Free Picks: Service Plays for Thursday, April 25

DUNKEL INDEX

MLB

Texas at Minnesota
The Twins look to take advantage of a Texas team that is 4-10 in its last 14 games in Minnesota. Minnesota is the pick (+110) according to Dunkel, which has the Twins favored by 1/2 a run. Dunkel Pick: Minnesota (+110)

Game 901-902: Pittsburgh at Philadelphia (1:05 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Pittsburgh (McDonald) 16.423; Philadelphia (Lee) 15.595
Dunkel Line: Pittsburgh by 1; 6 1/2
Vegas Line: Philadelphia (-175); 7
Dunkel Pick: Pittsburgh (+155); Under

Game 903-904: LA Dodgers at NY Mets (1:10 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: LA Dodgers (Ryu) 15.101; NY Mets (Hefner) 14.670
Dunkel Line: LA Dodgers by 1/2; 9
Vegas Line: LA Dodgers (-120); 8
Dunkel Pick: LA Dodgers (-120); Over

Game 905-906: Cincinnati at Washington (7:05 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Cincinnati (Arroyo) 15.075; Washington (Gonzalez) 14.848
Dunkel Line: Cincinnati by 1/2; 7
Vegas Line: Washington (-130); 7 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Cincinnati (+110); Under

Game 907-908: Chicago Cubs at Miami (7:10 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Cubs (Jackson) 14.456; Miami (Slowey) 14.761
Dunkel Line: Miami by 1/2; 8
Vegas Line: Chicago Cubs (-120); 7 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Miami (+100); Over

Game 909-910: Colorado at Arizona (9:40 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Colorado (De La Rosa) 16.768; Arizona (Cahill) 16.122
Dunkel Line: Colorado by 1/2; 7 1/2
Vegas Line: Arizona (-130); 9
Dunkel Pick: Colorado (+110); Under

Game 911-912: Kansas City at Detroit (1:08 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Kansas City (Shields) 15.440; Detroit (Verlander) 16.988
Dunkel Line: Detroit by 1 1/2; 7 1/2
Vegas Line: Detroit (-180); 7
Dunkel Pick: Detroit (-180); Over

Game 913-914: Houston at Boston (6:35 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Houston (Humber) 13.702; Boston (Buchholz) 15.869
Dunkel Line: Boston by 2; 9 1/2
Vegas Line: Boston (-260); 8 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Boston (-260); Over

Game 915-916: Toronto at NY Yankees (7:05 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Toronto (Buehrle) 14.782; NY Yankees (Kuroda) 14.233
Dunkel Line: Toronto by 1/2; 7 1/2
Vegas Line: NY Yankees (-150); 8 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Toronto (+130); Under

Game 917-918: Tampa Bay at Chicago White Sox (8:10 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Tampa Bay (Hellickson) 16.366; White Sox (Sale) 15.037
Dunkel Line: Tampa Bay by 1 1/2; 6 1/2
Vegas Line: Chicago White Sox (-130); 7
Dunkel Pick: Tampa Bay (+110); Under

Game 919-920: Texas at Minnesota (8:10 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Texas (Tepesch) 15.438; Minnesota (Worley) 15.688
Dunkel Line: Minnesota by 1/2; 9 1/2
Vegas Line: Texas (-130); 8 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Minnesota (+110); Over

Game 921-922: Baltimore at Oakland (10:05 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Baltimore (Hammel) 15.838; Oakland (Parker) 15.499
Dunkel Line: Baltimore by 1/2; 7 1/2
Vegas Line: Oakland (-125); 8
Dunkel Pick: Baltimore (+105); Under

Game 923-924: LA Angels at Seattle (10:10 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: LA Angels (Richards) 14.724; Seattle (Maurer) 13.527
Dunkel Line: LA Angels by 1; 9
Vegas Line: LA Angels (-140); 8
Dunkel Pick: LA Angels (-140); Over

Marc LawrenceFOR FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
Toronto Blue Jays at New York YankeesSERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
Prediction: New York YankeesFOR FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
When Toronto sends left hander Mark Buehrle to the hill against the Yankees in New York Thursday evening the Blue Jays will hold their breath knowing Buehrle is 1-12 in his career team starts against the Pinstripes, including nine losses in a row. With Buehrle just 1-5 in his last six away team starts during the month of April, look for the Bronx Bombers to come alive tonight. We recommend a 1-unit play on the Yankees.

