Baseball Today
SCOREBOARD
Monday, April 27
Florida at New York Mets (7:10 p.m. EDT). Anibal Sanchez gets the ball for Florida in its first game at Citi Field, the Mets’ new $800 million ballpark. John Maine is scheduled to start for New York in the opener of the three-game set between the NL East rivals.
STARS
Sunday
— Shane Victorino, Phillies, drove in four runs to lead Philadelphia to a 13-2 victory over Florida.
— Kosuke Fukudome, Cubs, hit a three-run homer and drove in five on his 32nd birthday, helping Chicago beat St. Louis 10-3.
— Justin Upton, Diamondbacks, hit a tying two-run homer in the ninth and Arizona went on to a 5-4 victory over San Francisco in 12 innings.
— Jay Bruce, Reds, homered twice and drove in four runs in Cincinnati’s 8-2 win over Atlanta.
— Ivan Rodriguez, Astros, hit a tiebreaking homer in the fourth inning to help Houston beat Milwaukee 3-2.
— Jordan Zimmermann, Nationals, allowed one run and six hits over 5 1-3 innings in Washington’s 8-1 victory at the New York Mets.
— Ryan Spilborghs and Clint Barmes, Rockies, each hit a two-run homer to lead Colorado to a 10-4 win over the Los Angeles Dodgers.
— Adam LaRoche, Pirates, hit a three-run homer and a solo shot in Pittsburgh’s 8-3 win at San Diego.
— Howie Kendrick, Angels, homered and had a career-high four RBIs in Los Angeles’ 8-0 win over Seattle.
— Adam Jones, Orioles, hit a three-run homer in the sixth inning and Baltimore rallied for an 8-5 victory over Texas.
STEALING A SWEEP
Boston’s Jacoby Ellsbury slid safely under Jorge Posada’s swipe during a three-run fifth inning that gave the Red Sox a 4-1 win over the New York Yankees on Sunday night, a sweep of the three-game series and a 10-game winning streak.
SIDELINED
Rangers center fielder Josh Hamilton was out of the starting lineup Sunday with bruised ribs, which he hurt sliding into third base on a double steal Saturday night. A team spokesman said X-rays were negative. Hamilton struck out looking as a pinch hitter in the eighth inning of the 8-5 loss to Baltimore.
SHORTSTOP FOR THE AGED
Texas’ Omar Vizquel, who turned 42 on Friday, became the third 42-year-old in major league history to play shortstop when he entered as a defensive replacement in the eighth inning of the Rangers’ 8-5 loss to Baltimore. He joins Luke Appling (1949) and Hall of Famer Honus Wagner (1916).
TOUCH ‘EM ALL
Chris Davis, David Murphy and Hank Blalock connected for the Rangers in an 8-5 loss to the Orioles. The Rangers lead the major leagues with 38 home runs and have hit two or more in a game 14 times this season, also most in the majors.
STATS
Cleveland shortstop Jhonny Peralta’s eighth-inning single in a 4-2 win over Minnesota snapped an 0-for-22 slump. … Kansas City is 2-for-17 with the bases loaded this season. … Orlando Cabrera added two hits and an RBI for Oakland in a 7-1 win over Tampa Bay, breaking out of a 3-for-37 slump.
ROCKY ROAD
It has been one wild ride for the Florida Marlins—and it’s only April. Jamie Moyer pitched six solid innings and the Philadelphia Phillies extended the Marlins’ skid to six with a 13-2 victory on Sunday. Florida, which began the season 11-1, is mired in its longest losing streak since an eight-game slide from Aug. 15-22, 2007.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY
Kosuke Fukudome hit a three-run homer and drove in five on his 32nd birthday, leading the Chicago Cubs to a 10-3 win over the St. Louis Cardinals. Fukudome went 3-for-4 to hike his average to .371. He hit his fourth homer in the eighth to finish the scoring.
SPEAKING
“I wish I could have gone even deeper in the game, but I don’t want to get greedy. I am going to enjoy this one.”—Micah Owings after working seven solid innings in Cincinnati’s 8-2 win over the Braves, his first victory since May 25.
