John Fina
Selection: St. Louis/San Diego Over 7.5
Today we expect a high scoring game as the St. Louis Cardinals do battle with the San Diego Padres. One reason why we expect a high-scoring game is because both these teams will be sending to the mound struggling starting pitchers. This says it all... The St. Louis Cardinals Starting Pitcher (Braden Looper) has a 4.87 ERA in his last 3 starts, while San Diego Padres Starting Pitcher (Chris Young) has a 5.29 ERA in his last 3 starts. As you can see, both these pitchers have been struggling and will most likely give up many runs today. Take the St. Louis Cardinals/San Diego Padres Over 7.5
Bobby Maxwell
L.A. Angels +115 at TORONTO
Going north of the border for a play on the Angels as they visit the Blue Jays in Toronto today in an American League matchup.
The Angels went to Toronto and got the win on Tuesday behind some strong pitching and we're looking for them to do the same tonight when they send Jon Garland (4-3, 4.32 ERA) to the mound to take on the Blue Jays and starter Shaun Marcum (4-2, 2.50).
Garland has been strong on the road for the Angels, going 2-1 with a 2.67 ERA. Last time out on the road he blanked the Rays on four hits over eight innings but his offense game him nothing and the Rays scored two in the ninth to win 2-0.
As a member of the White Sox, Garland led them to an 8-2 mark in 10 starts against the Blue Jays over a five-year span.
Marcum has been tough for the Blue Jays but had to come out of his last start on Sunday in Philadelphia after just an inning after giving up two runs on two hits. We'll see if he's fully recovered in just two days off.
Let's grab the plus money on the Angels in this one and go with Garland to get the job done on the road again.
3* L.A. ANGELS
DUNKEL
MLB
St. Louis at San Diego
Chris Young has been nearly unhittable at home (1.75 ERA in 4 starts) and looks to take advantage of a St. Louis team that is just 2-8 when listed as a road underdog between +100 and +125. The Padres are the pick (-130) according to Dunkel, which has San Diego favored by 1 1/2. Dunkel Pick: San Diego (-130). Here are all of today's games.
WEDNESDAY, MAY 21
Game 951-952: San Francisco at Colorado
Dunkel Ratings: San Francisco (Sanchez) 14.250; Colorado (Jimenez) 14.920
Dunkel Line: Colorado by 1; 9
Vegas Line: Colorado (-140); 10
Dunkel Pick: Colorado (-140); Under
Game 953-954: Milwaukee at Pittsburgh
Dunkel Ratings: Milwaukee (Sheets) 14.132; Pittsburgh (Snell) 14.601
Dunkel Line: Pittsburgh by 1/2; 7 1/2
Vegas Line: Milwaukee (-125); 8
Dunkel Pick: Pittsburgh (+115); Under
Game 955-956: Arizona at Florida
Dunkel Ratings: Arizona (Webb) 16.977; Florida (Nolasco) 14.237
Dunkel Line: Arizona by 2 1/2; 8
Vegas Line: Arizona (-160); 8 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Arizona (-160); Under
Game 957-958: NY Mets at Atlanta
Dunkel Ratings: NY Mets (Pelfrey) 15.941; Atlanta (Jurrjens) 15.406
Dunkel Line: NY Mets by 1/2; 9
Vegas Line: Atlanta (-125); 9 1/2
Dunkel Pick: NY Mets (+115); Under
Game 959-960: Philadelphia at Washington
Dunkel Ratings: Philadelphia (Moyer) 16.013; Washington (Chico) 15.081
Dunkel Line: Philadelphia by 1; 8
Vegas Line: Philadelphia (-120); 9
Dunkel Pick: Philadelphia (-120); Under
Game 961-962: Chicago Cubs at Houston
