Friday's Streaking and Slumping Starting Pitchers
By Covers.com
Streaking
James McDonald, Pittsburgh Pirates (9-3, 2.37 ERA)
McDonald has won each of his last four outings and put out one of his best showings of the season last weekend against the Giants. He gave up just one run over seven innings while striking out 10 and walking none. McDonald now has three games with double-digit strikeouts already and has 100 punch-outs in 110 innings.
Mat Latos, Cincinnati Reds (7-2, 4.13 ERA)
Latos did everything he could to get a win against his former team, but his offense let him down. He allowed only four hits while throwing seven shutout innings in a 2-1 loss at San Diego. Latos has now yielded just two earned runs over his last three starts, which included two complete games, 28 strikeouts and only four walks.
Slumping
Jason Hammel, Baltimore Orioles (8-5, 3.47 ERA)
Hammel has lost each of his last three trips to the hill. Location has been one of his main issues lately. In his last 16 2/3 innings he has allowed 15 runs and issued nine walks. The three losses have bumped him down to eighth in the MLB money starter standings, but he’s still earned his supporters 6.83 units to date.
Ricky Romero, Toronto Blue Jays (8-4, 5.22 ERA)
Romero was much better in his last start, but still picked up his third straight loss. He gave up just two runs on four hits over six innings in a 2-0 loss to the White Sox. However, he did walk three more batters, upping his total to 58 walks in 110 1/3 innings. Before that outing Romero yielded 16 combined runs in two starts.
Rockies – Phillies Series Preview
Sportspic.com
It must have been disappointing for the home MLB betting fans when the Colorado Rockies reached the 2012 All-Star break tied for the worst record in the majors, but there couldn’t have been many that were shocked by the team’s struggles. The same certainly cannot be said about Philadelphia Phillies’ fans that expected their team to once again contend for a spot in the NLCS, only to see them reach the break in the basement of the National League East. The Phillies will look to turn things around in the second half with better play on both sides of the ball, and it will begin with the All-Star caliber arms at the top of their rotation this weekend.
Philadelphia Phillies @ Colorado Rockies Friday, 8:40 PM ET
As far as surprises go, there was none from this Phillies’ roster bigger than the single win that Cliff Lee managed in 14 starts through the first half. After finishing with 17 wins in his first season with Philadelphia, Lee’s ERA has gone over a point higher to 3.98 and he is 1-5 on the season. Ironically, that win came in his last start before the break, which was also one of his best of the season, as Lee allowed just two earned runs over eight innings with nine strikeouts in a 9-2 win over the New York Mets. The Phillies are going to need Lee’s best stuff in the second half if they are going to have any chance at climbing out of their hole already 13 games below .500, and while that may be a long shot, they should at least be able to open the second half with a win over Christian Friedrich and the Rockies.
Pick: Philadelphia Phillies
Philadelphia Phillies @ Colorado Rockies Saturday, 8:10 PM ET
Another starter that disappointed in the first half is Vance Worley, who after finishing his breakout 2011 season at 11-3 with a 3.01 ERA, is already 4-5 with a 3.54 ERA in 2012. Worley has all of the tools to become one of the elite NL pitchers, but he is going to need to do a better job with his command and keeping focused on throwing one pitch at a time. Fortunately for Worley there should be some room for error in his first sports betting start of the second half opposite Jeremy Guthrie, who is 3-8 with a 6.05 ERA with Colorado this season. Guthrie put together a couple of solid starts before the break, allowing just two runs over six innings in his final two games, but the Rockies have lost eight of the last nine games he has appeared in and he could be due for a letdown.
Pick: Philadelphia Phillies
Philadelphia Phillies @ Colorado Rockies Sunday, 3:10 PM ET
The one pitcher on the Phillies’ staff this season that has not disappointed is Cole Hamels, and he will get the chance to close out this series sweep when he gets the call for Sunday’s afternoon matinee. Hamels is 10-4 with a team-best 3.20 ERA, and he’s given Philadelphia at least six innings of quality work in 16 straight starts since his opening appearance. Fortunately for the Rockies they have a starter who has been hot enough of late that he might be able to match Hamels. Drew Pomeranz has thrown 12.1 straight shutout innings since being recalled from Triple-A, and if the Rockies’ bats get going they could spoil the Phillies’ online betting party.
Pick: Colorado Rockies
MLB: Streaks, Tips, Notes
Sportspic.com
Pittsburgh at Milwaukee
The surprising Pittsburgh Pirates atop the National League Central look to build their lead when they start the second half in Milwaukee. Pirates ridding a 3-15 skid in Milwaukee pin their hopes on James McDonald (9-3, 2.37). The right-hander ending the first half with a sharp 4 hit, 1 run, 10-K effort recording his fourth consecutive victory has already beaten Brewers this season moving his mark to 1-2 over three starts with a 4.84 ERA. Meanwhile, Brew Crew have a ton of optimism when they open this set as they will counter with top arm Zack Greinke (9-3, 3.32 ERA). The hurler near untouchable at home has a 23-1 team start record at Miller Park of which he has won sixteen of them. Look for Brew Crew to move to 11-1 opening a series with Greinke and for the hurler to move to 4-0 vs Pittsburgh tossing in Milwaukee, 5-1 life-time vs Pirates as a member of both Brewers and Royals.
Hot pitchers
-- Maholm is 2-0, 0.63 in his last two starts, allowing one run in 14.1 IP.
-- Johnson is 2-2, 2.79 in his last six starts.
-- Zimmerman is 2-1, 2.00 in his last four starts.
-- Latos is 2-0, 0.72 in last three starts; Reds won his last five home starts.
-- Hudson is 3-1, 3.46 in his last four outings.
-- McDonald is 4-1, 2.34 in his last five starts.
