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Atlanta Braves Begin Series At NY Mets

The Atlanta Braves will look to increase their lead in the NL wild card race when they visit the New York Mets for the opening game of a three-game series this Friday night.

Friday night’s game will be played at Citi Field, and is set to start at 4:10 p.m. (PT). Right-handers Tim Hudson and R.A. Dickey will be on the mound.

Due to Philadelphia’s dominance in the NL East, the best these two teams can realistically hope for is the wild card berth. Atlanta currently holds a 2.5-game lead over Arizona for the spot, while New York trails Atlanta by eight games.

The Braves (64-48) have lost three of their last four, including dropping two of three to the Washington Nationals to kick off this nine-game road trip. Atlanta has scored three runs or less in each of their last 12 losses, and needs to get their offense going more consistently to help out their outstanding staff and bullpen.

Hudson (10-7, 3.31 ERA) is one member of that outstanding staff, and has pitched very well of late. In his last 10 starts, Hudson is 6-2 with a 2.34 ERA. He hasn’t given up more than three runs in any of those games.

Despite decent numbers against the Mets over the course of his career (13-8, 3.66 ERA), New York has been a problem team for Hudson in 2011. In Hudson’s two starts against the Mets this season, Atlanta lost both times as the MLB betting favorite with Hudson lasting just four innings in each of those starts.

New York (55-55) won three straight games (+3.70 units) after trading Carlos Beltran, scoring eight or more runs in each of them, and had the look of a team believing in themselves. Since then, they’ve lost four straight (-4.60 units), and didn’t manage more than three runs of offense in any of those games.

Dickey (5-9, 3.77 ERA) hasn’t had as sharp of a season as he did in 2010, but he’s generally pitched well enough to give the Mets a chance to win. Despite a personal record of just 1-2 over his last eight starts, New York is 6-2 (+4.70 units) in Dickey’s last eight trips to the mound.

Dickey outdueled Hudson as the small underdog on June 5 to pick up the win with eight strong innings, but lost his last start against Atlanta as a +125 underdog on Jun 16, giving up four earned runs in four innings.

The Mets hold a slight lead in the season series of 5-4. The ‘under’ is 5-3-1 over those nine games.

Atlanta is 30-26 on the road (+3.21 units), while New York is 22-28 at home (-9.91 units).

Atlanta will be without catcher Brian McCann (back injury), and third baseman Chipper Jones is questionable.

Weather reports indicate a sunny day with winds of up to 8 mph. Tommy Hanson and Jonathon Niese are projected to take the mound on Saturday.

New York Yankees, Boston Red Sox MLB Betting Preview

The Boston Red Sox and New York Yankees are in a heated battle for the AL East title as they start a weekend series Friday night at Fenway Park (4:10 p.m. PT). The Sox have dominated their rival this year (8-1 overall, 2-1 at home).

Boston (68-41) leads New York (67-42) by one game in the AL East standings, with the Yanks currently leading the wild card by eight games. Both squads desperately want to win the division and there’s a good chance they’ll have their first playoff matchup since 2004.

Both team’s records are pending Thursday night contests. Boston is trying to take three of four at home against Cleveland, while New York is looking for its first 4-game sweep at the White Sox since 1976. Note that Erik Bedard makes his Sox debut Thursday night.

Jon Lester (11-4, 3.17 ERA) opens this series for the Red Sox. He’s made just two starts since the All-Star break as they were careful with him coming off a strained lat. He has a 2.03 ERA in those two starts, including allowing two runs over eight innings at the White last Saturday (10-2 win).

The 27-year-old lefty has a higher ERA at home (3.86) than away (2.75). Boston is 1-3 in his last four home starts, giving little run support at 2.25 per game. That wasn’t expected for MLB’s most prolific offense (5.49 per game).

The ‘under’ is 4-0-1 in Lester’s last five starts (3-0 at home).

Lester has won both starts against the Yankees this year despite a 5.25 ERA. Both were in the Bronx. He has a 3.60 ERA in four home starts against them from 2008-2010, with Boston winning three.

The Yankees are 24-7 against a lefty starter this year, excluding Lester.

The Yankees and GM Brian Cashman were criticized for being quiet at the trade deadline, but they’re 14-5 in their last 19 and getting unexpected contributions from starters Freddy Garcia and Bartolo Colon.

Colon (8-6, 3.30 ERA) will try to continue his Cinderella story Friday night. He didn’t even pitch in the majors last year and almost everyone thought he was done in his late 30s. However, he underwent a controversial stem cell procedure in his elbow and shoulder, and has turned back the clock.

Colon is 2-1 with a 2.45 ERA in his last three starts, winning his last two at home against Baltimore and Oakland. He did have a hamstring injury in June and then some struggles in the first half of July, but he appears to be past that.

This is Colon’s third appearance against Boston this year. He had a quality start (two earned runs over six innings) at home in May, with the Yanks losing 5-4. He made a relief appearance for Phil Hughes at Fenway back in early April. He pitched a solid 4 1/3 innings, surrendering just one earned run.

Colon has an impressive 2.81 road ERA this season, with the ‘under’ 5-1 in his last six away.

New York is 30-20 on the road this year (+8.4 units), 7-2 in the last nine. The ‘under’ is 7-2 in those last nine away.

Boston is 35-20 at home this year (-1.4 units), but 19-7 in the last 26 there.

The ‘under’ is 5-2 in the Red Sox’ last seven games, scoring a pedestrian (for them) 4.57 runs per game.

Boston could be without Clay Buchholz (back injury) for the entire season, putting more pressure on guys like Lester and Josh Beckett. The Yanks are still without Alex Rodriguez (knee), who keeps making off-the field headlines as well.

Weather should be beautiful, clear and in the low 70s. Saturday afternoon’s pitching matchup is a major advantage for the Yanks with CC Sabathia going for his 14th win in 16 games. The less-than-impressive John Lackey pitches for the home team.

Jimenez Makes Indians Debut At Texas Rangers

None of Friday's starting pitchers will be under as much pressure as Ubaldo Jimenez. The right-hander is set for his first assignment as a member of the Cleveland Indians when they travel to Texas to open a weekend series with the Rangers.

Game 1 is slated for a 5:05 p.m. (PT) first pitch from Rangers southpaw Derek Holland. Opening numbers on the Don Best odds screen listed Texas at -125 with a 9-run total.

Jimenez's Indians debut is only part of what qualifies this game as hot action on Friday's MLB betting board. The Dallas-Ft. Worth area is expecting high temps to reach 108º-110º all weekend, and this 7:05 p.m. local start could see the thermometer still in triple digits. South winds around 10 mph will be coming in over the right field wall, but that doesn't mean the wind blowing in will hinder batters in this notoriously hitter-friendly park.

Both Jimenez and Holland are very capable of throwing nine innings, but not in this heat.

His first start as an American Leaguer is also the first time Jimenez (0-0, 0.00) will be facing the Rangers. A few Texas batters have limited experience against the right-hander, but most of the lineup will be getting their first looks at him.

Jimenez obviously knows a thing or two about pitching in hitter-friendly environments like Rangers Ballpark. His last 57 starts at Coors Field covered 369 innings and resulted in a very respectable 3.41 ERA.

The final start he made for the Rockies last Saturday found him working just an inning while allowing four runs and four walks, obviously a case of his mind not being in the game after being told he had been traded. His start before that at Arizona wasn't much better (5 IP, 5 ER).

Colorado won seven of his last 10 interleague starts, so pitching in the AL shouldn't be much of an issue for the Dominican. Still, Jimenez is being asked to do a lot for an Indians team that is struggling, do so in a short period of time, and do it during a season in which he has also struggled. The Indians went into Thursday's series finale in Boston losers of 10 of their last 13.

Holland (12-10, 4.14) is coming off a complete game shutout at Toronto last Saturday, his fourth shutout of the season and third in his last five outings. The lanky lefty sports a bloated 5.10 ERA at home, but Rangers hitters have bailed him out and helped the club to a 7-4 record in Holland's 11 home assignments.

It's been hit or miss for Holland since July started. Four of his six outings since then have seen him go at least six innings and not allow an earned run. The other two totaled six innings combined with 12 earned runs crossing the pay station.

Holland's first shutout of the season came June 4 in Cleveland, a nifty 5-hitter as a slight 110 favorite vs. Fausto Carmona and the Tribe. That was Holland's first and only career appearance vs. Cleveland.

That shutout was part of a 4-game sweep by the Rangers at Progressive Field. The Rangers took four of six from the Tribe last season, winning two of three at home where the 'over' also was 2-1.

Texas remains without the services of All-Star third sacker Adrian Beltre who is on the 15-day disabled list with a hamstring injury. The lineup did have that 20-run explosion against the Twins after Beltre went out of the lineup on July 22. But aside from that game, Texas is plating just 3.7 runs per game and has dropped seven of 12 since Beltre was injured.

Cleveland is hoping to get outfielders Shin-Soo Choo (thumb) and Grady Sizemore (knee/hernia) back in mid-to-late August.

Carmona is scheduled to be on the mound for the Indians Saturday night when the series continues. He'll be opposed by another Texas lefty, CJ Wilson.

Diamond Trends - Friday

August 5, 2011


SU TREND OF THE DAY:


The Cubs are 0-13 since June 19, 2010 at home within 20 cents of pickem after scoring 6+ runs for a net profit of $1305 when playing against.



OU TREND OF THE DAY:


The Rays are 0-13-1 OU since May 17, 2010 as a favorite when they are off a win in which they came back from a deficit and it is the first game of a series for a net profit of $1305 when playing the under.



STARTER TREND OF THE DAY:


The Brewers are 9-0 since June 24, 2010 when Yovani Gallardo starts as a favorite after he had a WHIP of less than one his last start for a net profit of $900.



MLB BIBLE TREND OF THE DAY:


The Phillies are 0-13 (-1.9 rpg) since September 2006 on the road vs a Nationals League opponent when they are off a win in which their opponent did not draw a walk and struck out fewer than ten times.



TODAY’S TRENDS:


The Red Sox are 8-0 OU since April 20, 2010 as a favorite after a loss in which they allowed 12+ hits and it is the first game of a series for a net profit of $800 when playing the over.

The White Sox are 7-0 since April 11, 2010 when Mark Buehrle starts as a favorite after the team lost their last two games for a net profit of $700.

The Red Sox are 6-0 since May 09, 2010 when Jon Lester starts when their team used 5+ pitchers yesterday for a net profit of $610.

