MLB Betting News and Trends For Thursday 6/7/18

Thursday’s games
National League
Dodgers (30-31) @ Pirates (31-30)
Santana is making his first MLB start; he allowed five runs in 3.2 IP in his MLB debut. He is 1-1, 2.45 in two AAA starts this year. Team in his starts: 0-0.
5-inning record: 0-0. Allowed run in 1st inning: 0-0

Taillon is 1-1, 3.18 in his last six starts; under is 7-3-1 in his last 11. Team in his starts: 6-6.
5-inning record: 5-5-2. Allowed run in 1st inning: 3-12

Dodgers won seven of their last ten games; over is 5-1 in their last six road games. Pittsburgh lost eight of its last 11 games; under is 5-2 in their last seven games.

Rockies (32-29) @ Reds (21-41)
Anderson is 7.16 in his last three starts; over is 5-1 in his last six. Team in his starts: 6-6.
5-inning record: 6-3-3. Allowed run in 1st inning: 7-12

Mahle is 2-2, 4.81 in his last five starts; under is 4-1-1 in his last six. Team in his starts: 6-6.
5-inning record: 4-8. Allowed run in 1st inning: 2-12

Rockies lost four of their last six games; over is 6-1 in their last seven games. Cincinnati lost seven of its last nine games; over is 7-1 in their last eight games.

Phillies (32-27) @ Cubs (34-24)
Pivetta is 0-2, 5.00 in his last two starts; under is 3-0-1 in his last four. Team in his starts: 8-4.
5-inning record: 4-5-3. Allowed run in 1st inning: 4-12

Chatwood is 0-1, 5.63 in his last four starts; over is 5-1 in his last six. Team in his starts: 5-6.
5-inning record: 5-5-1. Allowed run in 1st inning: 2-11

Phillies lost seven of their last ten games; under is 6-2 in their last eight games. Cubs won eight of their last ten games; under is 4-2 in their last six home games.

Marlins (22-39) @ Cardinals (32-27)
Hernandez is 0-3, 4.50 in four starts this year (under 3-1). Team in his starts: 1-3.
5-inning record: 1-3. Allowed run in 1st inning: 1-4

Mikolas is 3-1, 2.06 in his last six starts (under 4-2). Team in his starts: 8-3.
5-inning record: 8-3. Allowed run in 1st inning: 1-11

Marlins lost six of their last eight games; over is 7-2 in their last nine games. St Louis is 3-5 in its last eight games; under is 7-3 in their last ten home games.

American League
White Sox (20-39) @ Twins (26-32)
Shields is 0-3, 3.60 in his last five starts; under is 7-1 in his last eight. Team in his starts: 4-8
5-inning record: 4-7-1. Allowed run in 1st inning: 3-12

Berrios is 3-1, 2.83 in his last four starts (under 3-1). Team in his starts: 7-5
5-inning record: 4-5-3. Allowed run in 1st inning: 3-12

White Sox won four of their last six games; under is 5-0 in their last five games. Minnesota won seven of its last 11 home games; under is 4-1 in their last five games.

Orioles (19-41) @ Blue Jays (26-35)
Hess is 2-2, 3.47 in four starts this year (under 4-0). Team in his starts: 2-2
5-inning record: 2-2. Allowed run in 1st inning: 1-4

Garcia is 0-4, 8.13 in his last seven starts; under is 3-1 in his last four. Team in his starts: 5-5.
5-inning record: 2-8. Allowed run in 1st inning: 3-10

Orioles won their last two games, allowing one run; they’re 4-6 in road series openers. Under is 8-2 in their last ten games. Blue Jays lost seven of their last eight games; over is 4-3-1 in their last eight games.

Tigers (29-34) @ Red Sox (43-19)
Boyd is 1-1, 3.27 in his last four starts; under is 5-2 in his last seven. Team in his starts: 6-5
5-inning record: 2-6-3. Allowed run in 1st inning: 2-11

Beeks is making his MLB debut; he is 3-3, 2.56 in 10 AAA starts this year. Team in his starts: 0-0.
5-inning record: 0-0. Allowed run in 1st inning: 0-0

Tigers lost four of their last five games; under is 7-1 in their last eight road games. Boston won seven of its last nine games; over is 6-3-2 in their last 11 games.

Mariners (38-23) @ Rays (28-32)
Leake is 2-0, 3.44 in his last five starts; his last three starts stayed under. Team in his starts: 5-1
5-inning record: 5-3-4. Allowed run in 1st inning: 2-12

Another bullpen game for the Rays. Team in bullpen games: 8-13
5-inning record: 8-9-4. Allowed run in 1st inning: 7-21

Mariners won 14 of their last 18 games; under is 13-3 in their last 16 games. Tampa Bay lost its last six games; they’re 4-4 in home series openers. Under is 7-2 in their last nine games.

Astros (38-25) @ Rangers (27-37)
Cole is 4-0, 2.70 in his lat six starts; over is 5-1-1 in his last seven. Team in his starts: 10-2
5-inning record: 6-3-3. Allowed run in 1st inning: 3-12

Hamels is 2-1, 3.08 in his last four starts (under 8-4). Team in his starts: 4-8.
5-inning record: 4-6-2. Allowed run in 1st inning: 5-12

Houston lost seven of its last 11 games; over is 9-3-1 in last 13 Astro games. Texas won three of its last four games; under is 4-1-1 in the Rangers’ last six games.

Royals (21-40) @ A’s (31-31)
Hammel is 2-0, 1.96 in his last three starts; under is 3-0-1 in his last four. Team in his starts: 4-8
5-inning record: 5-7. Allowed run in 1st inning: 4-12

Blackburn is making his first ’18 start; he was 3-1, 3.22 in 10 MLB starts LY. Blackburn started one game in A ball this year, allowing three runs in 3.2 IP. Team in his starts: 0-0.
5-inning record: 0-0. Allowed run in 1st inning: 0-0

Royals lost five of their last six games; under is 4-1 in their last five road games. A’s lost six of their last nine games; under is 6-3-2 in their last 11 games.

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Thursday's Diamond Notes
June 7, 2018
By Kevin Rogers

Hottest team: Red Sox (9-3 last 12)

Boston dropped the first two games in a playoff rematch at Houston last weekend, but bounced back for victories in the final two contests to pick up the split. The Red Sox have continued that momentum by blowing out the Tigers in each of the first two games at Fenway Park by a combined score of 13-1, while easily cashing on the run-line each time as a heavy favorite.

