of the Royals. Hernandez was 9-3 with 32 saves and a 1.92 ERA.
MLB
Sunday, October 31
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Payoff Pitch: Today's Best Mound Matchup
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Madison Bumgarner, San Francisco Giants vs. Tommy Hunter, Texas Rangers
Madison Bumgarner (7-6, 3.00 ERA)
Bumgarner has been a pleasant surprise for a young San Francisco pitching staff. The 21-year-old rookie southpaw compiled a 7-6 record with a stellar 3.00 ERA in 111 innings of work during the regular season. He had pitched just 10 innings with one start prior to this year.
Bumgarner has been similarly solid in the postseason. In Game 4 at Atlanta, he went six innings and gave up just two runs on six hits, good enough to get the win in the series-clincher. Bumgarner lasted just 4 2/3 innings in his lone NLCS start against the Phillies, but he bounced back for two innings of shutout relief work to help clinch Game 6 at Philadelphia.
Interestingly, Bumgarner was much better on the road than he was at home during the regular season. He was just 1-3 with a 4.60 ERA at AT&T Park, but he went 6-3 with a meager 1.91 ERA in 10 road starts. That appears to be good news for the Giants heading into Game 4.
Tommy Hunter (13-4, 3.73 ERA)
Not to be outdone by a pitcher three years his junior, Hunter was outstanding for Texas during the regular season. He rolled to an impressive 13-4 record thanks to a 3.73 ERA, no small feat especially in the American League. The righty improved in just about every statistical category from his first year to his second, including a drop in WHIP from 1.30 to 1.24.
Hunter’s first foray into the postseason has not gone as smoothly as it has for Bumgarner. In a potential Game 4 clincher against Tampa Bay, Hunter lasted just four innings and gave up three runs (two earned) on six hits while taking the loss. He exited after a mere 3 1/3 innings in Game 4 against the Yankees, but the Rangers’ bats erupted for a 10-3 win.
Something will have to give on Sunday because while Bumgarner is awesome on the road, Hunter is scary good at home. He compiled a perfect 7-0 record in 11 starts at the Ballpark in Arlington and boasted a 3.06 ERA.
Derek Holland, who has been a force in long relief work, was a contender for the Game 4 start admits Hunter’s postseason struggles. Manager Ron Washington had a decision to make. “It's a decision we have to wait and see, and see what they do,” Hunter told the Dallas Morning News last weekend. “Holland's been great in the bullpen, and a lot of things will factor into it. I really hope I get the ball, but if I don't, I understand.”
To Hunter’s delight, he will get the ball.
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Hot Lines: Today's best MLB bets
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San Francisco Giants at Texas Rangers
The Rangers did not have much going for them during the first two games of the regular, but they have plenty going for them at home. Texas went 51-30 at the Ballpark in Arlington during the regular season; fourth best in the American League. San Francisco, meanwhile, was a solid but unspectacular 43-38 on the road.
Perhaps even more encouragingly, the Rangers are sending Tommy Hunter to the mound on Sunday. Hunter was 6-4 with a 4.48 ERA on the road during the regular season. OK numbers, right? Well, not compared to his home marks: 7-0, 3.06 ERA.
Furthermore, Texas gets to use the DH at home and it will likely be Vladimir Guerrero vs. Pablo Sandoval. Advantage: Rangers. "We've got a guy who was one of the best DHs in the league all year, and they don't," said Rangers OF Jeff Francoeur. "Hopefully we can use that advantage in our favor."
A word of caution to bettors who were watching Fox's coverage of Game 2, when Eric Karros said that the Rangers have not lost to a left-handed starter at home since August 29: they have only faced three left-handed starters since. That said, they are faring better against lefties than righties in the postseason. The Rangers are hitting .306 against lefties, .259 against righties.
Pick: Rangers
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This Day in Baseball
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On October 31 in Baseball History...
1961 - A federal judge rules that Birmingham, Alabama, laws against integrated playing fields are illegal, eliminating the last barrier against integration in the Southern Association.
