Rangers Host Tigers To Begin New Week

Say adios to interleague play until next year when we get to enjoy it/cuss it (your pick) throughout the regular season slate.

Of course, there will be two more meetings between American League and National League clubs before Opening Day 2013, next month's All-Star Game in Kansas City and the eventual league champions squaring off in the World Series. After that, seeing AL and NL squads collide on a diamond will definitely lose what novelty it has left.

Speaking of the World Series, the '08 Fall Classic might best be remembered for the decisive fifth game being stretched over three days thanks to Mother Nature. The contest was originally suspended in the sixth inning on Monday night, rain kept it from being picked back up Tuesday, and the Philadelphia Phillies eventually finished off a 4-3 win on Wednesday to grab the championship against a Tampa Bay Rays team that was in the postseason for the very first time.

Rain once again thwarted the Phillies and Rays on Friday to force the postponement of the series opener and push the clubs into a day-night doubleheader on Sunday. Tampa Bay was a slight $1.10 favorite in Saturday's contest (4:05 p.m. ET) with James Shields on the mound. Philadelphia was slated to send Kyle Kendrick out to oppose Shields, and the 9-run total slightly favored the 'over.'

Sunday's twinbill begins at 1:05 p.m. (ET) with the second game tentatively scheduled for 6:35 p.m., and while both teams had their starting pitchers decided, neither team had firmed up who would start which game. One scenario has Alex Cobb and Cliff Lee meeting in the early affair with David Price and Cole Hamels clashing in the evening tilt. Bettors will need to keep an eye on the Don Best odds screen for the eventual matchups and lines, and for now we'll focus on the Price-Hamels matchup since that was the original pairing for Sunday.

Hamels was Philly's starter in that rain-marred Game 5 from four years ago and ultimately won World Series MVP honors. The southpaw is having another solid season and making plenty of friends at the window with the Phillies 11-3 in his 14 start, good enough for 6.2 units. He has been knocked around a bit this month with a 5.40 ERA, but has still managed to win twice.

Price was the final pitcher for the Rays in Game 5 back in '08 as a rookie working from the 'pen. The former Vanderbilt star had one hiccup at the Mets a couple of starts back, but has otherwise enjoyed June with a 3-1 record in four outings. Tampa Bay is 9-5 overall behind their lefty this season, good enough for $3.60 on the return.

Though the Phillies dominated the Rays in the 2008 World Series, Tampa Bay has had the upper hand when the clubs meet in the regular season. The Rays are 12-6 entering Saturday's contest, 6-3 in the nine games played in the City of Brotherly Love.

Tigers, Rangers Meet In 2011 ALCS Rematch
The AL and NL return to playing within the confines of their league rosters on Monday, and among the series cranking up is a rematch from last fall's ALCS between the Detroit Tigers and Texas Rangers. First pitch in the Lone Star State will be at 8:05 p.m. (ET) and delivered by Rangers rookie Justin Grimm. The Tigers counter with Rick Porcello.

Texas prevailed in six games to win its second straight AL pennant last October, and followed up by taking three of four from the Tigers when the clubs met in Motown two months ago (April 19-22). The totals split 2-2 in the earlier meeting, and Texas' only loss came as a +160 underdog when Neftali Feliz was matched up against reigning AL MVP and Cy Young winner Justin Verlander.

Porcello will be looking to put his last start vs. Texas behind him when the climbs the mound on Monday. The Rangers walloped the Tigers' young righty at Comerica Park on April 21, chasing him three batters into the second inning and scoring nine of their runs off Porcello in the eventual 10-4 decision. His last starting assignment in Texas was a winner, hurling six innings and allowing just one run during an 8-1 Detroit victory in June 2011.

Grimm is filling the rotation slot left vacant by Derek Holland's injury and will be making just the second big league start of his career. The 23-year-old out of the University of Georgia grabbed the dubya against the Houston Astros a week ago (June 16) with six innings of work that included seven strikeouts and no walks. He was enjoying a fine season at Double-A Frisco with an 8-3 record and 1.87 ERA before being called up to the big league club.

This series continues Tuesday when the expected pitching duel will pit Detroit's Jacob Turner and Texas' Yu Darvish. Doug Fister and Roy Oswalt are the tentative starters in Wednesday's series finale. The teams will meet once more this season in Texas on Aug. 10-12.

