Cnotes Friday's MLB Best Bets !

Streaking Reds Pay Visit To Struggling Rockies

Their road trip off to a perfect start, the streaking Cincinnati Reds head to Colorado for a weekend series against the struggling Rockies.

Friday's opener is a mix of young and old on the mound as veteran Bronson Arroyo meets rookie Drew Pomeranz in the 8:40 p.m. (ET) start. Arroyo and the Reds opened as 125 favorites and the Don Best Pro Odds listed 10½ for the total.

Both clubs enjoyed Thursday off, and Cincinnati hopes the break doesn't interrupt the 7-game win streak it brings into the Mile High City. We mentioned a week ago how a thrilling rally from a 6-0 deficit against the Diamondbacks could propel the Reds into their series opener vs. Milwaukee, and that has certainly been the case following a home sweep of the Brewers last weekend before brooming the Astros in Houston to begin this road trip.

The streak helped Cincinnati to a 2.5-game cushion atop the NL Central standings above the Pittsburgh Pirates who were opening a 4-game series in Houston on Thursday. The schedule points to the next few weeks as being an excellent time for the Reds to increase that lead; starting with this series in Denver, seven of Cincinnati's next eight series are against teams sporting sub-.500 records.

While the Reds are enjoying good times, it has been anything but fun for Jim Tracy and the Rockies for a while now. Colorado's last sniff of .500 came May 2, and the club is following up a 9-18 month of June with a 7-13 record so far in July, 4-8 since the all-star break. The Rocks will begin this series 17.5-games behind the front-running San Francisco Giants in the NL West.

Good news for Cincinnati is Arroyo has posted four quality outings among his most recent five starts. More good news is the fact the wiry right-hander has pitched better on the road than at home, with his ERA away from Porkopolis a little more than a half-run lower than when he climbs the hill at Great American Ball Park.

Ah, but pitching at Coors Field is a little different than the average road assignment, and the bad news is the Denver diamond has never treated Arroyo kindly. Dating back to his days with the Red Sox, Arroyo's four starts in the Mile High City have all ended in defeat for his clubs with his ERA at a nice fat 8.83.

Pomeranz is still looking for his first home win in five starts at Coors this year. The Rockies managed to win two of those outings, but the rookie southpaw didn't factor in either decision. Seven tries over his short career at home have yielded just one dubya for Pomeranz, and that came in his major league debut last September when he tossed five shutout innings against the Reds.

A biceps injury, along with Padres hitters, stopped his last start after Pomeranz had thrown only 53 pitches. He was charged with seven runs in the 9-5 setback at San Diego, and is reportedly free of pain after a bullpen session earlier this week.

Colorado has a long list of players on the disabled list, but is expected to get 1B Todd Helton back for this set. The veteran has been out since before the All-Star Game with a hip injury, and the Rockies also lost 1B Jason Giambi to the DL recently due to a lingering virus. Michael Cuddyer has been manning first in their absence.

Cincinnati is also playing without its all-star first baseman since Joey Votto underwent left knee surgery shortly after the midseason break. Votto is expected to be out until mid-August, with Todd Frazier and Miguel Cairo filling in at the right corner of the infield.

The Reds took two of three from the Rockies in Cincinnati back in late-May, all three games going 'over' the total. Colorado owns a 49-29 advantage at home in the all-time series, taking two of three played in Denver last year and 12 of the last 13 tilts at Coors Field.

Red Sox Start Tough Series At New York Yankees

The Boston Red Sox are in bad need of wins, but head into one of the toughest venues in all of sports on Friday night, Yankee Stadium.

Phil Hughes and the Yanks are laying $1.45 on the Don Best odds screen with a big total of 11. Boston will counter with Aaron Cook and the game will get underway at 7:05 p.m. (ET) from the Bronx.

This total would normally be in the 9-9½ range. Don Best MLB analyst Kenny White believes one reason is that Cook is an average hurler now at age 33. Hughes is also a fly-ball pitcher and that can be dangerous in the new Yankee Stadium where his career ERA is just 4.56. That average pitching is going against two very good offensive clubs.

Cook (2-3, 3.50 ERA) has only thrown 36 innings this season, but has a tough test against the Yankees lineup even without third baseman Alex Rodriguez. He’s out up to eight weeks with a broken hand and is being replaced by the capable Eric Chavez. The recent addition of Seattle outfielder Ichiro Suzuki also helps mitigates any damage.

The former Colorado Rockies starter has just three strikeouts in 33 innings, relying on great control with just three total walks. Cook’s one lifetime appearance at New York was last year with Colorado, surrendering five earned runs over 5 2/3 innings in an 8-3 defeat. He will experience real pressure pitching in this park in a Red Sox uniform.

Hughes (9-8, 4.09 ERA) is not the quality of pitcher expected a couple of years ago after going 18-8. That version had a 94 mph fastball, which has dipped since. He has learned how to pitch with the lower velocity and his walk-rate is down to 2.2 per nine innings. His strikeout rate is a respectable 8.03.

The 26-year-old right-hander has been pretty consistent in making his 20th start of the season. His ERA over his last five starts is just 2.25, with the worst of those outings at Boston on July 7th (five runs and 10 hits over 5 1/3 innings). Only three of those runs were earned.

Don Best’s White believes the Red Sox lineup is about to take off with Jacoby Ellsbury, Carl Crawford and Dustin Pedroia all back from injury. They are a game below .500 at 49-50, but have hit Hughes well in the past and should have success on Friday.

Boston is just 1-5 versus New York this year, with all coming at home. This is the first of nine in the Bronx in the second half, with the Red Sox going 7-2 there last season.

Diamond Trends - Friday

July 27, 2012

SU TREND OF THE DAY:

-- The Rangers are 14-0 since July 08, 2011 as a home favorite when they lost the last time they faced this starting pitcher for a net profit of $1400 dollars.


OU TREND OF THE DAY:

-- The Indians are 14-0-1 OU since April 10, 2011 on the road vs a team that has lost at least their last three games for a net profit of $1400 when playing the over.

STARTER TREND OF THE DAY:

-- The Reds are 0-10 since August 26, 2006 when Bronson Arroyo starts after facing 25 or fewer hitters at home and they won in his previous start for a net profit of $1172 when playing against.

MLB BIBLE TREND OF THE DAY:

-- The Diamondbacks are 1-15 (-2.9 rpg) since 2009 with a total between 7.5 and 9 after a game where they struck out at least 14 times.

TODAY’S TRENDS:

-- The Astros are 0-10 since June 16, 2011 when Jordan Lyles starts when he is off a start in which their team scored first and lost for a net profit of $1000 when playing against.

-- The Angels are 0-6 since May 19, 2011 when Dan Haren starts vs a team that lost their starters last two starts for a net profit of $825 when playing against.

Around the Horn - Friday

July 26, 2012


NATIONAL LEAGUE

St. Louis at Chicago - 2:20 PM EST (Game 1/3)
Teams Pitcher Notes Team Record Betcha Didn't Know
Lynn (12-4, 3.10 ERA) 53-46 OVER 7-2 L9 away Game 1's
Wood (4-5, 4.33 ERA) 40-57 7-0 L7 home during day


-- Cardinals beat Dodgers, 7-4 on Thursday
-- Cubs lost to Pirates, 3-2 on Wednesday

San Diego at Miami - 7:10 PM EST (Game 1/3)
Teams Pitcher Notes Team Record Betcha Didn't Know
Wells (1-3, 4.00 ERA) 42-58 5-1 L6 away off win
Zambrano (5-8, 4.42 ERA) 45-53 2-6 L8 on Fridays


-- Padres beat Giants, 6-3 on Wednesday
-- Marlins lost to Braves, 7-1 on Wednesday

Philadelphia at Atlanta - 7:35 PM EST (Game 1/3)
Teams Pitcher Notes Team Record Betcha Didn't Know
Hamels (11-4, 3.23 ERA) 45-54 1-5 L6 away Game 1's
Sheets (2-0, 0.00 ERA) 54-44 3-12 L15 home vs LHP


-- Phillies beat Brewers, 7-6 on Wednesday
-- Braves beat Marlins, 7-1 on Wednesday

Pittsburgh at Houston - 8:05 PM EST (Game 2/4)
Teams Pitcher Notes Team Record Betcha Didn't Know
Karstens (3-2, 3.52 ERA) 56-42 OVER 5-2 L7 away Game 2's
Lyles (2-7, 5.50 ERA) 34-66 9-4 L13 home Game 2's


-- Pirates beat Astros, 5-3 on Thursday

Washington at Milwaukee - 8:05 PM EST (Game 2/4)
Teams Pitcher Notes Team Record Betcha Didn't Know
Detwiler (5-3, 3.01 ERA) 59-39 11-5 away Game 2's
Fiers (3-4, 1.96 ERA) 44-54 UNDER 6-3 L9 vs LHP