Dunkel Ratings: Chicago Cubs (Gallagher) 15.236; Houston (Chacon) 16.453
Dunkel Line: Houston by 1; 9
Vegas Line: Houston (-105); 10
Dunkel Pick: Houston (-105); Under
Game 963-964: St. Louis at San Diego
Dunkel Ratings: St. Louis (Looper) 13.742; San Diego (Young) 15.057
Dunkel Line: San Diego by 1 1/2; 7
Vegas Line: San Diego (-130); 7 1/2
Dunkel Pick: San Diego (-130); Under
Game 965-966: Cincinnati at LA Dodgers
Dunkel Ratings: Cincinnati (Cueto) 14.967; LA Dodgers (Kuroda) 15.653
Dunkel Line: LA Dodgers by 1/2; 9
Vegas Line: LA Dodgers (-130); 8 1/2
Dunkel Pick: LA Dodgers (-130); Over
Game 967-968: Tampa Bay at Oakland
Dunkel Ratings: Tampa Bay (Sonnanstine) 14.937; Oakland (Eveland) 15.796
Dunkel Line: Oakland by 1; 8
Vegas Line: Tampa Bay (-110); 8 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Oakland (+100); Under
Game 969-970: Kansas City at Boston
Dunkel Ratings: Kansas City (Tomko) 15.501; Boston (Colon) 16.664
Dunkel Line: Boston by 1; 10 1/2
Vegas Line: Boston (-160); 10
Dunkel Pick: Boston (-160); Over
Game 971-972: Seattle at Detroit
Dunkel Ratings: Seattle (Washburn) 13.907; Detroit (Rogers) 15.192
Dunkel Line: Detroit by 1; 11
Vegas Line: Detroit (-145); 9 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Detroit (-145); Over
Game 973-974: Baltimore at NY Yankees
Dunkel Ratings: Baltimore (Olson) 15.520; NY Yankees (Rasner) 14.829
Dunkel Line: Baltimore by 1; 11
Vegas Line: NY Yankees (-150); 9 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Baltimore (+140); Over
Game 975-976: LA Angels at Toronto
Dunkel Ratings: LA Angels (Garland) 15.172; Toronto (Marcum) 16.064
Dunkel Line: Toronto by 1; 7
Vegas Line: Toronto (-125); 8 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Toronto (-125); Under
Game 977-978: Cleveland at Chicago White Sox
Dunkel Ratings: Cleveland (Byrd) 15.531; White Sox (Vazquez) 16.635
Dunkel Line: Chicago White Sox by 1; 8
Vegas Line: Chicago White Sox (-140); 8 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Chicago White Sox (-140); Under
Game 979-980: Texas at Minnesota
Dunkel Ratings: Texas (Ponson) 15.183; Minnesota (Blackburn) 14.913
Dunkel Line: Texas by 1/2; 10
Vegas Line: Minnesota (-135); 9 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Texas (+125); Over
NBA
San Antonio at LA Lakers
The Lakers knocked off the Jazz on the road to advance to the conference finals and look to build on their 9-2 ATS record when coming off an upset win as an underdog in tonight's opener against the Spurs. Los Angeles is the pick (-7) according to Dunkel, which has the Lakers favored by 9 1/2. Dunkel Pick: LA Lakers (-7). Here are all of today's games.
WEDNESDAY, MAY 21
Game 703-704: San Antonio at LA Lakers
Dunkel Ratings: San Antonio 122.733; LA Lakers 132.407
Dunkel Line & Total: LA Lakers by 9 1/2; 200
Vegas Line & Total: LA Lakers by 7; 196
Dunkel Pick: LA Lakers (-7); Over
Tony Mathews
Texas Rangers vs. Minnesota Twins
Selection: Texas /Minnesota Over 9.5
Explanation: We expect a high-scoring game as the Texas Rangers face-off against the Minnesota Twins in Wednesday's MLB game.
The Texas Rangers will use starting pitcher Sidney Ponson. Sidney Ponson has been struggling as of late. In fact, Sidney Ponson has a 5.19 ERA in his last 3 starts. We see Sidney Ponson giving up many runs once again tonight.
