Free Picks: Service Plays for Friday, April 26

DUNKEL INDEX

MLB

Colorado at Arizona
The Rockies look to take advantage of an Arizona team that is 2-5 in its last 7 games as a home favorite of -110 to -150. Colorado is the pick (+110) according to Dunkel, which has the Rockies favored by 1. Dunkel Pick: Colorado (+110)

Game 951-952: Cincinnati at Washington (7:05 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Cincinnati (Bailey) 14.405; Washington (Zimmermann) 15.519
Dunkel Line: Washington by 1; 8
Vegas Line: Washington (-130); 7
Dunkel Pick: Washington (-130); Over

Game 953-954: Chicago Cubs at Miami (7:10 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Cubs (Feldman) 14.454; Miami (LeBlanc) 14.712
Dunkel Line: Miami by 1/2; 7 1/2
Vegas Line: Chicago Cubs (-120); 8
Dunkel Pick: Miami (+100); Under

Game 955-956: Philadelphia at NY Mets (7:10 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Philadelphia (Kendrick) 15.020; NY Mets (Gee) 14.597
Dunkel Line: Philadelphia by 1/2; 8 1/2
Vegas Line: NY Mets (-115); 7 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Philadelphia (-105); Over

Game 957-958: Pittsburgh at St. Louis (8:15 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Pittsburgh (Sanchez) 16.203; St. Louis (Lynn) 16.544
Dunkel Line: St. Louis by 1/2; 7 1/2
Vegas Line: St. Louis (-200); 8 1/2
Dunkel Pick: St. Louis (-200); Under

Game 959-960: Colorado at Arizona (9:40 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Colorado (Nicasio) 16.692; Arizona (McCarthy) 15.612
Dunkel Line: Colorado by 1; 8 1/2
Vegas Line: Arizona (-130); 9 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Colorado (+110); Under

Game 961-962: Milwaukee at LA Dodgers (10:10 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Milwaukee (Burgos) 15.171; LA Dodgers (Beckett) 15.674
Dunkel Line: LA Dodgers by 1/2; 8
Vegas Line: LA Dodgers (-160); 7 1/2
Dunkel Pick: LA Dodgers (-160); Over

Game 963-964: San Francisco at San Diego (10:10 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: San Francisco (Lincecum) 15.881; San Diego (Cashner) 14.697
Dunkel Line: San Francisco by 1; 8
Vegas Line: San Francisco (-120); 7
Dunkel Pick: San Francisco (-120); Over

Game 965-966: Toronto at NY Yankees (7:05 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Toronto (Johnson) 15.627; NY Yankees (Nova) 15.388
Dunkel Line: Toronto by 1/2; 8 1/2
Vegas Line: NY Yankees (-125); 9
Dunkel Pick: Toronto (+105); Under

Game 967-968: Houston at Boston (7:10 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Houston (Bedard) 13.369; Boston (Dempster) 15.703
Dunkel Line: Boston by 2 1/2; 10
Vegas Line: Boston (-260); 9
Dunkel Pick: Boston (-260); Over

Game 969-970: Texas at Minnesota (8:10 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Texas (Grimm) 15.156; Minnesota (Diamond) 15.425
Dunkel Line: Minnesota by 1/2; 8
Vegas Line: Texas (-125); 8 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Minnesota (+105); Under

Game 971-972: Tampa Bay at Chicago White Sox (8:10 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Tampa Bay (Hernandez) 15.722; White Sox (Peavy) 15.181
Dunkel Line: Tampa Bay by 1/2; 7
Vegas Line: Chicago White Sox (-145); 7 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Tampa Bay (+125); Under

Game 973-974: Cleveland at Kansas City (8:10 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Cleveland (Kazmir) 14.435; Kansas City (Santana) 16.267
Dunkel Line: Kansas City by 2; 9 1/2
Vegas Line: Kansas City (-165); 8 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Kansas City (-165); Over

Game 975-976: Baltimore at Oakland (10:05 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Baltimore (Chen) 14.697; Oakland (Milone) 15.591
Dunkel Line: Oakland by 1; 7
Vegas Line: Oakland (-125); 7 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Oakland (-125); Under

Game 977-978: LA Angels at Seattle (10:10 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: LA Angels (Wilson) 14.045; Seattle (Harang) 14.707
Dunkel Line: Seattle by 1/2; 8 1/2
Vegas Line: LA Angels (-155); 7 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Seattle (+135); Over

