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Last-Gasp Giants Face Colorado Rockies

San Francisco is 8-4 against the Colorado Rockies this year.
The San Francisco Giants are making a final attempt at a playoff spot when they continue their series with the Colorado Rockies on Saturday night.

First pitch from Coors Field in Denver will be at 8:10 p.m. (ET) and the MLB odds will be available soon. The pitching matchup is a couple of youngsters with Eric Surkamp against Drew Pomeranz.

The defending champion Giants (80-70) have won five straight, four at home and won this series opener on Thursday night, 8-5. Ryan Vogelsong got the win and third baseman Pablo Sandoval hit for the cycle.

The Friday night game is still pending with the visitors a 130 favorite behind Madison Bumgarner. Alex White was on the hill for Colorado and the total was nine runs.

San Fran trails upstart Arizona by seven games in the NL West with 12 to play. The teams do meet in the desert for three games beginning Sept. 23, but the Giants still need to go around 10-2 and hope for the Diamondbacks to freefall at 3-9. That would force a one-game playoff.

The Giants are also six games back of Atlanta in the wild-card, with St. Louis also a factor (4.5 games out).

Surkamp (2-0, 3.24 ERA) is making his fourth career start after getting called up to fill the fifth starter spot. Jonathan Sanchez (ankle) is doubtful to return this season, while Barry Zito was activated off the DL on Sunday, but should stick in the pen.

The 24-year-old lefty Surkamp has seen San Fran go 3-0 in his starts, home wins over San Diego and Houston and another one in San Diego. Those are two of the worst hitting teams in baseball, but it was still a solid start with six total earned runs over 16 2/3 innings.

One thing Surkamp hasn’t done is strikeout MLB hitters. His strikeout rate is just 3.24 after posting a 10.43 mark at the Double-A level. Pitching in hitter-friendly Coors Field will easily be the biggest challenge of the NC State product’s early career.

The Rockies (70-79) are putting the finishing touches on a disappointing season. Having just a 38-37 home record (-13.3 betting units), after averaging 51.5 wins there the last two seasons, is a big reason why.

Pomeranz (1-0, 1.00 ERA) is one of 13 Colorado pitchers to make a start this year. His lone outing came last Sunday at home against Cincinnati, five shutout innings (two hits) in a 4-1 win. That was after having an emergency appendectomy performed in August.

His fastball wasn’t overpowering at just 91 mph (two strikeouts), but he had an effective change-up. He had 119 strikeouts and 38 walks in 101 total minor league innings this year.

The 22-year-old lefty was acquired from Cleveland in the Ubaldo Jimenez trade. He was the centerpiece of the deal as the fifth overall pick in the 2010 draft out of Ole Miss.

San Francisco is 8-4 against Colorado this year, 3-3 on the road. The ‘over’ is 5-1 in those six away games.

The Giants are 36-36 away this year (-.8 units) and 19-9 in their last 28 road games against a lefty starter.

The ‘over’ is 5-1 in San Fran’s last six road games.

Colorado is 1-7 in its last eight home games against a team with a winning record. The ‘over’ is 12-4 in its last 16 at home overall.

Paul Schrieber will call balls and strikes. The Giants are 9-1 the last 10 games with him behind home plate.

Colorado could be missing its three best hitters in first baseman Todd Helton (back), shortstop Troy Tulowitzki (hip) and outfielder Carlos Gonzalez (wrist). Helton has the best chance to play and he’s just questionable.

Weather will be in the 60s with isolated thunderstorms. The series finale on Sunday will pit Matt Cain against Esmil Rogers.

Preview: Giants (81-70) at Rockies (70-80)

Game: 3
Venue: Coors Field
Date: September 17, 2011 8:10 PM EDT

The San Francisco Giants are starting to play like they're the defending World Series champions. Whether or not their hot streak will be enough to get them into the postseason again remains to be seen.

San Francisco looks for a seventh straight victory Saturday night when it faces the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field.

The Giants (81-70) pulled to within five games of wild card-leading Atlanta and to within six of NL West-leading Arizona with a 9-1 victory Friday.

Brandon Belt and Chris Stewart hit two-run homers, while Aubrey Huff had three hits.

"I've been saying this for the last week - we're hanging by a thread. But we're still alive," manager Bruce Bochy said. "We're coming out every day trying to win ball games and hopefully get some help."

San Francisco has been boosted by an offense which has suddenly found its groove. It's scored eight or more runs in four games during the winning streak despite having the second-worst batting average in the NL at .240.

However, the Giants likely will have to keep up the pace without Cody Ross.

Ross hit his 100th career homer with a solo shot in the fifth inning Friday, but he strained his right hamstring in the sixth while running to first after his RBI single. Bochy said he expects Ross to miss the next week.

The Giants still hope to test Rockies rookie Drew Pomeranz, who will be making his second career start.

Pomeranz made his much-anticipated debut Sunday, allowing two hits in five scoreless innings of a 4-1 victory over Cincinnati. The left-hander got a late start to the season after being traded to Colorado (70-80) from Cleveland in the Ubaldo Jimenez deal, since a drafted player cannot be dealt within a year of signing his first contract.

He didn't join Double-A Tulsa until Aug. 17, then underwent an appendectomy days later. He threw 10 scoreless innings in the minors before being promoted.

"He's a strike thrower," manager Jim Tracy told the Rockies' official website. "His delivery is very, very clean, and he has a quick arm. And a quick arm like that creates a lot of deception, not only for left-handed hitters but right-handed hitters - 91-92 (mph) looks much firmer because of that."

Pomeranz will be opposed by fellow rookie Eric Surkamp (2-0, 3.24 ERA), who isn't as highly touted as his counterpart but has made a name for himself in the short time he's been in San Francisco.

Surkamp, expected to contend for a full-time spot in the rotation next season, has put on quite an audition to this point. He allowed three runs in 5 2-3 innings of an 8-3 victory over San Diego on Monday.

The left-hander has won two starts during a stretch in which the Giants have won eight of 11.

He'll face a Colorado team which has dropped three of four and is dealing with an injury to one of its best hitters as well.

Carlos Gonzalez sat out Friday after suffering his third wrist injury of the season Thursday when he hit the wall chasing a fly ball. Gonzalez, hitting .295 with 26 homers and 92 RBIs in 127 games, isn't sure if he'll return this season.

"Who knows when I'm going to come back," Gonzalez said. "Let's see if I can do it before the season is over, because I want to finish strong and help the team to get at least back to .500."

The Giants have won 9 of 13 meetings this season.

CFL Betting Notes - Week 12

September 13, 2011

British Columbia’s 28-6 rout of Toronto as a 7 ½-point home favorite last Saturday and Saskatchewan’s 45-23 pounding of Winnipeg as a six-point road underdog completed the two-game sweep for these teams in the CFL’s home-and-home series over the past two weeks. It was a complete reversal of fortunes for two other teams as they successfully avenged a previous loss. Last Friday night, Calgary smothered Edmonton 30-20 as a three-point road favorite, and on Sunday, Montreal ran roughshod over Hamilton 43-13 as a five-point home favorite.
The following is brief preview of this week’s games with the opening point spread and ‘over/under’ lines as provided by TheGreek.com.

Friday, September 16

Edmonton Eskimos at Hamilton Tiger-Cats (-6 ½) Over/Under (51)

Edmonton’s loss last week dropped it one game in back of Calgary in the West Division with a 6-4 record straight-up (5-4 against the spread). The Eskimos are 3-2 on the road both SU and ATS and the total has stayed ‘under’ in seven of their last nine games. Hamilton now trails Winnipeg by two games in the East with a 5-5 SU record. The Tiger-Cats are 4-1 at home SU and 3-2 ATS and the total has gone ‘over’ in six of their last seven games.

These two teams met in Week 2 with the Eskimos rolling to a 28-10 victory as 1 ½-point home favorites. The total stayed ‘under’ the 53-point line. Edmonton is just 3-11 ATS in the last 14 meetings and the total has gone ‘over’ in seven of the last 10 games. Hamilton is ranked second in the league in scoring with 260 points, which is 51 points more than the Eskimos.

Saturday, September 17

Toronto Argonauts at Saskatchewan Roughriders (-8) Over/Under (51)

Toronto’s season is fading into oblivion with just one win in its last nine games. It is 4-6 ATS and the total has been evenly split at 5-5. Saskatchewan’s two straight wins over Winnipeg moved it to 3-7 SU on the year (3-7 ATS). It is just 1-4 SU at home this season (1-4 ATS) and the total has stayed ‘under’ in six of its last eight games.

The good news for the Argonauts is that their last win was a 24-18 victory over the Roughriders as three-point home favorites. The total stayed ‘under’ the 53 ½-point line. They are actually 5-2-1 ATS in the last eight meetings between the two and the total has stayed ‘under’ in the last three games. Toronto is ranked last in the CFL in points allowed; giving up an average of 29.1 points a game.

British Columbia Lions at Calgary Stampeders (-6) Over/Under (50 ½)

BC is currently in third-place in the East with an overall record of 4-6 SU (5-5 ATS). It is 2-3 SU on the road (3-2 ATS) and the total has stayed ‘under’ in its last six games. Calgary is 7-3 SU on the year and 5-4 ATS. It is 2-3 SU and ATS at home and the total has gone ‘over’ in three of its last four games.

The Stampeders squeaked out a 34-32 victory over the Lions in Week 2 as 2 ½-point road underdogs. The total went way ‘over’ the 54-point line. BC is now just 2-10 ATS in the last 12 meetings. The total has gone ‘over’ in three of the last four games. Calgary leads the league in total time of possession, holding the ball for an average of 34:13 minutes a game.

Sunday, September 18

Winnipeg Blue Bombers at Montreal Alouettes (-8 ½) Over/Under (52 ½)

Winnipeg still leads Montreal by a game in the East with an overall record of 7-3 SU (7-3 ATS). It is 3-1 SU and ATS on the road this season and the total has stayed ‘under’ in four of its last six games. The Alouettes are 6-4 SU and 5-5 ATS overall. They are 2-3 SU and ATS on the road and the total has gone ‘over’ in four of their last six games.

Montreal has won the last four games of this series SU including a three-game sweep last season. The total has gone ‘over’ in three of the last five meetings overall and in six of the last nine games played in Montreal. Alouettes’ quarterback Anthony Calvillo threw for 421 yards last week against Hamilton and leads the league in total passing yards with 3,100.

WNBA Playoff Preview - First Round

September 14, 2011


A look at the four first-round series in the WNBA playoffs, which start Thursday:

Indiana vs. New York

Season Series: Tied 2-2, with each time winning once on the road.

Indiana: The Fever finished with at least 21 victories for the sixth time in seven years. They lost six of their last nine, including the last two after clinching the top spot in conference. In that final stretch, Indiana went 0-5 against the East's other playoff teams, including a loss at New York last Friday night. The Fever again were led by perenial All-Star Tamika Catchings (15.5 ppg, 7.1 rpg, 3.5 apg, 2.0 spg) and Katie Douglas (13.9 ppg, 3.9 rpg, 2.8 apg). Jessica Davenport (10.7 ppg, 4.8 rpg) is a solid reserve. Erin Phillips (8.6 ppg, 2.4 apg) missed the last two games with a sprained left ankle but returned to practice this week. The Fever were fifth in scoring (77.8) and field-goal shooting (44 percent), and second in 3-point shooting (37.9 percent). Defensivley, Indiana was second in total steals (299) and allowed the third-fewest points (73.8), but was 10th in rebounding (31.6). Catchings averaged 18.3 points and 3.5 rebounds against New York and Douglas 17.5 points and 3.5 assists. Catchings also was slowed the last two weeks of the season with a sprained knee and missed the season finale.