Left-hander Jalen Beeks makes his Major League debut on Thursday as the Red Sox seek the sweep of Detroit. The former Arkansas Razorback leads the International League (AAA) in strikeouts with 80, while making the spot start in place of the injured Drew Pomeranz. The Red Sox have done an excellent job in closing out teams at home this season by posting an 8-1 record in series finales at Fenway Park.

Coldest team: Rays (0-6 last six)

It’s hard to find a team in baseball that has endured more ups and downs this season than Tampa Bay. The Rays began the season at 4-13, but went on to win nine of 10, then suffer a five-game skid, followed by a 7-1 run. Tampa Bay put together a five-game winning streak towards the end of May, but has yet to win a game in June by dropping six straight, including getting swept in series at Seattle and Washington.

The offense has mustered six runs in the past four games to drop to 28-32, as the Rays face the AL West-leading Mariners for four games at Tropicana Field. Manager Kevin Cash will revert back to his bullpen by committee to start the game philosophy as Ryne Stanek makes his third start of the season. Stanek has yet to last past the second inning, as the Rays look to end a three-game skid in home series openers.

Hottest pitcher: Mike Leake, Mariners (5-3, 4.71 ERA)

Seattle has won five consecutive starts made by the right-hander, while Leake has yielded five runs in his past three trips to the hill. Leake tossed seven innings in his last outing, a 4-3 victory over the Rays last Friday, while not walking a batter in any of his past three starts. The Mariners own a 4-1 record in Leake’s five starts away from Safeco Field this season, but the only loss came in the favorite role against the White Sox on April 23. Leake was tagged for a season-high eight runs in 3.1 innings of a 10-4 loss, but the veteran has earned a shade over eight units for backers this season, which ranks fourth in baseball.

Coldest pitcher: Tyler Anderson, Rockies (3-1, 5.07 ERA)

The Rockies have bounced back nicely after getting swept by the Dodgers at home this past weekend. Colorado looks to pull out the brooms on Cincinnati this afternoon after scoring 15 runs in the first two victories at Great American Ballpark. Anderson tries to get back on track after failing to win in each of his last three starts, which includes a 6-5 home loss to the Reds as a -170 favorite. The Colorado southpaw has allowed 13 earned runs in his last 16.1 innings of work, but the Rockies have managed a 5-2 record in his seven starts away from Coors Field.

Biggest OVER run: Astros (5-0 last five)

Houston snapped a three-game skid on Wednesday by outlasting Seattle, 7-5 to earn a split of its two-game series at Minute Maid Park. The normally reliable Astros’ pitching staff allowed at least five runs for the fourth straight game after giving up more than five runs only 11 times in the first 59 games. Houston’s offense put together a pair of huge innings on Wednesday by scoring three runs in the fourth inning and four runs in the seventh. The Astros make the short trip to Texas to face the Rangers, as Houston has averaged eight runs a game in its past six road series openers.

Biggest UNDER run: White Sox (5-0 last five)

Chicago and Minnesota have played to three straight UNDERS at Target Field, as the White Sox held off the Twins last night, 5-2. Chicago’s pitching staff has performed well in this series by allowing five runs in the last two wins, while not giving up a run until the eighth inning in Tuesday’s 4-2 defeat in the first game of a doubleheader. James Shields takes the mound in today’s series finale as the right-hander has cashed the UNDER in four consecutive starts, while allowing nine earned runs in this stretch.

Matchup to watch: Astros vs. Rangers

Houston and Texas meet up for the 11th time this season coming up tonight in Arlington. The Astros have captured six of the first 10 matchups, but the Rangers have won three of the past five meetings. Houston begins the night one game behind Seattle in the AL West after rallying past the Mariners on Wednesday, 7-5 as -180 favorites. Meanwhile, the Rangers are coming off a two-game home sweep of the Athletics, while plating 15 runs in the series.

Gerrit Cole heads to the mound in the series opener as the Astros own a 2-0 record against the Rangers when the right-hander makes the start. Cole has struck out 25 Rangers in two meetings, while giving up three runs in 14 innings of work. The Astros have won five of Cole’s six road starts this season, but the righty has given up three earned runs in three of his last four outings. Cole delivered double-digit strikeout performances in five of his first seven starts, but hasn’t struck out more than nine batters in any of his last five trips to the hill.

Cole Hamels counters for Texas, as the Rangers have won three of the southpaw’s last four starts. Hamels limited the Astros to one hit in six innings of work in a 1-0 road triumph as a +230 underdog on May 11, marking one of three ‘dog wins at +150 or higher over the last month. All three starts Hamels has made against Houston this season have finished UNDER the total, while each of the past four matchups between these division rivals have cashed the UNDER.

Betcha didn’t know: The Orioles love the Big Apple. For as bad as Baltimore has been this season (19-41), the O’s have compiled a 5-1 record against the Mets and Yankees on the road. However, the Orioles have posted a 4-22 record on the highway outside the Empire State, as Baltimore travels north of the border to face Toronto, who has lost seven of the past eight games.

Biggest public favorite: Twins (-210) vs. White Sox

Biggest public underdog: Orioles (+135) at Blue Jays

Biggest line move: Reds (+105 to -110) vs. Rockies

Preview: Dodgers at Pirates
Gracenote
Jun 7, 2018

The Pittsburgh Pirates aim for their first series win against a National League team in nearly a month when they host the Los Angeles Dodgers in the rubber match of a three-game series on Thursday. The Pirates scored two total runs during a three-game slide - including back-to-back 5-0 losses - before breaking out for an 11-9 victory Wednesday night.

Josh Harrison set the tone with a three-run double in the second inning and Corey Dickerson had three hits along with four runs scored as Pittsburgh matched its best scoring output since April 6. The Dodgers failed to get above .500 for the first time since April 23 while falling for just the fifth time in their last 19 games. Prospect Caleb Ferguson could not survive the second inning in Wednesday's loss and Los Angeles was forced to run through seven relievers to get to the finish line. That is not an ideal situation with Dennis Santana slated to make his first career start for the Dodgers on Thursday opposite Jameson Taillon for Pittsburgh.

TV: 12:35 p.m. ET, MLB Network, SportsNet LA (Los Angeles), AT&T SportsNet Pittsburgh

PITCHING MATCHUP: Dodgers RH Dennis Santana (1-0, 12.27 ERA) vs. Pirates RH Jameson Taillon (3-4, 3.97)

Santana got a win in his first career appearance, although he can thank his offense for the victory. The 22-year-old from the Dominican Republic was reached for five runs on six hits and a walk in 3 2/3 innings of relief in the 11-8 triumph over the Colorado Rockies on Friday. Santana posted a 2.54 ERA in 10 starts between Double-A and Triple-A earlier this year.

