Hot Pitchers
-- Bailey is 2-0, 0.60 in his last couple starts.
-- Lilly has a 1.86 RA in three starts since coming off the DL.
-- Happ is 3-1, 1.67 in his last five starts.
-- Vazquez is 3-2, 3.03 in his last five starts.
-- Carpenter is 9-0, 2.00 in his last 11 starts.
-- Jimenez is 5-1, 2.00 in his last six starts. Redding is 1-0, 2.31 in his last couple starts.
-- Padres won seven of last ten Correia starts.
-- Twins are 3-0 when Duensing starts (2-0, 2.65).
-- Cahill is 1-0, 2.25 in his last three starts.
-- Kazmir was 2-0, 3.20 in his last three starts for Tampa. Mariners won five of last six Hernandez home starts.
-- Indians won last five Laffey starts (3-0, 2.81). Tigers are 9-2 in last eleven Porcello home starts.
-- Bronx won last six Sabathia starts (5-0, 2.89).
-- Hunter is 3-1, 3.62 in his last five starts.
Cold Pitchers
-- Duke is 1-4, 6.07 in his last six starts.
-- Lannan is 0-1, 8.55 in his last four starts.
-- Penny was 0-4, 9.11 in his last five starts.
-- Paulino is 1-4, 8.67 in his last eight starts.
-- Vander Hurk is 1-2, 7.98 in his last three starts.
-- Bush is 0-5, 9.37 in his last seven starts.
-- Scherzer is 0-3, 9.51 in his last six road starts. Billingsley is 2-3, 4.54 in his last six starts.
-- Buehrle is 0-4, 5.98 in seven starts since his perfect game.
-- Royals lost last five Bannister starts (0-4, 9.40).
-- Beckett is 0-1, 9.82 in his last three starts. Garza is 0-1, 7.08 in his last four starts.
-- Berken has a 7.22 RA in his last six starts.
-- Toronto lost last five Richmond starts (0-3, 6.75).
Hot Teams
-- Giants won five of their last seven games. Phillies are 14-6 in their last 20 games.
-- Reds won eight of their last ten games.
-- Braves won eight of their last eleven road games.
-- Cardinals won 10 of their last 12 games. Brewers won three of their last four games.
-- Padres won six of their last eight games.
-- Arizona won five of its last six games.
-- Detroit is 15-7 in its last 22 home games.
-- Bronx won 15 of its last 20 games.
-- Red Sox won seven of their last eight games. Rays are 11-5 in their last sixteen home games.
-- Twins won eleven of their last fourteen games.
-- A's won three of their last four home games.
-- Mariners won seven of their last ten home games. Angels won seven of their last eleven road games.
-- Rangers won 15 of their last 21 home games.
Cold Teams
-- Pirates lost their last six games, giving up 40 runs.
-- Marlins lost five of their last six games.
-- Cubs are 9-16 in their last 25 games. Astros lost seven of last nine.
-- Rockies lost five of their last six games. Mets lost 10 of their last 13 games.
-- Nationals lost 12 of their last 15 games.
-- Dodgers lost 11 of their last 19 home games.
-- Blue Jays lost nine of their last eleven road games.
-- Indians lost three of their last four games.
-- Orioles lost seven of their last nine home games.
-- White Sox lost 20 of their last 27 road games.
-- Royals lost 11 of their last 17 games.
Totals
-- Three of last four Bailey starts stayed under the total; three of last four Duke starts went over.
-- Four of last five Lilly starts stayed under the total.
-- Over is 3-1-1 in last five Correia starts, 4-1-1 in Lannan's last six.
-- Under is 10-0-1 in last eleven Happ starts.
-- Over is 9-3-1 in last thirteen Florida home games.
-- Under is 7-1-1 in last nine Carpenter starts.
-- Last six Jimenez starts stayed under the total.
-- Over is 5-2-1 in last eight Scherzer starts.
-- 10 of last 13 White Sox games stayed under the total.
-- Over is 7-2-1 in Royals' last ten games.
-- Four of last five Kazmir road starts stayed under the total.
-- Seven of last ten Detroit games stayed under the total.
-- Beckett's last four starts all went over the total; under is 16-4 in last 20 Garza starts.
-- Over is 6-1-2 in Sabathia's last nine road starts.
-- Five of seven Hunter home starts stayed under the total.
Umpires
-- Pitt-Cin-- Under is 9-5 in last fourteen Holbrook games.
-- Hst-Chi-- Five of last six Diaz games went over the total.
-- Wsh-SD-- All three Tiller games stayed under the total.
-- SF-Phil-- Six of last nine Layne games stayed under the total.
-- Atl-Fla-- Underdog won six of last nine Culbreth games.
-- Mil-StL-- Favorite won six of last seven Muchinski games.
-- NY-Col-- Underdog won five of last seven Fletcher games.
-- Az-LA-- Darling's last three games all stayed under the total.
-- Chi-Min-- Over is 6-1-1 in last eight Davidson games.
-- KC-A's-- 11 of last 14 Joyce games stayed under the total.
-- LA-Sea-- Over is 3-1-1 in last five Meals games.
-- Clev-Det-- Under is 13-5 in last eighteen Cuzzi games.
-- Bos-TB-- Underdog is 4-3 in last seven West games.
-- NY-Balt-- Over is 9-5 in last fourteen Marsh games.
-- Tor-Tex-- Six of last eight Reynolds games went over the total.
