Cnotes Saturday's MLB Best Bets !

Zito & Giants Battle Dodgers In San Francisco

A key National League West series continues Saturday in San Francisco where the Giants host the Los Angeles Dodgers in the middle contest of a 3-game series.

Saturday's matinee is set for a 4:05 p.m. (ET) first pitch from Giants lefty Barry Zito who will be opposed by LA's Chad Billingsley. San Francisco opened at -120 with a 7½-run total priced evenly high and low.

The rivalry is intense under normal conditions, but promises to get pumped up a little more this weekend with the two clubs at the top of the division. San Francisco entered the weekend holding a 3-game lead over the Dodgers with Friday's clash still pending. No MLB odds were available due to Los Angeles not officially naming its starter for the match. The Dodgers were expected to recall Stephen Fife from their Triple-A club in Albuquerque to make the start against Matt Cain.

Los Angeles is short a starting pitcher at the moment after dealing for Hanley Ramirez from the Miami Marlins earlier this week. The key piece going back to Miami in that swap was young right-hander Nate Eovaldi who had originally been slated to pitch Friday for the Dodgers.

Neither of Saturday's starters will be a mystery to either lineup as Billingsley and Zito have each logged a lot of innings in this rivalry. Los Angeles is 10-9 in Billingsley's 19 career starts vs. the Giants, and he carries a 3.33 ERA against them including several relief appearances. Zito has faced the Dodgers for nearly 150 innings during his career dating back to his days with the Oakland Athletics, and owns a 3.73 lifetime ERA against Los Angeles.

This will be Zito's first start at home since the end of June, and his third go against the Dodgers this season. The southpaw tossed seven shutout innings in an 8-0 win at AT&T Park on June 25, but took a loss at LA in early May when he allowed three runs in six frames of a 9-1 Dodgers triumph. Los Angeles is 21-15 on the campaign when facing left-handed starters.

Billingsley just returned from a short stint on the disabled list due to a sore elbow. He was good for 100 pitches on Monday in St. Louis, surrendering just one run in six innings during Los Angeles' only victory over the Cardinals in the 4-game set.

He dropped a 3-0 decision to the Giants in San Francisco on June 27 when he was charged with all of their runs in a 6-inning appearance. The Dodgers won his earlier start this year against the Giants, though Billingsley didn't factor into the decision due to working just four innings (2 ER).

Los Angeles is wrapping up a 10-game road trip with this series, a trip that started well with four consecutive wins including a sweep at the Mets last weekend. The Dodgers dropped the last three games in St. Louis, however, and the 'over' is 5-2 on this journey.

The Giants just began a 10-game homestand by taking two of three from the San Diego Padres. Two of those affairs went 'over' the total, the only games to jump the scoreboard hurdle in the last 12 contests played in San Francisco.

One key injury note for this series involves San Francisco 3B Pablo Sandoval who strained his left hamstring during the series with San Diego. Sandoval was not expected to play Friday night, and the Giants could be forced to place the all-star on the DL if he hasn't responded to treatment in the next day or so.

Thanks to sweeping three successive series in 2006-07, and sweeping the first ever regular season series in the stadium back in April 2000, the Dodgers have an ever so slight 56-55 edge over the Giants at AT&T Park. That margin has been shrinking in recent years, however, with San Francisco winning 13 of the last 18 matchups. The Giants broomed the Dodgers here in late-June to gain a 4-2 advantage overall this season, and the 'under' has cashed in six of the last nine played in San Fran.

Angels, Rays Continue Critical Set From West Coast

Two playoff caliber teams in the American League, the Los Angeles Angels and Tampa Bay Rays, play the middle game of their weekend series on Saturday night at 9:05 p.m. (ET).

The Angels are $1.65 home favorites behind C.J. Wilson and the total is 7½ (shaded to the ‘under’). Matt Moore is on the hill for the Floridians.

Both teams need this series badly. The Angels are 5-games back of Texas in the AL West, but in front for a wild-card. Tampa Bay is in third place in the AL East, 8.5 games behind New York, but still right in the wild-card chase as well.

Note these standings are pending the Friday night series opener that had the Angels as identical $1.65 chalk behind Dan Haren.

Moore (6-7, 4.23 ERA) is 1-2 in his last three starts with a 4.59 ERA. He was dominant last year in both the regular season and the playoffs after getting called up in September. It was thought he would continue on that path this season, but has been mostly mediocre.

Don Best MLB analyst Kenny White thinks Moore has been undone by the scouting reports. He has just three pitches and needs a slider to add to his 95-96 mph fastball, curveball and changeup.

The 23-year-old lefty is just 1-3 with a 5.36 ERA in seven road starts this year.

Wilson (9-6, 2.89 ERA) saw the Angels win eight of his starts in a row come to an end on July 1. His ERA over that span was a microscopic 1.35.

The tough lefty couldn’t keep up that pace forever, going 0-2 with a 5.06 ERA in the last four. The Angels won just one of those contests, 6-3 at home against lowly Kansas City last Monday.

Don Best’s White doesn’t believe Wilson is out of gas despite the slide. He is still in the prime of his career at age 31 and should heat up again with more home outings coming up. Wilson has just eight home starts this year versus 13 away, with his home ERA (3.18) a little higher for now.

Los Angeles’ dynamic duo of Mike Trout and Mark Trumbo continue to put up big numbers. The rookie Trout isn’t getting the same accolades as Washington’s Bryce Harper, but he jumpstarts the offense, plays good defense and has a great arm. When he produces at the plate, this team is very hard to beat.

White likes the Angels as the play in this contest despite the price. He cites Moore struggling on the road and Evan Longoria still out of the lineup as two main factors.

Saturday FOX Tips

July 27, 2012

The Saturday afternoon baseball showcases two legendary division showdowns, as the Dodgers battle the Giants in San Francisco while the Yankees and Red Sox hook up in the Bronx. The AL East race is quickly turning into New York's to lose, as Boston attempts to stage a comeback with two months remaining.

Red Sox at Yankees

It's the best and worst of the AL East meeting up towards the end of July and who would have thought Boston would be at the bottom of the division? Bobby Valentine's squad looked to be getting on track after series victories over the Rays and White Sox, but the Red Sox dropped five of the next six to fall into the cellar. The Yankees continue a nine-game homestand after a 2-5 swing at Oakland and Seattle.

New York sends out former Cy Young award winner CC Sabathia (10-3, 3.30 ERA) to the mound on Saturday. The southpaw is making his third start off the disabled list, while coming off a no-decision in his last outing at Oakland, as the Yankees squandered a 4-0 lead in a 5-4 defeat in extra-innings. Sabathia scattered six hits and three earned runs in seven innings, while the Yankees suffered their first loss with the lefty on the mound since June 3 against Tampa Bay. New York owns a 5-2 in Sabathia's seven home starts this season, as the Yanks lost both of his Bronx outings in 2011 to the Red Sox.

Another southpaw takes the hill for Boston, as Jon Lester (5-8, 5.46 ERA) is coming off three consecutive home losses. Lester has fared better away from Fenway Park this season by posting a 3-2 mark with an ERA of 3.04 in eight road outings. The lefty has yielded three earned runs or more in seven of the last eight starts, including five runs in 4.1 innings of a 7-3 home loss to the Yankees earlier this month.