New York: After an early stretch of winning six of seven, the Liberty struggled with inconsistency on the rest of the way. Defense has steadily improved in the first season under coach John Whisenant. The Liberty won six of their last 10 and could've moved up to the No. 2 seed in the East with a win at Connecticut on the final day. Cappie Pondexter (17.4 ppg, 4.7 apg, 4.1 rpg) was the catalyst on offense, and Plenette Pierson (12.9 ppg, 5.2 rpg) and Kia Vaughn (10.1 ppg, 6.7 rpg) keyed the defense in their first seasons as starters. Essence Carson (11.3 ppg) also had big games. The Liberty were eighth in scoring (76.2) and field-goal shooting (43 percent), and 10th in assists (15.7). New York was fourth in scoring defense (74.8), sixth in rebounding (33.8) and third in steals (8.4). Pondexter averaged 19.0 points against the Fever, and Carson 16.3 points and 2.3 rebounds. The Liberty beat the Fever in three games in the first round last year.

Prediction: New York in 3.

Connecticut vs. Atlanta

Season series: Tied 2-2, with the home team winning each matchup.

Connecticut: The Sun are back in the playoffs after a two-year absence, earning the conference's No. 2 seed with a win over New York on Sunday that tied them with Seattle for the league's best home record at 15-2. With seven players who began the season with less than three years' experience in the league, Connecticut is led by reigning Rookie of the Year Tina Charles (17.6 ppg, 11.0 rpg). The MVP contender was sixth in the league in scoring, tops in rebounding and second in total blocks (60). She also had 23 double-doubles, eclipsing the WNBA record she set last year. Charles is complemented by starters Renee Montgomery (14.6 ppg, 4.9 apg) and Asjha Jones (13.3 ppg, 6.4 rpg) and veteran reserve guard Kara Lawson (10.4 ppg, 2.9 apg, 2.6 rpg). The Sun were fourth in scoring (80.1) and third in rebounding (35.6), but 10th in field-goal shooting (42 percent) and seventh in 3-point shooting (36 percent). Charles averaged 15.0 ppg and 10.5 rpg against the Dream and Montgomery 15.8 ppg and 6.5 apg.

Atlanta: After a surprising run to the WNBA finals last year, the Dream got off to a 3-9 start this season before going 17-5 the rest of the way. Atlanta has improved every year since entering the league in 2008, going from four wins the first season to 14 in 2009, 15 a year ago and increasing that by five victories this year. The Dream earned the No. 3 seed in the East with a win at Indiana in the finale on Sunday, finishing as the only team in the East with a winning road record. Angel McCoughtry (21.6 ppg, 5.2 rpg, 2.5 apg) led the way, narrowly finishing second behind Phoenix's Diana Taurasi for the scoring title. Erika DeSouza (11.8 ppg, 7.5 rpg) and Lindsey Harding (10.5 ppg, 4.8 apg, 3.2 rpg) were also solid starters. Sancho Lyttle (10.0 ppg, 6.3 rpg) played well after missing the early part of the season with an injury and playing for Spain. Atlanta led the league with 317 steals, and was second in scoring (82.5) and rebounding (36.1), and third in shooting (35 percent). McCoughtry averaged 28.8 points and 7.5 rebounds against the Sun.

Prediction: Connecticut in 3.

Minnesota vs. San Antonio

Season series: Minnesota won 4-0.

Minnesota: The Lynx are in the postseason for the third time, and the first since 2004. Minnesota lost consecutive games just once - June 24th and 26th - and finished with the best record in franchise history, topping the previous best wins total by nine. The Lynx were the best road team in the league at 13-4 and finished 14-3 at home - just behind Seattle and Connecticut. Seimone Augustus (16.2 ppg, 3.5 rpg) was healthy again after missing significant time the last two seasons and is an MVP candidate along with Lindsay Whalen (13.6 ppg, 5.9 apg, 3.5 rpg). Rebekkah Brunson (10.2 ppg, 8.9 rpg) has been a big defensive presence and Maya Moore (13.2 ppg, 4.6 rpg, 2.6 apg) should win Rookie of the Year. The Lynx have been getting strong contributions from veteran center Taj McWilliams-Franklin (8.2 ppg, 6.0 rpg). Minnesota was third in scoring (81.5) while allowing the second-fewest points (73.1). The Lynx were the top rebounding team (36.5), and finished second in field-goal shooting (46 percent). Augustus and Whalen were right around their season averages against the Silver Stars, and Brunson averaged 12.0 rebounds.

San Antonio: The Silver Stars started 7-1 and finished 5-1. They struggled for consistency in between and had a rough stretch in which they lost 10 of 12. San Antonio was the only other team in the West with a winning road record (9-8). The Silver Stars, who reached the finals in 2008, are led by Becky Hammon (15.9 ppg, 5.8 apg) and Sophia Young (13.2 ppg, 6.4 rpg). Danielle Adams (12.4 ppg, 4.3 rpg) had a solid rookie season despite missing 11 games with a foot injury, and Jia Perkins (12.0, 3.5 rpg) has been a valuable veteran reserve. The Silver Stars were sixth in scoring (77.6) and fifth in scoring defense (75.5). However, they were also ninth in field-goal shooting (43.0 percent), eighth in field-goal shooting defense (42.7 percent), and 11th in rebounding (31.3). Hammon was held scoreless in one matchup against the Lynx, and averaged 13.0 ppg in the other three. She also averaged 6.5 assists in the four games.

Prediction: Minnesota in 2.

Seattle vs. Phoenix

Season series: Seattle won 3-1.

Seattle: The defending champions overcame the loss of three-time MVP Lauren Jackson for a 20-game stretch due to a hip injury. The Storm won eight of their last nine games, securing the No. 2 seed with a win against the Mercury last Friday. That also gave them a tie for the league's best home mark - 15-2 - one year after they went 17-0 en route to the WNBA title. The victory was Seattle's 10th in the last 11 meetings, including a sweep in the West finals last year. Sue Bird (14.7 ppg, 4.9 apg) led the offense in Jackson's absence, hitting several clutch shots. Jackson averaged 14.5 ppg and 5.0 rpg in eight games after returning. Swin Cash (13.3 ppg, 6.9 rpg), Tanisha Wright (10.1 ppg) and Camille Little (9.6 ppg, 5.2 rpg) round out a formidable starting lineup, and Katie Smith provides a veteran reserve presence. With Jackson out, the Storm finished 10th in scoring (71.7) and ninth in rebounding (31.7). However, they were tops in scoring defense (69.9) and third in field-goal shooting defense (41.8 percent). Bird averaged 17.5 ppg and 7.8 apg against the Mercury.

Phoenix: The Mercury had a stretch in which they won 10 of 11, then followed it by losing five of six. Phoenix, which won titles in 2007 and 2009, had a chance at the No. 2 seed after winning four of five down the stretch until the loss at Seattle last Friday gave it - and home-court advantage - to the Storm. Once again, the Mercury's high-octane offense is led by Diana Taurasi (21.6 ppg, 3.2 rpg, 3.6 apg), who won her fourth straight scoring title. Penny Taylor (16.7 ppg, 4.9 rpg, 4.7 apg) was seventh in scoring, but missed five of the last six games due to back spasms. Candice Dupree (14.6 ppg, 8.2 rpg) and DeWanna Bonner (10.7 ppg, 7.0 rpg) had strong seasons again, and Temeka Johnson added 6.4 ppg and 4.4 apg running the point. Phoenix led the league in scoring (89.0 ppg) for the fifth straight year. The Mercury were tops in field-goal shooting (46 percent), free-throw shooting (85 percent) and assists (19.2). Phoenix gave up a league-high 85.9 ppg, and was fourth in rebounding (35.1) and last in steals (6.6). Taurasi averaged 29.3 points against the Storm.

Prediction: Seattle in 3.

Saturday’s betting tips: UCLA dealing with big kicking issues

Who’s hot

NCAAF: Auburn has covered in eight of its last 10.

NCAAF: Maryland has covered in eight of its last 10 home games.

MLB: Cincinnati is 9-3 in its last 12 home games with Edinson Volquez on the mound.

CFL: Calgary is 10-2-1 against the spread in its last 13 meetings with British Columbia.

WNBA: Seattle is 7-1 against the spread in its last eight games against Phoenix.

Who’s not

NCAAF: Nebraska is just 2-6 against the spread in its last eight.

NCAAF: The over is 5-18 in Oklahoma State’s last 23 road games.

MLB: Minnesota is just 6-20 in its last 26 home games.

CFL: Saskatchewan is 7-19 against the spread against teams with a losing record.

WNBA: The over is 4-12 in New York’s last 16 home games.

Key stat

8.5 – So far this year in college football, just 8.5 percent of road underdogs have won outright (10-107).

Injury that shouldn’t be overlooked

Joe Mauer, Minnesota Twins – Mauer’s season has been cut short thanks to a case of pneumonia. The Twins announced the three-time batting champion won’t play again this season on Friday. Mauer ends up hitting just .287 with three homers and 30 RBIs in 87 games.

Game of the day

No. 1 Oklahoma at No. 5 Florida State (3, 55)

Notable quotable

"That was probably one of the worst feelings we had, losing that game, letting that atmosphere effect us. We were really disappointed and almost embarrassed. I feel like this attitude this week is different." Oklahoma linebacker Tom Wort on the team’s 36-27 loss at Missouri last season after the Sooners moved to No. 1 in the country. The No. 1 Sooners are set as 3-point favorites at No. 5 Florida State.

Notes and tips

UCLA coach Rick Neuheisel could have a major problem on his hands if Saturday’s game against Texas turns into a kicking battle. With two kickers banged up with injuries, UCLA soccer manager Alex Gonzalez has been practicing with the football team this week, while punter Jeff Locke has also practiced taking field goals attempts. The Bruins are set as 3.5-point home underdogs to No. 25 Texas.

The Houston Texans are expected to feed reigning NFL rushing champion Arian Foster a healthy dose of touches Sunday as he returns to action following a hamstring injury. Foster is still officially listed as questionable against Dolphins, but coach Gary Kubiak is talking about getting him 25 touches. The Texans are currently set as 3-point road favorites.

Kentucky running back Raymond Sanders is expected to miss the next 2-3 weeks with a knee injury. Sanders aggravated the injury in practice and opted for arthroscopic surgery on the knee, which took place Thursday morning. Sanders has 21 carries for 95 yards for the Wildcats so far this season. Rookie Josh Clemons, who has rushed for 165 yards and two touchdowns, will get the bulk of the carries in Sanders' absence. Kentucky is a 4.5-point home favorite against Louisville.

Armadillo: Saturday's six-pack

-- Jose Reyes stole his first base in his last 15 games Friday. Guy has been blatantly protecting his oft-injured hamstrings from another injury.

-- Evan Longoria has 47 RBI in his last 49 games.

-- Ryan Braun homered twice, became a 30-30 guy as the Brewers beat Cincinnati 6-3. Axford converted his 40th consecutive save.

-- Toledo lost 27-22 at Ohio State last week; last night, Boise State came to the Glass Bowl and drilled the Rockets 40-15. Impressive.

-- Carl Crawford this year: .249, .285 OB%, 60 runs, 17 SB, 462 AB
Desmond Jennings in '11: .293, .386 OB%, 36 runs, 17 SB, 198 AB

-- If I told you in April there would only be two cycles in the majors this year, and you could bet on who the two guys are, what do you think the odds on a George Kottaras-Pablo Sandoval quinella were?