PITTSBURGH vs. CINCINNATI
Pittsburgh is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Cincinnati
Pittsburgh is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing Cincinnati
Cincinnati is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games at home
Cincinnati is 7-15 SU in its last 22 games at home
CHI WHITE SOX vs. MINNESOTA
Chi White Sox are 0-5 SU in their last 5 games
Chi White Sox are 0-5 SU in their last 5 games on the road
Minnesota is 5-0 SU in their last 5 games when playing at home against Chi White Sox
Minnesota is 5-0 SU in their last 5 games when playing Chi White Sox
HOUSTON vs. CHI CUBS
Houston is 2-4 SU in their last 6 games when playing on the road against Chi Cubs
Houston is 2-4 SU in their last 6 games when playing Chi Cubs
Chi Cubs are 4-2 SU in their last 6 games when playing Houston
Chi Cubs are 4-2 SU in their last 6 games when playing at home against Houston
KANSAS CITY vs. OAKLAND
Kansas City is 4-9 SU in its last 13 games
Kansas City is 2-5 SU in its last 7 games when playing Oakland
Oakland is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games when playing Kansas City
Oakland is 3-6 SU in its last 9 games
WASHINGTON vs. SAN DIEGO
Washington is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games
Washington is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games on the road
San Diego is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games when playing at home against Washington
San Diego is 7-2 SU in its last 9 games when playing Washington
LA ANGELS vs. SEATTLE
LA Angels are 16-7 SU in their last 23 games on the road
LA Angels are 2-4 SU in their last 6 games on the road
Seattle is 2-5 SU in their last 7 games when playing at home against LA Angels
Seattle is 6-3 SU in its last 9 games
CLEVELAND vs. DETROIT
Cleveland is 3-9 SU in its last 12 games when playing Detroit
Cleveland is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Detroit
Detroit is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing at home against Cleveland
Detroit is 9-3 SU in its last 12 games when playing Cleveland
NY YANKEES vs. BALTIMORE
NY Yankees are 5-0 SU in their last 5 games when playing Baltimore
NY Yankees are 5-1 SU in their last 6 games when playing on the road against Baltimore
Baltimore is 2-7 SU in its last 9 games at home
Baltimore is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games
SAN FRANCISCO vs. PHILADELPHIA
San Francisco is 3-11 SU in its last 14 games when playing on the road against Philadelphia
San Francisco is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games on the road
Philadelphia is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games at home
Philadelphia is 15-5 SU in its last 20 games
BOSTON vs. TAMPA BAY
Boston is 7-1 SU in its last 8 games
Boston is 4-8 SU in its last 12 games when playing Tampa Bay
Tampa Bay is 16-5 SU in its last 21 games when playing at home against Boston
Tampa Bay is 8-4 SU in its last 12 games when playing Boston
ATLANTA vs. FLORIDA
Atlanta is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games
Atlanta is 8-3 SU in its last 11 games on the road
Florida is 2-5 SU in its last 7 games when playing at home against Atlanta
Florida is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games when playing Atlanta
TORONTO vs. TEXAS
Toronto is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games
Toronto is 1-7 SU in its last 8 games on the road
Texas is 15-6 SU in its last 21 games at home
MILWAUKEE vs. ST. LOUIS
Milwaukee is 12-6 SU in its last 18 games when playing St. Louis
Milwaukee is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games when playing St. Louis
St. Louis is 2-9 SU in its last 11 games when playing at home against Milwaukee
St. Louis is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing Milwaukee
NY METS vs. COLORADO
NY Mets are 7-2 SU in its last 9 games when playing Colorado
NY Mets are 3-8 SU in its last 11 games when playing on the road against Colorado
Colorado is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games at home
Colorado is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games
ARIZONA vs. LA DODGERS
Arizona is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games
Arizona is 5-13 SU in their last 18 games when playing LA Dodgers
LA Dodgers are 10-2 SU in their last 12 games when playing at home against Arizona
LA Dodgers are 13-5 SU in their last 18 games when playing Arizona
PITTSBURGH (53 - 78) at CINCINNATI (59 - 73)
ZACH DUKE (L) vs. HOMER BAILEY (R)
Top Trends for this game.
PITTSBURGH is 11-32 (-15.5 Units) against the money line in road games after a loss this season.
PITTSBURGH is 24-41 (-15.8 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
PITTSBURGH is 11-26 (-13.4 Units) against the money line as a road underdog of +100 to +125 over the last 2 seasons.
PITTSBURGH is 18-49 (-22.8 Units) against the money line in road games this season.
PITTSBURGH is 19-38 (-17.5 Units) against the money line against division opponents this season.
PITTSBURGH is 12-30 (-16.8 Units) against the money line in day games this season.
PITTSBURGH is 17-47 (-22.6 Units) against the money line in road games in games played on a grass field this season.
PITTSBURGH is 3-22 (-18.3 Units) against the money line in road games after allowing 10 runs or more over the last 3 seasons.
DUKE is 17-46 (-22.0 Units) against the money line in road games since 1997. (Team's Record)
CINCINNATI is 32-29 (+7.7 Units) against the money line against division opponents this season.
CINCINNATI is 228-268 (-71.6 Units) against the money line in home games after a win since 1997.
CINCINNATI is 91-113 (-31.3 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 3 seasons.
Head-to-Head Series History
CINCINNATI is 7-4 (+3.1 Units) against PITTSBURGH this season
6 of 11 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+0.1 Units)
ZACH DUKE vs. CINCINNATI since 1997
DUKE is 3-3 when starting against CINCINNATI with an ERA of 3.32 and a WHIP of 1.402.
His team's record is 4-3 (+1.1 units) in these starts. The OVER is 4-2. (+1.8 units)
HOMER BAILEY vs. PITTSBURGH since 1997
BAILEY is 1-0 when starting against PITTSBURGH with an ERA of 1.29 and a WHIP of 1.143.