The Yankees grabbed five of the first six meetings at Fenway Park before Friday's 10-3 victory, the third time New York has scored 10 or more runs on Boston. The Red Sox offense has struggled to find a rhythm recently by plating three runs or less in seven of the previous eight contests.

Dodgers at Giants

The last time Los Angeles visited AT&T Park in late June, the Dodgers' offense dried up by getting shut out in all three games of a Giants' sweep. That series helped San Francisco dust itself off and turn the NL West race into a two-team battle, as the Giants began the weekend with a three-game advantage over the Dodgers. L.A.'s lineup received a boost with the acquisition of third baseman Hanley Ramirez from Miami, but the Dodgers failed to win in his first two games at St. Louis. Ramirez came through on Friday night with a homer in extra innings to lift the Dodgers past the Giants, 5-3.

Chad Billingsley (5-9, 4.15 ERA) picked up a victory in his first start of the disabled list last Monday, a 5-3 triumph over the Cardinals as a $1.30 underdog. The Dodgers are just 2-3 in his five day starts, while the 'over' has cashed four times in his matinee outings. Billingsley has lost four of the last five starts against the Giants, including five straight at AT&T Park.

The Giants trot out former Cy Young award winner Barry Zito, who rebounded from two tough starts in mid-June to allow a total of eight earned runs in his last five outings. Zito received a no-decision in his previous start at Philadelphia, a 12-inning loss by the Giants. San Francisco is just 2-2 in Zito's four starts as a home favorite, with one of those victories coming over Los Angeles in late June. Zito tossed a gem by yielding just three hits in seven scoreless innings, while beating the Dodgers for the first time in five tries dating back to 2010.

Royals at Mariners

Even though this game will not be televised on FOX, it's still a contest that can be bet on. Seattle is 5-1 against Kansas City this season after grabbing a victory last night, 6-1. The Royals are just 4-14 the last 18 games, while not winning a series since sweeping the Rays at home in late June.

A pair of veteran pitchers takes the mound as Kevin Millwood and Bruce Chen face off for the second time in 10 days. The Royals won in walk-off fashion in that contest at Kauffman Stadium, 8-7 on a Billy Butler solo home run. Kansas City squandered a 7-3 lead, costing Chen his eighth victory on the season. Chen (7-8, 5.54 ERA) hasn't delivered a quality start in his last five trips to the mound, while allowing 25 earned runs in this stretch. The Royals have been involved in plenty of high-scoring games during this span, cashing the 'over' in each of Chen's past six starts.

The Mariners have lost each of Millwood's (3-8, 4.13 ERA) last six starts, while the offense has scored two runs or less in four of his previous five outings. Seattle's offense ranks last in the American League in runs scored at home, as the Mariners have hit the 'under' in four of Millwood's last five starts at Safeco Field. The M's are 6-0 to the 'under' in the previous six Game 3's of a series at home, while the Royals are 5-1 to the 'under' the last six Game 3's away from Kauffman Stadium.

Wilson looks to shut down Rays Saturday

TAMPA BAY RAYS (51-49)

at LOS ANGELES ANGELS (55-45)


First pitch: Saturday, 9:05 p.m. EDT
Line: Los Angeles -170, Tampa Bay +160, Total: 7½

The surging Angels look for a fifth win in six games when they host the struggling Rays (2-4 in past six games) in the middle of a three-game set on Saturday night.

Tampa Bay’s offense once again failed in Friday’s series opener, losing 3-1. That gives the Rays a total of five runs in their past four defeats. It won’t get any easier on Saturday facing Angels All-Star left-hander C.J. Wilson who is one of seven AL starters with an ERA under three this year. Tampa Bay counters with 23-year-old lefty Matt Moore, who hasn’t been very effective this season (1.40 WHIP), but has pitched well since the All-Star break, allowing just two runs in each of his two starts. Although Wilson hasn’t won in five straight outings, he has allowed more than three runs in a game just twice in 21 starts. Also, consider that the Rays are just 12-19 (.387) versus left-handed starters this year, batting .224 with 3.7 runs per game. On the flip side, the Angels are 19-14 (.576) against southpaw starters, batting .278 with 4.8 runs per game. The pick here is heavily-favored LOS ANGELES to win again.

This three-star FoxSheets trend also favors the Angels:

Play Against - Road underdogs with a money line of +150 or more (TAMPA BAY) - with a starting pitcher whose gives up 5.5 or less hits/start against opponent with a starting pitcher whose WHIP is 1.300 or better on the season-AL. (88-22 over the last 5 seasons.) (80%, +47.7 units. Rating = 3*).

Moore (6-7, 4.23 ERA, 1.40 WHIP) is coming off a huge performance against Seattle, holding the Mariners to two runs in eight innings, striking out seven and walking nobody. Moore has had control problems all year though, issuing 55 free passes, which is tied for sixth-most in the majors. The road hasn’t been kind to Moore, as he is 1-3 (team is 1-6) in his seven away starts due to a 5.36 ERA and 1.61 WHIP. He’s faced L.A. just once in his brief career, getting a no-decision in a 4-3 win on April 26 with a mediocre pitching line of: 5.2 IP, 5 H, 3 R, 2 ER, 2 BB, 6 K’s. Although Tampa’s bullpen has been shaky on the road this year (4.64 ERA), it has converted 30-of-36 save chances (83%), including 12-of-14 away from Tropicana Field. The Rays have also played well in Anaheim, going 7-3 in the Angels home stadium over the past three seasons.

Wilson (9-6, 2.89 ERA, 1.21 WHIP) has led his team to a 14-7 record this year, but he wasn’t at his best in his last outing versus Kansas City. He gave up three runs on nine hits in 6.2 innings, but he did have 6 K’s and just one walk. That was certainly a big improvement from his previous start in Detroit when he gave up seven runs in six innings. Wilson has been better on the road this season (6-3, 2.70 ERA), but his home numbers are still pretty strong at 3-3, 3.18 ERA and 1.29 WHIP. He’s allowed just two homers in 51 innings in Anaheim, while fanning 42 batters (7.4 K’s/9). Wilson has also enjoyed facing the Rays in his career, going 4-2 with a 3.20 ERA and 1.07 WHIP over seven starts. Not counting two postseason games against the Rays, Wilson is 3-1 with a 2.67 ERA and .188 opponents’ BA in five regular-season starts against them. If Wilson does get into trouble on Saturday, he knows that his bullpen can pick him up. Los Angeles boasts an elite bunch of relievers, especially at home where they carry a 2.34 ERA and 1.18 WHIP.

MLB
Dunkel

St. Louis at Chicago Cubs
The Cubs look to build on their 5-1 record in Jeff Samardzija's last 6 starts against NL Central teams. Chicago is the pick (+100) according to Dunkel, which has the Cubs favored by 1/2 a run. Dunkel Pick: Chicago Cubs (+100). Here are all of today's picks.