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


Armadillo: Saturday's List of 13: Random stuff with the weekend here......

13) So my 85-year old dad gets in this football pool at a restaurant every year; he puts up $170, I pick the games, as in, all of them, all 256 (except for the Thursday games, so its more like 244). There are 245 freakin’ people in this pool, which makes it very, very hard to win (we finished tied for 3rd or 4th couple years ago).

Anyway, the fun part of this is on Friday, when I’ll ask him if he likes any games this week. He always says the same thing, an emphatic “NO!!! You pick the games. You follow this a lot more than I do.” Happens like clockwork. He’s like Kevin Pollak, who played Lt Weinberg in A Few Good Men...…”I have absolutely no responsibility here.”

12) The flip side of this usually occurs about 1:20 on Sunday afternoon, when one of his teams falls behind 10-3, and I hear “They stink. Why do we have them?” All of a sudden Mr Church Mouse goes Siskel & Ebert on the selections, and this goes on for the next six hours. High comedy, or something like that.

11) As an avid Ram fan, the sight of Bill Belichick makes me want to puke, since he is a cheating rascal who cost my team a second Super Bowl because he doesn’t follow the rules. That said, the first part of the NFL Films documentary on the Patriots’ coach is outstanding TV, and anyone who likes pro football should watch it.

Only two bad things about it: Belichick’s total lack of personality drags it down a little. If they had done this with Parcells or Herm Edwards, it would be off-the-charts amazing. Second thing missing: a description of how his childhood buddy Ernie Adams operates within the Patriot heirachy. The guy isn’t a football coach, but he’s on the headset with Belichick during games. Wonder what he’s doing?

10) Side note: It appears as if Belichick’s girlfriend is gorgeous. It doesn’t suck to be rich and/or famous. Or so I’m told.

9) So the US Postal Service lost $8.5B last year? I have no business acumen whatsoever, but I’m pretty sure I could keep them within $8B of breaking even. I’m just sayin’……

8) One of St John’s basketball players that the NCAA declared ineligible this week is a pitcher the Reds drafted in the 22nd round in June; apparently, he’s already signed a contract with them. Does this mean that Steve Lavin goes hunting for a junior college kid to fill out a roster spot, or is St John’s going to be really shorthanded this year, since their only good returning player (Dwayne Polee) transferred to San Diego State?

7) Oakland’s Brandon McCarthy is having a very good season; he is going to be one of the more interesting free agent pitchers this winter, especially if he is smart and goes to a bigger ballpark in the NL (St Louis-San Diego-Mets).

6) Only 11 days left in baseball season, and the Brewers are still unbeaten (13-0) when Zack Greinke starts at home.

5) Mirage and Hilton out in Las Vegas paid off both ends of the Utah-USC debacle last week, when the official final score changed two hours after the game ended. Supposedly the Mirage lost over $100,000 on the game, when a blocked FG for a USC TD on the last play of the game changed the gambling outcome.

4) Red Sox used seven pitchers in Thursday’s ugly loss to Tampa Bay; of the seven, only the forgettable Matt Albers started season with Boston.

3) Right at the end of spring training, I read an article that said that every major league scout polled claimed that the Bronx Bombers would finish ahead of Boston this season. Wish I had saved the article now, but those inside the game didn’t like this Red Sox team that much back in March.

2) Vince Lombardi’s grandson is the Saints’ QB coach. Its like being Billy Joel’s piano coach, not tough duty (unless Drew Brees gets hurt). How does this guy not work for the Packers?

1) So with 245 people in my dad’s football pool (at $170 a pop, prize pool of $41,650), it bears noting that there are 517 people (at $1,500 a pop) in the Hilton Handicapping Contest, probably the most prestigious one in America. You have to actually go to Las Vegas to enter the contest and plunk down your money.

You only pick five games a week against the spread. I like that part a lot. The prize pool is almost $800,000. I wouldn’t mind collecting the interest that cash generates from September-January.

CFL
Dunkel


Week 12

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 17

Game 293-294: Toronto at Saskatchewan (4:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Toronto 107.625; Saskatchewan 112.199
Dunkel Line: Saskatchewan by 4 1/2; 54
Vegas Line: Saskatchewan by 7; 50 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Toronto (+7); Over

Game 295-296: BC at Calgary (7:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: BC 116.631; Calgary 116.423
Dunkel Line: Even; 53
Vegas Line: Calgary by 5; 50 1/2
Dunkel Pick: BC (+5); Over

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 18

Game 297-298: Winnipeg at Montreal (1:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Winnipeg 112.821; Montreal 117.881
Dunkel Line: Montreal by 5; 50
Vegas Line: Montreal by 8; 52 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Winnipeg (+8); Under




CFL
Long Sheet


Week 12

Saturday, September 17

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TORONTO (2 - 8) at SASKATCHEWAN (3 - 7) - 9/17/2011, 4:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
TORONTO is 8-18 ATS (-11.8 Units) when playing with 6 or less days rest over the last 3 seasons.
SASKATCHEWAN is 25-11 ATS (+12.9 Units) in home games in September games since 1996.
SASKATCHEWAN is 87-56 ATS (+25.4 Units) revenging a loss versus opponent since 1996.
SASKATCHEWAN is 3-11 ATS (-9.1 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
SASKATCHEWAN is 2-2 against the spread versus TORONTO over the last 3 seasons
SASKATCHEWAN is 3-2 straight up against TORONTO over the last 3 seasons
3 of 5 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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BRITISH COLUMBIA (4 - 6) at CALGARY (7 - 3) - 9/17/2011, 7:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
CALGARY is 10-2 ATS (+7.8 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.
BRITISH COLUMBIA is 11-3 ATS (+7.7 Units) as an underdog of 3.5 to 9.5 points over the last 3 seasons.
BRITISH COLUMBIA is 72-49 ATS (+18.1 Units) as an underdog since 1996.
BRITISH COLUMBIA is 7-0 ATS (+7.0 Units) as a road underdog of 3.5 to 7 points over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
CALGARY is 6-2 against the spread versus BRITISH COLUMBIA over the last 3 seasons
CALGARY is 6-2 straight up against BRITISH COLUMBIA over the last 3 seasons
3 of 6 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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

Sunday, September 18

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

WINNIPEG (7 - 3) at MONTREAL (6 - 4) - 9/18/2011, 1:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
WINNIPEG is 10-1 ATS (+8.9 Units) as an underdog of 3.5 to 9.5 points over the last 2 seasons.
WINNIPEG is 14-5 ATS (+8.5 Units) as an underdog over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
MONTREAL is 4-3 against the spread versus WINNIPEG over the last 3 seasons
MONTREAL is 6-1 straight up against WINNIPEG over the last 3 seasons
4 of 6 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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




CFL
Armadillo's Write-Up


Week 12

Toronto (2-8) @ Saskatchewan (3-7)-- Roughriders (+2.5) lost 24-18 at Toronto three weeks ago, at which point they were 1-7; a bye, coaching change and two upset wins over Winnipeg later, and Riders are hoping to make playoffs again. Argos lost last five road games, by 6-23-1-5-22 points- they're 3-3 as a road dog. Saskatchewan is favored this week for first time since its season opener. Last three Toronto games and six of last eight Roughrider games stayed under the total.

BCLions (4-6) @ Calgary (7-3)-- Stampeders (+1.5) upset Lions 34-32 back in Week 2, despite turning ball over five times; Calgary won five of last six games- they're 2-3 as home favorites, with wins by 12-7 points. Lions won four of last five games after 0-5 start; they allowed just 7.7 ppg in winning last three games. Calgary is 6-0 when it scores more than 21 points, 1-3 when it doesn't. Last six BC games stayed under the total. Lions allowed 16 or less points in their wins, 25+ in their losses.

Winnipeg (7-3) @ Montreal (6-4)-- Dogs are 8-2 against spread this year in Winnipeg games; Bombers got whacked 27-7/45-23 in last two games by Saskatchewan squad that had been 1-7. Winnipeg won three of four road games- they're 3-0 as a road underdog. Alouettes won four of their five home games- they're 3-2 as home favorite, winning home games by 4-23-23-30 points. Under is 7-3 in Winnipeg games, 3-1 on road; over is 7-3 in Montreal games, but only 2-3 at home.




CFL


Week 12

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

Saturday, September 17

4:00 PM
TORONTO vs. SASKATCHEWAN
Toronto is 4-0-1 ATS in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Saskatchewan
Toronto is 2-5 SU in its last 7 games when playing Saskatchewan
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Saskatchewan's last 8 games at home
Saskatchewan is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games at home

7:00 PM
BRITISH COLUMBIA vs. CALGARY
British Columbia is 2-4-1 SU in its last 7 games ,when playing on the road against Calgary
British Columbia is 2-10 SU in its last 12 games when playing Calgary
Calgary is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games when playing at home against British Columbia
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Calgary's last 6 games when playing at home against British Columbia


Sunday, September 18

1:00 PM
WINNIPEG vs. MONTREAL
Winnipeg is 3-11 SU in its last 14 games on the road
Winnipeg is 4-8 ATS in its last 12 games when playing Montreal
Montreal is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games when playing Winnipeg
Montreal is 8-4 SU in its last 12 games


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




CFL


Week 12

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Canadian bacon: CFL Week 12 betting preview and picks
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Toronto Argonauts at Saskatchewan Roughriders (-7, 50.5)

The return of Andy Fantuz didn’t produce a bang but the Roughriders kept rolling nonetheless. Despite resting for a few days and missing practices, MLB Barrin Simpson will play. Same goes for RB Wes Cates, who was also granted a day off.

Toronto's QB change didn’t turn things around, even if Steven Jyles has nowhere to go but up after Cleo Lemon. The acquisition of WR Preachae Rodriguez will bring more vertical plays but that isn’t enough to make this team competitive.

In the past, Jyles has proven inconsistent and is with his fourth team in six seasons. The Argos offense is the worst in the league with an average of 19.8 points per game while their defense is giving up 28 points per game.

Another revealing stat: The Argos have scored only 12 touchdowns in 25 trips inside their opponents’ 20-yard line. Plus, they haven’t scored a TD since the third quarter of their game against Saskatchewan on August 18. That’s more than 140 minutes of football without a major.

Pick: Saskatchewan


B.C. Lions at Calgary Stampeders (-4.5, 50.5)

The Lions have had a terrible start but they can put themselves back in the thick of a pennant race by playing six of their next eight games against West Division rivals.

Geroy Simon, the second-best receiver in the CFL behind Montreal’s Jamal Richardson, has 812 yards and is heading towards a ninth-consecutive 1,000-yard season.

The Stampeders offense, led by Henry Burris, can still light up the scoreboard even without receiver Jabari Arthur (thigh) and it will be interesting to see how it fares against a stout B.C. defense that gave up no touchdowns and only 23 points in its last three games.

Besides Arthur, linebacker Brandon Isaac (groin) and DE Charleston Hughes should be out of the Stampeders lineup. The good news for Calgary is that LBs Juwan Simpson and Malik Jackson should play after nursing injuries.

The Leos defense has multiple threats up front and a strong secondary, but most importantly features MLB Solomon Elimimian, who can already be considered the best defensive player of the CFL. He leads the league with 62 tackles.

Also keep in mind that the Lions won in their two visits to McMahon Stadium last season.

Pick: B.C.


Winnipeg Blue Bombers at Montreal Alouettes (-7.5, 52.5)

Injuries are taking their toll on the Blue Bombers, who will have to go on without MLB Joe Lobendahn (knee) for the remainder of the season. Quarterback Buck Pierce (ribs) could miss Sunday’s game, which would bring substitute Alex Brink under center. Young receiver Kito Poblah (shoulder) won’t play either against the Alouettes.