Monday's streaking and slumping starting pitchers
By Covers.com
Streaking
Ted Lilly, Chicago Cubs
Lilly's has taken off with the North Siders. He's gone from a middle of the rotation arm to ace-like material in two years and change.
Lilly hasn't allowed an earned run in his last 13 2-3 innings dropping his 2009 ERA to 2.41. The lefty is holding batters to a .229 average and he's owns a 13-2 strikeout-to-walk ratio.
Dating back to last season, the Cubs are 6-1 and the under is 4-2 in Lilly's last six starts.
Braden Looper, Milwaukee Brewers
The reliever turned starter is enjoying a fine start to his first season with the Brewers. He's 2-0 (Milwaukee has won all three of his starts this season) with a miniscule 2.14 ERA.
Looper hasn't gone past the sixth inning and opponents are still hitting a healthy .343 off the right-hander.
Slumping
Scott Baker, Minnesota Twins
Wasn't this guy supposed to be Minny's ace?
Baker hasn't followed up his breakout 2008 season the way he would have hoped.
The righty hasn't made it past the fourth inning and has allowed six earned runs in each of his two starts this season.
The Twins lost both those games with the over paying both times as well.
The fireballer's ERA is north of 12.00, only has five strikeouts batters are unloading on him. Opponents are hitting over .400 against Baker and have taken him yard seven times already.
CC Sabathia, New York Yankees
CC hasn't been terrible, but definitely not up to the expectations that come with his $161 million contract.
The hefty lefty has been struggling to find his control all year. He's walked 14 batters in under 25 innings. The Yanks are 2-2 with Sabathia on the bump, but he's been a -200 or higher favorite in three of his four starts.
NY YANKEES vs. DETROIT
NY Yankees are 2-6 SU in their last 8 games when playing Detroit
NY Yankees are 2-5 SU in their last 7 games on the road
Detroit is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 7 of Detroit's last 10 games at home
TEXAS vs. BALTIMORE
Texas is 3-7 SU in its last 10 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Texas's last 7 games when playing Baltimore
Baltimore is 3-8 SU in its last 11 games
The total has gone OVER in 10 of Baltimore's last 14 games
WASHINGTON vs. PHILADELPHIA
Washington is 1-6 SU in its last 7 games when playing on the road against Philadelphia
Washington is 4-17 SU in its last 21 games
Philadelphia is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing Washington
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Philadelphia's last 6 games when playing Washington
FLORIDA vs. NY METS
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Florida's last 6 games when playing on the road against NY Mets
Florida is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games
NY Mets are 2-4 SU in its last 6 games when playing Florida
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of NY Mets's last 8 games when playing Florida
HOUSTON vs. CINCINNATI
Houston is 17-6 SU in its last 23 games when playing Cincinnati
The total has gone UNDER in 9 of Houston's last 10 games when playing Cincinnati
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Cincinnati's last 10 games
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Cincinnati's last 7 games at home
ST. LOUIS vs. ATLANTA
St. Louis is 7-2 SU in its last 9 games when playing Atlanta
The total has gone OVER in 6 of St. Louis's last 7 games when playing Atlanta
Atlanta is 4-8 SU in its last 12 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Atlanta's last 6 games
BOSTON vs. CLEVELAND
Boston is 12-5 SU in its last 17 games when playing on the road against Cleveland
Boston is 2-5 SU in its last 7 games on the road
Cleveland is 1-8 SU in its last 9 games when playing Boston
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Cleveland's last 5 games when playing Boston
PITTSBURGH vs. MILWAUKEE
Pittsburgh is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games when playing Milwaukee
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Pittsburgh's last 7 games when playing Milwaukee
Milwaukee is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Pittsburgh
Milwaukee is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games
TAMPA BAY vs. MINNESOTA