Taillon won for the first time in 10 starts after spinning eight scoreless innings at St. Louis on Friday. He limited the Cardinals to three hits and struck out six while recording just his second quality start since the end of April. Chris Taylor is 3-for-3 with a double against Taillon, who gave up nine runs in nine innings through his first two career starts versus the Dodgers.

WALK-OFFS

1. The Dodgers optioned RHP Pedro Baez to Triple-A Oklahoma City to make room on the roster for Ferguson.

2. Los Angeles LF Matt Kemp knocked in five runs Wednesday and has 13 RBIs over a seven-game span.

3. Dickerson is 11-for-25 with seven runs scored during a six-game hitting streak.

PREDICTION: Pirates 6, Dodgers 4
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Umpire Trends - Roberto Ortiz

Road team is 4-0 in Ortizs last 4 Thursday games behind home plate.
Home team is 6-0 in Ortizs last 6 games behind home plate.
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Preview: Rockies at Reds
Gracenote
Jun 7, 2018

After getting swept over the weekend, the Colorado Rockies have a chance to pick up a sweep of their own when they complete a three-game series at the Cincinnati Reds on Thursday. The Rockies have a pair of three-run wins to begin the set, including Wednesday's 6-3 triumph.

Ian Desmond slugged a two-run homer and Colorado's bullpen put together four scoreless innings as the Rockies improved to 4-1 in the season series with the Reds. Cincinnati has lost four straight despite recording 48 hits in that span, leaving 39 runners on base - a season high-tying 13 in Wednesday's loss. Scooter Gennett remains a bright spot for the Reds (21-41), as the slugging second baseman recorded an RBI double and a sacrifice fly - driving in at least one run in 10 of his last 14 contests. Colorado's Tyler Anderson outdueled Tyler Mahle on the mound in a matchup at Coors Field last month and the two will start again in the finale.

TV: 12:35 p.m. ET, FS Ohio (Cincinnati)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Rockies LH Tyler Anderson (3-1, 5.07 ERA) vs. Reds RH Tyler Mahle (4-6, 4.38)

Anderson has an ERA of 6.67 over his last five starts and the Rockies have lost four of them, including Friday against the Los Angeles Dodgers, who got to him for five runs in five innings. The 28-year-old has allowed eight home runs in a span of six outings and served up a pair in a no-decision against the Reds two turns ago. He is 1-0 with a 3.75 ERA in two career meetings with Cincinnati.

Mahle was tagged for four runs in five innings at Colorado on May 26 before heading to San Diego and blanking the Padres over five frames in a win. Charlie Blackmon is 2-for-2 with a triple and a walk against Mahle, who is 0-3 over his last four home starts. The California native is 1-4 with a 4.72 ERA in six career starts at Great American Ball Park.

WALK-OFFS

1. Colorado is 21-13 on the road and Cincinnati is 9-21 at home.

2. Reds 1B Joey Votto is 9-for-19 during the four-game hitting streak.

3. Rockies RF Carlos Gonzalez is 4-for-9 with a home run, a double, four RBIs and four runs scored in the series.

PREDICTION: Rockies 7, Reds 5
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Umpire Trends - Tripp Gibson III

Under is 5-1 in Gibson IIIs last 6 games behind home plate vs. Colorado.
Road team is 19-7 in Gibson IIIs last 26 games behind home plate.
Over is 8-3 in Gibson IIIs last 11 Thursday games behind home plate.
Rockies are 0-4 in their last 4 games with Gibson III behind home plate.
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Preview: White Sox at Twins
Gracenote
Jun 7, 2018

The Minnesota Twins seemed to be gaining momentum after three straight victories against Cleveland last weekend, but must win Thursday’s finale to avoid a home series loss against the last-place Chicago White Sox. The Twins needed a rally with four runs in the eighth inning to win the first game of the series and have managed five in a pair of losses since, including Wednesday’s 5-2 setback.

“They’ve outplayed us,” Minnesota manager Paul Molitor told the Star Tribune after his team left nine on base Wednesday. “They’ve run aggressively, they’ve made more plays defensively. We had one good inning.” Jose Berrios will try to salvage the split in the series and beat the White Sox for the third time this season when he takes the mound Thursday against veteran James Shields, who is 8-9 in 25 career outings versus the Twins. Chicago has won four of six in June after losing six of seven and owns 20 victories - one more than the league-worst Baltimore Orioles (19). Infielder Yolmer Sanchez takes a 10-game hitting streak (13-for-41) into the series finale for the White Sox and slugger Jose Abreu is 8-for-25 while hitting safely in his last six contests.

TV: 1:10 p.m. ET, WGN (Chicago), FS North (Minnesota)

PITCHING MATCHUP: White Sox RH James Shields (1-6, 4.48 ERA) vs. Twins RH Jose Berrios (6-5, 3.86)

Shields has not won since his season debut, but the veteran has strung together four straight quality starts and six in his past seven outings. The 36-year-old Californian gave up three solo homers for all three runs across seven innings and suffered a 5-0 loss to Milwaukee on Saturday. Brian Dozier is 12-for-38 with five doubles, four homers and 10 RBIs versus Shields, who gave up three runs over 6 2/3 innings May 6 in a no-decision against Minnesota.

Berrios has won three of his last four starts after holding Cleveland to four runs over six innings of a 7-4 triumph at home, where he is 4-2 and limits opponents to a .176 batting average. The 24-year-old Puerto Rico native owns six quality starts in 12 outings this year and boasts 74 strikeouts to go along with 14 walks in 74 2/3 innings. Sanchez is 5-for-16 with a homer against Berrios, who is 5-1 with a 2.35 ERA in six career starts versus the White Sox.

WALK-OFFS

1. Chicago CF Adam Engel has multiple hits in five of his last 11 games, raising his average from .208 to .228.

2. Minnesota INF Eduardo Escobar is 13-for-30 with four homers and 13 RBIs over his last eight contests.

3. Abreu needs one homer to break a tie with Jim Thome (134) for 13th on the team’s all-time list and tie Minnie Minoso (135) for 12th.