1967 - San Francisco's Mike McCormick, the league leader with 22 victories, is the NL Cy Young Award winner. It is the first year that pitchers are honored in each league.
1972 - Gaylord Perry wins the AL Cy Young award by a 64-58 margin over Chicago's Wilbur Wood. Perry won 24 games for the fifth-place Indians.
1973 - Tom Seaver wins the NL Cy Young Award, the first time the honor has gone to a pitcher with fewer than 20 wins. Seaver was 19-10 and led the league in ERA (2.08) and strikeouts (251).
1979 - Mike Flanagan, who posted a 23-9 record for the Orioles, is named the winner of the AL Cy Young Award by a comfortable margin over Tommy John of the Yankees.
Sunday, October 31
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Payoff Pitch: Today's Best Mound Matchup
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Madison Bumgarner, San Francisco Giants vs. Tommy Hunter, Texas Rangers
Madison Bumgarner (7-6, 3.00 ERA)
Bumgarner has been a pleasant surprise for a young San Francisco pitching staff. The 21-year-old rookie southpaw compiled a 7-6 record with a stellar 3.00 ERA in 111 innings of work during the regular season. He had pitched just 10 innings with one start prior to this year.
Bumgarner has been similarly solid in the postseason. In Game 4 at Atlanta, he went six innings and gave up just two runs on six hits, good enough to get the win in the series-clincher. Bumgarner lasted just 4 2/3 innings in his lone NLCS start against the Phillies, but he bounced back for two innings of shutout relief work to help clinch Game 6 at Philadelphia.
Interestingly, Bumgarner was much better on the road than he was at home during the regular season. He was just 1-3 with a 4.60 ERA at AT&T Park, but he went 6-3 with a meager 1.91 ERA in 10 road starts. That appears to be good news for the Giants heading into Game 4.
Tommy Hunter (13-4, 3.73 ERA)
Not to be outdone by a pitcher three years his junior, Hunter was outstanding for Texas during the regular season. He rolled to an impressive 13-4 record thanks to a 3.73 ERA, no small feat especially in the American League. The righty improved in just about every statistical category from his first year to his second, including a drop in WHIP from 1.30 to 1.24.
Hunter’s first foray into the postseason has not gone as smoothly as it has for Bumgarner. In a potential Game 4 clincher against Tampa Bay, Hunter lasted just four innings and gave up three runs (two earned) on six hits while taking the loss. He exited after a mere 3 1/3 innings in Game 4 against the Yankees, but the Rangers’ bats erupted for a 10-3 win.
Something will have to give on Sunday because while Bumgarner is awesome on the road, Hunter is scary good at home. He compiled a perfect 7-0 record in 11 starts at the Ballpark in Arlington and boasted a 3.06 ERA.
Derek Holland, who has been a force in long relief work, was a contender for the Game 4 start admits Hunter’s postseason struggles. Manager Ron Washington had a decision to make. “It's a decision we have to wait and see, and see what they do,” Hunter told the Dallas Morning News last weekend. “Holland's been great in the bullpen, and a lot of things will factor into it. I really hope I get the ball, but if I don't, I understand.”
To Hunter’s delight, he will get the ball.
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Hot Lines: Today's best MLB bets
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San Francisco Giants at Texas Rangers
The Rangers did not have much going for them during the first two games of the regular, but they have plenty going for them at home. Texas went 51-30 at the Ballpark in Arlington during the regular season; fourth best in the American League. San Francisco, meanwhile, was a solid but unspectacular 43-38 on the road.
Perhaps even more encouragingly, the Rangers are sending Tommy Hunter to the mound on Sunday. Hunter was 6-4 with a 4.48 ERA on the road during the regular season. OK numbers, right? Well, not compared to his home marks: 7-0, 3.06 ERA.