His team's record is 1-0 (+1.2 units) in these starts. The OVER is 0-1. (-1.2 units)
HOUSTON (63 - 69) at CHICAGO CUBS (66 - 64)
FELIPE PAULINO (R) vs. TED LILLY (L)
Top Trends for this game.
HOUSTON is 71-76 (+12.4 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
HOUSTON is 32-31 (+13.0 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
HOUSTON is 149-144 (+19.8 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
HOUSTON is 44-40 (+12.5 Units) against the money line in day games over the last 2 seasons.
HOUSTON is 145-142 (+15.5 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
HOUSTON is 34-33 (+6.8 Units) against the money line after a loss this season.
CHICAGO CUBS are 66-64 (-13.4 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
CHICAGO CUBS are 552-496 (-109.3 Units) against the money line in home games since 1997.
CHICAGO CUBS are 66-64 (-13.4 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
CHICAGO CUBS are 52-50 (-10.6 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
CHICAGO CUBS are 498-524 (-124.3 Units) against the money line after a win since 1997.
CHICAGO CUBS are 512-479 (-102.3 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record since 1997.
Head-to-Head Series History
CHICAGO CUBS is 10-6 (+1.6 Units) against HOUSTON this season
7 of 15 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=-1.3 Units, Under=-0.0 Units)
FELIPE PAULINO vs. CHICAGO CUBS since 1997
No recent starts.
TED LILLY vs. HOUSTON since 1997
LILLY is 6-1 when starting against HOUSTON with an ERA of 2.84 and a WHIP of 0.982.
His team's record is 6-3 (+2.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 3-6. (-3.5 units)
WASHINGTON (46 - 87) at SAN DIEGO (58 - 76)
JOHN LANNAN (L) vs. KEVIN CORREIA (R)
Top Trends for this game.
WASHINGTON is 25-61 (-31.4 Units) against the money line after a loss this season.
WASHINGTON is 46-87 (-30.5 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
WASHINGTON is 7-23 (-14.9 Units) against the money line when the total is 8 to 8.5 this season.
WASHINGTON is 19-48 (-19.8 Units) against the money line in road games this season.
WASHINGTON is 1-16 (-15.0 Units) against the money line on the road when the total is 8 to 8.5 this season.
WASHINGTON is 46-84 (-27.5 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
WASHINGTON is 36-68 (-22.8 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
WASHINGTON is 93-97 (+18.9 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 3 seasons.
SAN DIEGO is 121-174 (-43.3 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
SAN DIEGO is 11-34 (-23.0 Units) against the money line when playing on Wednesday over the last 2 seasons.
SAN DIEGO is 121-174 (-43.3 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
Head-to-Head Series History
SAN DIEGO is 3-2 (+1.0 Units) against WASHINGTON this season
4 of 5 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+2.8 Units)
JOHN LANNAN vs. SAN DIEGO since 1997
LANNAN is 0-1 when starting against SAN DIEGO with an ERA of 1.71 and a WHIP of 1.000.
His team's record is 1-2 (-1.1 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 3-0. (+3.0 units)
KEVIN CORREIA vs. WASHINGTON since 1997
CORREIA is 1-0 when starting against WASHINGTON with an ERA of 3.86 and a WHIP of 1.542.
His team's record is 2-0 (+2.2 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-1. (-0.2 units)
SAN FRANCISCO (72 - 60) at PHILADELPHIA (76 - 53)
BRAD PENNY (R) vs. J.A. HAPP (L)
Top Trends for this game.
PHILADELPHIA is 47-28 (+12.5 Units) against the money line after a win this season.
PHILADELPHIA is 93-69 (+13.4 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
PHILADELPHIA is 51-30 (+15.2 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
PHILADELPHIA is 76-53 (+9.9 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
PHILADELPHIA is 73-50 (+9.1 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
PHILADELPHIA is 128-89 (+15.8 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.
SAN FRANCISCO is 36-24 (+12.9 Units) against the money line after a loss this season.
SAN FRANCISCO is 72-60 (+12.0 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
SAN FRANCISCO is 72-60 (+12.0 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
SAN FRANCISCO is 47-41 (+6.1 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
PHILADELPHIA is 9-15 (-12.7 Units) against the money line in home games when playing on Wednesday over the last 2 seasons.
PHILADELPHIA is 21-23 (-10.6 Units) against the money line in home games against right-handed starters this season.
Head-to-Head Series History
SAN FRANCISCO is 3-2 (+1.7 Units) against PHILADELPHIA this season
3 of 5 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+0.8 Units)
BRAD PENNY vs. PHILADELPHIA since 1997
PENNY is 8-4 when starting against PHILADELPHIA with an ERA of 3.72 and a WHIP of 1.179.
His team's record is 11-9 (+2.5 units) in these starts. The OVER is 12-6. (+5.7 units)
J.A. HAPP vs. SAN FRANCISCO since 1997
No recent starts.
ATLANTA (70 - 62) at FLORIDA (68 - 64)
JAVIER VAZQUEZ (R) vs. RICK VANDENHURK (R)
Top Trends for this game.
ATLANTA is 67-75 (-16.2 Units) against the money line after a win over the last 2 seasons.
ATLANTA is 142-152 (-27.2 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
ATLANTA is 35-37 (-12.0 Units) against the money line when the total is 8 to 8.5 this season.
ATLANTA is 141-150 (-26.3 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
ATLANTA is 99-105 (-19.4 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.
ATLANTA is 42-44 (-11.6 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
VAZQUEZ is 5-12 (-14.1 Units) against the money line as a road favorite of -150 to -175 since 1997. (Team's Record)
VAZQUEZ is 12-19 (-12.5 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
VAZQUEZ is 3-11 (-10.6 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
FLORIDA is 74-72 (+17.9 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
FLORIDA is 265-277 (+50.1 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season since 1997.