Tampa Bay is 8-17 SU in its last 25 games when playing Minnesota
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Tampa Bay's last 7 games when playing Minnesota
Minnesota is 12-3 SU in its last 15 games when playing at home against Tampa Bay
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Minnesota's last 6 games
TORONTO vs. KANSAS CITY
Toronto is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing Kansas City
The total has gone UNDER in 8 of Toronto's last 11 games when playing Kansas City
Kansas City is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games when playing at home against Toronto
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Kansas City's last 7 games when playing at home against Toronto
SEATTLE vs. CHI WHITE SOX
Seattle is 1-5 SU in their last 6 games when playing Chi White Sox
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Seattle's last 5 games when playing Chi White Sox
Chi White Sox are 2-4 SU in their last 6 games
The total has gone OVER in 7 of Chi White Sox's last 9 games
SAN DIEGO vs. COLORADO
The total has gone OVER in 6 of San Diego's last 8 games when playing Colorado
The total has gone OVER in 8 of San Diego's last 11 games on the road
Colorado is 2-7 SU in its last 9 games
Colorado is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games at home
CHI CUBS vs. ARIZONA
Chi Cubs are 4-2 SU in their last 6 games when playing Arizona
Chi Cubs are 8-15 SU in their last 23 games when playing Arizona
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Arizona's last 9 games
Arizona is 15-8 SU in their last 23 games when playing Chi Cubs
LA DODGERS vs. SAN FRANCISCO
LA Dodgers are 16-7 SU in their last 23 games when playing on the road against San Francisco
LA Dodgers are 1-4 SU in their last 5 games when playing on the road against San Francisco
San Francisco is 1-4 SU in their last 5 games when playing LA Dodgers
San Francisco is 4-1 SU in their last 5 games when playing at home against LA Dodgers
Hot Pitchers
-- Martis is 2-0, 3.65 in his last two starts.
-- Jurrjens is 3-1, 1.78 so far this season. Pineiro is 3-0, 4.26 this year.
-- Cueto is 1-0, 0.77 in his last two starts.
-- Sanchez is 1-1, 2.50 in three starts this season.
-- Looper is 2-0, 2.12 in three starts this season. Karstens is 1-0, 3.60 in his two starts this season.
-- Young is 2-0, 3.80 in four starts this season.
-- Haren is 1-3, 1.38; Arizona scored four runs in the four games. Lilly is 2-1, 2.89 so far this season.
-- Wolf is 1-0, 3.60 in his last three starts.
-- Sabathia is 1-1, 3.43 in his last three starts.
-- Wakefield is 2-0, 1.69 in his last two starts. Lee has 1.93 RA in his last couple of starts.
-- Bannister tossed six shutout innings in his first '09 start.
Cold Pitchers
-- Blanton is 0-2, 7.11 in three starts this season.
-- Maine is 0-2, 6.17 in three starts this season.
-- Oswalt is 0-2, 4.68 in four starts this season.
-- Hammel is 7-15, 5.90 in major leagues; he's made 28 career starts.
-- Zito is 0-2, 5.63 in three starts this season.
-- Guthrie is 0-1, 10.97 in his last two starts. Harrison is 0-2, 9.24 in his three starts this year.
-- Verlander is 1-2, 10.29 in his four starts this season.
-- Purcey is 0-1, 6.97 in four starts this season.
-- Baker is 0-2, 12.46 in two starts this season. Niemann is 1-2, 5.94 in his three starts this season.
-- Jakubauskus is 0-2, 8.31 in two starts this season.
Hot Teams
-- Phillies won last three games, scoring 26 runs.
-- Braves won three of their last four games.
-- Cardinals won seven of their last ten games. .
-- Pirates won seven of their last nine games. Brewers won five of their last seven games.
-- Dodgers won eleven of their last fourteen games. Giants won six of last eight games, with three shutouts.
-- Tigers won four of their first five home games.
-- Blue Jays are 7-3 on the road this season.
-- Red Sox won their last ten games, scoring 81 runs.
-- Twins won their last three home games, scoring 23 runs.
-- Mariners are 11-5 in last sixteen games.
Cold Teams
-- Nationals are 1-8 on the road, outscored 59-39.
-- Marlins lost their last six games, outscored 44-15. Mets lost five of their last seven games, but are 5-1 in series openers.
-- Reds are 3-5 in their eight home games this season. Astros lost three of their last four games.