Those injuries aren’t the only concerns for Winnipeg, which just can’t seem to run the ball and has coughed up 10 turnovers in the past two games. Those losses of possession resulted in a 72-30 stomping in the Banjo Bowl - a cold shower for Winnipeg fans who love to brag about “Swaggerville”.

The Alouettes seem back on track after a few bumps, despite the numerous casualties on defense. Although, Seth Williams and Marc-Olivier Brouillette, both off the nine-game injured list, have stepped up nicely.

Pick: Montreal

CFL
Dunkel


Week 12

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 17

Game 293-294: Toronto at Saskatchewan (4:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Toronto 107.625; Saskatchewan 112.199
Dunkel Line: Saskatchewan by 4 1/2; 54
Vegas Line: Saskatchewan by 7; 50 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Toronto (+7); Over

Game 295-296: BC at Calgary (7:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: BC 116.631; Calgary 116.423
Dunkel Line: Even; 53
Vegas Line: Calgary by 5; 50 1/2
Dunkel Pick: BC (+5); Over

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 18

Game 297-298: Winnipeg at Montreal (1:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Winnipeg 112.821; Montreal 117.881
Dunkel Line: Montreal by 5; 50
Vegas Line: Montreal by 8; 52 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Winnipeg (+8); Under




CFL
Long Sheet


Week 12

Saturday, September 17

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

TORONTO (2 - 8) at SASKATCHEWAN (3 - 7) - 9/17/2011, 4:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
TORONTO is 8-18 ATS (-11.8 Units) when playing with 6 or less days rest over the last 3 seasons.
SASKATCHEWAN is 25-11 ATS (+12.9 Units) in home games in September games since 1996.
SASKATCHEWAN is 87-56 ATS (+25.4 Units) revenging a loss versus opponent since 1996.
SASKATCHEWAN is 3-11 ATS (-9.1 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
SASKATCHEWAN is 2-2 against the spread versus TORONTO over the last 3 seasons
SASKATCHEWAN is 3-2 straight up against TORONTO over the last 3 seasons
3 of 5 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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

BRITISH COLUMBIA (4 - 6) at CALGARY (7 - 3) - 9/17/2011, 7:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
CALGARY is 10-2 ATS (+7.8 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.
BRITISH COLUMBIA is 11-3 ATS (+7.7 Units) as an underdog of 3.5 to 9.5 points over the last 3 seasons.
BRITISH COLUMBIA is 72-49 ATS (+18.1 Units) as an underdog since 1996.
BRITISH COLUMBIA is 7-0 ATS (+7.0 Units) as a road underdog of 3.5 to 7 points over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
CALGARY is 6-2 against the spread versus BRITISH COLUMBIA over the last 3 seasons
CALGARY is 6-2 straight up against BRITISH COLUMBIA over the last 3 seasons
3 of 6 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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

Sunday, September 18

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

WINNIPEG (7 - 3) at MONTREAL (6 - 4) - 9/18/2011, 1:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
WINNIPEG is 10-1 ATS (+8.9 Units) as an underdog of 3.5 to 9.5 points over the last 2 seasons.
WINNIPEG is 14-5 ATS (+8.5 Units) as an underdog over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
MONTREAL is 4-3 against the spread versus WINNIPEG over the last 3 seasons
MONTREAL is 6-1 straight up against WINNIPEG over the last 3 seasons
4 of 6 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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




CFL
Armadillo's Write-Up


Week 12

Toronto (2-8) @ Saskatchewan (3-7)-- Roughriders (+2.5) lost 24-18 at Toronto three weeks ago, at which point they were 1-7; a bye, coaching change and two upset wins over Winnipeg later, and Riders are hoping to make playoffs again. Argos lost last five road games, by 6-23-1-5-22 points- they're 3-3 as a road dog. Saskatchewan is favored this week for first time since its season opener. Last three Toronto games and six of last eight Roughrider games stayed under the total.

BCLions (4-6) @ Calgary (7-3)-- Stampeders (+1.5) upset Lions 34-32 back in Week 2, despite turning ball over five times; Calgary won five of last six games- they're 2-3 as home favorites, with wins by 12-7 points. Lions won four of last five games after 0-5 start; they allowed just 7.7 ppg in winning last three games. Calgary is 6-0 when it scores more than 21 points, 1-3 when it doesn't. Last six BC games stayed under the total. Lions allowed 16 or less points in their wins, 25+ in their losses.

Winnipeg (7-3) @ Montreal (6-4)-- Dogs are 8-2 against spread this year in Winnipeg games; Bombers got whacked 27-7/45-23 in last two games by Saskatchewan squad that had been 1-7. Winnipeg won three of four road games- they're 3-0 as a road underdog. Alouettes won four of their five home games- they're 3-2 as home favorite, winning home games by 4-23-23-30 points. Under is 7-3 in Winnipeg games, 3-1 on road; over is 7-3 in Montreal games, but only 2-3 at home.




CFL


Week 12

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

Saturday, September 17

4:00 PM
TORONTO vs. SASKATCHEWAN
Toronto is 4-0-1 ATS in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Saskatchewan
Toronto is 2-5 SU in its last 7 games when playing Saskatchewan
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Saskatchewan's last 8 games at home
Saskatchewan is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games at home

7:00 PM
BRITISH COLUMBIA vs. CALGARY
British Columbia is 2-4-1 SU in its last 7 games ,when playing on the road against Calgary
British Columbia is 2-10 SU in its last 12 games when playing Calgary
Calgary is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games when playing at home against British Columbia
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Calgary's last 6 games when playing at home against British Columbia


Sunday, September 18

1:00 PM
WINNIPEG vs. MONTREAL
Winnipeg is 3-11 SU in its last 14 games on the road
Winnipeg is 4-8 ATS in its last 12 games when playing Montreal
Montreal is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games when playing Winnipeg
Montreal is 8-4 SU in its last 12 games


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




CFL


Week 12

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Canadian bacon: CFL Week 12 betting preview and picks
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Toronto Argonauts at Saskatchewan Roughriders (-7, 50.5)

The return of Andy Fantuz didn’t produce a bang but the Roughriders kept rolling nonetheless. Despite resting for a few days and missing practices, MLB Barrin Simpson will play. Same goes for RB Wes Cates, who was also granted a day off.

Toronto's QB change didn’t turn things around, even if Steven Jyles has nowhere to go but up after Cleo Lemon. The acquisition of WR Preachae Rodriguez will bring more vertical plays but that isn’t enough to make this team competitive.

In the past, Jyles has proven inconsistent and is with his fourth team in six seasons. The Argos offense is the worst in the league with an average of 19.8 points per game while their defense is giving up 28 points per game.

Another revealing stat: The Argos have scored only 12 touchdowns in 25 trips inside their opponents’ 20-yard line. Plus, they haven’t scored a TD since the third quarter of their game against Saskatchewan on August 18. That’s more than 140 minutes of football without a major.

Pick: Saskatchewan


B.C. Lions at Calgary Stampeders (-4.5, 50.5)

The Lions have had a terrible start but they can put themselves back in the thick of a pennant race by playing six of their next eight games against West Division rivals.

Geroy Simon, the second-best receiver in the CFL behind Montreal’s Jamal Richardson, has 812 yards and is heading towards a ninth-consecutive 1,000-yard season.

The Stampeders offense, led by Henry Burris, can still light up the scoreboard even without receiver Jabari Arthur (thigh) and it will be interesting to see how it fares against a stout B.C. defense that gave up no touchdowns and only 23 points in its last three games.

Besides Arthur, linebacker Brandon Isaac (groin) and DE Charleston Hughes should be out of the Stampeders lineup. The good news for Calgary is that LBs Juwan Simpson and Malik Jackson should play after nursing injuries.

The Leos defense has multiple threats up front and a strong secondary, but most importantly features MLB Solomon Elimimian, who can already be considered the best defensive player of the CFL. He leads the league with 62 tackles.

Also keep in mind that the Lions won in their two visits to McMahon Stadium last season.

Pick: B.C.


Winnipeg Blue Bombers at Montreal Alouettes (-7.5, 52.5)

Injuries are taking their toll on the Blue Bombers, who will have to go on without MLB Joe Lobendahn (knee) for the remainder of the season. Quarterback Buck Pierce (ribs) could miss Sunday’s game, which would bring substitute Alex Brink under center. Young receiver Kito Poblah (shoulder) won’t play either against the Alouettes.

Those injuries aren’t the only concerns for Winnipeg, which just can’t seem to run the ball and has coughed up 10 turnovers in the past two games. Those losses of possession resulted in a 72-30 stomping in the Banjo Bowl - a cold shower for Winnipeg fans who love to brag about “Swaggerville”.

The Alouettes seem back on track after a few bumps, despite the numerous casualties on defense. Although, Seth Williams and Marc-Olivier Brouillette, both off the nine-game injured list, have stepped up nicely.

Pick: Montreal

WNBA
Long Sheet


Saturday, September 17

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

INDIANA (22 - 13) at NEW YORK (19 - 16) - 9/17/2011, 4:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
INDIANA is 75-111 ATS (-47.1 Units) as an underdog since 1997.
INDIANA is 26-45 ATS (-23.5 Units) as a road underdog of 3.5 to 6 points since 1997.
INDIANA is 51-75 ATS (-31.5 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record after 15+ games since 1997.

Head-to-Head Series History
INDIANA is 8-7 against the spread versus NEW YORK over the last 3 seasons
INDIANA is 9-6 straight up against NEW YORK over the last 3 seasons
10 of 15 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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

SEATTLE (22 - 13) at PHOENIX (19 - 16) - 9/17/2011, 10:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
PHOENIX is 30-17 ATS (+11.3 Units) revenging a loss versus opponent over the last 3 seasons.
SEATTLE is 31-15 ATS (+14.5 Units) vs. division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
SEATTLE is 31-19 ATS (+10.1 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 77+ points/game over the last 2 seasons.
PHOENIX is 7-15 ATS (-9.5 Units) vs. division opponents this season.
PHOENIX is 10-19 ATS (-10.9 Units) in home games after a division game over the last 2 seasons.
PHOENIX is 2-8 ATS (-6.8 Units) in home games when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
PHOENIX is 3-10 ATS (-8.0 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record after 15+ games this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
SEATTLE is 11-4 against the spread versus PHOENIX over the last 3 seasons
SEATTLE is 12-4 straight up against PHOENIX over the last 3 seasons
8 of 15 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

WNBA
Dunkel


Indiana at New York
The Liberty look to build on their 8-2 ATS record in their last 10 conference semifinal games. New York is the pick (-3 1/2) according to Dunkel, which has the Liberty favored by 5. Dunkel Pick: New York (-3 1/2). Here are all of today's picks

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 17

Game 659-660: Indiana at New York (4:05 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Indiana 111.694; New York 116.705
Dunkel Line & Total: New York by 5; 144
Vegas Line & Total: New York by 3 1/2; 147
Dunkel Pick: New York (-3 1/2); Under

Game 661-662: Seattle at Phoenix (10:05 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Seattle 115.160; Phoenix 114.677
Dunkel Line & Total: Even; 163
Vegas Line & Total: Phoenix by 3; 160 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Seattle (+3); Over




WNBA


Saturday, September 17

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

4:00 PM
INDIANA vs. NEW YORK
Indiana is 2-4-1 ATS in its last 7 games on the road
Indiana is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 5 of New York's last 6 games when playing Indiana
New York is 7-15 SU in its last 22 games when playing Indiana

10:00 PM
SEATTLE vs. PHOENIX
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Seattle's last 5 games when playing Phoenix
Seattle is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Phoenix
Phoenix is 1-11 SU in its last 12 games when playing Seattle
Phoenix is 0-4-1 ATS in its last 5 games when playing Seattle

MLB


Saturday, September 17

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Saturday's streaking and slumping starting pitchers
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Streaking

Jeanmar Gomez, Cleveland Indians (3-2, 3.95 ERA)

Gomez has quietly put together three consecutive wins, boast a 1.59 ERA during those victories to rebound from a tough start. He hasn’t struck out more than four batters in any of his starts this year, but his control has been great with just eight walks in 41 innings pitched to date. Another stat to consider: he hasn’t thrown 100 pitches in a start this season either.