FLORIDA is 152-141 (+20.5 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
FLORIDA is 67-53 (+22.9 Units) against the money line against division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
FLORIDA is 148-136 (+19.9 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
FLORIDA is 77-64 (+18.8 Units) against the money line after a loss over the last 2 seasons.
ATLANTA is 43-31 (+9.6 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
ATLANTA is 25-22 (+11.9 Units) against the money line in road games when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
Head-to-Head Series History
FLORIDA is 6-7 (+0.5 Units) against ATLANTA this season
7 of 12 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+1.3 Units)
JAVIER VAZQUEZ vs. FLORIDA since 1997
VAZQUEZ is 6-6 when starting against FLORIDA with an ERA of 4.40 and a WHIP of 1.325.
His team's record is 8-10 (-4.8 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 7-9. (-2.8 units)
RICK VANDENHURK vs. ATLANTA since 1997
VANDENHURK is 1-0 when starting against ATLANTA with an ERA of 1.69 and a WHIP of 1.063.
His team's record is 2-1 (+1.7 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-2. (-1.0 units)
MILWAUKEE (64 - 67) at ST LOUIS (78 - 55)
DAVE BUSH (R) vs. CHRIS CARPENTER (R)
Top Trends for this game.
MILWAUKEE is 64-67 (-9.9 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
MILWAUKEE is 10-17 (-12.0 Units) against the money line in September games over the last 2 seasons.
MILWAUKEE is 64-64 (-6.9 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
MILWAUKEE is 46-52 (-12.9 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
BUSH is 22-50 (-25.7 Units) against the money line in road games since 1997. (Team's Record)
BUSH is 7-27 (-19.8 Units) against the money line in road games against division opponents since 1997. (Team's Record)
BUSH is 20-45 (-23.0 Units) against the money line in road games in games played on a grass field since 1997. (Team's Record)
ST LOUIS is 40-20 (+12.6 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
ST LOUIS is 78-55 (+11.5 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
ST LOUIS is 18-5 (+12.5 Units) against the money line in home games when playing on Wednesday over the last 2 seasons.
ST LOUIS is 78-55 (+11.5 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
ST LOUIS is 53-33 (+14.3 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
ST LOUIS is 112-85 (+20.3 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
Head-to-Head Series History
ST LOUIS is 5-5 (-0.1 Units) against MILWAUKEE this season
6 of 10 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+1.7 Units)
DAVE BUSH vs. ST LOUIS since 1997
BUSH is 2-4 when starting against ST LOUIS with an ERA of 6.06 and a WHIP of 1.458.
His team's record is 2-4 (-2.4 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 2-4. (-2.4 units)
CHRIS CARPENTER vs. MILWAUKEE since 1997
CARPENTER is 2-3 when starting against MILWAUKEE with an ERA of 4.37 and a WHIP of 1.279.
His team's record is 2-5 (-4.7 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 5-2. (+2.6 units)
NY METS (59 - 73) at COLORADO (73 - 59)
TIM REDDING (R) vs. UBALDO JIMENEZ (R)
Top Trends for this game.
NY METS are 148-146 (-17.3 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
NY METS are 53-71 (-30.9 Units) against the money line when the total is 9 to 9.5 over the last 2 seasons.
NY METS are 148-146 (-17.3 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
NY METS are 13-30 (-15.8 Units) against the money line in road games in night games this season.
COLORADO is 73-59 (+10.6 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
COLORADO is 42-28 (+17.8 Units) against the money line when playing on Wednesday over the last 3 seasons.
COLORADO is 73-59 (+10.6 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
COLORADO is 51-38 (+10.8 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
COLORADO is 134-109 (+18.6 Units) against the money line after a win over the last 3 seasons.
REDDING is 24-20 (+11.9 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
REDDING is 16-10 (+12.0 Units) against the money line when the total is 9 to 9.5 over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
REDDING is 8-3 (+11.2 Units) against the money line on the road when the total is 9 to 9.5 over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
REDDING is 24-20 (+11.9 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
NY METS is 3-2 (+1.7 Units) against COLORADO this season
2 of 4 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+0.1 Units)
TIM REDDING vs. COLORADO since 1997
REDDING is 1-2 when starting against COLORADO with an ERA of 4.39 and a WHIP of 1.395.
His team's record is 3-2 (+2.1 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-4. (-3.4 units)
UBALDO JIMENEZ vs. NY METS since 1997
JIMENEZ is 1-1 when starting against NY METS with an ERA of 3.00 and a WHIP of 1.190.
His team's record is 1-2 (-1.6 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 2-1. (+1.0 units)
ARIZONA (60 - 73) at LA DODGERS (79 - 54)
MAX SCHERZER (R) vs. CHAD BILLINGSLEY (R)
Top Trends for this game.
ARIZONA is 60-73 (-15.0 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
ARIZONA is 63-85 (-21.7 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 2 seasons.
ARIZONA is 17-29 (-17.3 Units) against the money line when playing on Wednesday over the last 2 seasons.
ARIZONA is 60-73 (-15.0 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
ARIZONA is 102-103 (-12.8 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.
ARIZONA is 101-109 (-22.4 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
ARIZONA is 44-71 (-29.8 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
LA DODGERS are 79-54 (+13.0 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
LA DODGERS are 36-17 (+15.0 Units) against the money line against division opponents this season.
LA DODGERS are 79-54 (+13.0 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
Head-to-Head Series History
LA DODGERS is 8-5 (+1.6 Units) against ARIZONA this season
7 of 11 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+2.7 Units)
MAX SCHERZER vs. LA DODGERS since 1997
SCHERZER is 0-1 when starting against LA DODGERS with an ERA of 4.09 and a WHIP of 1.091.