Around the Horn - Friday

August 4, 2011


NATIONAL LEAGUE


Cincinnati at Chicago - 2:20 PM EST (Game 1/3)
Teams Pitcher Notes Team Trends Betcha Didn't Know
Leake (9-6, 3.89 ERA) 4-2 L6 10-3 L13 away off loss
Dempster (8-8, 4.96 ERA) 5-0 L5 UNDER 11-3 L14 home during day

Reds lost to Astros, 5-4 on Wednesday
Cubs beat Pirates, 7-6 on Thursday

San Diego at Pittsburgh - 7:05 PM EST (Game 1/3)
Teams Pitcher Notes Team Trends Betcha Didn't Know
Harang (9-3, 3.76 ERA) 4-6 L10 UNDER 7-3 L10 away Game 1's
Karstens (8-5, 2.49 ERA) 1-9 L10 6-3 L9 home vs non-division

Padres beat Dodgers, 3-0 on Wednesday
Pirates lost to Cubs, 7-6 on Thursday

St. Louis at Florida - 7:10 PM EST (Game 2/4)
Teams Pitcher Notes Team Trends Betcha Didn't Know
Westbrook (9-5, 4.92 ERA) 3-5 L8 OVER 7-2 away on Fridays
Sanchez (6-4, 3.74 ERA) 8-3 L11 2-8 L10 on Fridays

Cardinals beat Marlins, 7-4 on Thursday

Atlanta at N.Y. Mets - 7:10 PM EST (Game 1/3)
Teams Pitcher Notes Team Trends Betcha Didn't Know
Hudson (10-7, 3.31 ERA) 5-5 L10 7-3 L10 Game 1's
Dickey (5-9, 3.77 ERA) 0-4 L4 6-2 L8 Game 1's

Braves beat Nationals, 6-4 on Wednesday
Mets lost to Marlins, 4-3 on Tuesday

Milwaukee at Houston - 8:05 PM EST (Game 1/3)
Teams Pitcher Notes Team Trends Betcha Didn't Know
Gallardo (12-7, 3.69 ERA) 8-1 L9 11-2 L13 vs division
Happ (4-13, 6.01 ERA) 2-4 L6 UNDER 7-3 L10 home vs RHP

Brewers beat Cardinals, 10-5 on Wednesday
Astros beat Reds, 5-4 on Wednesday

Washington at Colorado - 8:40 PM EST (Game 2/4)
Teams Pitcher Notes Team Trends Betcha Didn't Know
Zimmermann (6-9, 3.12 ERA) 4-2 L6 6-2 away on Fridays
Nicasio (4-3, 3.95 ERA) 3-7 L10 7-2 L9 home Game 2's

Rockies beat Nationals, 6-3 on Thursday

Los Angeles at Arizona - 9:40 PM EST (Game 1/3)
Teams Pitcher Notes Team Trends Betcha Didn't Know
Billingsley (9-9, 4.15 ERA) 6-4 L10 7-3 L10 Game 1's
Collmenter (6-6, 3.10 ERA) 7-3 L10 11-5 L16 home off loss

Dodgers lost to Padres, 3-0 on Wednesday
Diamondbacks lost to Giants, 8-1 on Wednesday

Philadelphia at San Francisco - 10:15 PM EST (Game 2/4)
Teams Pitcher Notes Team Trends Betcha Didn't Know
Worley (7-1, 2.33 ERA) 7-0 L7 6-2 L8 away Game 2's
Sanchez (4-5, 3.81 ERA) 1-6 L7 UNDER 10-4 L14 home Game 2's

Phillies beat Giants, 3-0 on Thursday

AMERICAN LEAGUE


Toronto at Baltimore - 7:05 PM EST (Game 1/3)
Teams Pitcher Notes Team Trends Betcha Didn't Know
Mills (0-1, 2.57 ERA) 6-3 L9 12-6 away Game 1's
Hunter (1-1, 3.31 ERA) 2-7 L9 0-4 L4 home Game 1's

Blue Jays lost to Rays, 7-6 on Thursday
Orioles lost to Royals, 9-4 on Thursday

N.Y. Yankees at Boston - 7:10 PM EST (Game 1/3)
Teams Pitcher Notes Team Trends Betcha Didn't Know
Colon (8-6, 3.30 ERA) 7-0 L7 UNDER 6-1 L7 away vs division
Lester (11-4, 3.17 ERA) 4-2 L6 10-1 L11 home vs division

Yankees beat White Sox, 7-2 on Thursday
Red Sox lost to Indians, 7-3 on Thursday

Oakland at Tampa Bay - 7:10 PM EST (Game 1/3)
Teams Pitcher Notes Team Trends Betcha Didn't Know
Moscoso (4-5, 3.41 ERA) 2-5 L7 3-9 L12 away off loss
Niemann (5-4, 3.51 ERA) 5-5 L10 1-5 L6 home off win

Athletics lost to Mariners, 7-4 on Wednesday
Rays beat Blue Jays, 7-6 on Thursday

Cleveland at Texas - 8:05 PM EST (Game 1/3)
Teams Pitcher Notes Team Trends Betcha Didn't Know
Jimenez (6-9, 4.46 ERA) 3-6 L9 3-7 L10 on Fridays
Holland (10-4, 4.14 ERA) 3-6 L9 9-1 L10 home vs RHP

Indians beat Red Sox, 7-3 on Thursday
Rangers beat Tigers, 5-2 on Thursday

Detroit at Kansas City - 8:10 PM EST (Game 1/3)
Teams Pitcher Notes Team Trends Betcha Didn't Know
Porcello (11-6, 4.50 ERA) 4-2 L6 11-5 L16 away vs division
Paulino (1-8, 4.20 ERA) 5-2 L7 2-7 L9 home Game 1's

Tigers lost to Rangers, 5-2 on Thursday
Royals beat Orioles, 9-4 on Thursday

Chicago at Minnesota - 8:10 PM EST (Game 1/3)
Teams Pitcher Notes Team Trends Betcha Didn't Know
Buehrle (8-5, 3.21 ERA) 0-6 L6 6-2 L8 away Game 1's
Blackburn (7-8, 4.49 ERA) 4-6 L10 8-4 L12 home vs division

White Sox lost to Yankees, 7-2 on Thursday
Twins lost to Angels, 7-1 on Thursday

Seattle at Los Angeles - 10:05 PM EST (Game 1/3)
Teams Pitcher Notes Team Trends Betcha Didn't Know
Vargas (6-10, 4.19 ERA) 5-2 L7 2-9 L11 away vs division
Weaver (14-5, 1.88 ERA) 6-3 L9 UNDER 13-2 home Game 1's

Mariners beat the Athletics, 7-4 on Wednesday
Angels beat Twins, 7-1 on Thursday

NL Playoff Paths

August 4, 2011


Most MLB teams have right around 50 games remaining on the schedule and the playoff picture is starting to become clearer. In the National League there are six teams with winning records split in pairs of two in each division and the final playoff roster appears likely to come from that group of teams although it is too early to count the fringe contenders completely out. Here is a look at the paths ahead in the final two months of the season for those six teams and how the races may shape out.

Philadelphia Phillies 71-39 (41-18 home, 30-21 away)

With the best record in baseball the Phillies have opened up a massive lead in the NL East and are almost certainly a playoff team. It would take a pretty epic collapse for Philadelphia to fail to win the division and with the talent in the rotation a long losing streak will be very unlikely. The Phillies do have a relatively tough remaining schedule however with 30 of the 52 remaining games coming on the road. This week the Phillies head west for seven games and while that will be the final west coast trip of the year, there are challenging road dates in Cincinnati, Milwaukee, and Atlanta coming up. 20 of the final 30 games of the season will be road games for Philadelphia with a tough September schedule. While Philadelphia will likely still win the NL East they probably won’t continue to win at the current pace as right now they are on pace to win 104 games. Philadelphia will also play 21 games against winning teams and twelve games against teams that are exactly at .500 right now so in addition to being away from home, there will be some tough opponents lined up and a few of those teams will be fighting for playoff spots and possibly playing with more urgency than the Phillies down the stretch.

Atlanta Braves 64-48 (34-22 home, 30-26 away)

For much of the season the Braves have looked like a lock for the wild card spot even though they have not seriously threatened to over take Philadelphia. Atlanta is still certainly the favorite to be back in the playoffs again as the wild card but the Braves have seen their lead for that spot shrink in recent weeks with Arizona playing strong ball since the All Star break. Atlanta has a nice cushion on the Marlins and the Mets in the NL East so if the Braves are challenged for the final playoff spot it will likely come from the second place NL West team unless there is big breakthrough among the clump of NL Central teams floating near .500. The Braves have 25 home games and 25 road games remaining for a balanced closing schedule and Atlanta has not been the same team on the road where they are barely above .500. Atlanta will not have to travel out west for the rest of the season but they will host seven games against the Giants and Diamondbacks later in August which could be a good opportunity for the Braves to pad the wild card lead. There are only 16 games against teams with winning records at present remaining on the schedule for the Braves with six games against the Phillies, three in St. Louis and the aforementioned home stand with the NL West contenders. Overall the Braves have a schedule that could allow them to make up some ground with the Phillies in the NL East and secure the wild card spot. If another team does give chase, the Braves will have a relatively favorable closing schedule and the final home series with the Phillies could likely be a series that Philadelphia has no incentive to win.

San Francisco Giants 62-49 (33-20 home, 29-29 away)

The defending World Series champions are facing a tougher than expected push from Arizona in the NL West race and after losing two of three in the recent series between the teams there should be some serious concerns in San Francisco. The Giants will have 28 of the remaining 51 games at home where they have been a much stronger team but they will have to face two long road trips, including a ten-game set in mid-August that includes two east coast cities. Ten of the final 13 games of the season will also be on the road including the final three games with the Diamondbacks, the second to last series of the year before a home set with the Rockies. Only 14 games remain against teams with winning records and the Giants will get to play the lowly Astros seven times so overall the schedule ahead should offer some promise. Don’t be surprised if the Giants fall out of the division lead in the next two weeks as the early August schedule is very difficult but in late August and early September the Giants may be able to get on a run to move back into playoff position. The six games remaining with Arizona will obviously be critical but the games with the rest of the division will likely be just as important and the Giants currently have a fairly dominant 28-17 record in the division games.

Milwaukee Brewers 62-50 (41-15 home, 21-35 away)

The Brewers have been one of the hottest teams in baseball in the last two weeks, extending the NL Central lead after being in front or behind by slim margins most of the season. Unlike the rest of the playoff contenders in the NL, Milwaukee has featured significant discrepancies in its play at home versus on the road. The Brewers will have an equal number of home and road games the rest of the way and only six remaining road games will feature an opponent currently with a winning record. Only 13 of the remaining 50 games will be against a winning team with nine of those games being with the closest rival in the standings, St. Louis. Milwaukee will have to play a few east coast games but the Brewers are done with west coast schedule and a four-game series with the Phillies in September will be at home. The Brewers will also benefit from having three off days mixed in between the final 15 games which should allow the pitching staff to be set up well for any critical games down the stretch. Twelve of the final 18 games will be at home and none of the final 14 games will be against a team that currently has a winning record. All seems to be looking favorably for Milwaukee, looking for its first ever NL Central title, but the poor road record and some recent memories of late season collapses will keep Brewers fans from feeling too secure. The nine games with Cardinals appear to be the critical games on the schedule although a run from the Pirates or the Reds is not completely out of the question.

Arizona Diamondbacks 61-50 (29-23 home, 32-27 away)

Arizona is the surprise team in this group as the Diamondbacks have almost already passed last season’s final record of 65 wins. The Diamondbacks have scored the third most runs in the NL, trailing only the Cardinals and the Reds and Arizona also has a better run differential than the first place Giants. Arizona is also the only team in the NL West that currently has a winning road record. The Diamondbacks are just 22-19 within the division so that is an area where improvement is needed and many of the other remaining games will be against NL East teams, where all five teams have respectable records. Arizona has 29 home games left on the schedule and only 22 road games for a slight edge in the remaining schedule but nine of those games are against teams that would make the playoffs if the season ended right now. A ten-game east coast trip starting in mid-August will be a critical stretch for the team to stay in the mix as the September schedule features only teams with losing records aside from 3-games in each venue with the Giants. Those six games will be the key to this race but the Diamondbacks also need to play better than they have been against the rest of the division in order to track down San Francisco.

St. Louis Cardinals 58-53 (29-24 home, 29-29 away)

The Cardinals made a few aggressive moves at the trade deadline only to see Milwaukee get on a great win streak before the Cardinals lost two of three at Miller Park to fall further behind the NL Central leaders. St. Louis gets a chance back at home against the Brewers next week and six of the nine games remaining against Milwaukee will be at Busch Stadium. The Cardinals have a relatively light schedule in August but the September slate will get a bit tricky with the Braves and the Phillies involved and ten of the final 16 games coming away from home. The final nine games come against the Mets, Cubs, and Astros however so St. Louis should expect to have the opportunity to finish strong if there is meaning to the games in the final two weeks. Only 15 of the remaining 51 games are against teams with winning records at present but St. Louis has not been overly successful in division games with just a 26-22 record. The Cardinals have a team in place to track down Milwaukee but there will not be an advantage in the schedule for St. Louis as Milwaukee’s path appears a little bit more favorable and the Brewers have a bit of a head start with a small lead in the standings.

The Rest…

The Pirates and the Reds are still within striking distance in the NL Central race and though both are below .500 they are closer to a playoff spot than Florida and New York despite .500 records for the Marlins and Mets. The Reds and Pirates will play a pivotal role in deciding the NL Central standings and both have better records within the division than Cardinals do. Cincinnati may be the longest shot despite being the defending division champions as the Reds have 16 games with the strong NL East left on the schedule and 27 of 51 remaining games will be on the road. The Reds should not be completely ruled out however as they have a solidly positive run differential and have been the second highest scoring team in the NL. The Pirates have been a winning road team to this point but it feels like the Cinderella story may be over. 26 of the 51 remaining games are against winning teams although the Pirates will have opportunities to directly make up ground, playing the Brewers and Cardinals ten times each. The Marlins and Mets have both played solid ball of late and both surprisingly have winning road records but both appear destined to playing a spoiler role at best given the distance behind in the race.

