Free Picks: Service Plays for Wednesday, May 15

DUNKEL INDEX

MLB

Colorado at Chicago Cubs
The Rockies look to take advantage of a Cubs team that is 0-7 in Jeff Samardzija's last 7 starts in Game 3 of a series. Colorado is the pick (+110) according to Dunkel, which has the Rockies favored by 1. Dunkel Pick: Colorado (+110)

Game 901-902: Atlanta at Arizona (3:40 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Atlanta (Hudson) 14.818; Arizona (Kennedy) 15.469
Dunkel Line: Arizona by 1/2; 9
Vegas Line: Arizona (-115); 8 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Arizona (-115); Over

Game 903-904: Milwaukee at Pittsburgh (7:05 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Milwaukee (Gallardo) 15.264; Pittsburgh (Rodriguez) 14.782
Dunkel Line: Milwaukee by 1/2; 6 1/2
Vegas Line: Pittsburgh (-125); 7 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Milwaukee (+105); Under

Game 905-906: Cincinnati at Miami (7:10 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Cincinnati (Leake) 15.592; Miami (Sanabia) 13.541
Dunkel Line: Cincinnati by 2; 7
Vegas Line: Cincinnati (-180); 8
Dunkel Pick: Cincinnati (-180); Under

Game 907-908: Colorado at Chicago Cubs (8:05 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Colorado (Garland) 16.756; Cubs (Samardzija) 15.753
Dunkel Line: Colorado by 1; 10
Vegas Line: Chicago Cubs (-130); No Run Total
Dunkel Pick: Colorado (+110); N/A

Game 909-910: NY Mets at St. Louis (8:15 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: NY Mets (Marcum) 12.935; St. Louis (Miller) 16.305
Dunkel Line: St. Louis by 3 1/2; 7
Vegas Line: St. Louis (-210); 8
Dunkel Pick: St. Louis (-210); Under

Game 911-912: Washington at LA Dodgers (10:10 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Washington (Detwiler) 16.283; LA Dodgers (Greinke) 15.212
Dunkel Line: Washington by 1; 8
Vegas Line: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A

Game 913-914: Houston at Detroit (1:08 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Houston (Keuchel) 12.627; Detroit (Scherzer) 16.752
Dunkel Line: Detroit by 4; 7 1/2
Vegas Line: Detroit (-340); 8 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Detroit (-340); Under

Game 915-916: Chicago White Sox at Minnesota (1:10 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: White Sox (Axelrod) 15.632; Minnesota (Pelfrey) 14.570
Dunkel Line: Chicago White Sox by 1; 9 1/2
Vegas Line: Minnesota (-115); 8 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Chicago White Sox (-105); Over

Game 917-918: Texas at Oakland (3:35 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Texas (Ogando) 15.895; Oakland (Straily) 14.463
Dunkel Line: Texas by 1 1/2; 7
Vegas Line: Texas (-120); 8
Dunkel Pick: Texas (-120); Under

Game 919-920: Seattle at NY Yankees (7:05 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Seattle (Iwakuma) 16.367; NY Yankees (Hughes) 15.460
Dunkel Line: Seattle by 1; 8 1/2
Vegas Line: NY Yankees (-120); 7 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Seattle (+100); Over

Game 921-922: Boston at Tampa Bay (7:10 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Boston (Lester) 14.854; Tampa Bay (Price) 14.334
Dunkel Line: Boston by 1/2; 6 1/2
Vegas Line: Tampa Bay (-125); 7
Dunkel Pick: Boston (+105); Under

Game 923-924: Kansas City at LA Angels (10:05 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Kansas City (Davis) 14.765; LA Angels (Enright) 15.370
Dunkel Line: LA Angels by 1; 8 1/2
Vegas Line: LA Angels (-115); 9
Dunkel Pick: LA Angels (-115); Over

Game 925-926: San Diego at Baltimore (12:35 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: San Diego (Marquis) 15.696; Baltimore (Garcia) 14.895
Dunkel Line: San Diego by 1; 9 1/2
Vegas Line: Baltimore (-155); 9
Dunkel Pick: San Diego (+135); Over

