Patriot's Day Action
By Judd Hall
Monday is a travel day for most teams in Major League Baseball as we have just seven games on the board. But the action gets off to an early start in Beantown with the Patriot’s Day special between the Red Sox and Orioles. We’ll also get to see if the Padres can keep proving the experts wrong by taking the final matchup of their four-game series at Philadelphia.
Baltimore Orioles at Boston Red Sox – 11:05 a.m. EDT
After a solid 4-1 start to the season, Baltimore (6-6, +276) is starting to look like the last-place team that everyone thought they would be after losing four straight games. The combined score in the O’s past three tilts is 37-19.
Look no further than the Orioles’ failures in the starting rotation and untimely errors for their . Mark Hendrickson, Jeremy Guthrie, Adam Eaton and Koji Uehara combined to pitch 19.1 innings and had given up 25 runs with just 15 of those earned.
Boston (6-6, -338) looks like they’re about to take flight having won three straight, covering the run line in each victory.
The Red Sox have been happy with the pitching (save for Daisuke Matsuzaka, of course), but the offense has been kept this team going right now…especially Kevin Youkilis. The Cincinnati native is second in the American League with a .468 batting average. Youkilis is 5-for-10 with four runs batted in during this series against Baltimore. Jason Bay is having a solid season as well with a .289 average, three homers and 10 RBI. Bay’s emergence is a good thing with David Ortiz (.170 BA, 4 RBI) spiraling towards mediocrity.
Baltimore will be sending Hendrickson (1-1, 3.00 ERA) out to the mound to hopefully get the club back on track. Anything better than the 3.2 IP and nine runs he allowed in his start against Texas on April 15 will be a positive for the southpaw.
The BoSox will trot Justin Masterson to start in lieu of Matsuzaka. This is just the right-hander’s 10th career start. But he has done well against the Orioles in his brief career, getting a win in two innings of work last September.
Bettors have seen the ‘over’ hit a lot for the Red Sox recently, cashing in at a 6-1-1 clip in their last eight games.
Baltimore has been an ‘over’ club too, going 9-3 over the course of the young season. And the ‘over’ has gone 5-1 in six road games for the O’s.
Las Vegas Sports Consultants have installed the Red Sox as $1.90 home favorites (risk $190 to win $100) with a total of 10 ½.
San Diego Padres at Philadelphia Phillies – 7:05 p.m. EDT
San Diego (9-4, +871) was supposed to be the worst team in the NL West, but they’re sitting atop the division and padding bettor’s wallets at the same time. This is a team that has already posted a 5-2 against their own division and is 4-2 against the best division in the senior circuit, the NL East.
The Padres haven’t been world beaters at the plate as they’re hitting .254 as a team. Yet they’re doing their damage when they have runners in scoring position as evidenced by a .271 batting average in that situation. And San Diego is doing even better when they have runners at second and third with two outs, ranking second in the NL with 22 RBI.
Something else the Pads have is confidence that they’ll have the win wrapped up if they lead into the ninth thanks to Heath Bell. The former setup man has moved seamlessly into the closing role in 2009, converting all seven of his save opportunities this season.
The new year has not been everything that the Phillies had hoped it would be. They have won just one of the four series played at this early juncture.
Philadelphia’s (5-6, -400) biggest issue has been its pitching, ranking dead last in the big leagues with a 7.16 earned run average. When you distill that number to just the starting rotation, it gets even worse at 7.50.
The Phils will send Jamie Moyer (1-1, 6.55 ERA) out to keep doing his Dorian Gray impression this Monday. It’s not a bad spot to start the ageless left-hander as he was 1-1 with a 2.92 ERA in two starts against the Pads last year.
What could pose a problem for Moyer is facing Scott Hairston, who has feasted upon left-handed pitchers this season. Hairston is hitting .375 with four RBI and one four-bagger in six games versus southpaws in 2009.
San Diego will give the ball to Kevin Correia (0-1, 4.09) to start the ballgame. He’s doesn’t have too much experience at Citizens Bank Park, but hasn’t liked the times he’s pitched there thus far. Correia is 0-1 with a 4.50 ERA in four innings of work through four appearances.
LVSC has made Philadelphia a $1.60 home “chalk” with the total standing pat at 10.
You’d hard pressed to find better road pups than the Padres since they’re 4-2 in that role this season. And they are 7-3 as when installed as underdogs for the year.
Philadelphia has been woeful as a home “chalk” this month as evidenced by a 2-4 mark.
Keep an eye on a high scoring matchup here as the ‘over’ is 7-1-1 for the Phils in their last nine games and 7-2 for the Padres.
vegasinsider.com
Baseball Today
SCOREBOARD
Monday, April 20
Baltimore at Boston (11:05 a.m. EDT). Orioles and Red Sox get an early start in the annual Patriots Day game at Fenway.
STARS
Sunday
— Cody Ross, Marlins, hit the tying homer in the eighth inning and a three-run double in the ninth, finishing 3-for-4 with five RBIs in Florida’s seventh straight win, 7-4 over Washington.
— Jon Lester, Red Sox, allowed four hits and two walks in seven shutout innings, striking out nine in Boston’s 2-1 win over Baltimore.
— Glen Perkins, Twins, allowed one run and four hits over eight innings in Minnesota’s 3-1 win over the Los Angeles Angels. He struck out four.
— Jim Thome, White Sox, went 2-for-3 with a homer and two RBIs in Chicago’s 12-2 win over Tampa Bay. Thome also scored four runs.
— Javier Vazquez, Braves, went six shutout innings and struck out eight in Atlanta’s 11-1 win over Pittsburgh. Vazquez allowed only five hits and a walk.
— Raul Ibanez, Phillies, went 2-for-4 with the game-ending two-run homer for Philadelphia in a 5-4 win over San Diego.
— Ricky Romero, Blue Jays, went seven innings and allowed four hits and two walks before turning it over to the bullpen, which held on to lead Toronto to a 1-0 win over Oakland.
— Michael Young, Rangers, hit a solo shot in the ninth inning off Kyle Farnsworth to give Texas a 6-5, come-from-behind victory over Kansas City.
CALLING JEFFREY MAIER
Umpires used video review to confirm that pinch-hitter Jorge Posada’s drive to right field was a home run in the Yankees’ 7-3 win over the Cleveland Indians. The ball was deflected by a fan and hit the top of the wall before landing in play. The two-run shot, reminiscent of Derek Jeter’s home run against Baltimore in the 1996 ALCS, gave New York the lead. Incidentally, replay wasn’t available when young fan Jeffrey Maier grabbed Jeter’s deep fly.
WASHED OUT
The finale of the Cubs’ four-game series against the Cardinals was rained out and will be made up as part of a doubleheader on July 12. It was called about 3 hours before the scheduled first pitch. It’s not as if the two teams won’t see each other for a while, though: they open a three-game series in St. Louis on Friday.
CLEANING HOUSE
The Nationals made a major in-season shuffle after another late-game loss, this time to the Florida Marlins. Reliever Saul Rivera and catcher Josh Bard were optioned to Triple-A Syracuse, and right-hander Steven Shell and left-hander Wil Ledezma designated for assignment. The team plans to purchase the contract of top prospect Jordan Zimmermann to start Monday night, along with veteran right-hander Kip Wells. Garrett Mock and Jason Bermann also will be recalled.
NOT AGAIN!
Kyle Farnsworth gave up a leadoff homer to Michael Young in the ninth inning, and the Rangers rallied for a 6-5 victory over Kansas City. The Royals acquired the free-agent pitcher to help shore up their bullpen, but so far he’s been hit with three of their five losses.