The Minnesota Twins will use starting pitcher Nick Blackburn. Nick Blackburn has also been struggling as of late. In fact, Nick Blackburn has a 4.26 ERA in his last 3 starts. We also see Nick Blackburn giving up many runs once again tonight.
These teams have a history of scoring many runs when they meet. In fact, the "Over" is a Perfect 5-0 in the last 5 meetings between these teams.
Take the Texas Rangers/Minnesota Twins Over 9.5
JEFF BENTON
Lost a tough one with the DBacks at Florida last night. But we?ll come right back and support Arizona tonight, this time on the run-line with the incredible Brandon Webb going up against the Marlins Ricky Nolasco.
Webb has been absolutely ridiculous this season, going 9-0 with a 2.56 ERA in nine starts, including a sparkling 4-0 with a 1.33 ERA on the road. And with the DBacks averaging more than 6.2 runs per game with Webb on the mound, Arizona has won seven of Webb?s nine starts by at least two runs.
Now, in fairness, I will point out that Webb has some spotty career numbers against the Marlins (3-3, 5.05 ERA in six starts). However, those numbers are a bit misleading, because the last three times Webb has faced the Marlins, he?s 3-0 with a 1.35 ERA, including a 7-0 whitewash in his one outing against the Fish last year.
As for Nolasco, hes had his decent moments this season, but hes still just 2-3 with a 5.18 ERA in seven starts, including 0-2 with a 7.20 ERA. In those two home games, the Marlins have lost 8-0 to the Braves and 7-2 to San Diego ? two teams not nearly as talented as Arizona.
Bottom line: I know Webbs not going to stay undefeated all season long, but I cant see any way his streak ends tonight. Look for another multi-run victory by the Snakes.
5* ARIZONA D-BACKS -1 1/2 runs
DCI
Western Conference Finals
Game 1, best-of-7
L.A. LAKERS 103, San Antonio 97
Vegas Experts
Cincinnati Reds at LA Dodgers
The Reds six-game win streak has gone up in smoke with back-to-back losses to the Dodgers. However, that should come as no surprise considering that Cincy has now lost eight straight in Chavez Ravine and don't look for that streak to come to end with Johnny Cueto on the hill. Cueto has lost all four of his road starts while accumulating an ERA of 9.16 in the process. Dodgers break out the brooms!
Play on: LA Dodgers
Sportsbettingstats
New York Mets at Atlanta Braves
In yesterday's doubleheader between these two teams the Braves swept the Mets winning 6-1 in game 1 and 6-2 in game 2. The Braves are streaking and are now only 1.5 games back of the Florida Marlins in the NL East, while the Mets are 4th place in the division, but only 2.5 games back of the Marlins. In their last 10 games the Mets are 4-6 and the Braves are 6-4 and have won 3 straight games. Taking the mound for the Mets is Mike Pelfrey (2-4 4.17 ERA), who has pitched decent, but has not received much run support in his outings. This is especially the case in his last outing as Pelfry went 7 innings giving up only 1 earned run and still received a loss. In game 1 of yesterday's double header the Mets scored 1 run on 6 hits and left 6 men on base and in game 2 scored 2 runs on 8 hits and left 4 men on base. Taking the mound for the Braves is Jair Jurrjens (4-3 2.82 ERA), who has been solid this year as a bottom of the rotation guy and in his last outing went 5 innings giving up 0 earned runs in a no decision. In yesterday's sweep the Braves scored 6 runs on 11 hits and left 9 men on base in game 1 and scored 6 runs on 9 hits and left 8 men on base in game 2.