PREDICTION: Twins 4, White Sox 2
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Umpire Trends - Chris Conroy

Home team is 4-0 in Conroys last 4 games behind home plate.
Over is 4-0 in Conroys last 4 Thursday games behind home plate vs. Chicago.
Home team is 15-2 in Conroys last 17 games behind home plate vs. Minnesota.
Under is 4-1 in Conroys last 5 games behind home plate.
Under is 4-1 in Conroys last 5 games behind home plate vs. Minnesota.
Over is 18-6-2 in Conroys last 26 Thursday games behind home plate.
Over is 6-2 in Conroys last 8 games behind home plate vs. Chicago.
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Preview: Marlins at Cardinals
Gracenote
Jun 7, 2018

The Miami Marlins look to continue their hot hitting and complete a series sweep for the first time this season when they visit the St. Louis Cardinals on Thursday afternoon for the finale of a three-game set. Starlin Castro and Derek Dietrich each delivered four hits Wednesday as the Marlins recorded an 11-3 victory after scoring seven in the series opener to snap a six-game slide in which they totaled 14 runs.

Castro is 13-for-36 during an eight-game hitting streak while Dietrich homered Wednesday and is 16-for-33 over his last nine contests for Miami, which has gone deep five times in the series to improve to 11-21 on the road. Marlins rookie Elieser Hernandez will try to complete the sweep when he takes the mound against fellow right-hander Miles Mikolas, who can tie Michael Wacha for the team lead with seven wins. The Cardinals had allowed two runs in two wins before Miami came to town, but dropped to 5-7 against National League East opponents after two rough nights on the mound. Jose Martinez had three hits Wednesday and is 7-for-15 during a four-game hitting streak for St. Louis, which is 3-3 with one contest left on its homestand.

TV: 1:15 p.m. ET, FS Florida, FS Midwest (St. Louis)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Marlins RH Elieser Hernandez (0-3, 4.29 ERA) vs. Cardinals RH Miles Mikolas (6-1, 2.49)

Hernandez allowed five runs on five hits, including three homers, over three innings at Arizona last Friday after posting three solid starts. The 23-year-old Venezuela native gave up four runs on 14 hits and one walk over 15 innings in the first three starts of his major league career despite going 0-2 in that stretch. Hernandez owns a 6.77 ERA on the road in two starts and has given up five homers in 21 innings overall in 2018.

Mikolas suffered his first loss of the season last Friday when he permitted two runs (one earned) across six innings in a 4-0 setback against Pittsburgh. The 29-year-old Floridian, who spent the previous three seasons in Japan, yielded two or fewer runs in eight of his last nine starts. Mikolas, who has given up just six homers and eight walks in 72 1/3 innings in 2018, is 0-0 with a 5.68 ERA in three career appearances (one start) against Miami.

WALK-OFFS

1. Cardinals starting pitchers have allowed just 26 homers, which is the least in the majors.

2. Miami 3B-RF Brian Anderson has six multi-hit games in his last nine outings, going 15-for-37 in that stretch.

3. St. Louis RHP Matt Bowman (blisters) and RHP Greg Holland (hip) are expected to begin rehab assignments with Triple-A Memphis on Thursday.

PREDICTION: Cardinals 5, Marlins 2
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Umpire Trends - Joe West

Home team is 4-0 in Wests last 4 Thursday games behind home plate vs. St. Louis.
Under is 7-0 in Wests last 7 games behind home plate vs. St. Louis.
Over is 4-0 in Wests last 4 games behind home plate vs. Miami.
Home team is 27-11 in Wests last 38 Thursday games behind home plate.
Cardinals are 1-4 in their last 5 games with West behind home plate.
Cardinals are 1-5 in their last 6 Thursday games with West behind home plate.
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Preview: Phillies at Cubs
Gracenote
Jun 7, 2018

Some late-inning drama has set up a rubber match between the Chicago Cubs and the visiting Philadelphia Phillies on Thursday. The Cubs evened the three-game set at a win apiece on Jason Heyward’s walk-off grand slam Wednesday.

The Phillies appeared to be on their way to a 2-0 series lead when rookie Dylan Cozens blasted a two-run homer off Cubs closer Brandon Morrow in the ninth inning Wednesday. But Heyward’s game-winning blast gave Chicago its fifth win in six games, pulling the Cubs within one game of National League Central leader Milwaukee. In the finale the Cubs hand the ball to walk-happy right-hander Tyler Chatwood, who has issued 49 free passes in 53 2/3 innings this season. Right-hander Nick Pivetta gets the start for the Phillies, who have dropped four of their last five.

TV: 2:20 p.m. ET, NBCS Philadelphia, NBCS Chicago

PITCHING MATCHUP: Phillies RH Nick Pivetta (4-4, 3.48 ERA) vs. Cubs RH Tyler Chatwood (3-4, 4.02)

After allowing one run over 19 innings across three straight wins, Pivetta has come back to Earth in his last two outings. The 25-year-old Canadian lost his second consecutive start Friday at San Francisco, allowing three runs over four innings in a 4-0 defeat. Pivetta faced the Cubs last season and gave up three runs (two earned) over five innings in a win.

Chatwood is winless in his last four starts, but he showed signs of getting back on track last time out. After failing to get through three innings in his previous two outings, the 28-year-old allowed two runs over 5 1/3 frames in a no-decision Friday at the New York Mets. Chatwood is 3-2 with a 3.27 ERA in six starts against the Phillies.

WALK-OFFS

1. Cubs 1B Anthony Rizzo is 24-for-68 with 17 RBIs in his last 17 games with a plate appearance.

2. Phillies OF Nick Williams left Wednesday’s game with left wrist soreness.

3. Chicago 3B Kris Bryant is 9-for-23 during a five-game hitting streak.

PREDICTION: Phillies 6, Cubs 5
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Umpire Trends - Nick Mahrley

Under is 4-0-1 in Mahrleys last 5 games behind home plate.
Home team is 4-1 in Mahrleys last 5 games behind home plate.
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Preview: Orioles at Blue Jays
Gracenote
Jun 7, 2018

The Toronto Blue Jays seemingly can't buy a break at home, as they failed to take advantage of a sterling pitching performance in their last outing to fall to 1-10 in their last 11 contests at the Rogers Centre. The Blue Jays (26-35) bid to change the narrative on Thursday as they open a four-game series against the Baltimore Orioles (19-41).

Sam Gaviglio scattered three hits over seven scoreless innings on Wednesday for Toronto, but his offense failed to get it in gear as it struck out 15 times in a 3-0 setback in 13 frames against the New York Yankees. Kendrys Morales had two of his team's four hits for the Blue Jays, who have lost seven of their last eight and 17 of 22. Baltimore knows a thing or two about losing skids as it owns the majors' worst mark, but it did record consecutive victories for just the fourth time this season after capping a two-game interleague sweep of the New York Mets with Wednesday afternoon's 1-0 triumph. Manny Machado saw his eight-game hitting streak halted in the matinee, but his sacrifice fly in the eighth inning proved to be the difference.