His team's record is 0-2 (-2.0 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 2-0. (+2.0 units)
CHAD BILLINGSLEY vs. ARIZONA since 1997
BILLINGSLEY is 6-4 when starting against ARIZONA with an ERA of 3.20 and a WHIP of 1.407.
His team's record is 7-4 (+2.6 units) in these starts. The OVER is 5-5. (-0.8 units)
CHI WHITE SOX (64 - 69) at MINNESOTA (67 - 65)
MARK BUEHRLE (L) vs. BRIAN DUENSING (L)
Top Trends for this game.
CHI WHITE SOX are 21-47 (-22.7 Units) against the money line in road games when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
CHI WHITE SOX are 10-29 (-18.3 Units) against the money line in road games when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
CHI WHITE SOX are 8-22 (-13.1 Units) against the money line in games played in a dome over the last 2 seasons.
CHI WHITE SOX are 8-30 (-21.2 Units) against the money line in games played on artificial turf over the last 2 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 92-57 (+18.9 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 2 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 72-50 (+14.7 Units) against the money line against division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 95-61 (+18.8 Units) against the money line in games played in a dome over the last 2 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 95-64 (+15.7 Units) against the money line in games played on artificial turf over the last 2 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 34-13 (+19.6 Units) against the money line in home games against left-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 18-27 (-11.5 Units) against the money line in day games this season.
Head-to-Head Series History
MINNESOTA is 9-5 (+4.3 Units) against CHI WHITE SOX this season
8 of 14 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+1.3 Units)
MARK BUEHRLE vs. MINNESOTA since 1997
BUEHRLE is 23-15 when starting against MINNESOTA with an ERA of 3.96 and a WHIP of 1.331.
His team's record is 24-15 (+6.8 units) in these starts. The OVER is 19-20. (-2.8 units)
BRIAN DUENSING vs. CHI WHITE SOX since 1997
DUENSING is 0-0 when starting against CHI WHITE SOX with an ERA of 3.60 and a WHIP of 0.800.
His team's record is 1-0 (+1.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 0-1. (-1.0 units)
KANSAS CITY (51 - 81) at OAKLAND (58 - 74)
BRIAN BANNISTER (R) vs. TREVOR CAHILL (R)
Top Trends for this game.
KANSAS CITY is 51-81 (-26.7 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
KANSAS CITY is 21-35 (-13.6 Units) against the money line when the total is 8 to 8.5 this season.
KANSAS CITY is 45-71 (-26.2 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
KANSAS CITY is 74-110 (-27.9 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
KANSAS CITY is 21-36 (-15.1 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
KANSAS CITY is 19-8 (+15.8 Units) against the money line in September games over the last 2 seasons.
BANNISTER is 15-8 (+10.8 Units) against the money line in day games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
Head-to-Head Series History
OAKLAND is 5-2 (+2.9 Units) against KANSAS CITY this season
6 of 7 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+5.0 Units)
BRIAN BANNISTER vs. OAKLAND since 1997
BANNISTER is 1-3 when starting against OAKLAND with an ERA of 4.54 and a WHIP of 1.440.
His team's record is 3-4 (-1.1 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 1-5. (-4.7 units)
TREVOR CAHILL vs. KANSAS CITY since 1997
CAHILL is 1-0 when starting against KANSAS CITY with an ERA of 3.00 and a WHIP of 1.500.
His team's record is 1-0 (+1.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-0. (+1.0 units)
LA ANGELS (78 - 53) at SEATTLE (69 - 64)
SCOTT KAZMIR (L) vs. FELIX HERNANDEZ (R)
Top Trends for this game.
LA ANGELS are 18-22 (-10.2 Units) against the money line against division opponents this season.
SEATTLE is 69-64 (+7.8 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
SEATTLE is 66-60 (+8.3 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
HERNANDEZ is 19-8 (+8.3 Units) against the money line in all games this season. (Team's Record)
LA ANGELS are 73-43 (+26.5 Units) against the money line after a loss over the last 2 seasons.
LA ANGELS are 82-59 (+19.6 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
LA ANGELS are 78-53 (+19.6 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
LA ANGELS are 39-27 (+15.6 Units) against the money line in road games this season.
LA ANGELS are 29-10 (+22.1 Units) against the money line in day games this season.
LA ANGELS are 71-45 (+19.6 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
LA ANGELS are 117-86 (+16.9 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
KAZMIR is 28-15 (+15.4 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
SEATTLE is 26-41 (-19.1 Units) against the money line in home games after a win over the last 2 seasons.
Head-to-Head Series History
SEATTLE is 8-7 (+2.0 Units) against LA ANGELS this season
8 of 15 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+0.1 Units)
SCOTT KAZMIR vs. SEATTLE since 1997
KAZMIR is 3-1 when starting against SEATTLE with an ERA of 3.21 and a WHIP of 1.218.
His team's record is 3-3 (+0.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 3-3. (-0.3 units)
FELIX HERNANDEZ vs. LA ANGELS since 1997
HERNANDEZ is 3-5 when starting against LA ANGELS with an ERA of 4.77 and a WHIP of 1.441.
His team's record is 7-7 (-1.1 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 5-8. (-4.7 units)
CLEVELAND (58 - 73) at DETROIT (70 - 61)
AARON LAFFEY (L) vs. RICK PORCELLO (R)
Top Trends for this game.
CLEVELAND is 58-73 (-15.0 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
CLEVELAND is 51-65 (-15.4 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
CLEVELAND is 36-47 (-13.5 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
CLEVELAND is 41-57 (-16.8 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
DETROIT is 43-22 (+13.5 Units) against the money line in home games this season.