LONG WAIT
Brewers reliever Todd Coffey got an eight-inning save in a 4-2 victory over the Mets. It was his first save since 2006 with Cincinnati. … The White Sox beat the Rays to win consecutive games on artificial turf for the first time since Sept. 21-22, 2007, at Minnesota.
PINCH-HITTING PITCHER
Micah Owings keeps proving his worth beyond the mound. The Reds pitcher hit a pinch two-run double in the seventh inning that helped Cincinnati rally for a 4-2 win over Houston. The 2007 NL Silver Slugger winner for pitchers, Owings is 2-for-3 in pinch situations this season.
(STILL THE) BIG UNIT
Randy Johnson took a no-hitter into the seventh inning before the Giants held on to beat the Diamondbacks 2-0. Johnson was perfect through four and allowed only a double to Augie Ojeda opening the seventh. The 45-year-old Johnson got his 296th win in his first start against the Diamondbacks, with whom he spent eight seasons.
STREAKING
The Marlins have won seven straight after a 7-4 win over Washington, and improved to 11-1 for the best record in the majors. … The Dodgers won their eighth straight with a 14-2 win over Colorado. They’ve won their first six at home for the first time since the 1947 Brooklyn Dodgers started 8-0 at Ebbets Field in Jackie Robinson’s rookie year. … The Red Sox have won four straight and can finish a sweep of the Orioles on Monday.
STATISTICS
Jason Bay of the Red Sox went 0-for-3 and failed to reach base safely for the first time this season, halting a streak of 24 games. … Jack Cust of the A’s finished 0-for-4, failing to reach safely for the first time in 40 games. … Ryan Zimmerman’s RBI grounder for Washington snapped a scoreless streak of 24 2-3 scoreless innings by the Marlins bullpen.
SUSPENSION REDUCED
Josh Beckett’s suspension was reduced from six games to five, allowing the Boston ace to take his next turn in the rotation. Beckett threw a pitch near the head of the Angels’ Bobby Abreu last Sunday, leading to both dugouts and bullpens emptying. The right-hander was suspended on Tuesday and appealed the ruling. Beckett plans to start Saturday against the Yankees.
SPEAKING
“I didn’t take into account that I’d have to get above the fan to get the ball. I watched the replay and it looked like his glove was outstretched on top of mine. It all happened so fast.”—Indians outfielder Trevor Crowe, after a fan appeared to interfere with him on what became a go-ahead two-run homer by Jorge Posada in the Yankees’ 7-3 victory.
Monday's streaking and slumping MLB pitchers
By COVERS.com
Streaking
Jason Marquis, Colorado Rockies
Marquis' stuff might not be much to write home about, but the righty has always been effective. The Chicago Cub throw-away has put together two high-quality outings.
He's allowed just three runs in 14 innings of work with an impressive 1.00 WHIP (walks and hits per inning). Colorado has won in both of Marquis' starts and with Aaron Cook struggling to pitch past the fourth inning, it might not be too long before Marquis assumes the role as the rotation's ace.
Slumping
Andrew Miller, Florida Marlins
Miller, along with outfielder Cameron Maybin, was the prize piece of the deal that sent Miguel Cabrera and Dontrelle Willis to Detroit. The lefty starter hasn't been able to lock down a spot in the Marlins' rotation and he has no one to blame but himself.
Miller started 20 games in 31 appearances last year for Florida and finished with an ERA just south of six. In his first start this season, Miller was ousted in the fourth inning after allowing four earned runs.
Batters are teeing off with a .394 average against the former Tiger prospect.
Jon Garland, Arizona Diamondbacks
Garland, a two-time 18-game winner, was dumped by the Angels after one mediocre campaign (4.90 ERA). The righty pitched respectably in his first start with the D-backs, but got roughed up in his second.
St. Louis ran up seven runs in three and two thirds last Wednesday. Garland walked five and didn't get one Card down on strikes.
BALTIMORE vs. BOSTON
Baltimore is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games when playing Boston
Baltimore is 3-15 SU in its last 18 games on the road
Boston is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Boston's last 6 games
ATLANTA vs. WASHINGTON
Atlanta is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games when playing Washington
The total has gone OVER in 11 of Atlanta's last 13 games when playing Washington
Washington is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Washington's last 7 games at home
FLORIDA vs. PITTSBURGH
Florida is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games when playing Pittsburgh
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Florida's last 7 games when playing Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh is 13-6 SU in its last 19 games when playing at home against Florida
Pittsburgh is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games when playing Florida
OAKLAND vs. NY YANKEES
Oakland is 5-12 SU in its last 17 games
The total has gone OVER in 8 of Oakland's last 11 games
NY Yankees are 4-2 SU in their last 6 games when playing at home against Oakland
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of NY Yankees's last 6 games when playing at home against Oakland
SAN DIEGO vs. PHILADELPHIA
San Diego is 8-2 SU in its last 10 games
The total has gone OVER in 7 of San Diego's last 9 games
Philadelphia is 12-4 SU in its last 16 games at home
Philadelphia is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games at home
CINCINNATI vs. HOUSTON
Cincinnati is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Cincinnati's last 5 games
The total has gone UNDER in 8 of Houston's last 9 games when playing at home against Cincinnati
Houston is 17-5 SU in its last 22 games when playing Cincinnati
COLORADO vs. ARIZONA
Colorado is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games on the road
Colorado is 1-6 SU in its last 7 games
Arizona is 7-2 SU in its last 9 games when playing at home against Colorado
The total has gone OVER in 9 of Arizona's last 12 games when playing at home against Colorado
Hot Pitchers
-- Lowe is 1-0, 2.81 in his first three Atlanta starts.
-- Cincinnati won both Arroyo starts, scoring 14 runs. Hampton has a 2.45 RA in his first two '09 starts.
-- Marquis is 2-0, 1.93 in his first two starts for Colorado.
-- Pettitte is 1-0, 2.51 in his two starts this season.
Cold Pitchers
-- Zimmerman makes first big league start; he allowed three runs in 5.1 IP in his only minor league start this season.
-- Miller is 0-4, 9.43 in his last six starts. Ohlendorf is 0-2, 4.76 in his first two '09 starts.
-- Moyer has 6.55 RA in his first two '09 starts. Correia is 0-1, 4.09 in his first two starts with San Diego.
-- Garland has an 8.44 RA in his first two starts for Arizona.
-- Masterson is 1-3, 4.55 in his last five starts. Hendrickson is 1-1, 9.00 in two starts this season.
-- Eveland has 6.75 RA in two games; Oakland bullpen won both.
Hot Teams
-- Marlins won eleven of their first twelve games. Pirates are 4-1 in the game following a loss this season.
-- San Diego won eight of its last ten games.
-- Cincinnati won five of its last seven games.
-- Red Sox won last four games, scoring 26 runs.
-- Bronx is 7-0 if they allow less than six runs, 0-6 if they don't.
Cold Teams
-- Nationals lost ten of their first 11 games. Braves lost five of their last six games. .
-- Phillies lost four of their first six home games.
-- Astros lost three of their last four home games.
-- Rockies lost six of their last seven games. Arizona lost eight of its last eleven games.
-- Orioles lost last three games, allowed 60 runs in last six.
-- Oakland lost three of its last four games.
Totals
-- Three of last four Atlanta road games went over the total.
-- Six of last nine Pittsburgh games stayed under the total.
-- Over is 7-1-1 in Philadelphia's last nine games.
-- Last seven Houston games stayed under the total.
-- Five of last seven Arizona games stayed under the total.
-- Nine of twelve Baltimore games went over the total.
-- Eight of last eleven Oakland games went over the total.
ATLANTA (6 - 6) at WASHINGTON (1 - 10)
DEREK LOWE (R) vs. JORDAN ZIMMERMAN (R)
Top Trends for this game.
