Friday's Streaking and Slumping Starting Pitchers
By Covers.com
Streaking
Madison Bumgarner, San Francisco Giants (5-1, 2.31 ERA)
San Francisco’s young lefty has allowed just a single run in each of his last three starts and has won five straight starts heading into Friday’s date with Arizona. Bumgarner will be looking for revenge against the Diamondbacks after he allowed four runs in his only loss of the year in their season-opening series. He owns a 0.88 WHIP over his last three.
Chris Capuano, Los Angeles Dodgers (4-0, 2.21 ERA)
The veteran was brought in to solidify the backend of the rotation, but he’s been awfully tough thanks to a new breaking ball. The lefty hasn’t allowed a run in two starts (spanning 13 2/3 innings) and has struck out 16 with four walks over that span. He has been pegged as an underdog in three of his five starts.
Slumping
Nick Blackburn, Minnesota Twins (0-4, 6.84 ERA)
Blackburn threw six straight balls to begin his last start and it didn’t get any better as he went along. He gave up four runs in the first two innings and ended up allowing five runs on seven hits in a 5-2 loss at Seattle. Blackburn has allowed at least five runs in three of his last five starts and has yielded a homer in five consecutive outings.
Mike Leake, Cincinnati Reds (0-4, 5.97 ERA)
Leake was better the last time he climbed the bump, but still lost his third straight start, a 3-2 decision to the Pirates. He walked four and served up a couple of homers in defeat, though his ERA dropped from 6.65 to 5.97. He has allowed at least three runs in each of his five starts and owns a 1.59 WHIP over his last three outings.
Friday's MLB Tip Sheet
By Brian Edwards
VegasInsider.com
Braves at Cardinals
As of early Thursday night, most books were listing St. Louis (20-11, +688) as a minus-150 home favorite for its series opener against Atlanta. The total was eight ‘over’ (minus-115). Gamblers can go the run-line route (minus 1 ½) with the Cardinals for a plus-140 payout (risk $100 to win $140).
Atlanta (19-13, +286) comes to Busch Stadium for the final three contests of a nine-game road swing. The Braves lost two of three to the Cubs at Wrigley Field this week, but they swept the Rockies in the Mile High City this past weekend.
St. Louis has won four in a row to take a 3½-game lead on second-place Cincinnati in the National League Central. The Cardinals captured a 7-2 win Wednesday at Arizona to complete a three-game sweep of the Diamondbacks. Rafael Furcal went 4-for-5 to improve his team-high batting average to .361. Also, David Freese had three hits and Allen Craig popped a two-run homer. Kyle Lohse worked five innings and gave up just one run en route to gathering his fifth victory of the year.
Atlanta went into Thursday’s action (Washington at Pittsburgh) in a first-place tie with the Nationals for the lead in the NL East.
Fredi Gonzalez will give the starting nod to 24-year-old Mike Minor, who is 2-2 with a 5.97 ERA. The left-hander got roughed up in his last outing, a 13-9 win at Colorado. The Rockies reached Minor for 10 hits and eight earned runs over five innings.
Atlanta has won in four of Minor’s six starts. The ‘over’ is 4-2 in his six outings.
St. Louis LHP Jaime Garcia (2-2, 3.76) will toe the rubber for the home squad. Garcia is looking to bounce back from his worst outing of the year when he walked four and gave up six earned runs in an 8-2 loss to Houston. Totals have been an overall wash (3-3) in his six assignments.
St. Louis owns a stellar 6-1 record in seven games against southpaw starters. Meanwhile, Atlanta is 7-7 against lefties. The Cardinals are 8-4 at home, while the Braves are 11-8 on the road.
St. Louis and Atlanta are the NL’s best hitting teams. The Cards are second in the majors with a .287 average, while the Braves are fifth (.265).
The ‘under’ is 16-14-1 overall for the Cards, but they have seen the ‘over’ go 9-3 in their home games.
The ‘over’ is 16-14-2 overall for the Braves, 10-8-1 in their road contests. The ‘under’ cashed in all three of their games against the Cubs this week.
When the Braves visited St. Louis last year, they got a swept in a three-game set. The Cards won five of six head-to-head meetings in 2011.
Garcia is scheduled to throw the first pitch at 8:15 p.m. Eastern.
Tigers at A’s
Stats for these teams do NOT include Thursday’s late-night result.
Most spots have Detroit (15-15, -560) installed as a minus-115 ‘chalk’ for this second contest of a four-game series. The total is 7 ½ ‘under’ (minus-120). Bettors can take the Tigers on the run line for a plus-150 return (risk $100 to win $150).
Oakland (16-15, +490) went into Thursday’s play in second place in the AL West, trailing the loop-leading Rangers by 4 ½ games. (Texas faced Baltimore in a twin bill Thursday). The A’s have won five of their last seven games.
Jim Leyland will turn to RHP Rick Porcello (3-2, 4.91) on Friday night. The 23-year-old has been sharp his last two times out, working 14 1/3 innings while surrendering just four earned runs. Porcello has walked just two batters and fanned eight during this stretch.
Detroit has prevailed in four of Porcello’s six assignments, while totals have been a wash (3-3) in those contests.
Oakland will give the ball to LHP Tom Milone, who is 4-2 with a 4.42 ERA. The ‘under’ is 4-2 in those six games.
Oakland is 7-8 at home, 9-11 against right-handed pitching. Meanwhile, Detroit is 6-6 on the road, 6-5 against southpaws.
The ‘under’ is 19-11-1 overall for the A’s, 10-5 in their home games.
Detroit has seen the ‘under’ go 17-12-1 overall, 9-3 in its road assignments.
This game will come off the board at 10:05 p.m. Eastern.