MLB Series Outlook: N.Y. Yankees at Boston

NEW YORK YANKEES (68-42, +11.8 Units)

at BOSTON RED SOX (68-42, +5.6 Units)


Sportsbook.com Series Line: Boston -145, New York +115

After seven straight wins, the Yankees head to Boston tied for first with the Red Sox in the AL East as the rivals start a three-game set Friday night.

With these two superpowers so evenly matched it comes down to the pitching matchups, and Boston has the clear advantage in two of them (Jon Lester over Bartolo Colon on Friday, Josh Beckett over Freddy Garcia on Sunday). Factor in the home-field advantage, plus their eight wins in nine games against the Yankees this season, and BOSTON is the pick. The FoxSheets have a pair of three-star trends that emphasize how well Boston has played against baseball’s best teams.

BOSTON is 33-12 (73.3%, +17.8 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record this season. The average score was BOSTON 5.2, OPPONENT 3.3 - (Rating = 3*).

BOSTON is 19-4 (82.6%, +15.2 Units) against the money line vs. teams outscoring opp by 0.5 or more runs/game on the season this season. The average score was BOSTON 6.0, OPPONENT 2.8 - (Rating = 3*).

Pitching Probables for Friday, August 5 - 7:10 ET
Friday line: Boston -150, N.Y. Yankees +140, Total: 9.5
NYY: 10-6 (+2.0 Units) when Bartolo Colon starts
BOS: 12-8 (-2.1 Units) when Jon Lester starts
After a three-game losing streak, Colon (8-6, 3.30 ERA) has gotten his surprise season back on track with two straight wins. He now has a 2.45 ERA over his past three starts and has been sharp on the road all season (4-3, 2.81 ERA). He hasn’t had success against Boston though, dropping both his starts against the Sox this year while allowing five runs (three earned) over 10.1 innings.
Lester has been outstanding over the past two months, with a 2.06 ERA over his past eight starts, including a dominant performance over the White Sox last Saturday (8 innings, 8 strikeouts, two runs, five base runners). He’s won his past five starts against the Yankees, including two this season, while posting a 2.51 ERA.

Pitching Probables for Saturday, August 6 - 4:10 ET
Saturday line: TBD
NYY: 18-6 (+8.9 Units) when CC Sabathia starts
BOS: 9-9 (-3.9 Units) when John Lackey starts
Sabathia (16-5, 2.55 ERA) has put himself squarely in the Cy Young conversation over the past six weeks, going 7-1 with a 1.01 ERA while striking out 78 in 62.2 innings over his past eight starts. He’s 9-3 with a 2.22 ERA in 12 road starts on the year. The Sox have gotten to him this year though, scoring six runs against him in each of his past two starts against Boston.
After a disastrous start to the year, Lackey (9-8, 6.23 ERA) has done a respectable job turning his season around. He’s 4-0 with a 3.41 ERA over his past five starts, striking out 26 and walking just three over 31.2 innings. The Yankees knocked him around back in April, scoring six runs in five innings off Lackey at Fenway.

Pitching Probables for Sunday, August 7 - 8:05 ET
Sunday line: TBD
NYY: 11-8 (+1.3 Units) when Freddy Garcia starts
BOS: 15-6 (+6.3 Units) when Josh Beckett starts
Garcia (10-7, 3.22 ERA) has made three straight quality starts, albeit against inferior lineups (Tampa Bay, Seattle and Baltimore). He’s been torched by the Sox twice this season, both in Yankee Stadium, allowing nine runs (eight earned) over seven innings.
Beckett (9-4, 2.20 ERA) has been absolutely dominant in beating the Yankees three times this season. He’s 3-0 with a 0.86 ERA against them, allowing just 15 base runners and striking out 25 over 21 innings. He has allowed more than three earned runs in a start just once since April. The Sox have won eight of Beckett’s 10 home starts, in which he has a 1.99 ERA.

MLB Series Outlook: Atlanta at N.Y. Mets

ATLANTA BRAVES (64-48, +5.1 Units)

at NEW YORK METS (55-55, +5.6 Units)


Sportsbook.com Series Line: Atlanta -140, New York +110

The Braves can take control of the NL Wild Card race if they take advantage of their struggling rivals when they visit the Mets for a three-game set this weekend

After winning their first three games since trading Carlos Beltran, the Mets have dropped four straight. They did win two series against Atlanta in June, but the Braves are a winning team on the road (30-26) while the Mets have a losing record at Citifield (22-28). The FoxSheets provide another trend siding with ATLANTA to win the series.

N.Y. METS are 4-12 (25.0%, -9.4 Units) against the money line in home games vs. a very good bullpen whose WHIP is 1.250 or better this season. The average score was NY METS 3.6, OPPONENT 4.6 - (Rating = 1*).

Pitching Probables for Friday, August 5 - 7:10 ET
Friday line: Atlanta -120, New York +110, Total: 7.5
ATL: 11-11 (-3.2 Units) when Tim Hudson starts
NYM: 10-12 (-2.0 Units) when R.A. Dickey starts
Hudson (10-7, 3.31 ERA) has strung together 10 consecutive quality starts, going 6-2 with a 2.34 ERA during that span. He didn’t fare well when he faced the Mets twice in June though, losing both starts while giving up eight runs (seven earned) over eight innings.
Dickey (5-9, 3.77 ERA) has been hittable since the All-Star break, going 1-2 with a 4.50 ERA over four starts, as opponents have hit .298 against him. He’s been less effective at home this year, as the Mets have dropped seven of his 11 starts at Citifield. He pitched well against the Braves in June, holding them to one run and four hits over eight innings in a victory.

Pitching Probables for Saturday, August 6 - 7:10 ET
Saturday line: TBD
ATL: 14-7 (+3.3 Units) when Tommy Hanson starts
NYM: 12-10 (+4.1 Units) when Jon Niese starts
Hanson (11-6, 3.20 ERA) has been shaky since the All-Star break, posting a 6.56 ERA over 23.1 innings in his past four starts. He was beaten at Citifield in April, allowing three runs in five innings, but for his career, he has a 2.27 ERA over six starts against the Mets.
Niese (10-8, 3.94 ERA) failed to get out of the sixth inning in either of his past two starts, both on the road, but he’s been much more effective at home this season. The Mets are just 5-6 with Niese on the hill at Citifield, but the left-hander has a 3.28 ERA in those games. He’s delivered quality starts in both his outings against Atlanta this season, holding them to four runs over 14 innings.

Pitching Probables for Sunday, August 7 - 1:10 ET
Sunday line: TBD
ATL: 15-5 (+9.4 Units) when Jair Jurrjens starts
NYM: 8-15 (-5.8 Units) when Mike Pelfrey starts
While he has a significant edge in this pitching matchup, Jurrjens (12-4, 2.63 ERA) has been roughed up since the All-Star break, posting a 6.26 ERA over 23 innings (though the Braves won three of his four starts). He also did not pitch well against the Mets in June, allowing eight runs (seven earned) over 11.2 innings, losing both times.
Pelfrey (6-9, 4.48 ERA) has been inconsistent all year, but he’s coming off two of his better starts. He had a complete game win in Cincinnati on July 27, allowing two runs and seven hits, and held Florida to three runs (two earned) over six innings on Monday. He’s been far better at Citifield this season, going 3-1 with a 3.32 ERA. The Braves have really knocked him around of late though, beating him four straight times (three in Atlanta) since July 2010, as Pelfrey posted a 7.23 ERA in those starts.

Bombers try to stop Eskimos win streak

EDMONTON ESKIMOS (5-0)

at WINNIPEG BLUE BOMBERS (4-1)


Kickoff: Friday, 7:30 p.m. EDT
Line: Edmonton -1, Total: 49.5

The CFL’s two best teams square off Friday night as the Edmonton Eskimos try to remain the league’s only undefeated team. The Winnipeg Blue Bombers look to make it three in a row and stay atop of the East Division, but know they have their hands full against a brutal Eskimo attack. Edmonton holds the league’s second-ranked scoring offense (30.6 PPG) and will clash against the Blue Bombers’ top scoring defense in the league (19.4 PPG).

Edmonton, who is 4-1 ATS on the year, has had lots of problems playing on Fridays in the past. The Eskimos are 8-20 (29%) in their past 28 Friday games and also 0-4 ATS (2-2 SU) against Winnipeg the last four matchups. Winnipeg is a perfect 5-0 against the spread this year, including 3-0 ATS at home. The Blue Bombers are also 12-3-1 ATS in their past 16 games and look to continue their past success against the almighty Eskimos. WINNIPEG will slow the lethal offense of Edmonton and win with tough defense in front of an enthusiastic crowd.

The FoxSheets provide two more reasons to pick the Bombers.

WINNIPEG is 9-1 ATS (+7.9 Units) as a home underdog of 7 points or less over the last 3 seasons. The average score was WINNIPEG 35.8, OPPONENT 24.7 - (Rating = 2*).

Play Against - All teams where the line is +3 to -3 (EDMONTON) - after 2 or more consecutive straight up wins, top-level team, winning 75% or more of their games on the season. (30-10 since 1996.) (75%, +19 units. Rating = 2*).

The Eskimos had a terrific comeback last week and beat the Argonauts 26-25, giving them their first 5-0 start since 1980. The Eskimos have one of the most lethal passing combinations with quarterback Ricky Ray (league-high 1,492 pass yds; 10 TD, 1 INT) and wide receiver Fred Stamps, who leads the CFL in receptions (30) and receiving yards (578), and is tied for tops in the league with five TD grabs. In addition to the deadly passing attack, the Eskimos are first in the CFL in rushing with 122.8 YPG.

Winnipeg is 4-1 for the first time since 2003 and is poised to win its third straight. The Blue Bombers took out the winless B.C. Lions last week in a 25-20 home win. Quarterback Buck Pierce has had a slow start to the year, throwing only six touchdowns and four interceptions. The Blue Bombers have been relying on their solid rushing attack, which averages 112.4 YPG, good for second in the CFL. With the two best ground games in the league on display, time of possession will be key. Winnipeg is just one of three teams over 30 minutes (31:15), while Edmonton leads the CFL with 33:17 of ball control.

Friday’s betting tips: Ubaldo dogged in Tribe debut

Who’s hot

MLB: Cincinnati has won 19 of its last 26 matchups with the Chicago Cubs.

MLB: The New York Mets are riding a 6-2 run in R.A. Dickey’s last eight starts.

CFL: The CFL’s two best teams against the spread face off Friday when the Edmonton Eskimos (5-0 ATS) visit the Winnipeg Blue Bombers (4-1 ATS).

WNBA: Indiana is 10-4 against the spread in its last 14.

Who’s not

MLB: Milwaukee has won eight of its last nine overall but is just 2-8 in its last 10 games in Houston.

MLB: Florida is 10-21 in its last 31 home games.

CFL: Saskatchewan is 3-8 against the spread in its last 11 meetings with B.C.

WNBA: Seattle is just 2-8 against the spread in its last 10 meetings with Connecticut.

Key stat

68 – Tiger Woods shot a 2-under 68 in Thursday’s opening round at Bridgestone, six strokes behind tournament leader Adam Scott. Woods has fired an opening-round 68 five times at this tournament and the last two times he posted that number, he ended up winning the tourney. Woods went into the opening round as a +1200 favorite.

Injury that shouldn’t be overlooked

Derrek Lee, Pittsburgh Pirates – Lee is listed as day-to-day with a sore hand after being scratched from Thursday’s game against the Cubs. Lee has been fantastic for the Pirates since coming over in last weekend’s trade, going 3-for-10 with two home runs.

Game of the day

New York Yankees at Boston Red Sox (-150, 9.5)

Notable quotable

"I’m ready for it. It probably will be a little different, but I realized that I don’t have to hit or run. The only thing I have to think about is pitching." – Ubaldo Jimenez on making his first start with the Cleveland Indians following last weekend’s deal with the Colorado Rockies. Jimenez, who was working on a 4.46 ERA in 123 innings pitched with Colorado, is set as a +115 underdog Friday at Texas.