Game 927-928: Cleveland at Philadelphia (1:05 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Cleveland (Kluber) 15.474; Philadelphia (Hamels) 17.096
Dunkel Line: Philadelphia by 1 1/2; 6 1/2
Vegas Line: Philadelphia (-170); 7 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Philadelphia (-170); Under

Game 929-930: San Francisco at Toronto (7:07 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: San Francisco (Vogelsong) 15.526; Toronto (Ortiz) 15.875
Dunkel Line: Toronto by 1/2; 9
Vegas Line: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A

Marc LawrenceFOR FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
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Atlanta Braves at Arizona Diamondbacks
Prediction: Atlanta BravesFOR FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
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When the Braves send Tim Hudson to the slab in the finale of this three-games series with the Diamondbacks in Arizona Wednesday afternoon they will do so knowing he is in solid KW form with 17 strikeouts and 4 walks his last four starts. Hudson is also 8-1 with a 1.33 ERA in his career team starts against the Snakes, and 11-6 his last 17 team starts during the month of May. With his counterpart, Ian Kennedy, just 2-7 of late in his starting efforts in May, look for the Braves to beat the drum this afternoon. We recommend a 1-unit play on Atlanta.

Jimmy BoydFOR FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
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Minnesota Twins -115FOR FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
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The White Sox are not having a very good season. They are 6 games below .500 and they are really struggling to get runs on the board. Chicago is batting an embarrassing .229 on the season and averaging a mere 3.4 runs per game. They will have Dylan Axelrod on the mound for today’s game which means Chicago probably won’t be getting any close to a .500 record. Axelrod is 0-3 in 7 starts this season.
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Minnesota is having somewhat of a surprise season. They are sitting on an 18-17 overall record and they seem to have no problems scoring at will. In the past 7 games the Twins have a .292 batting average and have scored 7.1 runs per game. The Twins have won five of their last seven games and picking up another win over the White Sox today should be no problem.

Art AronsonFOR FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
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Seattle vs. New YorkFOR FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
Play: Under 7½FOR FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
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Hisashi Iwakuma (4-1, 1.74 ERA) toes the rubber for the visitors; Iwakuma allowed two runs off four hits with no walks over seven frames in a victory over the A's on Friday; he would finish with nine strikeouts. Iwakuma ranks first in the American League with an astounding 0.74 WHIP and is seventh with 51 K's over 51 2/3's frames of work. The 32-year old Iwakuma will be opposed by the 26-year old Phil Hughes (2-2, 4.43 ERA) who is coming off a shaky outing, fortunate to escape with a victory after giving up six runs off seven hits over 5 2/3's innings vs. the Royals on Friday; he struck out three and walked two. While past success guarantees nothing in the future, Hughes has a big opportunity to make an immediate return to form after going 3-2 with a very respectable 3.06 ERA in his last five vs. Seattle. I feel the talent level on the mound demands a second look at the "under" in this one.

Steve RosenFOR FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
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Detroit Tigers -1½FOR FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
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Here we go again! Today the Tigers will do what they did the past 2 games as well as what they have now done 5/6 games this year against the Astros, they will not only win the game but they will cover the Runline. They have beaten them to pieces every game this year home and away and don't expect any less! Now it is told ,now let it be written.Do i even need to go into the pitching today.We have struggling from the Astros Keuchel against a Stud Scherzer who is 5-0!

Rob VincilettiFOR FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
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Boston Red Sox vs. Tampa Bay RaysFREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
Play: Tampa Bay RaysFOR FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
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The Rays fit a nice system here that has cashed 10 of 13 times and plays on home favorites with a total that is 8 or less if they are off a home favored win by 2 or more runs and scored 5 or more runs on 10+ hits with no errors, vs an opponent off a road dog loss by 2 or more runs that scored 4 or less runs with 4 or less hits. Tampa Bay is 9-4 vs left handed pitching averaging 5.3 runs in those games and have won 5 of 6 on Wednesday, and are scoring 6.3 runs the past week. Boston has struggled of late and will now have to take on D. Price who has beaten them the last 3 times here at home. J. Lester goes for Boston and he may not be able to duplicate the results of his last outing a 9 inning 1 hitter over Toronto. Look for Tampa to Take this one.