B.E.’s Bonus Nuggets
A pair of lefties will square off Friday night in the series opener between the Mets and Marlins in Miami. Johan Santana (1-2, 2.61) will get the call for New York, while Mark Buehrle (2-4, 2.83) will take the hill for the Fish. The Mets, who swept a three-game set from the Marlins in Queens last month, have an 8-7 road record and a 6-8 ledger against southpaws. Miami is 6-5 in its new home stadium, 5-6 versus left-handers. Most books have the Marlins as minus-130 favorites.
The biggest underdogs on Friday’s card are the Rockies (+155 at the Dodgers with Moyer going) and Padres (+155 at Philadelphia with Richard throwing).
The Reds have the NL’s best bullpen with a 2.48 ERA.
Going into Thursday’s doubleheader at Baltimore, Josh Hamilton was leading the majors in homers with 14 after cranking four in one game at Camden Yards earlier this week. He’s also tops in batting (.406) and RBIs with 36.
Before Thursday’s game at Boston, Cleveland closer Chris Perez had an MLB-best 11 saves in 12 chances. Atlanta’s Craig Kimbrel has an NL-best 10 saves.
Hot pitchers
-- McDonald is 2-0, 2.16 in his last four starts.
-- Worley is 2-1, 2.42 in his last four starts.
-- JSantana is 1-0, 1.83 in his last three starts.
-- GGonzalez is 3-1, 0.82 in his last five starts.
-- Garza is 2-1, 2.60 in his last four starts.
-- JGarcia is 1-1, 2.57 in his two home starts.
-- Bumgarner is 5-0, 1.54 in his last five starts.
-- Capuano is 4-0, 1.41 in his last five starts.
-- FHernandez is 2-1, 0.95 in his last five starts. Kuroda is 2-1, 3.26 in his three home starts (0-3, 5.94 on road).
-- Former Ranger Wilson is 2-0, 2.82 in his last three starts. Darvish is the guy Texas paid $100M to replace Wilson (3-1, 2.16 last five).
-- Paulino blanked Bronx for six innings in his first '12 start (won 5-1).
-- Floyd has a 1.71 RA in his last three starts.
-- Porcello is 2-0, 2.51 in his last couple starts. Milone is 2-0, 0.00 at home (16 IP at home; 2-2, 8.27 on road).
Cold pitchers
-- Norris is 1-1, 7.64 in three road starts.
-- Richard is 0-2, 9.82 in three road starts.
-- Buehrle is 1-1, 5.54 in two home starts.
-- Leake is 1-4, 6.91 in five starts this season.
-- Wolf is 1-2, 4.76 in three home starts.
-- Minor allowed 15 runs in 11.1 IP in his last two starts.
-- Corbin is 1-1, 7.00 in his first two big league starts.
-- Moyer is 1-2, 5.61 in six starts this season.
-- Hellickson has a 6.75 RA in his two road starts. Eveland has made 59 starts over seven years with six different teams (19-24, 5.52). This will be his 7th team-- he was 3-2, 2.21 in six starts in AAA this year.
-- Jimenez has a 7.47 RA in his three road starts. Buchholz has allowed 34 runs in 32.1 IP in his six starts this season; his WHIP is 2.02.
-- Drabek is 0-3, 4.76 in his last three starts. Blackburn is 0-4, 6.84 in his five starts this season.
Hot teams
-- Pirates are 9-2 in game following their last eleven losses.
-- Marlins won eight of their last nine games. Mets won their last five games, scoring 29 runs.
-- St Louis won its last four games, scoring 30 runs. Braves won six of their last eight road games.
-- Reds won five of their last seven games.
-- Cubs won three of their last four games.
-- Dodgers won five of their last six home games.
-- Bronx won three of its last four games. Mariners won four of five.
-- Rangers won four of last six games, scoring 36 runs in last four.
-- Cleveland won eight of its last twelve games.
-- Tampa Bay is 5-3 in its last eight road games.
-- Angels won four of their last five games.
-- Royals are 8-5 in their last thirteen games.
-- Blue Jays won six of their last nine games.
Cold teams
-- Astros lost eight of their last eleven road games.
-- Phillies lost five of their last six games. San Diego is 2-7 on the road.
-- Nationals lost six of their last seven road games.
-- Brewers lost four of their last five games.
-- Arizona lost its last five games, outscored 29-13. Giants lost six of their last nine games.
-- Rockies lost five of their last six games.
-- Orioles lost three of last four games, allowing 36 runs.
-- Boston lost eight of its last nine games.
-- White Sox lost six of their last nine games.
-- Minnesota lost 14 of its last 17 games.
-- Detroit is 0-7 in game following its last seven wins. Oakland is 6-8 at home so far this season.
Totals
-- Under is 6-1-1 in last eight Pittsburgh games.
-- Phillies' last six games went over the total.
-- Over is 7-2-1 in Miami's last ten home games.
-- Under is 6-1-1 in last eight Cincinnati games.
-- Seven of Cubs' last eight games stayed under the total.
-- Six of last seven Atlanta games stayed under total. Over is 9-3 in last twelve Cardinal games.
-- Seven of last ten Arizona home games went over the total.
-- Four of last five Colorado road games stayed under total.
-- Under is 6-0-1 in last seven Bronx games.
-- Six of last seven Baltimore games went over total.
-- Six of last seven Boston games went over the total.
-- Under is 10-2 in Angels' last dozen road games.
-- Over is 6-2-1 in last nine White Sox home games.
-- Six of last seven Minnesota games stayed under total.
-- Under is 9-4 in Detroit's road games this season.