-- Nationals beat Brewers, 8-2 on Thursday

Cincinnati at Colorado - 8:40 PM EST (Game 1/3)
Teams Pitcher Notes Team Record Betcha Didn't Know
Arroyo (5-6, 3.98 ERA) 58-40 7-2 L9 away vs LHP
Pomeranz (1-5, 4.98 ERA) 37-60 2-5 L7 home off win


-- Reds beat Astros, 5-3 on Wednesday
-- Rockies beat Diamondbacks, 4-2 on Wednesday

N.Y. Mets at Arizona - 9:40 PM EST (Game 2/4)
Teams Pitcher Notes Team Record Betcha Didn't Know
Niese (7-4, 3.59 ERA) 48-51 2-5 L7 away Game 2's
Collmenter (2-2, 3.82 ERA) 49-50 6-2 home on Fridays


-- Mets beat Diamondbacks, 3-1 on Thursday

Los Angeles at San Francisco - 10:15 PM EST (Game 1/3)
Teams Pitcher Notes Team Record Betcha Didn't Know
Fife (0-0, 1.50 ERA) 53-47 UNDER 5-2 L7 away Game 1's
Cain (10-3, 2.74 ERA) 55-43 8-1 L9 home off loss


-- Dodgers lost to Cardinals, 7-4 on Thursday
-- Giants lost to Padres, 6-3 on Wednesday


AMERICAN LEAGUE

Oakland at Baltimore - 7:05 PM EST (Game 1/3)
Teams Pitcher Notes Team Record Betcha Didn't Know
Parker (7-4, 3.00 ERA) 53-45 UNDER 8-3 L11 away off loss
Britton (1-0, 3.60 ERA) 52-47 2-5 L7 home Game 1's


-- Athletics lost to Blue Jays, 10-4 on Thursday
-- Orioles beat Rays, 6-2 on Thursday

Boston at N.Y. Yankees - 7:05 PM EST (Game 1/3)
Teams Pitcher Notes Team Record Betcha Didn't Know
Cook (2-3, 3.50 ERA) 49-50 UNDER 11-1 L12 away off loss
Hughes (9-8, 4.09 ERA) 59-39 12-3 home Game 1's


-- Yankees beat Mariners, 5-3 on Wednesday
-- Red Sox lost to Rangers, 5-3 on Wednesday

Detroit at Toronto - 7:10 PM EST (Game 1/3)
Teams Pitcher Notes Team Record Betcha Didn't Know
Porcello (7-5, 4.40 ERA) 53-46 6-10 away Game 1's
Villanueva (5-0, 2.86 ERA) 49-49 2-6 home Game 1's off win


-- Tigers lost to Indians, 5-3 on Thursday
-- Blue Jays beat Athletics, 10-4 on Thursday
Chicago at Texas - 8:05 PM EST (Game 1/3)
Teams Pitcher Notes Team Record Betcha Didn't Know
Sale (11-3, 2.37 ERA) 53-45 UNDER 7-2 L9 away Game 1's
Darvish (11-6, 3.88 ERA) 58-39 6-2 home on Fridays


-- White Sox beat Twins, 8-2 on Wednesday
-- Rangers beat Red Sox, 5-3 on Wednesday

Cleveland at Minnesota - 8:05 PM EST (Game 1/3)
Teams Pitcher Notes Team Record Betcha Didn't Know
Tomlin (5-7, 5.34 ERA) 50-49 11-4 L15 away Game 1's
Diamond (8-4, 3.16 ERA) 40-58 5-3 L8 home Game 1's


-- Indians beat Tigers, 5-3 on Thursday
-- Twins lost to White Sox, 8-2 on Wednesday

Tampa Bay at Los Angeles - 10:05 PM EST (Game 1/3)
Teams Pitcher Notes Team Record Betcha Didn't Know
Cobb (4-7, 5.05 ERA) 51-48 UNDER 5-1 L6 away Game 1's
Haren (7-8, 4.76 ERA) 54-45 7-2 L9 Game 1's


-- Rays lost to Orioles, 6-2 on Thursday
-- Angels beat Royals, 11-6 on Wednesday

Kansas City at Seattle - 10:10 PM EST (Game 2/4)
Teams Pitcher Notes Team Record Betcha Didn't Know
Guthrie (0-1, 9.00 ERA) 41-57 2-6 L8 away Game 2's
Beavan (5-6, 5.54 ERA) 44-57 1-7 home on Fridays


-- Mariners beat Royals, 4-1 on Thursday

Lookin' to August

July 27, 2012

Schedule Outlook - American League
September may be when playoff spots are earned but August is a critical month in the baseball season. Teams are looking to make moves in late July to make a final push and August is where teams will either hold on and stay in the race or fall out of contention. The top teams also may have an opportunity to pull away in the standings. Here is a look at the American League schedules in August and which teams have the best and worst slates ahead.

Favorable Schedules

New York Yankees: The first place Yankees own the largest lead in any division in baseball and that gap could grow even further in August even with some of the recent injuries for New York. The Yankees will play a fairly even home and road split with 15 home games and 13 road games but none of the travel is significant, with Chicago being the furthest destination. Only 13 of the games in the month will come against teams with a winning record right now and the biggest games come at home with a four-game set with the Rangers followed by three with the Red Sox. The Yankees get home games with the Mariners and Blue Jays and also have 10 games against the AL Central for a relatively light slate for the month.

Baltimore Orioles: Many expect Baltimore to fall off the map at some point and while the Orioles have slipped from the strong early season pace they are still hanging around in the playoff picture and sitting in second place in the division. If Baltimore does start to fade further in August, the schedule won't be to blame as Baltimore draws one of the more favorable paths in the AL. Seventeen of the 28 games will be at home and only four of those home games will be against winning teams. The Orioles do have some tough road games with two in New York, as well as three-game sets in Tampa, Detroit, and Texas but if the Orioles take care of business at home they should enter the final month with plenty to play for. Getting seven games with the Mariners and Royals early in the month could provide a boost in Baltimore.

Detroit Tigers: The Tigers have made a bit of a run in the second-half of the season to get right back into the division race with the White Sox. It was a disappointing first-half but the Tigers are right where they need to be thanks to likely the weakest division in baseball in the AL Central. Detroit has a great opportunity ahead in August to pick up a few games on the rest of the division with arguably the weakest schedule among the five AL Central teams. Detroit will play 17 of 27 games at home and only 13 games will be against winning teams for the month. Detroit does have to play at Texas but the other road games are all against losing teams including the Twins and the Royals. Detroit has a huge four-game set with the Yankees at Comerica Park that should be a good measuring stick to see if this team is really a serious AL contender.

Oakland Athletics: The hottest team in baseball in July has the opportunity to keep it going in August with a favorable schedule ahead. Only 10 of 28 games in the month will be against teams that currently have a winning record and outside of three games with the Angels the home schedule is very favorable. Oakland does have some long travel with trips to Chicago, Kansas City, Tampa, and Cleveland but none of those games look overly formidable. The Athletics don't play the Yankees or Rangers in the month and missing the AL's best two teams certainly is better than the alternative. While Oakland likely won't be able to keep up the current pace, this team is likely to still be relevant in the playoff picture deep into August with this schedule.

Unfavorable Schedules

Toronto Blue Jays: The Blue Jays are barely below .500 at this point despite being a last place team but it will be very impressive if Toronto can stay close to .500 after what could be a brutal month of August. Toronto opens the month with the final game of a series in Seattle and then all other 28 games in the month will be against winning teams. Toronto will have to play all three current division leaders in the month including six games with the Yankees as well as games with both of the top teams in the AL Central. Texas and red hot Oakland are on the schedule as are the Rays and Orioles. 17 of the last 29 games in the month will be road games including finishing up the west coast trip early in August and even though the Jays have a history of being a better second half team it will be a tough journey this season.

Kansas City Royals: The Royals have to be considered one of the most disappointing teams in baseball this year and the turnaround seasons for Washington, Pittsburgh, and Baltimore only adds insult to the dire situation in Kansas City. While the playoffs are out of the question a positive final two months might be helpful looking forward. Kansas City won't have an easy draw in August as 22 of 29 games will be against teams with winning records, having to play 10 AL East games as well as three-game home sets with the Rangers and Athletics. The AL Central leading White Sox also face the Royals six times in August and 15 of the 29 games will be on the road with two east coast trips.

Minnesota Twins: While the Twins have played a bit better ball in the last two months there is little hope for making a run in what will be a second straight ugly season in Minneapolis. August will likely be a long month with 18 of 29 games on the road including long trips both to the East and West Coast. At one point the Twins will play 17 of 23 games on the road and seven of 11 home games in the month will be against winning teams. Only a four-game home set with the Mariners followed up by a series in Kansas City entering into September looks like a favorable set on the August schedule that features the Red Sox, Rays, Tigers, A's, and Rangers.