Eric Surkamp, San Francisco Giants (2-0, 3.24 ERA)

Surkamp has made quite the impression on the Giants, helping the club to victories in his first three big-league starts. He’s a finesse guy that won’t strike out a lot of guys, but at 6-foot-4 with a devastating curve, he could be a guy to keep an eye on. He faces off against the Rockies, a team the Giants have beaten in 12 of their last 17 meetings.


Slumping

Tim Hudson, Atlanta Braves (14-10, 3.32 ERA)

For the most part, Hudson has been solid for the Braves this season, but he looks to be wilting down the stretch. He has lost three of his last four outings, posting a 5.55 ERA during the skid. He was drilled for six runs over six innings in a 6-3 loss at St. Louis his last time out and has issued six walks over his last pair of starts.

Anthony Vasquez, Seattle Mariners (1-3, 7.29 ERA)

Maybe we’re being a little tough on the rook, but the numbers don’t lie. He has lost his last three starts and has a fat 6.89 ERA with only six strikeouts over that span. The good news is that he gave up just a pair of runs over six innings in a 2-1 loss to K.C. last week.

"Once I kind of settled in, I was as comfortable as I've felt since I've been here," Vasquez told reporters after that start. "It kind of goes back to the confidence and approach that I had in the minor leagues. That was great to just have some success under my belt those few innings."


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




MLB


Saturday, September 17

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Hot lines: Saturday's best MLB bets
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Florida Marlins at Washington Nationals (-225, 7.5)

After losing sensation Stephen Strasburg for a year to injury already, you’d better believe the Nationals are going to keep him on a tight leash for the rest of the season.

He was great in his first start of the year, firing five shutout innings against the Dodgers while striking out four and walking none earlier this month. Then he looked like he was just settling in during his last start when manager Davey Johnson gave him the hook.

“He has my best interests at heart, and I trust him 100 percent,” Strasburg told reporters after giving up a single earned run over three innings while striking out four Astros. “I’m going to go out there until he says I’m done, and today he said I was done in the third.”

He’s probably only going to get about 55 pitches again this time around, leaving plenty of time for the bullpen to blow it for him.

We’re rooting for the kid, but this line is outrageous with Chris Volstad going for Florida.

Pick: Marlins


Houston Astros at Chicago Cubs (-145, N/A)

The Chicago Cubs have a chance to send the Houston Astros into their franchise record books – and Houston wants no part of it.

The Astros are one loss away from reaching 100 defeats for the first time in team history after Marlon Byrd drove in the winning run in the 12th inning with an infield hit, giving the Cubs a 4-3 victory. The loss spoiled a great performance by Carlos Lee, who smacked a pair of dingers in the losing cause.

The Cubs have now won five of the last seven meetings between the two teams and as we all know by now, the Astros are absolutely terrible on the road. Still, this price doesn’t reflect the matchup.

We see this pitching matchup of Henry Sosa against Rodrigo Lopez as a wash, but Lopez did serve up four jacks in his last trip to the hill. We’ll take a chance on the Astros to avoid their 100th loss for at least another day.

Pick: Astros

MLB
Dunkel


NY Mets at Atlanta
The Mets look to follow up on yesterday's 12-2 win and take advantage of an Atlanta team that is 2-8 in Tim Hudson's last 10 starts following a team loss in the previous game. New York is the pick (+150) according to Dunkel, which has the Mets favored by 1. Dunkel Pick: NY Mets (+150). Here are all of today's picks.

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 17

Game 951-952: Houston at Chicago Cubs (1:05 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Houston (Sosa) 14.826; Cubs (Lopez) 14.449
Dunkel Line: Houston by 1/2; 7
Vegas Line: Chicago Cubs (-140); No Run Total
Dunkel Pick: Houston (+120); N/A

Game 953-954: St. Louis at Philadelphia (7:05 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: St. Louis (Westbrook) 14.749; Philadelphia (Oswalt) 16.375
Dunkel Line: Philadelphia by 1 1/2; 9
Vegas Line: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A

Game 955-956: Florida at Washington (7:05 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Florida (Volstad) 14.253; Washington (Strasburg) 15.439
Dunkel Line: Washington by 1; 8
Vegas Line: Washington (-225); 7 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Washington (-225); Over

Game 957-958: NY Mets at Atlanta (4:10 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: NY Mets (Dickey) 15.186; Atlanta (Hudson) 14.182
Dunkel Line: NY Mets by 1; 7
Vegas Line: Atlanta (-170); 7 1/2
Dunkel Pick: NY Mets (+150); Under

Game 959-960: Milwaukee at Cincinnati (7:10 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Milwaukee (Gallardo) 14.200; Cincinnati (Volquez) 15.530
Dunkel Line: Cincinnati by 1 1/2; 9
Vegas Line: Milwaukee (-130); 8 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Cincinnati (+110); Over

Game 961-962: San Francisco at Colorado (8:10 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: San Francisco (Surkamp) 15.743; Colorado (Pomeranz) 15.985
Dunkel Line: Colorado by 1/2; 9
Vegas Line: Colorado (-125); 9 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Colorado (-125); Under

Game 963-964: Arizona at San Diego (8:35 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Arizona (Collmenter) 15.409; San Diego (LeBlanc) 14.779
Dunkel Line: Arizona by 1/2; 7 1/2
Vegas Line: Arizona (-150); 7
Dunkel Pick: Arizona (-150); Over

Game 965-966: Pittsburgh at LA Dodgers (10:10 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Pittsburgh (McDonald) 15.072; LA Dodgers (Lilly) 14.086
Dunkel Line: Pittsburgh by 1; 6
Vegas Line: LA Dodgers (-160); 7
Dunkel Pick: Pittsburgh (+140); Under

Game 967-968: NY Yankees at Toronto (1:07 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: NY Yankees (Colon) 15.318; Toronto (Alvarez) 16.295
Dunkel Line: Toronto by 1; 8 1/2
Vegas Line: NY Yankees (-150); 9
Dunkel Pick: Toronto (+130); Under

Game 969-970: Cleveland at Minnesota (1:10 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Cleveland (Gomez) 14.550; Minnesota (Swarzak) 15.507
Dunkel Line: Minnesota by 1; 9
Vegas Line: Minnesota (-120); 8 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Minnesota (-120); Over

Game 971-972: Detroit at Oakland (4:05 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Detroit (Porcello) 16.109; Oakland (Gonzalez) 15.404
Dunkel Line: Detroit by 1/2; 6
Vegas Line: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A

Game 973-974: LA Angels at Baltimore (7:05 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: LA Angels (Santana) 15.683; Baltimore (Britton) 16.807
Dunkel Line: Baltimore by 1; 10
Vegas Line: LA Angels (-160); 9
Dunkel Pick: Baltimore (+140); Over

Game 975-976: Chicago White Sox at Kansas City (7:10 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: White Sox (Stewart) 13.628; Kansas City (Teaford) 15.636
Dunkel Line: Kansas City by 2; 8 1/2
Vegas Line: Kansas City (-140); 9
Dunkel Pick: Kansas City (-140); Under

Game 977-978: Tampa Bay at Boston (4:10 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Tampa Bay (Niemann) 15.870; Boston (Lester) 14.865
Dunkel Line: Tampa Bay by 1; 9
Vegas Line: Boston (-165); 8 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Tampa Bay (+145); Over

Game 979-980: Texas at Seattle (7:10 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Texas (Lewis) 16.925; Seattle (Vasquez) 15.205
Dunkel Line: Texas by 1 1/2; 9
Vegas Line: Texas (-195); 8
Dunkel Pick: Texas (-195); Over

MLB


Saturday, September 17


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

1:05 PM
HOUSTON vs. CHI CUBS
The total has gone UNDER in 8 of Houston's last 11 games when playing on the road against Chi Cubs
Houston is 4-9 SU in its last 13 games
The total has gone UNDER in 8 of Chi Cubs's last 11 games when playing at home against Houston
Chi Cubs are 4-1 SU in their last 5 games when playing at home against Houston

1:07 PM
NY YANKEES vs. TORONTO
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of NY Yankees's last 6 games when playing on the road against Toronto
NY Yankees are 5-1 SU in their last 6 games when playing Toronto
Toronto is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games
Toronto is 1-5 SU in their last 6 games when playing NY Yankees

1:10 PM
CLEVELAND vs. MINNESOTA
Cleveland is 3-8 SU in its last 11 games when playing on the road against Minnesota
The total has gone OVER in 8 of Cleveland's last 9 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Minnesota's last 9 games when playing Cleveland
Minnesota is 2-11 SU in its last 13 games at home

4:10 PM
DETROIT vs. OAKLAND
Detroit is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games when playing Oakland
The total has gone UNDER in 10 of Detroit's last 14 games when playing on the road against Oakland
Oakland is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games when playing Detroit
Oakland is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games

4:10 PM
TAMPA BAY vs. BOSTON
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Tampa Bay's last 9 games when playing Boston
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Tampa Bay's last 5 games
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Boston's last 9 games when playing Tampa Bay
Boston is 1-6 SU in its last 7 games when playing Tampa Bay

4:10 PM
NY METS vs. ATLANTA
NY Mets are 1-6 SU in its last 7 games
The total has gone OVER in 11 of NY Mets's last 13 games on the road
Atlanta is 2-5 SU in its last 7 games
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Atlanta's last 9 games when playing at home against NY Mets

7:05 PM
ST. LOUIS vs. PHILADELPHIA
St. Louis is 2-5 SU in its last 7 games when playing on the road against Philadelphia
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of St. Louis's last 5 games when playing on the road against Philadelphia
Philadelphia is 14-6 SU in its last 20 games
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Philadelphia's last 5 games

7:05 PM
LA ANGELS vs. BALTIMORE
The total has gone OVER in 4 of LA Angels's last 5 games
The total has gone OVER in 10 of LA Angels's last 13 games on the road
Baltimore is 5-2 SU in their last 7 games when playing at home against LA Angels
Baltimore is 1-4 SU in their last 5 games when playing LA Angels

7:05 PM
FLORIDA vs. WASHINGTON
Florida is 12-1 SU in its last 13 games when playing on the road against Washington
Florida is 7-1 SU in its last 8 games when playing Washington
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Washington's last 7 games at home
Washington is 4-9 SU in its last 13 games at home

7:10 PM
CHI WHITE SOX vs. KANSAS CITY
Chi White Sox are 2-5 SU in their last 7 games when playing Kansas City
The total has gone OVER in 7 of Chi White Sox's last 10 games on the road
Kansas City is 4-1 SU in their last 5 games when playing at home against Chi White Sox
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Kansas City's last 5 games at home

7:10 PM
MILWAUKEE vs. CINCINNATI
Milwaukee is 3-13 SU in its last 16 games when playing on the road against Cincinnati
Milwaukee is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing Cincinnati
Cincinnati is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing Milwaukee
Cincinnati is 17-8 SU in its last 25 games when playing Milwaukee

