SPORTS WAGERS
Uruguay -1.12 over South Korea
The winners of Group A, Uruguay, will try to advance to the Round of 16 for the first time since 1970. Some will say that Uruguay had an easy road to the 2nd round when in truth the feat was more difficult. France may have been dreadful but South Africa played inspired football and Mexico is extremely underrated. Uruguay has been one of the most delightful teams to watch in the tournament. Diego Forlan is a magician with the ball who can score or set up a goal from anywhere on the pitch. Luis Suarez takes more dives than Greg Louganis, however his speed and agility make him a constant scoring threat. With Forlan and Suarez leading the charge, Uruguay sports one of the best 1-2 punches in this World Cup. Uruguay has also put on a defensive clinic in the tournament. They share an auspicious honor with only Portugal in keeping a clean sheet throughout the group stage. Their staunch defense saw them only allowing six shots on target over those three games. Some may say that South Korea had a tougher road for Round of 16 qualifications but neither Greece or Nigeria could think of holding their own against Uruguay or Mexico. When the South Koreans faced their group's entrant from South America (Argentina) they were completely dominated. Uruguay might not be Argentina, but they play a similar South American game of fluidity between precise offensive attacks and a stubborn defense. South Korea's main goal entering this World Cup was to make it past the group stage while Uruguay certainly has higher aspirations. Uruguay is 4-0-1 in their last 5 meetings against South Korea. South American football figures to prevail in this match with the Uruguayans punching their ticket to the quarterfinals with relative ease. Play: Uruguay –1.12 (Risking 2.24 units to win 2).
USA -118 over Ghana
The road for the USA doesn't get any easier after their miracle finish by Landon Donovan vs. Algeria. Their Round of 16 matchup is against the sole surviving African nation, Ghana. Team USA couldn't be coming into this game on a bigger high note but there is always the fear of an emotional letdown. The Americans seem motivated to go deep in this World Cup. They have dazzled their opponents with scoring chance after scoring chance but constantly miss by the slimmest of margins. They have no problem generating opportunities but when they finally begin to capitalize there is no telling how good this team could be. Jozy Altidore was rather disappointing in the tournament until his performance against Algeria. If he is able to repeat that performance it's only a matter of time before his efforts find himself on the score sheet. The scary thing about Team USA is their inconsistent play and vulnerability to falling behind early. However, they are playing a Ghana team that has scored their only two goals on penalty kicks. Ghana is a very talented squad that can hold possession and move the ball with ease. The problem is they too have a very difficult time cashing in their scoring opportunities. It's a common problem that many of the African teams have had in this World Cup: Excellent ball movement, but no finish. There is no doubt that the public money will be on the USA in this match, as there couldn't be any more hype surrounding them. The resilience of the Americans has been remarkable this tournament and it's only a matter of time before some calls start going their way. The USA should do just enough in this match to find themselves advancing to the quarterfinals, but it's hard to take them at a chalky price. Play: U.S.A. (No bets).
FUTURE
Uruguay +1.37 to advance to the Semi-Finals
The Uruguayans have the easiest road to the semifinals. Uruguay is expected to handle South Korea and then they would meet the winner of USA vs. Ghana. Essentially this wager is parlaying URUGUAY TO ADVANCE in their next two matches. They are -234 TO ADVANCE against South Korea, which means they would have to be a favourite of -154 or higher against either one of their potential opponents for this wager to sport value. It would be shocking to see Uruguay better than -180 TO ADVANCE against either USA or Ghana. This wager boasts major value on a very talented squad with a manageable road. Play: Uruguay +1.37 to advance to the semi’s
FUTURE
Uruguay +17.72 to win the World Cup
They have been as impressive as any other team in the World Cup and with their easy route to the semifinals it only makes sense to take a shot on them here. If Uruguay does indeed make the semifinals you won't see them at any price close to 17-1. Play: Uruguay +17.72 to win World Cup
DUNKEL
Minnesota at NY Mets