Seattle Mariners: The one team not in contention in the AL West will have the toughest slate in August having to play 16 of 27 games on the road. The Mariners do have four off days in the month but that also means they have long travel ahead with games in New York, Baltimore, Los Angeles, Chicago, and Minneapolis. Sixteen of the 27 games will be up against winning teams including twelve of the 16 road games. Nine of those games will be in consecutive road games in a long trip that features the east coast and southern California. Don't expect a late surge from this Mariners team as August will likely bury the team further in the standings.

Sale, Darvish open Sox-Rangers series Friday

CHICAGO WHITE SOX (53-45)

at TEXAS RANGERS (58-39)


First pitch: Friday, 8:05 p.m. EDT
Line: Texas -130, Chicago +120, Total: 9

The leaders of the AL Central and AL West divisions will come to blows for a three-game series beginning Friday night in Arlington, TX.

Coming off a three-game sweep of the Twins, the White Sox recovered nicely from a five-game road losing skid preceding the sweep. Chicago ace Chris Sale takes the hill for the White Sox on Friday, coming off his worst start of the season, allowing five earned runs in seven innings to the Tigers. But on the season, the southpaw has a 2.39 ERA and 1.00 WHIP as a starter. And while the Rangers win at an impressive rate versus righties (41-25, .621), their 17-14 mark against lefties is less than overwhelming. Sale faces a fellow young star in rookie Yu Darvish, who has a 3.88 ERA and 1.37 WHIP for the season. While Darvish is able to miss a lot of bats with 132 strikeouts in 116 innings, he also walks more than a batter every two innings with 61 free passes already this season. Sale, by contrast, has 29 walks in 117.2 frames. The White Sox also swept the Rangers earlier this month, outscoring Texas 26-7 in that series. As underdogs, take the better pitcher and CHICAGO to win this one.

This three-star FoxSheets trend also favors the White Sox:

Play On - Road teams when the money line is +125 to -125 (CHICAGO WHITE SOX) - average offensive team (4.7 to 5.2 runs/game) against a good starter (ERA<=4.20) (AL), with an on base percentage of .300 or worse over their last 10 games. (46-20 since 1997.) (69.7%, +28.3 units. Rating = 3*).

Before Sale got shelled his last time out, he was on a hot streak in which he had gone 8-0 in 10 starts, registering a 1.61 ERA. One of those starts was in the sweep against the Rangers, his only career start against Texas, in which he allowed one earned runs in 7.1 innings as his team cruised to a 19-2 victory. The concerning part about the White Sox has to be their road play, with the five-game losing skid all coming on the road, but they’re still 26-23 (.531) away from home. With a 4-2 record against the Rangers, they’ve also wrecked AL West foes, posting an 11-6 (.647) record this season. Take the money here and play on Chicago.

Darvish faces a team that could easily punish him if he walks too many batters—never having faced the White Sox in his career, they have the fourth-most long balls in the majors (120) and place sixth in runs (466). While Darvish is coming off a strong seven-inning, two-run showing against the Angels, he was shelled his last time out to the tune of seven earned runs in 6.1 innings versus the Mariners. Sale has given up more than three earned runs just twice this season; Darvish has done it five times, including twice in his past four starts. Play against the home team here.

Armadillo: Friday's six-pack

So you want to be a football coach? These are career stops along the way of a current NFL head coach. As you can see, John Fox has worked his way to the top…….

1976-77—Player (DB), San Diego State.
1978—Ass’t coach, San Diego State.
1979-- Ass’t coach, US International.
1980-- Ass’t coach, Boise State.
1981-- Ass’t coach, Long Beach State.
1982-- Ass’t coach, Utah.
1983-- Ass’t coach, Kansas.
1984-- Ass’t coach, Iowa State.
1985-- Ass’t coach, LA Express, USFL..
1986-88-- Ass’t coach, Pitt Panthers.
1989-91-- Ass’t coach, Pittsburgh Steelers.
1992-93-- Ass’t coach, San Diego Chargers
1994-95, Ass’t coach, Oakland Raiders.
1996—Consultant, St Louis Rams.
1997-2001, Ass’t coach, New Jersey Giants.
2002-10—Head coach, Carolina Panthers.
2011-present—Head coach, Denver Broncos.


**********


Armadillo: Friday's List of 13: Random stuff on a summer day............

13) Over/under totals on gold medals won at the London Olympics: USA: 38.5. China: 36.5. Germany: 15.5. Australia, 14.

12) $80M is expected to be wagered on the London Olympics, or about 10% of what was bet on Euro Cup soccer tournament earlier this summer.

11) Wednesday, Miami Marlins became the first team since 1914 to steal 7+ bases in a game and still score less than two runs. Quite a season they’re having, and not in a good way.

10) On June 1, Johan Santana threw 134 pitches in his no-hitter, the first in Mets’ history. Since then, he is 3-5, 6.54, and is now on the DL with an ankle injury. Mets are 2-11 in their last 13 games. Those are the facts; draw your own conclusions.

9) Houston Astros have fallen off the cliff, losing 23 of last 25 games, getting outscored by 75 runs during that time. You look at their team, and other than maybe 2B Altuve, LF Martinez and P Norris, its hard to tell if they have any pieces to build around.

8) When SMU hired Larry Brown as basketball coach, Brown cut some of the returning players from LY’s 20-win team, including the point guard. New assistant coach Tim Jankovich brought his PG in from Illinois State; kid played 28 mpg there LY as a freshman, but he can’t play this year, since he transferred.

Going to be interesting to see how long the nomadic Brown, who is 71, lasts at SMU. Mustangs will be in the Big East next year, by the way.

7) Orioles are 19-7 in 1-run games this season; they’re 5-13 in last 18 games that were decided by more than one run.

6) In 1970, the Vikings beat Dallas 54-13, which is still the worst loss by a team that went on to play in the Super Bowl that season. Just thought you’d like to know.

5) North Carolina-Texas-Butler-Marquette are in Maui Classic this fall. USC is there too, with three transfers eligible who are hoping to invigorate a team that was pummeled by injury LY.

4) Villanova had a bad year LY, going 13-19, 5-13 in the Big East; for some bizarre reason, their two starting guards both declared for the NBA Draft, but neither was selected. What jackasses are advising these kids?

If your team is 13-19, chances are neither guard was of NBA-quality, but the kids listened to the wrong people and are now screwed, as is Villanova, which will be both young and thin at guard this season.

3) Reds have won Homer Bailey’s last seven road starts; they’re quietly 18 games over .500.

2) While most Big Dozen football coaches said they wouldn’t make the first move regarding poaching Penn State’s football players, Illinois had eight assistant coaches in State College. Hey its perfectly legal, and if you need a talent upgrade, why not?

1) If you wager on the ponies and you're not following DDLohaus' picks on this website (every Sat/Sun, random plays during week) you're not doing your best to win money. He's a very good handicapper.

MLB
Dunkel

Detroit at Toronto
The Blue Jays look to build on their 4-0 record in Carlos Villanueva's last 4 home starts. Toronto is the pick (-110) according to Dunkel, which has the Blue Jays favored by 1. Dunkel Pick: Toronto (-110). Here are all of today's picks.

FRIDAY, JULY 27

Game 951-952: St. Louis at Chicago Cubs (2:20 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: St. Louis (Lynn) 16.890; Cubs (Wood) 15.773
Dunkel Line: St. Louis by 1; 9 1/2
Vegas Line: St. Louis (-160); No Total
Dunkel Pick: St. Louis (-160); N/A

Game 953-954: San Diego at Miami (7:10 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: San Diego (Wells) 15.300; Miami (Zambrano) 13.767
Dunkel Line: San Diego by 1 1/2; 8
Vegas Line: Miami (-135); 8 1/2
Dunkel Pick: San Diego (+115); Under

Game 955-956: Philadelphia at Atlanta (7:35 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Philadelphia (Hamels) 14.970; Atlanta (Sheets) 15.422
Dunkel Line: Atlanta by 1/2; 8
Vegas Line: Atlanta (-110); 7 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Atlanta (-110); Over

Game 957-958: Pittsburgh at Houston (8:05 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Pittsburgh (Karstens) 15.144; Houston (Lyles) 12.964
Dunkel Line: Pittsburgh by 2; 8
Vegas Line: Pittsburgh (-145) 8 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Pittsburgh (-145); Under

Game 959-960: Washington at Milwaukee (8:10 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Washington (Detwiler) 14.555; Milwaukee (Fiers) 15.224
Dunkel Line: Milwaukee by 1/2; 7 1/2
Vegas Line: Milwaukee (-130); 8
Dunkel Pick: Milwaukee (-130); Under

