SPORTS ADVISORS
L.A. Dodgers (74-51) at Colorado (71-54)
One night after a miraculous 14-inning victory, the Rockies try to keep the pressure on the division-leading Dodgers when these N.L. West rivals begin a three-game series at Coors Field. Jason Hammel (8-8, 4.60 ERA) is slated to pitch for the hosts opposite Los Angeles southpaw Clayton Kershaw (8-7, 2.96).
Colorado capped a four-game series against the Giants in incredible fashion Monday, rallying from a 4-1, 14-inning deficit to pull out a 6-4 victory, getting a walk-off grand slam from Ryan Spillborghs. The Rockies have now won three in a row and seven of their last eight overall and they’ve have used a 51-23 run to close to within three games of Los Angeles, which has led the N.L. West virtually the entire season. Jim Tracy’s club is on additional streaks of 26-10 at Coors Field, 11-1 at home against left-handed starters and 5-1 in divisional play. However, the Rockies have lost four of five series openers.
The Dodgers took Monday off after falling to the Cubs 3-1 at home on Sunday, failing to put the finishing touches on a four-game sweep. Los Angeles is 5-3 in its last eight games, but had lost 13 of 20 prior to that, going 6-7 on the highway. On a positive note, Joe Torre’s troops are on runs of 49-22 against the N.L. West and 17-5 when playing on Tuesday.
L.A. remains in first place thanks largely to its dominance of Colorado this season, winning 10 of 12 meetings, including five of six at Coors Field. Dating to last September, the Dodgers are on a 13-3 roll in this rivalry (7-2 in Denver).
Kershaw’s struggles continued on Wednesday against St. Louis, as he lasted just 3 2/3 innings, allowing two runs on five hits in four walks, getting a no-decision in the Dodgers’ 3-2 loss. Los Angeles has now lost six straight games behind Kershaw after going 7-0 in his previous seven outings. So far in August, the 21-year-old is 0-2 with a 4.26 ERA in four starts, walking 15 in 19 innings.
The Dodgers have won five of Kershaw’s last seven starts on the highway, where he’s 5-4 with a 4.12 ERA in 11 outings this year, including 1-1 with a whopping 10.13 ERA in two games at Coors Field. Since coming up to the big leagues last year, Kershaw has made six starts against the Rockies, going 2-3 with a 6.07 ERA, including 2-2 with an 8.24 ERA in four road efforts.
Hammel is coming off a 4-1 win at Washington, yielding the one run on three hits in seven innings. He’s given up three earned runs or fewer in four straight starts, with Colorado going 3-1. The right-hander is 2-3 with a hefty 7.02 ERA at home this year, but the Rockies are still 7-3 when he starts at Coors, including 6-1 in the last seven.
Hammel’s lone start against the Dodgers came in L.A. on July 1 and he was a tough-luck 1-0 loser to Kershaw, scattering five hits and no walks in an eight-inning complete game. Including that setback, Colorado is 1-4 in Hammel’s last five against N.L. West foes.
With Kershaw pitching, the Dodgers are on “under” streaks of 4-1 overall (all as a favorite), 4-1 on the road and 4-1 against the N.L. West. Additionally, L.A. comes into this series carrying “under” trends of 4-1-1 overall, 8-3 on the road and 5-2 against righty starters. The under is also 4-2-1 in the Rockies’ last seven overall and 8-3-1 in their last 12 on Tuesday, but otherwise Colorado is on “over” runs of 6-2-2 at home, 9-1-1 against winning teams and 4-0-1 overall with Hammel on the hill.
Finally, the over is 4-1 in the last five Dodgers-Rockies battles at Coors Field.
ATS ADVANTAGE: NONE
Texas (69-54) at N.Y. Yankees (78-46)
Fresh off a successful 10-game, three-city bicoastal road trip, the Yankees return to action in the Bronx, with Joba Chamberlain (8-3, 3.98 ERA) set to oppose the Rangers’ Kevin Millwood (9-8, 3.48) in the opener of a three-game series between playoff contenders.