TV: 7:07 p.m. ET, MASN (Baltimore), Sportsnet (Toronto)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Orioles RH David Hess (2-2, 3.47 ERA)) vs. Blue Jays LH Jaime Garcia (2-4, 6.08)

Hess sustained a hard-luck defeat on May 30 after Bryce Harper's solo homer in the third inning accounted for his lone damage among four hits in six innings of a 2-0 setback versus Washington. The 24-year-old rookie, who took over for Chris Tillman in the rotation, has helped a beleaguered bullpen by pitching six or more innings in three of his first four starts. Hess threw a first-pitch strike to 17 of the 23 batters he faced to get ahead in the count against the Nationals.

Garcia was blitzed for four runs on seven hits in a season-low 1 2/3 innings during Friday's 5-2 setback versus Detroit. The 31-year-old has allowed the opposition to bat a robust .291 against him this season. Danny Valencia is 2-for-3 in a small sample size versus Garcia, but the left-hander won his lone start against Baltimore despite being touched for five runs on 10 hits -- including two homers - in 5 1/3 innings.

WALK-OFFS

1. Toronto LF Curtis Granderson is 0-for-17 with nine strikeouts in his last five contests.

2. Baltimore CF Adam Jones is 17-for-42 with six runs scored in his last 10 games.

3. Blue Jays top prospect Vladimir Guerrero Jr. exited Wednesday's Double-A game against Akron with an apparent leg injury after sliding into second base in the fourth inning.

PREDICTION: Orioles 4, Blue Jays 2
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Preview: Tigers at Red Sox
Gracenote
Jun 7, 2018

Andrew Benintendi is riding an impressive power surge that has produced three homers in his last four contests. Benintendi looks to continue to flex his muscles as the Boston Red Sox (43-19) vie for their seventh sweep of the season on Thursday in the finale of a three-game series against the visiting Detroit Tigers (29-34).

Benintendi celebrated his bobblehead night by launching a ball into the bullpen in right-center field during Wednesday's 7-1 triumph, giving him five homers among his 18 hits and 13 runs scored in his last 11 games. The 23-year-old Benintendi will see a familiar face in former Arkansas teammate Jalen Beeks, who will make his major-league debut on the mound for Boston. While the major league-best Red Sox have won four in a row, Detroit has answered an 8-2 stretch by dropping four of its last five overall and 13 of its last 17 on the road. Miguel Cabrera had two hits on Wednesday to boost his total to seven in as many games this month for the Tigers.

TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, ESPN, FS Detroit, NESN (Boston)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Tigers LH Matthew Boyd (3-4, 3.23 ERA) vs. Red Sox LH Jalen Beeks (major-league debut)

Boyd recorded six straight starts in which he had not surrendered a homer before he was taken deep on two occasions in a no-decision against Toronto on Saturday. The 27-year-old allowed four runs on six hits in seven innings against the Blue Jays after permitting two runs on three hits in his previous two outings (nine innings). Mitch Moreland is 4-for-11 with three extra-base hits (two doubles, homer) in his career versus Boyd, who owns an 0-1 mark in two career outings against Boston after yielding eight runs on 11 hits - including three homers - in just six innings.

With Drew Pomeranz on the 10-day disabled list, Beeks was scratched from his scheduled start on Tuesday in Triple-A Pawtucket and summoned to make his major-league debut after posting a 3-3 mark with a 2.56 ERA and 0.98 WHIP in 10 outings with Pawtucket. The 24-year-old allowed four runs and struck out seven in as many innings in his last outing on May 31. Beeks, who leads the International League with 80 strikeouts, was named the Red Sox minor league pitcher of the year in September.

WALK-OFFS

1. Detroit CF JaCoby Jones had two hits on Wednesday, matching his total of his previous seven games.

2. Boston SS Xander Bogaerts has 14 hits and nine runs scored in his last 12 contests.

3. Tigers DH Victor Martinez is 0-for-7 in the series after hitting safely in 13 of his previous 16 games.

PREDICTION: Red Sox 7, Tigers 4
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Umpire Trends - Jeremie Rehak

Under is 7-1-1 in Rehaks last 9 games behind home plate.
Road team is 4-1 in Rehaks last 5 games behind home plate.
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Preview: Mariners at Rays
Gracenote
Jun 7, 2018

Nelson Cruz is enjoying his best stretch of the campaign and the Seattle slugger looks for his seventh multi-hit outing in nine games Thursday when the Mariners open a four-game series against the host Tampa Bay Rays. Cruz is 12-for-31 with three homers during the stretch after going deep for the 11th time this season during Wednesday's 7-5 loss to the Houston Astros.

Seattle had a five-game winning streak halted with Wednesday's setback but owns a one-game lead over Houston in the American League West due to a 14-4 stretch. Shortstop Jean Segura went 5-for-9 in two games against the Astros and the back-to-back multi-hit outings raise his major league-leading count in that category to 27. Tampa Bay has scored only 12 runs during a six-game slide and manager Kevin Cash defended the recent practice of starting a reliever after Jonny Venters retired only one batter and allowed five runs in the first inning of Wednesday's 11-2 loss to the Washington Nationals. "(Wednesday) was one of those gut-wrenching days," Cash said afterward. "It didn't go our way and smacked us right in the face. One bad outing, one bad whatever you want to call it. I don't think it's fair to get away from it."

TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, ROOT Sports Northwest (Seattle), FS Sun (Tampa Bay)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Mariners RH Mike Leake (5-3, 4.71 ERA) vs. Rays RH Ryne Stanek (1-1, 3.65)

Leake allowed two runs and six hits over seven innings against Tampa Bay on Friday but didn't get a victory because closer Edwin Diaz blew the save in the ninth inning. The 30-year-old Leake is 1-0 with a 2.70 ERA in three career starts against the Rays but has struggled with Carlos Gomez (8-for-20, one home run). Leake has a solid 1.66 ERA over his past three starts and hasn't issued a walk over his last four turns.

The Rays are 3-5 when opening with a reliever as Stanek will start a game for the third time under the unique approach. The 26-year-old is unscored upon in seven of his past eight appearances and has allowed only three hits in 8 2/3 innings during the stretch. Stanek retired all five Mariners he faced in a relief appearance Saturday and has given up one hit in 2 2/3 innings in two career outings versus Seattle.