Armadillosports.com
SAN DIEGO vs. PHILADELPHIA
The total has gone OVER in 5 of San Diego's last 7 games when playing Philadelphia
San Diego is 3-7 SU in its last 10 games when playing on the road against Philadelphia
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Philadelphia's last 6 games when playing at home against San Diego
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Philadelphia's last 5 games
TAMPA BAY vs. BALTIMORE
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Tampa Bay's last 6 games when playing Baltimore
Tampa Bay is 13-5 SU in its last 18 games
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Baltimore's last 7 games when playing at home against Tampa Bay
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Baltimore's last 6 games when playing Tampa Bay
SEATTLE vs. NY YANKEES
Seattle is 1-4 SU in their last 5 games when playing on the road against NY Yankees
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Seattle's last 5 games when playing on the road against NY Yankees
NY Yankees are 4-1 SU in their last 5 games when playing at home against Seattle
NY Yankees are 5-2 SU in their last 7 games when playing Seattle
HOUSTON vs. PITTSBURGH
Houston is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games when playing Pittsburgh
Houston is 6-3 SU in its last 9 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Pittsburgh's last 6 games
The total has gone UNDER in 15 of Pittsburgh's last 19 games at home
WASHINGTON vs. CINCINNATI
Washington is 1-6 SU in its last 7 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Washington's last 9 games when playing Cincinnati
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Cincinnati's last 8 games
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Cincinnati's last 9 games when playing Washington
CLEVELAND vs. BOSTON
Cleveland is 10-3 SU in its last 13 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Cleveland's last 6 games when playing Boston
Boston is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games at home
Boston is 12-6 SU in its last 18 games when playing at home against Cleveland
NY METS vs. MIAMI
NY Mets are 6-12 SU in its last 18 games when playing on the road against Miami
NY Mets are 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing Miami
Miami is 8-1 SU in its last 9 games
The total has gone OVER in 9 of Miami's last 10 games when playing at home against NY Mets
LA ANGELS vs. TEXAS
LA Angels are 1-5 SU in their last 6 games when playing Texas
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of LA Angels's last 9 games on the road
Texas is 5-1 SU in their last 6 games when playing LA Angels
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Texas's last 5 games when playing at home against LA Angels
TORONTO vs. MINNESOTA
Toronto is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Minnesota
Toronto is 7-1 SU in its last 8 games when playing Minnesota
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Minnesota's last 6 games when playing Toronto
The total has gone OVER in 7 of Minnesota's last 10 games when playing at home against Toronto
KANSAS CITY vs. CHI WHITE SOX
Kansas City is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Kansas City's last 7 games when playing Chi White Sox
Chi White Sox are 5-11 SU in their last 16 games
Chi White Sox are 2-5 SU in their last 7 games when playing Kansas City
CHI CUBS vs. MILWAUKEE
Chi Cubs are 0-5 SU in their last 5 games when playing on the road against Milwaukee
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Chi Cubs's last 6 games when playing on the road against Milwaukee
The total has gone UNDER in 9 of Milwaukee's last 13 games when playing Chi Cubs
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Milwaukee's last 6 games at home
ATLANTA vs. ST. LOUIS
Atlanta is 6-2 SU in its last 8 games on the road
Atlanta is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against St. Louis
St. Louis is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Atlanta
St. Louis is 8-3 SU in its last 11 games at home
SAN FRANCISCO vs. ARIZONA
The total has gone OVER in 4 of San Francisco's last 6 games
San Francisco is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Arizona's last 5 games when playing San Francisco
Arizona is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing San Francisco
DETROIT vs. OAKLAND
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Detroit's last 6 games
The total has gone UNDER in 9 of Detroit's last 13 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Oakland's last 6 games
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Oakland's last 9 games at home
COLORADO vs. LA DODGERS
Colorado is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 8 of Colorado's last 12 games when playing on the road against LA Dodgers
LA Dodgers are 7-3 SU in their last 10 games when playing at home against Colorado
The total has gone OVER in 4 of LA Dodgers's last 5 games when playing Colorado
HOUSTON (14 - 17) at PITTSBURGH (14 - 17) - 7:05 PM
BUD NORRIS (R) vs. JAMES MCDONALD (R)
Top Trends for this game.
HOUSTON is 71-124 (-32.4 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
HOUSTON is 198-234 (-56.3 Units) against the money line in May games since 1997.
HOUSTON is 7-24 (-15.2 Units) against the money line when playing on Friday over the last 2 seasons.
HOUSTON is 69-123 (-34.4 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
HOUSTON is 46-93 (-33.0 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
NORRIS is 0-10 (-10.5 Units) against the money line when playing on Friday over the last 2 seasons.
PITTSBURGH is 442-421 (+53.6 Units) against the money line in home games in night games since 1997.
PITTSBURGH is 54-52 (+18.5 Units) against the money line after a loss over the last 2 seasons.
PITTSBURGH is 18-28 (-13.1 Units) against the money line in home games when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.
Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.
BUD NORRIS vs. PITTSBURGH since 1997
NORRIS is 3-4 when starting against PITTSBURGH with an ERA of 4.04 and a WHIP of 1.449.
His team's record is 4-4 (-0.4 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 3-5. (-2.8 units)
JAMES MCDONALD vs. HOUSTON since 1997
MCDONALD is 2-1 when starting against HOUSTON with an ERA of 2.48 and a WHIP of 1.310.
His team's record is 3-2 (+0.6 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 2-3. (-1.5 units)
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SAN DIEGO (11 - 21) at PHILADELPHIA (14 - 18) - 7:05 PM
CLAYTON RICHARD (L) vs. VANCE WORLEY (R)
Top Trends for this game.
SAN DIEGO is 82-113 (-22.7 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
SAN DIEGO is 8-22 (-15.2 Units) against the money line when playing on Friday over the last 2 seasons.
SAN DIEGO is 82-113 (-22.7 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
SAN DIEGO is 46-83 (-36.3 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.
RICHARD is 2-15 (-13.2 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.
WORLEY is 15-3 (+11.2 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.
SAN DIEGO is 30-20 (+14.8 Units) against the money line when the total is 8 to 8.5 over the last 3 seasons.
SAN DIEGO is 17-8 (+13.1 Units) against the money line in road games in May games over the last 3 seasons.