ATLANTA is 28-51 (-21.5 Units) against the money line in road games after a win over the last 3 seasons.
ATLANTA is 10-27 (-19.1 Units) against the money line in road games when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.
ATLANTA is 78-96 (-25.3 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
ATLANTA is 32-55 (-19.0 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 2 seasons.
ATLANTA is 77-94 (-24.4 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
ATLANTA is 53-64 (-16.7 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.
WASHINGTON is 34-77 (-33.8 Units) against the money line after a loss over the last 2 seasons.
WASHINGTON is 15-37 (-18.5 Units) against the money line after 3 or more consecutive losses over the last 2 seasons.
WASHINGTON is 60-112 (-33.4 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
WASHINGTON is 28-79 (-38.4 Units) against the money line when the total is 8 to 8.5 over the last 3 seasons.
WASHINGTON is 17-41 (-20.7 Units) against the money line at home when the total is 8 to 8.5 over the last 3 seasons.
WASHINGTON is 10-27 (-15.5 Units) against the money line in April games over the last 2 seasons.
WASHINGTON is 60-109 (-30.4 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
WASHINGTON is 41-78 (-24.8 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.
Head-to-Head Series History
ATLANTA is 3-0 (+3.0 Units) against WASHINGTON this season
2 of 3 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+1.0 Units)
DEREK LOWE vs. WASHINGTON since 1997
LOWE is 5-1 when starting against WASHINGTON with an ERA of 2.45 and a WHIP of 0.955.
His team's record is 6-1 (+4.1 units) in these starts. The OVER is 3-4. (-1.2 units)
JORDAN ZIMMERMAN vs. ATLANTA since 1997
No recent starts.
FLORIDA (11 - 1) at PITTSBURGH (6 - 6)
ANDREW MILLER (L) vs. ROSS OHLENDORF (R)
Top Trends for this game.
PITTSBURGH is 55-40 (+18.7 Units) against the money line in home games after allowing 10 runs or more since 1997.
PITTSBURGH is 246-263 (+27.0 Units) against the money line in home games when playing against a team with a winning record since 1997.
FLORIDA is 9-1 (+9.1 Units) against the money line after a win this season.
FLORIDA is 17-8 (+10.3 Units) against the money line after 3 or more consecutive wins over the last 2 seasons.
FLORIDA is 11-1 (+11.3 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
FLORIDA is 63-37 (+34.8 Units) against the money line when the total is 9 to 9.5 over the last 2 seasons.
FLORIDA is 45-41 (+17.0 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 2 seasons.
FLORIDA is 28-13 (+24.1 Units) against the money line on the road when the total is 9 to 9.5 over the last 2 seasons.
FLORIDA is 11-1 (+11.3 Units) against the money line in April games this season.
FLORIDA is 11-1 (+11.3 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
FLORIDA is 65-59 (+13.9 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.
FLORIDA is 67-57 (+18.1 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.
ANDREW MILLER vs. PITTSBURGH since 1997
No recent starts.
ROSS OHLENDORF vs. FLORIDA since 1997
No recent starts.
SAN DIEGO (9 - 4) at PHILADELPHIA (5 - 6)
KEVIN CORREIA (R) vs. JAMIE MOYER (L)
Top Trends for this game.
SAN DIEGO is 72-102 (-27.8 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
SAN DIEGO is 4-18 (-12.6 Units) against the money line as a road underdog of +125 to +150 over the last 2 seasons.
SAN DIEGO is 72-102 (-27.8 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
PHILADELPHIA is 39-15 (+21.8 Units) against the money line at home when the total is 10 to 10.5 over the last 3 seasons.
MOYER is 235-161 (+42.6 Units) against the money line in all games since 1997. (Team's Record)
MOYER is 19-3 (+15.1 Units) against the money line in home games when playing on Monday since 1997. (Team's Record)
Head-to-Head Series History
SAN DIEGO is 2-1 (+2.3 Units) against PHILADELPHIA this season
2 of 3 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+0.9 Units)
KEVIN CORREIA vs. PHILADELPHIA since 1997
CORREIA is 1-0 when starting against PHILADELPHIA with an ERA of 1.50 and a WHIP of 1.500.
His team's record is 1-0 (+1.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 0-1. (-1.2 units)
JAMIE MOYER vs. SAN DIEGO since 1997
MOYER is 6-4 when starting against SAN DIEGO with an ERA of 3.94 and a WHIP of 1.248.
His team's record is 6-6 (-1.9 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 6-5. (+0.3 units)
CINCINNATI (6 - 5) at HOUSTON (4 - 8)
BRONSON ARROYO (R) vs. MIKE HAMPTON (L)
Top Trends for this game.
CINCINNATI is 32-44 (-17.6 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.
HOUSTON is 45-41 (+14.5 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
HOUSTON is 90-83 (+17.4 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
HOUSTON is 88-82 (+15.1 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
HOUSTON is 66-58 (+13.0 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.
HAMPTON is 88-45 (+33.6 Units) against the money line when the total is 8 to 8.5 since 1997. (Team's Record)
HAMPTON is 53-16 (+29.3 Units) against the money line at home when the total is 8 to 8.5 since 1997. (Team's Record)
CINCINNATI is 222-236 (+41.6 Units) against the money line in road games after a win since 1997.
CINCINNATI is 453-525 (+45.9 Units) against the money line in road games since 1997.
CINCINNATI is 298-340 (+32.2 Units) against the money line in road games in night games since 1997.
Head-to-Head Series History
CINCINNATI is 2-1 (+1.4 Units) against HOUSTON this season
3 of 3 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+3.0 Units)
BRONSON ARROYO vs. HOUSTON since 1997
ARROYO is 4-6 when starting against HOUSTON with an ERA of 5.86 and a WHIP of 1.422.
His team's record is 6-8 (-1.9 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 5-9. (-5.1 units)
MIKE HAMPTON vs. CINCINNATI since 1997
HAMPTON is 5-2 when starting against CINCINNATI with an ERA of 3.69 and a WHIP of 1.361.
His team's record is 9-4 (+2.9 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 6-7. (-1.6 units)
COLORADO (4 - 7) at ARIZONA (4 - 8)
JASON MARQUIS (R) vs. JON GARLAND (R)
Top Trends for this game.
COLORADO is 36-56 (-19.8 Units) against the money line after a loss over the last 2 seasons.
COLORADO is 4-20 (-15.1 Units) against the money line in road games after 3 or more consecutive losses over the last 3 seasons.
COLORADO is 77-96 (-25.4 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
COLORADO is 5-14 (-11.9 Units) against the money line when playing on Monday over the last 2 seasons.
COLORADO is 77-96 (-25.4 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
COLORADO is 48-73 (-26.4 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
MARQUIS is 48-67 (-40.2 Units) against the money line in night games since 1997. (Team's Record)
MARQUIS is 54-60 (-31.0 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record since 1997. (Team's Record)
MARQUIS is 18-7 (+11.9 Units) against the money line after a loss over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
ARIZONA is 87-88 (-19.9 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
ARIZONA is 87-85 (-16.3 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
ARIZONA is 59-64 (-19.5 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
Head-to-Head Series History
COLORADO is 2-1 (+1.7 Units) against ARIZONA this season
2 of 3 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+1.0 Units)
JASON MARQUIS vs. ARIZONA since 1997
MARQUIS is 2-5 when starting against ARIZONA with an ERA of 3.41 and a WHIP of 1.187.
His team's record is 3-6 (-4.0 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 4-4. (-0.5 units)
JON GARLAND vs. COLORADO since 1997
No recent starts.
BALTIMORE (6 - 6) at BOSTON (6 - 6)
MARK HENDRICKSON (L) vs. JUSTIN MASTERSON (R)
Top Trends for this game.