SATURDAY, JULY 28

Game 901-902: St. Louis at Chicago Cubs (1:05 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: St. Louis (Kelly) 16.099; Cubs (Samardzija) 16.564
Dunkel Line: Chicago Cubs by 1/2; 7
Vegas Line: St. Louis (-120); No Total
Dunkel Pick: Chicago Cubs (+100); N/A

Game 903-904: Philadelphia at Atlanta (7:10 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Philadelphia (Blanton) 15.515; Atlanta (Minor) 14.877
Dunkel Line: Philadelphia by 1/2; 9 1/2
Vegas Line: Atlanta (-130); 8 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Philadelphia (+110); Over

Game 905-906: Pittsburgh at Houston (7:05 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Pittsburgh (Rodriguez) 14.026; Houston (Galarraga) 14.582
Dunkel Line: Houston by 1/2; 9
Vegas Line: Pittsburgh (-170); 8 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Houston (+150); Over

Game 907-908: San Diego at Miami (7:10 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: San Diego (Ohlendorf) 13.685; Miami (Eovaldi) 14.382
Dunkel Line: Miami by 1/2; 8
Vegas Line: Miami (-135); 9
Dunkel Pick: Miami (-135); Under

Game 909-910: Washington at Milwaukee (7:10 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Washington (Zimmermann) 15.884; Milwaukee (Wolf) 14.894
Dunkel Line: Washington by 1; 9
Vegas Line: Washington (-135); 8
Dunkel Pick: Washington (-135); Over

Game 911-912: NY Mets at Arizona (8:10 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: NY Mets (Young) 13.841; Arizona (Kennedy) 15.488
Dunkel Line: Arizona by 1 1/2; 8 1/2
Vegas Line: Arizona (-175); 9
Dunkel Pick: Arizona (-175); Under

Game 913-914: Cincinnati at Colorado (8:10 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Cincinnati (Cueto) 16.147; Colorado (Friedrich) 14.406
Dunkel Line: Cincinnati by 1 1/2; 11
Vegas Line: Cincinnati (-160); 10
Dunkel Pick: Cincinnati (-160); Over

Game 915-916: LA Dodgers at San Francisco (4:05 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: LA Dodgers (Billingsley) 14.557; San Francisco (Zito) 16.096
Dunkel Line: San Francisco by 1 1/2; 7
Vegas Line: San Francisco (-110); 7 1/2
Dunkel Pick: San Francisco (-110); Under

Game 917-918: Detroit at Toronto (1:07 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Detroit (Sanchez) 16.407; Toronto (Alvarez) 15.538
Dunkel Line: Detroit by 1; 8 1/2
Vegas Line: Detroit (-130); 9 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Detroit (-130); Under

Game 919-920: Boston at NY Yankees (4:05 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Boston (Lester) 14.120; NY Yankees (Sabathia) 16.676
Dunkel Line: NY Yankees by 2 1/2; 10
Vegas Line: NY Yankees (-170); 9
Dunkel Pick: NY Yankees (-170); Over

Game 921-922: Kansas City at Seattle (4:10 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Kansas City (Chen) 13.611; Seattle (Millwood) 15.964
Dunkel Line: Seattle by 2 1/2; 8
Vegas Line: Seattle (-110); 7 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Seattle (-110); Over

Game 923-924: Oakland at Baltimore (7:05 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Oakland (Colon) 16.158; Baltimore (Hunter) 16.656
Dunkel Line: Baltimore by 1/2; 8 1/2
Vegas Line: Baltimore (-115); 9
Dunkel Pick: Baltimore (-115); Under

Game 925-926: Cleveland at Minnesota (7:10 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Cleveland (Masterson) 14.528; Minnesota (Deduno) 13.655
Dunkel Line: Cleveland by 1; 9 1/2
Vegas Line: Cleveland (-130); 9
Dunkel Pick: Cleveland (-130); Over

Game 927-928: Chicago White Sox at Texas (8:05 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: White Sox (Humber) 16.151; Texas (Harrison) 16.896
Dunkel Line: Texas by 1/2; 9
Vegas Line: Texas (-200); 10
Dunkel Pick: Texas (-200); Under

Game 929-930: Tampa Bay at LA Angels (9:05 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Tampa Bay (Moore) 14.840; LA Angels (Wilson) 15.720
Dunkel Line: LA Angels by 1; 7 1/2
Vegas Line: LA Angels (-170); 7
Dunkel Pick: LA Angels (-170); Over

MLB

Saturday, July 28

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Trend Report
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1:05 PM
ST. LOUIS vs. CHI CUBS
St. Louis is 5-0 SU in their last 5 games when playing Chi Cubs
The total has gone OVER in 4 of St. Louis's last 6 games when playing Chi Cubs
Chi Cubs are 0-5 SU in their last 5 games when playing St. Louis
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Chi Cubs's last 6 games when playing St. Louis

1:07 PM
DETROIT vs. TORONTO
Detroit is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games when playing Toronto
Detroit is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games on the road
Toronto is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games
Toronto is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games when playing Detroit

4:05 PM
LA DODGERS vs. SAN FRANCISCO
LA Dodgers are 0-4-1 SU in their last 5 games ,when playing on the road against San Francisco
LA Dodgers are 1-4-1 SU in their last 6 games ,when playing San Francisco
San Francisco6-1-1 SU in its last 8 games at home
San Francisco4-1-1 SU in their last 6 games when playing LA Dodgers

4:05 PM
BOSTON vs. NY YANKEES
The total has gone UNDER in 11 of Boston's last 14 games on the road
Boston is 3-7 SU in its last 10 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 5 of NY Yankees's last 6 games when playing Boston
NY Yankees are 6-1 SU in their last 7 games when playing Boston

4:10 PM
KANSAS CITY vs. SEATTLE
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Kansas City's last 8 games when playing on the road against Seattle
Kansas City is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games when playing Seattle
Seattle is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing Kansas City
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Seattle's last 8 games when playing at home against Kansas City

7:05 PM
OAKLAND vs. BALTIMORE
Oakland is 8-1 SU in its last 9 games
Oakland is 7-1 SU in its last 8 games on the road
Baltimore is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games at home
Baltimore is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games when playing Oakland

7:05 PM
PITTSBURGH vs. HOUSTON
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Pittsburgh's last 8 games
Pittsburgh is 8-2 SU in its last 10 games
Houston is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games
Houston is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games when playing Pittsburgh

7:10 PM
CLEVELAND vs. MINNESOTA
Cleveland is 3-6 SU in its last 9 games
Cleveland is 2-5 SU in its last 7 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 10 of Minnesota's last 13 games when playing Cleveland
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Minnesota's last 5 games

7:10 PM
WASHINGTON vs. MILWAUKEE
Washington is 1-9 SU in its last 10 games when playing on the road against Milwaukee
Washington is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games
Milwaukee is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing Washington
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Milwaukee's last 5 games when playing Washington

7:10 PM
SAN DIEGO vs. MIAMI
The total has gone OVER in 15 of San Diego's last 22 games when playing on the road against 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 15 of Miami's last 22 games when playing at home against San Diego
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Miami's last 9 games

7:10 PM
PHILADELPHIA vs. ATLANTA
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Philadelphia's last 5 games when playing Atlanta
Philadelphia is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games
Atlanta is 6-2 SU in its last 8 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Atlanta's last 7 games

8:05 PM
CHI WHITE SOX vs. TEXAS
The total has gone UNDER in 14 of Chi White Sox's last 19 games when playing Texas
Chi White Sox are 5-1 SU in their last 6 games when playing Texas
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Texas's last 5 games when playing at home against Chi White Sox
The total has gone UNDER in 14 of Texas's last 19 games when playing Chi White Sox

8:10 PM
NY METS vs. ARIZONA
The total has gone OVER in 6 of NY Mets's last 9 games
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of NY Mets's last 7 games when playing on the road against Arizona
Arizona is 9-2 SU in its last 11 games at home
Arizona is 6-2 SU in its last 8 games