SAN DIEGO is 61-55 (+20.6 Units) against the money line in road games against right-handed starters over the last 3 seasons.
Head-to-Head Series History
SAN DIEGO is 2-2 (+0.3 Units) against PHILADELPHIA this season
2 of 4 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+0.0 Units)
CLAYTON RICHARD vs. PHILADELPHIA since 1997
RICHARD is 0-2 when starting against PHILADELPHIA with an ERA of 2.40 and a WHIP of 1.000.
His team's record is 0-2 (-2.0 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 2-0. (+2.0 units)
VANCE WORLEY vs. SAN DIEGO since 1997
WORLEY is 1-0 when starting against SAN DIEGO with an ERA of 0.00 and a WHIP of 1.000.
His team's record is 1-0 (+1.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 0-1. (-1.0 units)
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NY METS (18 - 13) at MIAMI (16 - 15) - 7:10 PM
JOHAN SANTANA (L) vs. MARK BUEHRLE (L)
Top Trends for this game.
MIAMI is 62-44 (+18.1 Units) against the money line against left-handed starters over the last 3 seasons.
BUEHRLE is 128-67 (+36.2 Units) against the money line in home games since 1997.
BUEHRLE is 24-5 (+17.2 Units) against the money line in home games in May games since 1997.
BUEHRLE is 128-67 (+36.2 Units) against the money line in home games in games played on a grass field since 1997.
NY METS are 18-13 (+8.6 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
NY METS are 9-3 (+8.6 Units) against the money line when the total is 7 or less this season.
NY METS are 20-12 (+10.8 Units) against the money line as a road underdog of +100 to +125 over the last 2 seasons.
NY METS are 51-45 (+22.0 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 2 seasons.
NY METS are 13-5 (+12.3 Units) against the money line against division opponents this season.
NY METS are 18-13 (+8.6 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
NY METS are 36-31 (+15.2 Units) against the money line in road games in night games over the last 2 seasons.
NY METS are 50-45 (+10.4 Units) against the money line after a win over the last 2 seasons.
MIAMI is 37-52 (-23.4 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 2 seasons.
MIAMI is 37-52 (-23.4 Units) against the money line in home games in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
MIAMI is 28-41 (-19.9 Units) against the money line in home games in night games over the last 2 seasons.
MIAMI is 14-27 (-12.5 Units) against the money line in home games when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
Head-to-Head Series History
NY METS is 3-0 (+3.4 Units) against MIAMI this season
3 of 3 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+3.1 Units)
JOHAN SANTANA vs. MIAMI since 1997
SANTANA is 6-1 when starting against MIAMI with an ERA of 1.46 and a WHIP of 0.926.
His team's record is 7-3 (+3.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 4-5. (-1.5 units)
MARK BUEHRLE vs. NY METS since 1997
BUEHRLE is 0-1 when starting against NY METS with an ERA of 2.57 and a WHIP of 0.857.
His team's record is 0-1 (-1.4 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 1-0. (+1.1 units)
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WASHINGTON (19 - 12) at CINCINNATI (16 - 14) - 7:10 PM
GIO GONZALEZ (L) vs. MIKE LEAKE (R)
Top Trends for this game.
WASHINGTON is 44-64 (-27.1 Units) against the money line on the road with a money line of -100 to -125 since 1997.
WASHINGTON is 99-94 (+14.8 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
WASHINGTON is 18-10 (+11.3 Units) against the money line when playing on Friday over the last 2 seasons.
WASHINGTON is 99-94 (+14.8 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
WASHINGTON is 76-73 (+11.7 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
WASHINGTON is 54-44 (+14.5 Units) against the money line after a win over the last 2 seasons.
WASHINGTON is 43-37 (+16.9 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
CINCINNATI is 40-56 (-24.3 Units) against the money line after a win over the last 2 seasons.
Head-to-Head Series History
WASHINGTON is 3-1 (+2.0 Units) against CINCINNATI this season
3 of 4 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+1.8 Units)
GIO GONZALEZ vs. CINCINNATI since 1997
GONZALEZ is 0-0 when starting against CINCINNATI with an ERA of 0.00 and a WHIP of 0.500.
His team's record is 1-1 (-0.3 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-1. (+0.0 units)
MIKE LEAKE vs. WASHINGTON since 1997
LEAKE is 3-1 when starting against WASHINGTON with an ERA of 3.86 and a WHIP of 1.187.
His team's record is 4-1 (+2.9 units) in these starts. The OVER is 3-1. (+2.0 units)
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CHICAGO CUBS (13 - 18) at MILWAUKEE (13 - 18) - 8:10 PM
MATT GARZA (R) vs. RANDY WOLF (L)
Top Trends for this game.
CHICAGO CUBS are 1200-1284 (-236.4 Units) against the money line in all games since 1997.
CHICAGO CUBS are 131-157 (-46.6 Units) against the money line when playing with a day off since 1997.
CHICAGO CUBS are 75-101 (-32.7 Units) against the money line against division opponents over the last 3 seasons.
CHICAGO CUBS are 1143-1200 (-214.2 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field since 1997.
CHICAGO CUBS are 51-71 (-36.1 Units) against the money line after shutting out their opponent since 1997.
CHICAGO CUBS are 30-54 (-21.5 Units) against the money line after a win over the last 2 seasons.
CHICAGO CUBS are 72-88 (-31.7 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 3 seasons.
MILWAUKEE is 69-34 (+24.9 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 2 seasons.
MILWAUKEE is 69-34 (+24.9 Units) against the money line in home games in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
MILWAUKEE is 55-24 (+24.0 Units) against the money line in home games against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
MILWAUKEE is 68-34 (+24.3 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.
WOLF is 22-7 (+12.3 Units) against the money line in home games in May games since 1997.
WOLF is 152-123 (+31.1 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field since 1997.