BALTIMORE is 123-230 (-102.5 Units) against the money line after 3 or more consecutive losses since 1997.
BALTIMORE is 26-55 (-21.4 Units) against the money line against division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
BALTIMORE is 13-37 (-22.5 Units) against the money line in day games over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 99-60 (+19.9 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
BALTIMORE is 325-382 (+27.5 Units) against the money line in road games against right-handed starters since 1997.
BOSTON is 292-268 (-51.1 Units) against the money line against left-handed starters since 1997.
BOSTON is 337-253 (-47.0 Units) against the money line in home games after a win since 1997.
Head-to-Head Series History
BOSTON is 3-0 (+3.0 Units) against BALTIMORE this season
2 of 3 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+1.0 Units)
MARK HENDRICKSON vs. BOSTON since 1997
HENDRICKSON is 2-6 when starting against BOSTON with an ERA of 8.60 and a WHIP of 1.945.
His team's record is 4-9 (-3.2 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 3-9. (-6.8 units)
JUSTIN MASTERSON vs. BALTIMORE since 1997
No recent starts.
OAKLAND (5 - 7) at NY YANKEES (7 - 6)
DANA EVELAND (L) vs. ANDY PETTITTE (L)
Top Trends for this game.
PETTITTE is 31-7 (+17.9 Units) against the money line as a home favorite of -175 to -200 since 1997. (Team's Record)
NY YANKEES are 207-140 (-63.1 Units) against the money line at home when the total is 10 to 10.5 since 1997.
NY YANKEES are 30-35 (-20.3 Units) against the money line in April games over the last 3 seasons.
Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.
DANA EVELAND vs. NY YANKEES since 1997
EVELAND is 0-1 when starting against NY YANKEES with an ERA of 3.00 and a WHIP of 1.667.
His team's record is 0-1 (-1.0 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 1-0. (+1.0 units)
ANDY PETTITTE vs. OAKLAND since 1997
PETTITTE is 8-3 when starting against OAKLAND with an ERA of 2.65 and a WHIP of 1.069.
His team's record is 9-6 (+2.4 units) in these starts. The OVER is 5-10. (-6.2 units)
Tips and Trends
Oakland Athletics at New York Yankees
Athletics: Jason Giambi returns to New York to face the Yankees for the first time since rejoining Oakland. Giambi will face former teammate Andy Pettitte for the first time since 2001. He is 7-for-25 with no homers in his career versus Pettitte. Oakland has lost three out of four and will start Dana Eveland (0-0, 6.75). Eveland allowed five runs over 4 2-3 innings Tuesday in a 6-5, 12-inning home win over Boston. The left-hander has faced the Yankees once, yielding two runs in six innings of a 3-1 home loss on June 10, 2008. The A's bullpen has been very solid this season, sporting a 2.72 ERA and 1.00 WHIP.
The Athletics are 2-9 in their last 11 games vs. a left-handed starter.
Key Injuries - IF Nomar Garciaparra (calf) is QUESTIONABLE.
PROJECTED SCORE: 3
Yankees (-180, O/U 10): The Yankees and Indians combined for 20 homers in the first series at the new Yankee Stadium, but just 3 occured in yesterday's game. "The last two days the wind was blowing out, so today was a bit more normal," Jorge Posada said of yesterday's game. Andy Pettitte (1-0, 2.51 ERA) will make his first start in the new ballpark. He has pitched well in his first two road outings. The veteran left-hander is 10-5 with a 3.27 ERA in 19 career starts versus the A's. The Yankees bullpen pitched well yesterday, but has struggled overall this season (7.05 ERA, 1.61 WHIP).
The Under is 13-3 in the last 16 meetings in New York.
The Under is 15-5-1 in Pettitte's last 21 starts as a home favorite.
Key Injuries - 3B Alex Rodriguez (hip) is on the 15-day DL.
OF Xavier Nady (elbow) is on the 15-day DL.
PROJECTED SCORE: 5 (UNDER - Total Play of the Day)
Baseball Today
SCOREBOARD
Tuesday, April 21
Texas at Toronto (7:07 p.m. EDT). Blue Jays ace Roy Halladay (3-0) tries to stay unbeaten when he goes against the Texas Rangers.
STARS
Monday
— Dustin Pedroia, Red Sox, went 4-for-6 with three run-scoring singles to lift Boston to a 12-1 win over Baltimore for a four-game sweep.
— Mark Reynolds, Diamondbacks, homered and doubled to help Arizona beat Colorado 6-3.
— Ross Ohlendorf, Pirates, allowed two hits over seven innings to during Pittsburgh’s third shutout in four games, an 8-0 victory that ended Florida’s seven-game winning streak.
STELLAR STARTS
With an 8-0 win over Florida, the Pirates now have four shutouts. That’s twice as many as they had last season, when their 5.10 ERA was the NL’s worst and the third worst in franchise history. They’ve cut that by more than two runs per game to 3.08, even while losing 11-1 Sunday to Atlanta. They shut out the Braves 3-0 and 10-0 in the first two games of that series.
SUPERB SENIOR
Mitchell High senior Patrick Schuster threw his fourth straight no-hitter at the suburban school northwest of Tampa. The lanky left-hander struck out 17 to help his team beat rival Pasco High 5-0 in front of a full house of several hundred spectators. Schuster’s streak began April 3. He’s piled up 60 strikeouts in the four games, helping Mitchell to a 19-3 record. He’s 7-0 on the season.
WASHED OUT
Jason Giambi’s return to New York was delayed a day as the Athletics’ game against the Yankees was rained out. No makeup date was announced, but in addition to the remainder of this week’s series on Tuesday night and Wednesday afternoon, the A’s return for another three-game set from July 24-26. The Padres finale of a three-game set with Philadelphia was also rained out.
LONG BALL
Home runs are flying out of Yankee Stadium at a record pace for a new ballpark. Twenty were hit in the first four games alone as New York and Cleveland split the opening series that ended Sunday. That’s easily the high for the first four games at a major league park, according to the Elias Sports Bureau, topping the 16 when Oakland started the 1996 season at Cashman Field in Las Vegas.
SIDELINED
The Minnesota Twins placed reliever Jesse Crain on the 15-day disabled list with a sore right shoulder, another setback for their unstable bullpen. The move was made Monday, retroactive to Saturday, after an MRI test showed inflammation in the joint. … Florida Marlins starting pitcher Andrew Miller went on the 15-day disabled list with an oblique injury after giving up four runs and five hits in 4 2-3 innings during an 8-0 loss in Pittsburgh.
SPEAKING
“One guy does it, the next guy does it, and the next thing you know the whole confidence in the dugout is up. You start putting together some hits and score some runs, and I think if we do that a couple of days in a row, stuff will turn around.”—Diamondbacks third baseman Mark Reynolds after Arizona broke out of an offensive slump with a 6-3 win over Colorado.