-- Padres lost five of their last six games. Rockies lost ten of their last thirteen games.
-- Cubs lost four of their last five games. Arizona lost nine of its last fourteen games.
-- Orioles lost eight of their last eleven games. Rangers are 3-6 on road.
-- Bronx Bombers lost last three games, allowing 25 runs.
-- Indians are 4-5 at home so far this season.
-- Royals lost five of their last seven games.
-- Rays lost nine of their last twelve games.
-- White Sox lost three of their last four games.
Totals
-- Six of last nine Washington road games went over the total.
-- Last five St Louis road games went over the total.
-- Five of last seven Cincinnati home games went over the total.
-- Last four Florida games went over the total.
-- Nine of last thirteen Pittsburgh games stayed under the total.
-- All six Colorado home games went over the total.
-- Under is 7-1-1 in last nine Arizona games; five of last seven Chicago games went over.
-- Ten of last twelve Dodger games went over the total.
-- Ten of last fourteen Baltimore games went over the total.
-- Three of last four Bronx road games stayed under the total.
-- Last five Cleveland games stayed under the total. Ten of last twelve Boston games went over the total.
-- Over is 11-5 in last sixteen Toronto games.
-- Under is 6-3 in Kansas City home games.
-- Seven of last nine White Sox games went over the total.
Tips and Trends
St. Louis Cardinals at Atlanta Braves
Cardinals: Joel Pineiro has a new pitch in 2009, the sinker. At one point during his last start, Pineiro retired 13 consecutive hitters, with 10 outs coming on ground balls. "I'm going to trust it all year," said Pineiro. "The first three to four pitches, if you get them to put the ball in play, your pitch count is going to be low. So I'll keep on riding that as long as I can." Pineiro, though, is 0-1 with an 8.44 ERA and a save in five games - two starts - against Atlanta. He didn't fare too well in his last start against them on July 31, allowing six runs and 10 hits in six innings of a 9-4 loss at Turner Field.
The Cardinals are 7-2 in the last 9 meetings.
The Over is 5-0 in the Cardinals' last 5 road games.
Key Injuries - 3B Troy Glaus (shoulder) is on the 15-day DL.
PROJECTED SCORE: 4
Braves (-145, O/U 9): The Braves return home for a six-game homestand seeking an end to a three-game slide there. Jair Jurrjens didn't factor in the decision of Wednesday's 1-0 win at Washington after scattering six hits in 7 2-3 innings. Jurrjens also limited Pittsburgh to one run and four hits while striking out seven in 6 2-3 innings of a 3-0 loss at Pittsburgh on April 17. "You can't pitch any better than that," Braves manager Bobby Cox said after the win over the Nationals. Jurrjens lost his only start against St. Louis on July 30, allowing three runs and seven hits in seven innings of a 7-2 defeat.
The Braves are 0-6 in their last 6 Monday games.
Key Injuries - C Brian McCann (eye) is on the 15-day DL.
PROJECTED SCORE: 6 (Side Play of the Day)
WASHINGTON (4 - 13) at PHILADELPHIA (9 - 8)
SHAIRON MARTIS (R) vs. JOE BLANTON (R)
Top Trends for this game.
WASHINGTON is 63-115 (-32.3 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
WASHINGTON is 26-64 (-22.0 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 2 seasons.
WASHINGTON is 63-112 (-29.3 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
WASHINGTON is 43-80 (-24.3 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.
WASHINGTON is 13-47 (-24.7 Units) against the money line in road games against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
WASHINGTON is 25-60 (-26.9 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
PHILADELPHIA is 40-16 (+21.5 Units) against the money line at home when the total is 10 to 10.5 over the last 3 seasons.
PHILADELPHIA is 24-32 (-19.5 Units) against the money line after 3 or more consecutive wins over the last 3 seasons.
Head-to-Head Series History
WASHINGTON is 1-1 (+0.2 Units) against PHILADELPHIA this season
1 of 1 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+1.0 Units)
SHAIRON MARTIS vs. PHILADELPHIA since 1997
MARTIS is 1-0 when starting against PHILADELPHIA with an ERA of 2.84 and a WHIP of 1.106.