Furthermore, Texas gets to use the DH at home and it will likely be Vladimir Guerrero vs. Pablo Sandoval. Advantage: Rangers. "We've got a guy who was one of the best DHs in the league all year, and they don't," said Rangers OF Jeff Francoeur. "Hopefully we can use that advantage in our favor."
A word of caution to bettors who were watching Fox's coverage of Game 2, when Eric Karros said that the Rangers have not lost to a left-handed starter at home since August 29: they have only faced three left-handed starters since. That said, they are faring better against lefties than righties in the postseason. The Rangers are hitting .306 against lefties, .259 against righties.
Pick: Rangers
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This Day in Baseball
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
On October 31 in Baseball History...
1961 - A federal judge rules that Birmingham, Alabama, laws against integrated playing fields are illegal, eliminating the last barrier against integration in the Southern Association.
1967 - San Francisco's Mike McCormick, the league leader with 22 victories, is the NL Cy Young Award winner. It is the first year that pitchers are honored in each league.
1972 - Gaylord Perry wins the AL Cy Young award by a 64-58 margin over Chicago's Wilbur Wood. Perry won 24 games for the fifth-place Indians.
1973 - Tom Seaver wins the NL Cy Young Award, the first time the honor has gone to a pitcher with fewer than 20 wins. Seaver was 19-10 and led the league in ERA (2.08) and strikeouts (251).
1979 - Mike Flanagan, who posted a 23-9 record for the Orioles, is named the winner of the AL Cy Young Award by a comfortable margin over Tommy John of the Yankees.
World Series Record:
Date WLT Pct Net Units Record
10/31/10 1-1-0 50.00% +120 Detail
10/30/10 0-2-0 0.00% -1050 Detail
10/28/10 2-0-0 100.00% +1000 Detail
10/27/10 2-0-0 100.00% +1085 Detail
Monday, November 1Game Score Status Pick Amount
San Francisco - 7:30 PM ET San Francisco +159 500
Texas - Under 6.5 500
Date WLT Pct Net Units Record
10/31/10 1-1-0 50.00% +120 Detail
10/30/10 0-2-0 0.00% -1050 Detail
10/28/10 2-0-0 100.00% +1000 Detail
10/27/10 2-0-0 100.00% +1085 Detail
Monday, November 1Game Score Status Pick Amount
San Francisco - 7:30 PM ET San Francisco +159 500
Texas - Under 6.5 500
MLB
Dunkel
San Francisco at Texas
The Rangers look to bounce back from last night's 4-0 defeat and build on their 6-0 record in their last 6 games after scoring 2 runs or less in the previous game. Texas is the pick (-170) according to Dunkel, which has the Rangers favored by 1. Dunkel Pick: Texas (-170). Here are all of today's picks.
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 1
Game 959-960: San Francisco at Texas (7:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: San Francisco (Lincecum) 16.160; Texas (Lee) 17.023
Dunkel Line: Texas by 1; 5 1/2
Vegas Line: Texas (-170); 6 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Texas (-170); Under
Dunkel
San Francisco at Texas
The Rangers look to bounce back from last night's 4-0 defeat and build on their 6-0 record in their last 6 games after scoring 2 runs or less in the previous game. Texas is the pick (-170) according to Dunkel, which has the Rangers favored by 1. Dunkel Pick: Texas (-170). Here are all of today's picks.
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 1
Game 959-960: San Francisco at Texas (7:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: San Francisco (Lincecum) 16.160; Texas (Lee) 17.023
Dunkel Line: Texas by 1; 5 1/2
Vegas Line: Texas (-170); 6 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Texas (-170); Under
MLB
Write-Up
Monday, November 1
Giants can clinch first World Series title since 1954 with win here behind ace Lincecum, who is 3-1, 2.79 in five postseason appearances; he gave up four runs in 5.2 IP in Game 1 of this series. Giants won five of their last seven games, with three shutouts. Lee is 7-1, 1.96 in nine starts in playoffs; his loss in Game 1 of this series (seven runs in 4.2 IP) was his first-ever postseason loss. Rangers are 3-4 at home in the playoffs.