-- Pirates won five of his last six road starts.
-- Bumgarner is 3-1, 3.53 in his last five starts;
-- Giants are 6-1 in his starts at home.
-- Wilson is 5-1, 2.09 in his last nine starts.
-- Kuroda is 5-1, 2.80 in his last eight starts.
-- Quintana is 3-0, 2.04 in his last five starts.
-- Griffin is 0-0, 2.00 in his first three starts.
-- Liriano is 2-0, 2.81 in his last four starts.
-- Millwood has a 0.93 RA in his last two starts.
Cold pitchers
-- Kennedy is 1-2, 5.75 in his last five starts.
-- Wainwright is 2-2, 3.66 in his last five starts.
-- Young is 1-2, 3.76 in his last four starts.
-- Greinke is 0-1, 9.00 in his last three starts; tonight he becomes first pitcher since 1917 to start three of his team's games in a row.
-- Lee is 1-2, 6.06 in his last five starts, but won his last start, his first win of the year.
-- Friedrich is 0-5, 8.48 in his last six starts.
-- Kershaw is 1-2, 4.45 in his last five starts.
-- Richard is 2-2, 4.45 in his last four starts.
-- Lyles is 1-4, 5.94 in his last six starts;
-- Astros are 0-6 in his road starts.
-- Masterson is 1-2, 7.27 in his last three starts.
-- Romero is 0-3, 11.40 in his last three starts.
-- Fister is 1-3, 10.18 in his last four starts.
-- Hammel is 0-3, 8.10 in his last three starts.
-- Morales is 1-1, 4.64 in his last four starts.
-- Hellickson is 0-5, 5.17 in his last seven starts.
-- Chen is 0-2, 11.57 in his last couple starts.
-- Holland is 1-1, 9.69 in his last three starts.
Hot Teams
-- Cubs won five of their last six home games.
-- Washington won eight of last 12 games.
-- Marlins won their last four home games.
-- St Louis won six of its last eight games.
-- Reds won six of their last nine home games.
-- Braves won five of their last six games.
-- Mets won seven of their last ten games on foreign soil.
-- Pirates won ten of their last twelve games.
-- Milwaukee is 10-5 in its last 15 home games.
-- Bronx is 10-3 in home series openers.
-- Angels won 12 of last 18 games.
-- Indians won seven of their last eleven games.
-- Detroit won its last five games overall; they won six of last nine on road.
-- White Sox won nine of their last twelve games.
-- A's won six of their last seven games.
Cold Teams
-- Arizona lost six of its last eight road games.
-- Philadelphia lost 10 of its last 11 games.
-- Rockies lost ten of their last thirteen home games.
-- Dodgers lost 15 of their last 20 games.
-- San Diego lost nine of its last 12 home games.
-- San Francisco lost seven of its last nine games.
-- Astros lost their last ten games on foreign soil.
-- Orioles lost five of their last six home games.
-- Blue Jays are 3-5 in their last eight games.
-- Red Sox lost six of their last seven games.
--- Tampa Bay is 5-9 in its last 14 games, 5-8 in last thirteen at home.
-- Royals lost eight of last ten games, but won three in row at home.
-- Twins lost four of their last five games.
-- Mariners lost four of their last five games.
-- Texas lost its last three games on the road.
Totals
-- Eight of last ten Cub games stayed under the total.
-- Under is 5-2-1 in last eight Miami home games.
-- Seven of last nine Cincinnati home games stayed under.
-- Over is 6-3-1 in Atlanta's last ten home games.
-- Over is 22-5 in last 27 games at Miller Park.
-- Five of last six games at Coors Field went over the total.
-- Five of last six games at Petco Park stayed under total.
-- 15 of last 20 Houston road games went over the total.
-- Eight of Angels' last nine road games went over total.
-- Under is 10-4-2 in Cleveland's last sixteen road games.
-- Over is 4-1-1 in last six games at Camden Yards.
-- Under is 12-2 in Boston's last fourteen road games.
-- Six of White Sox' last eight road games stayed under.
-- Under is 8-3 in Minnesota's last eleven home games.
-- Under is 9-2 in last eleven games at Safeco Field.
Armadillosports.com
ARIZONA (42 - 43) at CHICAGO CUBS (33 - 52) - 2:20 PM
IAN KENNEDY (R) vs. PAUL MAHOLM (L)
Top Trends for this game.
ARIZONA is 81-58 (+21.4 Units) against the money line after a win over the last 2 seasons.
ARIZONA is 81-54 (+18.8 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.
ARIZONA is 36-16 (+16.5 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record in the second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
ARIZONA is 139-115 (+20.3 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
ARIZONA is 139-115 (+20.3 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
CHICAGO CUBS are 53-74 (-36.3 Units) against the money line after shutting out their opponent since 1997.
CHICAGO CUBS are 39-65 (-20.9 Units) against the money line after a win over the last 2 seasons.
CHICAGO CUBS are 14-29 (-13.8 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
CHICAGO CUBS are 181-152 (-41.0 Units) against the money line in home games when playing against a team with a losing record in the second half of the season since 1997.
CHICAGO CUBS are 104-144 (-27.8 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
CHICAGO CUBS are 94-108 (-28.4 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 3 seasons.
CHICAGO CUBS are 663-675 (-128.7 Units) against the money line in day games since 1997.
CHICAGO CUBS are 104-144 (-27.8 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
CHICAGO CUBS are 897-966 (-164.9 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters since 1997.
Head-to-Head Series History
ARIZONA is 3-0 (+3.0 Units) against CHICAGO CUBS this season
2 of 3 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+0.9 Units)
IAN KENNEDY vs. CHICAGO CUBS since 1997
KENNEDY is 1-1 when starting against CHICAGO CUBS with an ERA of 6.66 and a WHIP of 1.325.