Notes and tips

St. Louis Cardinals catcher Yadier Molina was handed a five-game suspension for his altercation with umpire Rob Drake Wednesday night. Molina decided not to appeal the ban and served the first game of his suspension Thursday. He’s hitting .293 with eight homers and 40 RBIs for the Cardinals, who will turn to Gerald Laird to handle their catching duties until Molina is back.

The B.C. Lions made a major splash this week by swinging a deal for veteran wideout Arlan Bruce from the Hamilton Tiger-Cats in exchange for a couple of draft picks. However, Lions supporters will have to wait at least another week until the three-time all-star can lend a helping hand. Lions coach Wally Buono says he hasn’t had time to be comfortable in the offense yet. B.C. has lost all five of its games this year, covering just once.

Friday's six-pack

-- Its going to be interesting to see how well the Marlins draw in their new ballpark, because they sure don't draw flies in their current one.

-- Cliff Lee was masterful in blanking the Giants 3-0 last night.

-- Phillies are 51-6 this season when they score 4+ runs.

-- Rays may have uncovered another star in Desmond Jennings, whose HR tied wild game in 10th inning. Rays later won it in the 12th, 7-6. So far in his brief big league career, Jennings is hitting .354.

-- Congrats to the great Marshall Faulk, who gets inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame this weekend. Wish I was there to see it.

-- Best moment of the weekend will be when NFL Films' Ed Sabol gets inducted; his son Steve, who has been ill himself, will be his presenter.


******************


Friday's List of 13: Rondom stuff with the weekend here.......

13) Which NBA star will go overseas to play during the lockout and get hurt, jeopardizing his future NBA career? Its bound to happen, even though they do play less games in leagues overseas.

12) Who will be the first college football player to cost him team a TD by getting a taunting penalty before he crosses the goal line? This is a new rule and some poor kid is going to show off and become an ESPN highlight for the rest of the year.

11) Would it makes sense for the Mets to deal David Wright for pitching help and make Daniel Murphy their 3B?

10) You mean Marc Bulger hadn’t already retired? Guy made $64M in his 11-year career; what a country. He should buy Mike Martz/Torry Holt/Isaac Bruce each a Cadillac, they made him look way better than he ever was.

9) I seriously wonder if Eldrick Woods still enjoys playing golf; nothing is as much fun when you don’t win all the time, and in his case, each losing week brings additional layers of criticism from corners that were quiet as a church mouse when he was the kingpin.

8) Woods has won this week’s tournament in Akron seven times; if he doesn’t contend this week, what does it say? Will he ever win again?

7) Will this year’s NFL training camps convince teams that going away for camp is a waste of energy? They can probably get more done by staying at home, and the players like it better. For teams like the Bills, they train in Rochester to market the club in that area, but they’re in the minority on that.

6) Great article on espn.com this week about Nino Guarrantano, the baseball coach at U of San Francisco, who donated a kidney to his 80-year old; if you get through reading that article with dry eyes, you’re a better man than I.

5) Very sad article on espn.com about a 16-year old high school basketball player from Indiana who lost his whole family in two separate plane crashes, eight years apart, both of which he survived. His life will make an outstanding movie someday.

4) Sounds like John Fox has his hands full with a QB controversy in his first season as Broncos’ coach. While Tim Tebow has been anointed as the savior of the franchise, apparently Kyle Orton is playing way better than Tebow, so Fox risks losing the veterans in the locker room if he does anything but name Orton as the starting QB.

3) Jim Crane takes over ownership of the Houston Astros in two weeks; if you were him, what would be the first thing you did? Lower concession prices? Fire the GM? Make the GM work in the concession stands? I think Brad Mills is a good manager, so I’d leave him alone, but the guy needs some good players to manage.

2) Mike Singletary has surfaced as an assistant coach with the Vikings, working with former Chicago teammate, new head coach Leslie Frazier.

1) Kirk Herbstreit played QB for Ohio State and lived in Columbus since then; what does it say about our world when he packs up his wife and four kids and moves to Nashville, because he wasn’t 100% sure his family would be safe in Columbus because he occasionally is critical of the Buckeyes on TV/radio? Yikes.

CFL
Dunkel


Week 6

Edmonton at Winnipeg
The Bluebombers look to build on their 5-0-1 ATS record in their last 6 games against a team with a winning SU record. Winnipeg is the pick (+1) according to Dunkel, which has the Bluebombers favored by 1. Dunkel Pick: Winnipeg (+1). Here are all of this week's CFL picks.

FRIDAY, AUGUST 5

Game 493-494: Edmonton at Winnipeg (7:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Edmonton 115.546; Winnipeg 116.615
Dunkel Line: Winnipeg by 1; 53 1/2
Vegas Line: Edmonton by 1; 49 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Winnipeg (+1); Over

Game 495-496: Saskatchewan at BC (10:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Saskatchewan 107.506; BC 108.495
Dunkel Line: BC by 1; 47
Vegas Line: BC by 3; 53 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Saskatchewan (+3); Under


SATURDAY, AUGUST 6

Game 497-498: Hamilton at Calgary (9:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Hamilton 110.592; Calgary 116.233
Dunkel Line: Calgary by 5 1/2; 56
Vegas Line: Calgary by 4; 50 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Calgary (-4); Over




CFL
Long Sheet


Week 6

Friday, August 5

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

EDMONTON (5 - 0) at WINNIPEG (4 - 1) - 8/5/2011, 7:30 PM
Top Trends for this game.
EDMONTON is 5-14 ATS (-10.4 Units) as a favorite over the last 3 seasons.
EDMONTON is 4-13 ATS (-10.3 Units) as a road favorite of 3 points or less since 1996.
EDMONTON is 11-25 ATS (-16.5 Units) in road games after 2 or more consecutive straight up wins since 1996.
WINNIPEG is 21-9 ATS (+11.1 Units) as an underdog over the last 3 seasons.
WINNIPEG is 19-6 ATS (+12.4 Units) as a home underdog of 3 points or less since 1996.
WINNIPEG is 9-1 ATS (+7.9 Units) in non-conference games over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
WINNIPEG is 4-0 against the spread versus EDMONTON over the last 3 seasons
WINNIPEG is 2-2 straight up against EDMONTON over the last 3 seasons
3 of 4 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

SASKATCHEWAN (1 - 4) at BRITISH COLUMBIA (0 - 5) - 8/5/2011, 10:30 PM
Top Trends for this game.
SASKATCHEWAN is 1-8 ATS (-7.8 Units) in road games when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 3 seasons.
SASKATCHEWAN is 100-61 ATS (+32.9 Units) as an underdog since 1996.
BRITISH COLUMBIA is 1-8 ATS (-7.8 Units) in games where the line is +3 to -3 over the last 2 seasons.
BRITISH COLUMBIA is 4-14 ATS (-11.4 Units) as a favorite over the last 3 seasons.
BRITISH COLUMBIA is 54-77 ATS (-30.7 Units) in home games since 1996.
BRITISH COLUMBIA is 54-77 ATS (-30.7 Units) in home lined games since 1996.
BRITISH COLUMBIA is 27-47 ATS (-24.7 Units) in home games versus division opponents since 1996.
BRITISH COLUMBIA is 54-77 ATS (-30.7 Units) in home games in games played on turf since 1996.
BRITISH COLUMBIA is 0-6 ATS (-6.6 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
BRITISH COLUMBIA is 5-3 against the spread versus SASKATCHEWAN over the last 3 seasons
SASKATCHEWAN is 5-3 straight up against BRITISH COLUMBIA over the last 3 seasons
4 of 8 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Saturday, August 6

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

HAMILTON (3 - 2) at CALGARY (3 - 2) - 8/6/2011, 9:30 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
CALGARY is 2-2 against the spread versus HAMILTON over the last 3 seasons
CALGARY is 3-1 straight up against HAMILTON over the last 3 seasons
3 of 4 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------




CFL


Week 6

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Trend Report
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Friday, August 5

7:30 PM
EDMONTON vs. WINNIPEG
Edmonton is 4-8 SU in its last 12 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Edmonton's last 5 games when playing on the road against Winnipeg
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Winnipeg's last 5 games
Winnipeg is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games when playing Edmonton

10:30 PM
SASKATCHEWAN vs. BRITISH COLUMBIA
Saskatchewan is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Saskatchewan's last 7 games
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of British Columbia's last 8 games when playing at home against Saskatchewan
British Columbia is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Saskatchewan


Saturday, August 6

9:30 PM
HAMILTON vs. CALGARY
Hamilton is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games when playing Calgary
The total has gone UNDER in 8 of Hamilton's last 11 games
Calgary is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Hamilton
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Calgary's last 6 games when playing at home against Hamilton


------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------




CFL


Week 6

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Canadian bacon: CFL Week 6 betting preview and picks
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Edmonton Eskimos at Winnipeg Blue Bombers (+1, 49.5)

The Eskimos are still unbeaten but they have shown signs that they slowing down in the last two games against the Stampeders and the Argonauts.

The Blue Bombers are on top of the East with a surprising 4-1 record and they aren’t satisfied yet. They can’t forget that they could also brag about a perfect record if not for a missed field goal by Justin Palardy in the dying seconds of their 1-point loss to Calgary.

Winnipeg’s new defensive coordinator Tim Burke, the mastermind behind the Alouettes defense over the last few years, has done wonders and you can trust him to find the Eskimos’ weaknesses. Don’t forget that the Bombers lead the CFL with 21 sacks in five games despite losing their ace Philip Hunt to the Philadelphia Eagles during the offseason.

As long as Buck Pierce stays healthy, he will keep leading the Bombers’ attack and Winnipeg will be a tough team to beat. Pierce was shook up in the last game but will start against the Eskimos.

It will be a close one and most likely the best game of Week 6. With the way things are trickling down, you have to go with the Blue Bombers.

Pick: Winnipeg


Saskatchewan Roughriders at B.C. Lions (-3, 53.5)

These two teams were supposedly the ones to watch in the West. Well, they have been - for all the wrong reasons. Instead of this being a battle for first place, it’s now a game of survival for two teams already afraid of missing the playoffs.

The Lions have picked up two players heading into this week. Tad Kornegay, who was released by the Roughriders, and Arland Bruce, who was traded for a third round pick. Kornegay will play in the secondary in place of J.R. Ruffin (knee) and will certainly be more than motivated against his former teammates. Bruce (hamstring) will have to wait before hoping to bounce back and help the Lions.

After five straight losses, B.C. is in a must-win situation as a wind of panic seems to blow in the West Coast. Not only did Wally Buono reach for Kornegay and Bruce but he also gave a call to the agent of RB and kick returner Arkee Whitlock, released earlier this week by the Eskimos.

The Roughriders’ lack depth and the departure of Andy Fantuz to the NFL have proven catastrophic so far this season. Weston Dressler is now the only reliable threat for QB Darian Durant. Chris Getzlaf has been offering subpar performances, and so has Jason Clermont.

Pick: B.C.


Hamilton Tiger-Cats at Calgary Stampeders (-3.5, 50.5)

The Tiger-Cats are on a three-game winning streak after beating the Alouettes, but they struggled to win in Calgary recently, like so many teams. The Stampeders have won eight of their last 10 games at home against Hamilton.

Although the Stampeders offense hasn’t been as devastating as it was in the first five games of 2010 (117 points compared to 140), this is a team that has dominated the fourth quarter this season.

All five games played by Calgary so far were decided by five points or less. The last time the Stampeders played that many close games was in 2001, when they went on sequence of seven games decided by seven points or less.

On Hamilton’s side, Kevin Glenn has been playing better after two tough games to start the season, connecting on just over 61 percent of his pass attempts, and hasn’t been intercepted once in his last three games. But keep in mind that the Tiger-Cats have not won at McMahon Stadium since 2005.

Pick: Calgary

WNBA
Dunkel


Connecticut at Seattle
The Sun look to take advantage of a Seattle team that is coming off a 78-64 win over San Antonio and is 2-7 ATS in its last 9 games following an ATS victory. Connecticut is the pick (+6 1/2) according to Dunkel, which has the Storm favored by only 4 1/2. Dunkel Pick: Connecticut (+6 1/2). Here are all of today's picks.