Write-Up
Monday, November 1
Giants can clinch first World Series title since 1954 with win here behind ace Lincecum, who is 3-1, 2.79 in five postseason appearances; he gave up four runs in 5.2 IP in Game 1 of this series. Giants won five of their last seven games, with three shutouts. Lee is 7-1, 1.96 in nine starts in playoffs; his loss in Game 1 of this series (seven runs in 4.2 IP) was his first-ever postseason loss. Rangers are 3-4 at home in the playoffs.
MLB
Monday, November 1
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Trend Report
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7:30 PM
SAN FRANCISCO vs. TEXAS
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of San Francisco's last 6 games when playing on the road against Texas
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of San Francisco's last 10 games when playing Texas
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Texas's last 6 games at home
Texas is 1-10 SU in its last 11 games when playing San Francisco
Monday, November 1
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Trend Report
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7:30 PM
SAN FRANCISCO vs. TEXAS
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of San Francisco's last 6 games when playing on the road against Texas
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of San Francisco's last 10 games when playing Texas
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Texas's last 6 games at home
Texas is 1-10 SU in its last 11 games when playing San Francisco
MLB
Monday, November 1
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Payoff Pitch: Today's Best Mound Matchup
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Cliff Lee, Texas Rangers vs. Tim Lincecum, San Francisco Giants
Cliff Lee (12-9, 3.18 ERA)
So, Cliff Lee is human after all. Now we get to see whether he can bounce back after his first playoff loss as he takes the hill in Game 5 against the San Francisco Giants.
He went into Game 1 with spectacular postseason numbers. Lee was 7-0 with a 1.26 ERA in eight previous postseason appearances, but then allowed seven runs (six earned) and eight hits over 4 2/3 innings in the 11-7 loss.
However, Lee isn’t a guy that rattles easily and took the beating in stride saying that location was his biggest issue. The Giants jumped on him early in the count all night and made him throw 32 pitches in the two-run third inning. Manager Ron Washington said that inning played a factor as Lee may have tired early before San Francisco put six runs on the board in the fifth.
“I get a chance to redeem myself against the team that actually put it to me pretty good last time,” Lee told reporters Sunday. “You know, I'm looking forward to it. I've been working hard and ready for it's basically the last start of the season for me, and I want to do everything I can to help this team win the World Series.”
Tim Lincecum (16-10, 3.43 ERA)
Now that Lincecum has his World Series jitters out of the way, it’s scary to think how good he might be in Game 5.
The right-hander admitted feeling a bit uneasy before Game 1’s start, but pitched well enough to help the Giants to a 11-7 victory. Lincecum went 5 2/3 innings allowing eight hits and four earned runs to outlast Cliff Lee. He struck out only three, which was his lowest punch-out total since he also struck out three back on Sept. 19 against the Milwaukee Brewers.
The experience of being there is the big help," Lincecum told reporters Sunday. "Going through the lineup again knowing that you're pitching in another World Series game just eases the tension."
This time around he’s looking to paint the corners a bit better after saying that he left too many hittable pitches in the strike zone during Game 1.
"I just want to be more aggressive, of course," Lincecum added. "Quality of strikes as opposed to just throwing strikes."
Lincecum is now 3-1 in postseason play, posting a 2.79 ERA and 33 strikeouts to seven walks.
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This Day in Baseball
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
On November 1 in Baseball History...
1914 - Connie Mack begins cleaning house, asking waivers on Jack Coombs, Eddie Plank, and Chief Bender. Colby Jack goes to the Dodgers. Plank and Bender escape Mack's maneuvering by jumping to the Federal League. Despite the pennant, Philadelphia fans did not support the A's and the club lost $50,000.
1938 - National League batting champ Ernie Lombardi is named the Most Valuable Player by the Baseball Writers. Chicago pitcher Bill Lee is runner-up.
1942 - Larry MacPhail enters the Army. The Dodgers look to St. Louis for leadership. After two decades in St. Louis, Branch Rickey splits with owner Sam Breadon. He will sign to become General Manager at Brooklyn.