8:10 PM
CINCINNATI vs. COLORADO
Cincinnati is 8-17 SU in its last 25 games when playing Colorado
The total has gone UNDER in 9 of Cincinnati's last 13 games when playing on the road against Colorado
Colorado is 17-8 SU in its last 25 games when playing Cincinnati
The total has gone UNDER in 9 of Colorado's last 13 games when playing at home against Cincinnati

9:05 PM
TAMPA BAY vs. LA ANGELS
Tampa Bay is 6-1 SU in their last 7 games when playing LA Angels
Tampa Bay is 7-2 SU in their last 9 games when playing on the road against LA Angels
LA Angels are 4-1 SU in their last 5 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 4 of LA Angels's last 6 games at home

MLB

Saturday, July 28

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Saturday's streaking and slumping starting pitchers
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Streaking

Jordan Zimmerman, Washington Nationals (7-6, 2.31 ERA)

There hasn’t been a more consistent starter in the month of July than Zimmerman. He hasn’t allowed more than one earned run in each of his last six starts and boasts a ridiculous 0.87 ERA for the month. It’s hard to believe he won’t continue to dominate in his next outing against the ice-cold Brewers.

Johnny Cueto, Cincinnati Reds (12-5, 2.23 ERA)

Cueto has the lowest ERA in the NL and has picked up wins in each of his last three starts. At this point in the season, Cueto has to be considered as one of the frontrunners for the NL Cy Young Award. He has a chance to continue that momentum against the struggling Rockies.

Slumping

Henderson Alvarez, Toronto Blue Jays (6-7, 4.61 ERA)

With fireballer Brandon Morrow on the mend, Alvarez could get the boot from the rotation if he doesn’t have a strong outing against the Tigers. Alvarez allowed seven runs on eight hits over 5 2-3 innings pitched in his last start against Boston, but somehow walked away with the victory thanks to a disgraceful performance from the Red Sox pitching staff. He’s allowed 14 earned runs in just 17 innings in July.

Jon Lester, Boston Red Sox (5-8, 5.46 ERA)

Lester’s last three starts have been an absolute disaster. The lefty got booed off the mound at Fenway Park after the Blue Jays roughed him up for 11 runs in just four innings Sunday. His previous two starts against the White Sox and Yankees were equally as dreadful. Add up Lester’s July numbers and the results are staggering. Hold your breath - 22 earned runs and a 10.42 ERA in just 17 innings pitched.

MLB

Saturday, July 28

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Red Sox at Yankees: What bettors need to know
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Boston Red Sox at New York Yankees (-179, 9)

The gulf between the New York Yankees and Boston Red Sox is as wide as it's been in years, evidenced by the 11.5 games separating the first- and last-place teams in the American League East. In any other year, Saturday's matchup between ace left-handers CC Sabathia of the Yankees and Boston's Jon Lester would be among the more highly anticipated duels. But Lester, like his team, has been in a deep funk and has not looked capable of reversing New York's dominance this year.

The Yankees pummeled the Red Sox into submission in Friday's series opener, using three homers to account for eight of their 10 runs to improve to 6-1 against Boston. The power displayed overshadowed Ichiro Suzuki's home debut with New York as the Yankees stretched their lead in the AL East to 8 1/2 games over Baltimore. The Red Sox have dropped six of their last seven to fall two games under .500 at the 100-game mark of the season.

TV: 4:05 p.m. ET, FOX

PITCHING MATCHUP: Red Sox LH Jon Lester (5-8, 5.46 ERA) vs. Yankees LH C.C. Sabathia (10-3, 3.30)

Lester has lost three straight starts and hit rock bottom in his last outing, getting hammered by the Toronto Blue Jays for four homers and 11 runs - both career worsts - in four-plus innings. He has failed to get through 4 1/3 innings during the three-game skid, allowing 22 runs on 25 hits. Lester is 8-4 in 18 career starts against the Yankees, but was roughed up for five runs in 4 1/3 innings on July 8.

Sabathia will be making his third start since coming off the disabled list due to a groin strain. He pitched six scoreless innings against Toronto on July 17 and gave up three runs in seven innings at Oakland on Sunday, only to see the bullpen blow the lead. The burly lefty is 7-9 with a 4.14 ERA in 20 career starts against Boston, including a 1-4 mark in five starts last year.

TRENDS:

* Over is 3-0-1 in Lester's last four road starts vs. Yankees.
* Over is 6-1-1 in the last eight meetings in New York.
* Over is 5-1 in the last six meetings.
* Red Sox are 4-1 in Lester's last five road starts vs. Yankees.
* Red Sox are 10-4 in the last 14 meetings in New York.
* Over is 7-3-1 in Lesters last 11 starts vs. Yankees.
* Yankees are 1-4 in Sabathia's last five starts vs. Red Sox.
* Red Sox are 1-6 in the last seven meetings.
* Red Sox are 0-4 in Lester's last four starts vs. Yankees.

WALK-OFFS

1. The Yankees have hit 19 homers and outscored the Red Sox 59-35 this season.

2. New York became the first team in the majors to win 60 games. It marked the third time in four seasons the Yankees won 60 games by the 100-game mark.

3. Friday's series opener lasted only 2 hours, 41 minutes - only the fifth game in the last 61 meetings that the teams have finished in under three hours.

MLB
Long Sheet

Saturday, July 28

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ST LOUIS (54 - 46) at CHICAGO CUBS (40 - 58) - 1:05 PM
JOE KELLY (R) vs. JEFF SAMARDZIJA (R)
Top Trends for this game.
ST LOUIS is 35-36 (-10.5 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
ST LOUIS is 51-54 (-32.4 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.
ST LOUIS is 30-40 (-19.7 Units) against the money line when playing on Saturday over the last 3 seasons.
CHICAGO CUBS are 667-679 (-128.4 Units) against the money line in day games since 1997.
CHICAGO CUBS are 1170-1241 (-222.6 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field since 1997.
CHICAGO CUBS are 901-973 (-167.1 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters since 1997.
CHICAGO CUBS are 125-159 (-53.2 Units) against the money line in home games when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season since 1997.
CHICAGO CUBS are 1227-1325 (-244.8 Units) against the money line in all games since 1997.
CHICAGO CUBS are 658-615 (-143.0 Units) against the money line in home games since 1997.
CHICAGO CUBS are 3-13 (-10.3 Units) against the money line when playing on Saturday this season.
CHICAGO CUBS are 48-73 (-22.2 Units) against the money line against division opponents over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
ST LOUIS is 8-4 (+2.1 Units) against CHICAGO CUBS this season
6 of 12 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=-0.4 Units, Under=-0.8 Units)

JOE KELLY vs. CHICAGO CUBS since 1997
No recent starts.

