Wednesday Service Plays

Marc Lawrence

Play On: NY Mets w/Perez vs Olsen

Note: The Mets host the division leading Marlins in the 3rd and final game of this pivotal three game set Wednesday night. Oliver Perez has enjoyed good success against Florida, winning 8 of his 11 career team starts. He's also won 8 of his last 9 starts at home during the month of May. Look for Scott Olsen to dip to 3-6 in his carer team starts against the Mets here tonight.

Alex Smart

Game: Toronto Blue Jays vs. Oakland Athletics
Prediction: Under

Roy Halladay (5-5, 3.11 ERA) the ace of the Toronto Blue Jays pitching staff has been in consistent form this season, and has been one of the best work horse performers in all of baseball in the early part of the 2008 campaign, as is evident by 5 complete game performances. The big right handers May starts have seen him garner a 3-1 record along with a stingy 2.87 ERA and 31 strike outs, allowing just 3 walks in 31 1/3 innings of stellar work. His pitching opponent from the Oakland As Rich Harden(3-0,2.93 ERA), has also looked good this season, in limited action, and in his last effort after being activated from the DL on May 11, came out with a top notch effort, allowing 2 runs and 4 hits in 6 innings against the hard hitting Red Sox. Both these quality hurlers are supported by strong bullpens. The Jays BP owns a 2.94 ERA and the As pen owns a solid 2.41 ERA in home games. Considering the pitching matchup, and the fact both these teams offenses are far from explosive with team batting averages, hovering right around the Mendoza line, it will be an easy to back this tilt to go under the number! Play on the UNDER

Great Lakes Sports

San Francisco at Arizona
Play on: Arizona Diamondbacks

The Arizona Diamondbacks are a very solid 4-1 vs the San Francisco Giants this year including 14-7 vs the San Francisco Giants the last three years. The Arizona Diamondbacks is also 20-5 vs Division opponents this year, and 12-3 at home home where the total is between 9 to 9.5 this year. We look for the Arizona Diamondbacks to dismantle the San Francisco Giants for the home division win tonight.

BRAD DIAMOND

Play on: New York (Pettitte) over Baltimore

Can’t help backing veteran Andy Pettitte in his next stint down at Camden Yards. At Baltimore, the veteran Pettitte is 14-4, so New York does have a built in edge this evening. In addition, the Yankees are 5-1 L6 times out on the diamond and 37-15 on Wednesday’s

Ross Benjamin

Yankees (Pettite) @ Baltimore (Guthrie)
Pick: Baltimore +115

Andy Pettite has not fared well in his 4 starts at Camden Yards since 2005 posting a lofty 6.41 ERA. The Baltimore starter Guthrie enters the game in good form off of his last 3 starts posting a 1.83 ERA. In 2 career starts at Camden Yards versus the Yankees Guthrie posted a 2.92 ERA and the Orioles were winners in both. Baltimore is 10-3 in home night games this season versus a right-handed starting pitcher. Play on Baltimore

NBA PLAYOFFS

EASTERN CONFERENCE

(2) Detroit (10-5, 9-6 ATS) at (1) Boston (10-8, 7-11 ATS)

The Pistons, who bounced back from a Game 3 home loss to win Game 4 on Monday and even this best-of-7 series, travel back to the TD Banknorth Garden for the critical Game 5 battle with the Celtics.

Detroit kept Boston at arm’s length for the first three quarters Monday night, then pulled away late in the fourth for a 94-75 rout as a six-point home chalk. Antonio McDyess surprisingly led the Pistons with 21 points and 16 rebounds, while Richard Hamilton added 20 points as a total of five Pistons reached double figures. Meanwhile, the Celtics’ Big Three of Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce and Ray Allen shot a dismal 11-for-38 from the floor (28.9 percent), combining for 43 points.

Detroit is 14-5 SU and 13-6 ATS in its last 19 starts going back to the regular season. As for the Boston, it finished the regular season on an 11-1 SU and 10-2 ATS tear, but the Celtics have been wildly inconsistent in the playoffs, never winning or losing more than three games in a row. Also, the C’s are just 2-7 at the betting window in their last nine games.