Game 961-962: Cincinnati at Colorado (8:40 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Cincinnati (Arroyo) 15.967; Colorado (Friedrich) 14.586
Dunkel Line: Cincinnati by 1 1/2; 11
Vegas Line: Cincinnati (-120); 10 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Cincinnati (-120); Over

Game 963-964: NY Mets at Arizona (9:40 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: NY Mets (Niese) 14.261; Arizona (Collmenter) 15.069
Dunkel Line: Arizona by 1; 9 1/2
Vegas Line: Arizona (-140); 9
Dunkel Pick: Arizona (-140); Over

Game 965-966: LA Dodgers at San Francisco (10:15 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: LA Dodgers (Fife) 15.337; San Francisco (Cain) 16.316
Dunkel Line: San Francisco by 1; 6
Vegas Line: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A

Game 967-968: Detroit at Toronto (7:07 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Detroit (Porcello) 15.890; Toronto (Villanueva) 17.055
Dunkel Line: Toronto by 1; 8 1/2
Vegas Line: Toronto (-110); 9
Dunkel Pick: Toronto (-110); Under

Game 969-970: Oakland at Baltimore (7:05 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Oakland (Parker) 16.859; Baltimore (Britton) 14.555
Dunkel Line: Oakland by 2 1/2; 9
Vegas Line: Baltimore (-110); 8 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Oakland (-110); Over

Game 971-972: Boston at NY Yankees (7:05 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Boston (Cook) 14.426; NY Yankees (Hughes) 14.170
Dunkel Line: Boston by 1/2; 11
Vegas Line: NY Yankees (-160); 10 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Boston (+140); Over

Game 973-974: Chicago White Sox at Texas (8:05 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: White Sox (Sale) 16.465; Texas (Darvish) 15.582
Dunkel Line: Chicago White Sox by 1; 8
Vegas Line: Texas (-130); 9
Dunkel Pick: Chicago White Sox (+110); Under

Game 975-976: Cleveland at Minnesota (8:10 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Cleveland (Tomlin) 14.196; Minnesota (Diamond) 14.587
Dunkel Line: Minnesota by 1/2; 8
Vegas Line: Minnesota (-120); 9
Dunkel Pick: Minnesota (-120); Under

Game 977-978: Tampa Bay at LA Angels (10:05 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Tampa Bay (Cobb) 14.980; LA Angels (Haren) 15.580
Dunkel Line: LA Angels by 1; 9
Vegas Line: LA Angels (-165); 8
Dunkel Pick: LA Angels (-165); Over

Game 979-980: Kansas City at Seattle (10:10 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Kansas City (Guthrie) 13.942; Seattle (Beavan) 15.633
Dunkel Line: Seattle by 1 1/2; 8 1/2
Vegas Line: Seattle (-130); 7 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Seattle (-130); Over

MLB
Armadillo's Write-Up

Friday, July 27

Hot pitchers
-- Lynn is 2-0, 0.47 in his last three starts.
-- Hamels is 2-1, 3.02 in his last six starts. Sheets is 2-0, 0.00 (12 IP) in his first two starts for Atlanta.
-- Karstens is 3-0, 1.86 in his last four starts.
-- Fiers is 2-2, 1.10 in his last six starts. Washington won last four Detwiler starts (1-0, 1.29 in his last two).
-- Arroyo is 2-1, 3.38 in his last four starts.
-- Collmenter is 2-0, 2.45 in his last four starts. Niese is 3-1, 3.19 in his last six outings.
-- Fife allowed one run in six IP in his first '12 start.

-- Porcello is 3-0, 2.97 in his last five starts. Villanueva is 3-0, 1.47 in his last three starts.
-- Parker is 5-1, 2.78 in his last seven starts. Britton is 1-0, 3.60 in his two starts this season.
-- Hughes is 2-2, 2.75 in his last five starts.
-- Sale is 3-1, 2.17 in his last five starts.

Cold pitchers
-- Wood is 1-2, 9.72 in his last three starts.
-- KWells is 0-2, 6.60 in his last three starts. Zambrano is 1-5, 8.67 in his last eight starts.
-- Lyles is 0-3, 8.74 in his last four starts.
-- Pomeranz is 0-2, 13.50 in his last couple starts.
-- Cain is 1-1, 4.94 in his last four starts.

-- Cook is 0-2, 4.19 in his last three starts.
-- Darvish is 1-2, 5.31 in his last three starts.
-- Tomlin is 1-3, 9.64 in his last four road starts. Diamond is 3-3, 4.66 in his last seven starts.
-- Cobb is 1-4, 7.66 in his last five starts. Haren has a 7.34 RA in his seven starts since June 1.
-- Guthrie is 0-3, 6.29 in his last five starts. Beavan has a 7.67 RA in his last five starts.

Hot Teams
-- Cardinals won seven of their last eight games. Cubs won 10 of their last 12 games at Wrigley.
-- Padres won eight of their last twelve games.
-- Phillies won their last four games, scoring 25 runs. Braves won five of their last seven home games.
-- Pirates won seven of their last nine games.
-- Nationals are 10-4 in their last fourteen road games.
-- Reds won their last seven games, allowing 18 runs.
-- Arizona won eight of its last ten home games, but lost last two.
-- Dodgers won five of their last seven games. Giants won nine of 12.

-- Detroit won 14 of its last 18 games.
-- A's won 16 of their last 19 games.
-- Rangers won four of their last five home games. White Sox won their last three games, scoring 26 runs, but they've lost five in a row on the road.
-- Indians won three of their last four games.
-- Angels won six of their last eight home games.

Cold Teams
-- Marlins lost seven of their last eight games.
-- Astros lost 24 of their last 26 games.
-- Brewers lost their last seven games, allowing 40 runs.
-- Rockies lost eight of their last eleven games.
-- Mets lost twelve of their last fourteen games.

-- Blue Jays are 5-6 in their last eleven home games.
-- Baltimore lost three of its last four games.
-- Bronx lost five of its last seven games. Red Sox lost five of six.
-- Twins lost six of their last eight games.
-- Tampa Bay is 4-6 in its last ten road games.
-- Seattle lost seven of its last nine home games. Royals lost 12 of their last 16 games overall.

Totals
-- Nine of last twelve St Louis games stayed under the total.
-- Over is 8-4 in San Diego's last twelve games.
-- Five of last seven Atlanta home games went over.
-- Over is 6-3-1 in last ten Houston games.
-- Over is 3-1-1 in last five Washington games.
-- Ten of last eleven Pittsburgh games stayed under.
-- Over is 13-6-1 in Mets' last twenty games.
-- Six of last nine San Francisco games went over.

-- Under is 5-1-1 in last seven Detroit games.
-- Seven of last nine Baltimore games stayed under the total.
-- Under is 5-1-1 in Boston's last seven games.
-- 16 of last 20 Texas games stayed under the total.
-- Nine of last twelve Cleveland games stayed under the total.
-- Eight of last ten Tampa Bay games stayed under.
-- Under is 22-7 in last twenty-nine Seattle games.

MLB

Friday, July 27

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Trend Report
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2:20 PM
ST. LOUIS vs. CHI CUBS
The total has gone UNDER in 11 of St. Louis's last 16 games when playing Chi Cubs
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of St. Louis's last 5 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 11 of Chi Cubs's last 16 games when playing St. Louis
Chi Cubs are 1-5 SU in their last 6 games when playing St. Louis

7:05 PM
BOSTON vs. NY YANKEES
The total has gone UNDER in 11 of Boston's last 13 games on the road
Boston is 1-5 SU in their last 6 games when playing NY Yankees
NY Yankees are 5-1 SU in their last 6 games when playing Boston
NY Yankees are 2-7 SU in their last 9 games when playing at home against Boston

7:05 PM
OAKLAND vs. BALTIMORE
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Oakland's last 6 games on the road
Oakland is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games on the road
Baltimore is 6-3 SU in its last 9 games
Baltimore is 2-6 SU in its last 8 games at home

7:07 PM
DETROIT vs. TORONTO
Detroit is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing Toronto
Detroit is 14-4 SU in its last 18 games
Toronto is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Detroit
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Toronto's last 5 games when playing at home against Detroit

7:10 PM
SAN DIEGO vs. MIAMI
San Diego is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Miami
The total has gone OVER in 14 of San Diego's last 21 games when playing on the road against Miami
Miami is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against San Diego
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Miami's last 6 games when playing at home against San Diego

7:35 PM
PHILADELPHIA vs. ATLANTA
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Philadelphia's last 7 games when playing Atlanta
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Philadelphia's last 6 games on the road
Atlanta is 12-5 SU in its last 17 games
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Atlanta's last 7 games when playing at home against Philadelphia

8:05 PM
CHI WHITE SOX vs. TEXAS
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Chi White Sox's last 6 games when playing Texas
Chi White Sox are 2-4 SU in their last 6 games when playing on the road against Texas
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Texas's last 5 games at home
Texas is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games at home

