SPORTS ADVISORS
San Francisco (42-34) at St. Louis (41-38)
The surging Giants will try to make it four in a row when they send Matt Cain (9-2, 2.57 ERA) to the mound at Busch Stadium to face the struggling Cardinals and right-hander Adam Wainwright (8-5, 3.51).
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San Francisco has won the first two of this four-game set, including Tuesday’s 6-3 victory behind solid pitching from veteran lefty Randy Johnson and scoreless work from three relievers. The Giants have won five of their last seven, all on the road, and eight of their last 11 overall. Meanwhile the Cardinals have dropped six of their last seven and four of five on this homestand.
San Francisco is 6-1 in its last seven matchups with the Cardinals and 6-2 in the last eight played at Busch Stadium. Even with the first two wins in this series, the Giants are just 14-28 against N.L. Central teams and 29-57 on the road against teams with winning records. St. Louis is on several slides that include 0-6 against the N.L. West, 0-4 as a favorite and 2-6 against teams with winning records.
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Cain has been superb on the highway this season, posting a 4-1 mark and 2.72 ERA. He did get roughed up on Friday, giving up five runs on six hits in seven innings of a 5-1 loss in Milwaukee, only the second time in his last eight starts he’s allowed more than one earned run in a game. Cain faced these Cardinals on May 29 and held them to two runs (one earned) in 6 1/3 innings of a 4-2 victory. With Cain on the hill, the Giants are on slides of 8-20 as a road ‘dog and 3-18 on the road against teams with a winning record, but they are on runs of 4-1 on the road this season and 4-1 against teams with a winning mark.
Wainwright is 3-4 at Busch Stadium this season with a 2.55 ERA and was solid in his Friday outing, giving up three runs (two earned) over seven innings of a 3-1 home loss to the Twins. He pitched in San Francisco on May 31 and gave up four runs on 10 hits in seven innings of a 5-3 loss. With Wainwright dealing, the Cardinals are on streaks of 18-7 at home, 35-17 overall and 19-7 when they’ve lost their previous game.
San Francisco has stayed under the total in six of Cain’s last eight starts and 12 of his last 18 roadies against teams with winning records. Meanwhile, the Cards have topped the total in six of Wainwright’s last seven starts, but stayed under the number in seven of his last 10 against the N.L. West.
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As a team, it’s all “unders” for the Giants, including 15-8-1 on the road, 13-6-1 as a road ‘dog, 8-4 against a right-handed starter and 6-2 in the third game of a series. For St. Louis, the under is on runs of 14-6 as a home favorite, 21-10-1 at home against winning teams and 4-2 overall. In this series, the over has been the play in nine of the last 11 contests.
ATS ADVANTAGE: SAN FRANCISCO
AMERICAN LEAGUE
L.A. Angels (42-33) at Texas (41-35)
The Rangers snapped the Angels’ six-game winning streak on Tuesday and send veteran righty Kevin Millwood (8-5, 2.64 ERA) to the mound at the Ballpark in Arlington tonight to face Los Angeles’ right-hander, Jered Weaver (8-3, 2.56).
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After dropping three straight, Texas came out hitting on Tuesday with eight runs in the first four innings en route to a 9-5 victory over the Angels. The first seven hitters in their lineup all had a hit and the first six all scored at least one run. Los Angeles has won four of five on its current road trip while the Rangers are just 2-3 on the homestand.
Texas has taken six of the last eight meetings against the Angels, who are still rolling with a 13-4 mark in their last 17 overall, 5-1 as a ‘dog and 7-1 on the highway. The Rangers are on streaks of 18-5 against the A.L. West and 8-3 on Wednesdays, but they are just 1-6 against teams with a winning record and 3-6 at home against winning teams.
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Weaver has looked shaky in his last two outings, giving up nine runs (eight earned) on 14 hits over 11 1/3 innings in a loss at home to the Dodgers and a road win in Arizona on Friday. He faced these Rangers on May 17 and gave up three runs on six hits over eight innings but go no offensive support in the 3-0 loss. Los Angeles is 4-1 in Weaver’s last five as a ‘dog and 4-0 in his last four roadies, but just 1-4 in his last five against the A.L. West.