FRIDAY, AUGUST 5

Game 601-602: Indiana at Tulsa (8:05 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Indiana 116.586; Tulsa 100.268
Dunkel Line & Total: Indiana by 16 1/2; 141
Vegas Line & Total: Indiana by 8 1/2; 143 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Indiana (-8 1/2); Under

Game 603-604: Connecticut at Seattle (10:05 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Connecticut 112.976; Seattle 117.672
Dunkel Line & Total: Seattle by 4 1/2; 155
Vegas Line & Total: Seattle by 6 1/2; 147
Dunkel Pick: Connecticut (+6 1/2); Over




WNBA


Friday, August 5

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Trend Report
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

8:00 PM
INDIANA vs. TULSA
Indiana is 2-5 ATS in its last 7 games when playing Tulsa
Indiana is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games on the road
Tulsa is 2-4-1 ATS in its last 7 games at home
Tulsa is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games

10:00 PM
CONNECTICUT vs. SEATTLE
Connecticut is 3-8 SU in its last 11 games when playing on the road against Seattle
Connecticut is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games
Seattle is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games when playing Connecticut
Seattle is 2-9 SU in its last 11 games when playing Connecticut


------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------




WNBA


Friday, August 5

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Lady luck: Friday's best WNBA bets
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Indiana Fever at Tulsa Shock (+10, 144.5)

The Shock continue to sink lower in the WNBA standings, dropping 12 straight games since June 8 and posting a dismal 3-7-1 record against the spread in that span.

"I look at ourselves as an expansion team,'' Tulsa president Steve Swetoha told reporters about the team’s woes. "And it's going to take a little bit longer than we anticipated.”

While faithful basketball fans in Oklahoma may be patient with the Shock’s success, bettors won’t be so gracious. In its two years in the WNBA, Tulsa is a dismal 7-45 SU and 19-32-1 ATS.

The team’s most recent loss was just another crushing blow for a young team struggling to find a positive note in a losing season. The Shock were thumped 89-72 by the Seattle Storm, a team playing without league MVP Lauren Jackson. Saturday’s defeat was Tulsa’s third game in five nights, before an extended break heading into Friday’s contest versus the Fever.

"I'm hoping I can sleep without worrying at least one night," coach Teresa Edward said about her days off. "It's been a tough week."

Pick: Indiana


Connecticut Sun at Seattle Storm (-5, 147)

The Storm appeared lost without Lauren Jackson for a while, but the defending WNBA champs are learning to play without their standout center, winning four of their last five outings SU and ATS.

Seattle stumbled when Jackson went down with a hip injury which required surgery. It dropped five of the first nine games without Jackson, going 4-5 against the spread and falling off the pace in the Western Conference standings.

However, the Storm evolved in Jackson’s absence. They’ve leaned on their defense to generate easy buckets on offense, forcing an average of almost 13 turnovers and scoring more than 80 points a night in those four wins. In its most recent win, Seattle downed the San Antonio Silver Stars 78-64 – outscoring their opponents 31-19 in the opening quarter.

"I think what you saw in the beginning was us kind of playing off our defense," veteran guard Sue Bird told reporters. "I know you've heard that a lot this season, but it's really what makes us such a good team."

Connecticut has dominated recent meetings with the Storm, winning eight of their last 10 meetings and posting an 8-2 ATS record, going back to 2006. However, Seattle is far from those squads of the past, especially the team that lost 75-70 to the Sun on July 1 – the second game without Jackson in the lineup.

Pick: Seattle

MLB
Dunkel


Toronto at Baltimore
The Blue Jays look to take advantage of a Baltimore team that is 3-7 in its last 10 games as a home underdog. Toronto is the pick (-115) according to Dunkel, which has the Blue Jays favored by 1 1/2. Dunkel Pick: Toronto (-115). Here are all of today's picks.

FRIDAY, AUGUST 5

Game 901-902: Cincinnati at Chicago Cubs (2:20 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Cincinnati (Leake) 14.474; Cubs (Dempster) 16.174
Dunkel Line: Chicago Cubs by 1 1/2; 9
Vegas Line: Cincinnati (-120); No Run Total
Dunkel Pick: Chicago Cubs (+100); N/A

Game 903-904: San Diego at Pittsburgh (7:05 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: San Diego (Harang) 14.905; Pittsburgh (Karstens) 13.850
Dunkel Line: San Diego by 1; 9
Vegas Line: Pittsburgh (-150); 7 1/2
Dunkel Pick: San Diego (+130); Over

Game 905-906: Atlanta at NY Mets (7:10 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Atlanta (Hudson) 14.751; NY Mets (Dickey) 15.716
Dunkel Line: NY Mets by 1; 8
Vegas Line: Atlanta (-120); 7 1/2
Dunkel Pick: NY Mets (+100); Over

Game 907-908: St. Louis at Florida (7:10 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: St. Louis (Westbrook) 15.070; Florida (Sanchez) 14.605
Dunkel Line: St. Louis by 1/2; 8
Vegas Line: Florida (-130); 8 1/2
Dunkel Pick: St. Louis (+110); Under

Game 909-910: Milwaukee at Houston (8:05 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Milwaukee (Gallardo) 16.047; Houston (Happ) 14.547
Dunkel Line: Milwaukee by 1 1/2; 9
Vegas Line: Milwaukee (-220); 8 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Milwaukee (-220); Over

Game 911-912: Washington at Colorado (8:40 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Washington (Zimmermann) 14.461; Colorado (Nicasio) 14.913
Dunkel Line: Colorado by 1/2; 8 1/2
Vegas Line: Colorado (-125); 9
Dunkel Pick: Colorado (-125); Under

Game 913-914: LA Dodgers at Arizona (9:40 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: LA Dodgers (Billingsley) 14.836; Arizona (Collmenter) 15.702
Dunkel Line: Arizona by 1; 10
Vegas Line: Arizona (-135); 8 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Arizona (-135); Over

Game 915-916: Philadelphia at San Francisco (10:15 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Philadelphia (Worley) 16.704; San Francisco (Sanchez) 14.568
Dunkel Line: Philadelphia by 2; 6
Vegas Line: Philadelphia (-120); 6 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Philadelphia (-120); Under

Game 917-918: Toronto at Baltimore (7:05 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Toronto (Mills) 15.519; Baltimore (Hunter) 13.894
Dunkel Line: Toronto by 1 1/2; 10 1/2
Vegas Line: Toronto (-115); 9 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Toronto (-115); Over

Game 919-920: NY Yankees at Boston (7:10 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: NY Yankees (Colon) 16.228; Boston (Lester) 16.355
Dunkel Line: Boston by 1/2; 8
Vegas Line: Boston (-155); 9 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Boston (-155); Under

Game 921-922: Oakland at Tampa Bay (7:10 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Oakland (Moscoso) 15.774; Tampa Bay (Niemann) 15.363
Dunkel Line: Oakland by 1/2; 9
Vegas Line: Tampa Bay (-165); 8 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Oakland (+145); Over

Game 923-924: Cleveland at Texas (8:05 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Cleveland (Jimenez) 15.736; Texas (Holland) 16.630
Dunkel Line: Texas by 1; 8
Vegas Line: Texas (-125); 9
Dunkel Pick: Texas (-125); Under

Game 925-926: Chicago White Sox at Minnesota (8:10 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: White Sox (Buehrle) 14.078; Minnesota (Blackburn) 14.585
Dunkel Line: Minnesota by 1/2; 10
Vegas Line: Chicago White Sox (-120); 8 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Minnesota (+100); Over

Game 927-928: Detroit at Kansas City (8:10 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Detroit (Porcello) 15.866; Kansas City (Paulino) 14.620
Dunkel Line: Detroit by 1; 8
Vegas Line: Detroit (-115); 9
Dunkel Pick: Detroit (-115); Under

Game 929-930: Seattle at LA Angels (10:05 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Seattle (Vargas) 15.428; LA Angels (Weaver) 16.782
Dunkel Line: LA Angels by 1 1/2; 8
Vegas Line: LA Angels (-250); 6 1/2
Dunkel Pick: LA Angels (-250); Over

MLB
Write-Up


Friday, August 5

Hot pitchers
-- Leake has a 2.41 RA in his last three starts.
-- Hudson is 2-1, 2.25 in his last four starts.
-- Westbrook is 2-1, 3.15 in his last three starts.
-- Gallardo is 2-1, 2.70 in his last three starts.
-- Colorado is 6-0 in Nicasio's home starts (4-0, 1.80). Zimmerman has a 2.09 RA in his last seven road starts.
-- Collmenter is 2-1, 2.84 in his last four starts.
-- Worley is 6-0, 1.69 in his last eight starts.

-- Mills allowed two runs in seven IP in his first '11 start.
-- Lester is 1-0, 2.03 in two starts since coming off the DL. Colon won his last two starts, allowing four runs in 12 IP.
-- Niemann is 3-0, 1.32 in his last five starts.
-- Holland is 4-0, 1.88 in his last five starts.
-- Buehrle is 2-0, 2.84 in his last three starts.
-- Porcello is 5-0, 3.62 in his last five starts.
-- Weaver is 7-1, 1.34 in his last nine starts.

Cold pitchers
-- Dempster is 1-2, 7.20 in his last three starts.
-- Karstens is 0-1, 5.79 in his last three starts. Harang has a 6.88 RA in his last three outings.
-- Dickey is 1-2, 4.50 in his last four starts.
-- ASanchez is 0-3, 6.75 in his last six starts.
-- Happ is 1-5, 9.68 in his last seven starts.
-- Billingsley is 1-2, 6.00 in his last three starts.
-- JSanchez is 1-2, 4.87 in his last four starts.

-- Hunter is making first '11 start and first start for Baltimore; he was 23-13, 4.38 in 44 starts for the Rangers.
-- Blackburn is 0-2, 13.85 in his last three starts.
-- Moscoso is 1-1, 7.88 in his last three starts.
-- Jimenez was 0-1, 13.50 in his last two starts for Colorado; this is his first start for the Indians.
-- Paulino is 1-4, 4.54 in his last six starts.
-- Vargas is 0-5, 8.89 in his last five starts.

Totals
-- Six of Reds' last seven road games stayed under total.
-- Over is 4-1-1 in Padres' last six road games.
-- Three of Mets' last four games stayed under the total.
-- Over is 6-1-2 in last nine St Louis road games.
-- Under is 7-1 in Milwaukee's last eight road games.
-- Six of last nine Colorado games stayed under the total.
-- Under is 6-2 in Dodgers' last eight road games.
-- Under is 5-2 in Giants' last seven home games.

-- Three of last four Toronto games went over the total.
-- Under is 5-2-2 in last nine Bronx road games.
-- Eight of last ten Tampa Bay games went over the total.
-- Under is 5-2-1 in last eight Texas games.
-- Under is 7-3-1 in Minnesota's last eleven home games.
-- Under is 7-3 in last ten Kansas City home games.
-- Over is 5-1-1 in last seven Seattle games.

Hot Teams
-- Marlins won eight of their last eleven games.
-- Cubs won their last five games, scoring 30 runs.
-- Brewers won eight of their last nine games. Houston won four of its last five home games.
-- Atizona won four of its last five games. Dodgers won three of their last four road games.
-- Phillies won 13 of their last 16 games.

-- Rays won five of their last seven games.
-- Red Sox won 13 of their last 19 games. Bronx won 15 of its last 20 games, including last seven in a row.
-- Royals are 10-5 in their last fifteen games. Detroit won three of its last four games.
-- Mariners won four of their last five games. Angels won six of nine.

Cold Teams
-- Cincinnati lost nine of its last thirteen road games.
-- Pittsburgh lost nine of its last ten games. Padres lost seven of ten.
-- Cardinals lost four of their last five games.
-- Mets lost their last four games, outscored 17-8. Atlanta lost three of its last four games.
-- Colorado lost eight of its last twelve games. Washington lost five of its last six road games.
-- Giants lost six of their last seven games.