Around the Horn - Monday

June 24, 2012


NATIONAL LEAGUE


Pittsburgh at Philadelphia - 7:05 PM EST (Game 1/4)
Teams Pitcher Notes Team Record Betcha Didn't Know Karstens (0-1, 4.50 ERA) 38-33 3-9 L10 away Game 1's
Blanton (6-6, 5.04 ERA) 34-40 OVER 8-3 L11 home Game 1's

Pirates lost to Tigers, 3-2 on Sunday
Phillies lost to Rays, 3-2 on Sunday (G1/DH)
Phillies lost to Rays, 7-3 on Sunday (G2/DH)

Milwaukee at Cincinnati - 7:10 PM EST (Game 1/3)
Teams Pitcher Notes Team Record Betcha Didn't Know
Gallardo (6-5, 4.22 ERA) 33-39 UNDER 4-1 L5 on Mondays
Latos (5-2, 5.20 ERA) 39-32 3-6 L9 home Game 1's

Brewers lost to White Sox, 1-0 on Sunday
Reds lost to Twins, 4-3 on Sunday

St. Louis at Miami - 7:10 PM EST (Game 1/3)
Teams Pitcher Notes Team Record Betcha Didn't Know
Westbrook (6-6, 3.83 ERA) 38-35 OVER 6-0 L6 away Game 1's
Nolasco (6-6, 5.16 ERA) 34-38 5-2 L7 on Mondays

Cardinals beat Royals, 11-8 on Sunday
Marlins beat Blue Jays, 9-0 on Sunday

N.Y. Mets at Chicago - 8:05 PM EST (Game 1/3)
Teams Pitcher Notes Team Record Betcha Didn't Know
Santana (5-3, 3.00 ERA) 39-34 OVER 9-2 L11 away Game 1's
Wood (1-3, 4.14 ERA) 24-48 6-2 L8 home Game 1's

Mets lost to Yankees, 6-5 on Sunday
Cubs lost to Diamondbacks, 5-1 on Sunday

San Diego at Houston - 8:10 PM EST (Game 1/4)
Teams Pitcher Notes Team Record Betcha Didn't Know
Ohlendorf (1-0, 4.50 ERA) 26-47 0-10 L10 away vs LHP
Rodriguez (6-5, 3.29 ERA) 30-42 OVER 7-3 L10 home Game 's

Padres beat Mariners, 2-0 on Sunday
Astros beat Indians, 7-1 on Sunday

Washington at Colorado - 8:40 PM EST (Game 1/4)
Teams Pitcher Notes Team Record Betcha Didn't Know
Strasburg (9-1, 2.46 ERA) 41-29 5-2 L7 away Game 1's
Francis (0-1, 8.56 ERA) 27-44 1-5 L6 home vs RHP

Nationals lost to Orioles, 2-1 on Sunday
Rockies lost to Rangers, 4-2 on Sunday


Los Angeles at San Francisco - 10:15 PM EST (Game 1/3)
Teams Pitcher Notes Team Record Betcha Didn't Know
Eovaldi (0-3, 2.35 ERA) 43-30 4-8 L12 away Game 1's
Zito (5-5, 4.35 ERA) 40-33 8-2 L10 on Mondays

Dodgers lost to Angels, 5-3 on Sunday
Giants lost to Athletics, 4-2 on Sunday

AMERICAN LEAGUE


Cleveland at N.Y. Yankees - 7:00 PM EST (Game 1/3)
Teams Pitcher Notes Team Record Betcha Didn't Know
Tomlin (3-4, 5.12 ERA) 37-34 5-0 L5 on Mondays
Kuroda (6-7, 3.57 ERA) 43-28 9-2 L11 home Game 1's

Indians lost to Astros, 7-1 on Sunday
Yankees beat Mets, 6-5 on Sunday

Toronto at Boston - 7:05 PM EST (Game 1/3)
Teams Pitcher Notes Team Record Betcha Didn't Know
Alvarez (3-6, 4.30 ERA) 37-35 3-7 L10 away vs LHP
Doubront (8-3, 4.31 ERA) 38-34 OVER 10-3 L14 home Game 's

Blue Jays lost to Marlins, 9-0 on Sunday
Red Sox beat Braves, 9-4 on Sunday

Detroit at Texas - 8:05 PM EST (Game 1/3)
Teams Pitcher Notes Team Record Betcha Didn't Know
Porcello (4-5, 4.95 ERA) 35-37 3-9 L12 away Game 1's
Grimm (1-0, 4.50 ERA) 45-28 9-3 L12 Game 1's