8:05 PM
PITTSBURGH vs. HOUSTON
The total has gone OVER in 16 of Pittsburgh's last 24 games on the road
Pittsburgh is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing Houston
Houston is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games when playing Pittsburgh
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Houston's last 6 games when playing at home against Pittsburgh

8:10 PM
CLEVELAND vs. MINNESOTA
Cleveland is 11-3 SU in its last 14 games when playing Minnesota
The total has gone OVER in 9 of Cleveland's last 12 games when playing Minnesota
Minnesota is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games
Minnesota is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Cleveland

8:10 PM
WASHINGTON vs. MILWAUKEE
Washington is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Washington's last 6 games when playing Milwaukee
Milwaukee is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Milwaukee's last 5 games

8:40 PM
CINCINNATI vs. COLORADO
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Cincinnati's last 5 games when playing Colorado
Cincinnati is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Colorado's last 5 games when playing Cincinnati
Colorado is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games at home

9:40 PM
NY METS vs. ARIZONA
NY Mets are 1-6 SU in its last 7 games
NY Mets are 1-6 SU in its last 7 games when playing on the road against Arizona
Arizona is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games when playing at home against NY Mets
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Arizona's last 6 games when playing at home against NY Mets

10:05 PM
TAMPA BAY vs. LA ANGELS
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Tampa Bay's last 7 games
Tampa Bay is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games on the road
LA Angels are 4-2 SU in their last 6 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of LA Angels's last 5 games

10:10 PM
KANSAS CITY vs. SEATTLE
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Kansas City's last 7 games when playing on the road against Seattle
Kansas City is 1-6 SU in its last 7 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 10 of Seattle's last 15 games when playing Kansas City
Seattle is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games when playing at home against Kansas City

10:15 PM
LA DODGERS vs. SAN FRANCISCO
The total has gone OVER in 5 of LA Dodgers's last 7 games on the road
LA Dodgers are 6-14 SU in their last 20 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 9 of San Francisco's last 12 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of San Francisco's last 7 games when playing at home against LA Dodgers

MLB

Friday, July 27

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Friday's streaking and slumping starting pitchers
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STREAKING

Ben Sheets, Atlanta Braves (2-0, 0.00 ERA)

It’s only two starts but if you’re a Braves backer, you have to be ecstatic with the early results from this former Milwaukee ace. Sheets held the Nationals off the board despite giving up five hits and three walks over six innings pitched.

“It’s been a huge pickup for us,” Atlanta catcher Brian McCann told reporters following Sheets’ last outing. “To come out here for his two starts and pitch the way he has. Hasn’t given up a run, he’s pounding the zone and the more you’re around him the more you know why he’s so successful. He’s a competitor, he knows what he’s doing.”

Carlos Villanueva, Toronto Blue Jays (5-0, 2.86 ERA)

Normally a spot starter/long-inning relief guy, Villanueva has been making the best of his chance to stick in the Jays’ starting rotation. The 28-year-old righty is 3-0 in his last three starts and carries a 1.47 ERA over the three-start stretch.


SLUMPING

Scott Diamond, Minnesota Twins (8-4, 3.16 ERA)

Diamond was the only reliable starter in the Twins’ five-man staff but he’s been banged around a bit in each of his last two appearances. The southpaw relies on groundball outs and he hasn’t been getting them, giving up nine combined runs in his last 12 innings on the bump.

Travis Wood, Chicago Cubs (4-5, 4.33 ERA)

Wood gets the call instead of an ailing Matt Garza Friday. His last two starts have been disastrous, giving up a total of 14 earned runs on 17 hits over just 10 2-3 innings of work. Wood has served up four home runs in that span and has allowed five dingers in his last three outings.

Head-to-Head Series History
ST LOUIS is 7-4 (+1.1 Units) against CHICAGO CUBS this season
6 of 11 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+0.3 Units)

LANCE LYNN vs. CHICAGO CUBS since 1997
LYNN is 3-0 when starting against CHICAGO CUBS with an ERA of 0.93 and a WHIP of 1.086.
His team's record is 3-0 (+3.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 0-3. (-3.3 units)

TRAVIS WOOD vs. ST LOUIS since 1997
WOOD is 2-1 when starting against ST LOUIS with an ERA of 3.91 and a WHIP of 1.382.
His team's record is 3-1 (+3.1 units) in these starts. The OVER is 2-1. (+0.8 units)

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SAN DIEGO (42 - 58) at MIAMI (45 - 53) - 7:10 PM
KIP WELLS (R) vs. CARLOS ZAMBRANO (R)
Top Trends for this game.
SAN DIEGO is 16-38 (-16.4 Units) against the money line as a road underdog of +125 to +150 over the last 2 seasons.
SAN DIEGO is 11-30 (-20.2 Units) against the money line when playing on Friday over the last 2 seasons.
SAN DIEGO is 66-106 (-34.8 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.
WELLS is 37-57 (-24.3 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record since 1997. (Team's Record)
SAN DIEGO is 36-26 (+16.1 Units) against the money line when the total is 8 to 8.5 over the last 3 seasons.
SAN DIEGO is 42-43 (+13.8 Units) against the money line in road games against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
MIAMI is 22-30 (-10.2 Units) against the money line after a loss this season.
MIAMI is 45-53 (-15.2 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
MIAMI is 12-19 (-9.5 Units) against the money line when the total is 8 to 8.5 this season.
MIAMI is 56-73 (-29.7 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 2 seasons.
MIAMI is 44-51 (-14.3 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
MIAMI is 29-34 (-10.3 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
MIAMI is 28-39 (-15.9 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
ZAMBRANO is 77-72 (-31.5 Units) against the money line in home games since 1997. (Team's Record)
ZAMBRANO is 25-35 (-28.7 Units) against the money line at home when the total is 8 to 8.5 since 1997. (Team's Record)
ZAMBRANO is 77-72 (-31.5 Units) against the money line in home games in games played on a grass field since 1997. (Team's Record)
ZAMBRANO is 23-28 (-16.6 Units) against the money line in home games in night games since 1997. (Team's Record)

Head-to-Head Series History
MIAMI is 3-0 (+3.0 Units) against SAN DIEGO this season
2 of 3 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+0.8 Units)

KIP WELLS vs. MIAMI since 1997
WELLS is 5-3 when starting against MIAMI with an ERA of 1.93 and a WHIP of 1.055.
His team's record is 6-3 (+4.8 units) in these starts. The OVER is 0-8. (-8.9 units)

CARLOS ZAMBRANO vs. SAN DIEGO since 1997
ZAMBRANO is 7-2 when starting against SAN DIEGO with an ERA of 2.14 and a WHIP of 1.190.
His team's record is 8-5 (+2.5 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 7-5. (+1.5 units)

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PHILADELPHIA (45 - 54) at ATLANTA (54 - 44) - 7:35 PM
COLE HAMELS (L) vs. BEN SHEETS (R)
Top Trends for this game.
PHILADELPHIA is 20-33 (-20.9 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
PHILADELPHIA is 45-54 (-22.3 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
PHILADELPHIA is 11-22 (-16.9 Units) against the money line against division opponents this season.
PHILADELPHIA is 45-51 (-19.3 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
PHILADELPHIA is 33-34 (-9.7 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
ATLANTA is 33-21 (+10.8 Units) against the money line after a win this season.
ATLANTA is 54-44 (+6.4 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
ATLANTA is 12-2 (+11.1 Units) against the money line when playing on Friday this season.
PHILADELPHIA is 16-5 (+11.5 Units) against the money line in road games when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
PHILADELPHIA is 108-90 (+26.9 Units) against the money line in road games when playing on Friday since 1997.
PHILADELPHIA is 88-57 (+21.6 Units) against the money line in road games in night games over the last 3 seasons.
SHEETS is 27-40 (-24.6 Units) against the money line in home games against division opponents since 1997. (Team's Record)

Head-to-Head Series History
ATLANTA is 4-2 (+2.1 Units) against PHILADELPHIA this season
4 of 5 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+2.9 Units)

COLE HAMELS vs. ATLANTA since 1997
HAMELS is 11-6 when starting against ATLANTA with an ERA of 3.65 and a WHIP of 1.201.
His team's record is 14-10 (+0.6 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 11-11. (-2.0 units)

BEN SHEETS vs. PHILADELPHIA since 1997
SHEETS is 2-4 when starting against PHILADELPHIA with an ERA of 4.88 and a WHIP of 1.333.
His team's record is 3-5 (-1.8 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 4-4. (-0.1 units)