WALK-OFFS

1. The Mariners swept the Rays in Seattle last weekend while holding Tampa Bay to five runs.

2. Tampa Bay announced that it will recall 1B Jake Bauers from Triple-A Durham prior to Thursday's contest.

3. Seattle released veteran LHP Marc Rzepczynski five days after designating him for assignment.

PREDICTION: Mariners 4, Rays 1
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Umpire Trends - Name unavailable
No trends available.
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Preview: Astros at Rangers
Gracenote
Jun 7, 2018

Gerrit Cole aims to win his fifth consecutive decision when the Houston Astros open a four-game series against the host Texas Rangers on Thursday. The right-hander is unbeaten over his last seven turns since suffering his lone setback of the season against the Los Angeles Angels on April 23.

Cole was acquired from the Pittsburgh Pirates in the offseason and got his tenure with Houston off to a good start when he gave up one run and two hits and struck out 11 over seven innings in a win over the Rangers on April 1. He will look to help the Astros win their second straight contest after their three-game slide was extinguished with Wednesday's 7-5 victory over the Seattle Mariners. Texas has won five of its last eight games and scored 15 runs in a two-game sweep of the Oakland Athletics. Infielder Jurickson Profar was the star of Wednesday's 8-2 victory as he went deep twice for his first career multi-homer outing and drove in a career-best five runs.

TV: 8:05 p.m. ET, AT&T SportsNet Southwest (Houston), FS Southwest (Texas)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Astros RH Gerrit Cole (6-1, 2.20 ERA) vs. Rangers LH Cole Hamels (3-5, 3.63)

Cole ranks second in the majors with 116 strikeouts and has allowed 48 hits while holding opponents to a .171 average. The 27-year-old has given up three runs or fewer in all 12 starts but has allowed six homers over his last four outings after serving up three over his first eight. Cole, who is 2-0 with a 1.29 ERA in three career starts against Texas, received a no-decision against the Rangers on April 13 when he allowed two runs and three hits and fanned 14 in seven innings.

Hamels has allowed two runs or fewer in six of his past seven starts but is 2-2 during the stretch. The 34-year-old has served up six homers over his last three turns, including two solo shots while allowing two runs and five hits over seven innings in a no-decision against the Los Angeles Angels in his last turn. Hamels allowed one hit over six shutout innings while beating the Astros on May 11 and is 1-1 with a 2.55 ERA in three starts against Houston this season and 8-5 with a 3.95 ERA in 19 career outings.

WALK-OFFS

1. The Astros have won six of this season's 10 meetings.

2. Houston activated RF Josh Reddick (knee infection) - he went 1-for-4 on Wednesday - and optioned INF J.D. Davis to Triple-A Fresno.

3. Texas SS Elvis Andrus (elbow) has been cleared to participate in batting practice and could begin a rehab stint as soon as Monday.

PREDICTION: Astros 3, Rangers 1
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Umpire Trends - Name unavailable
No trends available.
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Preview: Royals at Athletics
Gracenote
Jun 7, 2018

The Kansas City Royals sit 20 games below .500 in a lost season as they open a four-game series against the host Oakland Athletics on Thursday. The Royals have dropped four straight games and began their expected shopping of players by trading center fielder Jon Jay prior to Wednesday's 4-3 loss to the Los Angeles Angels.

Kansas City is in the midst of a youth movement and it dealt Jay (.307 average) to the Arizona Diamondbacks for two minor-league pitchers - right-hander Elvis Luciano and southpaw Gabe Speier. "Arizona sought out Jon, and they wanted Jon," Royals assistant general manager of baseball operations Scott Sharp said during a conference call. "We felt like if we could put a deal together that had some impact and some long-range ceiling to go ahead and do it, rather than wait for something to come along." Oakland allowed 15 runs in back-to-back setbacks against the Texas Rangers and has lost six of its past nine contests. Athletics designated hitter Khris Davis homered in both losses to the Rangers while going 4-for-7 with four RBIs and two walks.

TV: 10:05 p.m. ET, FS Kansas City, NBCS California (Oakland)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Royals RH Jason Hammel (2-5, 5.17 ERA) vs. Athletics RH Paul Blackburn (2017: 3-1, 3.22)

Hammel has allowed four runs while going 2-0 over his past three starts after being 0-8 with a 7.28 ERA over his previous 13 turns dating back to last season. The 34-year-old allowed one total run and struck out 16 in wins over St. Louis and Texas before giving up three runs and seven hits over six innings in a no-decision against Oakland in his last turn. Hammel is 4-2 with a 4.65 ERA in 10 career appearances (six starts) against the Athletics.

Blackburn will be activated prior to the game to make his season debut after suffering a right forearm strain late in spring training. The 24-year-old showed promise during 10 starts last season prior to having his campaign ended when he was struck on his pitching hand by a line drive off the bat of Baltimore's Trey Mancini on Aug. 22. Blackburn received a no-decision against Kansas City in his next-to-last start of last year when he gave up four runs and eight hits over four innings.

WALK-OFFS

1. The Athletics won two of three from the Royals in Kansas City last weekend, including a 16-0 shellacking Friday.

2. Oakland placed LF Matt Joyce (back) on the 10-day disabled list - he is slated to undergo an MRI exam Thursday - and recalled OF Nick Martini from Triple-A Nashville.

3. Kansas City LF Alex Gordon has only 14 RBIs but he drove in three runs for the third time this season Wednesday.

PREDICTION: Athletics 7, Royals 5
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Umpire Trends - Name unavailable
No trends available.
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MLB
Long Sheet

Thursday, June 7

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LA DODGERS (30 - 31) at PITTSBURGH (31 - 30) - 12:35 PM
DENNIS SANTANA (R) vs. JAMESON TAILLON (R)
Top Trends for this game.
LA DODGERS are 30-31 (-21.3 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
LA DODGERS are 26-35 (-21.7 Units) against the money line on the road when the total is 8 to 8.5 over the last 3 seasons.
LA DODGERS are 17-24 (-21.8 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
LA DODGERS are 12-19 (-18.8 Units) against the money line after a loss this season.
PITTSBURGH is 39-24 (+13.5 Units) against the money line at home when the total is 8 to 8.5 over the last 2 seasons.
TAILLON is 21-7 (+13.5 Units) against the money line when the total is 8 to 8.5 over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)

Head-to-Head Series History
PITTSBURGH is 1-1 (+0.0 Units) against LA DODGERS this season
1 of 2 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+0.0 Units)

DENNIS SANTANA vs. PITTSBURGH since 1997
No recent starts.