Head-to-Head Series History
MILWAUKEE is 3-1 (+1.8 Units) against CHICAGO CUBS this season
3 of 4 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+2.1 Units)
MATT GARZA vs. MILWAUKEE since 1997
GARZA is 3-1 when starting against MILWAUKEE with an ERA of 3.07 and a WHIP of 1.091.
His team's record is 3-1 (+2.3 units) in these starts. The OVER is 2-2. (-0.0 units)
RANDY WOLF vs. CHICAGO CUBS since 1997
WOLF is 6-11 when starting against CHICAGO CUBS with an ERA of 4.22 and a WHIP of 1.328.
His team's record is 8-15 (-6.9 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 13-8. (+4.2 units)
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ATLANTA (19 - 13) at ST LOUIS (20 - 11) - 8:25 PM
MIKE MINOR (L) vs. JAIME GARCIA (L)
Top Trends for this game.
ATLANTA is 25-38 (-18.3 Units) against the money line on the road when the total is 8 to 8.5 over the last 3 seasons.
ST LOUIS is 121-89 (+13.2 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
ST LOUIS is 89-55 (+25.4 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.
ST LOUIS is 49-23 (+20.6 Units) against the money line in home games when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 3 seasons.
GARCIA is 19-7 (+11.5 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 3 seasons.
Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.
MIKE MINOR vs. ST LOUIS since 1997
MINOR is 0-0 when starting against ST LOUIS with an ERA of 7.20 and a WHIP of 1.600.
His team's record is 1-0 (+1.1 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-0. (+1.0 units)
JAIME GARCIA vs. ATLANTA since 1997
GARCIA is 2-0 when starting against ATLANTA with an ERA of 2.84 and a WHIP of 1.000.
His team's record is 2-1 (+1.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-2. (-1.1 units)
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SAN FRANCISCO (15 - 16) at ARIZONA (14 - 18) - 9:40 PM
MADISON BUMGARNER (L) vs. PAT CORBIN (L)
Top Trends for this game.
ARIZONA is 111-90 (+21.7 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
ARIZONA is 50-32 (+19.1 Units) against the money line against division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
ARIZONA is 111-90 (+21.7 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
ARIZONA is 81-63 (+17.3 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.
ARIZONA is 62-41 (+16.4 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.
SAN FRANCISCO is 186-169 (+31.0 Units) against the money line on the road when the total is 9 to 9.5 since 1997.
SAN FRANCISCO is 856-713 (+104.7 Units) against the money line in night games since 1997.
ARIZONA is 1-8 (-8.1 Units) against the money line in home games after a loss this season.
Head-to-Head Series History
ARIZONA is 3-0 (+3.3 Units) against SAN FRANCISCO this season
3 of 3 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+3.0 Units)
MADISON BUMGARNER vs. ARIZONA since 1997
BUMGARNER is 3-1 when starting against ARIZONA with an ERA of 3.25 and a WHIP of 1.278.
His team's record is 4-2 (+1.9 units) in these starts. The OVER is 3-3. (-0.3 units)
PAT CORBIN vs. SAN FRANCISCO since 1997
No recent starts.
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COLORADO (13 - 17) at LA DODGERS (20 - 11) - 10:10 PM
JAMIE MOYER (L) vs. CHRIS CAPUANO (L)
Top Trends for this game.
COLORADO is 86-108 (-36.5 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
COLORADO is 71-105 (-35.9 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 3 seasons.
COLORADO is 10-27 (-23.2 Units) against the money line in May games over the last 2 seasons.
COLORADO is 36-52 (-23.7 Units) against the money line against division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
COLORADO is 86-108 (-36.5 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
COLORADO is 111-128 (-38.5 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 3 seasons.
COLORADO is 35-49 (-22.9 Units) against the money line after a win over the last 2 seasons.
COLORADO is 32-50 (-20.2 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
LA DODGERS are 23-8 (+15.4 Units) against the money line when playing on Friday over the last 2 seasons.
MOYER is 48-22 (+24.5 Units) against the money line when playing on Friday since 1997.
MOYER is 59-46 (+21.7 Units) against the money line in road games when playing against a team with a winning record since 1997.
Head-to-Head Series History
COLORADO is 2-1 (+1.4 Units) against LA DODGERS this season
2 of 3 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+1.0 Units)
JAMIE MOYER vs. LA DODGERS since 1997
MOYER is 2-4 when starting against LA DODGERS with an ERA of 7.01 and a WHIP of 1.306.
His team's record is 3-5 (-2.5 units) in these starts. The OVER is 4-4. (-0.5 units)
CHRIS CAPUANO vs. COLORADO since 1997
CAPUANO is 4-5 when starting against COLORADO with an ERA of 3.73 and a WHIP of 1.229.
His team's record is 4-6 (-2.6 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 7-3. (+3.5 units)
SEATTLE (15 - 18) at NY YANKEES (17 - 14) - 7:05 PM
FELIX HERNANDEZ (R) vs. HIROKI KURODA (R)
Top Trends for this game.
SEATTLE is 144-214 (-59.3 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 3 seasons.
HERNANDEZ is 13-22 (-15.2 Units) against the money line in May games since 1997.
NY YANKEES are 109-97 (-59.8 Units) against the money line in home games in May games since 1997.
NY YANKEES are 218-181 (-50.0 Units) against the money line when playing on Friday since 1997.
NY YANKEES are 67-65 (-21.6 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.
KURODA is 4-11 (-11.0 Units) against the money line as a home favorite of -125 to -150 over the last 3 seasons.
Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.
FELIX HERNANDEZ vs. NY YANKEES since 1997
HERNANDEZ is 6-4 when starting against NY YANKEES with an ERA of 3.29 and
a WHIP of 1.349.