Game 979-980: Atlanta at Detroit (7:08 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Atlanta (Maholm) 15.560; Detroit (Sanchez); 15.961
Dunkel Line: Detroit by 1/2; 7
Vegas Line: Detroit (-125); 7 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Detroit (-125); Under

Bob Balfe

Knicks +3 over Celtics

The Knicks are better in every stage of the game and the only way they lose is if they come out and play like the Clippers did last night. This team will only beat themselves against this older Boston team. This is always a tough building to play in, but I don't think the Knicks get enough credit for being one of the elite teams in the NBA. Take New York

Spurs -5 over Lakers

The Lakers have run out of gas. No Kobe means no shot. A lot of their role players are out or limited tonight and they just don't have the offense to play in this game. The Spurs have weapons from every single position and I think it would take a game in the low 80's for the Lakers to have a shot. I just don't see it happening. Take the Spurs.

Warriors -1.5 over Nuggets

The biggest loss of the entire playoffs was the other night when the Nuggets lost at home to the Warriors. Denver banks on their home games and not being up 2-0 is a big blow going into play Golden State. The Warriors live by the 3 point shot and they are not going to die by it any time soon. They were very impressive the other night and are getting confident. This is a team that can make a lot of noise in the playoffs. Take Golden State.

Angels/Mariners Over 7.5

The Mariners are starting to hit the ball with this new line up and CJ Wilson has not pitched well this year giving up about a hit every inning. Harang has been brutal in his action this year. This is a good day for the Angels to get their bats going. I think we are going to see both teams swinging the bat well tonight. Take the Over.

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Colorado at ArizonaFOR FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
Play: OverFOR FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
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Arizona's Brandon McCarthy has had a rough go of it in his return after getting hit in the head with a line drive late last season. In four starts McCarthy has allowed 36 hits and 17 earned runs while posting only 11 strikeouts. No question he's been a bit on the unlucky side (.391 BABIP, 7.06 ERA vs. 4.13 xFIP) but he simply hasn't shown the type of stuff that can consistently miss bats and/or get people out. Right now, I see McCarthy's ceiling as a 5- or 6-inning, 3 or 4 earned run type of pitcher. Unlike Jorge De La Rosa and Jhoulys Chacin, Juan Nicasio has never come off as a guy who can have prolonged success at the MLB level. In 20.1 innings of work, the righty has allowed 12 runs, 12 walks, and only 12 strikeouts. And there is nothing fluky about his numbers with a .262 BABIP and nearly identical ERA (5.31) and xFIP (5.34). These two pitchers squared off last week in Coors Field with Arizona winning 5-4. There were a slew of scoring opportunities as both teams combined for 17 hits and the D-Backs' bullpen got through three innings unscathed which is a rarity. Last night's total was 9 with two above average starters in De La Rosa and Cahill. Tonight, we get the same total but with two far more hittable arms. Play it over.

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Baltimore Orioles at Oakland AthleticsSERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
Prediction: Oakland AthleticsFOR FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
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The A's and Orioles resume in the second of a four-game series in Oakland Friday night where Tom Milone toes the slab for the Athletics. Milone has been money in the bank at home for the A's, going 15-4 in his MLB career team starts. He is also is strong KW form with 17 strikeouts and 4 walks this season. With the A's having won 16 of the last 19 games in this park in this series, look for more of the same this evening. We recommend a 1-unit play on Oakland.

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Baltimore Orioles vs. Oakland A'sFREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
Play: Baltimore OriolesFOR FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
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After a great start to the season, the A's have stumbled. They started 12-4, which included a nine-game winning streak, but they are just 1-6 over their last seven games including a 10-2 blowout loss last night to open this series. Four of the losses have come by three or more runs and despite the one victory being 13-0, Oakland has been outscored by 12 runs overall during this stretch. The A's are hoping Tom Milone can turn things around but I'm not counting on it. He has a 4.26 ERA through four starts including a poor effort at Tampa Bay last time out, allowing six runs, four earned, on eight hits in 6.2 innings. He has tossed two quality starts are home, posting a 2.63 ERA in the process but those games were against Seattle and Houston and he takes a big step up in class here. Baltimore is off to a 13-9 start including wins in three of its last four and six of its last eight games. The Orioles are 6-4 on the road and the offense has been leading the way. Baltimore is averaging 6.0 rpg during this eight-game stretch and it is hitting .309 against left-handed pitching on the road. It may not even need a great effort tonight behind Wei-Yin Chen who is off to a great start this year following a solid 2012 campaign. He has a 3.38 ERA and 1.17 WHIP through four starts with three of those being quality outings. The one non-quality effort missed by just a third of an inning at Tampa Bay and his last three gems have come against the Red Sox, Yankees and Dodgers. He faced Oakland twice last season and won both games while posting a 0.71 ERA over 12.2 innings.