Both teams took Monday off after completing series’ with victories in A.L. East ballparks. The Yankees took down the Red Sox 8-4 at Fenway Park on Sunday night, finishing their road trip with a 7-3 record as they won all three series. Earlier that day, Texas avoided a three-game sweep at Tampa Bay by blanking the Rays 4-0.
New York owns baseball’s best record thanks to an incredible 40-14 overall run that has given the Bronx Bombers a 7½-game lead over Boston in the A.L. East. The Yanks are on additional positive spurts of 49-19 at The Stadium, 53-25 as a favorite, 25-7 against right-handed starters, 6-2 against the N.L. West, 6-1 on Tuesday and 4-0 after an off day.
Texas, which remains in the hunt for the A.L. wild card, is on runs of 14-6 against teams with a winning record and 10-3 against the A.L. East, but it has lost four of six overall and four of its last five as a pup. Also, the Rangers are 9-25 in their last 34 meetings with the Yankees (2-4 this season).
Millwood got lit up by the Twins six days ago at home, allowing five runs on seven hits in over 5 2/3 innings of a 5-4 loss, as the Rangers fell to 0-3 in his last three starts. With the veteran right-hander on the bump, Texas is on upticks of 7-0 on Tuesday, 4-1 versus the A.L. East and 8-2 when he opens a series, but it has lost 27 of his last 36 road starts.
This year, Millwood is 2-6 with a 4.28 ERA in 11 starts on the highway (eight of which the Rangers have lost). Against the Yankees, he’s 1-4 with a 4.50 ERA in eight career starts, including a no-decision back on May 26 when he surrendered three runs in 5 2/3 innings, with Texas going on to a 7-3 home win.
Chamberlain has allowed exactly four runs in each of his last three starts covering 16 total innings (4.15 ERA). The 23-year-old right-hander hasn’t pitched since a 10-3 loss in Seattle nine days ago, a setback that ended a personal five-game winning streak as well as the Yankees’ five-game win streak overall behind Chamberlain. New York is still 14-2 in Chamberlain’s last 16 home starts and 22-8 in his last 30 as a favorite.
Although New York has enjoyed a lot of success when Chamberlain pitches at Yankee Stadium this year, going 11-2, he’s just 3-2 with a 4.72 ERA in those 13 contests. Also, Chamberlain has a 7.11 ERA in three career starts versus Texas, all of them Yankees losses. He failed to make it out of the fifth inning in all three games.
Millwood has been a big-time “under” pitcher lately, with the “under” on runs of 23-7-3 in his last 33 starts overall, 7-1 on the road, 6-0 on Tuesday, 7-1 against the A.L. East and 4-0 when he faces the Yankees. Also, as a team, the Rangers carry “under” trends of 47-19-4 overall, 35-16-2 on the road, 22-6-1 as a road pup, 21-6-2 against the A.L. East, 9-3 in series openers and 4-0 after a day off.
With Chamberlain pitching, the Yankees are on “over” streaks of 8-2 overall, 5-1 at home and 4-0 against the A.L. West. Also, New York as a team is on “over” runs of 4-1 overall, 17-8-2 against the A.L. West and 4-0 against right-handed starters. However, the under is 15-6-2 in the Yanks’ last 23 after a day off.