7:10 PM
TEXAS vs. SEATTLE
Texas is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Seattle
Texas is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Seattle's last 6 games when playing at home against Texas
Seattle is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Texas

8:10 PM
SAN FRANCISCO vs. COLORADO
San Francisco is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 6 of San Francisco's last 7 games when playing on the road against Colorado
Colorado is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing San Francisco
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Colorado's last 7 games when playing at home against San Francisco

8:35 PM
ARIZONA vs. SAN DIEGO
Arizona is 18-5 SU in its last 23 games
Arizona is 4-13 SU in its last 17 games when playing on the road against San Diego
San Diego is 4-17 SU in its last 21 games
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of San Diego's last 9 games

10:10 PM
PITTSBURGH vs. LA DODGERS
Pittsburgh is 2-6 SU in its last 8 games
Pittsburgh is 4-11 SU in its last 15 games on the road
LA Dodgers are 9-2 SU in their last 11 games when playing at home against Pittsburgh
The total has gone OVER in 16 of LA Dodgers's last 24 games when playing at home against Pittsburgh

MLB
Long Sheet


Saturday, September 17

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HOUSTON (51 - 99) at CHICAGO CUBS (66 - 85) - 1:05 PM
HENRY SOSA (R) vs. RODRIGO LOPEZ (R)
Top Trends for this game.
HOUSTON is 32-73 (-31.1 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
HOUSTON is 34-65 (-20.0 Units) against the money line after a loss this season.
HOUSTON is 35-71 (-29.7 Units) against the money line in road games when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 3 seasons.
HOUSTON is 2-18 (-15.1 Units) against the money line in road games when playing against a team with a losing record in the second half of the season this season.
HOUSTON is 51-100 (-33.9 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
HOUSTON is 23-54 (-19.7 Units) against the money line in road games this season.
HOUSTON is 15-35 (-17.9 Units) against the money line when playing on Saturday over the last 2 seasons.
HOUSTON is 25-45 (-14.5 Units) against the money line against division opponents this season.
HOUSTON is 12-34 (-20.3 Units) against the money line in day games this season.
HOUSTON is 49-99 (-35.9 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
CHICAGO CUBS are 24-16 (+11.7 Units) against the money line in September games over the last 2 seasons.
CHICAGO CUBS are 29-21 (+11.6 Units) against the money line when playing on Saturday over the last 2 seasons.
CHICAGO CUBS are 25-41 (-15.0 Units) against the money line after a win this season.
CHICAGO CUBS are 67-77 (-26.6 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.
CHICAGO CUBS are 180-151 (-40.5 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.
CHICAGO CUBS are 66-86 (-16.0 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
CHICAGO CUBS are 72-86 (-28.8 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 2 seasons.
CHICAGO CUBS are 30-43 (-14.4 Units) against the money line against division opponents this season.
CHICAGO CUBS are 643-646 (-121.4 Units) against the money line in day games since 1997.
CHICAGO CUBS are 66-86 (-16.0 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
CHICAGO CUBS are 48-61 (-20.6 Units) against the money line in home games against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
HOUSTON is 6-7 (+0.4 Units) against CHICAGO CUBS this season
6 of 12 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=-0.6 Units, Under=-0.8 Units)

HENRY SOSA vs. CHICAGO CUBS since 1997
SOSA is 0-1 when starting against CHICAGO CUBS with an ERA of 6.00 and a WHIP of 1.500.
His team's record is 0-1 (-1.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 0-1. (-1.2 units)

RODRIGO LOPEZ vs. HOUSTON since 1997
LOPEZ is 2-2 when starting against HOUSTON with an ERA of 5.14 and a WHIP of 1.286.
His team's record is 2-4 (-2.6 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 4-2. (+1.7 units)

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ST LOUIS (82 - 68) at PHILADELPHIA (97 - 52) - 7:05 PM
JAKE WESTBROOK (R) vs. ROY OSWALT (R)
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
ST LOUIS is 4-2 (+2.5 Units) against PHILADELPHIA this season
4 of 6 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+1.5 Units)

JAKE WESTBROOK vs. PHILADELPHIA since 1997
WESTBROOK is 1-0 when starting against PHILADELPHIA with an ERA of 3.75 and a WHIP of 1.250.
His team's record is 1-1 (+0.4 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-1. (-0.2 units)

ROY OSWALT vs. ST LOUIS since 1997
OSWALT is 11-8 when starting against ST LOUIS with an ERA of 3.26 and a WHIP of 1.235.
His team's record is 15-17 (-6.5 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 21-11. (+9.0 units)

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FLORIDA (68 - 83) at WASHINGTON (71 - 78) - 7:05 PM
CHRIS VOLSTAD (R) vs. STEPHEN STRASBURG (R)
Top Trends for this game.
FLORIDA is 68-83 (-11.8 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
FLORIDA is 47-62 (-13.3 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
WASHINGTON is 71-79 (+0.8 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
WASHINGTON is 71-79 (+0.8 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
WASHINGTON is 49-51 (+5.5 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
WASHINGTON is 17-10 (+12.5 Units) against the money line after getting shut out over the last 2 seasons.
FLORIDA is 39-37 (+10.3 Units) against the money line in road games this season.
FLORIDA is 59-49 (+23.3 Units) against the money line in road games against division opponents over the last 3 seasons.
FLORIDA is 40-36 (+12.3 Units) against the money line in road games in games played on a grass field this season.
FLORIDA is 31-24 (+14.6 Units) against the money line in road games in night games this season.
FLORIDA is 21-10 (+13.4 Units) against the money line after shutting out their opponent over the last 3 seasons.
FLORIDA is 43-39 (+11.4 Units) against the money line in road games after a win over the last 2 seasons.
FLORIDA is 40-32 (+10.9 Units) against the money line in road games when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.
VOLSTAD is 9-2 (+9.1 Units) against the money line after a win this season. (Team's Record)
WASHINGTON is 17-34 (-16.1 Units) against the money line when playing on Saturday over the last 2 seasons.
WASHINGTON is 66-85 (-19.2 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
FLORIDA is 9-4 (+4.0 Units) against WASHINGTON this season
6 of 12 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=-0.4 Units, Under=-1.0 Units)

CHRIS VOLSTAD vs. WASHINGTON since 1997
VOLSTAD is 5-2 when starting against WASHINGTON with an ERA of 5.46 and a WHIP of 1.648.
His team's record is 9-3 (+4.9 units) in these starts. The OVER is 8-4. (+3.7 units)

STEPHEN STRASBURG vs. FLORIDA since 1997
STRASBURG is 1-1 when starting against FLORIDA with an ERA of 5.23 and a WHIP of 1.452.
His team's record is 1-1 (-0.8 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-1. (+0.0 units)

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NY METS (72 - 79) at ATLANTA (86 - 65) - 4:10 PM
R.A. DICKEY (R) vs. TIM HUDSON (R)
Top Trends for this game.
ATLANTA is 103-58 (+14.5 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 2 seasons.
ATLANTA is 86-65 (+4.5 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
ATLANTA is 128-89 (+13.9 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
ATLANTA is 86-65 (+4.5 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
HUDSON is 135-61 (+36.0 Units) against the money line in home games since 1997. (Team's Record)
HUDSON is 135-61 (+36.0 Units) against the money line in home games in games played on a grass field since 1997. (Team's Record)
HUDSON is 59-23 (+21.3 Units) against the money line in home games after a loss since 1997. (Team's Record)
NY METS are 41-35 (+17.0 Units) against the money line in road games this season.
NY METS are 41-35 (+17.0 Units) against the money line in road games in games played on a grass field this season.
NY METS are 55-58 (+2.1 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
NY METS are 22-18 (+8.9 Units) against the money line in road games after a win this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
NY METS is 8-8 (+1.9 Units) against ATLANTA this season
8 of 15 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+0.0 Units)

R.A. DICKEY vs. ATLANTA since 1997
DICKEY is 1-3 when starting against ATLANTA with an ERA of 3.82 and a WHIP of 1.354.
His team's record is 2-4 (-1.7 units) in these starts. The OVER is 3-3. (-0.2 units)

TIM HUDSON vs. NY METS since 1997
HUDSON is 14-9 when starting against NY METS with an ERA of 3.64 and a WHIP of 1.265.
His team's record is 15-9 (+4.1 units) in these starts. The OVER is 8-16. (-9.3 units)

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MILWAUKEE (88 - 63) at CINCINNATI (74 - 77) - 7:10 PM
YOVANI GALLARDO (R) vs. EDINSON VOLQUEZ (R)
Top Trends for this game.
CINCINNATI is 43-32 (+7.1 Units) against the money line after a loss this season.
CINCINNATI is 88-62 (+18.6 Units) against the money line against division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
VOLQUEZ is 23-9 (+15.2 Units) against the money line after a loss since 1997. (Team's Record)
MILWAUKEE is 17-6 (+11.2 Units) against the money line when playing on Saturday this season.
MILWAUKEE is 47-26 (+15.5 Units) against the money line against division opponents this season.
MILWAUKEE is 89-63 (+18.2 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
MILWAUKEE is 60-43 (+12.0 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
MILWAUKEE is 73-45 (+22.7 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
MILWAUKEE is 53-23 (+23.5 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
MILWAUKEE is 33-8 (+22.6 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record in the second half of the season this season.
MILWAUKEE is 89-63 (+18.2 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
MILWAUKEE is 52-27 (+19.3 Units) against the money line when the total is 8 to 8.5 this season.
CINCINNATI is 75-77 (-12.0 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
CINCINNATI is 33-37 (-11.0 Units) against the money line when the total is 8 to 8.5 this season.
CINCINNATI is 73-76 (-13.8 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
CINCINNATI is 8-6 (+2.5 Units) against MILWAUKEE this season
8 of 12 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+3.7 Units)

YOVANI GALLARDO vs. CINCINNATI since 1997
GALLARDO is 2-3 when starting against CINCINNATI with an ERA of 5.76 and a WHIP of 1.811.
His team's record is 2-8 (-8.0 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 3-6. (-3.8 units)

EDINSON VOLQUEZ vs. MILWAUKEE since 1997
VOLQUEZ is 3-1 when starting against MILWAUKEE with an ERA of 5.80 and a WHIP of 1.562.
His team's record is 6-1 (+5.7 units) in these starts. The OVER is 5-1. (+4.0 units)

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SAN FRANCISCO (81 - 70) at COLORADO (70 - 80) - 8:10 PM
ERIC SURKAMP (L) vs. DREW POMERANZ (L)
Top Trends for this game.
SAN FRANCISCO is 184-143 (+20.4 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
SAN FRANCISCO is 129-93 (+22.5 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.
SAN FRANCISCO is 24-12 (+10.4 Units) against the money line in road games when playing against a team with a losing record in the second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
SAN FRANCISCO is 185-145 (+19.3 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
SAN FRANCISCO is 86-77 (+12.0 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 2 seasons.
SAN FRANCISCO is 15-6 (+9.3 Units) against the money line in road games in September games over the last 2 seasons.
SAN FRANCISCO is 38-23 (+10.8 Units) against the money line against division opponents this season.
COLORADO is 70-81 (-24.3 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
COLORADO is 38-38 (-14.4 Units) against the money line in home games this season.
COLORADO is 27-38 (-18.0 Units) against the money line against division opponents this season.
COLORADO is 70-81 (-24.3 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
COLORADO is 101-110 (-29.5 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.
COLORADO is 26-39 (-15.1 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
COLORADO is 9-23 (-13.7 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
SAN FRANCISCO is 9-4 (+5.2 Units) against COLORADO this season
7 of 13 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+0.6 Units)

ERIC SURKAMP vs. COLORADO since 1997
No recent starts.