1946 - The right foot of Cleveland owner Bill Veeck is amputated, a result of a war injury in the South Pacific two years before. Veeck has had a tremendous impact on promotion in a half season of ownership. A minor but typical change is the regular posting of National League scores on the Cleveland scoreboard, a departure from the long-standing practice of both leagues.
1951 - The National League votes Brooklyn catcher Roy Campanella the league's Most Valuable Player for what will be the first of three such awards.
1960 - Baltimore shortstop Ron Hansen is voted American League Rookie of the Year, getting twenty-two of twenty-four votes. The other votes go to teammates Chuck Estrada and Jim Gentile.
1966 - Sandy Koufax becomes the first three-time winner of the Cy Young Award. He is a unanimous winner for the second-straight year. This is the last year that only one award is given for pitchers in both of the major leagues.
1968 - Thirty-game winner Denny McLain is the unanimous American League winner of the Cy Young Award.
1978 - Ron Guidry is the unanimous choice for the American League Cy Young Award. The Yankees southpaw led the league in wins, winning percentage, shutouts, and ERA.
1979 - Edward Bennett Williams buys the Orioles from Jerold Hoffberger for a reported $12.3 million.
1982 - At a meeting in Chicago, the major league owners vote not to renew Commissioner Bowie Kuhn's contract. The American League owners voted in favor of Kuhn 11-3, the National League 7-5. But his eighteen votes left him two shy of the three-fourths majority required for reelection. Kuhn will remain on the job until a successor is found.
1988 - Chris Sabo, who hit .271 with eleven home runs and forty-six stolen bases as the Reds third baseman, wins the National League Rookie of the Year award. Chicago's Mark Grace is runner-up.
Monday, November 1
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Payoff Pitch: Today's Best Mound Matchup
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cliff Lee, Texas Rangers vs. Tim Lincecum, San Francisco Giants
Cliff Lee (12-9, 3.18 ERA)
So, Cliff Lee is human after all. Now we get to see whether he can bounce back after his first playoff loss as he takes the hill in Game 5 against the San Francisco Giants.
He went into Game 1 with spectacular postseason numbers. Lee was 7-0 with a 1.26 ERA in eight previous postseason appearances, but then allowed seven runs (six earned) and eight hits over 4 2/3 innings in the 11-7 loss.
However, Lee isn’t a guy that rattles easily and took the beating in stride saying that location was his biggest issue. The Giants jumped on him early in the count all night and made him throw 32 pitches in the two-run third inning. Manager Ron Washington said that inning played a factor as Lee may have tired early before San Francisco put six runs on the board in the fifth.
“I get a chance to redeem myself against the team that actually put it to me pretty good last time,” Lee told reporters Sunday. “You know, I'm looking forward to it. I've been working hard and ready for it's basically the last start of the season for me, and I want to do everything I can to help this team win the World Series.”
Tim Lincecum (16-10, 3.43 ERA)
Now that Lincecum has his World Series jitters out of the way, it’s scary to think how good he might be in Game 5.
The right-hander admitted feeling a bit uneasy before Game 1’s start, but pitched well enough to help the Giants to a 11-7 victory. Lincecum went 5 2/3 innings allowing eight hits and four earned runs to outlast Cliff Lee. He struck out only three, which was his lowest punch-out total since he also struck out three back on Sept. 19 against the Milwaukee Brewers.
The experience of being there is the big help," Lincecum told reporters Sunday. "Going through the lineup again knowing that you're pitching in another World Series game just eases the tension."
This time around he’s looking to paint the corners a bit better after saying that he left too many hittable pitches in the strike zone during Game 1.
"I just want to be more aggressive, of course," Lincecum added. "Quality of strikes as opposed to just throwing strikes."
Lincecum is now 3-1 in postseason play, posting a 2.79 ERA and 33 strikeouts to seven walks.
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This Day in Baseball
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
On November 1 in Baseball History...