The Mets look to take advantage of a Minnesota team that is 1-8 in its last 9 road games as an underdog from +110 to +150. New York is the pick (-135) according to Dunkel, which has the Mets favored by 1. Dunkel Pick: NY Mets (-135)
Game 901-902: San Diego at Florida (7:10 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: San Diego (Garland) 15.034; Florida (Johnson) 14.580
Dunkel Line: San Diego by 1/2; 6
Vegas Line: Florida (-200); 7
Dunkel Pick: San Diego (+170); Under
Game 903-904: Philadelphia at Toronto (4:05 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Philadelphia (Hamels) 14.885; Toronto (Marcum) 15.485
Dunkel Line: Toronto by 1/2; 8
Vegas Line: Philadelphia (-140); 9
Dunkel Pick: Toronto (+120); Under
Game 905-906: Minnesota at NY Mets (1:10 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Minnesota (Pavano) 15.032; NY Mets (Santana) 16.114
Dunkel Line: NY Mets by 1; 8
Vegas Line: NY Mets (-135); 7 1/2
Dunkel Pick: NY Mets (-135); Over
Game 907-908: St. Louis at Kansas City (2:10 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: St. Louis (Hawksworth) 14.746; Kansas City (Davies) 15.906
Dunkel Line: Kansas City by 1; 10
Vegas Line: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A
Game 909-910: Houston at Texas (3:05 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Houston (Banks) 15.874; Texas (Wilson) 17.046
Dunkel Line: Texas by 1; 11
Vegas Line: Texas (-280); 10
Dunkel Pick: Texas (-280); Over
Game 911-912: Arizona at Tampa Bay (4:05 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Arizona (Kennedy) 14.693; Tampa Bay (Price) 15.540
Dunkel Line: Tampa Bay by 1; 9
Vegas Line: Tampa Bay (-220); 8 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Tampa Bay (-220); Over
Game 913-914: Detroit at Atlanta (4:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Detroit (Scherzer) 15.813; Atlanta (Kawakami) 15.680
Dunkel Line: Detroit by 1/2; 8 1/2
Vegas Line: Atlanta (-130); 9
Dunkel Pick: Detroit (+110); Under
Game 915-916: Seattle at Milwaukee (4:10 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Seattle (Fister) 16.337; Milwaukee (Wolf) 16.128
Dunkel Line: Seattle by 1/2; 8
Vegas Line: Milwaukee (-130); 9
Dunkel Pick: Seattle (+110); Under
Game 917-918: Washington at Baltimore (4:05 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Washington (Hernandez) 13.803; Baltimore (Bergesen) 14.955
Dunkel Line: Baltimore by 1; 9
Vegas Line: Washington (-120); 9 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Baltimore (+100); Under
Game 919-920: Cleveland at Cincinnati (7:10 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Cleveland (Masterson) 14.413; Cincinnati (LeCure) 14.125
Dunkel Line: Cleveland by 1/2; 10
Vegas Line: Cincinnati (-145); 9 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Cleveland (+125); Over
Game 921-922: Boston at San Francisco (7:10 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Boston (Buchholz) 15.865; San Francisco (Baumgarner) 15.054
Dunkel Line: Boston by 1; 9
Vegas Line: Boston (-160); 8 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Boston (-160); Over
Game 923-924: NY Yankees at LA Dodgers (7:10 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: NY Yankees (Burnett) 15.965; LA Dodgers (Kuroda) 16.867
Dunkel Line: LA Dodgers by 1; 8
Vegas Line: LA Dodgers (-110); 9
Dunkel Pick: LA Dodgers (-110); Under
Game 925-926: Chicago Cubs at Chicago White Sox (7:10 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Cubs (Silva) 15.610; White Sox (Garcia) 15.329
Dunkel Line: Chicago Cubs by 1/2; 8
Vegas Line: Chicago White Sox (-125); 9
Dunkel Pick: Chicago Cubs (+105); Under
Game 927-928: Pittsburgh at Oakland (10:05 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Pittsburgh (McCutchen) 13.431; Oakland (Cahill) 14.484
Dunkel Line: Oakland by 1; 8
Vegas Line: Oakland (-190); 8 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Oakland (-190); Under
Game 929-930: Colorado at LA Angels (10:05 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Colorado (Cook) 15.937; LA Angels (Saunders) 15.411
Dunkel Line: Colorado by 1/2; 9
Vegas Line: LA Angels (-130); 9 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Colorado (+110); Under
WNBA
Minnesota at San Antonio
The Lynx look to build on their 4-1 ATS record in their last 5 meetings in San Antonio. Minnesota is the pick (+6 1/2) according to Dunkel, which has the Silver Stars favored by only 1 1/2. Dunkel Pick: Minnesota (+6 1/2)
Game 651-652: Minnesota at San Antonio (8:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Minnesota 106.566; San Antonio 107.917
Dunkel Line & Total: San Antonio by 1 1/2; 162
Vegas Line & Total: San Antonio by 6 1/2; 160
Dunkel Pick: Minnesota (+6 1/2); Over
Scott Spreitzer
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
Detroit Tigers at Atlanta Braves
Prediction: Detroit Tigers