ATS ADVANTAGE: N.Y. YANKEES
DUNKEL
Cincinnati at Milwaukee
The Brewers look to take advantage of a Cincinnati team that is 1-9 in Bronson Arroyo's last 10 starts as an underdog. Milwaukee is the pick (-140) according to Dunkel, which has the Brewers favored by 1. Dunkel Pick: Milwaukee (-140)
Game 901-902: Philadelphia at Pittsburgh
Dunkel Ratings: Philadelphia (Blanton) 15.267; Pittsburgh (Ohlendorf) 15.380
Dunkel Line: Pittsburgh by 1/2; 7 1/2
Vegas Line: Philadelphia (-180); 8 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Pittsburgh (+170); Under
Game 903-904: San Diego at Atlanta
Dunkel Ratings: San Diego (Latos) 13.633; Atlanta (Jurrjens) 15.737
Dunkel Line: Atlanta by 2; 10
Vegas Line: Atlanta (-240); 8
Dunkel Pick: Atlanta (-240); Over
Game 905-906: NY Mets at Florida
Dunkel Ratings: NY Mets (Figueroa) 14.555; Florida (West) 16.094
Dunkel Line: Florida by 1 1/2; 11 1/2
Vegas Line: Florida (-205); 9 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Florida (-205); Over
Game 907-908: Cincinnati at Milwaukee
Dunkel Ratings: Cincinnati (Arroyo) 14.557; Milwaukee (Suppan) 15.660
Dunkel Line: Milwaukee by 1; 8 1/2
Vegas Line: Milwaukee (-140); 9
Dunkel Pick: Milwaukee (-140); Under
Game 909-910: Washington at Chicago Cubs
Dunkel Ratings: Washington (Mock) 14.059; Cubs (Zambrano) 15.751
Dunkel Line: Chicago Cubs by 1 1/2; 11 1/2
Vegas Line: Chicago Cubs (-240); No Run Line
Dunkel Pick: Chicago Cubs (-240); N/A
Game 911-912: Houston at St. Louis
Dunkel Ratings: Houston (Rodriguez) 14.722; St. Louis (Wainwright) 15.828
Dunkel Line: St. Louis by 1; 6
Vegas Line: St. Louis (-160); 7
Dunkel Pick: St. Louis (-160); Under
Game 913-914: LA Dodgers at Colorado
Dunkel Ratings: LA Dodgers (Kershaw) 15.469; Colorado (Hammel) 16.300
Dunkel Line: Colorado by 1; 10
Vegas Line: LA Dodgers (-125); 9 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Colorado (+115); Over
Game 915-916: Arizona at San Francisco
Dunkel Ratings: Arizona (Haren) 14.281; San Francisco (Cain) 15.339
Dunkel Line: San Francisco by 1; 6 1/2
Vegas Line: San Francisco (-145); 7
Dunkel Pick: San Francisco (-145); Under
Game 917-918: Texas at NY Yankees
Dunkel Ratings: Texas (Millwood) 16.160; NY Yankees (Chamberlain) 17.866
Dunkel Line: NY Yankees by 1 1/2; 8 1/2
Vegas Line: NY Yankees (-185); 9 1/2
Dunkel Pick: NY Yankees (-185); Under
Game 919-920: Tampa Bay at Toronto
Dunkel Ratings: Tampa Bay (Shields) 14.628; Toronto (Cecil) 15.020
Dunkel Line: Toronto by 1/2; 8
Vegas Line: Tampa Bay (-155); 9
Dunkel Pick: Toronto (+145); Under
Game 921-922: Chicago White Sox at Boston
Dunkel Ratings: White Sox (Garcia) 14.502; Boston (Lester) 16.204
Dunkel Line: Boston by 1 1/2; 12
Vegas Line: Boston (-300); 9 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Boston (-300); Over
Game 923-924: Baltimore at Minnesota
Dunkel Ratings: Baltimore (Matusz) 14.915; Minnesota (Gabino) 15.717
Dunkel Line: Minnesota by 1; 8 1/2
Vegas Line: Minnesota (-160); 10 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Minnesota (-160); Under
Game 925-926: Cleveland at Kansas City
Dunkel Ratings: Cleveland (Masterson) 15.095; Kansas City (Greinke) 15.277
Dunkel Line: Kansas City by 1/2; 7
Vegas Line: Kansas City (-160); 8
Dunkel Pick: Kansas City (-160); Under
Game 927-928: Detroit at LA Angels
Dunkel Ratings: Detroit (Washburn) 14.073; LA Angels (Lackey) 15.299
Dunkel Line: LA Angels by 1; 10
Vegas Line: LA Angels (-170); 8 1/2
Dunkel Pick: LA Angels (-170); Over