1914 - Connie Mack begins cleaning house, asking waivers on Jack Coombs, Eddie Plank, and Chief Bender. Colby Jack goes to the Dodgers. Plank and Bender escape Mack's maneuvering by jumping to the Federal League. Despite the pennant, Philadelphia fans did not support the A's and the club lost $50,000.
1938 - National League batting champ Ernie Lombardi is named the Most Valuable Player by the Baseball Writers. Chicago pitcher Bill Lee is runner-up.
1942 - Larry MacPhail enters the Army. The Dodgers look to St. Louis for leadership. After two decades in St. Louis, Branch Rickey splits with owner Sam Breadon. He will sign to become General Manager at Brooklyn.
1946 - The right foot of Cleveland owner Bill Veeck is amputated, a result of a war injury in the South Pacific two years before. Veeck has had a tremendous impact on promotion in a half season of ownership. A minor but typical change is the regular posting of National League scores on the Cleveland scoreboard, a departure from the long-standing practice of both leagues.
1951 - The National League votes Brooklyn catcher Roy Campanella the league's Most Valuable Player for what will be the first of three such awards.
1960 - Baltimore shortstop Ron Hansen is voted American League Rookie of the Year, getting twenty-two of twenty-four votes. The other votes go to teammates Chuck Estrada and Jim Gentile.
1966 - Sandy Koufax becomes the first three-time winner of the Cy Young Award. He is a unanimous winner for the second-straight year. This is the last year that only one award is given for pitchers in both of the major leagues.
1968 - Thirty-game winner Denny McLain is the unanimous American League winner of the Cy Young Award.
1978 - Ron Guidry is the unanimous choice for the American League Cy Young Award. The Yankees southpaw led the league in wins, winning percentage, shutouts, and ERA.
1979 - Edward Bennett Williams buys the Orioles from Jerold Hoffberger for a reported $12.3 million.
1982 - At a meeting in Chicago, the major league owners vote not to renew Commissioner Bowie Kuhn's contract. The American League owners voted in favor of Kuhn 11-3, the National League 7-5. But his eighteen votes left him two shy of the three-fourths majority required for reelection. Kuhn will remain on the job until a successor is found.
1988 - Chris Sabo, who hit .271 with eleven home runs and forty-six stolen bases as the Reds third baseman, wins the National League Rookie of the Year award. Chicago's Mark Grace is runner-up.
MLB
Long Sheet
Monday, November 1
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SAN FRANCISCO (102 - 74) at TEXAS (98 - 79) - 7:55 PM
TIM LINCECUM ® vs. CLIFF LEE (L)
Top Trends for this game.
TEXAS is 177-140 (+15.1 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
TEXAS is 76-51 (+7.5 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
TEXAS is 182-152 (+26.4 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 3 seasons.
TEXAS is 131-107 (+20.7 Units) against the money line after a loss over the last 3 seasons.
TEXAS is 58-46 (+14.2 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
TEXAS is 185-154 (+10.6 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
LEE is 18-3 (+13.0 Units) against the money line as a home favorite of -150 to -175 over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)
SAN FRANCISCO is 101-73 (+21.3 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
SAN FRANCISCO is 70-49 (+16.9 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
SAN FRANCISCO is 10-4 (+7.9 Units) against the money line in playoff games this season.
SAN FRANCISCO is 55-48 (+8.1 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
SAN FRANCISCO is 36-24 (+14.3 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season this season.
SAN FRANCISCO is 102-75 (+20.1 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
SAN FRANCISCO is 40-23 (+14.0 Units) against the money line when the total is 7 or less this season.
SAN FRANCISCO is 48-41 (+11.1 Units) against the money line in road games this season.
SAN FRANCISCO is 146-88 (+58.4 Units) against the money line when playing on Monday since 1997.