Millwood has been magnificent at home, going 6-1 with a 2.17 ERA in the hitter-friendly Ballpark. Friday, he held the Padres to two runs on four hits in six innings of a 12-2 Rangers’ romp, the seventh straight game he’s allowed three runs or less. Texas, which has won four of Millwood’s last five outings, beat the Angels 10-8 on May 15 when the veteran hurler held them to two runs in six innings. With Millwood on the bump, the Rangers are on runs of 5-1 as a home chalk and 19-7 at home overall, but they are just 1-5 when he pitches the third game of a series and 2-6 when he goes on Wednesday.
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With Weaver pitching, the Angels are on “under” streaks of 7-2-1 overall, 4-1-1 against teams with winning records and 5-0 in the third game of a series. With Millwood throwing, Texas is on “under” runs of 20-6-2 overall, 8-2 as a favorite, 11-2-1 at home and 6-0-1 in the third game of a series.
As a team, Los Angeles is on “over” runs that include 7-2 against right-handed starters and 15-7-1 on Wednesdays. Meanwhile it’s been all “under” streaks for the Rangers lately, including 44-18-1 overall, 16-6 as a favorite, 21-6-1 at home, 6-2 against A.L. West rivals and 22-9-1 against a right-handed starter. Finally, in this rivalry, the under is 5-2 in the last six clashes in Texas and 6-0-1 when Weaver takes the hill against the Rangers.
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ATS ADVANTAGE: UNDER
DUNKEL
Boston at Baltimore
The Red Sox look to bounce back after last night's 11-10 loss and build on their 8-2 record in Josh Beckett's last 10 starts after their opponent scores 5 or more runs in their previous game. Boston is the pick (-155) according to Dunkel, which has the Red Sox favored by 1 1/2. Dunkel Pick: Boston (-155)
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Game 901-902: Washington at Florida
Dunkel Ratings: Washington (Zimmermann) 15.499; Florida (Johnson) 14.936
Dunkel Line: Washington by 1/2; 7
Vegas Line: Florida (-175); 7 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Washington (+165); Under
Game 903-904: NY Mets at Milwaukee
Dunkel Ratings: NY Mets (Pelfrey) 13.867; Milwaukee (Gallardo) 15.315
Dunkel Line: Milwaukee by 1 1/2; 7
Vegas Line: Milwaukee (-220); 7 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Milwaukee (-220); Under
Game 905-906: Colorado at LA Dodgers
Dunkel Ratings: Colorado (Hammel) 16.302; LA Dodgers (Kershaw) 15.167
Dunkel Line: Colorado by 1; 9
Vegas Line: LA Dodgers (-150); 8 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Colorado (+140); Over
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Game 907-908: Chicago Cubs at Pittsburgh
Dunkel Ratings: Cubs (Wells) 15.680; Pittsburgh (Vasquez) 14.139
Dunkel Line: Chicago Cubs by 1 1/2; 9
Vegas Line: Chicago Cubs (-140); 8 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Chicago Cubs (-140); Over
Game 909-910: Arizona at Cincinnati
Dunkel Ratings: Arizona (Garland) 14.010; Cincinnati (Cueto) 15.161
Dunkel Line: Cincinnati by 1; 9 1/2
Vegas Line: Cincinnati (-165); 8 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Cincinnati (-165); Over
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Game 911-912: Philadelphia at Atlanta
Dunkel Ratings: Philadelphia (Hamels) 15.942; Atlanta (Jurrjens) 14.850
Dunkel Line: Philadelphia by 1; 7
Vegas Line: Atlanta (-115); 8
Dunkel Pick: Philadelphia (+105); Under
Game 913-914: San Francisco at St. Louis
Dunkel Ratings: San Francisco (Cain) 15.330; St. Louis (Wainwright) 15.060
Dunkel Line: San Francisco by 1/2; 7
Vegas Line: St. Louis (-135); 7 1/2
Dunkel Pick: San Francisco (+125); Under
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Game 915-916: Houston at San Diego