Don Best Consensus

Atlanta Braves at Arizona Diamondbacks
Pick: Atlanta Braves

Braves are 5-0 in Hudsons last 5 starts vs. Diamondbacks. Braves are 9-2 in the last 11 meetings.

Dave CokinFOR FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
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Kansas City Royals at Los Angeles Angels
Pick: Kansas City RoyalsFOR FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
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Wade Davis gets the call for the Royals tonight as both he and the team look to bounce back from less than desired results. Davis was awful in his most recent start. His command was way off, as he could not locate his fastball down in the zone. As a result, Davis got hit very hard. He'll need to correct that issue here or it could be another long night. Davis also needs to avoid getting hurt by Josh Hamilton, who has hit him very hard and looks to be finding his stroke.
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If that sounds like a less than convincing endorsement of Davis, it's meant that way. But I'll happily side with the hard throwing KC hurler rather than considering Barry Enright, who has not shown an indication he belongs at this level. Enright has gotten tagged at both the AAA and big league level so far this season and I think he's in for a difficult time tonight in Anaheim.
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The Royals were a tremendously popular play on Tuesday night with loads of bettors lining up to back red hot Jeremy Guthrie. Maybe they picked the wrong night, as while Guthrie wasn't good, it was a lack of offense against lefty Jason Vargas that doomed the Royals. That attack should fare substantially better here against the mediocre Enright. I like the Royals to win the series rubber match.

Jim FeistFOR FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
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Atlanta Braves at Arizona Diamondbacks
Pick: Atlanta BravesFOR FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
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First place Atlanta can beat you in a variety of ways, great pitching depth and an offense that is 13th in baseball in runs scored, 10th in slugging. Arizona is a .500 team at home and faces Tim Hudson, who is a sizzling 7-0 with a 1.33 ERA against the D-backs. Up and down Arizona goes with Ian Kennedy, who is struggling with a 1-3 record and a 4.83 ERA. Kennedy has allowed seven runs in his last 12 2/3 innings of work. The Diamondbacks are 2-5 in their last 7 games vs. a right-handed starter and 2-5 in their last 7 home games. And the Braves are 8-2 in the last 10 meetings. Play the Braves.

Bruce MarshallFOR FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
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Atlanta Braves at Arizona Diamondbacks
Pick: Arizona DiamondbacksFOR FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
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Atlanta's Auburn alum starter Tim Hudson has dominated Arizona in his career, posting a 7-0 record against the D-backs. Moreover, he's recorded an 0.97 ERA in five previous starts at Chase Field. But there is a limited sampling from recent seasons, and besides, Hudson and the Braves are in a mini-funk at the moment, losing four of their last five. And after erupting for 10 runs on Monday, the Braves looked more like the team that scored just 4 runs when getting swept over the weekend in San Francisco, while also suffering their Marlins-tying sixth shutout loss of the season ina 2-0 loss to Patrick Corbin and the D-back bullpen on Tuesday. Hudson's efforts away from home this season have also been abysmal, as his 6.97 road ERA would attest. It's also about time for Arizona starter Ian Kennedy to get a win, something that hasn't happened since opening day. He's off a solid start, however, settling down and not allowing a run over the next six innings after the Phils scored two in the first last Friday night in an eventual 3-2 Arizona win. Kennedy also has a solid 2.66 career ERA vs. the Braves. Play D-backs on Money Line