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
Tiger starter Max Scherzer started the season red-hot, hit a lengthy rough patch, but looks to be back on track once again. The 25-year old righty has allowed just seven earned runs and 21 base runners in his last three starts, spanning 20 1/3 innings of action. That translates to a 3.10 ERA and 1.03 WHIP. Scherzer has a big-time day/night dichotomy. He checks in with an evening ERA of more than 8, yet sports a 3.23 ERA and 1.33 WHIP in six daytime outings. One pitcher who is not finding his way is Kenshin Kawakami. The righthander put together a pair of decent outings, only to get shelled for four earned runs and six base hits in just two innings in his last start. Kawakami owns a hefty 1.55 WHIP and .292 BAA in six home starts this season, and unlike Scherzer, he does not like starting games under the sun. The Japanese hurler has been smacked for six earned runs and 13 base runners in two IL starts this season, spanning just seven innings. Look for the road team, the Tigers to hang one on the Braves on Saturday. I'm playing Detroit.
Tom Freese
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
Cubs at White Sox
Prediction: Under
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
White Sox starter Freddie Garcia has allowed 4 or less runs in his last 5 starts. The White Sox are 6-0-1 UNDER their last 7 games vs. a starter with a WHIP of less than 1.15. The Pale Hose are 6-1 UNDER their last 7 games overall. The White Sox are 7-2 UNDER when Garcia pitches game two of a series. Cubs starter Carlos Silva has allowed 3 or less runs in his last 7 starts. The Cubs are 22-7-4 UNDER their last 33 games vs. a team with a winning record. The Cubs are 7-2-1 UNDER their last 10 games as road underdogs. The Cubs are 7-1 UNDER their last 8 Interleague road games.
Steve Merril
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
D-Backs vs. Rays
Play: Under 8.5
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
David Price takes the mound on Saturday as the Rays host the Diamondbacks. Price is 10-3 with a 2.45 ERA and eight Unders in 14 starts this season. He's 4-1 with a 1.94 ERA in six starts at home with four of those games going Under the total as well. Price will face the Diamondbacks for the first time in his career. Arizona is struggling a bit offensively right now scoring just 23 runs in their last seven road games. And things don’t look too promising here as they’ll be up against a solid pitcher in Price. ??Ian Kennedy has been a surprise for Arizona. He's 3-5 with a 3.60 ERA in 15 starts for the Diamondbacks. Kennedy has gone Under in three straight starts giving up just nine runs in his last 19.2 innings pitched. He last faced the Rays as a member of the Yankees back in 2008. Carlos Pena (0-10), Carl Crawford (2-9), Jason Bartlett (1-4), Evan Longoria (1-4), Dioner Navarro (0-1), and Ben Zobrist (0-1) have poor career numbers against Kennedy. Tampa’s Carl Crawford is questionable for this game as he continues to deal with some ailments. If he can’t go, that makes the Rays offense less effective. And since the Rays have scored just 38 runs over their last 11 games, we expect another low-scoring game here and recommend a play on the Under this afternoon.
BIG AL
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
Washington Nationals @ Baltimore Orioles
PICK: Washington Nationals
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
In previous seasons, the "battle of I-95" would have been a very even affair with perhaps a slight advantage going to the Orioles. This is the first season since the Nationals moved to Washington that you would have to say that the Nats have a distinct advantage in this series, and that's even without ace Stephen Strasburg getting a start in this weekend's series. The Orioles could be headed for a season so bad that it is forever remembered in the record books. This afternoon it will be the 'other' Washington ace, veteran righthander Livan Hernandez going for the Nationals to try and keep his storybook season going. Through his first 14 starts, Hernandez is 6-4 with a 2.82 ERA. For their part, the Orioles will be calling righthander Brad Bergesen up from AAA Norfolk to get his second chance at one of the worst rotations in baseball. Bergesen had 10 starts between April 9 and June 2, and even by Oriole standards, the 24-year-old was quite putrid, going 3-4 with a 6.75 ERA (with an ERA over 10 runs in his last three of those). He then had a two game stint out of the bullpen (both times against the Mets) before getting shipped down to the Minors. Hernandez has six career starts against the Orioles and in those games he is 3-1 with a solid ERA of 3.69. Take the Nats.