Jim Feist

Houston vs. Boston
Play: Under 8½

Reason: A bad Houston offense comes north to Fenway, 17th in runs scored, 23rd in on-base percentage. That offense will struggle against Clay Buchholz (4-0, 0.90 ERA), who keeps the ball down and is off to a sizzling start. And the Astros have never faced him. The under is 11-3 in the Astros last 14 games vs. a starter with a WHIP less than 1.15. Buchholz has allowed three runs in his first 30 innings with 29 strikeouts. Boston's offense has some weak hitters in the No. 7-9 slots and Houston starter Philip Humber doesn't walk anyone, allowing just 5 free passes in 19 innings. The under is 5-0 in the Buchholz's last 5 home starts. Play the Astros/Red Sox under the total.

Dave CokinFOR FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
Tampa Bay Rays at Chicago White SoxFOR FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
Play: Chicago White SoxFOR FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
The Rays are starting to play better baseball. But now they're back on the road, where things have not gone especially well in the early going. Tonight, it's Jeremy Hellickson for Tampa Bay opposing tough lefty Chris Sale of the White Sox. The low O/U on this game speaks volumes about what type of game it might well be. Neither offense is exactly a murderer's row right now and this has the look of a game that could be tight wire to wire.
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
Hellickson is off a very strong game and I don't see him getting lit up tonight. But he's also a pitcher who shows better numbers at home than on the road, and that's significant here. The reason for that is the presence of Sale on the hill for the Chisox. This guy has been nails at home, and while he has not been quite as dominant so far this season, it looks to me like Sale is getting close. This could be the spot Sale breaks through with a wipeout effort, as he's facing a team that has not hit a lick away from the Trop this season.
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
I wouldn't say there's tremendous value here. The White Sox rate the chalk role and while I made the number slightly higher than where it is, it's not one of those games I like best, which are dogs that I believe ought to be favored. That said, Sale is a guy I've had quite a bit of success with in his relatively brief career and for whatever reason I've also done well in finding the right spots to either back or go against Hellickson. The personal comfort zone is always important when forming an opinion, so with that in mind, I'll give the White Sox a call as tonight's free opinion.

Bruce MarshallFOR FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
New York Rangers at Carolina HurricanesSERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
Pick: New York RangersFOR FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
After losing 17 of 19, Carolina has shown some unexpected life in its last two games with wins over the Lightning and Islanders. But the visiting Rangers have arrived on the precipice of wrapping up a playoff berth, and can't envision New York stumbling at this hurdle in Raleigh. After all, the Rangers have beaten the Hurricanes on seven straight occasions, and we seriously doubt John Tortorella's side blows another game vs. a beatable foe on the road after dropping a 3-2 verdict at Florida on Tuesday night. Carolina has been held to 13 goals while losing 7 straight in this series, with New York GK Henrik Lundqvist winning four of those games, posting a 1.44 GAA and keeping the Hurricanes without a goal in two shootouts.Lundqvist was in net for both meetings this season, including 48 saves a 4-1 victory April 6 in the last matchup as the Rangers won in Raleigh for the sixth time in seven tries. Play Rangers

Cajun SportsFOR FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
Chicago Cubs vs. Miami MarlinsFOR FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
Play: Chicago CubsFOR FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
We want to Play AGAINST the Miami Marlins when they are coming off a game on the road where they were installed as an underdog. The Marlins are 42-84 SU, playing against them in this situation has produced profits of +2454 Units. We will take the Cubs on Thursday evening in south Florida.