Boston still leads the season series 4-3 SU and ATS, and the straight-up winner has cashed in seven straight meetings in this rivalry. Also, despite Detroit’s win and cover in Game 4, the road team is still 9-3 ATS in the last 12 clashes between these two, and the underdog has cashed in 12 of the last 17 contests.

The Pistons are on positive ATS runs of 8-1 as an underdog of five to 10½ points, 5-2-1 as a playoff ‘dog of that same price, 5-1 after a double-digit victory, 7-2 on one day of rest and 9-4 against teams with a winning percentage above .600. On the flip side, though, Detroit is on a 3-13 ATS slide in conference finals games and is 2-7 ATS in its last nine as a road pup and 0-4 ATS in its last four after a SU win.

The Celtics, who snapped their 0-6 postseason road losing streak in Game 3 after suffering their first playoff home loss in Game 2, are still 12-4 ATS in their last 16 at the Garden, 7-1 ATS in their last eight at home against teams with a winning road record and 7-3 ATS in their last 10 after a double-digit loss. However, Boston is mired in pointspread funks of 1-6 laying five to 10½ points, 1-7 laying that same price in the playoffs, 2-6 in the conference finals and 2-7 on one day of rest.

Monday’s Game 4 fell short of the 176-point total, running the red-hot “under” streak in this rivalry to 10-2 in the last 12 clashes, including 7-1 in the last eight contests (3-1 in this playoff series) and 6-1 in the last seven clashes at the Garden.

Furthermore, for Detroit, the under is on streaks of 19-8 overall (10-5 in the playoffs), 21-8 against the Eastern Conference, 21-9 against the Atlantic Division and 21-8-1 in the conference finals. For Boston, the over is 7-2 in its last nine when laying five to 10½ points, but the under is 7-2 in its last eight conference finals games and 19-8 in its last 27 against Central Division opponents.

ATS ADVANTAGE: UNDER

NATIONAL LEAGUE

Houston (30-23) at St. Louis (30-23)

The Astros will send left-hander Wandy Rodriguez (1-0, 2.31 ERA) to the mound at Busch Stadium, while the Cardinals will counter with right-hander Adam Wainwright (4-2, 3.06) in the second game of a three-game set between these National League Central rivals.

Houston rolled to an 8-2 victory in Tuesday’s series opener, improving to 17-7 in its last 24 overall, including 5-2 in the last seven. Meanwhile, the Cardinals have followed up a 6-1 tear by dropping their last two, and they need to win the next two contests against the Astros to extend a streak that has seen St. Louis win three consecutive three-game series.

This is the third series this season between these two teams, and the Cardinals now hold a 4-3 edge after last night’s loss, splitting four contests at Busch Stadium. St. Louis is 4-0 all-time with Wainwright going against the Astros.

Rodriguez, who has three no-decisions among his four starts, is returning to the Astros’ rotation after missing more than a month with a strained left groin. In his last outing, he allowed two runs on five hits in four innings, getting a no-decision in a 3-2 home loss to Colorado on April 19. Prior to that, he got the win in a 5-1 victory over Florida, allowing one run on five hits in seven innings on April 13.

Rodriguez was solid in an April 7 home start against St. Louis, throwing 7 1/3 innings of shutout ball, yielding just three hits and leaving with a 2-0 lead. But the bullpen gave up three runs in the ninth as the Cardinals rallied for a 3-2 victory. Rodriguez is 1-4 with a 5.25 ERA in seven career appearances (six starts) against St. Louis. Also, in his lone road start this year, he gave up four runs on eight hits in five innings in a 9-6 loss at San Diego on April 2.

Wainwright allowed one run on five hits in seven innings Friday en route to a 2-1 road victory over the Dodgers. That ended Wainwright’s four-week drought without a win, as he went 0-1 with three no-decisions in his previous five outings. But St. Louis is 7-3 this season behind Wainwright, who is 3-0 with a 2.70 ERA in five home starts, all Cardinals victories.

On April 26 against Houston, Wainwright threw a five-hit complete game, allowing three runs as St. Louis earned a 4-3 home win. The right-hander is 3-0 with a 2.41 ERA in 10 appearances (four career starts) against the Astros.