Nick “The BookieKiller” Parsons
URU @ Korea Republic
PICK: Over
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
There are many options when wagering on soccer; this play is based off of Pinnacle Sports Book on the "over" 2 total goals scored in this contest at +105:
Uruguay won Group A without conceding a single goal, but could be in trouble against a determined Korea Republic squad.
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
Coach Oscar Tabarez likes his teams chances; "If you look at what Uruguayan national teams have done at recent World Cups, we can't be anything but totally satisfied. It was clear over the course of the first phase that we're tough opponents for anybody."
On the other side of the pitch: Head coach Huh Jung-moo realizes his team will be in tough on Saturday; "Asian football is on the up, but there's still a gap between us and the rest of the world, and we need to work harder to close the gap," he said.
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
"I think my players will not settle for just reaching the last 16," he added. "They would like to reach the semi-finals."
Bottom line: The winner of this game will play either the USA or Ghana in the quarters.
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
It's important to note that Korea Republic have scored in each of their games thus far.
Uruguay and Diego Forlan should win this game, but we've seen much bigger upsets already in this tournament.
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
I believe Korea Republic will keep its goal scoring streak alive, and expect Uruguay to keep pace; as a result, you may want to consider a second look at the "over" in this situation.
Marc Lawrence
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
Detroit Tigers @ Atlanta Braves
PICK: Detroit Tigers
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
The Tigers send Max Scherzer to the mound against Kenshin Kawakami in Atlanta this afternoon knowing Scherzer is in terrific KW form with five walks and 24 strikeouts in his last three starts. On the other side of the coin, Kawakami has dropped 10 of his last 14 team starts and is just 1-4 his last five efforts in June. Look for the Tigers to roar at Turner Field here today. We recommend a 1-unit play on Detroit.
Jim Feist
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
New York Yankees vs. Los Angeles Dodgers
Play: Los Angeles Dodgers
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
The Yankees are a long way from home, 3,000 miles crossing several time zones, their fifth straight road game. They face a Dodger team hungry for a win, in a pennant race, and their manager is facing their old team. LA veteran righty Hiroki Kuroda has been their best pitcher, with a 3.06 ERA overall and a sizzling 0.95 ERA his last three starts, fanning 23 with 4 walks in 21 innings! Look for a fired up effort from the home team with the defending champs in town. Play the LA Dodgers.
Jimmy Boyd
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
1 Unit on Boston Red Sox -146
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
Pedroia could miss tonight's contest after fouling a ball off his left foot last night, but I still like the Sox here considering the advantage they have on the hill with Buchholz. Buchholz has quickly established himself as one of the top pitchers in baseball this season, going 10-4 with an ERA of 2.47. He has been incredible on the road, going 5-1 with an ERA of 1.74. Dating back to last season, the Red Sox are 9-1 in Buchholz's last 10 road starts. It is also worth noting that the Red Sox are 6-1 in their last 7 during game 2 of a series while the Giants are 3-8 in their last 11 during game 2 of a series. It looks like the Giants will send Martinez to the hill. The sinkerballer is 0-3 with an 8.15 ERA in five home games (three starts) since winning his major league debut against Milwaukee last April. Even if Pedroia can't go, I like the Red Sox bats against Martinez a whole lot better than I like the Giants' bats against Buchholz. Take the Red Sox.
EZWINNERS
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
Texas Rangers -260
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
The Texas Rangers are still the hottest team in the league after last nights loss to Houston as they have won eleven out of their last twelve games after winning game one of this series last night. C.J. Wilson gets the start for the Rangers today and he picked up a no decision last Sunday against this same Astros team in Houston allowing four runs in six innings of work. I expect a much better start this time around and I don't think run support will be a problem. The Rangers bats are red hot and they should do just fine against the Astros starting pitcher Josh Banks. The Astros starting pitcher Felipe Paulino was placed on the fifteen day disabled list on Thursday so the team purchased the contract of pitcher Josh Banks, who will take Paulino's start in this game. Banks was 8-5 with a solid 2.97 ERA over 97 innings of work at AAA Round Rock, but he is not a strikeout pitcher as he has only fanned 34 batters this season. Banks is a pitch to contact pitcher and I expect him to have trouble with this hot hitting Texas lineup in this hitters ballpark. This is a heavy price to play, but for good reason because this is a mismatch. The Rangers have won nine out of the last eleven meetings between these two teams and I expect that domination to continue. Play on Texas.