JAMESON TAILLON vs. LA DODGERS since 1997
TAILLON is 0-0 when starting against LA DODGERS with an ERA of 9.00 and a WHIP of 2.111.
His team's record is 1-1 (+0.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 2-0. (+2.0 units)

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COLORADO (32 - 29) at CINCINNATI (21 - 41) - 12:35 PM
TYLER ANDERSON (L) vs. TYLER MAHLE (R)
Top Trends for this game.
COLORADO is 328-444 (-105.8 Units) against the money line on the road when the money line is +125 to -125 since 1997.
COLORADO is 119-105 (+14.4 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
COLORADO is 21-13 (+14.0 Units) against the money line in road games this season.
COLORADO is 23-16 (+12.0 Units) against the money line in road games in day games over the last 2 seasons.
COLORADO is 14-7 (+12.3 Units) against the money line in road games against right-handed starters this season.
COLORADO is 13-7 (+9.7 Units) against the money line in road games after a win this season.
CINCINNATI is 21-41 (-15.0 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
CINCINNATI is 6-20 (-13.4 Units) against the money line when the total is 9 to 9.5 this season.
CINCINNATI is 9-21 (-12.0 Units) against the money line in home games this season.
CINCINNATI is 4-16 (-12.2 Units) against the money line at home when the total is 9 to 9.5 this season.
CINCINNATI is 16-40 (-20.2 Units) against the money line against left-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
COLORADO is 4-1 (+2.5 Units) against CINCINNATI this season
3 of 5 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+1.1 Units)

TYLER ANDERSON vs. CINCINNATI since 1997
ANDERSON is 1-0 when starting against CINCINNATI with an ERA of 3.75 and a WHIP of 1.250.
His team's record is 1-1 (-0.6 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-1. (-0.2 units)

TYLER MAHLE vs. COLORADO since 1997
MAHLE is 0-0 when starting against COLORADO with an ERA of 7.20 and a WHIP of 2.000.
His team's record is 1-0 (+1.5 units) in these starts. The OVER is 0-1. (-1.2 units)

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MIAMI (22 - 39) at ST LOUIS (32 - 27) - 1:15 PM
TREVOR RICHARDS (R) vs. MILES MIKOLAS (R)
Top Trends for this game.
MIAMI is 5-18 (-13.9 Units) against the money line when playing on Thursday over the last 2 seasons.
ST LOUIS is 100-94 (-33.3 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 3 seasons.
ST LOUIS is 77-72 (-25.4 Units) against the money line in home games against right-handed starters over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
MIAMI is 2-0 (+3.7 Units) against ST LOUIS this season
2 of 2 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+2.0 Units)

TREVOR RICHARDS vs. ST LOUIS since 1997
No recent starts.

MILES MIKOLAS vs. MIAMI since 1997
MIKOLAS is 0-0 when starting against MIAMI with an ERA of 5.40 and a WHIP of 1.800.
His team's record is 0-1 (-1.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 0-1. (-1.0 units)

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PHILADELPHIA (32 - 27) at CHICAGO CUBS (34 - 24) - 2:20 PM
NICK PIVETTA (R) vs. TYLER CHATWOOD (R)
Top Trends for this game.
PHILADELPHIA is 18-8 (+12.0 Units) against the money line after a loss this season.
PHILADELPHIA is 836-877 (+21.9 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record since 1997.
CHICAGO CUBS are 1729-1786 (-269.7 Units) against the money line in all games since 1997.
CHICAGO CUBS are 369-307 (-82.0 Units) against the money line as a home favorite of -125 to -175 since 1997.
CHICAGO CUBS are 922-835 (-163.9 Units) against the money line in home games since 1997.
CHICAGO CUBS are 54-48 (-23.0 Units) against the money line in day games over the last 2 seasons.
CHICAGO CUBS are 8-11 (-10.8 Units) against the money line in home games against right-handed starters this season.
CHICAGO CUBS are 69-61 (-20.1 Units) against the money line after a win over the last 2 seasons.
CHICAGO CUBS are 25-27 (-16.0 Units) against the money line in home games when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
CHATWOOD is 13-19 (-12.9 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)
CHATWOOD is 8-16 (-14.2 Units) against the money line in home games after a win over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)

Head-to-Head Series History
PHILADELPHIA is 1-1 (+0.9 Units) against CHICAGO CUBS this season
1 of 2 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+0.0 Units)

NICK PIVETTA vs. CHICAGO CUBS since 1997
PIVETTA is 1-0 when starting against CHICAGO CUBS with an ERA of 3.60 and a WHIP of 2.000.
His team's record is 1-0 (+1.6 units) in these starts. The OVER is 0-0. (+0.0 units)

TYLER CHATWOOD vs. PHILADELPHIA since 1997
CHATWOOD is 3-2 when starting against PHILADELPHIA with an ERA of 3.27 and a WHIP of 1.424.
His team's record is 3-3 (-1.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 3-1. (+1.9 units)

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CHI WHITE SOX (20 - 39) at MINNESOTA (26 - 32) - 1:10 PM
JAMES SHIELDS (R) vs. JOSE BERRIOS (R)
Top Trends for this game.
CHI WHITE SOX are 7-22 (-14.0 Units) against the money line in day games this season.
CHI WHITE SOX are 412-423 (+33.2 Units) against the money line in road games after a win since 1997.
MINNESOTA is 85-105 (-28.1 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 3 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 98-126 (-47.9 Units) against the money line in home games when playing on Thursday since 1997.
MINNESOTA is 35-50 (-19.6 Units) against the money line in home games against division opponents over the last 3 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 279-303 (-62.1 Units) against the money line in home games in day games since 1997.
MINNESOTA is 53-82 (-38.5 Units) against the money line in home games against right-handed starters over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
MINNESOTA is 5-3 (+0.5 Units) against CHI WHITE SOX this season
5 of 8 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+1.6 Units)

JAMES SHIELDS vs. MINNESOTA since 1997
SHIELDS is 8-9 when starting against MINNESOTA with an ERA of 4.30 and a WHIP of 1.435.
His team's record is 12-13 (-4.4 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 12-13. (-2.9 units)

JOSE BERRIOS vs. CHI WHITE SOX since 1997
BERRIOS is 5-1 when starting against CHI WHITE SOX with an ERA of 2.35 and a WHIP of 0.913.
His team's record is 5-1 (+4.5 units) in these starts. The OVER is 3-3. (-0.1 units)