The Astros are on hot streaks of 6-1 versus the N.L. Central, 5-1 on Wednesdays, 11-3 against winning teams, 8-3 on the highway, 6-1 overall when Rodriguez starts, 6-0 when Rodriguez faces division rivals and 4-1 when Rodriguez works on the highway.

The Cardinals have now dropped five of their last six in N.L. Central play, but otherwise the trends are all positive, including 8-2 on Wednesday, 10-4 at home against winning teams and 13-6 against lefties. In addition, behind Wainwright, St. Louis has won six in a row at Busch, six in a row against winning teams and five of six against N.L. Central foes.

The under for Houston is 4-1 in Rodriguez’s last five starts, but the over is 10-1-1 in his last 12 road outings against winning teams and is 8-2-1 in his last 11 road starts overall. With Wainwright going, the over for St. Louis is 5-2-2 in division play, but the under is 11-4-1 with him going on four days’ rest and 9-4-2 in his last 15 starts against winning teams.

Furthermore, for Houston, the under is on streaks of 7-3 overall, 8-3 in division games, 11-6-1 on the highway and 35-18-2 against winning teams. For the Cardinals, the under runs include 4-2 overall, 5-2-1 against winning teams and 5-2 vs. left-handed starters. Finally, even though last night’s contest jumped over the total, the under is still 6-2 in the last eight head-to-head meetings overall and 4-1 in the last five clashes at Busch Stadium.

ATS ADVANTAGE: ST. LOUIS and UNDER

AMERICAN LEAGUE

Toronto (28-26) at Oakland (29-23)

Right-hander Roy Halladay (5-5, 3.11 ERA) will toe the slab for the Blue Jays in the second game of a three-game series against the Athletics, who are set to counter with righty Rich Harden (3-0, 2.93) at McAfee Coliseum.

The A’s extended their winning streak to five in a row while at the same time snapping Toronto’s five-game hot streak with Tuesday’s 3-1 victory. Oakland’s five-game streak comes on the heels of a 2-9 slump, and the A’s are now 14-5 in their last 19 home games.

Despite Tuesday’s setback the Blue Jays are still on an 11-4 tear, holding their last five opponents to three runs or fewer. In fact, Toronto has given up more than three runs only twice in the 11 victories during this 15-game stretch.

The A’s have owned this American League rivalry lately, winning the last five clashes, including a three-game sweep last month in Canada. Going back to last year, Oakland is 8-2 in the last 10 meetings. However, the road team is still 11-3 in the last 14 head-to-head contests. In addition, the Jays are 2-5 in Halladay’s last seven starts in Oakland, and the A’s are 1-4 with Harden going against Toronto.

The Blue Jays have notched wins in three of Halladay’s last four starts, with the veteran ace hurling a complete-game gem Friday against Kansas City. Halladay yielded one run on four hits, with no walks and five strikeouts, as Toronto rolled 7-1 at home in Halladay’s third complete game of the year (2-1). The right-hander, preparing for his 11th start of the season, is 2-4 with a 3.40 ERA in six road starts (seven appearances) this season.

Halladay is 4-4 with a 5.35 ERA in 11 career starts against Oakland. In his lone outing against the A’s last season, he tossed nine innings, giving up four runs on seven hits and six walks, getting a no-decision as Oakland prevailed 5-4 at home in 11 innings.

Harden, who had a stint on the 15-day DL with a strained right shoulder following his first two starts of the season, has been lights out in his last two outings, giving up a total of three runs on eight hits and four walks with 16 strikeouts in 13 innings, beating Atlanta 5-4 and Boston 8-3. The A’s are 3-0 in Harden’s three starts since returning from the DL.

Harden is 2-0 with an exceptional 1.59 ERA in three home starts this season, but he’s 0-3 with a 5.59 ERA in five career starts against Toronto.

The Blue Jays remain on streaks of 6-2 on the highway, 7-4 against winning teams and 64-30 in Halladay’s last 94 starts overall. However, Toronto is 4-12 in Halladay’s last 16 road starts, 2-5 in the team’s last seven on Wednesday and 1-4 in the team’s last five versus the American League West.

The Athletics, who have won five in a row against the A.L. East after sweeping the Red Sox in Oakland last weekend, have been money when the oft-injured Harden has made it to the mound, posting runs of 38-15 overall, 24-8 at home and 4-1 against the A.L. East.