His team's record is 2-2 (+0.1 units) in these starts. The OVER is 3-1. (+1.9 units)
PAUL MAHOLM vs. ARIZONA since 1997
MAHOLM is 0-3 when starting against ARIZONA with an ERA of 5.34 and a WHIP of 1.813.
His team's record is 1-5 (-4.1 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 3-3. (-0.3 units)
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WASHINGTON (49 - 34) at MIAMI (41 - 44) - 7:10 PM
JORDAN ZIMMERMANN (R) vs. JOSH JOHNSON (R)
Top Trends for this game.
WASHINGTON is 18-37 (-16.7 Units) against the money line as a road underdog of +100 to +125 over the last 3 seasons.
MIAMI is 308-333 (+49.0 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season since 1997.
MIAMI is 37-24 (+15.8 Units) against the money line in July games over the last 3 seasons.
WASHINGTON is 49-34 (+9.7 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
WASHINGTON is 12-5 (+10.5 Units) against the money line in road games when playing on Friday over the last 2 seasons.
WASHINGTON is 52-45 (+18.4 Units) against the money line against division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
WASHINGTON is 126-116 (+15.5 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
WASHINGTON is 85-74 (+18.0 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.
WASHINGTON is 95-88 (+14.5 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
MIAMI is 112-129 (-20.0 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
MIAMI is 38-54 (-26.1 Units) against the money line in home games in night games over the last 2 seasons.
MIAMI is 76-98 (-23.8 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
MIAMI is 55-77 (-23.5 Units) against the money line after a loss over the last 2 seasons.
MIAMI is 18-26 (-10.1 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
MIAMI is 41-44 (-9.6 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
MIAMI is 53-69 (-28.5 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 2 seasons.
Head-to-Head Series History
MIAMI is 3-2 (+1.0 Units) against WASHINGTON this season
3 of 4 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+1.8 Units)
JORDAN ZIMMERMANN vs. MIAMI since 1997
ZIMMERMANN is 0-3 when starting against MIAMI with an ERA of 4.81 and a WHIP of 1.158.
His team's record is 1-5 (-4.2 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 2-3. (-1.3 units)
JOSH JOHNSON vs. WASHINGTON since 1997
JOHNSON is 8-0 when starting against WASHINGTON with an ERA of 3.31 and a WHIP of 1.138.
His team's record is 11-4 (+3.7 units) in these starts. The OVER is 10-3. (+6.9 units)
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ST LOUIS (46 - 40) at CINCINNATI (47 - 38) - 7:10 PM
ADAM WAINWRIGHT (R) vs. MAT LATOS (R)
Top Trends for this game.
ST LOUIS is 8-17 (-14.1 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
ST LOUIS is 4-10 (-10.1 Units) against the money line when playing on Friday this season.
WAINWRIGHT is 6-13 (-12.5 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
ST LOUIS is 31-18 (+16.2 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
ST LOUIS is 74-60 (+14.5 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 2 seasons.
ST LOUIS is 73-58 (+15.2 Units) against the money line in road games in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
ST LOUIS is 105-76 (+13.9 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.
WAINWRIGHT is 37-15 (+15.5 Units) against the money line when the total is 8 to 8.5 since 1997.
WAINWRIGHT is 23-4 (+19.8 Units) against the money line on the road when the total is 8 to 8.5 since 1997.
WAINWRIGHT is 26-8 (+17.1 Units) against the money line in road games against division opponents since 1997.
CINCINNATI is 57-70 (-23.2 Units) against the money line after a win over the last 2 seasons.
Head-to-Head Series History
ST LOUIS is 4-2 (+1.5 Units) against CINCINNATI this season
4 of 6 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+1.7 Units)
ADAM WAINWRIGHT vs. CINCINNATI since 1997
WAINWRIGHT is 3-5 when starting against CINCINNATI with an ERA of 4.44 and a WHIP of 1.291.
His team's record is 4-5 (-3.1 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 4-4. (-0.4 units)
MAT LATOS vs. ST LOUIS since 1997
LATOS is 1-3 when starting against ST LOUIS with an ERA of 11.37 and a WHIP of 2.105.
His team's record is 1-3 (-2.4 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 1-3. (-2.7 units)
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NY METS (46 - 40) at ATLANTA (46 - 39) - 7:35 PM
CHRIS YOUNG (R) vs. TIM HUDSON (R)
Top Trends for this game.
ATLANTA is 10-2 (+8.7 Units) against the money line when playing on Friday this season.
ATLANTA is 33-21 (+10.0 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
HUDSON is 140-65 (+35.7 Units) against the money line in home games since 1997.
HUDSON is 140-65 (+35.7 Units) against the money line in home games in games played on a grass field since 1997.
NY METS are 42-38 (+6.2 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
NY METS are 41-40 (+11.9 Units) against the money line in road games in night games over the last 2 seasons.
NY METS are 34-20 (+17.1 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
NY METS are 30-27 (+12.8 Units) against the money line in road games after a loss over the last 2 seasons.
NY METS are 46-40 (+9.7 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
NY METS are 63-58 (+22.5 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 2 seasons.
NY METS are 18-12 (+10.6 Units) against the money line against division opponents this season.
YOUNG is 7-1 (+8.4 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
ATLANTA is 22-28 (-17.4 Units) against the money line in home games against division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
Head-to-Head Series History
NY METS is 4-2 (+2.8 Units) against ATLANTA this season
3 of 6 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=-0.3 Units, Under=-0.5 Units)
CHRIS YOUNG vs. ATLANTA since 1997
YOUNG is 2-2 when starting against ATLANTA with an ERA of 7.50 and a WHIP of 1.458.