His team's record is 7-4 (+4.4 units) in these starts. The OVER is 4-7. (-3.3 units)
HIROKI KURODA vs. SEATTLE since 1997
KURODA is 0-1 when starting against SEATTLE with an ERA of 5.69 and a WHIP of 1.264.
His team's record is 0-1 (-1.9 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 1-0. (+1.0 units)
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TAMPA BAY (20 - 12) at BALTIMORE (20 - 12) - 7:05 PM
JEREMY HELLICKSON (R) vs. DANA EVELAND (L)
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.
Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.
JEREMY HELLICKSON vs. BALTIMORE since 1997
HELLICKSON is 4-1 when starting against BALTIMORE with an ERA of 1.82 and a WHIP of 0.894.
His team's record is 4-1 (+2.8 units) in these starts. The OVER is 2-3. (-1.3 units)
DANA EVELAND vs. TAMPA BAY since 1997
EVELAND is 2-1 when starting against TAMPA BAY with an ERA of 2.84 and a WHIP of 1.158.
His team's record is 2-1 (+1.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-2. (-1.3 units)
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CLEVELAND (18 - 13) at BOSTON (12 - 19) - 7:10 PM
UBALDO JIMENEZ (R) vs. CLAY BUCHHOLZ (R)
Top Trends for this game.
CLEVELAND is 101-95 (+10.6 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
CLEVELAND is 10-3 (+8.2 Units) against the money line in road games this season.
CLEVELAND is 10-3 (+8.2 Units) against the money line in road games in games played on a grass field this season.
CLEVELAND is 75-60 (+19.5 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.
CLEVELAND is 14-6 (+9.2 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
BOSTON is 12-19 (-11.6 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
BOSTON is 4-11 (-10.2 Units) against the money line in home games this season.
BOSTON is 1-8 (-10.5 Units) against the money line in May games this season.
BOSTON is 11-17 (-10.2 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
BOSTON is 32-30 (-17.4 Units) against the money line in home games in night games over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 7-14 (-10.2 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
BOSTON is 5-13 (-11.2 Units) against the money line after a loss this season.
BOSTON is 2-8 (-8.0 Units) against the money line in home games when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
Head-to-Head Series History
CLEVELAND is 1-0 (+1.3 Units) against BOSTON this season
1 of 1 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+1.0 Units)
UBALDO JIMENEZ vs. BOSTON since 1997
JIMENEZ is 0-1 when starting against BOSTON with an ERA of 6.96 and a WHIP of 1.741.
His team's record is 1-1 (+0.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-1. (-0.1 units)
CLAY BUCHHOLZ vs. CLEVELAND since 1997
BUCHHOLZ is 0-1 when starting against CLEVELAND with an ERA of 5.71 and a WHIP of 1.154.
His team's record is 1-2 (-1.9 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 1-2. (-1.4 units)
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LA ANGELS (14 - 18) at TEXAS (21 - 11) - 8:05 PM
C.J. WILSON (L) vs. YU DARVISH (R)
Top Trends for this game.
LA ANGELS are 14-18 (-11.6 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
LA ANGELS are 27-34 (-13.9 Units) against the money line against division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
LA ANGELS are 67-68 (-14.5 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.
LA ANGELS are 46-52 (-17.4 Units) against the money line after a win over the last 2 seasons.
TEXAS is 128-83 (+21.0 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
TEXAS is 45-23 (+17.5 Units) against the money line when the total is 8 to 8.5 over the last 2 seasons.
TEXAS is 25-7 (+13.6 Units) against the money line as a home favorite of -150 to -175 over the last 2 seasons.
TEXAS is 44-17 (+21.5 Units) against the money line against division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
TEXAS is 121-76 (+21.6 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
TEXAS is 94-55 (+19.6 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.
LA ANGELS are 627-622 (+58.3 Units) against the money line in road games since 1997.
LA ANGELS are 154-137 (+29.6 Units) against the money line on the road when the total is 8 to 8.5 since 1997.
LA ANGELS are 228-173 (+41.5 Units) against the money line when playing on Friday since 1997.
LA ANGELS are 518-511 (+59.9 Units) against the money line in road games in games played on a grass field since 1997.
LA ANGELS are 608-604 (+39.5 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record since 1997.
Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.
C.J. WILSON vs. TEXAS since 1997
No recent starts.
YU DARVISH vs. LA ANGELS since 1997
No recent starts.
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KANSAS CITY (11 - 19) at CHI WHITE SOX (15 - 17) - 8:10 PM
FELIPE PAULINO (R) vs. GAVIN FLOYD (R)
Top Trends for this game.
CHI WHITE SOX are 46-58 (-19.8 Units) against the money line when the total is 8 to 8.5 over the last 2 seasons.
CHI WHITE SOX are 41-54 (-25.5 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 2 seasons.
CHI WHITE SOX are 24-33 (-17.2 Units) against the money line at home when the total is 8 to 8.5 over the last 2 seasons.
CHI WHITE SOX are 3-12 (-12.5 Units) against the money line in home games when playing on Friday over the last 2 seasons.
CHI WHITE SOX are 73-89 (-29.7 Units) against the money line against division opponents over the last 3 seasons.
CHI WHITE SOX are 41-54 (-25.5 Units) against the money line in home games in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
CHI WHITE SOX are 26-37 (-18.1 Units) against the money line in home games in night games over the last 2 seasons.
CHI WHITE SOX are 27-37 (-18.3 Units) against the money line in home games against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
CHI WHITE SOX are 17-26 (-17.8 Units) against the money line in home games when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.
FLOYD is 19-32 (-17.8 Units) against the money line when the total is 8 to 8.5 since 1997.
Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.
FELIPE PAULINO vs. CHI WHITE SOX since 1997
PAULINO is 1-0 when starting against CHI WHITE SOX with an ERA of 4.50 and a WHIP of 1.750.