Dunkel Ratings: Houston (Moehler) 15.233; San Diego (Silva) 14.839
Dunkel Line: Houston by 1/2; 9 1/2
Vegas Line: Houston (-130); 8 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Houston (-130); Over
Game 917-918: Tampa Bay at Toronto
Dunkel Ratings: Tampa Bay (Shields) 15.781; Toronto (Romero) 16.143
Dunkel Line: Toronto by 1/2; 9
Vegas Line: Tampa Bay (-130); 8 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Toronto (+120); Over
Game 919-920: Boston at Baltimore
Dunkel Ratings: Boston (Beckett) 16.654; Baltimore (Bergeson) 14.992
Dunkel Line: Boston by 1 1/2; 8 1/2
Vegas Line: Boston (-155); 9
Dunkel Pick: Boston (-155); Under
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Game 921-922: Minnesota at Kansas City
Dunkel Ratings: Minnesota (Perkins) 15.184; Kansas City (Meche) 14.437
Dunkel Line: Minnesota by 1/2; 9 1/2
Vegas Line: Kansas City (-110); 9
Dunkel Pick: Minnesota (+100); Over
Game 923-924: Detroit at Oakland
Dunkel Ratings: Detroit (Verlander) 14.781; Oakland (Braden) 15.668
Dunkel Line: Oakland by 1; 6 1/2
Vegas Line: Detroit (-135); 7 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Oakland (+125); Under
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Game 925-926: Chicago White Sox at Cleveland
Dunkel Ratings: White Sox (Contreras) 15.365; Cleveland (Sowers) 14.121
Dunkel Line: Chicago White Sox by 1; 9
Vegas Line: Cleveland (-125); 9 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Chicago White Sox (+115); Under
Game 927-928: Seattle at NY Yankees
Dunkel Ratings: Seattle (Washburn) 15.790; NY Yankees (Pettitte) 16.986
Dunkel Line: NY Yankees by 1; 10
Vegas Line: NY Yankees (-170); 9 1/2
Dunkel Pick: NY Yankees (-170); Over
Game 929-930: LA Angels at Texas
Dunkel Ratings: LA Angels (Weaver) 16.062; Texas (Millwood) 14.789
Dunkel Line: LA Angels by 1 1/2; 8 1/2
Vegas Line: Texas (-115); 9 1/2
Dunkel Pick: LA Angels (+105); Under
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WNBA
Seattle at Phoenix
The Mercury look to build on their 8-1 ATS record in their last 9 home games. Phoenix is the pick (-2 1/2) according to Dunkel, which has the Mercury favored by 6. Dunkel Pick: Phoenix (-2 1/2)
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Game 651-652: Seattle at Phoenix
Dunkel Ratings: Seattle 113.171; Phoenix 119.054
Dunkel Line & Total: Phoenix by 6; 169 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: Phoenix by 2 1/2; 173 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Phoenix (-2 1/2); Under
CFL
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Montreal at Calgary
The Stampeders look to open the regular season by building on their 5-0-1 record over their last six home games. Calgary is the pick (-7) according to Dunkel, which has the Stampeders favored by 12. Dunkel Pick: Calgary (-7)
Game 401-402: Toronto at Hamilton
Dunkel Ratings: Toronto 100.565; Hamilton 106.519
Dunkel Line: Hamilton by 6; 58
Vegas Line: Hamilton by 2; 50 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Hamilton (-2); Over
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Game 403-404: Montreal at Calgary
Dunkel Ratings: Montreal 112.586; Calgary 124.520
Dunkel Line: Calgary by 12; 49
Vegas Line: Calgary by 7; 52 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Calgary (-7); Under
Craig Trapp
San Francisco Giants vs. St Louis Cardinals
Play: San Francisco Giants
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Betting Trends
-Giants are 7-3 in their last 10 overall.
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-Giants are 9-1 in Cains last 10 starts.
-Cardinals are 2-5 in their last 7 vs. a team with a winning record.
-Giants are 5-1 in the last 6 meetings.