Game 929-930: Oakland at Seattle
Dunkel Ratings: Oakland (Anderson) 15.239; Seattle (Rowland-Smith) 15.556
Dunkel Line: Seattle by 1/2; 7 1/2
Vegas Line: Seattle (-125); 8
Dunkel Pick: Seattle (-125); Under
WNBA
Sacramento at Atlanta
The Dream look to take advantage of a Sacramento team that is 1-5-1 ATS in its last 7 games against teams with a winning SU record. Atlanta is the pick (-2 1/2) according to Dunkel, which has the Dream favored by 5. Dunkel Pick: Atlanta (-2 1/2)
Game 651-652: Detroit at Connecticut
Dunkel Ratings: Detroit 110.656; Connecticut 111.836
Dunkel Line & Total: Connecticut by 1; 149 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: Connecticut by 4; 151 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Detroit (+4); Under
Game 653-654: Sacramento at Atlanta
Dunkel Ratings: Sacramento 111.811; Atlanta 116.980
Dunkel Line & Total: Atlanta by 5; 170
Vegas Line & Total: Atlanta by 2 1/2; 165 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Atlanta (-2 1/2); Over
Game 655-656: Chicago at Los Angeles
Dunkel Ratings: Chicago 107.891; Los Angeles 117.500
Dunkel Line & Total: Los Angeles by 9 1/2; 138
Vegas Line & Total: Los Angeles by 7; 141 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Los Angeles (-7); Under
Game 657-658: Washington at Seattle
Dunkel Ratings: Washington 107.115; Seattle 115.142
Dunkel Line & Total: Seattle by 8; 139
Vegas Line & Total: Seattle by 6 1/2; 143
Dunkel Pick: Seattle (-6 1/2); Under
Frank Jordan
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVlCE PLAYS VlSlT THESPREAD.COM
New York Mets vs. Florida Marlins
Play: New York Mets
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVlCE PLAYS VlSlT THESPREAD.COM
The Mets are having trouble staying healthily and Tuesday is no exception as the Mets scratched Johan Santana with an elbow pain. The past two years it was the Marlins who helped knock the Mets from playoff contention. This series will start the Mets playing spoil and help knock the Marlins from any playoff contention. Play NY Mets
Cajun Sports
Arizona D-Backs vs. San Francisco Giants
Play: San Francisco Giants
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVlCE PLAYS VlSlT THESPREAD.COM
The Arizona Diamondbacks and San Francisco Giants square off in a three-game set at AT&T Park with the first game set for Tuesday night and a first pitch at 10:15PM Eastern Time. This will be the final series of a ten game road trip for the Diamondbacks who are 61-82 (-21.4) in road games the last 2 seasons and 2-8 (-7.8) after 7 or more consecutive road games this season. San Fran returns home off an eleven game road trip of their own.
Arizona is 55-70 (-17.8) on the season overall and out of the playoff hunt while San Francisco is 6.5 games behind the division leading Dodgers and 3.5 back of second place Colorado with a record of 67-57 (+10.1). The Giants have been extremely tough at home posting a record of 39-20 (+15.5) this season. That’s not good news for this Arizona team as they are 42-68 (-29.6) when playing against a team with a winning record the last two seasons.
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVlCE PLAYS VlSlT THESPREAD.COM
The difference in the two teams can easily be explained when you see that San Fran is ranked 1 in pitching with an ERA of 3.53 with opponents hitting .237 and have an OBP of .312 against them. The Diamondbacks are ranked 15 in pitching with an ERA of 4.33 with opponents hitting .264 and have an OBP of .329 against them.