ATLANTA vs. WASHINGTON
The total has gone OVER in 11 of Atlanta's last 14 games when playing Washington
Atlanta is 1-6 SU in its last 7 games
Washington is 3-10 SU in its last 13 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 15 of Washington's last 23 games at home
CHI WHITE SOX vs. BALTIMORE
Chi White Sox are 4-2 SU in their last 6 games when playing Baltimore
The total has gone OVER in 12 of Chi White Sox's last 18 games when playing on the road against Baltimore
Baltimore is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Baltimore's last 7 games at home
FLORIDA vs. PITTSBURGH
Florida is 7-1 SU in its last 8 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Florida's last 10 games on the road
Pittsburgh is 14-6 SU in its last 20 games when playing at home against Florida
KANSAS CITY vs. CLEVELAND
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Kansas City's last 5 games when playing on the road against Cleveland
Kansas City is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing Cleveland
Cleveland is 7-2 SU in its last 9 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 7 of Cleveland's last 8 games at home
MILWAUKEE vs. PHILADELPHIA
Milwaukee is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Philadelphia
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Milwaukee's last 9 games when playing on the road against Philadelphia
Philadelphia is 8-1 SU in its last 9 games when playing Milwaukee
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Philadelphia's last 5 games when playing Milwaukee
OAKLAND vs. NY YANKEES
Oakland is 2-4 SU in their last 6 games when playing on the road against NY Yankees
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Oakland's last 6 games when playing on the road against NY Yankees
NY Yankees are 7-2 SU in their last 9 games at home
NY Yankees are 4-2 SU in their last 6 games
TEXAS vs. TORONTO
Texas is 2-7 SU in its last 9 games
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Texas's last 7 games
Toronto is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games when playing at home against Texas
The total has gone UNDER in 16 of Toronto's last 21 games when playing at home against Texas
MINNESOTA vs. BOSTON
Minnesota is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Boston
Minnesota is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games when playing Boston
Boston is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Boston's last 7 games
LA DODGERS vs. HOUSTON
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of LA Dodgers's last 7 games when playing Houston
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of LA Dodgers's last 7 games on the road
Houston is 3-8 SU in its last 11 games
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Houston's last 8 games
CINCINNATI vs. CHI CUBS
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Cincinnati's last 6 games when playing Chi Cubs
Cincinnati is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games on the road
Chi Cubs are 5-2 SU in their last 7 games
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Chi Cubs's last 7 games
NY METS vs. ST. LOUIS
NY Mets are 4-2 SU in its last 6 games when playing St. Louis
The total has gone OVER in 5 of NY Mets's last 6 games when playing St. Louis
St. Louis is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games when playing NY Mets
The total has gone OVER in 5 of St. Louis's last 6 games when playing NY Mets
COLORADO vs. ARIZONA
Colorado is 2-8 SU in its last 10 games when playing on the road against Arizona
The total has gone OVER in 9 of Colorado's last 13 games when playing on the road against Arizona
Arizona is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games at home
Arizona is 3-6 SU in its last 9 games
DETROIT vs. LA ANGELS
Detroit is 4-12 SU in its last 16 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Detroit's last 6 games on the road
LA Angels are 1-5 SU in their last 6 games
LA Angels are 6-1 SU in their last 7 games when playing at home against Detroit
TAMPA BAY vs. SEATTLE
Tampa Bay is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing Seattle
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Tampa Bay's last 6 games when playing Seattle
Seattle is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games when playing at home against Tampa Bay
Seattle is 6-3 SU in its last 9 games at home
SAN DIEGO vs. SAN FRANCISCO
San Diego is 8-2 SU in its last 10 games
The total has gone OVER in 7 of San Diego's last 9 games
The total has gone OVER in 5 of San Francisco's last 5 games when playing San Diego
San Francisco is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against San Diego
Hot Pitchers
-- Sanchez is 1-0, 1.64 in two starts for the Marlins.
-- Kershaw is 0-0, 0.75 in two starts this season.
-- Wellemeyer is 1-0, 4.50 in two starts for the Cardinals.
-- Peavy is 2-1, 4.43 in three starts this season. Cain is 1-0, 1.93 in his two starts in 2009.
-- Halladay is 3-0, 3.00 so far this season.
-- Pettitte is 1-0, 2.51 in his two starts this season.
-- Wakefield is 1-1, 3.00 in two starts this season. Baker is 2-1, 3.50 in his last three starts.
-- Galarraga is 2-0, 0.68 in two starts this season. Weaver is 1-1, 3.86 in two starts this season.
-- Washburn is 1-0, 1.29 in two starts this season.
Cold Pitchers
-- Karstens is 0-6, 7.81 in his last eight starts.
-- Kawakami is 1-1, 6.00 in his first two American starts. Martis has a 4.82 RA in his first two starts this season.
-- Moyer has 6.55 RA in his first two '09 starts. Parra is 0-2, 6.97 in his two starts this season.
-- Harden is 0-1, 6.00 in his first two '09 starts.
-- Perez is 1-1, 7.84 in two starts this season.
-- Owings is 0-7, 9.21 in his last nine starts. Ortiz allowed three runs in 4.2 IP in his first start for the Astros.
-- Morales was 0-1, 6.30 in two starts vs Arizona LY. Petit is 0-2, 9.49 in his last three starts.
-- McCarthy has 4.91 RA in his first two '09 starts.
-- Eveland has 6.75 RA in two games; Oakland bullpen won both.
-- Royals are 0-2 in Ponson starts (0-1, 4.50). Laffey is 0-2, 12.46 in his last three starts.
-- Bergesen is 1-1, 2.45 in two starts at AAA this year. Contreras is 0-2, 7.84 in two starts this season.
-- Rays are 0-2 in Sonnanstine starts (0-1, 6.52).
Hot Teams
-- Marlins won eleven of their first thirteen games. Pirates won three of their last four games.
-- Dodgers won last eight games by combined score of 64-20.
-- Cubs won five of their last seven games.
-- Cincinnati won six of its last eight games.
-- Cardinals won five of their last six home games.
-- San Diego won eight of its last ten games. Giants won three of their last four home games.
-- Toronto won four of its last five games.
-- Royals won five of their last seven games.
-- White Sox won six of their last eight games.
-- Red Sox won last five games, scoring 38 runs. Twins won last three games, scoring 23 runs.
-- Bronx is 7-0 if they allow less than six runs, 0-6 if they don't.
-- Tigers won three of their last four games.
Cold Teams
-- Nationals lost ten of their first 12 games. Braves lost six of their last seven games. .
-- Brewers lost six of their last eight games. Phillies lost four of their first six home games.
-- Astros lost four of their last five home games.
-- Mets lost three of their last four road games, but are 4-0 in first game of a series.
-- Rockies lost seven of their last eight games. Arizona lost eight of its last twelve games.
-- Rangers lost seven of their last nine games.
-- Indians lost nine of their first thirteen games.
-- Orioles lost last four games, allowed 72 runs in last seven.
-- Oakland lost three of its last four games.
-- Angels lost five of their last six games.
-- Mariners lost three of their last four games. Rays lost five of last six.
Totals
-- Seven of last ten Pittsburgh games stayed under the total.
-- Over is 8-3-1 in Washington games.
-- Over is 7-1-1 in Philadelphia's last nine games. Under is 3-1-1 in last five Milwaukee road games.
-- Last eight Houston games stayed under the total; seven of last nine Dodger games went over.
-- Five of last seven Cub games went over the total; five of Cincinnati's last six games stayed under.
-- Four of Mets' last five games stayed under the total.
-- Six of last eight Arizona games stayed under the total.
-- Over is 9-2-1 in Texas games this season.
-- Eight of last eleven Oakland games went over the total.
-- Ten of thirteen Cleveland games went over the total.
-- Seven of last eight Baltimore games went over the total.
-- Seven of last eight Boston games went over the total.
-- Over is 3-0-2 in last five games in Anaheim.
-- Last three Tampa Bay games all went over the total.
American League Research
By Indiancowboy
Whitesox vs. Orioles
The Whitesox roll into taking 3 of 4 from TB and the Orioles are peeved from getting spanked by the Redsox. Contreras is 0-2 with a 6.97era this but he does have some good numbers against the Os as he is 2-0 with a 1.32era against them. But, he has struggled a bit this year. Bergesen is 1-1 with a 2.45 in triple A and the Os have decided to call him up as Simon is banged up for a while. I don't know if I trust a Triple A pitcher or Contreras who seems to be turnig the corner of late and does have some good numbers against the Os, small lean on the Os as Bergesen has the honeymoon the first time through the lineup as the Sox will get used to him, but likely will just stay away.