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BALTIMORE (19 - 41) at TORONTO (26 - 35) - 7:05 PM
DAVID HESS (R) vs. JAIME GARCIA (L)
Top Trends for this game.
BALTIMORE is 19-41 (-21.0 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
BALTIMORE is 11-31 (-15.1 Units) against the money line as a road underdog of +125 to +175 over the last 2 seasons.
BALTIMORE is 37-75 (-33.3 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 2 seasons.
BALTIMORE is 25-49 (-20.7 Units) against the money line in road games in night games over the last 2 seasons.
TORONTO is 102-121 (-28.9 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
TORONTO is 11-23 (-15.0 Units) against the money line when the total is 9 to 9.5 this season.
TORONTO is 12-19 (-9.6 Units) against the money line in home games this season.
TORONTO is 7-14 (-9.8 Units) against the money line at home when the total is 9 to 9.5 this season.
TORONTO is 12-19 (-13.9 Units) against the money line in June games over the last 2 seasons.
TORONTO is 60-77 (-25.1 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.
GARCIA is 46-52 (-26.4 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record since 1997. (Team's Record)

Head-to-Head Series History
TORONTO is 2-1 (+1.1 Units) against BALTIMORE this season
2 of 2 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+2.1 Units)

DAVID HESS vs. TORONTO since 1997
No recent starts.

JAIME GARCIA vs. BALTIMORE since 1997
GARCIA is 1-0 when starting against BALTIMORE with an ERA of 8.44 and a WHIP of 2.064.
His team's record is 1-0 (+1.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-0. (+1.0 units)

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DETROIT (29 - 34) at BOSTON (43 - 19) - 7:10 PM
MATT BOYD (L) vs. JALEN BEEKS (L)
Top Trends for this game.
DETROIT is 49-88 (-31.5 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 43-19 (+16.7 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
BOSTON is 20-27 (-16.2 Units) against the money line when playing on Thursday over the last 3 seasons.
BOSTON is 576-437 (-65.0 Units) against the money line in home games after a win since 1997.

Head-to-Head Series History
BOSTON is 2-0 (+2.0 Units) against DETROIT this season
2 of 2 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+2.0 Units)

MATT BOYD vs. BOSTON since 1997
BOYD is 0-1 when starting against BOSTON with an ERA of 12.00 and a WHIP of 2.333.
His team's record is 1-1 (-0.6 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 1-1. (-0.0 units)

JALEN BEEKS vs. DETROIT since 1997
No recent starts.

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SEATTLE (38 - 23) at TAMPA BAY (28 - 32) - 7:10 PM
MIKE LEAKE (R) vs. RYAN STANEK (R)
Top Trends for this game.
SEATTLE is 168-209 (-57.5 Units) against the money line when playing on Thursday since 1997.
SEATTLE is 38-23 (+12.5 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
SEATTLE is 18-11 (+7.1 Units) against the money line in road games this season.
SEATTLE is 26-12 (+11.7 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
SEATTLE is 25-15 (+11.7 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
SEATTLE is 15-6 (+8.2 Units) against the money line after a loss this season.
LEAKE is 9-3 (+8.2 Units) against the money line in all games this season. (Team's Record)
TAMPA BAY is 54-66 (-23.0 Units) against the money line in home games in night games over the last 3 seasons.
TAMPA BAY is 9-23 (-15.2 Units) against the money line after a loss this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
SEATTLE is 3-0 (+3.0 Units) against TAMPA BAY this season
3 of 3 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+3.0 Units)

MIKE LEAKE vs. TAMPA BAY since 1997
LEAKE is 1-0 when starting against TAMPA BAY with an ERA of 2.70 and a WHIP of 0.900.
His team's record is 3-0 (+3.2 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-2. (-0.9 units)

RYAN STANEK vs. SEATTLE since 1997
No recent starts.

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HOUSTON (38 - 25) at TEXAS (27 - 37) - 8:05 PM
GERRIT COLE (R) vs. COLE HAMELS (L)
Top Trends for this game.
TEXAS is 200-191 (+24.2 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 3 seasons.
TEXAS is 89-73 (+25.1 Units) against the money line when the total is 9 to 9.5 over the last 3 seasons.
TEXAS is 36-23 (+19.2 Units) against the money line in June games over the last 3 seasons.
TEXAS is 149-130 (+32.4 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 3 seasons.
TEXAS is 50-55 (+15.9 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
HAMELS is 35-17 (+20.5 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)
HOUSTON is 75-45 (+17.6 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 2 seasons.
HOUSTON is 37-14 (+18.2 Units) against the money line in road games against division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
COLE is 9-0 (+9.7 Units) against the money line in road games in June games since 1997. (Team's Record)

Head-to-Head Series History
TEXAS is 4-6 (+2.8 Units) against HOUSTON this season
7 of 10 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+3.5 Units)

GERRIT COLE vs. TEXAS since 1997
COLE is 2-0 when starting against TEXAS with an ERA of 1.29 and a WHIP of 0.667.
His team's record is 3-0 (+3.6 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-2. (-1.3 units)

COLE HAMELS vs. HOUSTON since 1997
HAMELS is 8-5 when starting against HOUSTON with an ERA of 3.95 and a WHIP of 1.218.
His team's record is 12-7 (+0.9 units) in these starts. The OVER is 7-10. (-3.8 units)

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KANSAS CITY (21 - 41) at OAKLAND (31 - 31) - 10:05 PM
JASON HAMMEL (R) vs. PAUL BLACKBURN (R)
Top Trends for this game.
KANSAS CITY is 21-41 (-13.5 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
KANSAS CITY is 11-30 (-16.0 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
OAKLAND is 174-102 (+54.5 Units) against the money line in home games in June games since 1997.
KANSAS CITY is 279-288 (+40.0 Units) against the money line in June games since 1997.
HAMMEL is 41-36 (+17.4 Units) against the money line in road games after a loss since 1997. (Team's Record)

Head-to-Head Series History
OAKLAND is 2-1 (+0.5 Units) against KANSAS CITY this season
1 of 2 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=-0.2 Units, Under=-0.2 Units)

JASON HAMMEL vs. OAKLAND since 1997
HAMMEL is 2-2 when starting against OAKLAND with an ERA of 5.18 and a WHIP of 1.455.
His team's record is 3-3 (+0.6 units) in these starts. The OVER is 4-1. (+3.2 units)

PAUL BLACKBURN vs. KANSAS CITY since 1997
BLACKBURN is 0-0 when starting against KANSAS CITY with an ERA of 9.00 and a WHIP of 2.750.
His team's record is 0-1 (-1.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-0. (+1.0 units)
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