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PITTSBURGH (56 - 42) at HOUSTON (34 - 66) - 8:05 PM
JEFF KARSTENS (R) vs. JORDAN LYLES (R)
Top Trends for this game.
PITTSBURGH is 11-32 (-18.1 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 3 seasons.
PITTSBURGH is 30-25 (+8.0 Units) against the money line after a win this season.
PITTSBURGH is 29-15 (+14.0 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
PITTSBURGH is 56-42 (+21.2 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
PITTSBURGH is 19-9 (+11.9 Units) against the money line when the total is 8 to 8.5 this season.
PITTSBURGH is 60-71 (+13.8 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 2 seasons.
PITTSBURGH is 23-15 (+10.5 Units) against the money line against division opponents this season.
PITTSBURGH is 56-42 (+21.2 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
PITTSBURGH is 34-30 (+7.5 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
PITTSBURGH is 40-31 (+15.5 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
HOUSTON is 20-45 (-19.4 Units) against the money line after a loss this season.
HOUSTON is 41-86 (-29.4 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
HOUSTON is 34-66 (-23.5 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
HOUSTON is 38-71 (-26.9 Units) against the money line when the total is 8 to 8.5 over the last 2 seasons.
HOUSTON is 2-20 (-17.6 Units) against the money line in July games this season.
HOUSTON is 10-32 (-18.3 Units) against the money line when playing on Friday over the last 2 seasons.
HOUSTON is 41-74 (-23.2 Units) against the money line against division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
HOUSTON is 34-66 (-23.5 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
HOUSTON is 24-46 (-16.1 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
HOUSTON is 23-51 (-22.1 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
LYLES is 5-23 (-16.4 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
LYLES is 5-23 (-16.4 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
LYLES is 3-16 (-12.5 Units) against the money line after a loss over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)

Head-to-Head Series History
PITTSBURGH is 7-1 (+5.6 Units) against HOUSTON this season
5 of 8 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+1.6 Units)

JEFF KARSTENS vs. HOUSTON since 1997
KARSTENS is 5-2 when starting against HOUSTON with an ERA of 2.89 and a WHIP of 1.056.
His team's record is 5-3 (+2.5 units) in these starts. The OVER is 3-4. (-1.3 units)

JORDAN LYLES vs. PITTSBURGH since 1997
LYLES is 0-2 when starting against PITTSBURGH with an ERA of 9.31 and a WHIP of 1.448.
His team's record is 0-2 (-2.1 units) in these starts. The OVER is 2-0. (+2.0 units)

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

WASHINGTON (59 - 39) at MILWAUKEE (44 - 54) - 8:10 PM
ROSS DETWILER (L) vs. MICHAEL FIERS (R)
Top Trends for this game.
MILWAUKEE is 88-50 (+24.0 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 2 seasons.
MILWAUKEE is 39-18 (+16.1 Units) against the money line in home games after a loss over the last 2 seasons.
WASHINGTON is 36-22 (+10.0 Units) against the money line after a win this season.
WASHINGTON is 59-39 (+14.1 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
WASHINGTON is 57-41 (+21.3 Units) against the money line when the total is 8 to 8.5 over the last 2 seasons.
WASHINGTON is 31-20 (+11.1 Units) against the money line in road games this season.
WASHINGTON is 13-5 (+11.7 Units) against the money line in road games when playing on Friday over the last 2 seasons.
WASHINGTON is 56-39 (+10.2 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
WASHINGTON is 39-23 (+13.4 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
WASHINGTON is 43-27 (+12.6 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
MILWAUKEE is 44-54 (-19.0 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
MILWAUKEE is 13-23 (-15.1 Units) against the money line when the total is 8 to 8.5 this season.
MILWAUKEE is 22-35 (-18.0 Units) against the money line at home with a money line of -100 to -125 over the last 3 seasons.
MILWAUKEE is 44-54 (-19.0 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
WASHINGTON is 1-0 (+1.4 Units) against MILWAUKEE this season
1 of 1 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+1.0 Units)

ROSS DETWILER vs. MILWAUKEE since 1997
DETWILER is 0-1 when starting against MILWAUKEE with an ERA of 0.00 and a WHIP of 1.635.
His team's record is 0-1 (-1.0 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 0-1. (-1.2 units)

MICHAEL FIERS vs. WASHINGTON since 1997
No recent starts.

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CINCINNATI (58 - 40) at COLORADO (37 - 60) - 8:40 PM
BRONSON ARROYO (R) vs. DREW POMERANZ (L)
Top Trends for this game.
CINCINNATI is 66-72 (-16.9 Units) against the money line after a win over the last 2 seasons.
CINCINNATI is 17-27 (-13.1 Units) against the money line on the road with a money line of -100 to -125 over the last 2 seasons.
CINCINNATI is 13-4 (+8.2 Units) against the money line after 3 or more consecutive wins this season.
CINCINNATI is 66-43 (+19.6 Units) against the money line in road games when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 3 seasons.
CINCINNATI is 68-38 (+20.0 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record in the second half of the season over the last 3 seasons.
CINCINNATI is 58-40 (+12.3 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
CINCINNATI is 593-673 (+52.7 Units) against the money line in road games since 1997.
CINCINNATI is 104-100 (+27.7 Units) against the money line in road games when playing on Friday since 1997.
CINCINNATI is 58-40 (+12.3 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
CINCINNATI is 391-434 (+40.6 Units) against the money line in road games in night games since 1997.
COLORADO is 12-23 (-11.8 Units) against the money line after a win this season.
COLORADO is 45-70 (-21.2 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
COLORADO is 13-31 (-16.2 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
COLORADO is 37-60 (-19.0 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
COLORADO is 20-29 (-11.6 Units) against the money line in home games this season.
COLORADO is 37-60 (-19.0 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
COLORADO is 130-155 (-41.2 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 3 seasons.
COLORADO is 76-108 (-38.3 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
CINCINNATI is 2-1 (+0.5 Units) against COLORADO this season
3 of 3 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+3.1 Units)

BRONSON ARROYO vs. COLORADO since 1997
ARROYO is 2-3 when starting against COLORADO with an ERA of 5.66 and a WHIP of 1.541.
His team's record is 3-6 (-3.1 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 4-5. (-1.6 units)

DREW POMERANZ vs. CINCINNATI since 1997
POMERANZ is 1-0 when starting against CINCINNATI with an ERA of 0.00 and a WHIP of 0.800.
His team's record is 1-0 (+1.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 0-1. (-1.1 units)

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NY METS (48 - 51) at ARIZONA (49 - 50) - 9:40 PM
JON NIESE (L) vs. JOSH COLLMENTER (R)
Top Trends for this game.
NY METS are 5-15 (-11.6 Units) against the money line in July games this season.
NY METS are 30-23 (+11.1 Units) against the money line in road games when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.
NY METS are 34-27 (+14.4 Units) against the money line when the total is 9 to 9.5 over the last 3 seasons.
NY METS are 24-16 (+11.5 Units) against the money line as a road underdog of +100 to +125 over the last 2 seasons.
NY METS are 65-63 (+20.4 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 2 seasons.
NY METS are 61-61 (+16.9 Units) against the money line in road games in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
NY METS are 34-28 (+8.0 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
ARIZONA is 9-15 (-11.3 Units) against the money line in home games after a loss this season.
ARIZONA is 49-50 (-7.2 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
ARIZONA is 49-50 (-7.2 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
ARIZONA is 32-37 (-10.9 Units) against the money line in night games this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
NY METS is 3-1 (+2.7 Units) against ARIZONA this season
2 of 3 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+0.9 Units)

JON NIESE vs. ARIZONA since 1997
NIESE is 1-1 when starting against ARIZONA with an ERA of 6.06 and a WHIP of 1.531.
His team's record is 1-2 (-1.7 units) in these starts. The OVER is 2-1. (+0.8 units)

JOSH COLLMENTER vs. NY METS since 1997
No recent starts.

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LA DODGERS (53 - 47) at SAN FRANCISCO (55 - 43) - 10:15 PM
STEPHEN FIFE (R) vs. MATT CAIN (R)
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
SAN FRANCISCO is 4-2 (+3.0 Units) against LA DODGERS this season
3 of 6 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=-0.4 Units, Under=-0.4 Units)

STEPHEN FIFE vs. SAN FRANCISCO since 1997
No recent starts.