JEFF SAMARDZIJA vs. ST LOUIS since 1997
SAMARDZIJA is 2-1 when starting against ST LOUIS with an ERA of 5.40 and a WHIP of 1.892.
His team's record is 3-1 (+4.1 units) in these starts. The OVER is 2-2. (-0.1 units)

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PHILADELPHIA (45 - 55) at ATLANTA (55 - 44) - 4:05 PM
JOE BLANTON (R) vs. MIKE MINOR (L)
Top Trends for this game.
PHILADELPHIA is 45-56 (-24.6 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
PHILADELPHIA is 4-12 (-10.5 Units) against the money line when playing on Saturday this season.
PHILADELPHIA is 11-24 (-19.2 Units) against the money line against division opponents this season.
PHILADELPHIA is 12-22 (-14.2 Units) against the money line in day games this season.
PHILADELPHIA is 45-53 (-21.6 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
PHILADELPHIA is 12-20 (-12.6 Units) against the money line against left-handed starters this season.
PHILADELPHIA is 21-32 (-18.2 Units) against the money line after a loss this season.
PHILADELPHIA is 20-35 (-23.2 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
ATLANTA is 56-44 (+8.5 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
ATLANTA is 54-43 (+7.1 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
ATLANTA is 38-23 (+13.1 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
ATLANTA is 35-21 (+12.9 Units) against the money line after a win this season.
ATLANTA is 8-1 (+7.5 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record in the second half of the season this season.
PHILADELPHIA is 67-34 (+25.8 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season over the last 3 seasons.
BLANTON is 69-49 (+22.7 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record since 1997. (Team's Record)
BLANTON is 45-23 (+24.3 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season since 1997. (Team's Record)
ATLANTA is 82-84 (-26.7 Units) against the money line when the total is 8 to 8.5 over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
ATLANTA is 5-2 (+3.2 Units) against PHILADELPHIA this season
5 of 6 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+3.9 Units)

JOE BLANTON vs. ATLANTA since 1997
BLANTON is 2-5 when starting against ATLANTA with an ERA of 4.68 and a WHIP of 1.307.
His team's record is 6-6 (+0.2 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 6-3. (+2.4 units)

MIKE MINOR vs. PHILADELPHIA since 1997
MINOR is 0-1 when starting against PHILADELPHIA with an ERA of 11.59 and a WHIP of 3.433.
His team's record is 0-1 (-1.0 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 0-0. (+0.0 units)

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PITTSBURGH (57 - 42) at HOUSTON (34 - 67) - 7:05 PM
WANDY RODRIGUEZ (L) vs. ARMANDO GALARRAGA (R)
Top Trends for this game.
PITTSBURGH is 12-32 (-17.1 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.
HOUSTON is 9-3 (+7.5 Units) against the money line in home games against left-handed starters this season.
PITTSBURGH is 57-42 (+22.2 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
PITTSBURGH is 20-9 (+12.9 Units) against the money line when the total is 8 to 8.5 this season.
PITTSBURGH is 61-71 (+14.8 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 2 seasons.
PITTSBURGH is 14-2 (+15.5 Units) against the money line when playing on Saturday this season.
PITTSBURGH is 24-15 (+11.5 Units) against the money line against division opponents this season.
PITTSBURGH is 57-42 (+22.2 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
PITTSBURGH is 35-30 (+8.5 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
PITTSBURGH is 41-31 (+16.5 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
PITTSBURGH is 31-25 (+9.0 Units) against the money line after a win this season.
PITTSBURGH is 30-15 (+15.0 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
HOUSTON is 34-67 (-24.5 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
HOUSTON is 38-72 (-27.9 Units) against the money line when the total is 8 to 8.5 over the last 2 seasons.
HOUSTON is 2-21 (-18.6 Units) against the money line in July games this season.
HOUSTON is 192-223 (-58.6 Units) against the money line when playing on Saturday since 1997.
HOUSTON is 41-75 (-24.2 Units) against the money line against division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
HOUSTON is 34-67 (-24.5 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
HOUSTON is 24-47 (-17.1 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
HOUSTON is 20-46 (-20.4 Units) against the money line after a loss this season.
HOUSTON is 41-87 (-30.4 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
PITTSBURGH is 8-1 (+6.6 Units) against HOUSTON this season
5 of 9 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+0.4 Units)

WANDY RODRIGUEZ vs. HOUSTON since 1997
No recent starts.

ARMANDO GALARRAGA vs. PITTSBURGH since 1997
GALARRAGA is 0-1 when starting against PITTSBURGH with an ERA of 5.58 and a WHIP of 1.655.
His team's record is 1-1 (+0.0 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 1-1. (-0.2 units)

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SAN DIEGO (43 - 58) at MIAMI (45 - 54) - 7:10 PM
ROSS OHLENDORF (R) vs. NATHAN EOVALDI (R)
Top Trends for this game.
SAN DIEGO is 67-106 (-33.5 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.
SAN DIEGO is 14-8 (+9.6 Units) against the money line in July games this season.
SAN DIEGO is 43-43 (+15.1 Units) against the money line in road games against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
MIAMI is 45-54 (-16.6 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
MIAMI is 56-74 (-31.1 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 2 seasons.
MIAMI is 44-52 (-15.7 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
MIAMI is 29-35 (-11.7 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
MIAMI is 28-40 (-17.3 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
MIAMI is 22-31 (-11.6 Units) against the money line after a loss this season.
MIAMI is 16-34 (-19.1 Units) against the money line after 3 or more consecutive losses over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
MIAMI is 3-1 (+1.6 Units) against SAN DIEGO this season
3 of 4 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+1.8 Units)

ROSS OHLENDORF vs. MIAMI since 1997
OHLENDORF is 1-3 when starting against MIAMI with an ERA of 5.73 and a WHIP of 1.318.
His team's record is 1-3 (-1.8 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-3. (-2.2 units)

NATHAN EOVALDI vs. SAN DIEGO since 1997
No recent starts.

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WASHINGTON (59 - 40) at MILWAUKEE (45 - 54) - 7:10 PM
JORDAN ZIMMERMANN (R) vs. RANDY WOLF (L)
Top Trends for this game.
MILWAUKEE is 89-50 (+25.0 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 2 seasons.
WOLF is 89-73 (+29.8 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record since 1997. (Team's Record)
WASHINGTON is 59-40 (+13.1 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
WASHINGTON is 57-42 (+20.3 Units) against the money line when the total is 8 to 8.5 over the last 2 seasons.
WASHINGTON is 31-21 (+10.1 Units) against the money line in road games this season.
WASHINGTON is 56-40 (+9.2 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
WASHINGTON is 39-24 (+12.4 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
MILWAUKEE is 45-54 (-18.0 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
MILWAUKEE is 14-23 (-14.1 Units) against the money line when the total is 8 to 8.5 this season.
MILWAUKEE is 45-54 (-18.0 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
MILWAUKEE is 32-41 (-15.7 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
MILWAUKEE is 19-25 (-10.5 Units) against the money line after a win this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
WASHINGTON is 1-1 (+0.4 Units) against MILWAUKEE this season
1 of 2 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=-0.1 Units, Under=-0.2 Units)

JORDAN ZIMMERMANN vs. MILWAUKEE since 1997
No recent starts.