Staff Pick: In the pitching match up for this game the Braves have to have the advantage, as Jurrjens is having a better year than the Mets Pelfry. Mets fans are not happy as the team is hovering around .500, as they had high expectations entering the season. Star third baseman David Wright said, "We've got too much talent to be a .500 team. We've got too much talent to be mediocre the whole way through the season." The Braves are a tough team to beat at home, as they have the best home record in the Majors at 18-5. Chipper Jones is having a great season, as he leads NL in batting average (.409) and is in the top 10 in both home runs and RBI's. Atlanta is tied for 2nd in the NL in team batting average (.282), but only ranks 9th in runs scored (206), while the Mets rank 10th (205). Even though the season is only ¼ over every game between these two division rivals is a big one, as they will battle to the end of the year for the NL East crown. The Braves have the momentum, the advantage in the pitching match up, and are playing with confidence. All this adds up to a Braves victory over the Mets. Both pitchers have pitched well recently, so look for a low scoring game.
Braves 4 Mets 3
MONEYLOCKOFTHEDAY
DIGGER'S PICK
BREWERS / PIRATES OVER 8
JUNIOR'S PICK
TWINS -135
Jim Feist.
LA Angels and TOR Blue Jays
Take LA Angels
The Angels are getting healthy on offense and come off a big 10-2 Freeway Series victory over the Dodgers. Catcher Mike Napoli had two homers in the game and now has 10 on the season! Starter Jon Garland has owned the Blue Jays in his career with a 9-2 record. The Angels have a winning road mark while the Blue Jays are just a .500 team at home. This shapes up as an excellent spot for the visitors. Play the Angels!
PlusLineSports
Arizona Diamondbacks -1.5
EZWINNERS EARLY GAME
1 STAR PARLAY: (968) OAKLAND (-$103) and (952) COLORADO (-$146)
(Action)
(Risking $100 to win $232)
Jack Clayton
Braves
floridabookybusters
Baltimore
HotLocksports
Toronto
Philly Connection
DIAMONDBACKS
Arthur Ralph
Atlanta Braves
Totals4u
Sea/Det Under
Jim Feist
Angels
Will Sykes
Antonio Spurs +7
Dark Horse
Florida +155
Mighty Quinn
Lakers
Insider Sports Report
Cleveland +115
PlayByPlayInc
SPURS/LAKERS Over 196.5
ARMVIN SPORTS
NEW YORK METS
Killer Bee Sports
Colorado Rockies -146
Phoenix Sports
Houston/Chicago Under
CAPPERS ACCESS
Lakers
Rockies
Mike Wynn
Cincinnati
Computer Sports
D-BACKS-160
Nevada Sharp Shooter
BLUE JAYS -130
Vegas Steam Line
Cincinnati
Big Time Sports
TEXAS / MINNESOTA OVER 9.5
Platinum Plays
BLUE JAYS - 135
Rocco Spacamuro
50 * Braves -130
TV HOTLINE
MINNESOTA -140
Huddle Up Sports
Atlanta -125
Scout
San Diego -130
Scott Spreitzer
Red Sox
Glen Mcgrew
Twins
Joe Wiz
Rockies
Cards
Bob Donahue
Cubs
Lance's Lock
Padres -125
Sharp Sports Advisors
CARDINALS
Vegas Insider Capping
Athletics
Templer's Sports Picks
Chi Cubs
Erin Rynning
20* Playmaker: Minnesota -135
Gamblers World
TIP OF THE DAY
Prediction: Los Angeles Lakers -7
The San Antonio Spurs and the Los Angeles Lakers will both be trying to pick up a postseason win on Wednesday when they battle at STAPLES Center.Oddsmakers currently have the Lakers listed as 7-point favorites versus the Spurs, while the game's total is sitting at 197.5.Manu Ginobili dropped 26 points to lift the Spurs to a 91-82 win over the Hornets in Game 7 of their second-round series on Monday night.San Antonio covered as 3.5-point road underdogs as the teams played under the 182.5-point total set by oddsmakers.The Lakers defeated the Jazz 108-105 in Game 6 last Friday to advance to the Western Conference Finals. The Lakers won the game as 3.5-point underdogs, while the combined score made it OVER the posted total of 212.5.Kobe Bryant had a game-high 34 points with eight rebounds and six assists to power the Lakers in that contest.