-- Toronto lost four of its last six road games.
-- Oakland lost 14 of its last 17 road games.
-- Indians lost 10 of their last 14 games. Texas lost six of its last nine.
-- Orioles lost seven of their last nine games.
-- White Sox lost their last six games, outscored 49-16. Minnesota lost five of its last seven games.

MLB
Long Sheet


Friday, August 5

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CINCINNATI (54 - 57) at CHICAGO CUBS (47 - 65) - 2:20 PM
MIKE LEAKE (R) vs. RYAN DEMPSTER (R)
Top Trends for this game.
CINCINNATI is 54-57 (-11.8 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
CINCINNATI is 52-56 (-13.6 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
CINCINNATI is 20-23 (-11.6 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
CINCINNATI is 553-637 (+49.1 Units) against the money line in road games since 1997.
CINCINNATI is 79-54 (+17.7 Units) against the money line against division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
CINCINNATI is 406-462 (+44.6 Units) against the money line in road games against right-handed starters since 1997.
CINCINNATI is 18-10 (+10.6 Units) against the money line in road games after a loss this season.
CINCINNATI is 54-29 (+19.3 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record in the second half of the season over the last 3 seasons.
CHICAGO CUBS are 47-65 (-15.3 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
CHICAGO CUBS are 11-24 (-11.7 Units) against the money line as a home underdog of +100 to +125 over the last 2 seasons.
CHICAGO CUBS are 61-77 (-29.8 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 2 seasons.
CHICAGO CUBS are 55-74 (-27.6 Units) against the money line against division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
CHICAGO CUBS are 20-31 (-12.9 Units) against the money line in day games this season.
CHICAGO CUBS are 47-65 (-15.3 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
CHICAGO CUBS are 41-54 (-20.1 Units) against the money line in home games against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
CHICAGO CUBS are 15-32 (-16.7 Units) against the money line after a win this season.
CHICAGO CUBS are 66-67 (-26.9 Units) against the money line in home games after 3 or more consecutive wins since 1997.
CHICAGO CUBS are 55-66 (-26.1 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.
CHICAGO CUBS are 172-146 (-42.0 Units) against the money line in home games when playing against a team with a losing record in the second half of the season since 1997.
DEMPSTER is 10-17 (-12.3 Units) against the money line in day games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
DEMPSTER is 1-8 (-9.2 Units) against the money line in home games after a win over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)

Head-to-Head Series History
CINCINNATI is 6-2 (+3.5 Units) against CHICAGO CUBS this season
5 of 8 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+2.0 Units)

MIKE LEAKE vs. CHICAGO CUBS since 1997
LEAKE is 3-0 when starting against CHICAGO CUBS with an ERA of 2.93 and a WHIP of 1.301.
His team's record is 4-0 (+4.4 units) in these starts. The OVER is 2-1. (+1.0 units)

RYAN DEMPSTER vs. CINCINNATI since 1997
DEMPSTER is 6-5 when starting against CINCINNATI with an ERA of 3.58 and a WHIP of 1.338.
His team's record is 8-7 (+2.1 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 6-6. (-0.9 units)

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SAN DIEGO (48 - 64) at PITTSBURGH (54 - 56) - 7:05 PM
AARON HARANG (R) vs. JEFF KARSTENS (R)
Top Trends for this game.
SAN DIEGO is 48-64 (-9.6 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
SAN DIEGO is 48-64 (-9.6 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
SAN DIEGO is 24-47 (-22.7 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
SAN DIEGO is 17-30 (-12.3 Units) against the money line after a win this season.
SAN DIEGO is 27-38 (-10.7 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
PITTSBURGH is 54-56 (+8.5 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
PITTSBURGH is 52-55 (+6.9 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
PITTSBURGH is 429-409 (+50.8 Units) against the money line in home games in night games since 1997.
KARSTENS is 9-3 (+7.7 Units) against the money line in night games this season. (Team's Record)
SAN DIEGO is 70-65 (+21.6 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 2 seasons.
SAN DIEGO is 20-16 (+11.6 Units) against the money line in road games against right-handed starters this season.
HARANG is 12-6 (+8.6 Units) against the money line in all games this season. (Team's Record)
HARANG is 6-1 (+8.2 Units) against the money line in road games this season. (Team's Record)
HARANG is 12-6 (+8.6 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season. (Team's Record)
HARANG is 31-18 (+22.7 Units) against the money line in road games after a win since 1997. (Team's Record)
PITTSBURGH is 118-197 (-46.9 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 3 seasons.
PITTSBURGH is 84-134 (-38.0 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 3 seasons.
PITTSBURGH is 33-65 (-32.0 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record in the second half of the season over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
PITTSBURGH is 2-1 (+1.6 Units) against SAN DIEGO this season
2 of 2 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+2.0 Units)

AARON HARANG vs. PITTSBURGH since 1997
HARANG is 13-6 when starting against PITTSBURGH with an ERA of 4.19 and a WHIP of 1.160.
His team's record is 14-9 (+1.9 units) in these starts. The OVER is 10-11. (-1.9 units)

JEFF KARSTENS vs. SAN DIEGO since 1997
KARSTENS is 0-2 when starting against SAN DIEGO with an ERA of 3.94 and a WHIP of 1.313.
His team's record is 0-3 (-3.0 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 1-2. (-1.3 units)

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ATLANTA (64 - 48) at NY METS (55 - 55) - 7:10 PM
TIM HUDSON (R) vs. R.A. DICKEY (R)
Top Trends for this game.
ATLANTA is 17-30 (-17.8 Units) against the money line on the road with a money line of -100 to -125 over the last 2 seasons.
NY METS are 55-55 (+5.6 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
NY METS are 55-55 (+5.6 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
NY METS are 30-23 (+15.5 Units) against the money line after 3 or more consecutive losses over the last 3 seasons.
ATLANTA is 112-77 (+14.7 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
NY METS are 244-246 (-68.7 Units) against the money line in home games against division opponents since 1997.
NY METS are 14-22 (-10.9 Units) against the money line in home games against right-handed starters this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
NY METS is 5-4 (+2.4 Units) against ATLANTA this season
5 of 8 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+1.5 Units)

TIM HUDSON vs. NY METS since 1997
HUDSON is 13-8 when starting against NY METS with an ERA of 3.66 and a WHIP of 1.250.
His team's record is 14-8 (+4.5 units) in these starts. The OVER is 8-14. (-7.2 units)

R.A. DICKEY vs. ATLANTA since 1997
DICKEY is 1-2 when starting against ATLANTA with an ERA of 4.11 and a WHIP of 1.500.
His team's record is 2-3 (-0.7 units) in these starts. The OVER is 3-2. (+0.9 units)

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ST LOUIS (59 - 53) at FLORIDA (55 - 56) - 7:10 PM
JAKE WESTBROOK (R) vs. ANIBAL SANCHEZ (R)
Top Trends for this game.
ST LOUIS is 145-129 (-25.2 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
ST LOUIS is 65-76 (-21.5 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 2 seasons.
ST LOUIS is 142-126 (-25.2 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
ST LOUIS is 72-70 (-21.5 Units) against the money line after a win over the last 2 seasons.
ST LOUIS is 77-74 (-28.8 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.
ST LOUIS is 23-35 (-30.6 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record in the second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
FLORIDA is 96-79 (+16.5 Units) against the money line when the total is 8 to 8.5 over the last 3 seasons.
FLORIDA is 300-314 (+56.1 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season since 1997.
FLORIDA is 23-31 (-14.3 Units) against the money line in home games this season.
FLORIDA is 23-31 (-14.3 Units) against the money line in home games in games played on a grass field this season.
FLORIDA is 18-25 (-12.3 Units) against the money line in home games in night games this season.
FLORIDA is 16-23 (-11.4 Units) against the money line in home games against right-handed starters this season.
FLORIDA is 10-18 (-12.3 Units) against the money line in home games after a loss this season.
FLORIDA is 9-17 (-9.0 Units) against the money line in home games when playing against a team with a winning record this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
FLORIDA is 2-3 (-0.2 Units) against ST LOUIS this season
5 of 5 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+5.0 Units)

JAKE WESTBROOK vs. FLORIDA since 1997
WESTBROOK is 1-0 when starting against FLORIDA with an ERA of 2.95 and a WHIP of 0.891.
His team's record is 2-1 (+1.2 units) in these starts. The OVER is 2-1. (+0.8 units)

ANIBAL SANCHEZ vs. ST LOUIS since 1997
SANCHEZ is 1-1 when starting against ST LOUIS with an ERA of 2.95 and a WHIP of 1.418.
His team's record is 1-2 (-0.8 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 2-1. (+0.9 units)

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MILWAUKEE (62 - 50) at HOUSTON (37 - 74) - 8:05 PM
YOVANI GALLARDO (R) vs. J.A. HAPP (L)
Top Trends for this game.
MILWAUKEE is 21-35 (-13.8 Units) against the money line in road games this season.
MILWAUKEE is 21-35 (-13.8 Units) against the money line in road games in games played on a grass field this season.
HOUSTON is 37-74 (-29.1 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
HOUSTON is 11-38 (-26.0 Units) against the money line when the total is 8 to 8.5 this season.
HOUSTON is 19-37 (-17.5 Units) against the money line in home games this season.
HOUSTON is 9-21 (-12.0 Units) against the money line at home when the total is 8 to 8.5 this season.
HOUSTON is 35-73 (-31.1 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
HOUSTON is 27-49 (-15.0 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
HOUSTON is 21-57 (-31.2 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
HOUSTON is 10-26 (-14.1 Units) against the money line after a win this season.
HOUSTON is 16-39 (-19.0 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
HAPP is 4-17 (-12.0 Units) against the money line in all games this season. (Team's Record)
HAPP is 4-17 (-12.0 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season. (Team's Record)
HAPP is 2-13 (-10.0 Units) against the money line in night games this season. (Team's Record)
HAPP is 4-11 (-10.6 Units) against the money line in home games after a win over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)

Head-to-Head Series History
MILWAUKEE is 6-3 (+2.2 Units) against HOUSTON this season
6 of 9 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+2.4 Units)

YOVANI GALLARDO vs. HOUSTON since 1997
GALLARDO is 9-2 when starting against HOUSTON with an ERA of 3.00 and a WHIP of 1.181.
His team's record is 9-2 (+6.8 units) in these starts. The OVER is 6-5. (+0.7 units)

J.A. HAPP vs. MILWAUKEE since 1997
HAPP is 2-1 when starting against MILWAUKEE with an ERA of 3.86 and a WHIP of 1.571.
His team's record is 2-2 (-0.3 units) in these starts. The OVER is 2-2. (-0.2 units)

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WASHINGTON (53 - 58) at COLORADO (52 - 60) - 8:40 PM
JORDAN ZIMMERMANN (R) vs. JUAN NICASIO (R)
Top Trends for this game.
WASHINGTON is 22-43 (-18.9 Units) against the money line when the total is 9 to 9.5 over the last 2 seasons.
WASHINGTON is 8-29 (-20.0 Units) against the money line as a road underdog of +100 to +125 over the last 2 seasons.
WASHINGTON is 7-28 (-18.7 Units) against the money line on the road when the total is 9 to 9.5 over the last 2 seasons.
WASHINGTON is 19-28 (-10.1 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
WASHINGTON is 36-34 (+7.6 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
COLORADO is 52-60 (-21.0 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
COLORADO is 27-29 (-14.2 Units) against the money line in home games this season.
COLORADO is 52-60 (-21.0 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
COLORADO is 89-95 (-26.7 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.
COLORADO is 34-46 (-21.9 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
COLORADO is 23-28 (-12.0 Units) against the money line after a win this season.
COLORADO is 55-62 (-29.5 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
COLORADO is 3-1 (+2.2 Units) against WASHINGTON this season
4 of 4 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+4.0 Units)

JORDAN ZIMMERMANN vs. COLORADO since 1997
ZIMMERMANN is 1-0 when starting against COLORADO with an ERA of 1.74 and a WHIP of 1.452.
His team's record is 1-1 (+0.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 0-2. (-2.2 units)

JUAN NICASIO vs. WASHINGTON since 1997
No recent starts.