His team's record is 2-3 (-1.4 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 2-3. (-1.0 units)
TIM HUDSON vs. NY METS since 1997
HUDSON is 15-9 when starting against NY METS with an ERA of 3.46 and a WHIP of 1.240.
His team's record is 16-9 (+5.1 units) in these starts. The OVER is 8-17. (-10.3 units)
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PITTSBURGH (48 - 37) at MILWAUKEE (40 - 45) - 8:10 PM
JAMES MCDONALD (R) vs. ZACK GREINKE (R)
Top Trends for this game.
PITTSBURGH is 41-95 (-30.9 Units) against the money line in road games in night games over the last 3 seasons.
PITTSBURGH is 30-56 (-25.4 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record in the second half of the season over the last 3 seasons.
MILWAUKEE is 27-8 (+14.2 Units) against the money line as a home favorite of -150 to -175 over the last 2 seasons.
MILWAUKEE is 84-47 (+23.7 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 2 seasons.
GREINKE is 36-14 (+19.0 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
GREINKE is 23-1 (+22.0 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 2 seasons.
GREINKE is 36-14 (+19.0 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
GREINKE is 24-8 (+14.6 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.
GREINKE is 15-1 (+14.0 Units) against the money line in home games after a win over the last 2 seasons.
GREINKE is 13-2 (+11.1 Units) against the money line in home games when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 3 seasons
PITTSBURGH is 20-11 (+12.1 Units) against the money line against division opponents this season.
PITTSBURGH is 48-37 (+18.8 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
PITTSBURGH is 34-28 (+12.5 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
PITTSBURGH is 21-10 (+11.6 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
PITTSBURGH is 48-37 (+18.8 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
PITTSBURGH is 56-68 (+12.3 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 2 seasons.
MCDONALD is 12-5 (+8.0 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
MCDONALD is 12-5 (+8.0 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
MILWAUKEE is 40-45 (-13.2 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
MILWAUKEE is 28-33 (-11.0 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
MILWAUKEE is 113-167 (-48.0 Units) against the money line in home games when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season since 1997.
MILWAUKEE is 40-45 (-13.2 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
Head-to-Head Series History
PITTSBURGH is 2-1 (+1.4 Units) against MILWAUKEE this season
2 of 3 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+1.0 Units)
JAMES MCDONALD vs. MILWAUKEE since 1997
MCDONALD is 1-2 when starting against MILWAUKEE with an ERA of 6.61 and a WHIP of 1.408.
His team's record is 1-2 (-1.0 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 1-2. (-1.3 units)
ZACK GREINKE vs. PITTSBURGH since 1997
GREINKE is 4-1 when starting against PITTSBURGH with an ERA of 5.17 and a WHIP of 1.117.
His team's record is 4-1 (+2.2 units) in these starts. The OVER is 4-1. (+3.0 units)
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PHILADELPHIA (37 - 50) at COLORADO (33 - 52) - 8:40 PM
CLIFF LEE (L) vs. CHRISTIAN FRIEDRICH (L)
Top Trends for this game.
PHILADELPHIA is 37-47 (-22.2 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
PHILADELPHIA is 9-18 (-13.0 Units) against the money line against left-handed starters this season.
PHILADELPHIA is 19-29 (-16.1 Units) against the money line after a loss this season.
PHILADELPHIA is 37-50 (-25.2 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
LEE is 4-10 (-10.9 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
LEE is 4-9 (-9.9 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
LEE is 2-7 (-9.1 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
PHILADELPHIA is 108-89 (+28.5 Units) against the money line in road games when playing on Friday since 1997.
COLORADO is 42-61 (-28.2 Units) against the money line after a win over the last 2 seasons.
COLORADO is 57-66 (-19.6 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.
COLORADO is 33-52 (-15.9 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
COLORADO is 18-25 (-9.9 Units) against the money line in home games this season.
COLORADO is 33-52 (-15.9 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
COLORADO is 126-150 (-41.2 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 3 seasons.
Head-to-Head Series History
PHILADELPHIA is 2-1 (+0.2 Units) against COLORADO this season
2 of 3 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+1.0 Units)
CLIFF LEE vs. COLORADO since 1997
LEE is 2-0 when starting against COLORADO with an ERA of 1.16 and a WHIP of 0.900.
His team's record is 3-0 (+3.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-2. (-1.2 units)
CHRISTIAN FRIEDRICH vs. PHILADELPHIA since 1997
No recent starts.
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SAN DIEGO (34 - 53) at LA DODGERS (47 - 40) - 10:10 PM
CLAYTON RICHARD (L) vs. CLAYTON KERSHAW (L)
Top Trends for this game.
SAN DIEGO is 9-24 (-13.8 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
SAN DIEGO is 105-145 (-25.2 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
SAN DIEGO is 20-35 (-11.7 Units) against the money line when the total is 7 or less this season.
SAN DIEGO is 10-29 (-20.2 Units) against the money line when playing on Friday over the last 2 seasons.
SAN DIEGO is 41-65 (-18.8 Units) against the money line against division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
SAN DIEGO is 105-145 (-25.2 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
SAN DIEGO is 62-101 (-33.8 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.
SAN DIEGO is 28-51 (-21.2 Units) against the money line against left-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
RICHARD is 6-19 (-12.0 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.
LA DODGERS are 26-14 (+11.2 Units) against the money line when playing on Friday over the last 2 seasons.
LA DODGERS are 28-12 (+15.3 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record in the second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
LA DODGERS are 80-57 (+18.7 Units) against the money line when the total is 7 or less over the last 2 seasons.
LA DODGERS are 55-34 (+15.8 Units) against the money line at home when the total is 7 or less over the last 2 seasons.
KERSHAW is 31-12 (+13.8 Units) against the money line when the total is 7 or less over the last 2 seasons.