DREW POMERANZ vs. SAN FRANCISCO since 1997
No recent starts.

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ARIZONA (87 - 64) at SAN DIEGO (64 - 87) - 8:35 PM
JOSH COLLMENTER (R) vs. WADE LEBLANC (L)
Top Trends for this game.
ARIZONA is 88-65 (+25.9 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
ARIZONA is 42-37 (+13.4 Units) against the money line in road games this season.
ARIZONA is 39-26 (+14.8 Units) against the money line against division opponents this season.
ARIZONA is 88-65 (+25.9 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
ARIZONA is 68-46 (+24.5 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
ARIZONA is 52-31 (+17.9 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
ARIZONA is 33-14 (+16.9 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record in the second half of the season this season.
SAN DIEGO is 64-88 (-16.6 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
SAN DIEGO is 43-62 (-18.4 Units) against the money line when the total is 7 or less this season.
SAN DIEGO is 31-42 (-14.4 Units) against the money line in home games this season.
SAN DIEGO is 31-41 (-13.4 Units) against the money line at home when the total is 7 or less this season.
SAN DIEGO is 22-43 (-17.6 Units) against the money line against division opponents this season.
SAN DIEGO is 64-88 (-16.6 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
SAN DIEGO is 33-66 (-32.8 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
SAN DIEGO is 20-33 (-15.9 Units) against the money line in home games against right-handed starters this season.
SAN DIEGO is 25-38 (-12.6 Units) against the money line after a win this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
ARIZONA is 10-6 (+3.0 Units) against SAN DIEGO this season
8 of 15 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+0.3 Units)

JOSH COLLMENTER vs. SAN DIEGO since 1997
COLLMENTER is 1-1 when starting against SAN DIEGO with an ERA of 5.79 and a WHIP of 1.715.
His team's record is 1-1 (-0.9 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-1. (-0.1 units)

WADE LEBLANC vs. ARIZONA since 1997
LEBLANC is 2-2 when starting against ARIZONA with an ERA of 5.86 and a WHIP of 1.471.
His team's record is 3-4 (-0.4 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 3-3. (-0.4 units)

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PITTSBURGH (68 - 83) at LA DODGERS (74 - 76) - 10:10 PM
JAMES MCDONALD (R) vs. TED LILLY (L)
Top Trends for this game.
PITTSBURGH is 29-73 (-27.0 Units) against the money line in road games in night games over the last 2 seasons.
PITTSBURGH is 63-97 (-23.4 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.
PITTSBURGH is 14-24 (-11.4 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record in the second half of the season this season.
PITTSBURGH is 21-49 (-20.3 Units) against the money line as a road underdog of +125 to +150 over the last 3 seasons.
PITTSBURGH is 19-58 (-26.9 Units) against the money line as a road underdog of +150 to +175 over the last 3 seasons.
LA DODGERS are 23-8 (+13.8 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record in the second half of the season this season.
LA DODGERS are 44-33 (+8.1 Units) against the money line when the total is 7 or less this season.
PITTSBURGH is 33-38 (+9.5 Units) against the money line in road games in games played on a grass field this season.
PITTSBURGH is 41-42 (+10.8 Units) against the money line after a loss this season.
PITTSBURGH is 69-83 (+2.1 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
PITTSBURGH is 35-39 (+11.1 Units) against the money line in road games this season.
LA DODGERS are 157-158 (-14.1 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
LA DODGERS are 157-158 (-14.1 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
LILLY is 75-87 (-25.6 Units) against the money line after a win since 1997. (Team's Record)

Head-to-Head Series History
LA DODGERS is 4-2 (+1.1 Units) against PITTSBURGH this season
3 of 5 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+1.1 Units)

JAMES MCDONALD vs. LA DODGERS since 1997
No recent starts.

TED LILLY vs. PITTSBURGH since 1997
LILLY is 6-4 when starting against PITTSBURGH with an ERA of 3.83 and a WHIP of 1.318.
His team's record is 9-6 (-0.4 units) in these starts. The OVER is 5-10. (-5.6 units)

NY YANKEES (90 - 59) at TORONTO (76 - 74) - 1:07 PM
BARTOLO COLON (R) vs. HENDERSON ALVAREZ (R)
Top Trends for this game.
NY YANKEES are 39-43 (-14.5 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.
TORONTO is 127-111 (+19.4 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
TORONTO is 83-85 (+11.8 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
TORONTO is 47-45 (+10.6 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.
TORONTO is 76-74 (+3.2 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
TORONTO is 71-60 (+18.0 Units) against the money line when the total is 9 to 9.5 over the last 2 seasons.
TORONTO is 60-54 (+27.5 Units) against the money line as a home underdog of +125 to +150 since 1997.
TORONTO is 303-215 (+53.4 Units) against the money line at home when the total is 9 to 9.5 since 1997.
TORONTO is 125-74 (+36.0 Units) against the money line in home games in September games since 1997.
NY YANKEES are 39-11 (+23.0 Units) against the money line in day games this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
NY YANKEES is 10-6 (+1.0 Units) against TORONTO this season
7 of 14 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=-0.6 Units, Under=-0.8 Units)

BARTOLO COLON vs. TORONTO since 1997
COLON is 9-5 when starting against TORONTO with an ERA of 4.09 and a WHIP of 1.301.
His team's record is 13-9 (+1.6 units) in these starts. The OVER is 12-9. (+2.8 units)

HENDERSON ALVAREZ vs. NY YANKEES since 1997
No recent starts.

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CLEVELAND (73 - 75) at MINNESOTA (59 - 90) - 1:10 PM
JEANMAR GOMEZ (R) vs. ANTHONY SWARZAK (R)
Top Trends for this game.
CLEVELAND is 34-62 (-21.3 Units) against the money line in day games over the last 2 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 120-89 (+22.8 Units) against the money line against division opponents over the last 3 seasons.
CLEVELAND is 75-75 (+5.4 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
CLEVELAND is 39-30 (+9.0 Units) against the money line when the total is 8 to 8.5 this season.
CLEVELAND is 72-72 (+4.2 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
CLEVELAND is 53-51 (+5.8 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
MINNESOTA is 59-91 (-21.6 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
MINNESOTA is 26-47 (-18.0 Units) against the money line when the total is 8 to 8.5 this season.
MINNESOTA is 30-44 (-15.9 Units) against the money line in home games this season.
MINNESOTA is 57-86 (-18.9 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
MINNESOTA is 39-68 (-22.6 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
MINNESOTA is 30-59 (-23.6 Units) against the money line after a loss this season.
MINNESOTA is 10-27 (-16.1 Units) against the money line after 3 or more consecutive losses this season.
MINNESOTA is 3-10 (-9.3 Units) against the money line in home games when playing against a team with a losing record in the second half of the season this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
MINNESOTA is 6-6 (+0.5 Units) against CLEVELAND this season
7 of 11 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+2.3 Units)

JEANMAR GOMEZ vs. MINNESOTA since 1997
GOMEZ is 0-1 when starting against MINNESOTA with an ERA of 7.36 and a WHIP of 1.727.
His team's record is 1-1 (+0.6 units) in these starts. The OVER is 2-0. (+2.0 units)

ANTHONY SWARZAK vs. CLEVELAND since 1997
SWARZAK is 0-3 when starting against CLEVELAND with an ERA of 9.00 and a WHIP of 1.714.
His team's record is 0-3 (-3.8 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 1-1. (-0.2 units)

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DETROIT (88 - 63) at OAKLAND (68 - 83) - 4:05 PM
RICK PORCELLO (R) vs. GIO GONZALEZ (L)
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
DETROIT is 4-4 (+0.2 Units) against OAKLAND this season
4 of 7 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+0.9 Units)

RICK PORCELLO vs. OAKLAND since 1997
PORCELLO is 2-3 when starting against OAKLAND with an ERA of 4.50 and a WHIP of 1.471.
His team's record is 3-3 (-0.2 units) in these starts. The OVER is 4-2. (+2.0 units)

GIO GONZALEZ vs. DETROIT since 1997
GONZALEZ is 0-3 when starting against DETROIT with an ERA of 6.87 and a WHIP of 1.745.
His team's record is 0-4 (-4.6 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 3-1. (+1.9 units)

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LA ANGELS (82 - 68) at BALTIMORE (61 - 88) - 7:05 PM
ERVIN SANTANA (R) vs. ZACH BRITTON (L)
Top Trends for this game.
LA ANGELS are 107-113 (-20.3 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.
BALTIMORE is 21-20 (+13.7 Units) against the money line in September games over the last 2 seasons.
BALTIMORE is 63-68 (+14.6 Units) against the money line after a win over the last 2 seasons.
LA ANGELS are 40-28 (+11.4 Units) against the money line after a loss this season.
LA ANGELS are 68-48 (+18.4 Units) against the money line in road games when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 3 seasons.
LA ANGELS are 619-609 (+66.1 Units) against the money line in road games since 1997.
LA ANGELS are 512-503 (+64.5 Units) against the money line in road games in games played on a grass field since 1997.
BALTIMORE is 52-80 (-20.0 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
BALTIMORE is 41-63 (-13.8 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
BALTIMORE is 25-57 (-24.4 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
BALTIMORE is 61-89 (-16.0 Units) against the money line in all games this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
LA ANGELS is 5-2 (+2.4 Units) against BALTIMORE this season
4 of 7 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+0.9 Units)

ERVIN SANTANA vs. BALTIMORE since 1997
SANTANA is 4-4 when starting against BALTIMORE with an ERA of 5.32 and a WHIP of 1.312.
His team's record is 6-5 (-0.8 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 5-5. (-0.7 units)

ZACH BRITTON vs. LA ANGELS since 1997
No recent starts.

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

CHI WHITE SOX (73 - 77) at KANSAS CITY (66 - 86) - 7:10 PM
ZACH STEWART (R) vs. EVERETT TEAFORD (L)
Top Trends for this game.
CHI WHITE SOX are 74-77 (-10.0 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
CHI WHITE SOX are 28-35 (-13.6 Units) against the money line against division opponents this season.
KANSAS CITY is 33-30 (+10.1 Units) against the money line when the total is 9 to 9.5 this season.
KANSAS CITY is 19-9 (+8.0 Units) against the money line in home games when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
CHI WHITE SOX are 39-29 (+14.0 Units) against the money line in road games in games played on a grass field this season.
CHI WHITE SOX are 27-15 (+11.1 Units) against the money line in road games when playing against a team with a losing record in the second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
CHI WHITE SOX are 41-35 (+10.3 Units) against the money line in road games this season.
CHI WHITE SOX are 50-28 (+20.9 Units) against the money line when playing on Saturday over the last 3 seasons.
KANSAS CITY is 229-339 (-98.2 Units) against the money line at home when the total is 9 to 9.5 since 1997.
KANSAS CITY is 25-52 (-22.0 Units) against the money line when playing on Saturday over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
KANSAS CITY is 8-5 (+3.9 Units) against CHI WHITE SOX this season
6 of 11 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+0.5 Units)

ZACH STEWART vs. KANSAS CITY since 1997
STEWART is 0-1 when starting against KANSAS CITY with an ERA of 2.84 and a WHIP of 1.422.
His team's record is 0-1 (-1.4 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 1-0. (+1.0 units)

EVERETT TEAFORD vs. CHI WHITE SOX since 1997
No recent starts.