RANDY WOLF vs. WASHINGTON since 1997
WOLF is 9-5 when starting against WASHINGTON with an ERA of 4.54 and a WHIP of 1.370.
His team's record is 12-9 (+1.0 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 9-11. (-3.3 units)

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NY METS (48 - 52) at ARIZONA (50 - 50) - 8:10 PM
CHRIS YOUNG (R) vs. IAN KENNEDY (R)
Top Trends for this game.
NY METS are 5-17 (-13.6 Units) against the money line in July games this season.
ARIZONA is 148-122 (+20.7 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
ARIZONA is 148-122 (+20.7 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
ARIZONA is 102-80 (+22.5 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
ARIZONA is 85-62 (+20.2 Units) against the money line after a win over the last 2 seasons.
ARIZONA is 88-59 (+18.7 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.
ARIZONA is 43-21 (+16.5 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record in the second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
KENNEDY is 41-24 (+14.7 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)
NY METS are 65-65 (+18.4 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 2 seasons.
NY METS are 61-63 (+14.9 Units) against the money line in road games in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
NY METS are 34-30 (+6.0 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
ARIZONA is 34-37 (-8.9 Units) against the money line in night games this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
NY METS is 3-2 (+1.7 Units) against ARIZONA this season
2 of 4 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=-0.3 Units, Under=-0.3 Units)

CHRIS YOUNG vs. ARIZONA since 1997
YOUNG is 2-3 when starting against ARIZONA with an ERA of 3.91 and a WHIP of 1.026.
His team's record is 4-6 (-3.6 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 3-6. (-3.7 units)

IAN KENNEDY vs. NY METS since 1997
KENNEDY is 3-0 when starting against NY METS with an ERA of 3.50 and a WHIP of 1.222.
His team's record is 3-0 (+3.3 units) in these starts. The OVER is 2-1. (+1.0 units)

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CINCINNATI (59 - 40) at COLORADO (37 - 61) - 8:10 PM
JOHNNY CUETO (R) vs. CHRISTIAN FRIEDRICH (L)
Top Trends for this game.
CINCINNATI is 27-42 (-18.1 Units) against the money line in road games after a win over the last 2 seasons.
CINCINNATI is 60-40 (+14.3 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
CINCINNATI is 595-673 (+54.7 Units) against the money line in road games since 1997.
CINCINNATI is 17-6 (+9.2 Units) against the money line in July games this season.
CINCINNATI is 60-40 (+14.3 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
CINCINNATI is 393-434 (+42.6 Units) against the money line in road games in night games since 1997.
CINCINNATI is 15-4 (+10.2 Units) against the money line after 3 or more consecutive wins this season.
CINCINNATI is 135-88 (+23.2 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 3 seasons.
CINCINNATI is 13-3 (+9.0 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record in the second half of the season this season.
CUETO is 30-14 (+14.7 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
CUETO is 30-13 (+15.7 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
COLORADO is 37-62 (-21.0 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
COLORADO is 20-31 (-13.6 Units) against the money line in home games this season.
COLORADO is 3-13 (-10.8 Units) against the money line when playing on Saturday this season.
COLORADO is 37-62 (-21.0 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
COLORADO is 130-157 (-43.2 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 3 seasons.
COLORADO is 76-110 (-40.3 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
COLORADO is 32-40 (-15.4 Units) against the money line in home games after a loss over the last 2 seasons.
COLORADO is 45-72 (-23.2 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
COLORADO is 13-33 (-18.2 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.

Head-to-Head Series History
CINCINNATI is 3-1 (+1.5 Units) against COLORADO this season
3 of 4 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+2.0 Units)

JOHNNY CUETO vs. COLORADO since 1997
CUETO is 1-2 when starting against COLORADO with an ERA of 3.48 and a WHIP of 1.451.
His team's record is 1-3 (-2.6 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-3. (-2.3 units)

CHRISTIAN FRIEDRICH vs. CINCINNATI since 1997
FRIEDRICH is 1-0 when starting against CINCINNATI with an ERA of 5.40 and a WHIP of 1.600.
His team's record is 1-0 (+1.5 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-0. (+1.0 units)

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LA DODGERS (54 - 47) at SAN FRANCISCO (55 - 44) - 9:05 PM
CHAD BILLINGSLEY (R) vs. BARRY ZITO (L)
Top Trends for this game.
SAN FRANCISCO is 55-44 (+8.7 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
SAN FRANCISCO is 55-44 (+8.7 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
SAN FRANCISCO is 164-122 (+26.9 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 3 seasons.
SAN FRANCISCO is 27-17 (+10.6 Units) against the money line after a loss this season.
LA DODGERS are 31-22 (+10.6 Units) against the money line after a win this season.
SAN FRANCISCO is 95-94 (-16.9 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
SAN FRANCISCO is 4-3 (+1.1 Units) against LA DODGERS this season
4 of 7 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+0.7 Units)

CHAD BILLINGSLEY vs. SAN FRANCISCO since 1997
BILLINGSLEY is 6-6 when starting against SAN FRANCISCO with an ERA of 3.09 and a WHIP of 1.336.
His team's record is 11-10 (-0.6 units) in these starts. The OVER is 9-10. (-1.8 units)

BARRY ZITO vs. LA DODGERS since 1997
ZITO is 7-9 when starting against LA DODGERS with an ERA of 3.69 and a WHIP of 1.194.
His team's record is 9-13 (-3.1 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 13-6. (+6.5 units)

DETROIT (53 - 47) at TORONTO (50 - 49) - 1:05 PM
ANIBAL SANCHEZ (R) vs. HENDERSON ALVAREZ (R)
Top Trends for this game.
SANCHEZ is 7-20 (-13.6 Units) against the money line in road games in day games since 1997. (Team's Record)
TORONTO is 317-227 (+52.9 Units) against the money line at home when the total is 9 to 9.5 since 1997.
TORONTO is 169-150 (+18.7 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 3 seasons.
DETROIT is 69-41 (+19.2 Units) against the money line in day games over the last 2 seasons.
DETROIT is 73-46 (+17.4 Units) against the money line after a loss over the last 2 seasons.
DETROIT is 34-17 (+17.5 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
ALVAREZ is 1-8 (-8.3 Units) against the money line when the total is 9 to 9.5 this season. (Team's Record)
ALVAREZ is 2-8 (-8.6 Units) against the money line in home games this season. (Team's Record)
ALVAREZ is 2-8 (-8.6 Units) against the money line in games played on artificial turf this season. (Team's Record)

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

ANIBAL SANCHEZ vs. TORONTO since 1997
SANCHEZ is 0-1 when starting against TORONTO with an ERA of 16.22 and a WHIP of 3.303.
His team's record is 0-1 (-1.2 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 0-1. (-1.2 units)

HENDERSON ALVAREZ vs. DETROIT since 1997
No recent starts.

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BOSTON (49 - 51) at NY YANKEES (60 - 39) - 4:05 PM
JON LESTER (L) vs. C.C. SABATHIA (L)
Top Trends for this game.
BOSTON is 49-51 (-14.7 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
BOSTON is 52-55 (-26.1 Units) against the money line when the total is 9 to 9.5 over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 16-24 (-14.7 Units) against the money line against division opponents this season.
BOSTON is 43-46 (-15.5 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
BOSTON is 63-64 (-24.4 Units) against the money line after a loss over the last 2 seasons.
LESTER is 7-13 (-12.7 Units) against the money line in all games this season. (Team's Record)
LESTER is 6-10 (-10.8 Units) against the money line when the total is 9 to 9.5 over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
LESTER is 1-6 (-8.1 Units) against the money line against division opponents this season. (Team's Record)
LESTER is 7-12 (-11.5 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season. (Team's Record)
LESTER is 3-9 (-10.5 Units) against the money line after a loss this season. (Team's Record)
LESTER is 2-9 (-11.8 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record this season. (Team's Record)
LESTER is 1-7 (-10.0 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
NY YANKEES are 153-61 (+44.4 Units) against the money line in home games in July games since 1997.
NY YANKEES are 64-23 (+33.1 Units) against the money line in day games over the last 2 seasons.
NY YANKEES are 59-32 (+15.6 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
NY YANKEES are 56-28 (+21.0 Units) against the money line against left-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
NY YANKEES are 39-21 (+10.7 Units) against the money line after a win this season.
BOSTON is 41-23 (+18.5 Units) against the money line in road games when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
NY YANKEES is 6-1 (+5.4 Units) against BOSTON this season
5 of 7 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+3.0 Units)