DETROIT is 68-53 (+7.0 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
PORCELLO is 15-7 (+7.6 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season. (Team's Record)
LAFFEY is 8-1 (+7.4 Units) against the money line when the total is 9 to 9.5 this season. (Team's Record)
DETROIT is 144-149 (-29.0 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
DETROIT is 55-65 (-23.6 Units) against the money line against division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
DETROIT is 91-97 (-20.5 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.
Head-to-Head Series History
DETROIT is 9-4 (+3.9 Units) against CLEVELAND this season
7 of 13 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+0.2 Units)
AARON LAFFEY vs. DETROIT since 1997
LAFFEY is 0-0 when starting against DETROIT with an ERA of 6.30 and a WHIP of 1.900.
His team's record is 0-2 (-2.0 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 0-2. (-2.4 units)
RICK PORCELLO vs. CLEVELAND since 1997
PORCELLO is 1-0 when starting against CLEVELAND with an ERA of 1.38 and a WHIP of 0.923.
His team's record is 2-0 (+2.2 units) in these starts. The OVER is 0-2. (-2.1 units)
BOSTON (77 - 54) at TAMPA BAY (71 - 60)
JOSH BECKETT (R) vs. MATT GARZA (R)
Top Trends for this game.
BOSTON is 30-45 (-16.5 Units) against the money line in road games when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 2-11 (-10.3 Units) against the money line in road games when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season this season.
BOSTON is 8-20 (-13.5 Units) against the money line in games played in a dome over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 17-29 (-13.9 Units) against the money line in games played on artificial turf over the last 2 seasons.
BECKETT is 14-18 (-12.7 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
BECKETT is 5-12 (-13.6 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
TAMPA BAY is 176-133 (+25.5 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
TAMPA BAY is 104-49 (+36.6 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 2 seasons.
TAMPA BAY is 76-52 (+26.5 Units) against the money line against division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
TAMPA BAY is 105-52 (+34.0 Units) against the money line in games played in a dome over the last 2 seasons.
TAMPA BAY is 68-37 (+19.8 Units) against the money line in home games in night games over the last 2 seasons.
TAMPA BAY is 115-60 (+36.7 Units) against the money line in games played on artificial turf over the last 2 seasons.
TAMPA BAY is 123-80 (+32.7 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
TAMPA BAY is 38-15 (+19.6 Units) against the money line in home games after a loss over the last 2 seasons.
TAMPA BAY is 57-24 (+28.2 Units) against the money line in home games when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 36-20 (+14.4 Units) against the money line against division opponents this season.
Head-to-Head Series History
TAMPA BAY is 8-5 (+4.0 Units) against BOSTON this season
6 of 12 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=-0.4 Units, Under=-0.7 Units)
JOSH BECKETT vs. TAMPA BAY since 1997
BECKETT is 7-4 when starting against TAMPA BAY with an ERA of 4.23 and a WHIP of 1.217.
His team's record is 8-7 (-2.5 units) in these starts. The OVER is 6-9. (-3.4 units)
MATT GARZA vs. BOSTON since 1997
GARZA is 7-1 when starting against BOSTON with an ERA of 2.66 and a WHIP of 1.076.
His team's record is 10-2 (+9.3 units) in these starts. The OVER is 4-7. (-3.5 units)
NY YANKEES (84 - 48) at BALTIMORE (54 - 79)
C.C. SABATHIA (L) vs. JASON BERKEN (R)
Top Trends for this game.
NY YANKEES are 136-90 (-52.0 Units) against the money line as a road favorite of -175 or more since 1997.
NY YANKEES are 94-52 (+23.7 Units) against the money line when the total is 9 to 9.5 over the last 2 seasons.
NY YANKEES are 32-13 (+15.3 Units) against the money line when playing on Wednesday over the last 2 seasons.
NY YANKEES are 55-28 (+15.8 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
BALTIMORE is 23-58 (-24.9 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
BALTIMORE is 498-545 (-115.5 Units) against the money line in home games since 1997.
BALTIMORE is 5-21 (-15.0 Units) against the money line in September games over the last 2 seasons.
BALTIMORE is 38-83 (-32.7 Units) against the money line against division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
BALTIMORE is 498-545 (-115.5 Units) against the money line in home games in games played on a grass field since 1997.
BALTIMORE is 36-61 (-21.5 Units) against the money line against left-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
BALTIMORE is 238-296 (-88.0 Units) against the money line in home games after a loss since 1997.
BALTIMORE is 85-155 (-46.7 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 3 seasons.
Head-to-Head Series History
NY YANKEES is 11-3 (+6.2 Units) against BALTIMORE this season
8 of 14 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+1.8 Units)
C.C. SABATHIA vs. BALTIMORE since 1997
SABATHIA is 7-1 when starting against BALTIMORE with an ERA of 2.55 and a WHIP of 0.992.
His team's record is 9-3 (+4.9 units) in these starts. The OVER is 6-5. (+0.7 units)
JASON BERKEN vs. NY YANKEES since 1997
BERKEN is 0-1 when starting against NY YANKEES with an ERA of 7.50 and a WHIP of 1.500.
His team's record is 0-1 (-1.0 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 1-0. (+1.0 units)
TORONTO (59 - 72) at TEXAS (74 - 58)
SCOTT RICHMOND (R) vs. TOMMY HUNTER (R)
Top Trends for this game.
TORONTO is 59-72 (-18.8 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
TORONTO is 21-35 (-16.9 Units) against the money line when the total is 9 to 9.5 this season.
TORONTO is 7-20 (-12.2 Units) against the money line on the road when the total is 9 to 9.5 this season.