BRAD DIAMOND SPORTS
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
Play Philadelphia over Toronto
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
Lefty Cole Hamels has been securing quality starts, but in some cases has not received effective support from the once down Philadelphia lineup. However, Philly has been recharged this week with lowly Cleveland helping out, and now Toronto's over priced starting rotation is showing badly of late, Hamels (0.86 WHIP)appears to have a major edge. In addition, the Phillies have won 4 of 5 in this series. Good Luck, and don't miss our huge board showing strong after those rough few days weathering the storms on the east coast.
Matt Rivers
I'm going back to this well for a second straight day. Carlos Silva has had a very successful season and is better than Freddy Garcia but Lou Pinella is a joke and his team is a total joke. How the manager is still around is beyond me and how he hasn't gone bonkers and embarassed himself is almost mind boggling.
The Cubs are just horrific. This team is beyond underachieving. It's actually getting to the point where they're not really even good. I thought they were underachieving for the bulk of this season but after seeing the terrible play over and over and over again I just think that this team is bad, flat out bad. Lee and Soriano no longer scare many, Ramirez is banged up and trying to come back from the wrist injury and Fukudome and Soto have pretty much lost whatever they used to have.
It's almost as if the North Siders have become a disease as they are just dreadful game in and game out.
Meanwhile on the exact opposite extreme is the White Sox who have won 10 in a row and have done so in great fashion. Ozzie's boys have finally started to play some ball after the rough first few months and it all started a few weeks back at Wrigley Field when they took two of the three games.
Nothing seems to be changing at all here as these two teams are like ships going in opposite directions. One is heading for the Hurricane and the other is sailing as smooth as a ship could sail.
The ChiSox will come back down to Earth at some point as they are not really much better than average but right now Konerko, Quentin, Pierzynski and the Sox are confident and just rolling. How this price is as cheap as it is is beyond me and does seem a little too easy which is a tad scary. But if you think I am going to completely avoid this game than you're crazy.
Let's go "Good Guys".
Pick: White Sox -122.
MTi Sports
New York Yankees at Los Angeles Dodgers
Prediction: Los Angeles Dodgers
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVlCE PLAYS VlSlT THESPREAD.COM
Since May 31st, the Yankees have played 23 games. Their starters have produced only six non-quality starts. Burnett has four of them and the Yankees lost each time. We?re getting great line value here.
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVlCE PLAYS VlSlT THESPREAD.COM
The Yankees have indeed won three straight games. However, A. J. has been a winning streak stopper, as the Yankees are 0-5 when Burnett starts and they have won their last three games.
Also, the Yanks are 0-4 with Burnett when he gave up 2 or more home runs and they lost in his previous start.
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVlCE PLAYS VlSlT THESPREAD.COM
The Dodgers couldn?t get to Sabathia yesterday and lost 2-1. LA is in a great spot here. The Dodgers are 17-0 as a favorite after a one run loss, as long as the bullpen did not allow 4+ runs in that defeat. LA has won these 17 games by an average of a staggering 5.0 runs. In Kuroda?s two starts in this situation, LA won 17-4 and 12-0.
Also, the Dodgers are a perfect 12-0 as a favorite vs a team that has won at least their last three games and it is not the first game of a series.
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVlCE PLAYS VlSlT THESPREAD.COM
Finally, the Dodgers are 10-0 when Hiroki Kuroda starts and he went at least 6 innings and gave up no home runs fin his last start.
Lay this small price.
Tony George
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVlCE PLAYS VlSlT THESPREAD.COM
Washington Nationals vs. Baltimore Orioles
Play: Washington Nationals
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVlCE PLAYS VlSlT THESPREAD.COM
Lets take Washington today against the Os. I like Livan Hernandez on the mound for the Nats, under a 3 ERA on the season and Baltimore will have issues with him at the plate. Nats off a loss, and the Os are 1-8 after a win, and I look for the pitching and bullpen here to be the edge for Washington today. Baltimore's starter has over a 10 ERA in his last 3 starts. Afternoon game. Play a half unit only on my free plays.