Tigers beat Pirates, 3-2 on Sunday
Rangers beat Rockies, 4-2 on Sunday

Tampa Bay at Kansas City - 8:10 PM EST (Game 1/3)
Teams Pitcher Notes Team Record Betcha Didn't Know
Archer (0-1, 1.50 ERA) 40-32 3-6 L9 vs AL Central
Hochevar (4-7, 5.65 ERA) 31-39 4-9 L13 home vs AL East

Rays beat Phillies, 3-2 on Sunday (G1/DH)
Rays beat Phillies, 7-3 on Sunday (G2/DH)
Royals lost to Cardinals, 11-8 on Sunday

Chicago at Minnesota - 8:10 PM EST (Game 1/4)
Teams Pitcher Notes Team Record Betcha Didn't Know
Peavy (6-3, 2.74 ERA) 38-34 UNDER 7-2 L9 away vs LHP
Liriano (1-7, 5.74 ERA) 29-42 3-9 L12 home Game 1's

White Sox beat Brewers, 1-0 on Sunday
Twins beat Reds, 4-3 on Sunday

Oakland at Seattle - 10:10 PM EST (Game 1/3)
Teams Pitcher Notes Team Record Betcha Didn't Know
Milone (7-5, 4.13 ERA) 35-38 4-8 L12 away Game 1's
Ramirez (0-1, 5.40 ERA) 31-43 3-6 L9 home vs LHP

Athletics beat Giants, 4-2 on Sunday
Mariners lost to Padres, 2-0 on Sunday

Diamond Trends - Monday

June 25, 2012


SU TREND OF THE DAY:


The Mets are 0-10 since June 17, 2011 as a favorite after a loss in which they had a higher team-left-on-base than their opponent for a net profit of $1181 when playing against.


OU TREND OF THE DAY:


The Nationals are 0-10 (3.8 rpg) since September 2005 after a game where the ou margin was -6 and they struck out more than three batters.


STARTER TREND OF THE DAY:


The Giants are 0-9 OU since May 07, 2008 when Barry Zito starts within 20 cents of pickem after the team lost his last two starts for a net profit of $900 when playing the under.


MLB BIBLE TREND OF THE DAY:


The Brewers are 19-0 (2.7 rpg) since August 2008 when facing a starter coming off a game where he allowed at least seven runs in less than 110 pitches, if their team allowed between eight and 14 runs in that game.


TODAY’S TRENDS:


The Indians are 0-7 since May 04, 2011 when Josh Tomlin starts as a dog after his team won the last time he started for a net profit of $700 when playing against.

The Pirates are 0-6 since April 28, 2011 when Jeff Karstens starts after facing 25 or fewer hitters and they won in his previous start for a net profit of $601 when playing against.

MLB Betting Notes

June 25, 2012

Freak’s Streak is Over

The Giants looked like they were going to lose their 10th straight game with Tim Lincecum pitching last Friday night at Oakland. Right out of the gate in the first inning, Lincecum had no control and was down 3-0 with the bases loaded and no outs. In a freakish manner, it was almost like someone slapped him awake because he then proceeded to strike out the side to get out of the horrible jam.

From that moment on, Lincecum looked like the two-time Cy Young winner-Lincecum we have been awed by all these years. He didn’t allow any runs in his final five innings and struck out five, but best of all he kept his team in the game and they battled back for four runs in the top of the ninth to win. The streak is over, but best of all, the Freak looks like he’s back.

Just think about where the Giants would be if Lincecum had been a .500 pitcher. With Friday’s win, the Giants are now 3-12 when Lincecum starts. Considering their record is 38-21 without his contributions, just imagine how good the Giants might be in the second-half if Lincecum can look as good as he did Friday. A solid Lincecum would arguably give them one of the best rotations in baseball and make them a serious contender to win it all.

On Wednesday against the Dodgers we’ll know the answer to whether his Friday performance was a breakthrough or just a matter of another day where Lincecum imploded in a single like inning like he has done on several instances over his past 10 starts. The Dodgers have been unkind to Lincecum over the last two seasons, including a 6-2 loss last month, but there is definite cause for optimism in the start.

When Lincecum’s psyche is ultimately figured out this week, it could have a major bearing on what we see with the Giants future prices. San Francisco is only three games back of the Dodgers and have odds of 15/1 (Bet $100 to win $1,500) to win the World Series. Should Lincecum come back to life Wednesday, expect that number to drop considerably.