Rob VincilettiFOR FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
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Philadelphia Phillies vs. New York MetsFREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
Play: New York MetsFOR FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
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The Mets fit a solid system here tonight that plays on home favorites with a total that is less than 9 that are off a home dog loss and scored 3 or less runs, vs an opponent, like the Phillies that come in off a home favored loss and scored 4 or less runs. This system is cashing 88% since 2004. The Mets are top rated in scoring and are averaging 6.6 runs in night games and 5.5 runs at home. The Phillies are scoring just 2.1 runs on the road and hitting just .223, so its no wonder they have dropped 6 of 9 away from home. Kendrick goes for the Phils and he will have his work cut out for him against this lineup. He will oppose Dillion Gee, who has been solid at home with a 0.75 era allowing just 1 run in 12 innings. In his only 2 home starts vs the Phillies he had quality starts and allowed 4 runs in 12 innings. Look for the Mets to get back on track here at home tonight. Take the Mets.

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Cincinnati Reds vs. Washington NationalsSERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
Play: Cincinnati RedsFOR FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
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Cinncy got creamed last night by a 8-1 count, but have had the ability to bounce back after a set back as they are 22-9 in their last 31 games following a loss. The Reds starter tonight vs the Washington Nationals , Baily has seen his team win 5 straight starts on the road in the underdog role. Additionally , take this anomaly/trend for what its worth, but it must be noted that the Nationals don't like to play on the gateway day to the weekend(Friday) losing 8 straight tilts.

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Colorado Rockies at Arizona Diamondbacks
Pick: Arizona DiamondbacksFREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
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Colorado is clearly improved, but the Rockies are in a little slump right now and Chase remains pretty much of a horror show for this team. The Rockies are now 8-20 in the last last 28 at this site after last night's narrow loss, and they're also an improbable rally against Craig Kimbrel away from a five-game losing streak.
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As far as tonight's matchup is concerned, I can see bettors eagerly firing against Brandon McCarthy, who has struggled for the Diamondbacks. But in spite of the bloated 7.06 ERA, I actually have McCarthy as better guy tonight. At least McCarthy is making the opposition beat him, as the control has been okay. He's had awful luck on BABIP, sitting at a grotesque .391. League average is about .290, so there should be a correction coming for McCarthy. Part of his problem has been an effort to increase the usage of his changeup, and that has not worked at all. Last start, McCarthy got back to normal in terms of his pitch selection, and while he wasn't nails by any means, he was at least a little better.
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I'm not buying Juan Nicasio at all. 5.3/5/3 is a really bad BB/K, and he's actually gotten slightly fortunate on BABIP. In other words, he's pitching even worse than his 5.31 ERA. The bullpens figure to get involved here, and if that's the case, Arizona has the advantage. They're about one run better than the Rockies pen overall, and the split gets even wider when the home/road numbers get factored in. I made the Snakes close to -145 tonight, so laying around a quarter with the Diamondbacks is a decent value.

Jim FeistFOR FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
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Colorado at ArizonaFOR FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
Pick: OverFOR FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
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Arizona is a good offensive park and a pair of good offense and struggling starters square off. Colorado comes to town with the No. 2 offense in runs scored, tops in slugging and batting average. But starter Juan Nicasio (5.31 ERA) is walking too many batters (12 in 20 innings) despite that 2-0 record. The over is 18-8 in the Rockies last 26 vs. a team with a winning record and 6-2 over the total in Nicasio's last 8 starts. Arizona has plenty of offensive punch, 9th in baseball in runs scored. Starter Brandon McCarthy (7.06 ERA) is 0-2 getting lit up for 36 hits in 21+ innings! He has a career ERA against Colorado of 6.00, so look for plenty of offense. Play the Rockies/Diamondbacks Over the total.