Will RogersFOR FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
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NY Mets vs. St. LouisFOR FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
Pick: St. LouisFOR FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
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If you've been following my free plays, then you know I've cashed the Cardinals each of the last two days. Yesterday's free winner was in addition to a 6-0 day with my premium selections! Today, the asking price on St. Louis is a bit too high on the money line, so I will instead turn to the run line & lay the -1.5. I don't anticipate this game being very close.
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Here are my keys to the game:FOR FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
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1. Pitching Matchup - This is totally in favor of St. Louis. Starting for the Mets is Shaun Marcum, who is having a disastrous year with a 8.59 ERA in four appearances. He's dealing with an injured thumb on his non-throwing hand as well. He was knocked around for six runs his last start. Meanwhile, Cards starter Shelby Miller has allowed only eight runs ALL SEASON in seven starts. He's coming off a complete game shutout against Colorado that saw him strike out 13 and walk no batters. That win lowered his ERA 1.58 and his WHIP to 0.876. Total advantage for the home team in the starting pitching department.
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2. Homefield Advantage - Just a brief update from yesterday. The Mets have now lost 11 of 14 at Busch Stadium.
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3. X-Factor - These are two teams trending in opposite directions. St. Louis has won 11 of 13. The Mets have lost seven of nine while not even averaging three full runs per game.

Jesse SchuleFOR FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
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San Francisco vs. TorontoFOR FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
Pick: TorontoFOR FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
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Now that the Leafs have gone crashing out of the NHL playoffs, the Jays are the only show in town in Toronto. They seem to be ready to rise to the occasion, coming off back to back double digit blowout victories.
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The Jays bats have come alive in recent games, with a 12-4 win over the Red Sox on Sunday, and a 10-6 win over the defending champion Giants yesterday.
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The Giants will send Ryan Vogelsong to the mound today, and he's been getting rocked lately. Vogelsong (1-3, 7.78 ERA) allowed six runs on seven hits over just 4 1/3 innings in a 6-3 loss to Atlanta his last time out. He's in a tough spot here facing a Jays team with plenty of power, and he's struggled to keep hitters in the park giving up nine home runs in his last six starts.
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The Jays will counter with Ramon Ortiz, who will make his third start of the season. Ortiz (0-1, 3.24 ERA) allowed just one run on four hits over five innings in a 5-0 loss at Fenway his last time out. He didn't have great command, walking five batters,
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The veteran has done a fine job filling in for Brendan Morrow, as acknowledged by his manager: "He did a tremendous job," John Gibbons said "He did everything and more than we wanted to or expected."
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The Jays could have another fine day at the plate today against Vogelsong, giving Ortiz a nice cushion.

JEFF BENTON

Your Wednesday freebie is the Baltimore Orioles on the Run Line over the San Diego Padres.

Yes, the Padres were able to edge the Orioles by a 3-2 margin last night, but that win was their first in their last four games, as San Diego was swept at Tampa Bay in the series prior, dropping two of the three by two runs or more.

Baltimore has been struggling of late, losers of three of their last five, but I have a hunch that Freddy Garcia is going to turn in a gem here as he makes his third start in the O's rotation while looking for his first win.

Jason Marquis counters off three wins in a row, but they all came against National League competition. Let's see how Marquis handles pitching in an American League park tonight, especially against a Baltimore team that I feel is ready to bust out.

I will roll the dice here and take my chances with the Orioles to down the Padres on the Run Line this Wednesday night.

2* BALTIMORE -1.5

CRAIG DAVIS

Your free play of the day is on the NY Yankees over the Seattle Mariners after last night's thriller.

With the Mariners leading 3-0 vs. CC Sabathia, the game took a strange turn when Felix Hernandez was forced to leave with a strained muscle.

He attempted to snap a throw to second base after he fielded a ground ball on a soft comebacker from Curtis Granderson.

When he came back to the mound after the play for the next pitch, he was obviously in some pain and eventually would leave the game.

That's when the game turned. New York would score four runs and hang on for a one-run win.

This was a morale killer for the M's as they had New York right where they wanted them, but when you don't have a solid bullpen these types of things can happen to you.

Phil Hughes takes the mound for the Yankees and although he had another HORRIBLE April, he's turned it around this month and I expect him to keep up his torrid pace against a below average offense.

Granted, Seattle sends Hisashi Iwakuma to the bump sporting a better record and ERA than Hughes, but he likely won't get the run support that New York can provide for Hughes.

Should be a fun pitcher's duel, but in the end the Yankees will win the game as very small favorites.

3* N.Y. YANKEES