The under is 6-2 in Halladay’s last eight starts overall, 5-1 in his last six on the highway, 4-1 in his last five against the A.L. West and 5-0-1 in his last six in Oakland. Meanwhile, the under is 5-1 in Harden’s last six home starts against winning teams and 5-2 in his last seven on Wednesdays.

For Toronto, the under is 34-16-3 overall this season (6-2 last eight), including 19-8-1 on the road, and the under is 5-0 in its last four against the A.L. West. The under is also 6-2-1 in Oakland’s last nine on Wednesday. Conversely, in this rivalry, the over is 6-3-1 in the last 10 clashes overall and 6-2-1 in the last eight battles at the Coliseum, though Tuesday’s contest stayed well below the posted price.

ATS ADVANTAGE: OAKLAND

Dave Cokin.

ATL Braves and MIL Brewers
Take MIL Brewers

The Brewers have been a flop for the most part this season. But there's a still a long way to go and I can't see this capable offense not exploding at some point. Off a good win on Tuesday, Milwaukee looks well positioned to garner another victory here. Jeff Suppan has gotten it together to some extent, and I like the Brewers to take some liberties against Braves southpaw Jo Jo Reyes, who's about one or two more bad starts away from a return trip to Richmond. I'll spot the small price with the Brewers."

LVSS.

DET Tigers and LA Angels
Take DET Tigers

Detroit has a winning record the last 9 games as the offense is hitting. They've scored 9 or more runs in 4 of the last 8 games. One starter who has been very strong is Armando Galarraga, with a winning record and a 3.70 ERA. LA starter Joe Saunders has thrown 12 innings against these Tigers and allowed 13 hits, so they are familiar with him. The Angels are just 2-2 the last four games they've been this big a favorite. A good spot for the visitors, Play the Tigers!

Jim Feist

BOS Red Sox and SEA Mariners
Take Over

Examining walks is one way to gauge totals in baseball. In this game, Boston.5?s offense is very patient, trying to draw walks and get the opposing pitcher into a high pitch count. Notice that Seattle ace Erik Bedard has a 4.95 ERA against Boston, walking 33 in 60 innings. Red Sox knuckler Tim Wakefield has an ERA over 5 and is 3-8 in his career against Seattle, with 52 walks in 111 innings. Seattle is on a 6-1 run over the total. Play the Red Sox/Mariners Over the total!

Tom Scott

Detroit at BOSTON
Play ON: UNDER the total points

Boston, who's own offense has been struggling mightily in these playoffs, allowed the Detroit attack to have its way in Monday's game. Now, it's time to turn things around. The Celtics have made it this far in this event with a stifling defense and they were embarrassed by the easy baskets Detroit was getting in the last game. There will be none of those tonight and Boston tightens up the passing lanes and flies to the perimeter. Detroit's defense won't make it easy for the Pistons either. Hence, another snorer.

PREDICTION: TOTAL POINTS SCORED - 165

Scott Spreitzer

Pittsburgh Pirates at Cincinnati Reds
Prediction: Cincinnati Reds

I'm laying the price with the Reds on Wednesday night. Bronson Arroyo has pitched quite well in his last four starts, allowing just six earned runs and 34 base runners in 26 1/3 innings of work. That's a red-hot 2.05 ERA and 1.29 WHIP, helping the Reds to a 3-1 mark. I expect another strong performance against a Bucs lineup that's scoring just 3.7 runs per game in road night games against righties. Meanwhile, Arroyo should receive plenty of offensive support. The Reds are a perfect 3-0 in home night outings against southpaws, scoring 5.7 runs per game. Lefty Tom Gorzelanny has been absolutely horrible away from home this season, sporting a ridiculous 7.78 ERA, allowing 17 earned runs in just 19 2/3 IP! It's a great spot for the home squad and I'm laying the price with the Reds on Wednesday.