MATT CAIN vs. LA DODGERS since 1997
CAIN is 3-8 when starting against LA DODGERS with an ERA of 3.56 and a WHIP of 1.410.
His team's record is 9-10 (-0.8 units) in these starts. The OVER is 9-9. (-0.8 units)

DETROIT (53 - 46) at TORONTO (49 - 49) - 7:05 PM
RICK PORCELLO (R) vs. CARLOS VILLANUEVA (R)
Top Trends for this game.
DETROIT is 119-182 (-49.8 Units) against the money line as a road underdog of +100 to +125 since 1997.
DETROIT is 25-30 (-13.1 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
TORONTO is 316-227 (+51.9 Units) against the money line at home when the total is 9 to 9.5 since 1997.
TORONTO is 42-24 (+22.0 Units) against the money line when playing on Friday over the last 3 seasons.
TORONTO is 168-150 (+17.7 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 3 seasons.
DETROIT is 73-45 (+18.4 Units) against the money line after a loss over the last 2 seasons.
PORCELLO is 33-19 (+11.4 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
PORCELLO is 17-8 (+9.6 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
PORCELLO is 8-0 (+8.2 Units) against the money line in July games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)

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

RICK PORCELLO vs. TORONTO since 1997
PORCELLO is 2-2 when starting against TORONTO with an ERA of 3.75 and a WHIP of 1.167.
His team's record is 2-2 (+0.2 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-2. (-1.3 units)

CARLOS VILLANUEVA vs. DETROIT since 1997
VILLANUEVA is 0-0 when starting against DETROIT with an ERA of 1.80 and a WHIP of 1.400.
His team's record is 1-0 (+1.2 units) in these starts. The OVER is 0-1. (-1.1 units)

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OAKLAND (53 - 45) at BALTIMORE (52 - 47) - 7:05 PM
JARROD PARKER (R) vs. ZACH BRITTON (L)
Top Trends for this game.
BALTIMORE is 29-22 (+11.1 Units) against the money line after a win this season.
BALTIMORE is 33-26 (+14.2 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
BALTIMORE is 52-47 (+13.5 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
BALTIMORE is 21-16 (+9.1 Units) against the money line when the total is 8 to 8.5 this season.
BALTIMORE is 49-41 (+15.0 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
BALTIMORE is 38-36 (+6.8 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
OAKLAND is 29-20 (+15.3 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
OAKLAND is 7-1 (+7.4 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season this season.
OAKLAND is 53-45 (+17.6 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
OAKLAND is 16-3 (+15.6 Units) against the money line in July games this season.
OAKLAND is 49-43 (+14.5 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
OAKLAND is 35-29 (+12.3 Units) against the money line in night games this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
BALTIMORE is 2-1 (+0.8 Units) against OAKLAND this season
2 of 3 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+0.8 Units)

JARROD PARKER vs. BALTIMORE since 1997
No recent starts.

ZACH BRITTON vs. OAKLAND since 1997
BRITTON is 1-1 when starting against OAKLAND with an ERA of 5.25 and a WHIP of 1.583.
His team's record is 1-1 (-0.1 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 1-1. (-0.2 units)

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BOSTON (49 - 50) at NY YANKEES (59 - 39) - 7:05 PM
AARON COOK (R) vs. PHIL HUGHES (R)
Top Trends for this game.
BOSTON is 49-50 (-13.7 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
BOSTON is 16-23 (-13.7 Units) against the money line against division opponents this season.
BOSTON is 43-45 (-14.5 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
BOSTON is 28-37 (-18.7 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
BOSTON is 63-63 (-23.4 Units) against the money line after a loss over the last 2 seasons.
NY YANKEES are 33-11 (+14.8 Units) against the money line as a home favorite of -150 to -175 over the last 2 seasons.
NY YANKEES are 152-61 (+43.4 Units) against the money line in home games in July games since 1997.
NY YANKEES are 9-1 (+7.8 Units) against the money line when playing with a day off this season.
NY YANKEES are 58-32 (+14.6 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
BOSTON is 41-22 (+19.5 Units) against the money line in road games when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
NY YANKEES are 256-167 (-63.6 Units) against the money line at home when the total is 10 to 10.5 since 1997.
NY YANKEES are 226-184 (-45.8 Units) against the money line when playing on Friday since 1997.
NY YANKEES are 94-84 (-17.8 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
NY YANKEES is 5-1 (+4.4 Units) against BOSTON this season
4 of 6 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+2.0 Units)

AARON COOK vs. NY YANKEES since 1997
COOK is 0-1 when starting against NY YANKEES with an ERA of 7.94 and a WHIP of 2.293.
His team's record is 0-1 (-1.0 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 0-1. (-1.0 units)

PHIL HUGHES vs. BOSTON since 1997
HUGHES is 1-5 when starting against BOSTON with an ERA of 7.12 and a WHIP of 1.837.
His team's record is 3-6 (-3.3 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 2-6. (-5.0 units)

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CHI WHITE SOX (53 - 45) at TEXAS (58 - 39) - 8:05 PM
CHRIS SALE (L) vs. YU DARVISH (R)
Top Trends for this game.
TEXAS is 122-75 (+18.3 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.
CHI WHITE SOX are 36-28 (+10.7 Units) against the money line in road games after a win over the last 2 seasons.
CHI WHITE SOX are 19-10 (+12.2 Units) against the money line in road games after 3 or more consecutive wins over the last 3 seasons.
CHI WHITE SOX are 45-42 (+17.9 Units) against the money line in road games when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 3 seasons.
CHI WHITE SOX are 17-6 (+10.6 Units) against the money line when the total is 9 to 9.5 this season.
CHI WHITE SOX are 70-62 (+16.5 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 2 seasons.
CHI WHITE SOX are 65-56 (+16.3 Units) against the money line in road games in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
CHI WHITE SOX are 53-47 (+12.1 Units) against the money line in road games against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
CHI WHITE SOX is 4-2 (+2.8 Units) against TEXAS this season
5 of 6 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+3.9 Units)

CHRIS SALE vs. TEXAS since 1997
SALE is 1-0 when starting against TEXAS with an ERA of 1.23 and a WHIP of 0.819.
His team's record is 1-0 (+1.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-0. (+1.0 units)

YU DARVISH vs. CHI WHITE SOX since 1997
No recent starts.

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CLEVELAND (50 - 49) at MINNESOTA (40 - 58) - 8:10 PM
JOSH TOMLIN (R) vs. SCOTT DIAMOND (L)
Top Trends for this game.
CLEVELAND is 133-131 (+5.9 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
CLEVELAND is 127-124 (+5.4 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
CLEVELAND is 35-25 (+11.3 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
MINNESOTA is 58-99 (-27.5 Units) against the money line after a loss over the last 2 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 22-41 (-15.2 Units) against the money line after 3 or more consecutive losses over the last 2 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 103-158 (-34.0 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 52-79 (-28.5 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 2 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 11-24 (-15.2 Units) against the money line at home when the total is 9 to 9.5 over the last 2 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 5-15 (-11.1 Units) against the money line in home games when playing on Friday over the last 2 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 100-151 (-30.9 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 28-49 (-21.5 Units) against the money line in home games in night games over the last 2 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 69-118 (-34.4 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
CLEVELAND is 3-2 (+0.4 Units) against MINNESOTA this season
2 of 4 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=-0.1 Units, Under=-0.3 Units)

JOSH TOMLIN vs. MINNESOTA since 1997
TOMLIN is 1-2 when starting against MINNESOTA with an ERA of 5.92 and a WHIP of 1.356.
His team's record is 1-3 (-3.0 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 1-3. (-2.5 units)

SCOTT DIAMOND vs. CLEVELAND since 1997
DIAMOND is 1-1 when starting against CLEVELAND with an ERA of 3.38 and a WHIP of 1.286.
His team's record is 1-2 (-0.9 units) in these starts. The OVER is 2-0. (+2.0 units)

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TAMPA BAY (51 - 48) at LA ANGELS (54 - 45) - 10:05 PM
ALEX COBB (R) vs. DAN HAREN (R)
Top Trends for this game.
LA ANGELS are 633-622 (+43.9 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record since 1997.
TAMPA BAY is 68-61 (+10.6 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 2 seasons.
LA ANGELS are 125-115 (-60.2 Units) against the money line as a home favorite of -150 to -175 since 1997.
LA ANGELS are 67-71 (-20.4 Units) against the money line after a win over the last 2 seasons.
HAREN is 7-11 (-10.0 Units) against the money line in all games this season. (Team's Record)
HAREN is 6-11 (-11.0 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season. (Team's Record)
HAREN is 26-36 (-21.9 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)
HAREN is 22-30 (-19.4 Units) against the money line after a win over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)

Head-to-Head Series History
TAMPA BAY is 3-0 (+3.0 Units) against LA ANGELS this season
3 of 3 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+3.0 Units)

ALEX COBB vs. LA ANGELS since 1997
COBB is 1-0 when starting against LA ANGELS with an ERA of 4.22 and a WHIP of 1.407.
His team's record is 1-1 (+0.2 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-1. (+0.0 units)

DAN HAREN vs. TAMPA BAY since 1997
HAREN is 6-3 when starting against TAMPA BAY with an ERA of 2.69 and a WHIP of 0.857.
His team's record is 8-3 (+4.1 units) in these starts. The OVER is 5-6. (-1.6 units)