At the plate we see much of the same with the Giants ranked 16 in hitting with a batting average of .261 averaging 4.0 runs per game with an OPS of .700. Arizona is ranked 28 in hitting with a batting average of .252 averaging 4.4 runs per game and an OPS of .742. The Diamondbacks have really struggled of late at the plate and we know they are 40-54 (-21.9) after batting .240 or worse over a 10 game span the last 2 seasons.
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVlCE PLAYS VlSlT THESPREAD.COM
Arizona will send right-hander Dan Haren to the bump with his 12-8 record and ERA of 2.74. He has a record of 6-3 with a 3.41 ERA on the road this season but recently he has struggled. Haren is coming off a horrible performance at Philly in his last start where he pitched for 5 innings giving up 6 earned runs on 9 hits including three homeruns in an 8 to 1 loss. Prior to that start he won at home versus the Dodgers 4 to 1 but his previous road start saw him lose in Washington 5 to 2 throwing for 6 innings giving up 5 earned runs on 7 hits and two homeruns.
The Giants will send right-hander Matt Cain to the hill with his 12-4 record and ERA of 2.43. When Cain takes the bump at home he is 6-2 with an ERA of 2.37 and the Giants are 10-2 in his 12 home starts this season. He lost his last start throwing for 8 innings in Cincinnati giving up 1 earned run on 8 hits with 3 strikeouts in a 2 to 1 loss.
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVlCE PLAYS VlSlT THESPREAD.COM
On the technical front we have two MLB Systems that are active for tonight’s game. The first tells us to Play AGAINST MLB (NL) road underdogs who allow 4.8 or more runs per game against a starting pitcher whose WHIP is 1.000 or better over his last five starts. This system is 108-34 over the last five seasons for +49.1 units. The second system tells us to Play ON MLB (NL) favorites in this price range who average scoring 4.1 runs or less per game facing a starter whose ERA is 3.70 or better and a bullpen who has a WHIP of 1.350 or better on the season. This system has a record of 41-10 since 1997 for +27.6 units of profit.
With significant support both fundamentally and technically for the host we will back them here as the Giants continue their pursuit of a playoff berth and the Diamondbacks begin their plans for the offseason.
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVlCE PLAYS VlSlT THESPREAD.COM
Graded Selection: 2* San Francisco Giants 3 Arizona Diamondbacks 1
Rob Vinciletti
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVlCE PLAYS VlSlT THESPREAD.COM
Chicago White Sox vs. Boston Red Sox
Play: Boston Red Sox -1½
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVlCE PLAYS VlSlT THESPREAD.COM
The Redsox fit a tremendous 27-4 system tonight.However no one in their right mind should lay -310.The run line though looks to be a good value.What we want to do is play on Home favorites of -200 or higher off a home favored win of 2 or more runs scoring 10 or more runs on 10+ hits.If tonight's opponent scored 5 + runs.The system on the run line is still a very profitable 21-10.The Redsox are 6-0 as a home favorite in this range while the Whitesox are 0-3 as a road dog in this range.Boston has J.Lester going tonight and he is 8-3 with a 3.33 era at home this year.Over his last 3 starts he has a 2.14 era.Tonight he opposes F.Garcia on the comeback trail.In his first start he went 4+ innings and allowed 5 runs.He will have his work cut out for him tonight vs a Redsox team that is averaging over 8 runs per game and hitting well over .300 in the last 7 games.
Dominic Fazzini
San Diego at ATLANTA
My four-day winning streak came to an end Monday. No problem, though, that just means it's time to start another one!
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVlCE PLAYS VlSlT THESPREAD.COM
Braves starter Jair Jurrjens (10-8, 2.99 ERA) has been one of the most consistent pitchers in baseball this season. The right-hander has allowed four runs and 13 hits in 13 innings over his last two outings, and he has a 2.81 ERA in 13 home starts this year.