His team's record is 1-0 (+1.2 units) in these starts. The OVER is 0-0. (+0.0 units)
JOE BLANTON vs. WASHINGTON since 1997
BLANTON is 1-2 when starting against WASHINGTON with an ERA of 5.33 and a WHIP of 1.593.
His team's record is 2-3 (-1.8 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 1-2. (-1.4 units)
ST LOUIS (13 - 6) at ATLANTA (9 - 9)
JOEL PINEIRO (R) vs. JAIR JURRJENS (R)
Top Trends for this game.
ST LOUIS is 99-82 (+15.2 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
ST LOUIS is 99-82 (+15.2 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
ST LOUIS is 66-51 (+15.5 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
ATLANTA is 81-99 (-26.0 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
ATLANTA is 80-97 (-25.1 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
ATLANTA is 55-66 (-17.4 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.
ATLANTA is 19-29 (-14.7 Units) against the money line in home games when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.
JOEL PINEIRO vs. ATLANTA since 1997
PINEIRO is 0-1 when starting against ATLANTA with an ERA of 8.10 and a WHIP of 1.900.
His team's record is 1-1 (+0.1 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-0. (+1.0 units)
JAIR JURRJENS vs. ST LOUIS since 1997
JURRJENS is 0-1 when starting against ST LOUIS with an ERA of 3.86 and a WHIP of 1.429.
His team's record is 0-1 (-1.2 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 0-1. (-1.3 units)
HOUSTON (7 - 12) at CINCINNATI (10 - 8)
ROY OSWALT (R) vs. JOHNNY CUETO (R)
Top Trends for this game.
HOUSTON is 47-43 (+14.8 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
HOUSTON is 93-87 (+16.6 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
HOUSTON is 91-86 (+14.4 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
HOUSTON is 51-40 (+16.7 Units) against the money line after a win over the last 2 seasons.
CINCINNATI is 34-47 (-25.7 Units) against the money line in home games against division opponents over the last 3 seasons.
CINCINNATI is 219-253 (-65.1 Units) against the money line in home games after a win since 1997.
CINCINNATI is 33-45 (-17.7 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.
Head-to-Head Series History
CINCINNATI is 3-1 (+2.5 Units) against HOUSTON this season
4 of 4 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+4.0 Units)
ROY OSWALT vs. CINCINNATI since 1997
OSWALT is 22-1 when starting against CINCINNATI with an ERA of 2.46 and a WHIP of 1.100.
His team's record is 22-5 (+12.5 units) in these starts. The OVER is 12-13. (-2.0 units)
JOHNNY CUETO vs. HOUSTON since 1997
CUETO is 0-3 when starting against HOUSTON with an ERA of 6.75 and a WHIP of 1.894.
His team's record is 1-4 (-3.7 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 2-2. (-0.3 units)
FLORIDA (11 - 7) at NY METS (8 - 10)
ANIBAL SANCHEZ (R) vs. JOHN MAINE (R)
Top Trends for this game.
FLORIDA is 48-36 (+18.6 Units) against the money line after a loss over the last 2 seasons.
FLORIDA is 95-84 (+23.3 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
FLORIDA is 63-40 (+30.8 Units) against the money line when the total is 9 to 9.5 over the last 2 seasons.
FLORIDA is 45-44 (+13.1 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 2 seasons.
FLORIDA is 28-15 (+21.4 Units) against the money line on the road when the total is 9 to 9.5 over the last 2 seasons.
FLORIDA is 51-35 (+24.4 Units) against the money line against division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
FLORIDA is 94-82 (+24.0 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
FLORIDA is 67-61 (+12.6 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
NY METS are 32-44 (-27.7 Units) against the money line when the total is 9 to 9.5 over the last 2 seasons.
NY METS are 19-28 (-25.8 Units) against the money line as a home favorite of -150 to -175 over the last 3 seasons.
NY METS are 16-22 (-18.7 Units) against the money line at home when the total is 9 to 9.5 over the last 2 seasons.