TORONTO is 32-47 (-18.1 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
TORONTO is 31-39 (-12.3 Units) against the money line after a loss this season.
TORONTO is 24-41 (-16.5 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
TORONTO is 11-25 (-14.9 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season this season.
TEXAS is 74-58 (+19.4 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
TEXAS is 25-18 (+9.5 Units) against the money line when the total is 9 to 9.5 this season.
TEXAS is 43-25 (+13.7 Units) against the money line in home games this season.
TEXAS is 165-145 (+29.0 Units) against the money line when playing on Wednesday since 1997.
TEXAS is 71-52 (+21.2 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
TEXAS is 54-43 (+12.4 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
TEXAS is 46-36 (+14.1 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
TEXAS is 39-32 (+8.8 Units) against the money line after a win this season.
Head-to-Head Series History
TORONTO is 5-4 (+1.0 Units) against TEXAS this season
6 of 9 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+2.6 Units)
SCOTT RICHMOND vs. TEXAS since 1997
RICHMOND is 1-0 when starting against TEXAS with an ERA of 3.00 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)
TOMMY HUNTER vs. TORONTO since 1997
HUNTER is 0-0 when starting against TORONTO with an ERA of 10.80 and a WHIP of 2.000.
His team's record is 1-0 (+1.0 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 0-1. (-1.1 units)
National League
PITTSBURGH at CINCINNATI
DUKE: PIT 3-22 Away after allowing 10+ runs
BAILEY: CIN 1-11 at home off win by 6+ runs
HOUSTON at CHICAGO CUBS
PAULINO: 1-6 TSR as an underdog
LILLY: 9-1 TSR at home
WASHINGTON at SAN DIEGO
LANNAN: WAS 1-17 Away when the total is 7 to 8.5
CORREIA: SD 14-4 Under at home after allowing 2 runs or less
SAN FRANCISCO at PHILADELPHIA
PENNY: SF 21-7 Under after scoring/allowing 3 runs or less
HAPP: 11-0 Under 2nd half of the season
ATLANTA at FLORIDA
VAZQUEZ: 13-3 TSR as road favorite
VANDENHURK: FLA 9-1 Over at home on Wednesday
MILWAUKEE at ST LOUIS
BUSH: 7-27 Away vs. division
CARPENTER: StL 31-7 as a favorite of -150 or more
NY METS at COLORADO
REDDING: NYM 18-7 Under off loss by 4+ runs
JIMENEZ: COL 21-5 as a favorite of -150 or more
ARIZONA at LA DODGERS
SCHERZER: ARI 22-9 Under when the total is 8 to 8.5
BILLINGSLEY: LAD 36-17 vs. division
American League
CHI WHITE SOX at MINNESOTA
BUEHRLE: CWS 15-8 off one run loss
DUENSING: MIN 12-21 off BB wins
KANSAS CITY at OAKLAND
BANNISTER: 15-8 TSR in day games
CAHILL: OAK 6-1 Over vs. Kansas City
LA ANGELS at SEATTLE
KAZMIR: LAA 29-10 in day games
HERNANDEZ: SEA 10-18 at home vs. Angels
CLEVELAND at DETROIT
LAFFEY: CLE 34-13 Over as road underdog
PORCELLO: DET 34-15 as home favorite
BOSTON at TAMPA BAY
BECKETT: BOS 8-20 in dome games
GARZA: 10-2 TSR, 2.66 ERA vs. Boston
NY YANKEES at BALTIMORE
SABATHIA: NYY 13-1 Under if 6+ extra base hits last game
BERKEN: BAL 36-61 vs. lefties
TORONTO at TEXAS
RICHMOND: 5-1 Under at Texas
HUNTER: TEX 48-22 Under when the total is 8.5 to 10
Tips and Trends
New York Yankees at Baltimore Orioles
Yankees (-$2.20, O/U 9.5 under -$1.15): The Yankees are winning at a blistering pace. They are now 36 games above .500 for the first time since going 101-61 in 2004. New York is 22-6 in its last 28 games. The Yankees are 29-9 in their last 38 games when facing a right-handed starter. New York is averaging 7.4 runs in its last 13 games. Combine this run-scoring with CC Sabathia on the mound and it’s easy to see why the Yankees are better than 2-to-1 favorites in this matchup. Sabathia (15-7, 3.56 ERA) has been huge in his last five starts with a 1.93 ERA and a 44-to-six strikeout-to-walk ratio. Sabathia hasn’t lost since July 28, a span of six starts in which he has gone 5-0 with a 2.64 ERA. The big lefty last faced Baltimore on May 7 at Camden Yards and threw a complete game four-hit shutout.
The Yankees are 27-8 in their last 35 meetings versus American League East clubs.
Key Injuries - Chien-Ming Wang (shoulder) is on the DL.
PROJECTED SCORE: 6
Orioles: Right-handed rookie Jason Berken (4-11, 6.33 ERA) faces a huge challenge. Berken has won three of his last five decisions, including the past two, after enduring nine straight losses. He’s pitching better since switching from a four-seam fastball to a two-seam sinker. He gave up two earned runs and five hits last Friday in a 13-4 victory over Cleveland. The under has cashed in eight of Berken’s past 10 home starts. The Orioles, though, are 3-10 in Berken’s last 13 overall starts. The Orioles have lost six of their last nine games. They are 13-29 in their past 42 games and 19-56 in their last 75 contests versus American League Eastern teams. Baltimore is 7-21 in its last 28 meetings against the Yankees. All-Star center fielder Adam Jones left Tuesday’s 9-6 loss with a sprained ankle. The under is 4-1 in the last five games between the two teams.
The Under is 7-2 in the Orioles’ last nine games on grass.
Key Injuries - Adam Jones (ankle) is day-to-day.