Jurrjens allowed one run and seven hits in six innings in his only career start vs. San Diego, on May 6, 2008.
Padres rookie Mat Latos (4-3, 4.82) started off strong in his first five major league starts, but the right-hander has been rocked in his last two outings. How bad? His ERA jumped from 2.43 to its current total after giving up 12 runs and 15 hits in 7 2/3 innings over those two starts.
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVlCE PLAYS VlSlT THESPREAD.COM
Latos faced the Braves on Aug. 3 and pitched well, allowing two runs and six hits in seven innings. That was in San Diego. In three road starts, however, Latos has a 5.40 ERA.
The Padres have been offensively challenged most of this season, and have scored just eight runs in their last five games while batting .160. The Braves, on the other hand, have averaged 5.6 runs in Jurrjens' last 18 outings.
Atlanta has won eight straight series against San Diego, which is just 19-40 on the road and 32-51 against right-handers. This one could be over by the fifth inning. Take the Braves on the run line.
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVlCE PLAYS VlSlT THESPREAD.COM
4♦ ATLANTA -1½
Bobby Maxwell
Arizona at SAN FRANCISCO -135
Back on the diamond for a FREE play on the Giants as they return home to face the Diamondbacks tonight.
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVlCE PLAYS VlSlT THESPREAD.COM
The Giants lost a tough one on Monday night, falling 6-4 in 14 innings in Colorado after building a 4-1 lead in the top half of the 14th. But this team relies on its starting pitching and I love the way Matt Cain (12-4, 2.43 ERA) has been throwing this season and expect him to deliver a huge effort tonight.
Cain is 6-2 at home and has allowed three runs or less in eight of his last 10 outings. San Francisco has won six of his last nine starts, but lost his last outing on Thursday, even though he allowed just one run in eight innings.
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVlCE PLAYS VlSlT THESPREAD.COM
In two starts against Arizona this season, Cain has given up a combined five runs in 13.1 innings as San Francisco split two outings in Arizona. Last time he saw the D'Backs in San Francisco he threw a complete game, allowing one run on three hits in a 2-1 victory back in 2007.
Arizona's Dan Haren (12-8, 2.74) got destroyed on Wednesday in Philly, giving up six runs on nine hits in five innings of an 8-1 loss. He's given up five runs or more in three of his last four starts and three or more in five of his last six outings.
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVlCE PLAYS VlSlT THESPREAD.COM
The Giants have won five of the last seven against the D'Backs and they are on further runs of 27-12 at home, 33-16 as a favorite, 8-1 in Cain's last nine at home, 15-5 in his last 20 starts overall and 13-3 when he pitches after a team loss. Meanwhile, Arizona is on slides of 1-9 on the road, 1-7 overall, 11-27 as a 'dog and 17-42 against teams with winning records.
The Giants have won 41 of 61 at home against these D'Backs. Play them to get it done again today. Go with San Francisco.
4♦ SAN FRANCISCO
Jeff Benton
LA Dodgers at COLORADO +105
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVlCE PLAYS VlSlT THESPREAD.COM
Tough last-minute free-play loser with the Ravens on Monday. Still, can’t really complain about my freebie success lately, as I’m 30-18 with my last 48 complimentary releases, including 4-2 over the last six days. For Tuesday, I’ll take the Rockies as they open a key home series against Los Angeles.
Is Colorado living large right now or what? Last night, the Rockies went 14 innings against the Giants, fell behind 4-1 in the top of the 14th, then rallied with five runs in the bottom of the inning for an amazing 6-4 victory, capped by a walk-off grand slam. Colorado has put the heat on the first-place Dodgers thanks to a remarkable run that has seen the team win 51 of its last 74 games, going 26-10 in its last 36 at Coors Field.