Three Jays Flappers Down

In a matter of a 10-day stretch, the Blue Jays went from having a starting rotation able to compete with all the heavy hitters in the American League East to having a rotation many of us here in Las Vegas know from the Jays Triple-A affiliate. Three of the top-four starters, Dustin McGowan, Kyle Drabek and Drew Hutchinson all went down with serious arm issues that cost them their season.

From a betting standpoint, this may sound like a bad deal, but in reality, it could actually turn out to be a favorable change of events. The difference in the line from those three starters who are now out to the ones who are in will be anywhere from .20 to .40 cents per start. This sets up a few opportunities to take advantage of Toronto’s bats at bargain basement prices.

McGowan, Drabek and Hutchinson all had the luxury of finding themselves with early leads in many cases due to the Blue Jays quick striking nature of the long ball. Toronto is second in the majors to the Yankees with 104 home runs this season.

So instead of finding reasons to bet against Brett Cecil, Jesse Chavez and Joel Carreno, maybe look the other way and take advantage of some of the Jays raw strength and ability to get out front quickly. Most starting pitchers seem to fare much better with a lead and the chances are good that the three new starters will experience a few of those opportunities and make the most of it at plus-money prices.

The Rich Appear to Get Richer

As if the Texas Rangers weren’t intimidating enough with five likely All-Star starters, in first place and riding a six-game winning streak, we also come to find out Roy Oswalt can still pitch. Oswalt made his 2012 debut Friday after signing with the Rangers last month, and he was sensational.

Oswalt scattered nine hits over 6 2/3 innings allowing only one run in a 4-1 home win over the Rockies. There was a lot of skepticism with Oswalt in his debut because of a poor stint in the minors while getting into shape. It could be that the adrenaline from his first outing elevated him to the win against a Rockies offense that gives up some days.

If you think Oswalt is closer to what he showed in the minors, rather than what he showed Friday, betting against him Wednesday when they face Doug Fister and the Tigers is a must.

Home Sweet Home

Yankee Stadium may be the most intimidating ballpark opposing players visit on the road, but statistically, the Yankees (20-14) are not the best home team in baseball. The Dodgers (24-12) currently hold that mark followed by the Pirates (23-13).

You wouldn’t think of the Dodgers home field offering much of an edge other than the beautiful pallet of colors smog makes when dusk turns to night. It’s in that home smog that has been the secret to extending careers of several journeyman pitchers, and they have a couple this year feasting off of it.

The fans show up late and leave early to avoid traffic, but the Dodgers keep piling up wins and have maintained first place in the National League West for the entire season.

The Pirates home field edge comes strictly from their style of play. They find themselves in a lot of close games and the home crowd has helped swing the momentum in a few of those situations. The Bucs get close to 24,000 attending a night, but it’s still only good enough for only 23rd most among the 30 teams.

Pittsburgh fans are also hungry for any kind of success gained in any form. It’s been 19 years since the Bucs last had a winning season.

It’s apparent that the amount of fans in attendance doesn’t equate to victories, just ask Philadelphia and Boston. Both cities lead baseball with the highest capacity percentage on a nightly basis, but both teams are at the bottom of their divisions.

All-Star Vote

My vote doesn’t matter among the millions that determine who starts in the All-Star game, but here’s who I got starting with the NL: 1B) Joey Votto, 2B Brandon Phillips, 3B) David Wright, SS) Starlin Castro, OF) Melky Cabrera, Carlos Gonzalez, Andrew McCutchen, C) Carlos Ruiz, SP) R.A. Dickey.

You could probably argue that Ryan Braun should start in the outfield, but all three listed have higher batting averages with McCutchen and Cabrera being the heart and soul of offenses that are contending. I would also seriously consider adding Bryce Harper to the roster because the fans want to see him and also because his style of play has earned the right to play with the best.

Here’s who I got in the AL: 1B) Paul Konerko, 2B) Robinson Cano, 3B) Adrian Beltre, SS) Derek Jeter, OF) Mike Trout, Josh Hamilton, Adam Jones, C) A.J. Pierzynski SP) Chris Sale.

The starting pitcher is a tough one. The start should probably be given to Jeff Weaver, but he missed a couple of weeks. The combination of ERA and WHIP make Sale one of the better pitchers this season to go along with his 8-2 record.

More Notes

We saw Reds flame thrower Aroldis Chapman not give up a single earned run on the season through June 6, a span of 29 innings, but he is a complete meltdown mode since. In the Cuban Missile’s past 6 ½ innings he’s given up eight runs, taken four losses and has had his perfect ERA muddied with a 2.04 mark.