JON LESTER vs. NY YANKEES since 1997
LESTER is 8-4 when starting against NY YANKEES with an ERA of 4.33 and a WHIP of 1.442.
His team's record is 9-9 (-2.7 units) in these starts. The OVER is 9-7. (+1.6 units)

C.C. SABATHIA vs. BOSTON since 1997
SABATHIA is 7-11 when starting against BOSTON with an ERA of 4.59 and a WHIP of 1.321.
His team's record is 8-14 (-9.0 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 13-8. (+4.3 units)

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KANSAS CITY (41 - 58) at SEATTLE (45 - 57) - 4:10 PM
BRUCE CHEN (L) vs. KEVIN MILLWOOD (R)
Top Trends for this game.
KANSAS CITY is 35-52 (-23.0 Units) against the money line on the road with a money line of -100 to -125 since 1997.
SEATTLE is 174-253 (-63.0 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 3 seasons.
SEATTLE is 57-74 (-19.0 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 2 seasons.
SEATTLE is 23-52 (-27.6 Units) against the money line in July games over the last 3 seasons.
SEATTLE is 97-108 (-40.9 Units) against the money line in home games when playing on Saturday since 1997.
SEATTLE is 45-84 (-36.3 Units) against the money line in day games over the last 3 seasons.
SEATTLE is 57-74 (-19.0 Units) against the money line in home games in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
SEATTLE is 25-49 (-18.7 Units) against the money line against left-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
SEATTLE is 22-37 (-16.2 Units) against the money line in home games after a win over the last 2 seasons.
SEATTLE is 66-95 (-34.1 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 3 seasons.
SEATTLE is 287-278 (-82.1 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record in the second half of the season since 1997.

Head-to-Head Series History
SEATTLE is 5-1 (+4.2 Units) against KANSAS CITY this season
3 of 5 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+0.9 Units)

BRUCE CHEN vs. SEATTLE since 1997
CHEN is 4-0 when starting against SEATTLE with an ERA of 2.38 and a WHIP of 1.113.
His team's record is 6-2 (+4.8 units) in these starts. The OVER is 4-4. (-0.3 units)

KEVIN MILLWOOD vs. KANSAS CITY since 1997
MILLWOOD is 6-5 when starting against KANSAS CITY with an ERA of 4.81 and a WHIP of 1.490.
His team's record is 10-6 (+1.7 units) in these starts. The OVER is 6-10. (-4.7 units)

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OAKLAND (54 - 45) at BALTIMORE (52 - 48) - 7:05 PM
BARTOLO COLON (R) vs. TOMMY HUNTER (R)
Top Trends for this game.
BALTIMORE is 52-49 (+11.4 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
BALTIMORE is 11-5 (+8.0 Units) against the money line when playing on Saturday this season.
BALTIMORE is 49-43 (+12.9 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
BALTIMORE is 33-28 (+12.1 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
HUNTER is 32-19 (+17.6 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)
HUNTER is 14-9 (+10.4 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
HUNTER is 27-14 (+17.2 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)
HUNTER is 16-9 (+11.3 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)
OAKLAND is 55-45 (+19.6 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
OAKLAND is 26-24 (+9.3 Units) against the money line in road games this season.
OAKLAND is 18-3 (+17.6 Units) against the money line in July games this season.
OAKLAND is 51-43 (+16.5 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
OAKLAND is 37-29 (+14.3 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
OAKLAND is 36-27 (+15.4 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
OAKLAND is 31-22 (+13.3 Units) against the money line after a win this season.
OAKLAND is 31-20 (+17.3 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
OAKLAND is 9-1 (+9.4 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season this season.
BALTIMORE is 288-365 (-100.2 Units) against the money line in home games after a loss since 1997.

Head-to-Head Series History
OAKLAND is 2-2 (+0.0 Units) against BALTIMORE this season
2 of 4 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=-0.1 Units, Under=-0.3 Units)

BARTOLO COLON vs. BALTIMORE since 1997
COLON is 11-8 when starting against BALTIMORE with an ERA of 3.27 and a WHIP of 1.318.
His team's record is 13-11 (-3.5 units) in these starts. The OVER is 7-15. (-9.1 units)

TOMMY HUNTER vs. OAKLAND since 1997
HUNTER is 5-0 when starting against OAKLAND with an ERA of 4.03 and a WHIP of 1.298.
His team's record is 7-0 (+7.6 units) in these starts. The OVER is 5-2. (+2.9 units)

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CLEVELAND (50 - 50) at MINNESOTA (41 - 58) - 7:10 PM
JUSTIN MASTERSON (R) vs. SAM DEDUNO (R)
Top Trends for this game.
CLEVELAND is 133-132 (+4.9 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
CLEVELAND is 127-125 (+4.4 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
CLEVELAND is 35-26 (+10.3 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
CLEVELAND is 40-29 (+11.4 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
CLEVELAND is 28-21 (+8.0 Units) against the money line after a loss this season.
MINNESOTA is 104-158 (-33.0 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 53-79 (-27.5 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 2 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 12-24 (-14.2 Units) against the money line at home when the total is 9 to 9.5 over the last 2 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 13-30 (-15.5 Units) against the money line when playing on Saturday over the last 2 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 101-151 (-29.9 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 29-49 (-20.5 Units) against the money line in home games in night games over the last 2 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 70-118 (-33.4 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
MINNESOTA is 3-3 (+0.5 Units) against CLEVELAND this season
3 of 5 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+1.0 Units)

JUSTIN MASTERSON vs. MINNESOTA since 1997
MASTERSON is 1-4 when starting against MINNESOTA with an ERA of 3.61 and a WHIP of 1.455.
His team's record is 5-6 (-1.2 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 7-4. (+2.3 units)

SAM DEDUNO vs. CLEVELAND since 1997
No recent starts.

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CHI WHITE SOX (54 - 45) at TEXAS (58 - 40) - 8:05 PM
PHILIP HUMBER (R) vs. MATT HARRISON (L)
Top Trends for this game.
TEXAS is 120-73 (+22.6 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
TEXAS is 71-38 (+24.6 Units) against the money line after a loss over the last 2 seasons.
CHI WHITE SOX are 54-45 (+7.8 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
CHI WHITE SOX are 27-23 (+8.2 Units) against the money line in road games this season.
CHI WHITE SOX are 233-180 (+46.4 Units) against the money line when playing on Saturday since 1997.
CHI WHITE SOX are 66-56 (+17.5 Units) against the money line in road games in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
CHI WHITE SOX are 37-28 (+11.9 Units) against the money line in road games after a win over the last 2 seasons.
CHI WHITE SOX are 41-24 (+15.9 Units) against the money line after 3 or more consecutive wins over the last 3 seasons.
CHI WHITE SOX are 46-42 (+19.1 Units) against the money line in road games when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 3 seasons.
HARRISON is 0-6 (-7.6 Units) against the money line in home games when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)

Head-to-Head Series History
CHI WHITE SOX is 5-2 (+4.0 Units) against TEXAS this season
5 of 7 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+2.9 Units)

PHILIP HUMBER vs. TEXAS since 1997
No recent starts.