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVlCE PLAYS VlSlT THESPREAD.COM
Yes, the Rockies have struggled against the Dodgers this season, losing 10 of 12 meetings, but the majority of those games were played when Colorado was scuffling – and when Los Angeles was rolling. These days, the roles have been completely reversed. The Rockies are red hot, while the Dodgers have been playing sub-.500 baseball since July 1.
Tonight, the Dodgers hand the ball to young lefty Clayton Kershaw, who has tremendous stuff but is once again struggling to find the strike zone, as he’s issued nearly as many walks (15) in his last three starts as he has innings pitched (19). From late May through the end of June, L.A. went 7-0 with Kershaw on the mound. Since then, though, the Dodgers have lost six straight games behind the 21-year-old.
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVlCE PLAYS VlSlT THESPREAD.COM
Bottom line: Kershaw (8.24 ERA in four career starts at Coors Field) and the Dodgers were installed as the early favorite in this contest, but that number quickly came down, and I wouldn’t be surprised to see Colorado in the favorite role by the time the first pitch is thrown – and it’s the right line move, especially given the opposite direction these clubs are going. Colorado’s the play.
5♦ COLORADO
Sports Gambling Hotline
Texas at NY YANKEES
Winner last night on Seattle to make it a 23-10-1 free play run!
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVlCE PLAYS VlSlT THESPREAD.COM
The Yankees just finished up a rather high-scoring series in Boston, as ALL 3 of the weekend games found their way OVER the posted total.
We like that string to continue, as New York starter Joba Chamberlain sure looks like the rigors of the long season are wearing on him. The burly righty has allowed an alarming 12 earned runs in his last 16 innings of work, and his season ERA at home this year is quite near 5.
Texas has some bats that can do some damage, so look for the Rangers to plate a few against the gassed Joba.
As for the Yankees, they are facing Kevin Millwood in the right place, as Millwood is just 2-6 away from home this season with an ERA over 4, and he is also coming off a 6 inning, 5 run allowance at home against Minnesota.
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVlCE PLAYS VlSlT THESPREAD.COM
2 of the 3 series meetings this year at the new Yankee Stadium have eclipsed the total, and we feel this one will as well.
The Rangers are on a 4-2-1 OVER clip their last 7 games, and the way New York is seeing the baseball right now, Texas is going to need to keep the OVER tear going if they want to stay in this game.
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVlCE PLAYS VlSlT THESPREAD.COM
Play on the OVER.
3♦ OVER
Karl Garrett
Tampa Bay at TORONTO
G-Man misfired with my free play last night on the White Sox-Red Sox total, but I will NOT misfire tonight at the Rogers Centre, as I LOVE Tampa Bay and Toronto to head OVER the total with Shields and Cecil on the bump.
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVlCE PLAYS VlSlT THESPREAD.COM
Last night these teams went way OVER the posted price, as the Rays made it 3 of their last 5 in the OVER column, while the Jays made it 3 in a row, and 5 of their last 7 landing HIGH.
Your starters James Shields, and Brett Cecil have both been on the hill for OVER games in 2 of their last 3 starts, and Shields has been an OVER hurler in 5 of his last 8 overall starts.
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVlCE PLAYS VlSlT THESPREAD.COM
For the season, 7 of Cecil's 13 starting assignments have played UP. If the Rays can tag Roy Halladay the way they did last night, they should certainly be able to get a few runs against Brett Cecil.
G-Man says ride the OVER in this one.
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVlCE PLAYS VlSlT THESPREAD.COM
3♦ OVER
Tony Weston
Of course I nailed yesterday’s Comp Play winner on the Rays. Not only did Tampa get a strong win, but in the process Toronto’s star pitcher Roy Halladay suffered his worst loss in two years.
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVlCE PLAYS VlSlT THESPREAD.COM
I backed the Rays yesterday and won and tonight I’m backing the Blue Jays and winning.
What’s going to do in the Rays is that scheduled starting pitcher James Shields has had his difficulties getting into the win column lately.