KC vs. Cleveland
Ponson has actually pitched in back to back unders. He had a solid start against Cle in his last effort and Laffey pitched well in his last start against KC going 5 innings and giving up just 3 hits and 2 runs. I actually think KC has a solid chance of winning this game today as the Royals have an edge facing Laffey once again and are getting great value here. Bear in mind though Ponson is 0-7 against the Indians with an 8+era against them lifetime, he has lost a good amount of weight, and whenever pitchers re-duel, the advantage goes to the pitcher + the team that comes off a loss, similar to a revenge game.
Oakland vs. NYY
Eveland is still yet to pick up a decision this year as he is 0-0 with a 6.75era, he had a solid start against the Angels only to have a lax start against the RSox at home. Pettitte is doing great for the Yankees thus far as he is 1-0 with a 2.51era as he is showing great control. The Yanks come off a nice RL cover the Indians to their credit and with Eveland still giving up his fair share of hits and this being a road game (although he is on a bounce-back), a small lean on the RL here, but more of a lean on the Under given that Pettitte is pitching well but Eveland is the question mark, does he bounce-back on the road or post another shaky outing?
Texas vs. Toronto
McCarthy is 1-0 with a 4.91era for the year and he is 1-2 with a 4.05era against the Jays lifetime. Texas was 1-1 with a 2.5era against Halladay last year so they look to get the better of him at the start of this year. Halladay is back in Cy Young form as he is 3-0 with a 3era. Texas has lost all 3 road games this year, but I would not be surprised if this game goes over the 8 run total that is posted. Nevertheless, likely just staying away as McCarthy has pitched decent this year.
Minnesota vs. Boston
Boston romped the Orioles in their last game yesterday afternoon 12-1. Baker had a horrendous start against the Bluejays at home as he accrued a 13.50 era on April 15th. I think the got the cobwebs out and is in for a better start here today. Wakefield looks for revenge from getting beat up by the Twins last year, call me nuts, but I would not be surprised to see an under 9.5 as I expect a strong performance from Baker as he looks to bounce-back and Wakefield will remember last year's start against this team, I just wish he wasn't coming off a CG for a potential let down here though.
Detroit vs. L.A. Angels
Gallaraga has been awesome to start the year as he is 2-0 with a 0.68era. Weaver is 1-1 this year with a 3.09era as he looks to bounce-back from his shaky outing at Seattle. A lean on the under here as both pitchers are likely to do well today.
FLORIDA (11 - 2) at PITTSBURGH (7 - 6)
ANIBAL SANCHEZ (R) vs. JEFF KARSTENS (R)
Top Trends for this game.
PITTSBURGH is 247-263 (+28.2 Units) against the money line in home games when playing against a team with a winning record since 1997.
FLORIDA is 11-2 (+10.0 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
FLORIDA is 63-38 (+33.5 Units) against the money line when the total is 9 to 9.5 over the last 2 seasons.
FLORIDA is 45-42 (+15.7 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 2 seasons.
FLORIDA is 28-14 (+22.8 Units) against the money line on the road when the total is 9 to 9.5 over the last 2 seasons.
FLORIDA is 11-2 (+10.0 Units) against the money line in April games this season.
FLORIDA is 82-75 (+29.6 Units) against the money line in road games when playing on Tuesday since 1997.
FLORIDA is 11-2 (+10.0 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
FLORIDA is 65-60 (+12.6 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.
FLORIDA is 67-58 (+16.8 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
FLORIDA is 48-31 (+24.9 Units) against the money line after a loss over the last 2 seasons.
FLORIDA is 43-36 (+19.6 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
Head-to-Head Series History
PITTSBURGH is 1-0 (+1.2 Units) against FLORIDA this season
1 of 1 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+1.0 Units)
ANIBAL SANCHEZ vs. PITTSBURGH since 1997
No recent starts.
JEFF KARSTENS vs. FLORIDA since 1997
No recent starts.
ATLANTA (6 - 7) at WASHINGTON (2 - 10)
KENSHIN KAWAKAMI (R) vs. SHAIRON MARTIS (R)
Top Trends for this game.
ATLANTA is 78-97 (-26.7 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
ATLANTA is 32-56 (-20.4 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 2 seasons.
ATLANTA is 77-95 (-25.8 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
ATLANTA is 53-65 (-18.1 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.
ATLANTA is 10-28 (-20.5 Units) against the money line in road games when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.
WASHINGTON is 91-85 (+35.0 Units) against the money line when the total is 9 to 9.5 over the last 3 seasons.
WASHINGTON is 53-39 (+21.1 Units) against the money line at home when the total is 9 to 9.5 over the last 3 seasons.
WASHINGTON is 69-69 (+20.5 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 3 seasons.
WASHINGTON is 61-112 (-32.1 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
WASHINGTON is 61-109 (-29.1 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
WASHINGTON is 42-78 (-23.5 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.
Head-to-Head Series History
ATLANTA is 3-1 (+1.6 Units) against WASHINGTON this season
2 of 4 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=-0.1 Units, Under=-0.4 Units)
KENSHIN KAWAKAMI vs. WASHINGTON since 1997
KAWAKAMI is 1-0 when starting against WASHINGTON with an ERA of 4.50 and a WHIP of 1.333.
His team's record is 1-0 (+1.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 0-1. (-1.1 units)
SHAIRON MARTIS vs. ATLANTA since 1997
MARTIS is 0-1 when starting against ATLANTA with an ERA of 5.63 and a WHIP of 1.875.
His team's record is 0-2 (-2.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-1. (+0.0 units)
MILWAUKEE (4 - 8) at PHILADELPHIA (5 - 6)
MANNY PARRA (L) vs. JAMIE MOYER (L)
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.
Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.
MANNY PARRA vs. PHILADELPHIA since 1997
PARRA is 0-1 when starting against PHILADELPHIA with an ERA of 33.83 and a WHIP of 7.519.
His team's record is 0-1 (-1.0 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 0-1. (-1.1 units)
JAMIE MOYER vs. MILWAUKEE since 1997
MOYER is 3-2 when starting against MILWAUKEE with an ERA of 2.82 and a WHIP of 1.142.
His team's record is 5-2 (+2.9 units) in these starts. The OVER is 3-4. (-1.5 units)
LA DODGERS (10 - 3) at HOUSTON (4 - 9)
CLAYTON KERSHAW (L) vs. RUSS ORTIZ (R)
Top Trends for this game.
LA DODGERS are 142-162 (-53.6 Units) against the money line when playing on Tuesday since 1997.
HOUSTON is 90-84 (+16.2 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
HOUSTON is 88-83 (+13.9 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
HOUSTON is 45-42 (+13.3 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
ORTIZ is 100-67 (+27.4 Units) against the money line in night games since 1997. (Team's Record)
Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.
CLAYTON KERSHAW vs. HOUSTON since 1997
KERSHAW is 0-0 when starting against HOUSTON with an ERA of 4.76 and a WHIP of 1.411.
His team's record is 1-0 (+1.3 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-0. (+1.0 units)
RUSS ORTIZ vs. LA DODGERS since 1997
ORTIZ is 8-9 when starting against LA DODGERS with an ERA of 5.11 and a WHIP of 1.636.
His team's record is 11-10 (-0.1 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 9-12. (-4.0 units)
CINCINNATI (7 - 5) at CHICAGO CUBS (7 - 4)
MICAH OWINGS (R) vs. RICH HARDEN (R)
Top Trends for this game.
CINCINNATI is 454-525 (+47.0 Units) against the money line in road games since 1997.
CINCINNATI is 393-472 (+30.8 Units) against the money line in road games in games played on a grass field since 1997.