MATT HARRISON vs. CHI WHITE SOX since 1997
HARRISON is 3-1 when starting against CHI WHITE SOX with an ERA of 2.79 and a WHIP of 1.190.
His team's record is 5-2 (+3.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 2-5. (-3.3 units)

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TAMPA BAY (51 - 49) at LA ANGELS (55 - 45) - 9:05 PM
MATT MOORE (L) vs. C.J. WILSON (L)
Top Trends for this game.
TAMPA BAY is 5-11 (-8.9 Units) against the money line when playing on Saturday this season.
LA ANGELS are 634-622 (+44.9 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record since 1997.
WILSON is 62-34 (+17.7 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)
WILSON is 59-31 (+17.9 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)
WILSON is 18-4 (+12.3 Units) against the money line in home games when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)
TAMPA BAY is 117-96 (+18.6 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 3 seasons.
LA ANGELS are 126-115 (-59.2 Units) against the money line as a home favorite of -150 to -175 since 1997.
LA ANGELS are 68-71 (-19.4 Units) against the money line after a win over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
TAMPA BAY is 3-1 (+2.0 Units) against LA ANGELS this season
4 of 4 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+4.0 Units)

MATT MOORE vs. LA ANGELS since 1997
MOORE is 0-0 when starting against LA ANGELS with an ERA of 3.17 and a WHIP of 1.235.
His team's record is 1-0 (+1.0 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 1-0. (+1.0 units)

C.J. WILSON vs. TAMPA BAY since 1997
WILSON is 4-2 when starting against TAMPA BAY with an ERA of 3.20 and a WHIP of 1.067.
His team's record is 4-3 (+0.1 units) in these starts. The OVER is 4-2. (+1.9 units)

MLB
Short Sheet

Saturday, July 28

National League

St. Louis at Chicago Cubs, 1:05 ET
Kelly: ST Louis 16-4 SU in road games after a game with a combined score of 15/+
Samardzija: CHI Cubs 3-13 SU when playing on Saturday this season

Philadelphia at Atlanta, 7:10 ET
Blanton: Philadelphia 4-12 SU when playing on Saturday
Minor: Atlanta 15-6 SU after a win by 4 runs or more

Pittsburgh at Houston, 7:05 ET
Rodriguez: Pittsburgh 8-1 SU off a one run win over a division rival
Galarraga: Houston 2-21 SU in July

San Diego at Miami, 7:10 ET
Ohlendorf: San Diego 14-8 SU in July
Eovaldi: Miami 9-22 SU at home when the total is 8.5 to 10

Washington at Milwaukee, 7:10 ET
Zimmermann: Washington 31-19 SU after 1 or more consecutive unders
Wolf: Milwaukee 8-17 after allowing 2 runs or less

NY Mets at Arizona, 8:10 ET
Young: NY Mets 5-17 SU in July
Kennedy: Arizona 14-3 SU after scoring 8 runs or more

Cincinnati at Colorado, 8:10 ET MLB
Cueto: 23-8 TSR as a favorite of -110 or higher
Friedrich: Colorado 1-9 SU after 3 games where they committed no errors

LA Dodgers at San Francisco, 4:05 ET FOX
Billingsley: LA Dodgers 245-288 SU after 5 or more consecutive road games
Zito: San Francisco 11-2 SU at home after having lost 2 of their last 3


American League

Detroit at Toronto, 1:05 ET
Sanchez: Detroit 34-13 SU after having lost 3 of their last 4
Alvarez: 1-8 TSR when the total is 9 to 9.5

Boston at NY Yankees, 4:05 ET FOX
Lester: Boston 8-18 SU after having lost 3 of their last 4
Sabathia: NY Yankees 64-23 SU in day games

Kansas City at Seattle, 4:10 ET
Chen: Kansas City 8-20 SU after 2 games without giving up a stolen base
Millwood: Seattle 13-7 SU with a hot BP whose WHIP is under 1.000 the last 5 games

Oakland at Baltimore, 8:05 ET
Colon: Oakland 18-3 SU in the second half of the season
Hunter: Baltimore 19-46 SU after a loss by 4 runs or more

Cleveland at Minnesota, 7:10 ET
Masterson: Cleveland 19-5 SU as a road favorite of -110 or higher
Deduno: Minnesota 13-24 SU at home when the total is 8.5 to 10

Chicago White Sox at Texas, 8:05 ET MLB
Humber: CHI White Sox 14-5 SU after scoring 8 runs or more
Harrison: Texas 10-16 SU after allowing 9 runs or more

Tampa Bay at LA Angels, 9:05 ET
Moore: Tampa Bay 9-4 SU as a road underdog of +125 to +175
Wilson: LA Angels 1-8 SU after a game where they stranded 3 or less runners

MLB
Armadillo's Write-Up

Saturday, July 28

Early Games

Hot pitchers
-- Samardzija is 2-1, 1.67 in his last four starts.

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Cold pitchers
-- Kelly is 0-3, 3.75 in his last four starts.

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Hot Teams
-- Cardinals won eight of their last nine games.

-- Blue Jays won five of their last seven games.

Cold Teams
-- Cubs lost five of their last seven games, but won 10 of their last 13 games at Wrigley.

-- Detroit lost three of its last four games.

Totals
-- Under is 9-4 in last thirteen St Louis games.

-- Under is 5-2-1 in last eight Detroit games.

Umpires
-- Stl-Chi-- Four of last six Campos games went over the total.
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--
--
--
--
--
--

-- Det-Tor-- Six of last eight Meals games stayed under total.
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--
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MLB

Saturday, July 28

Game Score Status Pick Amount

St. Louis - 1:05 PM ET Chi. Cubs +101 500
Chi. Cubs - Under 7.5 500

Detroit - 1:07 PM ET Detroit -137 500
Toronto - Over 9.5 500

Boston - 4:05 PM ET Boston +171 500
NY Yankees - Over 9 500

LA Dodgers - 4:05 PM ET San Francisco +102 500
San Francisco - Over 7.5 500

Kansas City - 4:10 PM ET Seattle -104 500
Seattle - Under 7 500

Oakland - 7:05 PM ET Oakland +103 500
Baltimore - Over 9 500

Pittsburgh - 7:05 PM ET Pittsburgh -177 500
Houston - Over 8 500

Philadelphia - 7:10 PM ET Atlanta -125 500
Atlanta - Under 8.5 500

San Diego - 7:10 PM ET San Diego +122 500
Miami - Over 9 500

Washington - 7:10 PM ET Washington -126 500
Milwaukee - Over 8 500

Cleveland - 7:10 PM ET Cleveland -123 500
Minnesota - Under 9 500

Chi. White Sox - 8:05 PM ET Chi. White Sox +180 500
Texas - Under 10 500

NY Mets - 8:10 PM ET NY Mets +163 500
Arizona - Under 9 500

Cincinnati - 8:10 PM ET Cincinnati -146 500
Colorado - Under 10 500

Tampa Bay - 9:05 PM ET Tampa Bay +149 500
LA Angels - Under 7.5 500