Shields only has one win his last 11 starts and the Rays are just 1-5 his last six starts going back to the middle of July.
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVlCE PLAYS VlSlT THESPREAD.COM
In fact, three times this year Shields has faced the Blue Jays and in those games the Rays have gone 1-2 as he’s allowed 10 earned runs in 22 1/3 innings of work. Also, Tampa is just 3-6 in Shields’ 9 starts against the AL East.
On the other side, the Blue Jays have won 3 of their last 4 games in which scheduled starter Brett Cecil takes the mound.
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVlCE PLAYS VlSlT THESPREAD.COM
Go against the Rays in this one tonight as the Blue Jays get over at home.
3♦ BLUE JAYS
Jim Feist
Arizona Diamondbacks vs. San Francisco Giants
Play: Under 7
A pair of lousy offensive teams meet, and a pair of aces on the hill. These teams rank 21 and 26 in baseball in runs scored. Arizona righty Dan Haren (12-8) doesn't wal anyone (26 in 174 innings) and averages close to 9 Ks per 9 innings. San Fran righty Matt Cain (12-4, 2.43 ERA) has really blossomed this season, with excellent control. Don't look for many runs, play the Diamondbacks/Giants Under the total.
Brad Diamond Sports
Play: Minnesota over Baltimore
RHP Armando Gabino (Rochester) comes in from AAA ball to throw against the pesky Orioles on Tuesday. The kid has a solid 5-2 mark and a 2.83 ERA, including a super 55/22 strikeout to walk ratio in the minor leagues. The O’s start highly touted rookie lefty Matusz who has been rocked in the early going with a less than impressive ERA of 6.75. The Twins are 12-5 against the Orioles and 26-9 versus left-handed pitching. Also, Minnesota shows at 10-2 on Tuesday’s. With Baltimore winning both games in 2009, look for the Twins to avenge those losses and come on strong here.
Alex Smart
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVlCE PLAYS VlSlT THESPREAD.COM
Washington Mystics +3 FH
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVlCE PLAYS VlSlT THESPREAD.COM
The Washington Mystics have for the most part played really well this season under coach Julie Plank. After two hard fought road games to start their current road trip, against the LA Sparks (72-69 loss) and Phoenix Mercury(91-81 win), the Wizards looked tired last time out against a struggling Sacramento team that they probably over looked. The Mystics with a dew days rest are now a viable side to back early here tonight in a bounce back situation (FIRST HALF LINE) vs a Seattle side that has not played all that well at home of late , with 3 of their L/5 going to OT, and with one win vs the NY Liberty coming by 1 point. (They failed to cover the first half line in 3 of those games). Look for the Wizards to give the Storm all they can handle early , and for us to get the cover.
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVlCE PLAYS VlSlT THESPREAD.COM
Play on the Mystics on the (FIRST HALF LINE)
Scott Spreitzer
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVlCE PLAYS VlSlT THESPREAD.COM
Tampa Bay Rays at Toronto Blue Jays
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVlCE PLAYS VlSlT THESPREAD.COM
While the Rays have been in a fight for the wild card spot in the AL, James Shields has been struggling. The Tampa Bay righty is laying a pretty big road price for a pitcher who has seen his team lose five of his last six starts. The Rays have gone just 4-7 in his 11 road starts this season, and they have dropped two of his three starts against the Jays. Meanwhile, Toronto has won three of Brett Cecil's last four starts, and the southpaw has allowed just 11 earned runs in his last six outings, spanning 35 2/3 IP, for a 2.77 ERA to go along with a decent, 1.34 WHIP. Tampa has not fared too well in road games against lefties this season. They have cashed just nine of 23 tickets, and face an underrated southpaw tonight. I expect Cecil to get decent support at the plate. The Jays average 5 rpg in home games against righthanders, and as mentioned above, they have seen better righties than they'll face tonight.
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVlCE PLAYS VlSlT THESPREAD.COM
Play on: Toronto