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SF +126*** This one is a great pitchers duel with Cain going for SF and Wainright going for STL. Cain has been one of the best pitchers in the National League with 9 wins thus far. He also has a sub 3.00 ERA and has allowed over 2 runs three times in last 10 games. Wainright goes for STL and he also been pretty good with wins in three of last four outings. Hard to believe but SF bats have been super hot and STL bats have been silent. Only Pujhols has been hitting for STL and think with Cain on the mound they might be in trouble again. Lets take the extra juice here as SF is super hot. SCORE SF 5 - STL 1
Bob Harvey
Florida Marlins -163
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I had the feeling that if the Nats were going to end their lengthy losing streak against the Fish their best shot was last night. However thanks to some late inning heroics from Hanley Ramirez and an assist from mother-nature, the Marlins speared the Nats 7-5. Florida has now beaten Washington nine straight times and #10 is just around the corner.
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To put the one-sided nature of this series in perspective, consider this: Florida is 22-3 vs. Washington since the start of last season. With Marlins ace Josh Johnson on the hill, I fully expect the domination to continue.
Johnson is having an all-star season. He's 7-1 with a 2.76 ERA and has been tough as nails against the Nationals going 4-0 with a 3.68 ERA in six starts.
Opposing Johnson will by Jordan Zimmerman who is 3-3 with a 4.56 ERA. Zimmerman has gotten better with each start and looks like he could be a future star in the NL.
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If the ML is too rich for your blood, the RL might be an attractive alternative. Florida is not only 8-0 against Washington this year, the Fish are also 8-0 on the RL. The OVER is 6-2.
There are several ways to go in this game and all of them should be very prosperous. As long as your compass is headed in the direction of Florida, you'll be fine.
Marc Lawrence
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Chicago White Sox at Cleveland Indians
Prediction: Chicago White Sox
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The White Sox and Indians conclude their three game series when Jose Contreras matches serves with Jeremy Sowers at Progressive Field in Cleveland tonight. While both pitchers have struggled of late, Contreras is 3-0 with a 1.92 ERA in his last three team starts against the White Sox. He's also 7-1 his last 8 road starts on Wednesdays. On the flip side, Sowers is 0-5 with a 7.71 ERA in his career team starts against the Pale Hose. With that, look for Chicago to complete the sweep here tonight.
Scott Spreitzer
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Boston Red Sox at Baltimore Orioles
Play: Boston Red Sox
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After the normally dependable and strong Red Sox bullpen blew a 10-1 lead last night, I expect them to come out all fired-up to atone for the loss. Chances are, the relievers won't see a lot of action though with Josh Beckett on the hill. Beckett is a serious innings-eater, having tossed 57 2/3 IP in his last eight starts. The BoSox are 8-2 in Beckett's last 10 starts and the righthander has held five of his last seven opponents to ZERO earned runs. In fact, even if you include his one weak outing in his last seven, Beckett's allowed just seven earned runs and 42 base runners in 50 2/3 IP for a 1.24 ERA & 0.83 WHIP. Beckett has owned Camden Yards in his six career starts. He's allowed just 14 earned runs and 45 base runners in 42 1/3 IP. He's averaging over 7 IP per start in this venue with a 2.98 ERA and 1.06 WHIP. Toss in his 8.51 K's per 9 IP ratio and you can see he's going to be tough to crack on Wednesday. Orioles' starter Brad Bergesen owns nice overall numbers, but he's truly struggled in afternoon action where he's been tagged for a 5.11 ERA and .287 BAA. I'm sure Boston is licking their chops to get back on the field after last night's collapse. I'm riding the roadie in this one...the Boston Red Sox are the play.
LEE KOSTROSKI
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Seattle Mariners @ New York Yankees
PICK: Under 9.5
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The Mariners have been the ultimate ‘under’ team this season, now 44-29-2 on the season. Seattle owns a team ERA of just 3.65 while featuring an offense that has scored just 3.8 runs per game. The ‘under’ is 19-7-1 in the last 27 road games for the Mariners and there is sure to be an inflated total in this match-up being played at Yankee Stadium. Although the new ballpark has been considered a home run haven so far this season the ‘over’ is just slightly ahead of the ‘under’ and in the last 20 New York games the ‘under’ has cashed 13 times.