KERSHAW is 27-11 (+14.1 Units) against the money line against division opponents over the last 3 seasons.
Head-to-Head Series History
LA DODGERS is 7-2 (+5.2 Units) against SAN DIEGO this season
6 of 7 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+5.0 Units)
CLAYTON RICHARD vs. LA DODGERS since 1997
RICHARD is 6-1 when starting against LA DODGERS with an ERA of 2.62 and a WHIP of 1.149.
His team's record is 7-3 (+4.7 units) in these starts. The OVER is 5-5. (-0.4 units)
CLAYTON KERSHAW vs. SAN DIEGO since 1997
KERSHAW is 7-3 when starting against SAN DIEGO with an ERA of 2.40 and a WHIP of 1.142.
His team's record is 11-4 (+3.6 units) in these starts. The OVER is 7-8. (-1.5 units)
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HOUSTON (33 - 53) at SAN FRANCISCO (46 - 40) - 10:15 PM
JORDAN LYLES (R) vs. MADISON BUMGARNER (L)
Top Trends for this game.
HOUSTON is 9-32 (-18.5 Units) against the money line in road games in games played on a grass field this season.
HOUSTON is 7-24 (-13.8 Units) against the money line in road games after a loss this season.
HOUSTON is 90-160 (-45.6 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
HOUSTON is 6-28 (-17.0 Units) against the money line as a road underdog of +175 to +200 over the last 2 seasons.
HOUSTON is 9-32 (-18.5 Units) against the money line in road games this season.
HOUSTON is 7-27 (-17.9 Units) against the money line in July games over the last 2 seasons.
HOUSTON is 10-30 (-16.3 Units) against the money line when playing on Friday over the last 2 seasons.
LYLES is 5-21 (-14.4 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
LYLES is 5-21 (-14.4 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
SAN FRANCISCO is 873-726 (+107.6 Units) against the money line in night games since 1997.
HOUSTON is 60-57 (+18.4 Units) against the money line against left-handed starters over the last 3 seasons.
Head-to-Head Series History
SAN FRANCISCO is 2-1 (+0.9 Units) against HOUSTON this season
3 of 3 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+3.0 Units)
JORDAN LYLES vs. SAN FRANCISCO since 1997
LYLES is 1-0 when starting against SAN FRANCISCO with an ERA of 0.00 and a WHIP of 1.800.
His team's record is 1-0 (+1.7 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-0. (+1.0 units)
MADISON BUMGARNER vs. HOUSTON since 1997
BUMGARNER is 2-1 when starting against HOUSTON with an ERA of 3.48 and a WHIP of 1.258.
His team's record is 2-1 (+0.3 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 1-2. (-1.2 units)
LA ANGELS (48 - 38) at NY YANKEES (52 - 33) - 7:05 PM
C.J. WILSON (L) vs. HIROKI KURODA (R)
Top Trends for this game.
LA ANGELS are 102-109 (-28.3 Units) against the money line after a win over the last 3 seasons.
NY YANKEES are 35-18 (+11.9 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
NY YANKEES are 51-26 (+15.1 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
NY YANKEES are 53-27 (+19.3 Units) against the money line against left-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
LA ANGELS are 111-93 (+28.7 Units) against the money line in road games when playing on Friday since 1997.
LA ANGELS are 534-519 (+67.2 Units) against the money line in road games in games played on a grass field since 1997.
LA ANGELS are 629-616 (+45.9 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record since 1997.
LA ANGELS are 645-632 (+65.2 Units) against the money line in road games since 1997.
LA ANGELS are 155-139 (+28.6 Units) against the money line on the road when the total is 8 to 8.5 since 1997.
WILSON is 61-32 (+18.8 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
WILSON is 58-29 (+19.0 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
WILSON is 42-19 (+16.2 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.
NY YANKEES are 225-183 (-45.5 Units) against the money line when playing on Friday since 1997.
NY YANKEES are 90-80 (-17.1 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.
Head-to-Head Series History
LA ANGELS is 3-3 (+0.1 Units) against NY YANKEES this season
3 of 6 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=-0.2 Units, Under=-0.3 Units)
C.J. WILSON vs. NY YANKEES since 1997
WILSON is 1-2 when starting against NY YANKEES with an ERA of 4.46 and a WHIP of 1.562.
His team's record is 3-4 (-1.0 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 4-3. (+0.4 units)
HIROKI KURODA vs. LA ANGELS since 1997
KURODA is 2-2 when starting against LA ANGELS with an ERA of 1.71 and a WHIP of 0.912.
His team's record is 2-2 (-0.3 units) in these starts. The OVER is 0-4. (-4.1 units)
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CLEVELAND (44 - 41) at TORONTO (43 - 43) - 7:05 PM
JUSTIN MASTERSON (R) vs. RICKY ROMERO (L)
Top Trends for this game.
TORONTO is 157-112 (+28.3 Units) against the money line at home with a money line of -100 to -125 since 1997.
TORONTO is 316-224 (+55.7 Units) against the money line at home when the total is 9 to 9.5 since 1997.
TORONTO is 41-23 (+21.6 Units) against the money line when playing on Friday over the last 3 seasons.
CLEVELAND is 23-17 (+7.2 Units) against the money line after a loss this season.
CLEVELAND is 127-123 (+8.0 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
CLEVELAND is 29-21 (+9.2 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
Head-to-Head Series History
TORONTO is 2-1 (+1.0 Units) against CLEVELAND this season
2 of 3 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+0.9 Units)
JUSTIN MASTERSON vs. TORONTO since 1997
MASTERSON is 1-1 when starting against TORONTO with an ERA of 4.16 and a WHIP of 1.200.