LINCECUM is 13-4 (+9.2 Units) against the money line in road games this season. (Team's Record)
LINCECUM is 13-4 (+9.2 Units) against the money line in road games in games played on a grass field this season. (Team's Record)
Head-to-Head Series History
SAN FRANCISCO is 3-1 (+2.5 Units) against TEXAS this season
2 of 4 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+0.1 Units)
TIM LINCECUM vs. TEXAS since 1997
LINCECUM is 1-0 when starting against TEXAS with an ERA of 6.35 and a WHIP of 1.764.
His team's record is 1-0 (+1.2 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-0. (+1.0 units)
CLIFF LEE vs. SAN FRANCISCO since 1997
LEE is 3-1 when starting against SAN FRANCISCO with an ERA of 2.83 and a WHIP of 0.907.
His team's record is 3-1 (+1.8 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-3. (-2.1 units)
MLB
Short Sheet
Monday, 11/1/2010
** World Series - Best of 7 - Game 5 - SF LEADS 3-1
SAN FRANCISCO at TEXAS, 7:55 PM ET FOX
LINCECUM: SF 6-1 vs. Texas
LEE: 18-3 TSR as a home favorite of -150 to -175
** (TC) Denotes Time Change
Long Sheet
Monday, November 1
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SAN FRANCISCO (102 - 74) at TEXAS (98 - 79) - 7:55 PM
TIM LINCECUM ® vs. CLIFF LEE (L)
Top Trends for this game.
TEXAS is 177-140 (+15.1 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
TEXAS is 76-51 (+7.5 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
TEXAS is 182-152 (+26.4 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 3 seasons.
TEXAS is 131-107 (+20.7 Units) against the money line after a loss over the last 3 seasons.
TEXAS is 58-46 (+14.2 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
TEXAS is 185-154 (+10.6 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
LEE is 18-3 (+13.0 Units) against the money line as a home favorite of -150 to -175 over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)
SAN FRANCISCO is 101-73 (+21.3 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
SAN FRANCISCO is 70-49 (+16.9 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
SAN FRANCISCO is 10-4 (+7.9 Units) against the money line in playoff games this season.
SAN FRANCISCO is 55-48 (+8.1 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
SAN FRANCISCO is 36-24 (+14.3 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season this season.
SAN FRANCISCO is 102-75 (+20.1 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
SAN FRANCISCO is 40-23 (+14.0 Units) against the money line when the total is 7 or less this season.
SAN FRANCISCO is 48-41 (+11.1 Units) against the money line in road games this season.
SAN FRANCISCO is 146-88 (+58.4 Units) against the money line when playing on Monday since 1997.
LINCECUM is 13-4 (+9.2 Units) against the money line in road games this season. (Team's Record)
LINCECUM is 13-4 (+9.2 Units) against the money line in road games in games played on a grass field this season. (Team's Record)
Head-to-Head Series History
SAN FRANCISCO is 3-1 (+2.5 Units) against TEXAS this season
2 of 4 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+0.1 Units)
TIM LINCECUM vs. TEXAS since 1997
LINCECUM is 1-0 when starting against TEXAS with an ERA of 6.35 and a WHIP of 1.764.
His team's record is 1-0 (+1.2 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-0. (+1.0 units)
CLIFF LEE vs. SAN FRANCISCO since 1997
LEE is 3-1 when starting against SAN FRANCISCO with an ERA of 2.83 and a WHIP of 0.907.
His team's record is 3-1 (+1.8 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-3. (-2.1 units)
MLB
Short Sheet
Monday, 11/1/2010
** World Series - Best of 7 - Game 5 - SF LEADS 3-1
SAN FRANCISCO at TEXAS, 7:55 PM ET FOX
LINCECUM: SF 6-1 vs. Texas
LEE: 18-3 TSR as a home favorite of -150 to -175
** (TC) Denotes Time Change
Lee, Lincecum look to bounce back in Game 5
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SAN FRANCISCO GIANTS
at TEXAS RANGERS
World Series Game 5, San Francisco leads series 3-1
Monday, 7:55 p.m. EDT, Line: Texas -170, San Francisco +160 Total: 6
Once again, Texas calls on Cliff Lee (12-9, 3.18 ERA) to come up big as the Rangers try to rally from a 3-1 deficit and send the series back to San Francisco. Tim Lincecum (16-10, 3.43 ERA) goes for the Giants in a rematch of Game 1’s wild 11-7 San Francisco victory.