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LA DODGERS (50 - 60) at ARIZONA (61 - 50) - 9:40 PM
CHAD BILLINGSLEY (R) vs. JOSH COLLMENTER (R)
Top Trends for this game.
LA DODGERS are 50-60 (-15.0 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
LA DODGERS are 66-71 (-26.7 Units) against the money line when the total is 8 to 8.5 over the last 3 seasons.
LA DODGERS are 50-60 (-15.0 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
LA DODGERS are 34-43 (-13.6 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
LA DODGERS are 36-44 (-11.3 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
LA DODGERS are 65-82 (-21.8 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
LA DODGERS are 28-47 (-21.3 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.
BILLINGSLEY is 17-27 (-16.5 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
BILLINGSLEY is 4-12 (-9.4 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. (Team's Record)
ARIZONA is 61-51 (+13.5 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
ARIZONA is 61-51 (+13.5 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
ARIZONA is 46-34 (+14.4 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
ARIZONA is 45-35 (+12.9 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
ARIZONA is 21-28 (-12.3 Units) against the money line in home games when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
ARIZONA is 6-3 (+3.6 Units) against LA DODGERS this season
5 of 9 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+0.7 Units)

CHAD BILLINGSLEY vs. ARIZONA since 1997
BILLINGSLEY is 8-7 when starting against ARIZONA with an ERA of 3.61 and a WHIP of 1.280.
His team's record is 12-9 (+0.6 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 11-8. (+1.7 units)

JOSH COLLMENTER vs. LA DODGERS since 1997
COLLMENTER is 1-1 when starting against LA DODGERS with an ERA of 4.65 and a WHIP of 1.138.
His team's record is 1-1 (+0.2 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-1. (-0.1 units)

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PHILADELPHIA (72 - 39) at SAN FRANCISCO (62 - 50) - 10:15 PM
VANCE WORLEY (R) vs. JONATHAN SANCHEZ (L)
Top Trends for this game.
SAN FRANCISCO is 62-50 (+6.4 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
SAN FRANCISCO is 79-52 (+18.6 Units) against the money line when the total is 7 or less over the last 2 seasons.
SAN FRANCISCO is 139-84 (+32.9 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 3 seasons.
SAN FRANCISCO is 62-50 (+6.4 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
SAN FRANCISCO is 45-29 (+12.8 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
SAN FRANCISCO is 182-148 (+25.0 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 3 seasons.
SAN FRANCISCO is 25-9 (+17.3 Units) against the money line after getting shut out over the last 3 seasons.
SAN FRANCISCO is 116-82 (+29.7 Units) against the money line after a loss over the last 3 seasons.
SAN FRANCISCO is 84-70 (+14.7 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
SAN FRANCISCO is 46-31 (+17.5 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.
SANCHEZ is 32-21 (+11.4 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
SANCHEZ is 22-11 (+11.9 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
PHILADELPHIA is 72-39 (+17.8 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
PHILADELPHIA is 39-20 (+15.8 Units) against the money line on the road with a money line of -100 to -125 over the last 3 seasons.
PHILADELPHIA is 131-94 (+24.2 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 3 seasons.
PHILADELPHIA is 70-38 (+17.3 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
PHILADELPHIA is 124-71 (+27.0 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.
PHILADELPHIA is 85-54 (+21.0 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
PHILADELPHIA is 46-16 (+27.9 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.

Head-to-Head Series History
SAN FRANCISCO is 2-2 (+0.5 Units) against PHILADELPHIA this season
3 of 4 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+1.9 Units)

VANCE WORLEY vs. SAN FRANCISCO since 1997
WORLEY is 1-0 when starting against SAN FRANCISCO with an ERA of 2.00 and a WHIP of 0.444.
His team's record is 1-0 (+1.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-0. (+1.0 units)

JONATHAN SANCHEZ vs. PHILADELPHIA since 1997
SANCHEZ is 3-2 when starting against PHILADELPHIA with an ERA of 2.92 and a WHIP of 1.243.
His team's record is 5-2 (+4.6 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-5. (-4.5 units)

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TORONTO (56 - 55) at BALTIMORE (43 - 65) - 7:05 PM
BRAD MILLS (L) vs. TOMMY HUNTER (R)
Top Trends for this game.
HUNTER is 28-12 (+15.1 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)
TORONTO is 56-55 (+3.5 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
TORONTO is 63-51 (+20.0 Units) against the money line when the total is 9 to 9.5 over the last 2 seasons.
TORONTO is 67-72 (+8.8 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 2 seasons.
TORONTO is 26-25 (+6.4 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
TORONTO is 41-28 (+15.9 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
TORONTO is 112-98 (+18.1 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
TORONTO is 68-63 (+12.1 Units) against the money line after a loss over the last 2 seasons.
BALTIMORE is 43-66 (-19.5 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
BALTIMORE is 202-283 (-86.6 Units) against the money line in home games against division opponents since 1997.
BALTIMORE is 36-61 (-24.3 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
BALTIMORE is 28-48 (-17.6 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
BALTIMORE is 291-411 (-116.6 Units) against the money line against left-handed starters since 1997.
BALTIMORE is 22-41 (-16.2 Units) against the money line after a loss this season.
BALTIMORE is 15-43 (-26.6 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
TORONTO is 6-3 (+2.6 Units) against BALTIMORE this season
5 of 8 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+1.9 Units)

BRAD MILLS vs. BALTIMORE since 1997
MILLS is 1-0 when starting against BALTIMORE with an ERA of 0.00 and a WHIP of 0.714.
His team's record is 1-0 (+1.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 0-1. (-1.0 units)

TOMMY HUNTER vs. TORONTO since 1997
HUNTER is 1-1 when starting against TORONTO with an ERA of 8.05 and a WHIP of 1.368.
His team's record is 2-1 (+1.0 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 0-3. (-3.3 units)

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NY YANKEES (68 - 42) at BOSTON (68 - 42) - 7:10 PM
BARTOLO COLON (R) vs. JON LESTER (L)
Top Trends for this game.
NY YANKEES are 37-35 (-10.1 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
BOSTON is 28-12 (+13.0 Units) against the money line against division opponents this season.
BOSTON is 33-12 (+17.8 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
LESTER is 48-19 (+23.5 Units) against the money line against division opponents since 1997. (Team's Record)
NY YANKEES are 68-42 (+11.8 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
NY YANKEES are 62-36 (+12.1 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
NY YANKEES are 24-9 (+12.7 Units) against the money line against left-handed starters this season.
BOSTON is 63-60 (-18.7 Units) against the money line when the total is 9 to 9.5 over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
BOSTON is 8-1 (+7.5 Units) against NY YANKEES this season
5 of 8 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+2.1 Units)

BARTOLO COLON vs. BOSTON since 1997
COLON is 8-11 when starting against BOSTON with an ERA of 4.33 and a WHIP of 1.521.
His team's record is 11-16 (-8.1 units) in these starts. The OVER is 11-16. (-6.9 units)

JON LESTER vs. NY YANKEES since 1997
LESTER is 8-1 when starting against NY YANKEES with an ERA of 3.56 and a WHIP of 1.291.
His team's record is 9-5 (+3.5 units) in these starts. The OVER is 7-5. (+1.8 units)

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

OAKLAND (49 - 62) at TAMPA BAY (58 - 52) - 7:10 PM
GUILLERMO MOSCOSO (R) vs. JEFF NIEMANN (R)
Top Trends for this game.
OAKLAND is 49-62 (-18.1 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
OAKLAND is 18-38 (-18.2 Units) against the money line in road games this season.
OAKLAND is 16-36 (-18.1 Units) against the money line on the road when the total is 8 to 8.5 over the last 2 seasons.
OAKLAND is 29-40 (-13.6 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
OAKLAND is 33-46 (-16.1 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
TAMPA BAY is 74-27 (+30.2 Units) against the money line as a home favorite of -150 to -175 since 1997.
TAMPA BAY is 35-17 (+17.3 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
TAMPA BAY is 75-61 (-18.3 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 2 seasons.
TAMPA BAY is 75-61 (-18.3 Units) against the money line in games played in a dome over the last 2 seasons.
TAMPA BAY is 82-68 (-18.9 Units) against the money line in games played on artificial turf over the last 2 seasons.
TAMPA BAY is 19-22 (-11.0 Units) against the money line in home games against right-handed starters this season.
TAMPA BAY is 10-16 (-12.4 Units) against the money line in home games after a win this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
OAKLAND is 3-1 (+2.1 Units) against TAMPA BAY this season
4 of 4 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+4.0 Units)

GUILLERMO MOSCOSO vs. TAMPA BAY since 1997
MOSCOSO is 0-0 when starting against TAMPA BAY with an ERA of 9.00 and a WHIP of 2.400.
His team's record is 1-0 (+1.1 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-0. (+1.0 units)

JEFF NIEMANN vs. OAKLAND since 1997
NIEMANN is 2-0 when starting against OAKLAND with an ERA of 1.59 and a WHIP of 1.000.
His team's record is 2-0 (+2.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-1. (+0.0 units)

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CLEVELAND (55 - 54) at TEXAS (62 - 50) - 8:05 PM
UBALDO JIMENEZ (R) vs. DEREK HOLLAND (L)
Top Trends for this game.
JIMENEZ is 8-13 (-10.8 Units) against the money line in all games this season. (Team's Record)
JIMENEZ is 8-13 (-10.8 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season. (Team's Record)
CLEVELAND is 56-54 (+7.5 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
CLEVELAND is 19-11 (+10.3 Units) against the money line when the total is 9 to 9.5 this season.
CLEVELAND is 53-51 (+6.3 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
CLEVELAND is 43-34 (+12.4 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
CLEVELAND is 61-61 (+7.7 Units) against the money line after a win over the last 2 seasons.
CLEVELAND is 33-30 (+8.7 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
TEXAS is 4-0 (+4.1 Units) against CLEVELAND this season
2 of 4 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=-0.2 Units, Under=-0.2 Units)

UBALDO JIMENEZ vs. TEXAS since 1997
No recent starts.

DEREK HOLLAND vs. CLEVELAND since 1997
HOLLAND is 1-0 when starting against CLEVELAND with an ERA of 0.00 and a WHIP of 0.667.
His team's record is 1-0 (+1.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 0-1. (-1.1 units)

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

CHI WHITE SOX (52 - 58) at MINNESOTA (51 - 60) - 8:10 PM
MARK BUEHRLE (L) vs. NICK BLACKBURN (R)
Top Trends for this game.
CHI WHITE SOX are 22-32 (-15.8 Units) against the money line when the total is 8 to 8.5 this season.
CHI WHITE SOX are 48-61 (-23.9 Units) against the money line against division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
CHI WHITE SOX are 20-29 (-15.4 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
MINNESOTA is 145-131 (+10.1 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 69-42 (+21.2 Units) against the money line against division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 139-121 (+12.7 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
BLACKBURN is 18-3 (+13.6 Units) against the money line in home games against division opponents since 1997. (Team's Record)
CHI WHITE SOX are 71-64 (+17.6 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 2 seasons.
CHI WHITE SOX are 26-20 (+10.5 Units) against the money line in road games in games played on a grass field this season.
CHI WHITE SOX are 60-48 (+20.3 Units) against the money line in road games against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
BUEHRLE is 14-7 (+7.4 Units) against the money line in all games this season. (Team's Record)
BUEHRLE is 18-7 (+10.4 Units) against the money line against division opponents over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
BUEHRLE is 14-6 (+8.4 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season. (Team's Record)
BUEHRLE is 21-10 (+11.6 Units) against the money line after a loss over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
BUEHRLE is 35-16 (+18.5 Units) against the money line after 3 or more consecutive losses since 1997. (Team's Record)

Head-to-Head Series History
MINNESOTA is 7-1 (+8.2 Units) against CHI WHITE SOX this season
5 of 6 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+3.8 Units)

MARK BUEHRLE vs. MINNESOTA since 1997
BUEHRLE is 25-19 when starting against MINNESOTA with an ERA of 3.87 and a WHIP of 1.307.
His team's record is 28-19 (+6.9 units) in these starts. The OVER is 23-24. (-3.3 units)

NICK BLACKBURN vs. CHI WHITE SOX since 1997
BLACKBURN is 9-5 when starting against CHI WHITE SOX with an ERA of 3.79 and a WHIP of 1.375.
His team's record is 10-6 (+5.1 units) in these starts. The OVER is 7-9. (-3.0 units)