Matt Fargo

San Francisco Giants at Arizona Diamondbacks
Prediction: San Francisco Giants

The Giants picked up a big win last night in the first game of this series last night and it can ride that momentum into tonight. It was the 4th win in the last six games for San Francisco, all of which have come on the road. The team is definitely playing better and the offense is hitting one of its best strides of the season as the Giants have plated six runs or more in four of those six games, averaging 5.5 rpg over that span. The Diamondbacks meanwhile are struggling as they have lost six of their last eight games. Unlike the Giants, the offense is sputtering, scoring three runs or fewer in six of games, averaging just 3.8 rpg over that stretch and that is with one game of scoring 11 runs and another scoring nine. The first start from Doug Davis since coming back from Thyroid cancer was a special one but I don?t see it happening again. There was a lot of energy and emotion from him as well as his teammates and recreating that will be next to impossible. Jonathan Sanchez has put together two straight complete games and is pitching at a season?s best right now following two of his shortest outings of the year prior to that. Play San Francisco Giants 1.5 Units

Bobby Maxwell

Houston +140 at ST. LOUIS

Make it five straight FREE plays on the diamond after the A's get us a winner on Tuesday, beating the Blue Jays. Tonight we're over in the National League with a complimentary play on the Astros on the road against St. Louis.

Red-hot Houston is catching all this plus-money today? OK, we'll go to the pay window with the Astros. Houston has won 17 of its last 24 games and five of its last seven. Play the streaking Astros.

Wandy Rodriguez (1-0, 2.31 ERA) is on the mound for the Astros against the Cardinals' Adam Wainwright (4-2, 3.06).

Rodriguez is back on the hill after a month on the DL with a groin injury. He faced these Cardinals on April 7 and blanked them for 7.1 innings, giving up just three hits and leaving with a 2-0 lead before his bullpen blew up and the Astors lost 3-2.

But right now there is just no going against the Astros. They are on streaks of 6-1 against N.L. Central rivals, 5-1 on Wednesdays, 11-3 against teams with a winning record, 8-3 on the road, 6-1 in Rodriguez starts, 6-0 when he faces division rivals and 4-1 with him on the road.

The Cards have dropped five of their last six in the N.L. Central. So we'll play the team that is on fire and that's the Astros in this one.

3* HOUSTON

DUNKEL

MLB

Chicago White Sox at Cleveland
The White Sox, who have won 10 of their last 13, look to get back into the win column today against a Cleveland team that has won only two of its last 11. Chicago is the underdog pick (+110) according to Dunkel, which has the White Sox favored straight up by 1. Dunkel Pick: Chicago White Sox (+110). Here are all of today's games.

WEDNESDAY, MAY 28

Game 901-902: Colorado at Philadelphia
Dunkel Ratings: Colorado (Reynolds) 14.095; Philadelphia (Eaton) 16.885
Dunkel Line: Philadelphia by 2 1/2; 12
Vegas Line: Philadelphia (-170); 10 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Philadelphia (-170); Over

Game 903-904: Pittsburgh at Cincinnati
Dunkel Ratings: Pittsburgh (Gorzelanny) 14.858; Cincinnati (Arroyo) 14.539
Dunkel Line: Pittsburgh by 1/2; 10
Vegas Line: Cincinnati (-135); 9
Dunkel Pick: Pittsburgh (+125); Over

Game 905-906: Florida at NY Mets
Dunkel Ratings: Florida (Olsen) 14.584; NY Mets (Perez) 15.528
Dunkel Line: NY Mets by 1; 8 1/2
Vegas Line: NY Mets (-140); 9
Dunkel Pick: NY Mets (-140); Under

Game 907-908: LA Dodgers at Chicago Cubs
Dunkel Ratings: LA Dodgers (Lowe) 14.849; Cubs (Zambrano) 16.695
Dunkel Line: Chicago Cubs by 2; 7
Vegas Line: Chicago Cubs (-150); No Run Line
Dunkel Pick: Chicago Cubs (-150); N/A

Game 909-910: Atlanta at Milwaukee
Dunkel Ratings: Atlanta (Reyes) 14.827; Milwaukee (Suppan) 15.335
Dunkel Line: Milwaukee by 1/2; 8 1/2
Vegas Line: Milwaukee (-115); 9 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Milwaukee (-115); Under

Game 911-912: Houston at St. Louis
Dunkel Ratings: Houston (Rodriguez) 14.879; St. Louis (Wainwright) 15.629
Dunkel Line: St. Louis by 1; 9 1/2
Vegas Line: St. Louis (-150); 8 1/2
Dunkel Pick: St. Louis (-150); Over