His team's record is 1-2 (-0.9 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 1-2. (-1.2 units)
RICKY ROMERO vs. CLEVELAND since 1997
ROMERO is 2-1 when starting against CLEVELAND with an ERA of 5.79 and a WHIP of 1.629.
His team's record is 3-1 (+1.5 units) in these starts. The OVER is 3-1. (+2.0 units)
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DETROIT (44 - 42) at BALTIMORE (45 - 40) - 7:05 PM
DOUG FISTER (R) vs. JASON HAMMEL (R)
Top Trends for this game.
DETROIT is 41-41 (-14.2 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
DETROIT is 20-27 (-14.1 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
DETROIT is 18-25 (-14.9 Units) against the money line after a win this season.
DETROIT is 44-42 (-12.3 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
FISTER is 8-25 (-14.7 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 2 seasons.
FISTER is 25-43 (-19.2 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
FISTER is 0-6 (-7.6 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
BALTIMORE is 42-34 (+13.9 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
BALTIMORE is 29-22 (+13.6 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
BALTIMORE is 45-40 (+12.4 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
HAMMEL is 25-16 (+11.0 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 3 seasons.
BALTIMORE is 286-362 (-99.1 Units) against the money line in home games after a loss since 1997.
Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.
DOUG FISTER vs. BALTIMORE since 1997
FISTER is 2-1 when starting against BALTIMORE with an ERA of 4.68 and a WHIP of 1.400.
His team's record is 2-2 (-0.4 units) in these starts. The OVER is 3-0. (+3.0 units)
JASON HAMMEL vs. DETROIT since 1997
HAMMEL is 2-0 when starting against DETROIT with an ERA of 6.61 and a WHIP of 1.960.
His team's record is 2-1 (+1.4 units) in these starts. The OVER is 2-1. (+0.9 units)
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BOSTON (43 - 43) at TAMPA BAY (45 - 41) - 7:10 PM
FRANKLIN MORALES (L) vs. JEREMY HELLICKSON (R)
Top Trends for this game.
BOSTON is 25-33 (-15.7 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
BOSTON is 59-60 (-23.4 Units) against the money line after a loss over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 135-115 (-21.6 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 52-53 (-18.2 Units) against the money line against division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
TAMPA BAY is 455-546 (+26.8 Units) against the money line against division opponents since 1997.
BOSTON is 38-19 (+19.5 Units) against the money line in road games when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
Head-to-Head Series History
BOSTON is 5-4 (+0.5 Units) against TAMPA BAY this season
5 of 9 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+0.5 Units)
FRANKLIN MORALES vs. TAMPA BAY since 1997
No recent starts.
JEREMY HELLICKSON vs. BOSTON since 1997
HELLICKSON is 3-1 when starting against BOSTON with an ERA of 3.80 and a WHIP of 1.336.
His team's record is 5-2 (+3.5 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 3-4. (-1.6 units)
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CHI WHITE SOX (47 - 38) at KANSAS CITY (37 - 47) - 8:10 PM
JOSE QUINTANA (L) vs. BRUCE CHEN (L)
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.
Head-to-Head Series History
KANSAS CITY is 2-1 (+1.6 Units) against CHI WHITE SOX this season
2 of 3 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+0.8 Units)
JOSE QUINTANA vs. KANSAS CITY since 1997
No recent starts.
BRUCE CHEN vs. CHI WHITE SOX since 1997
CHEN is 3-4 when starting against CHI WHITE SOX with an ERA of 3.00 and a WHIP of 1.034.
His team's record is 5-5 (+0.9 units) in these starts. The OVER is 4-6. (-2.6 units)
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OAKLAND (43 - 43) at MINNESOTA (36 - 49) - 8:10 PM
A.J. GRIFFIN (R) vs. FRANCISCO LIRIANO (L)
Top Trends for this game.
OAKLAND is 53-90 (-26.6 Units) against the money line in road games in night games over the last 3 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 38-14 (+19.3 Units) against the money line as a home favorite of -125 to -150 over the last 3 seasons.
OAKLAND is 41-42 (+5.9 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
OAKLAND is 43-43 (+7.9 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
MINNESOTA is 55-93 (-24.8 Units) against the money line after a loss over the last 2 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 99-149 (-28.7 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 43-74 (-24.7 Units) against the money line when the total is 8 to 8.5 over the last 2 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 50-74 (-24.4 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 2 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 50-74 (-24.4 Units) against the money line in home games in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 26-46 (-19.5 Units) against the money line in home games in night games over the last 2 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 66-112 (-31.3 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
Head-to-Head Series History
MINNESOTA is 3-0 (+3.0 Units) against OAKLAND this season
2 of 2 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+2.0 Units)
A.J. GRIFFIN vs. MINNESOTA since 1997
No recent starts.
FRANCISCO LIRIANO vs. OAKLAND since 1997
LIRIANO is 3-3 when starting against OAKLAND with an ERA of 4.38 and a WHIP of 1.338.
His team's record is 5-5 (-1.8 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 5-5. (-0.7 units)
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TEXAS (52 - 34) at SEATTLE (36 - 51) - 10:10 PM
DEREK HOLLAND (L) vs. KEVIN MILLWOOD (R)
Top Trends for this game.
TEXAS is 118-71 (+18.7 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.
TEXAS is 115-69 (+22.0 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
TEXAS is 50-25 (+20.2 Units) against the money line when the total is 8 to 8.5 over the last 2 seasons.
TEXAS is 22-5 (+14.0 Units) against the money line as a road favorite of -150 to -175 over the last 3 seasons.
SEATTLE is 52-92 (-32.2 Units) against the money line against division opponents over the last 3 seasons.
SEATTLE is 16-25 (-11.2 Units) against the money line in home games in games played on a grass field this season.