PROJECTED SCORE: 3 (UNDER - Total of the Day)
Arizona Diamondbacks at Los Angeles Dodgers
Diamondbacks: The Diamondbacks had a five-game winning streak snapped last night. They continue to struggle on the road, losing 12 of their past 15 away contests. Arizona is 2-10 in its last 12 road games when going against a right-handed starter. Justin Upton is red-hot going 15-for-28 with four doubles and three homers since coming off the disabled list last Wednesday. Max Scherzer is a big strikeout pitcher who is 8-8 with a 4.26 ERA. He has a 30-to-5 strikeout-to-walk ratio in his last four starts. The 25-year-old righty has intriguing potential, but has already worked 139 1/3 innings this season after pitching 109 innings last year when he was with Triple A Tucson and the Diamondbacks. Arizona is 5-12 in Scherzer’s past 17 road outings. The Diamondbacks have managed to win just twice in nine games when Scherzer has pitched on the road against a team with a winning record.
The Under is 8-3 in Scherzer’s last 11 starts versus National League West teams.
Key Injuries - Chad Qualls (knee) is on the DL.
PROJECTED SCORE: 3
Dodgers (-$1.70, O/U 8 over -$1.15): The Dodgers play the Diamondbacks with a great deal of confidence at home having posted 10 victories the past 12 times they’ve hosted them. The under is 7-2-2 the past 11 times these two teams have met. Right-hander Chad Billingsley, 12-8 with a 3.83 ERA, usually is tough versus teams under .500. Los Angeles is 17-4 in Billingsley’s last 21 home starts against a team with a losing mark. The Dodgers are 9-2 in Billingsley’s last 11 starts versus a team with an under .500 record. Los Angeles also is 12-2 in Billingsley’s past 14 starts versus National League West squads. Billingsley did lose in his last start, giving up four earned runs, seven hits and four walks in a 4-2 loss at Cincinnati last Friday. Matt Kemp has smacked a home run in four straight games. The Dodgers are 52-24 in their last 76 games versus NL West foes.
The Under is 14-3-2 in Los Angeles’ last 19 games.
Key Injuries - Hiroki Kuroda (head) is on the DL.
PROJECTED SCORE: 5 (Side of the Day)
Dave Malinsky
6* Top of the Ticket - Day
MINNESOTA TWINS (Duensing) +135 over Chicago White Sox (Buehrle)
Last night we pointed out the absurdity of the White Sox being favored on this field, and now we have more of the same. A slow team that is poor defensively (only the Nationals have given up more runs directly via errors) is now on a 2-16 run in the Metrodome as they head to their final game ever here, which brings little confidence to the table, and at 1-8 overall on this road trip, while also having lost Jim Thome and seeing their playoff hopes fade to black, there is little reason to fear a high energy level for this early start. So once again the question becomes whether or not the starting pitcher accounts or the line. Again it does not, and this time we raise the rating to take advantage of the extreme value. Mark Buehrle is a fine craftsman, but he pitches to contact. Put a pitcher that does that on a fast surface with a weak defense behind him and what do you have? Trouble. The past two seasons he has worked to an 0-4/8.31 tune from this mound, and that includes a pair of recent July starts that the Twins won by a combined eight runs. Hence the added problem – a finesse pitcher tends to be easier to read the more the opposition sees him, and this will be the fifth look for Minnesota this season, and 7th since the All Start break LY. Making this equation even more interesting is that while the Mauer/Morneau heart of the Twin lineup can match up with just about anyone, some of the supporting cast have particularly had their way with Buehrle – Delmon Young is at 8-20 lifetime with two home runs; Denard Spann 7-17 with two home runs; and Carlos Gomez 8-20, also with two homers. At 0-4/5.77 since throwing that no-hitter vs. Tampa Bay back in July, Buehrle hardly brings enough to take the limited package behind him to this level of favoritism. Brian Duensing is not going to wow anyone with this stuff, but he is a classic example of a pitcher being brought along the proper way – having had 57 starts at the AAA level the past three seasons, he know how to pitch, and get the most out of what he has. He has worked to a 2-0/2.65 as a starter through three opportunities, only walking three batters in those 17 frames and producing a positive ratio of ground ball outs each time, and these days you do not have to do much more than throw strikes to get past a weak Chicago lineup, particularly as we update the slumps of key right-handers Jermaine Dye (17-102 over his last 27 games, with only three of the hits going for extra bases), and Alex Rios (10-60 in a White Sox uniform, with 16 strikeouts). And Duensing knows just what his job is here – make a couple of good passes through the lineup, and then turn things over to a strong bullpen, one that had a rare hiccup from Matt Guerrier last night, but still managed to get the win without using Joe Nathan. The latter is fresh to close this one out, which is among the better comforts in the Majors to have.
KELSO
15 Units Braves {J.Vazquez} (-150) over Marlins {R.VandenHurk}
Atlanta Braves (70-62) -150 over FLORIDA MARLINS (68-64) Pitching for Atlanta: RH Javier Vazquez (11-9, 3.02) Pitching for Florida: RH Rick VandenHurk (2-2, 5.12) Braves Trend Profile: Last 10: 6-4, Streak: Won 2, Road: 35-32, Against RHP: 42-44. Marlins Trend Profile: Last 10: 3-7, Streak: Lost 2, Home: 37-33, Against RHP: 46-43. Starting Time: 7:10 TV: Sports South, Fox Sports Florida
Partly cloudy with a 40-percent chance of rain. Winds blowing out to center field at 5-10 m.p.h. Game-time temperature: Around 80.
KBHoops
5* Minnesota Twins +1.5 -127 **POD**
TONY BRUNO WINS
20x TIGERS