NY METS are 6-13 (-11.8 Units) against the money line when playing on Monday over the last 2 seasons.
NY METS are 78-72 (-24.9 Units) against the money line against division opponents over the last 3 seasons.
NY METS are 62-63 (-17.2 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
Head-to-Head Series History
FLORIDA is 2-1 (+1.0 Units) against NY METS this season
2 of 3 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+0.9 Units)
ANIBAL SANCHEZ vs. NY METS since 1997
SANCHEZ is 2-1 when starting against NY METS with an ERA of 2.82 and a WHIP of 1.388.
His team's record is 3-1 (+2.5 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-3. (-2.1 units)
JOHN MAINE vs. FLORIDA since 1997
MAINE is 3-1 when starting against FLORIDA with an ERA of 2.85 and a WHIP of 0.951.
His team's record is 4-3 (+0.6 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 3-4. (-1.7 units)
PITTSBURGH (11 - 7) at MILWAUKEE (8 - 10)
JEFF KARSTENS (R) vs. BRADEN LOOPER (R)
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.
JEFF KARSTENS vs. MILWAUKEE since 1997
KARSTENS is 0-1 when starting against MILWAUKEE with an ERA of 2.92 and a WHIP of 0.973.
His team's record is 0-2 (-2.0 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 1-1. (+0.0 units)
BRADEN LOOPER vs. PITTSBURGH since 1997
LOOPER is 3-2 when starting against PITTSBURGH with an ERA of 3.64 and a WHIP of 1.180.
His team's record is 3-2 (-0.4 units) in these starts. The OVER is 2-3. (-1.2 units)
SAN DIEGO (10 - 8) at COLORADO (6 - 11)
CHRIS YOUNG (R) vs. JASON HAMMEL (R)
Top Trends for this game.
SAN DIEGO is 73-106 (-32.4 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
SAN DIEGO is 73-106 (-32.4 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
SAN DIEGO is 51-77 (-24.1 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.
COLORADO is 88-82 (+19.8 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 3 seasons.
COLORADO is 79-100 (-27.8 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
COLORADO is 5-15 (-12.9 Units) against the money line when playing on Monday over the last 2 seasons.
COLORADO is 34-50 (-18.7 Units) against the money line against division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
COLORADO is 79-100 (-27.8 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
COLORADO is 49-76 (-28.6 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.
CHRIS YOUNG vs. COLORADO since 1997
YOUNG is 5-1 when starting against COLORADO with an ERA of 3.28 and a WHIP of 1.127.
His team's record is 8-3 (+3.5 units) in these starts. The OVER is 4-7. (-3.6 units)
JASON HAMMEL vs. SAN DIEGO since 1997
No recent starts.
BOSTON (12 - 6) at CLEVELAND (7 - 12)
TIM WAKEFIELD (R) vs. CLIFF LEE (L)
Top Trends for this game.
LEE is 25-10 (+13.3 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
BOSTON is 47-19 (+23.2 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 105-60 (+25.9 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
CLEVELAND is 24-36 (-17.3 Units) against the money line when the total is 9 to 9.5 over the last 2 seasons.
CLEVELAND is 4-12 (-10.0 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.
TIM WAKEFIELD vs. CLEVELAND since 1997
WAKEFIELD is 9-7 when starting against CLEVELAND with an ERA of 5.37 and a WHIP of 1.431.
His team's record is 10-8 (+2.5 units) in these starts. The OVER is 9-7. (+1.4 units)
CLIFF LEE vs. BOSTON since 1997
LEE is 2-4 when starting against BOSTON with an ERA of 5.13 and a WHIP of 1.542.
His team's record is 3-5 (-1.5 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 4-4. (-0.4 units)
TORONTO (14 - 6) at KANSAS CITY (9 - 9)
DAVID PURCEY (L) vs. BRIAN BANNISTER (R)
Top Trends for this game.
TORONTO is 16-27 (-14.6 Units) against the money line on the road with a money line of -100 to -125 over the last 3 seasons.
KANSAS CITY is 39-29 (+22.3 Units) against the money line against left-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
TORONTO is 75-56 (+14.2 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
KANSAS CITY is 53-96 (-31.2 Units) against the money line when the total is 9 to 9.5 over the last 3 seasons.