Rob VincilettiFOR FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
Houston Astros vs. Boston Red SoxFREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
Play: Boston Red Sox -1.5FOR FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
Boston fits a Solid system that plays on certain home favorites off a home favored win where they scored 5 or more runs and are taking on an opponent off a home win by 5 or more runs where they scored 10 or more runs. If the total is 8 or more these home teams are undefeated winning by a 7-3 score and have covered on the run line all but once. Boston has won 8 of 10 vs losing teams and 7 of 9 as a home favorite in this range. They have won all 3 in the series with Houston of late. Houston is 3-19 as a road dog in this range, 14-43 on the road when the total is 8 to 8.5 and has lost all 5 times vs winning teams. Buchholz goes for Boston and he has been awesome of late allowing just 3 runs in 30 innings, good for a 0.90 era. Humber for Houston has lost all 4 starts and has an era of 8.78 in his last 3 starts. Look for Boston to coast in this one.

Bryan PowerFOR FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
Columbus vs. DallasFOR FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
Pick: ColumbusFOR FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
Going with the dog here in a battle of teams chasing Detroit for the 8th and final playoff spot in the Western Conference. I won a big 10* on the Red Wings last night as they beat the Kings 3-1 to move one point ahead of the Blue Jackets. Dallas is three points back as they have lost three straight road games, and could be officially eliminated from the race if they lose here. I think they will
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
So much has changed since the last time these teams met, back on February 26th when Dallas won 5-4 in Columbus. At that time, the Blue Jackets had the worst record in the entire NHL. Keep in mind that last year they had the fewest points in the league. But over the last two months, they have really turned it on, going 17-5-4 as they look to make the playoffs for just the 2nd time in franchise history. They have won six of their last eight on the road and this will be their first and only visit this season to Dallas.
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
Key to the Columbus' run has been the play of Sergei Bobrovsky between the pipes. He has started almost every game during the Blue Jackets' win streak and will likely be in net for a 12th straight game here. Not only has Columbus won six of its last seven overall, but they face a Dallas team that's lost three in a row. Though these teams are both battling to get the final playoff spot, they are clearly trending in different directions.

Ben BurnsFOR FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
Montreal vs. WinnipegFOR FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
Pick: WinnipegFOR FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
In addition to going 4-2 with yesterday's "premium" plays, I also won my complimentary selection on the Chicago White Sox.
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
The previous day's "free" play saw me successfully play against these same Winnipeg Jets. (They lost 5-3 at Washington.)
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
That was a devastating loss for the Jets as it very likely killed their playoff dreams. (They need to win tonight and hope the Senators and Rangers lose all their remaining games.)
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
While the playoffs are now an extreme long-shot, the Jets have still been playing very well, particularly at home.
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
In fact, they're 5-1 (5-0-1) their last six here at Winnipeg. Meanwhile, the Canadiens have dropped three straight on the road and are just 1-5 their last six overall.
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
While the Habs would certainly like to "right the ship," they've already made the playoffs. They could easily get caught looking ahead to Saturday's "Hockey Night in Canada" showdown vs. long-time rival Toronto.
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
On the other hand, the Jets are playing their final game of the season. They've fought so hard in recent weeks, that I don't expect them to just roll over tonight.
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
As captain Andrew Ladd noted: "The worst thing you can do is sell yourself short and end up having those teams losing and then shoot yourself in the foot by not putting forth your best effort. We're all professionals in this room - we'll show up and work hard and try to win that game against Montreal."
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
Its true that the Canadiens have won both this season's meetings. However, both of those games were played at Montreal. The last meeting in this series, here at Winnipeg, saw the Jets win by a score of 4-0.
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
With their passionate fans helping to provide them with energy and cheering them on every step of the way, I feel the Jets are worth a look here. Consider Winnipeg

Art AronsonFOR FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
Montreal vs. WinnipegFOR FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
Pick: WinnipegFOR FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
A great situational play. These teams have tangoed twice this season and the Habs have taken both: 4-3 in Montreal on January 29th and 4-1 on April 4th. The Canadiens are 27-14-5 overall and 13-7-2 on the road. They've lost two straight, most recently a 3-2 loss at New Jersey on Tuesday. The Jets are 24-20-3 overall and 13-9-1 at home. They're coming off a 5-3 loss at Washington on Tuesday. Simply put, this is do-or-die for the home side. Montreal clinched a playoff spot back on April 11th and then promptly lost five of six (note that the Canadiens' penalty kill has given up 10 goals in their last 27 attempts). Winnipeg is going to need some help to make it into the postseason, but the one thing it has control over is giving itself a legitimate shot at winning this game tonight. These teams are moving in opposite directions: the Jets are 5-0-1 in their last six in front of the home town crowd, while the Habs are 0-3-4 their last seven away from friendly confines. Winnipeg plays with double revenge and also for its playoff life. In my humble opinion, this is the very definition of "great line value". Consider a second look at the Winnipeg Jets on Thursday night.