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

TAMPA BAY (83 - 67) at BOSTON (87 - 63) - 4:10 PM
JEFF NIEMANN (R) vs. JON LESTER (L)
Top Trends for this game.
NIEMANN is 3-10 (-10.1 Units) against the money line in September games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
BOSTON is 43-24 (+14.0 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
TAMPA BAY is 19-11 (+9.2 Units) against the money line in road games against division opponents this season.
TAMPA BAY is 80-60 (+15.4 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
TAMPA BAY is 28-18 (+10.3 Units) against the money line against left-handed starters this season.
TAMPA BAY is 83-67 (+4.7 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
TAMPA BAY is 41-34 (+7.8 Units) against the money line in road games this season.
NIEMANN is 17-7 (+11.3 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
NIEMANN is 15-6 (+10.3 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
BOSTON is 4-11 (-9.9 Units) against the money line in September games this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
TAMPA BAY is 10-6 (+5.2 Units) against BOSTON this season
10 of 16 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+3.2 Units)

JEFF NIEMANN vs. BOSTON since 1997
NIEMANN is 3-2 when starting against BOSTON with an ERA of 3.89 and a WHIP of 1.154.
His team's record is 3-3 (+0.9 units) in these starts. The OVER is 3-3. (-0.3 units)

JON LESTER vs. TAMPA BAY since 1997
LESTER is 10-7 when starting against TAMPA BAY with an ERA of 3.95 and a WHIP of 1.285.
His team's record is 13-8 (+2.1 units) in these starts. The OVER is 9-12. (-4.2 units)

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

TEXAS (86 - 65) at SEATTLE (63 - 87) - 7:10 PM
COLBY LEWIS (R) vs. ANTHONY VASQUEZ (L)
Top Trends for this game.
SEATTLE is 14-10 (+15.5 Units) against the money line as a home underdog of +175 to +200 since 1997.
TEXAS is 29-16 (+11.0 Units) against the money line when the total is 8 to 8.5 this season.
TEXAS is 31-15 (+11.9 Units) against the money line against division opponents this season.
SEATTLE is 63-88 (-20.1 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
SEATTLE is 71-86 (-18.4 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 2 seasons.
SEATTLE is 15-35 (-20.8 Units) against the money line when playing on Saturday over the last 2 seasons.
SEATTLE is 37-69 (-27.9 Units) against the money line against division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
SEATTLE is 63-82 (-14.1 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
SEATTLE is 92-128 (-27.6 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.
SEATTLE is 29-50 (-16.9 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
SEATTLE is 30-64 (-25.3 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.

Head-to-Head Series History
TEXAS is 10-4 (+3.5 Units) against SEATTLE this season
7 of 13 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+0.5 Units)

COLBY LEWIS vs. SEATTLE since 1997
LEWIS is 5-4 when starting against SEATTLE with an ERA of 3.00 and a WHIP of 1.247.
His team's record is 7-5 (+2.9 units) in these starts. The OVER is 2-9. (-7.9 units)

ANTHONY VASQUEZ vs. TEXAS since 1997
No recent starts.

MLB
Short Sheet


Saturday, September 17

National League

HOUSTON at CHICAGO CUBS, 1:05 PM ET WGN
SOSA: HOU 12-34 in day games
LOPEZ: CUBS 25-19 having lost 3 of 4 games

ST LOUIS at PHILADELPHIA, 7:05 PM ET MLB
WESTBROOK: 6-1 TSR on the road when the money line is +125 to -125
OSWALT: PHI 38-13 off loss

FLORIDA at WASHINGTON, 7:05 PM ET
VOLSTAD: FLA 16-3 off 4+ Unders
STRASBURG: WASH 7-17 revenging loss as home favorite

NY METS at ATLANTA, 4:10 PM ET (TC) | FOX
DICKEY: NYM 3-16 off division win as an underdog of +130 or higher
HUDSON: ATL 10-1 off division loss by 10+ runs

MILWAUKEE at CINCINNATI, 7:10 PM ET
GALLARDO: MIL 9-0 Under after 3 straight games where they had 7 or less hits
VOLQUEZ: 23-9 TSR off team loss

SAN FRANCISCO at COLORADO, 8:10 PM ET
SURKAMP: SF 15-6 in Sept road games
POMERANZ: COL 27-38 vs. division

ARIZONA at SAN DIEGO, 8:35 PM ET
COLLMENTER: ARI 30-8 as a favorite of -125 to -175
LEBLANC: SD 33-66 in night games

PITTSBURGH at LA DODGERS, 10:10 PM ET
MCDONALD: PIT 2-7 at Dodgers
LILLY: 21-8 Under as favorite

American League

NY YANKEES at TORONTO, 1:07 PM ET
COLON: YANKEES 39-11 in day games
ALVAREZ: TOR 14-6 if bullpen blew a save last game

CLEVELAND at MINNESOTA, 1:10 PM ET
GOMEZ: CLE 16-4 Over with a money line of -100 to -150
SWARZAK: 0-8 TSR at home when the total is 8.5 to 10

DETROIT at OAKLAND, 4:05 PM ET FOX
PORCELLO: DET 13-2 in September
GONZALEZ: 12-4 Over in home games

LA ANGELS at BALTIMORE, 7:05 PM ET
SANTANA: 33-15 Under as a favorite of -150 or more
BRITTON: BAL 22-9 Under after 3+ wins

CHI WHITE SOX at KANSAS CITY, 7:10 PM ET
STEWART: WHITE SOX 12-4 Over in September
TEAFORD: KC 18-34 off BB wins

TAMPA BAY at BOSTON, 4:10 PM ET (TC) | FOX
NIEMANN: 3-10 TSR in September
LESTER: BOS 14-2 off one run division win

TEXAS at SEATTLE, 7:10 PM ET (TC) | MLB
LEWIS: TEX 14-4 after scoring 1 run or less
VASQUEZ: SEA 15-35 on Saturday

** (TC) Denotes Time Change

don't see your plays........

Sunday, September 18

Game Score Status Pick Amount

NY Yankees - 1:07 PM ET Toronto +119 500
Toronto - Over 9.5 500

Milwaukee - 1:10 PM ET Cincinnati +161 500
Cincinnati - Over 9 500

Tampa Bay - 1:35 PM ET Tampa Bay -132 500
Boston - Over 8.5 500

LA Angels - 1:35 PM ET Baltimore +181 500
Baltimore - Over 8.5 500

NY Mets - 1:35 PM ET NY Mets +164 500
Atlanta - Under 8 500

Florida - 1:35 PM ET Washington -127 500
Washington - Over 8.5 500

Chi. White Sox - 2:10 PM ET Kansas City -106 500
Kansas City - Over 8.5 500

Cleveland - 2:10 PM ET Cleveland -135 500
Minnesota - Under 8.5 500

Houston - 2:20 PM ET Chi. Cubs -150 500
Chi. Cubs - Under 8.5 500

San Francisco - 3:10 PM ET San Francisco -155 500
Colorado - Over 9 500

Detroit - 4:05 PM ET Detroit -170 500
Oakland - Under 7 500

Arizona - 4:05 PM ET San Diego -104 500
San Diego - Over 7.5 500

Pittsburgh - 4:10 PM ET Pittsburgh +146 500
LA Dodgers - Over 7.5 500

Texas - 4:10 PM ET Texas +104 500
Seattle - Under 7 500

St. Louis - 8:05 PM ET St. Louis +109 500
Philadelphia - Over 7 500

CFL

Sunday, September 18

Game Score Status Pick Amount

Winnipeg - 1:00 PM ET Montreal -7.5 500

Montreal - Over 52.5 500

3:00 PM ETConnecticut at Atlanta

Teams ROT Record Consensus Odds

CONN 663 0-1 (0-0 V) - ( 165.5 OVER )

ATL 664 1-0 (0-0 H) - ( -5.5 ATL )

Stats: Matchup | Preview | Trends | Line Moves My Scores
Opinion: Consensus | Team Experts



5:00 PM ETMinnesota at San Antonio

Teams ROT Record Consensus Odds

MIN 665 1-0 (0-0 V) - ( 149.5 OVER )

SA 666 0-1 (0-0 H) - 3 ( MIN - 3 )

Stats: Matchup | Preview | Trends | Line Moves My Scores

Sunday’s betting tips: Urlacher returns for Brees test

Who’s hot

NFL: The Redskins are 4-0-1 ATS in their last five overall dating back to last season.

NFL: The under is 5-0 in Buffalo’s last five home games.

MLB: The Royals are 6-0 in their last six overall and 4-0 in their last four home games.

MLB: The Giants are 6-0 in their last six overall and 5-1 in their last six road games.

WNBA: Atlanta is 5-0 ATS in its last five overall and 4-0 ATS in its last four against the Eastern Conference.

Who’s not

NFL: The Browns are 0-5 ATS in their last five overall dating back to last season.

NFL: The Vikings are 1-4 ATS in their last five home games.

MLB: The Mets are 1-6 in their last seven overall.

MLB: The Twins are 0-6 in their last six overall.

WNBA: The over is 1-5 in San Antonio’s last six home games.

Key stat

419 – Drew Brees’ passing yards in New Orleans’ Week 1 shootout loss to the Packers. Dating back to last season’s playoff game at Seattle, Brees now has two straight 400-yard passing games. Something will have to give, though, against a Chicago defense that is expected to have Brian Urlacher on Sunday. The Bears were the only team that did not allow an offensive touchdown in Week 1 as they manhandled Atlanta 30-12.

Injuries that shouldn’t be overlooked

The Jets will be looking to make a stronger statement at home after just barely making out with a gift-wrapped win over the Cowboys in Week 1. However, they may be without several key players in their attempt to do that on Sunday against Jacksonville. Linebacker David Harris (toe), wideout Santonio Holmes (knee), and safety Eric Smith (ankle) are all listed as questionable for New York. Head coach Rex Ryan said he likes Harris’ chances of playing, but it sounds like Holmes and Smith are 50-50.

Biggest games on the slate

San Diego Chargers at New England Patriots (-7, 53.5)

Philadelphia Eagles at Atlanta Falcons (1.5, 49.5)

Notable quotable

“The last time I lost a game was Navarro Junior College. What do you want me to say, it feels great? It is not a comfortable feeling for me.”– Carolina Panthers’ quarterback Cam Newton after losing last week at Arizona despite his 422-yard passing performance. Newton may have to get used to the feeling, though, because Carolina is a 10-point underdog against Green Bay on Sunday.

Tips and notes

Justin Verlander can become the first 24-game winner since Bob Welch won 27 games for the Athletics in 1990 when he takes the mound on Sunday at Oakland. Verlander has picked up the win in 11 straight starts and he has not taken a loss since July 15. The righty is coming off seven innings of a shutout ball in a victory over the White Sox on Tuesday.

Reggie Bush saw the field for 75 offensive snaps during Miami’s Week 1 Monday night loss to New England. Don’t expect that to happen on Sunday at Houston—or ever again. “I have to do a little better job of play counts of a few guys during the course of the game,” Dolphins’ head coach Tony Sporano told the South Florida Sun Sentinel. Bush had 11 rushes and nine receptions last week, including one catch for a touchdown. The Texans, meanwhile, held a Peyton Manning-less Indy team to 236 total yards last Sunday.

The Atlanta Dream went into Connecticut on Friday and stole Game 1 of their WNBA Conference Semifinals series. If recent history is any indication, that could be all she wrote for the Sun. In the last 10 meetings between the two teams, the road team has only won twice—and both times that was Atlanta. Connecticut is 0-5 (2-3 ATS) in its last five trips to Atlanta heading into Game 2 on Sunday. Conference semifinal history also isn’t good for the Sun, who are 0-6 ATS in their last six at this stage of the playoffs.