His team's record is 2-0 (+2.4 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-1. (+0.0 units)
GAVIN FLOYD vs. KANSAS CITY since 1997
FLOYD is 3-8 when starting against KANSAS CITY with an ERA of 4.70 and a WHIP of 1.281.
His team's record is 3-10 (-9.1 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 7-5. (+0.9 units)
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TORONTO (18 - 14) at MINNESOTA (8 - 23) - 8:10 PM
KYLE DRABEK (R) vs. NICK BLACKBURN (R)
Top Trends for this game.
TORONTO is 67-75 (-34.6 Units) against the money line as a road favorite of -125 to -150 since 1997.
BLACKBURN is 19-8 (+11.5 Units) against the money line in home games when playing against a team with a winning record since 1997.
TORONTO is 40-26 (+15.4 Units) against the money line in May games over the last 3 seasons.
TORONTO is 12-3 (+11.6 Units) against the money line in road games when playing on Friday over the last 2 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 71-123 (-37.3 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 37-60 (-23.5 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 2 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 68-116 (-34.2 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 46-79 (-20.7 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 47-92 (-35.1 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 40-81 (-31.7 Units) against the money line after a loss over the last 2 seasons.
Head-to-Head Series History
TORONTO is 1-0 (+1.0 Units) against MINNESOTA this season
1 of 1 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+1.0 Units)
KYLE DRABEK vs. MINNESOTA since 1997
DRABEK is 1-0 when starting against MINNESOTA with an ERA of 1.29 and a WHIP of 0.571.
His team's record is 1-0 (+1.1 units) in these starts. The OVER is 0-1. (-1.0 units)
NICK BLACKBURN vs. TORONTO since 1997
BLACKBURN is 1-1 when starting against TORONTO with an ERA of 2.33 and a WHIP of 0.889.
His team's record is 1-3 (-2.2 units) in these starts. The OVER is 2-2. (-0.2 units)
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DETROIT (16 - 15) at OAKLAND (16 - 16) - 10:05 PM
RICK PORCELLO (R) vs. TOM MILONE (L)
Top Trends for this game.
MILONE is 9-2 (+9.5 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
PORCELLO is 7-0 (+7.0 Units) against the money line on the road with a money line of -100 to -125 over the last 2 seasons.
PORCELLO is 13-5 (+8.4 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 2 seasons.
PORCELLO is 13-5 (+8.4 Units) against the money line in road games in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
OAKLAND is 41-53 (-26.4 Units) against the money line in home games after allowing 10 runs or more since 1997.
Head-to-Head Series History
DETROIT is 1-0 (+1.0 Units) against OAKLAND this season
1 of 1 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+1.0 Units)
RICK PORCELLO vs. OAKLAND since 1997
PORCELLO is 2-4 when starting against OAKLAND with an ERA of 4.39 and a WHIP of 1.513.
His team's record is 3-4 (-1.2 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 2-5. (-3.7 units)
TOM MILONE vs. DETROIT since 1997
No recent starts.
National League
Houston at Pittsburgh
Norris: 0-10 TSR on Fridays
McDonald: Pittsburgh 10-1 Under after winning 2 of their last 3 games
San Diego at Philadelphia
Richard: 2-12 TSR vs. NL East opponents
Worley: 15-3 TSR in night games
NY Mets at Miami
Santana: 52-15 TSR pitching off BB team wins
Buehrle: Miami 3-11 SU at home off BB road games
Washington at Cincinnati
Gonzalez: Washington 10-1 SU off a win by 2 runs or less
Leake: Cincinnati 7-18 SU after allowing 1 or 0 runs
Chicago Cubs at Milwaukee
Garza: 2-10 TSR after allowing 0 ER's last start
Wolf: 22-8 TSR at home with a total of 7.5 runs or less
Atlanta at St. Louis
Minor: Atlanta 7-2 SU after scoring 2 runs or less
Garcia: St. Louis 1-11 SU off 4+ wins
San Francisco at Arizona
Bumgarner: 16-3 TSR after BB starts allowing 1 or 0 walks
Corbin: Arizona 1-8 SU at home off a loss
Colorado at LA Dodgers
Moyer: Colorado 8-20 SU off a win by 4+ runs
Capuano: Dodgers 23-8 SU on Fridays
American League
Seattle at NY Yankees
Hernandez: Seattle 4-21 SU away vs. AL East opponents
Kuroda: 13-3 Over at home in night games
Tampa Bay at Baltimore
Hellickson: Tampa Bay 11-3 SU after the bullpen allowed 0 runs
Eveland: Baltimore 27-61 SU off a loss by 4+ runs
Cleveland at Boston
Jimenez: Cleveland 14-6 SU vs. right-handed starters
Buchholz: Boston 1-7 SU at home off BB losses
LA Angels at Texas
Wilson: Angels 5-14 SU away off a win by 4+ runs
Darvish: Texas 20-6 SU at home with a total of 7 to 8.5 runs
Kansas City at Chicago White Sox
Paulino: Kansas City 1-11 SU away off BB wins
Floyd: 9-2 TSR off BB starts allowing 1 or 0 walks
Toronto at Minnesota
Drabek: Toronto 12-3 SU away on Fridays
Blackburn: Minnesota 4-15 SU at home off BB games scoring 2 runs or less
Detroit at Oakland
Porcello: Detroit 21-4 SU as a road favorite of -125 or higher
Milone: Oakland 15-5 Under vs. right-handed starters
Diamond Trends - Friday
By Vince Akins
VegasInsider.com
SU TREND OF THE DAY:
The Phillies are 12-0 since May 03, 2011 after a loss in which they allowed 12+ hits and it is the first game of a series for a net profit of $1242.
OU TREND OF THE DAY:
The Indians are 11-0 OU since April 10, 2011 on the road vs a team that has lost at least their last three games for a net profit of $1100 when playing the over.
STARTER TREND OF THE DAY:
The Mets are 0-9-1 OU since July 05, 2009 when Johan Santana starts on the road after facing 30 or more hitters for a net profit of $900 when playing the under.