CINCINNATI is 299-340 (+33.3 Units) against the money line in road games in night games since 1997.
CINCINNATI is 333-385 (+34.9 Units) against the money line in road games against right-handed starters since 1997.
CINCINNATI is 223-236 (+42.7 Units) against the money line in road games after a win since 1997.
CHICAGO CUBS are 964-1013 (-184.2 Units) against the money line in all games since 1997.
CHICAGO CUBS are 516-472 (-110.7 Units) against the money line in home games since 1997.
CHICAGO CUBS are 131-161 (-56.5 Units) against the money line when playing on Tuesday since 1997.
CHICAGO CUBS are 907-929 (-162.0 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field since 1997.
CHICAGO CUBS are 379-347 (-73.3 Units) against the money line in home games against right-handed starters since 1997.
CHICAGO CUBS are 466-496 (-118.5 Units) against the money line after a win since 1997.
Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.
MICAH OWINGS vs. CHICAGO CUBS since 1997
OWINGS is 0-1 when starting against CHICAGO CUBS with an ERA of 4.50 and a WHIP of 1.500.
His team's record is 1-1 (+0.2 units) in these starts. The OVER is 0-2. (-2.0 units)
RICH HARDEN vs. CINCINNATI since 1997
HARDEN is 2-0 when starting against CINCINNATI with an ERA of 2.92 and a WHIP of 0.892.
His team's record is 2-0 (+2.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-1. (-0.2 units)
NY METS (6 - 6) at ST LOUIS (8 - 5)
OLIVER PEREZ (L) vs. TODD WELLEMEYER (R)
Top Trends for this game.
NY METS are 32-40 (-23.0 Units) against the money line when the total is 9 to 9.5 over the last 2 seasons.
ST LOUIS is 94-81 (+11.2 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
ST LOUIS is 94-81 (+11.2 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.
OLIVER PEREZ vs. ST LOUIS since 1997
PEREZ is 3-5 when starting against ST LOUIS with an ERA of 4.65 and a WHIP of 1.414.
His team's record is 6-8 (-1.6 units) in these starts. The OVER is 5-8. (-3.6 units)
TODD WELLEMEYER vs. NY METS since 1997
WELLEMEYER is 0-1 when starting against NY METS with an ERA of 5.73 and a WHIP of 1.818.
His team's record is 1-1 (+0.7 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-1. (+0.0 units)
COLORADO (4 - 8) at ARIZONA (5 - 8)
FRANKLIN MORALES (L) vs. YUSMEIRO PETIT (R)
Top Trends for this game.
COLORADO is 77-97 (-26.4 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
COLORADO is 77-97 (-26.4 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
COLORADO is 48-74 (-27.4 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
COLORADO is 36-57 (-20.8 Units) against the money line after a loss over the last 2 seasons.
COLORADO is 3-16 (-12.0 Units) against the money line in road games after 3 or more consecutive losses over the last 2 seasons.
ARIZONA is 88-88 (-18.9 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
ARIZONA is 128-148 (-43.4 Units) against the money line when playing on Tuesday since 1997.
ARIZONA is 88-85 (-15.3 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
ARIZONA is 40-45 (-14.1 Units) against the money line after a win over the last 2 seasons.
Head-to-Head Series History
COLORADO is 2-2 (+0.7 Units) against ARIZONA this season
2 of 4 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=-0.1 Units, Under=-0.3 Units)
FRANKLIN MORALES vs. ARIZONA since 1997
MORALES is 1-1 when starting against ARIZONA with an ERA of 4.05 and a WHIP of 1.350.
His team's record is 2-2 (-0.3 units) in these starts. The OVER is 3-1. (+2.0 units)
YUSMEIRO PETIT vs. COLORADO since 1997
PETIT is 0-0 when starting against COLORADO with an ERA of 0.00 and a WHIP of 1.000.
His team's record is 0-1 (-1.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 0-1. (-1.1 units)
SAN DIEGO (9 - 4) at SAN FRANCISCO (4 - 8)
JAKE PEAVY (R) vs. MATT CAIN (R)
Top Trends for this game.
SAN DIEGO is 72-102 (-27.8 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
SAN DIEGO is 1-12 (-11.2 Units) against the money line in road games when playing on Tuesday over the last 2 seasons.
SAN DIEGO is 72-102 (-27.8 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
SAN FRANCISCO is 660-560 (+76.0 Units) against the money line in night games since 1997.
SAN FRANCISCO is 17-34 (-18.1 Units) against the money line when playing on Tuesday over the last 3 seasons.
CAIN is 24-44 (-23.0 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)
CAIN is 8-22 (-15.9 Units) against the money line against division opponents over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)
CAIN is 24-44 (-23.0 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)
CAIN is 15-30 (-18.1 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)
CAIN is 7-18 (-13.4 Units) against the money line after a win over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)
CAIN is 9-27 (-19.0 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)
Head-to-Head Series History
SAN DIEGO is 3-0 (+3.1 Units) against SAN FRANCISCO this season
3 of 3 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+3.1 Units)
JAKE PEAVY vs. SAN FRANCISCO since 1997
PEAVY is 12-8 when starting against SAN FRANCISCO with an ERA of 3.30 and a WHIP of 1.177.
His team's record is 13-11 (-2.1 units) in these starts. The OVER is 11-11. (-1.1 units)
MATT CAIN vs. SAN DIEGO since 1997
CAIN is 3-5 when starting against SAN DIEGO with an ERA of 2.92 and a WHIP of 1.119.
His team's record is 4-11 (-7.9 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 6-8. (-3.4 units)
TEXAS (5 - 7) at TORONTO (10 - 4)
BRANDON MCCARTHY (R) vs. ROY HALLADAY (R)
Top Trends for this game.
TORONTO is 72-55 (+13.2 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
HALLADAY is 87-39 (+27.7 Units) against the money line in home games since 1997. (Team's Record)
HALLADAY is 29-9 (+14.8 Units) against the money line in games played on artificial turf over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)
TEXAS is 13-2 (+16.1 Units) against the money line when the total is 8 to 8.5 over the last 2 seasons.
TEXAS is 12-2 (+15.0 Units) against the money line on the road when the total is 8 to 8.5 over the last 2 seasons.
TEXAS is 32-20 (+18.2 Units) against the money line when playing on Tuesday over the last 3 seasons.
TEXAS is 29-27 (+11.5 Units) against the money line in road games in night games over the last 2 seasons.
TEXAS is 61-59 (+10.4 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.
BRANDON MCCARTHY vs. TORONTO since 1997
MCCARTHY is 1-2 when starting against TORONTO with an ERA of 4.80 and a WHIP of 1.600.
His team's record is 1-2 (-1.0 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 3-0. (+3.0 units)
ROY HALLADAY vs. TEXAS since 1997
HALLADAY is 8-6 when starting against TEXAS with an ERA of 5.13 and a WHIP of 1.430.
His team's record is 8-11 (-5.9 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 7-12. (-6.7 units)
OAKLAND (5 - 7) at NY YANKEES (7 - 6)
DANA EVELAND (L) vs. ANDY PETTITTE (L)
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.
Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.
DANA EVELAND vs. NY YANKEES since 1997
EVELAND is 0-1 when starting against NY YANKEES with an ERA of 3.00 and a WHIP of 1.667.
His team's record is 0-1 (-1.0 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 1-0. (+1.0 units)
ANDY PETTITTE vs. OAKLAND since 1997
PETTITTE is 8-3 when starting against OAKLAND with an ERA of 2.65 and a WHIP of 1.069.
His team's record is 9-6 (+2.4 units) in these starts. The OVER is 5-10. (-6.2 units)
KANSAS CITY (7 - 5) at CLEVELAND (4 - 9)
SIDNEY PONSON (R) vs. AARON LAFFEY (L)
Top Trends for this game.