SEATTLE is 21-46 (-20.7 Units) against the money line against left-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
SEATTLE is 92-153 (-51.4 Units) against the money line after a loss over the last 3 seasons.
SEATTLE is 13-36 (-19.0 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
SEATTLE is 103-147 (-31.9 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
SEATTLE is 16-25 (-11.2 Units) against the money line in home games this season.
SEATTLE is 8-25 (-17.0 Units) against the money line in July games over the last 2 seasons.
MILLWOOD is 83-91 (-28.5 Units) against the money line against division opponents since 1997. (Team's Record)
Head-to-Head Series History
SEATTLE is 5-5 (+3.1 Units) against TEXAS this season
5 of 10 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=-0.3 Units, Under=-0.7 Units)
DEREK HOLLAND vs. SEATTLE since 1997
HOLLAND is 5-2 when starting against SEATTLE with an ERA of 4.35 and a WHIP of 1.208.
His team's record is 5-3 (-0.5 units) in these starts. The OVER is 3-5. (-2.2 units)
KEVIN MILLWOOD vs. TEXAS since 1997
MILLWOOD is 1-2 when starting against TEXAS with an ERA of 3.16 and a WHIP of 1.054.
His team's record is 3-3 (+0.5 units) in these starts. The OVER is 2-4. (-2.3 units)
ARIZONA vs. CHI CUBS
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Arizona's last 7 games when playing on the road against Chi Cubs
Arizona is 1-5 SU in their last 6 games when playing on the road against Chi Cubs
Chi Cubs are 1-4 SU in their last 5 games when playing Arizona
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Chi Cubs's last 7 games when playing at home against Arizona
DETROIT vs. BALTIMORE
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Detroit's last 6 games when playing Baltimore
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Detroit's last 5 games when playing on the road against Baltimore
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Baltimore's last 5 games when playing at home against Detroit
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Baltimore's last 6 games at home
LA ANGELS vs. NY YANKEES
LA Angels are 12-6 SU in their last 18 games
LA Angels are 1-4 SU in their last 5 games when playing on the road against NY Yankees
The total has gone OVER in 6 of NY Yankees's last 8 games when playing at home against LA Angels
The total has gone OVER in 4 of NY Yankees's last 6 games
CLEVELAND vs. TORONTO
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Cleveland's last 6 games when playing on the road against Toronto
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Cleveland's last 6 games
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Toronto's last 8 games at home
Toronto is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Cleveland
ST. LOUIS vs. CINCINNATI
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of St. Louis's last 5 games when playing on the road against Cincinnati
St. Louis is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games when playing Cincinnati
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Cincinnati's last 7 games when playing St. Louis
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Cincinnati's last 5 games when playing at home against St. Louis
WASHINGTON vs. MIAMI
Washington is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Miami
The total has gone OVER in 8 of Washington's last 12 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Miami's last 5 games at home
Miami is 6-12 SU in its last 18 games at home
BOSTON vs. TAMPA BAY
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Boston's last 5 games on the road
Boston is 1-6 SU in its last 7 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Tampa Bay's last 6 games
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Tampa Bay's last 6 games when playing Boston
NY METS vs. ATLANTA
The total has gone OVER in 5 of NY Mets's last 7 games
NY Mets are 5-2 SU in its last 7 games when playing Atlanta
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Atlanta's last 7 games when playing at home against NY Mets
Atlanta is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games
CHI WHITE SOX vs. KANSAS CITY
Chi White Sox are 5-1 SU in their last 6 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Chi White Sox's last 5 games
The total has gone OVER in 7 of Kansas City's last 10 games when playing Chi White Sox
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Kansas City's last 6 games at home
OAKLAND vs. MINNESOTA
Oakland is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games
Oakland is 4-9 SU in its last 13 games when playing on the road against Minnesota
The total has gone UNDER in 12 of Minnesota's last 14 games when playing at home against Oakland
Minnesota is 9-4 SU in its last 13 games when playing at home against Oakland
PITTSBURGH vs. MILWAUKEE
Pittsburgh is 5-17 SU in its last 22 games when playing Milwaukee
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Pittsburgh's last 6 games when playing on the road against Milwaukee
Milwaukee is 6-3 SU in its last 9 games
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Milwaukee's last 6 games when playing Pittsburgh
PHILADELPHIA vs. COLORADO
The total has gone OVER in 10 of Philadelphia's last 13 games when playing on the road against Colorado
Philadelphia is 9-1 SU in its last 10 games when playing on the road against Colorado
Colorado is 2-11 SU in its last 13 games when playing Philadelphia
The total has gone OVER in 10 of Colorado's last 13 games when playing at home against Philadelphia
SAN DIEGO vs. LA DODGERS
San Diego is 6-3 SU in its last 9 games
San Diego is 0-5 SU in their last 5 games when playing on the road against LA Dodgers
The total has gone OVER in 5 of LA Dodgers's last 7 games when playing San Diego
LA Dodgers are 5-15 SU in their last 20 games
TEXAS vs. SEATTLE
Texas is 7-3 SU in its last 10 games when playing on the road against Seattle