Will RogersFOR FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
Tampa Bay vs. BostonFOR FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
Pick: BostonFOR FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
This is actually a makeup game from February 9th as a snowstorm forced the initially scheduled battle to get postponed. I believe that tonight's rescheduled date greatly favors the favored Bruins. So much so in fact, that I'm willing to "lay" the -1.5 on the Puck Line. Not only did Tampa Bay have to play last night, but Boston is competing for the Northeast Division Title.
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
Here are my keys to the game:FOR FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
1. Scheduling - As I stated, the Lightning had to play last night. By outscoring the Maple Leafs 3-0 in the third period, they were able to snap a six-game losing streak. I had a 10* on Tampa Bay in that game. But not here. They have lost three in a row on the road when playing without rest.
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
2. Home Ice Advantage - Tampa Bay is a poor 6-15-3 this season on the road. They have not won a game away from home since a 5-0 shutout of Carolina on April 4th. Since then, they have lost six straight road games and have lost 9 of their last 10. Boston is 15-4-3 at home this season and has really owned the Lightning at TD Garden, winning eight of the last nine matchups here including six straight. Tampa Bay is 1-11 on the road revenging a road loss.
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
3. X-Factor - With the Lightning long since eliminated from playoff contention and finally having snapped their losing skid, I don't see them having the same intensity without rest. Boston enters Thursday tied with Montreal for the Northeast Division lead. They have every reason to get the two points here. I think they will as they win by a wide margin.

Vegas Sports Informer

Milwaukee +7.5

If it wasn't for the 2nd half in both Game No. 1 and Game No. 2, this series could be different. The Bucks played pretty good in both games in the first half, but their offense went south in the 2nd half. Thursday night I see an all-around good game for the Bucks, and I see them covering this game Thursday night. The Bucks will need some bench scoring to make this game close, and if the Bucks defense can control everybody else except the 'Big 3,' they could actually maybe steal this game. Do I think so? No, but I do believe the Bucks cover this big home underdog number.

Jason Sharpe

LA Dodgers -1.5, +120

Hyun-Jin Ru has had a nice start to his season so far with three quality starts in his first four outings. Even more impressive is the 5-to-1 strikeout-to-walk ratio he has carried and the fact he is averaging over a strikeout per inning. These are big-time numbers from a guy who came into the year with a lot of question marks. Keep in mind also that these have been some quality offenses that the lefty has had to face thus far.

Not a lot of good to say here about the Mets starter Jeremy Hefner here early on in 2013. The right-hander may be pitching himself out of a rotation spot here early on this season as he hasn't made it past the fourth inning in either of his last two starts. Add in a WHIP of nearly 1.80 and an ERA over 7.00 so far on the season.

A guy like Ru can dominate teams the first time he sees them. Look for him to shut this light-hitting Mets team down in this one. Play the Los Angeles Dodgers -1.5 here in this one.

Brad Wilton

Your free play for Thursday is the Under in the Blue Jays-Yankees game.

Quick turnaround for these teams, as they just met last weekend in Toronto with 2 of the 3 games playing Over the total. The lone game that held Under was the game Mark Buehrle and Hiroki Kuroda started.

Guess what? Buehrle and Kuroda are going again this Thursday night in the Bronx.

Buehrle has pitched well his last pair of trips to the hill, going 13-plus frames with just 4 earned runs allowed. That includes his start versus New York in which he lasted 7 innings and allowed just 2 earned to cross.

Kuroda has also raised his game after a shaky first start, working 21-plus innings his last 3 starts with just 4 runs allowed. That includes his last start versus the Jays in which he worked into the 8th with just 1 run given up to go along with his 7 strikeouts.

I like the pitching to shut down the hitting once again with Buehrle and Kuroda doing the damage.

3* TORONTO-N.Y. YANKEES UNDER