Game 913-914: San Francisco at Arizona
Dunkel Ratings: San Francisco (Sanchez) 14.613; Arizona (Davis) 16.027
Dunkel Line: Arizona by 1 1/2; 8 1/2
Vegas Line: Arizona (-165); 9
Dunkel Pick: Arizona (-165); Under

Game 915-916: Washington at San Diego
Dunkel Ratings: Washington (Perez) 15.014; San Diego (Estes) 14.309
Dunkel Line: Washington by 1; 7
Vegas Line: San Diego (-130); 7 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Washington (+120); Under

Game 917-918: Chicago White Sox at Cleveland
Dunkel Ratings: White Sox (Floyd) 15.884; Cleveland (Westbrook) 15.153
Dunkel Line: Chicago White Sox by 1; 7 1/2
Vegas Line: Cleveland (-120); No Run Line
Dunkel Pick: Chicago White Sox (+110); N/A

Game 919-920: Texas at Tampa Bay
Dunkel Ratings: Texas (Gabbard) 14.949; Tampa Bay (Garza) 15.948
Dunkel Line: Tampa Bay by 1; 10
Vegas Line: Tampa Bay (-145); 9
Dunkel Pick: Tampa Bay (-145); Over

Game 921-922: NY Yankees at Baltimore
Dunkel Ratings: NY Yankees (Pettitte) 15.513; Baltimore (Guthrie) 14.052
Dunkel Line: NY Yankees by 1 1/2; 8 1/2
Vegas Line: NY Yankees (-135); 9
Dunkel Pick: NY Yankees (-135); Under

Game 923-924: Minnesota at Kansas City
Dunkel Ratings: Minnesota (Hernandez) 14.509; Kansas City (Greinke) 15.433
Dunkel Line: Kansas City by 1; 8 1/2
Vegas Line: Kansas City (-140); 8
Dunkel Pick: Kansas City (-140); Over

Game 925-926: Detroit at LA Angels
Dunkel Ratings: Detroit (Galarraga) 15.815; LA Angels (Saunders) 15.272
Dunkel Line: Detroit by 1/2; 7
Vegas Line: LA Angels (-125); 9
Dunkel Pick: Detroit (+115); Under

Game 927-928: Toronto at Oakland
Dunkel Ratings: Toronto (Halladay) 16.192; Oakland (Harden) 16.886
Dunkel Line: Oakland by 1; 8
Vegas Line: Oakland (-110); 7
Dunkel Pick: Oakland (-110); Over

Game 929-930: Boston at Seattle
Dunkel Ratings: Boston (Wakefield) 13.891; Seattle (Bedard) 14.349
Dunkel Line: Seattle by 1/2; 7
Vegas Line: Seattle (-110); 8 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Seattle (-110); Under

NBA

Detroit at Boston
The Pistons showed they could win in Boston in Game Two and come into tonight's contest with an 8-1 ATS record in road games when the total is listed between 170 and 179 1/2. Detroit is the pick (+5 1/2) according to Dunkel, which has the Celtics favored by only 2 1/2. Dunkel Pick: Detroit (+5 1/2). Here are all of today's games.

WEDNESDAY, MAY 28

Game 717-718: Detroit at Boston
Dunkel Ratings: Detroit 123.631; Boston 125.924
Dunkel Line & Total: Boston by 2 1/2; 170
Vegas Line & Total: Boston by 5 1/2; 173
Dunkel Pick: Detroit (+5 1/2); Under

NHL

Pittsburgh at Detroit
Needing a win to get back into the series, the Penguins return home and look to build on their 11-5 record after scoring 1 goal or less in their previous game. Pittsburgh is the pick (-135) according to Dunkel, which has the Penguins favored by 1/2 a goal. Dunkel Pick: Pittsburgh (-135). Here are all of today's games.

WEDNESDAY, MAY 28

Game 5-6: Detroit at Pittsburgh
Dunkel Ratings: Detroit 12.729; Pittsburgh 13.211
Dunkel Line & Total: Pittsburgh by 1/2; 5 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: Pittsburgh (-135); 5
Dunkel Pick: Pittsburgh (-135); Over