Welcome back Jair Jurrjens! In a strange turn of events, Jurrjens came back to life last Friday beating a hot Red Sox squad 4-1 at Fenway showing form that made him 12-3 at the All-Star break last season. Between lingering knee problems and a loss of confidence, the Braves sent Jurrjens to the minors in April after a 0-2 start with a 9.37 ERA. Despite having a 5.27 ERA at triple-A Gwinnett in nine starts, the Braves had to bring someone up to replace Brandon Beachy and Jurrjens got the opportunity to redeem himself and he came up big.

The White Sox acquired the Red Sox “Greek God of Walks” Kevin Youkilis on Sunday from Boston to shore up their lousy production at third base that has produced a .168 average with only one home run. The first-place White Sox are currently 25/1 to win the World Series and this is the type of move that could help put them in the upper echelon of top contenders this season. Even in a down year compared to his past standards, the addition Youkilis to the lineup is a huge improvement. The change of scenery should fare him well.

Monday betting tips: Harrington's British Open odds drop

Weather watch

The first game of the Blue Jays-Red Sox series could get a little wet. The early forecast is calling for a 70 percent chance of rain and possible thunderstorms at Fenway Park on Monday night.

Who’s hot?

Arizona Diamondbacks – The club picked up its four straight win on Sunday, improving its record to 14-6 in the month of June. After getting shutout in back to back games against the Angles, the D’backs have scored 51 runs over their last six games.

Who’s not?

Atlanta Braves – The Red Sox knocked around the visiting Braves for a second straight day, dropping Chipper Jones and Company to 4-9 over their last 13 games.

Key stat

43 – Runs the Red Sox have scored in LHP Felix Doubront’s last five starts. The over is 5-0 over that span.

Injury that shouldn’t be overlooked

Vera Zvonareva, women’s tennis – Zvonareva is coming back from a right shoulder injury that forced her to withdraw from the French Open and a Wimbledon warm-up tourney. She’s the No. 12 player in the world, played in the Wimbledon final in 2010 and was No. 2 in the world as recently as October 2010. Still, she’s plus-money (+120) in her first round match against Mona Barthel, a qualifier caliber tour player.

Game of the day

Los Angeles Dodgers at San Francisco Giants (-113, 7.5)

Notable quotable

"There is no way we are not a better team with Kevin Youkilis.” - White Sox first baseman Paul Konerko told reporters about his newest teammate.

Notes and tips

Andy Roddick ended a six match losing streak and a 16-month title drought with a win at Eastbourne. Roddick is having a brutal year and only got into Eastbourne as a wild card entry. The big serving American and 2009 Wimbledon finalist is just 13-13 on the year. He’s -1500 Round 1 favorite on Tuesday against Jamie Baker.

Padraig Harrington’s odds to win the British Open dropped from +3300 to +2500 at the Las Vegas Hotel SuperBook on Sunday. Harrington finished 11 at the Travelers Championship which gives him five top 15 finishes in his last seven PGA Tour events. Paddy won the British Open in 2007 and 2008.

Armadillo: Monday's six-pack

Since 1973, these teams have gone the most consecutive games scoring 5 or less runs in every game.........

40-- '79 Mets-- Went 63-99 under baseball genius Joe Torre

29-- '00 Devil Rays-- Jose Canseco had 30 RBI in 218 AB as the DH.

29-- '80 Padres-- Went 73-89 in Jerry Coleman's only year as manager.

25-- '90 Astros-- Franklin Stubbs led team with 23 homers.

25-- '76 Braves-- Willie Montanez started here and for '80 Padres.

25-- '12 Marlins-- None of five teams above finished at or above .500.


*************


Armadillo: Monday's List of 13: Wrapping up a sports weekend.........

13) So Kevin Youkilis gets dealt to the White Sox, leaving David Ortiz as the only Red Sox left from the 2004 championship team. Youkilis got a big ovation from the Boston crowd when he was lifted for a pinch-runner after hitting a triple that Atlanta OFs lost in the sun.

Apparently the Red Sox were concerned he might get hurt running the bases and screw up the trade, which had already been finalized.

By the way, Youkilis trade puts lot of pressure on Will Middlebrooks, who has done really well but he's still a rookie in a pressure cooker.