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Jarrod Washburn has delivered a standout season for the Mariners with a 3.22 ERA. Washburn owns just a 4-5 record but he has allowed two or fewer earned runs ten times this year. Opposing batters are hitting just .232 against Washburn and the ‘under’ is 9-5 in his starts. Seattle features the second best bullpen ERA in all of baseball and the Yankees have gone on a cold offensive stretch, hitting just .256 in the last ten games. At home this season the Yankees are batting just .267 in contrast to the assumptions of incredible production.
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Veteran Andy Pettitte has allowed four or fewer earned runs in eight of his last nine starts and the ‘under’ is 6-1 in his last seven outings including 4-0 in his last four home starts. New York’s bullpen has also made great strides from the early season struggles as the unit now features a 4.27 ERA and a .232 batting average against. For the season Yankee Stadium has averaged eleven runs per game but those numbers have dropped considerably in the past month, down to below ten runs per game in the last 15 home games. Expect lower than listed scoring in what should be a tough pitcher’s duel with two left-handed starters.
Dominic Fazzini
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Seattle +160 at N.Y. YANKEES
I gave you another win Tuesday with my complimentary selection as Dan Haren stole the show with his pitching and offense in the Diamondbacks' 6-2 victory over the Reds. Let's go for three in a row with today's pick.
Jarrod Washburn has not received much help from his offense this year.
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The Mariners left-hander (4-5, 3.22) has been solid all season, with quality starts in 10 of his 14 outings, but he is 4-2 with four no-decisions in those quality starts because of a lack of run production.
Washburn has been effective in his career against the Yankees, with 11 quality starts in 12 outings against them. But despite his 2.56 ERA vs. New York, he is just 5-5 lifetime.
Washburn posted a 2.81 ERA in five June starts, but was just 1-2. He won his last start, however, allowing two runs on six hits in six innings against San Diego.
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Andy Pettitte, on the other hand, has been quite inconsistent for the Yankees. The veteran lefty was 2-2 with a 5.06 ERA in five June starts, and gave up six runs (three earned) on seven hits in 3 2/3 innings Thursday at Atlanta, but received a no-decision.
Pettitte (7-3, 4.38) has pitched well in his last three starts against Seattle, posting a 3.10 ERA with 20 strikeouts in 20 1/3 innings, but is just 1-2.
Even though the Mariners are playing without Adrian Beltre, who is undergoing shoulder surgery, I’ll take my chances with Seattle today. Washburn has controlled many of Yankees’ bats, as Melky Cabrera is 0-for-13 against him, and Robinson Cano and Hideki Matsui are both 2-for-14. Take the Mariners to pull off the upset.
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1♦ SEATTLE
Bobby Maxwell
L.A. Angels at TEXAS -110
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Tonight's FREE winner comes to us from Arlington, Texas as we go with the Rangers at home to take care of the Angels in this American League West matchup.
Texas gets pumped up to play the Angels, don't they? They showed that with Tuesday's victory and they'll come out emotional again tonight with veteran hurler Kevin Millwood (8-5, 2.64 ERA) on the mound.
Millwood has been great in front of the home fans, going 6-1 with a 2.17 ERA in the Ballpark in Arlington, known for being one of the most hitter-friendly places in baseball. Friday he led the Rangers to a 12-2 beating of the Padres with six innings of work, allowing two runs on four hits. Millwood has held the opposition to three runs or less in seven straight outings and the Rangers have won four of his last five.
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Millwood beat the Angels on May 15 when he allowed two runs in six innings of a 10-8 victory. Texas is on runs of 19-7 at home with the veteran on the hill.
Jered Weaver (8-3, 2.56) goes for Los Angeles tonight, but this youngster is coming off two bad outings, giving up nine runs on 14 hits in 11.1 innings, losing to the Dodgers and getting bailed out in Arizona on Friday by his offense. When he pitched against Texas on May 17, the Rangers got him for three runs on six hits in eight innings of a 3-0 win.