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Pittsburgh Pirates at St. Louis Cardinals
Pick: Pittsburgh PiratesFOR FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
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We've been riding Pittsburgh lately, and why not? The Pirates just won the final three games of a midweek set in Philadelphia for their first-ever series win at Citizens Bank Park, have won 12 of their last 16, and their staff has posted an airtight 1.89 ERA over the past seven games. And with a bullpen that has posted an ERA of less than 2.00 over the past ten games, Clint Hurdle has plenty of options in case starter Jonathan Sanchez continues to struggle. Not sold on Cards starter Lance Lynn just because of his strong start in his last outing, when allowing just one hit against the Phils last weekend; Lynn has a 4.88 career ERA vs. the Bucs, and Cardinal bats are not exactly on fire, with a .216 BA over the past eight games. Pittsburgh has also won 5 of its last 7 at Busch Stadium.

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NY Knicks +3FOR FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
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I honestly think the Knicks could sweep this series, Boston does match up well against them and NY has dominated the first 2 games with some kick ass defense. If home court with worth 2 to 3 points in the NBA they are calling this game even from an oddsmakers standpoint. I do not see it. I will drink the Koolaid here and grab the points with the better team, and the Knicks DEFENSE is the key. Also Mello has pumped in 70 points in the first 2 games and is in total sync, and Boston has no answer on offense against a defense who has shut them completley down in the 2nd half of both games.

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Houston Astros vs. Boston Red SoxSERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
Play: Houston AstrosFOR FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
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We will take the big number here with the Astros on the road in Boston as the Red Sox are 47-62 SU when playing at home coming off a home contest the previous outing. Playing against the Red Sox in this situation has produced a profit of +3262 Units. Take Houston

Will RogersFOR FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
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Baltimore vs. OaklandFREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
Pick: OaklandFOR FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
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The A's were hammered last night, 10-2 by the Orioles, their sixth loss in seven games following a hot start. Baltimore, meanwhile, continues to defy logic. After last season's run flew in the face of those who believe in analytics, the O's are back at it again in 2013. They had won five straight games decided by two runs or less before losing 6-5 to Toronto on Wednesday, 1 of just 2 losses for the team in the last 8 games.
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Here are my keys to the game:FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
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1. A's vs. lefties - One area that Oakland has really excelled in this season is facing left-handed starters. They average a whopping 7.5 runs per game against southpaws in 2013. They face Wei-Yin Chen Friday. Chen had some control issues in his last start, walking four batters.
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2. Tom Milone - The A's starter was getting a lot of run support prior to losing his last start. Here at home, he's 2-0 with a 2.63 ERA. He won his only career start vs. Baltimore, last September where he allowed just one earned run in 6 1/3 innings. He has an 18-6 TSR in night games.
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3. X-Factor - Oakland is 2-0 this season after allowing nine or more runs their previous game.

Art AronsonFOR FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
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Edmonton vs. MinnesotaFOR FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
Pick: MinnesotaFOR FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
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I feel the intensity in which the Wild will be playing with tonight and the overall ineptitude that this injured Oilers team has been performing at of late definitely justifies in laying the 1.5 goals for the plus-money return. If history is any precedence, then the Wild have to be loving their chances this evening as they've taken all three in this series so far this year. The Oilers are 17-22-7 overall and 9-11-3 on the road. They've lost two straight, and I've been against them each time as Anaheim won 3-1 on Monday, before Chicago got the job done with a 4-1 victory for me on Wednesday. The Oilers were eliminated from playoff contention by the Ducks the night before their second straight loss in the series and come into this contest with four starting forwards on the injured list. The Wild are 25-18-3 overall and 14-7-2 at home. Simply put, this is a do-or-die game for the home side in my estimation. All Minnesota has to do is either win tonight or at Colorado on Saturday to secure a playoff berth. Coming off a momentum building 2-1 win over the defending champions on Tuesday, I fully expect the Wild to come out with a highly concerted effort on both ends of the ice this evening and to take care of business tonight and to not let fate ride on an all deciding effort in the final game of the year. This has been a bad matchup for the Oilers all season and with a lineup that's been devastated by injury, all signs once again point to an epic beatdown. As mentioned above, you may want to consider a second look at laying the 1.5 goals for the plus-money return in this situation.