Texas is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games when playing Seattle
The total has gone UNDER in 9 of Seattle's last 11 games at home
Seattle is 7-16 SU in its last 23 games when playing Texas
HOUSTON vs. SAN FRANCISCO
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Houston's last 5 games when playing San Francisco
Houston is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games when playing San Francisco
San Francisco is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games
The total has gone OVER in 5 of San Francisco's last 6 games
National League
Arizona at Chicago Cubs
Kennedy: Arizona 4-12 SU after allowing 1 or 0 runs
Maholm: Cubs 12-2 SU at home playing with triple-revenge
Washington at Miami
Zimmermann: Washington 12-5 SU away on Fridays
Johnson: Miami 3-11 SU off 4+ games scoring 4 runs or less
St. Louis at Cincinnati
Wainwright: 15-6 TSR as a road underdog
Latos: 1-8 TSR off BB starts allowing 2 or less ER's
NY Mets at Atlanta
Young: 7-1 TSR in road games
Hudson: Atlanta 8-2 Under as a home favorite of -150 or higher
Pittsburgh at Milwaukee
McDonald: Pittsburgh 39-23 SU off 4+ home games
Greinke: 23-1 TSR in home games
Philadelphia at Colorado
Lee: Philadelphia 2-13 SU off a loss by one run
Friedrich: Colorado 23-11 SU off 6+ road games
San Diego at LA Dodgers
Richard: 6-19 TSR in night games
Kershaw: 32-12 TSR with a total of 7 runs or less
Houston at San Francisco
Lyles: 4-20 TSR as an underdog
Bumgarner: 10-1 TSR as a favorite
American League
LA Angels at NY Yankees
Wilson: Angels 11-23 SU off BB games allowing 2 runs or less
Kuroda: Yankees 10-1 SU off 5+ road games
Cleveland at Toronto
Masterson: 12-6 TSR away in the second half of the season
Romero: Toronto 9-20 SU off 3+ road games
Detroit at Baltimore
Fister: 1-10 TSR away with a line of -125 to +125
Hammel: 6-0 TSR pitching on 5 or 6 days rest
Boston at Tampa Bay
Morales: Boston 6-15 SU after losing 3 of their last 4 games
Hellickson: Tampa Bay 22-6 Under at home off 3+ road games
Chicago White Sox at Kansas City
Quintana: White Sox 8-2 SU after scoring 9+ runs
Chen: Kansas City 4-16 SU off a division loss by 6+ runs
Oakland at Minnesota
Griffin: Oakland 6-23 Su after winning 5 or 6 of their last 7 games
Liriano: Minnesota 38-14 SU as a home favorite of -125 to -150
Texas at Seattle
Holland: Texas 31-15 SU away off BB wins
Millwood: Seattle 8-25 SU in July
Diamond Trends - Friday
By Vince Akins
VegasInsider.com
SU TREND OF THE DAY:
The Brewers are 11-0 since May 23, 2011 as a 140+ favorite when they lost the last time they faced this starting pitcher for a net profit of $1100.
OU TREND OF THE DAY:
The Yankees are 0-9-1 OU since August 30, 2011 as a favorite when they lost the last time they faced this starting pitcher for a net profit of $900 when playing the under.
STARTER TREND OF THE DAY:
The Giants are 15-0 since June 26, 2011 when Madison Bumgarner starts as a home favorite for a net profit of $1500.
MLB BIBLE TREND OF THE DAY:
Bruce Chen has produced a team record of 14-0 (4.0 rpg) since July 27, 2009 following a start where he threw between 70 and 101 pitches and had a strike to ball ratio of less than 1.8.
TODAY’S TRENDS:
The Rangers are 8-0 since August 26, 2011 when Derek Holland starts as a favorite after facing 25 or fewer hitters for a net profit of $800.
The Dodgers are 10-0 since May 13, 2011 when Clayton Kershaw starts at home after more strike outs than hits allowed on the road for a net profit of $1000.
Red Sox at Rays: What Bettors Need to Know
By Covers.com
Boston Red Sox at Tampa Bay Rays (-105, 8)
Neither the Tampa Bay Rays nor the Boston Red Sox are where they thought they would be coming out of the All-Star break. If the season were to end today, neither team would make the playoffs. The perennial powers have been plagued by problems with pitching (Boston) and defense (Tampa Bay), as well as several debilitating injuries. The Red Sox plan on having Will Middlebrooks, Jacoby Ellsbury and Clay Buchholz back this weekend.
Ellsbury, who finished second in the AL MVP vote last season but has been out since April 13 with a shoulder injury, could be the difference for Boston. Former Ray Carl Crawford is also expected back sometime soon. Tampa Bay, which sits in third place in the East, has less promising news on the injury front, as Evan Longoria is not expected back until August. The Gold Glove winner has been missed at the hot corner, where the Rays have committed 22 of their league-high 71 errors.
PITCHING MATCHUP: Red Sox LH Franklin Morales (1-2, 3.50 ERA) vs. Rays RH Jeremy Hellickson (4-5, 3.41 ERA)
Morales had three straight strong starts when he was moved into the rotation on June 17, posting a 2.00 ERA while striking out 24 batters in 18 innings. The converted reliever had his first big misstep last Saturday, when the New York Yankees tagged him for six runs on six hits - four homers - over 3 1/3 innings. Morales has made 12 relief appearances against Tampa Bay, posting a 1.64 ERA in 11 total innings.
Hellickson has not won since May 16 and is 0-3 over his last three turns. The 25 year old got little support in his last start, suffering a loss despite yielding only two runs in six innings at Detroit. Hellickson has made three starts against Boston already this season, going 1-1 with a 4.38 ERA. Red Sox slugger David Ortiz is 6-for-17 (.353) with a home run off the right-hander.
TRENDS:
* Under is 5-1 in the last 6 meetings.
* Rays are 4-1 in Hellicksons last 5 starts vs. Red Sox.
* Under is 10-4 in the last 14 meetings in Tampa Bay.
* Red Sox are 1-4 in the last 5 meetings in Tampa Bay.
WALK-OFFS:
1. The Red Sox lead the season series, 5-4, and are outscoring the Rays 47-30.
2. Tampa Bay is 5-5 in its last 10 games. The Rays failed to score more than three runs in any of the five losses.
3. Buchholz, who has been on the DL since June 20 after being hospitalized with esophagitis, is scheduled to rejoin the rotation on Saturday.