Game 1 was certainly a start to forget for Lee, who allowed seven runs (six earned) on eight hits over 4.2 innings. It was only the second time in 2010 that Lee failed to make it out of the fifth inning. With the loss, Lee’s postseason ERA worsened to 2.51. The start was an anomaly on multiple levels as Lee came into the game with a 7-0 lifetime postseason record and was 3-0 with a 1.13 ERA in his career against San Francisco. Monday will be his first start at home this postseason. Lee went 3-2 with a 2.92 ERA at Rangers Ballpark this year.
The series opener was also the worst start of the playoffs for Lincecum, who gave up four runs on eight hits in 5.2 innings of work. The right-hander is now 3-1 with a 2.79 ERA this postseason. San Francisco has won five on his past six starts and eight of his past 10. Lincecum will make his third road start this postseason on Monday and that may be a good thing for San Francisco as he was better on the road during the regular season, posting a 7-3 record and a 3.17 ERA, as opposed to 9-7 and a 3.69 ERA at AT&T Field.
The FoxSheets like San Francisco to win the World Series tonight:
SAN FRANCISCO is 42-20 (+22.0 Units) against the money line after batting .250 or worse over a 20 game span this season. The average score was SAN FRANCISCO 4.6, OPPONENT 2.8 - (Rating = 3*).
SAN FRANCISCO is 45-20 (+26.3 Units) against the money line with an on base percentage of .310 or worse over their last 20 games this season. The average score was SAN FRANCISCO 4.5, OPPONENT 2.7 - (Rating = 3*).
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SAN FRANCISCO GIANTS
at TEXAS RANGERS
World Series Game 5, San Francisco leads series 3-1
Monday, 7:55 p.m. EDT, Line: Texas -170, San Francisco +160 Total: 6
Once again, Texas calls on Cliff Lee (12-9, 3.18 ERA) to come up big as the Rangers try to rally from a 3-1 deficit and send the series back to San Francisco. Tim Lincecum (16-10, 3.43 ERA) goes for the Giants in a rematch of Game 1’s wild 11-7 San Francisco victory.
Game 1 was certainly a start to forget for Lee, who allowed seven runs (six earned) on eight hits over 4.2 innings. It was only the second time in 2010 that Lee failed to make it out of the fifth inning. With the loss, Lee’s postseason ERA worsened to 2.51. The start was an anomaly on multiple levels as Lee came into the game with a 7-0 lifetime postseason record and was 3-0 with a 1.13 ERA in his career against San Francisco. Monday will be his first start at home this postseason. Lee went 3-2 with a 2.92 ERA at Rangers Ballpark this year.
The series opener was also the worst start of the playoffs for Lincecum, who gave up four runs on eight hits in 5.2 innings of work. The right-hander is now 3-1 with a 2.79 ERA this postseason. San Francisco has won five on his past six starts and eight of his past 10. Lincecum will make his third road start this postseason on Monday and that may be a good thing for San Francisco as he was better on the road during the regular season, posting a 7-3 record and a 3.17 ERA, as opposed to 9-7 and a 3.69 ERA at AT&T Field.
The FoxSheets like San Francisco to win the World Series tonight:
SAN FRANCISCO is 42-20 (+22.0 Units) against the money line after batting .250 or worse over a 20 game span this season. The average score was SAN FRANCISCO 4.6, OPPONENT 2.8 - (Rating = 3*).
SAN FRANCISCO is 45-20 (+26.3 Units) against the money line with an on base percentage of .310 or worse over their last 20 games this season. The average score was SAN FRANCISCO 4.5, OPPONENT 2.7 - (Rating = 3*).