MLB BIBLE TREND OF THE DAY:
The Cardinals are 0-11 (-2.3 rpg) since 2011 when on a 4+ game winning streak, if one of their last two wins was by more than one run.
TODAY’S TRENDS:
The White Sox are 0-9 OU since April 07, 2011 after a win in which their opponent left 18+ men on base and it is the first game of a series for a net profit of $900 when playing the under.
The Mariners are 0-7 since April 16, 2011 when Felix Hernandez starts on the road after his team lost the last time he started vs this opponent for a net profit of $750 when playing against.
MLB: Streaks, Tips, Notes
Sportspic.com
Atlanta Braves at St Louis Cardinals
The St Louis Cardinals are off to a solid start in the defense of their World Championship. Cardinals batting .287 platting 5.6 runs/game and sporting baseballs second best pitching staff (3.07 ERA) sit atop the N.L. Central at 20-11 stuffing +$688 into betting accounts. The upcoming three-game series with Atlanta should prove interesting as Braves swing mean lumber themselves crossing 5.1 per contest. However, Braves with a 23rd ranked pitching staff (4.25 ERA) all indications would suggest St Louis wins the series as Cardinals manhandled Braves last year (11-3) including a perfect 7-0 at Busch Stadium. Garcia (2-2, 3.76 ERA) gets the call in the opener and will share the mound with Minor (2-2, 5.97 ERA). Garcia not exactly in great form but certainly better than Minor who has been crushed for 4 jacks, 15 runs the past two. Cardinals should capitalize on on the weak arm of Minor pushing Garcia's record to 3-0 vs Braves. Toughest challenge for St Louis will be Saturday as Braves send their ace Brandon Beachy (3-1, 1.62 ERA) to the mound and Cards counter with Wainwright (2-3, 5.61 ERA). Beachy will keep Cardinal bats quiet as he is limiting opponents to .190 BA. Wainwright, worst of the Cardinal rotation surrendering 7 yard-ball 21 earned runs opens the door for Braves to do serious damage. The finale and in all likely hood a rubber match it would be hard to go against St Louis as they have Lance Lynn (6-0, 1.40 ERA) hooked up against Tommy Hanson (3-3, 3.63 ERA) which gives Cards a huge edge. The hurler has done nothing but dazzle as a new member of the rotation.
Los Angeles Angels at Texas Rangers
Great pitching matchup between Angels lefty C.J. Wilson the former Texas Ranger who is 4-2 with a 2.61 ERA in six starts and the pitcher Rangers acquired to minimize his departure, Yu Darvish at 4-1 with a 2.54 ERA over his six trips to the mound (5-1 TSR). Wilson and Darvish have both been extremely strong but the edge goes to Rangers and their mighty bats plating two runs/game more than Halos and batting .308 vs a southpaw. Rangers anywhere from -$1.40 to -$1.60 depending on locale are worth a second look. Keep in mind, Rangers are on a smart 12-5 stretch as favorites of -$1.30 to -$1.70 outscoring opponents 4.7 TO 2.9. Halos hit the diamond on a 2-7 road skid as dogs of +$1.30 to +$1.70 outscored 4.5 to 2.9. Other trends of interest - Rangers are on an 8-2 stretch vs their A.L. West rival and have a 13-5 stretch vs a left-handed starter. Halos are on a 5-10 road skid and just 1-3 this season vs division opponents.
San Francisco - Arizona Series Preview
Sportspic.com
The San Francisco Giants won the World Series in 2010. The Arizona Diamondbacks won the National League West last season. The two teams tangle in Arizona on Mothers Day weekend.
Game 1: Friday, May 11
If you are interested in Betting on MLB this season, the upcoming three-game weekend series between San Francisco and Arizona offers many compelling pitching matchups, but it starts with a mismatch on the mound. San Francisco starting pitcher Madison Bumgarner touts a 2.31 earned-run average as he prepares to take the hill on Friday night. His lefty delivery has consistently confounded National League hitters all season. His big and lanky frame has enabled him to disguise his pitches and create a release point from which it is difficult for opposing batters to gauge the spin and angle of his deliveries.
Arizona's starter simply isn't in the same league as Bumgarner. Diamondback hurler Patrick Corbin, in his rookie season, has an ERA of exactly seven runs per game after two rocky starts. Corbin is just beginning to learn how to pitch. This is a time of training for him, an apprenticeship that is going to get more difficult before it morphs into something better. Bumgarner is ready to win big-league ballgames; Corbin is still trying to find his way in the intimidating world of the majors. The Giants have a substantial advantage in this game; it would be very surprising if they fell short against the Diamondbacks in game one.
Pick: San Francisco
Game 2: Saturday, May 12
When you look at what Betting websites have to say on this second game of the three-game series, you will find it hard to go against the Giants. San Francisco will relish the fact that it will send Matt Cain to the mound in this game. Cain has Cy Young candidate written all over him. He posts a 2.38 ERA and has been a first-rate workhorse for the Giants and manager Bruce Bochy this year after signing a mega-dollar deal. The Giants have to think that they're getting a good return on their investment. Arizona will counter in this game with starter Trevor Cahill, who has a very respectable 3.26 earned-run average. Cahill is certainly quite good, but Cain has been better, and that's why the Giants should be the bettor's preferred choice in game two of this series on Saturday night.
Pick: San Francisco
Game 3: Sunday, May 13
This is the game that's harder to get a clear online sports book read on. Both of the starting pitchers - Barry Zito for the Giants and Joe Saunders for the Diamondbacks – have been superb this season. Zito has a 2.21 earned-run average, and Saunders is right there with him at 2.50. Ultimately, it's hard to think that the Diamondbacks will get swept, so they become the smart pick this Sunday in the final game of this series.
Pick: Arizona