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KANSAS CITY (41 - 57) at SEATTLE (44 - 57) - 10:10 PM
JEREMY GUTHRIE (R) vs. BLAKE BEAVAN (R)
Top Trends for this game.
BEAVAN is 7-1 (+9.4 Units) against the money line after a win this season. (Team's Record)
SEATTLE is 21-37 (-17.2 Units) against the money line in home games after a win over the last 2 seasons.
SEATTLE is 20-30 (-14.2 Units) against the money line in home games when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.
SEATTLE is 286-278 (-83.1 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record in the second half of the season since 1997.
SEATTLE is 173-253 (-64.0 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 3 seasons.
SEATTLE is 19-29 (-12.2 Units) against the money line in home games this season.
SEATTLE is 22-52 (-28.6 Units) against the money line in July games over the last 3 seasons.
SEATTLE is 19-29 (-12.2 Units) against the money line in home games in games played on a grass field this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
SEATTLE is 4-1 (+3.2 Units) against KANSAS CITY this season
3 of 5 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+0.9 Units)

JEREMY GUTHRIE vs. SEATTLE since 1997
GUTHRIE is 2-6 when starting against SEATTLE with an ERA of 4.22 and a WHIP of 1.172.
His team's record is 4-6 (-1.9 units) in these starts. The OVER is 4-5. (-1.1 units)

BLAKE BEAVAN vs. KANSAS CITY since 1997
BEAVAN is 2-0 when starting against KANSAS CITY with an ERA of 5.84 and a WHIP of 1.298.
His team's record is 2-0 (+2.2 units) in these starts. The OVER is 2-0. (+2.0 units)

One early game:

Friday, July 27

Game Score Status Pick Amount

St. Louis - 2:20 PM ET St. Louis -156 500

Chi. Cubs - Over 8 500

MLB
Short Sheet

Friday, July 27

National League

St. Louis at Chicago Cubs, 2:20 ET
Lynn: St. Louis 33-16 SU away after winning 3 of their last 4 games
Wood: Cubs 4-13 SU off a loss by one run

San Diego at Miami, 7:10 ET
Wells: San Diego 21-11 Over away off BB road games
Zambrano: Miami 4-16 SU after losing 4 of their last 5 games

Philadelphia at Atlanta, 7:35 ET
Hamels: Philadelphia 11-22 SU vs. division opponents
Sheets: Atlanta 12-1 SU off a division win by 6+ runs

Pittsburgh at Houston, 8:05 ET
Karstens: 15-8 SU off 4+ Unders
Lyles: Houston 2-20 SU in July

Washington at Milwaukee, 8:10 ET
Detwiler: 6-0 TSR away with a total of 7 to 8.5 runs
Fiers: Milwaukee 25-12 Over as a home favorite

Cincinnati at Colorado, 8:40 ET
Arroyo: Cincinnati 13-4 SU off 3+ wins
Pomeranz: Colorado 2-13 SU after allowing 2 runs or less

NY Mets at Arizona, 9:40 ET
Niese: Mets 5-15 SU in July
Collmenter: Arizona 45-21 SU as a favorite of -125 to -175

LA Dodgers at San Francisco, 10:15 ET
Fife: Dodgers 6-11 SU off 5+ road games
Cain: 7-2 TSR in home games


American League

Detroit at Toronto, 7:05 ET MLB
Porcello: 8-0 TSR in July
Villanueva: Toronto 27-43 SU after winning 4 or 5 of their last 6 games

Oakland at Baltimore, 7:05 ET
Parker: Oakland 16-3 SU in July
Britton: Baltimore 20-10 Under after allowing 2 runs or less

Boston at NY Yankees, 7:05 ET MLB
Cook: Boston 8-17 SU after losing 3 of their last 4 games
Hughes: Yankees 12-2 SU off 5+ road games

Chicago White Sox at Texas, 8:05 ET
Sale: White Sox 20-9 SU off BB wins
Darvish: Texas 14-4 Under in July

Cleveland at Minnesota, 8:10 ET
Tomlin: Cleveland 18-11 SU away off 4+ road games
Diamond: Minnesota 11-26 SU at home off a loss by 4+ runs

Tampa Bay at LA Angels, 10:05 ET
Cobb: Tampa Bay 9-3 SU as a road underdog of +125 to +175
Haren: 2-7 TSR as a home favorite

Kansas City at Seattle, 10:10 ET
Guthrie: Kansas City 3-17 SU after having 2 or less base hits
Beavan: 7-1 TSR pitching off a team win

Friday's betting tips: Bucs bashing the ball on the road

Weather to watch

Philadelphia Phillies at Atlanta Braves: A 40 percent chance of thunderstorms could spoil a good pitching matchup between Cole Hamels and Ben Sheets.

Who’s hot?

The Cincinnati Reds are riding a seven-game winning streak heading into a three-game set with the Colorado Rockies. The Reds are 11-2 since the All-Star break and 6-0 in their last six contests as road favorites.

Who’s not?

The Houston Astros have spent the entire season continuing to set new wonderful lows in Major League Baseball’s department of suck. Losers of 23 of their last 25 games, the Astros are in the midst of the worst 25-game stretch in franchise history.

The Milwaukee Brewers have plummeted to a season-worst 10 games under .500 - 14 games behind NL Central-leading Cincinnati. General manager Doug Melvin has acknowledged the team is fielding trade offers for 2009 American League Cy Young Award winner Zack Greinke.

Key Stat

According to the Elias Sports Bureau, the New Orleans Hornets and Sacramento Kings have the toughest schedules for the upcoming 2012/13 NBA season. The Indiana Pacers and Chicago Bulls have the easiest routes based on opponent wins and losses from last season.

Game of the day

Boston Red Sox at New York Yankees (-172, 10.5)

Injury not to be overlooked

Toronto Blue Jays catcher J.P. Arencibia will miss approximately six weeks because of a fractured right hand. Arencibia is the 10th Blue Jay currently on the disabled list and was batting .242 with 16 homers and 50 RBIs prior to the injury. Toronto is still missing slugger Jose Bautista, who is recovering from a wrist injury.

Notable Quotable

"Of course it's easier if you hold an Olympic Games in the middle of nowhere."- British Prime Minister David Cameron, responding to comments by U.S. presidential candidate Mitt Romney that were critical of the host country's preparation for the Olympic Games. Romney was in charge of the 2002 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City.

Notes and tips

- The Pirates have hit at least one home run in their past 16 road games and have 35 during that stretch. Astros starter Jordan Lyles has allowed at least one homer in his last five starts. Pittsburgh is a -156 road favorite in Houston. The total is set at 8.5 runs.

- The Texas Rangers have won 20 of their last 27 home games against teams with winning records and are 44-19 in their last 63 home games overall. Texas is a -137 home favorite versus the Chicago White Sox Friday.

- The Tampa Bay Rays reportedly intend to bring back third baseman Evan Longoria (hamstring) as soon as next week to serve as the designated hitter. He suffered a partial tear in his right hamstring after sliding into second base in a game against the Seattle Mariners on April 30.

- Jamaican sprinter Usain Bolt said Thursday a bad back has been causing him hamstring problems, leading to a pair of losses to training partner Yohan Blake at the Jamaican trials. "It was a slight problem. I got that fixed and I'm ready to go," Bolt said in his first formal media appearance of the London Games. Bolt has the honor of carrying his country’s flag at the Opening Ceremonies.

- Brewers skipper Ron Roenicke is adopting a closer by committee approach for the foreseeable future due to the struggles of Francisco Rodriguez and John Axford. “Unfortunately, it’s come to that. I’d rather have a set bullpen. We’re going to go with whatever we see in the game and who fits that slot,” Roenicke said Thursday.

Evening Games:

Early Games goes 2 - 0

Friday, July 27

Game Score Status Pick Amount

Oakland - 7:05 PM ET Oakland +101 500
Baltimore - Over 8.5 500

Boston - 7:05 PM ET NY Yankees -162 500
NY Yankees - Over 10.5 500

Detroit - 7:07 PM ET Detroit +112 500
Toronto - Over 9 500

San Diego - 7:10 PM ET Miami -132 500
Miami - Under 8.5 500

Philadelphia - 7:35 PM ET Atlanta -102 500
Atlanta - Over 7.5 500

Chi. White Sox - 8:05 PM ET Texas -130 500
Texas - Over 9 500

Pittsburgh - 8:05 PM ET Houston +132 500
Houston - Over 8.5 500

Washington - 8:10 PM ET Milwaukee -130 500
Milwaukee - Over 8.5 500

Cleveland - 8:10 PM ET Minnesota -116 500
Minnesota - Under 9 500

Cincinnati - 8:40 PM ET Colorado +104 500
Colorado - Over 10.5 500

NY Mets - 9:40 PM ET NY Mets +127 500
Arizona - Under 9 500

Tampa Bay - 10:05 PM ET Tampa Bay +154 500
LA Angels - Under 8 500

Kansas City - 10:10 PM ET Seattle -124 500
Seattle - Under 7.5 500

LA Dodgers - 10:15 PM ET San Francisco -177 500
San Francisco - Over 6.5 500