KANSAS CITY is 77-80 (+8.7 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
KANSAS CITY is 38-28 (+21.5 Units) against the money line against left-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
Head-to-Head Series History
KANSAS CITY is 2-1 (+1.0 Units) against CLEVELAND this season
2 of 3 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+0.9 Units)
SIDNEY PONSON vs. CLEVELAND since 1997
PONSON is 0-7 when starting against CLEVELAND with an ERA of 8.58 and a WHIP of 2.031.
His team's record is 4-9 (-4.6 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 5-8. (-4.0 units)
AARON LAFFEY vs. KANSAS CITY since 1997
LAFFEY is 2-2 when starting against KANSAS CITY with an ERA of 2.73 and a WHIP of 1.180.
His team's record is 3-2 (-0.5 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 4-1. (+2.9 units)
CHI WHITE SOX (7 - 5) at BALTIMORE (6 - 7)
JOSE CONTRERAS (R) vs. BRADLEY BERGESEN (R)
Top Trends for this game.
BALTIMORE is 14-6 (+10.1 Units) against the money line in home games in April games over the last 2 seasons.
CHI WHITE SOX are 90-62 (+19.7 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
CHI WHITE SOX are 55-30 (+22.6 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.
BALTIMORE is 470-512 (-107.4 Units) against the money line in home games since 1997.
BALTIMORE is 470-512 (-107.4 Units) against the money line in home games in games played on a grass field since 1997.
BALTIMORE is 220-282 (-91.1 Units) against the money line in home games after a loss since 1997.
BALTIMORE is 123-231 (-103.5 Units) against the money line after 3 or more consecutive losses since 1997.
BALTIMORE is 60-115 (-38.6 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 3 seasons.
Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.
JOSE CONTRERAS vs. BALTIMORE since 1997
CONTRERAS is 5-4 when starting against BALTIMORE with an ERA of 4.78 and a WHIP of 1.375.
His team's record is 7-4 (+2.2 units) in these starts. The OVER is 4-5. (-1.5 units)
BRADLEY BERGESEN vs. CHI WHITE SOX since 1997
No recent starts.
MINNESOTA (7 - 7) at BOSTON (7 - 6)
SCOTT BAKER (R) vs. TIM WAKEFIELD (R)
Top Trends for this game.
BOSTON is 100-60 (+20.9 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 15-4 (+12.5 Units) against the money line when playing with a day off over the last 2 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 66-53 (+11.9 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 338-253 (-46.0 Units) against the money line in home games after a win since 1997.
WAKEFIELD is 49-49 (-22.3 Units) against the money line in home games after a win since 1997. (Team's Record)
Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.
SCOTT BAKER vs. BOSTON since 1997
BAKER is 0-0 when starting against BOSTON with an ERA of 0.00 and a WHIP of 1.000.
His team's record is 0-1 (-1.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 0-1. (-1.1 units)
TIM WAKEFIELD vs. MINNESOTA since 1997
WAKEFIELD is 10-4 when starting against MINNESOTA with an ERA of 4.57 and a WHIP of 1.329.
His team's record is 11-8 (+0.8 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 9-9. (-0.8 units)
DETROIT (7 - 5) at LA ANGELS (4 - 8)
ARMANDO GALARRAGA (R) vs. JERED WEAVER (R)
Top Trends for this game.
DETROIT is 81-93 (-28.5 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
DETROIT is 84-133 (-39.7 Units) against the money line as a road underdog of +100 to +125 since 1997.
DETROIT is 75-79 (-21.2 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
DETROIT is 51-58 (-16.1 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.
DETROIT is 53-69 (-27.6 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
LA ANGELS are 105-73 (+16.4 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
LA ANGELS are 99-63 (+20.7 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
LA ANGELS are 45-26 (+15.9 Units) against the money line after a loss over the last 2 seasons.
LA ANGELS are 86-60 (+21.4 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 3 seasons.
Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.
ARMANDO GALARRAGA vs. LA ANGELS since 1997
GALARRAGA is 1-0 when starting against LA ANGELS with an ERA of 3.79 and a WHIP of 1.053.
His team's record is 3-0 (+3.1 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-1. (-0.1 units)
JERED WEAVER vs. DETROIT since 1997
WEAVER is 2-1 when starting against DETROIT with an ERA of 8.78 and a WHIP of 2.176.
His team's record is 2-1 (+0.6 units) in these starts. The OVER is 2-1. (+1.0 units)
TAMPA BAY (5 - 8) at SEATTLE (8 - 5)
ANDY SONNANSTINE (R) vs. JARROD WASHBURN (L)
Top Trends for this game.
TAMPA BAY is 110-81 (+23.8 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
SEATTLE is 69-106 (-33.5 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
SEATTLE is 28-47 (-22.4 Units) against the money line when the total is 8 to 8.5 over the last 2 seasons.
SEATTLE is 62-97 (-33.4 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
SEATTLE is 44-73 (-27.9 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.
SEATTLE is 44-74 (-29.2 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
SEATTLE is 39-66 (-25.1 Units) against the money line after a loss over the last 2 seasons.
SEATTLE is 29-47 (-18.8 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.
WASHBURN is 24-33 (-23.0 Units) against the money line at home when the total is 8 to 8.5 since 1997. (Team's Record)
WASHBURN is 5-19 (-14.3 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.
ANDY SONNANSTINE vs. SEATTLE since 1997
SONNANSTINE is 1-1 when starting against SEATTLE with an ERA of 2.66 and a WHIP of 1.082.
His team's record is 1-2 (-0.9 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-2. (-1.2 units)
JARROD WASHBURN vs. TAMPA BAY since 1997
WASHBURN is 11-3 when starting against TAMPA BAY with an ERA of 2.77 and a WHIP of 1.260.
His team's record is 11-5 (+1.8 units) in these starts. The OVER is 8-8. (-0.2 units)
Tips and Trends
Los Angeles Dodgers at Houston Astros
Dodgers (-155, O/U 9.5): LA tries for a 9th straight win when they open a 9-game road trip tonight. The Dodgers have outscored their opponents 64-20 during the streak and hit .367 with 11 home runs on their 6-game homestand. LA has won 3 in a row in Houston. LA leads the NL in runs (82) and the majors in batting average (.302). “You’re not going to go out and score 14 runs every game, but we definitely do have the firepower to put some runs on the board,” third baseman Casey Blake said. Clayton Kershaw (0-0, 1.50 ERA, 13K in his last start) allowed 3 runs in 5 2-3 innings of a 7-6, 11-inning win at Houston on 7/1/08 in his only appearance against the Astros.
The Dodgers are 8-0 in their last 8 overall.
The Dodgers are 23-8 in their last 31 games as a favorite.
Key Injuries - NONE
PROJECTED SCORE: 6 (Side Play of the Day)
Astros: Houston counters with Russ Ortiz (0-0 6.23), who gave up 3 runs and 5 hits in 4 2-3 innings of the Astros’ 6-3 win at Pittsburgh on Thursday in his first start since 8/20/07. He missed the '08 season due to an arm injury. The right-hander is 8-9 with a 5.11 ERA in 21 games against the Dodgers. Houston looks to bounce back after falling 4-3 to Cincinnati on Monday to drop 3 of 4 against the Reds. “We still haven’t gotten the big hit,” outfielder Hunter Pence said. “You don’t have a lot of opportunities.” The Astros are batting .217 and scoring 3 runs per game vs. lefty starters this season.
The Astros are 3-11 in their last 14 games as an underdog.
The Under is 20-6 in the Astros' last 26 home games.
Key Injuries - IF Jeff Keppinger (back) is QUESTIONABLE.
PROJECTED SCORE: 3