KANSAS CITY is 27-55 (-28.4 Units) against the money line at home when the total is 9 to 9.5 over the last 3 seasons.
BANNISTER is 6-18 (-13.7 Units) against the money line in home games 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.
DAVID PURCEY vs. KANSAS CITY since 1997
No recent starts.
BRIAN BANNISTER vs. TORONTO since 1997
BANNISTER is 0-1 when starting against TORONTO with an ERA of 5.78 and a WHIP of 2.141.
His team's record is 0-1 (-1.1 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 1-0. (+1.0 units)
TAMPA BAY (7 - 12) at MINNESOTA (9 - 10)
JEFF NIEMANN (R) vs. SCOTT BAKER (R)
Top Trends for this game.
MINNESOTA is 19-6 (+12.2 Units) against the money line at home with a money line of -100 to -125 over the last 2 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 59-33 (+18.0 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 2 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 31-16 (+13.8 Units) against the money line at home when the total is 9 to 9.5 over the last 2 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 61-35 (+18.5 Units) against the money line in games played in a dome over the last 2 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 68-54 (+13.3 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 61-38 (+15.4 Units) against the money line in games played on artificial turf over the last 2 seasons.
TAMPA BAY is 112-85 (+21.4 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
TAMPA BAY is 64-33 (+22.8 Units) against the money line in games played in a dome over the last 2 seasons.
TAMPA BAY is 68-38 (+22.1 Units) against the money line in games played on artificial turf over the last 2 seasons.
TAMPA BAY is 83-50 (+29.6 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 12-25 (-15.4 Units) against the money line when playing on Monday over the last 3 seasons.
Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.
JEFF NIEMANN vs. MINNESOTA since 1997
No recent starts.
SCOTT BAKER vs. TAMPA BAY since 1997
BAKER is 1-0 when starting against TAMPA BAY with an ERA of 4.50 and a WHIP of 1.500.
His team's record is 1-0 (+1.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 0-0. (+0.0 units)
SEATTLE (12 - 7) at CHI WHITE SOX (9 - 9)
CHRIS JAKUBAUSKAS (R) vs. JOHN DANKS (L)
Top Trends for this game.
SEATTLE is 73-108 (-31.4 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
SEATTLE is 66-99 (-31.3 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
SEATTLE is 47-74 (-25.8 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.
SEATTLE is 41-66 (-23.1 Units) against the money line after a loss over the last 2 seasons.
CHI WHITE SOX are 59-33 (+16.2 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 2 seasons.
CHI WHITE SOX are 92-66 (+17.3 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
SEATTLE is 86-64 (+30.1 Units) against the money line in road games in April games since 1997.
Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.
CHRIS JAKUBAUSKAS vs. CHI WHITE SOX since 1997
No recent starts.
JOHN DANKS vs. SEATTLE since 1997
DANKS is 0-3 when starting against SEATTLE with an ERA of 7.31 and a WHIP of 1.688.