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

DETROIT (59 - 52) at KANSAS CITY (48 - 63) - 8:10 PM
RICK PORCELLO (R) vs. FELIPE PAULINO (R)
Top Trends for this game.
DETROIT is 33-60 (-24.7 Units) against the money line in road games against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
DETROIT is 46-63 (-22.3 Units) against the money line in road games when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 3 seasons.
PORCELLO is 44-29 (+13.2 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
PORCELLO is 9-1 (+8.3 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record this season. (Team's Record)
KANSAS CITY is 226-334 (-96.5 Units) against the money line at home when the total is 9 to 9.5 since 1997.
PAULINO is 12-29 (-14.7 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)
PAULINO is 12-29 (-14.7 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)

Head-to-Head Series History
DETROIT is 6-3 (+1.9 Units) against KANSAS CITY this season
6 of 9 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+2.4 Units)

RICK PORCELLO vs. KANSAS CITY since 1997
PORCELLO is 4-2 when starting against KANSAS CITY with an ERA of 4.70 and a WHIP of 1.323.
His team's record is 5-4 (-0.8 units) in these starts. The OVER is 8-1. (+7.2 units)

FELIPE PAULINO vs. DETROIT since 1997
PAULINO is 1-0 when starting against DETROIT with an ERA of 1.29 and a WHIP of 0.429.
His team's record is 1-0 (+1.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 0-1. (-1.0 units)

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

SEATTLE (48 - 62) at LA ANGELS (61 - 51) - 10:05 PM
JASON VARGAS (L) vs. JERED WEAVER (R)
Top Trends for this game.
SEATTLE is 48-62 (-12.9 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
SEATTLE is 46-88 (-33.4 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 2 seasons.
SEATTLE is 31-58 (-25.4 Units) against the money line against division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
SEATTLE is 107-153 (-44.2 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
SEATTLE is 79-109 (-25.0 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.
SEATTLE is 18-34 (-16.0 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
SEATTLE is 2-15 (-12.8 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season this season.
LA ANGELS are 22-8 (+11.9 Units) against the money line at home when the total is 7 or less over the last 2 seasons.
LA ANGELS are 31-11 (+16.6 Units) against the money line in home games against division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
WEAVER is 11-0 (+11.2 Units) against the money line in home games against division opponents over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
SEATTLE is 37-28 (+8.9 Units) against the money line when the total is 7 or less this season.
LA ANGELS are 91-99 (-20.3 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.
LA ANGELS are 64-75 (-21.4 Units) against the money line after a win over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
LA ANGELS is 6-3 (+2.2 Units) against SEATTLE this season
5 of 7 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+2.8 Units)

JASON VARGAS vs. LA ANGELS since 1997
VARGAS is 3-3 when starting against LA ANGELS with an ERA of 2.44 and a WHIP of 0.994.
His team's record is 4-4 (+1.3 units) in these starts. The OVER is 3-5. (-2.2 units)

JERED WEAVER vs. SEATTLE since 1997
WEAVER is 12-4 when starting against SEATTLE with an ERA of 3.28 and a WHIP of 1.187.
His team's record is 15-6 (+8.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 11-6. (+4.6 units)

MLB


Friday, August 5

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Trend Report
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2:20 PM
CINCINNATI vs. CHI CUBS
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Cincinnati's last 5 games when playing Chi Cubs
Cincinnati is 2-5 SU in its last 7 games on the road
Chi Cubs are 1-5 SU in their last 6 games when playing Cincinnati
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Chi Cubs's last 5 games when playing Cincinnati

7:05 PM
TORONTO vs. BALTIMORE
Toronto is 8-4 SU in its last 12 games when playing on the road against Baltimore
Toronto is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games on the road
Baltimore is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games
Baltimore is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games when playing at home against Toronto

7:05 PM
SAN DIEGO vs. PITTSBURGH
San Diego is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Pittsburgh
San Diego is 10-2 SU in its last 12 games when playing Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh is 1-7 SU in its last 8 games at home
Pittsburgh is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against San Diego

7:10 PM
OAKLAND vs. TAMPA BAY
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Oakland's last 7 games when playing on the road against Tampa Bay
Oakland is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Tampa Bay
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Tampa Bay's last 7 games when playing at home against Oakland
Tampa Bay is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games when playing at home against Oakland

7:10 PM
ATLANTA vs. NY METS
The total has gone OVER in 8 of Atlanta's last 11 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 10 of Atlanta's last 14 games when playing on the road against NY Mets
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of NY Mets's last 6 games at home
NY Mets are 2-5 SU in its last 7 games at home

7:10 PM
NY YANKEES vs. BOSTON
The total has gone OVER in 8 of NY Yankees's last 12 games when playing Boston
NY Yankees are 5-0 SU in their last 5 games
The total has gone OVER in 8 of Boston's last 9 games when playing at home against NY Yankees
The total has gone OVER in 8 of Boston's last 12 games when playing NY Yankees

7:10 PM
ST. LOUIS vs. FLORIDA
The total has gone OVER in 5 of St. Louis's last 5 games
St. Louis is 13-5 SU in its last 18 games when playing on the road against Florida
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Florida's last 7 games
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Florida's last 6 games at home

8:05 PM
MILWAUKEE vs. HOUSTON
Milwaukee is 8-1 SU in its last 9 games
Milwaukee is 2-8 SU in its last 10 games when playing on the road against Houston
Houston is 7-18 SU in its last 25 games at home
Houston is 8-2 SU in its last 10 games when playing at home against Milwaukee

8:05 PM
CLEVELAND vs. TEXAS
Cleveland is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games when playing Texas
Cleveland is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games on the road
Texas is 11-3 SU in its last 14 games at home
Texas is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing at home against Cleveland

8:10 PM
CHI WHITE SOX vs. MINNESOTA
The total has gone UNDER in 12 of Chi White Sox's last 17 games
Chi White Sox are 0-5 SU in their last 5 games
Minnesota is 10-1 SU in their last 11 games when playing Chi White Sox
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Minnesota's last 6 games

8:10 PM
DETROIT vs. KANSAS CITY
Detroit is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing Kansas City
Detroit is 8-4 SU in its last 12 games on the road
Kansas City is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games
Kansas City is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games when playing Detroit

8:40 PM
WASHINGTON vs. COLORADO
Washington is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games on the road
Washington is 1-7 SU in its last 8 games when playing on the road against Colorado
Colorado is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Colorado's last 9 games

9:40 PM
LA DODGERS vs. ARIZONA
The total has gone OVER in 4 of LA Dodgers's last 6 games when playing Arizona
The total has gone OVER in 4 of LA Dodgers's last 6 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Arizona's last 6 games when playing LA Dodgers
Arizona is 4-1 SU in their last 5 games when playing LA Dodgers

10:05 PM
SEATTLE vs. LA ANGELS
Seattle is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games
Seattle is 5-19 SU in its last 24 games
LA Angels are 6-3 SU in their last 9 games
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of LA Angels's last 10 games when playing Seattle

10:15 PM
PHILADELPHIA vs. SAN FRANCISCO
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Philadelphia's last 5 games when playing San Francisco
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Philadelphia's last 7 games on the road
San Francisco is 9-4 SU in its last 13 games when playing at home against Philadelphia
The total has gone UNDER in 8 of San Francisco's last 12 games at home

MLB


Friday, August 5

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Friday’s streaking and slumping starting pitchers
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STREAKING

Vance Worley (7-1, 2.33 ERA), Philadelphia Phillies

It doesn’t seem fair that a team with aces like Roy Halladay, Cliff Lee and Cole Hamels can trot out a fourth starter like this overachieving youngster. The Phillies are 10-2 in Worley’s 12 starts this season and the best part is you get the club at a discount price anytime he takes the bump.

Philly’s never been priced any than -185 with Worley on the mound, which is why he’s in the top 10 of Covers.com’s money pitcher list at +8.77 units.

Jeff Niemann (5-4, 3.51 ERA) Tampa Bay Rays

Niemann is dialed in these days. The imposing right-hander is 3-0 with a 1.06 ERA in his last five trips to the bump and the Rays are 5-2 in his last seven starts.

“He’s been outstanding the whole month,” Rays manager Joe Maddon told reporters after Niemann struck out 11 in six innings of scoreless ball in his last appearance. “It’s great to see him get back in this manner.”


SLUMPING

Aaron Harang (9-3, 3.76 ERA), San Diego Padres

The Padres are starting to see the Aaron Harang Cincinnati backers had grown to despise over the last couple seasons. After starting off the year on fire, Harang has come back down to earth.

He’s given up 10 earned runs in his last 11 2/3 innings pitched and the over is 6-1 in his last seven outings.

Nick Blackburn (7-8, 4.49 ERA), Minnesota Twins

A 20-6 loss isn’t one you can just shake off. Just ask Nick Blackburn. The Twins hurler was the starter pitcher in the massacre against the Rangers a couple weeks ago, giving up six runs on 11 hits in under three innings of work.

He surrendered six runs on 10 hits and five walks in just 4 1/3 innings’ work in his next trip to the mound. Total bettors will be happy to know the over is 6-1 in Blackburn’s last seven appearances.

MLB


Friday, August 5

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Hot lines: Friday’s best MLB bets
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New York Yankees at Boston Red Sox (-150, 9.5)

Top spot in the AL East is on the line again this weekend and the Yankees desperately need to make a stand against their rivals.

The Red Sox have won 13 of the last 16 meetings between the two clubs, including each of the last seven matchups.

But this could be the weekend New York snaps that trend. The Yankees are riding a hot streak and had won six straight games heading into Thursday night’s action. All of a sudden everybody in pinstripes seems to be hammering the cover off the ball.

“We’ve been swinging the bats collectively,” Yankees captain Derek Jeter said after Wednesday’s 18-7 blowout of the White Sox. “Guys are having good at-bats, hitting balls hard, finding holes. It’s not too often during the course of the season where it seems like everyone is swinging the bat well at the same time, but it’s been the case for us the last few days.”

The Yanks will be fired up for this one looking to start this series with a bang.

Pick: Yankees


Toronto Blue Jays at Baltimore Orioles (+105, 9.5)

The Blue Jays probably don’t have much of a shot at challenging the Yanks and BoSox for the division title at this point, but you have to like some of the pieces they have in place for the future.

One of those pieces is prospect Brett Lawrie, who was just called up from Triple-A Las Vegas Thursday. The third baseman will make his MLB debut Friday and he has definitely put the work in to deserve the promotion, leading the farm club with .353 batting average and 18 home runs.

"We wanted to find out about Brett Lawrie sooner rather than later," general manager Alex Anthopoulos said on a conference call. "We wanted to get him some August at-bats to get a little bit more of a read on him so he deserved to be up here.”

The move allows the team to start Lawrie at the hot corner while moving Jose Bautista back to right field, where he’s more comfortable. After a long wait in the minors, it’s going to be fun to see if the kid can stick with the big club.

Pick: Jays

CFL
Write-Up


Week 6

Edmonton (5-0) @ Winnipeg (4-1)-- Surprising Bombers trailed at half in three of their four wins- they outscored last two foes 41-14 in second half. Unbeaten Eskimos won last two games by combined total of six points; they lost twice to Winnipeg LY, 47-21 here, 16-13 at home. Four of five Winnipeg games, three of last four Edmonton games stayed under total. In preseason, no one saw this game as being this important.

Saskatchewan (1-4) @ BCLions (0-5)-- Hard to support winless Lions as favorite after they've been outscored 45-23 on second half of their last three games- they allowed 34-39 points in already losing twice as a home favorite. Roughriders are on road for third time in last four weeks- they allowed 24-22 points in last two games, after giving up 38 ppg in first three. Last three Saskatchewan games stayed under the total.

Hamilton (4-1) @ Calgary (3-2)-- TiCats off emotional upset of Als, are on three-game win streak, scoring 33-39-34 points after scoring 17 ppg in splitting first two games. Hamilton was held to 10 points in only loss, at unbeaten Edmonton. Stampeders won three of last four games, but the visitor is 5-0 in their games this season, with Stamps losing two games at home by 2-5 points. Four of five Calgary games stayed under total