Texas is 18-5 agaisnt A.L. West competition and this team doesn't look like it's going away in the division race. We expect the Mariners to drop back and this will turn into a two-team race with the Angels and Rangers. But Texas wins this one tonight thanks to the consistent Millwood. Play the Rangers.
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4♦ TEXAS
Matt Rivers
For Wednesday take the Red Sox -1.5
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Josh Beckett is just flat out too freakin good right now and despite this being a large road chalk, which is never great, I can't help but back him laying that extra run. Beckett has been absolutely sizzling over the past month or so outclassing quality opponents including looking pretty much unhittable last time out in Atlanta. Plus I love teams coming off of bad beats and I would say that is exactly what happened to the Sox last night.
Brad Bergeson is a solid young kid who is good. I would not be shocked to see him match Beckett for a few innings but when all is said and done he is no Josh Beckett and the Orioles are not close to being the overall team that the Red Sox are.
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Terry Francona's boys have been winning a ton this season. There are no easy outs in that lineup with Pedroia, Bay, Youkilis, and Ortiz leading the way. If Boston wins the World Series I would not be surprised in the least and to get them here with an absolute stud in Beckett on the hill against an under .500 Baltimore team more than likely will equal a 5-1 or so Boston victory.
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1♦ Red Sox -1.5
Jake Timlin
In afternoon action, I like the Marlins to blast the Nationals big time.
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For one thing, the Marlins now 8-0 against the Nationals on the year it’s clear who the better of two teams are. Secondly, with Washington having lost 7 of their last 9 and with only 9 total road wins it would take a miracle for the Nationals to beat Florida with Johnson pitching today.
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Josh Johnson solid on the year at 7-1 with an ERA of 2.76 has been the Marlins best starter on the year as Florida is 12-4 in his 16 starts on the year.
Countering will be Jordan Zimmerman who has been good over his last three starts still just has one win over his last 10 starts as the Nationals offense and bullpen are not quite up to par and won’t be again today as Florida makes it 9 in a row in the series.
Go with the Marlins.
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1♦ Florida Marlins -1½
Brad Diamond Sports
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Play: Phillies over Atlanta
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Feel Phillies will come out of their funk now that the Inter-League play has come to an end. Lefty Cole Hamels struggled last time out, but the Phillies are 4-0 with the ace last four versus the Braves. In addition, the visitor is 22-4 with Hamels against a losing team.
Red Dog Sports
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Tampa Bay at Toronto
Play under 8.5
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Look for an under on Wednesday afternoon. In the last 21 meetings in Toronto there have been 15 unders and when Tampa Bay is favored they have 15 unders, 7 overs and a push in their last 23. Shields has an ERA of 3.41 with 5 overs and 10 unders this season while Romero has an ERA of 3.20 with 4 overs and 6 unders. Look for a low scoring getaway game on Wednesday.
JIM FEIST
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CHICAGO WHITE SOX / CLEVELAND INDIANS
Take OVER
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Offense has helped the White Sox get back into the pennant race, scoring 5 or more runs in 6 straight games last week and this one. They will need offense this game, with Jose Contreras (2-7, 5.19 ERA) on the hill. As bad as the Indians have been, offense hasn't been the problem, ranked 3rd in all of baseball in runs scored. It's the pitching that has been a disaster, outside of Cliff Lee. Starter Jeremy Sowers (2-5, 5.44 ERA) has been part of the problem. Walks are killing him, with 22 in 46 innings. Look for plenty of runs in this AL game, play the White Sox/Indians over the total.
DAVE COKIN
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CHICAGO CUBS / PITTSBURGH PIRATES
Take CHICAGO CUBS
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Things aren't exactly going well for the Cubs, but one silver lining for the team has been the pitching of unheralded Randy Wells. He got brought up for what amounted to an emergency start a while back, and proceeded to chisel out a spot in the Cubs rotation. In fact, Wells has been the team's best pitcher since his arrival. Virgil Vazquez just scored his first big league win in a very solid showing against the Royals, but I'm not a believer and expect the Cubs to nail him tonight. Wells and Cubs are the opinion.