His team's record is 0-3 (-3.1 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 2-1. (+1.0 units)
National League
WASHINGTON at PHILADELPHIA
MARTIS: WAS 12-33 as a road underdog of +125 to +175
BLANTON: PHI 29-14 when the total is 10 or higher
ST LOUIS at ATLANTA
PINEIRO: STL 25-14 against NL East
JURRJENS: ATL 10-24 after 2+ consecutive overs
HOUSTON at CINCINNATI
OSWALT: HOU 19-6 revenging 2 straight home losses
CUETO: CIN 31-50 at home after a win by 6+ runs
FLORIDA at NY METS
SANCHEZ: FLA 28-15 AWAY when the total is 9 to 9.5
MAINE: 5-12 TSR when the money line is -100 to -150
PITTSBURGH at MILWAUKEE
KARSTENS: PIT 19-40 after having won 2 of their last 3
LOOPER: MIL 52-24 after 1 or more consecutive unders
SAN DIEGO at COLORADO
YOUNG: 24-16 TSR as an underdog
HAMMEL: COL 5-15 on Mondays
CHICAGO CUBS at ARIZONA
LILLY: CHC 25-7 after 9 consecutive division games
HAREN: ARI 1-7 against left-handed starters
LA DODGERS at SAN FRANCISCO
WOLF: LAD 41-26 OVER in April
ZITO: 17-29 TSR in April
American League
TEXAS at BALTIMORE
HARRISON: TEX 28-14 OVER in April
GUTHRIE: BAL 10-28 after scoring 8+ runs
NY YANKEES at DETROIT
SABATHIA: NYY 71-51 UNDER as a favorite
VERLANDER: 4-1 TSR against the Yankees
BOSTON at CLEVELAND
WAKEFIELD: BOS 26-10 against AL Central
LEE: CLE 4-12 against right-handed starters
TORONTO at KANSAS CITY
PURCEY: TOR 34-16 against AL Central
BANNISTER: 6-18 TSR at home in night games
TAMPA BAY at MINNESOTA
NIEMANN: TB 1-9 when the money line is +125 to -125
BAKER: MIN 19-6 at home with a money line of -100 to -125
SEATTLE at CHI WHITE SOX
JAKUBAUSKAS: SEA 47-74 in night games
DANKS: CHW 25-8 OVER as a favorite of -150 or more
American League Research
By Indiancowboy
Texas vs. Baltimore
These two teams are no strangers to each other. Harrison has given up 11 runs in his last 9 innings. He is 0-2 with a 9.2era and he needs a positive start today. After 2 quality starts Guthrie has struggled in his last 2 starts against Boston and the Whitesox. 2 of 3 in this series have gone under and Texas has taken 2 of 3 as the Os won yesterday 8-5. I just don't trust Guthrie or Harrison right now, and the line is a bit high at 11 both pitchers need quality starts today given back to back nonquality starts, but both pitchers are struggling.
Boston vs. Cleveland
Boston comes off sweeping the Yankees, Minnesota and Baltimore. They are now 12-6 just 2 games back of the Jays who are 14-6. Wakefield is 2-1 with a 2.45; he has put together 3 straight quality starts this year. Lee has put together back to back quality starts; he was roughed up by Boston in a start last year; Wakefield is 10-8 with a 4.5era in 25 appearances against the Indians lifetime. Lee is 2-4 with a 5.13era against the Indians lifetime in 8 starts. The value is on Wake as the dog price and the hot sox, a small lean on the Under.
Yankees vs. Detroit
CC was roughed up against Oakland in his last start. He is on a bounce-back today. He has not put together back to back nonquality starts this year. Verlander is 0-2 with a 9era as he has 3 of 4 nonquality starts as he is struggling. Verlander does not have solid numbers against the Yanks as he gave up 5 runs in less than 2 inns against them last year and CC is 13-9 with a 4.7era against Detroit. I'd love to take the Yanks here coming off a sweep, but I hate laying the juice.
Tampa Bay vs. Minnesota
TB comes off losing 2-5 and 1-7 to the As. Niemann has put together 2 quality starts after having a rough first start. Minny comes off taking 2 of 3 from Cleveland. Baker has struggled terribly so far losing back to back games and giving up 6 runs in each of his 2 starts for a 0-2 record and 12.46 era. Nieemann dominated the Twins in his last outing against them last year. Baker is still working on his mojo after shoulder stiffness. I expect him to pitch better today but it seems like Niemann is turning the corner so I lean on the Rays here as he is pitching at a better cusp right now, if Baker shows up, then lean on the Under in this game.
Seattle vs. Chicago Whitesox
Seattle took 2 of 3 from the Angels; they lost 0-8 yesterday to Weaver who got revenge and the Angels who got revenge on Washburn. Whitesox lost 3-4 yesterday. Jaku is 1-2 with a 7.11 era as he looks to bounce-back from a rough outing against TB in his last start. Danks continues to be lights out in 3 starts this year. I do think Jabu bounces-back relatively decent today, a small lean on the Under, more importantly, a bigger lean on the -1.5 for the Sox behind Danks who looks to make a Cy Young bid this year.