12) Adrian Gonzalez hit his 6th HR today in Boston's 72nd game; LY, he had 15 homers in Boston's first 72 games.

11) Clay Buchholz was hospitalized with intestinal bleeding that seems to be caused by anti-inflammatory medication. Hope he gets that fixed soon.

10) Gio Gonzalez has been great for the Nationals this year, but one of the prospects the A's got for him was Derek Norris, a catcher who hit his first big league homer Sunday, a walk-off shot as the A's salvaged the last of the 3-game series with the hideous crosstown Giants.

Considering the injury issues Washington has had behind the plate, and how Tommy Milone has also been pretty good for Oakland, the trade has helped and hurt both teams.

9) Cubs will be an interesting team from now until July 31 because current team they have is freakin' pathetic; they're now 3-16 vs lefty starters. You can hear the exasperation in TV guy Len Kasper's voice when they screw up in key spots, which happens a lot.

8) Like the retro 1972 uniforms the White Sox wore Sunday, ones with no names on back with huge numbers. Of course, anything reminds me of '72 is a positive, considering I'm an A's fan.

Home uniforms shouldn't have names on back; fans at home should know who the players are, right?

7) Jim Thome's walk-off homer Saturday was his 13th, the most ever in the major leagues, one more than Ruth-FRobinson-Foxx-Musial-Mantle.

6) UCLA already has Sean Combs' son inked to a football scholarship, and now they've offered one to a sophomore WR named Cordell Broadus, who is Snoop Dawg's son. Pretty solid booster club they're building up.

5) Tulane signed a football recruit named Nico Marley, who is grandson of Bob Marley-- how did UCLA miss him?

4) Major choke job on the PGA Tour Sunday, as Charlie Hoffman led by a couple shots on the 17th tee; he shanked his tee ball into water, only second ball hit in the water on 17 all day. He double-bogeyed 17, then bogeyed the 18th and lost the tournament, the second week in a row the tourney winner spent the last hour of the tournament in the clubhouse.

3) Struggling golfer Roland Thatcher was 189th on money list coming into this week, but he had a huge week, winning $236,250 despite bogeys on the 15th and 18th holes. He was tied for second before the 18th; looks like the last bogey cost him roughly another $225,000.

2) Baltimore Ravens have the least cap room of any NFL team, $606,000; Jakcsonville still has $25M, the Titans just under $20M.

1) Lot of NFL teams have gone to giving players IPad3's as a playbook, as modern technology becomes even more prevalent in the game.

Public opinion: Bettors like Youk's new team on Monday

Chicago White Sox (-117) at Kansas City Royals

The White Sox begin a three-game series at Minnesota with a new third baseman after acquiring Kevin Youkilis on Sunday in a trade with the Red Sox. The Twins took two out of three in Cincinnati over the weekend, but they’re without a true closer after learning that Matt Capps is likely headed to the disabled list.

Consensus pick: White Sox

Toronto Blue Jays at Boston Red Sox

The wheels have come off for Toronto hurler Henderson Alvarez, who is winless since May 10. The 22-year-old hard-throwing Venezuelan has lost four of his subsequent seven starts - including a 7-2 setback to Boston on June 1. Alvarez permitted four runs and eight hits in the loss. In his last trip to the mound, Alvarez allowed six runs on 11 hits in four innings in a 7-6 loss to Milwaukee on Monday.

Consensus pick: Over 10.5 runs

MLB
Dunkel

LA Dodgers at San Francisco
The Dodgers look to take advantage of a San Francisco team that is 3-10 in Barry Zito's last 13 starts against a team with a winning record. LA is the pick (-105) according to Dunkel, which has the Dodgers favored by 1/2. Dunkel Pick: LA Dodgers (-105). Here are all of today's picks.

MONDAY, JUNE 25

Game 951-952: Pittsburgh at Philadelphia (7:05 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Pittsburgh (Karstens) 14.435; Philadelphia (Blanton) 14.986
Dunkel Line: Philadelphia by 1/2; 9
Vegas Line: Philadelphia (-145); 8
Dunkel Pick: Philadelphia (-145); Over

Game 953-954: Milwaukee at Cincinnati (7:10 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Milwaukee (Gallardo) 15.169; Cincinnati (Latos) 14.708
Dunkel Line: Milwaukee by 1/2; 8
Vegas Line: Cincinnati (-130); 9
Dunkel Pick: Milwaukee (+110); Under

Game 955-956: St. Louis at Miami (7:10 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: St. Louis (Westbrook) 15.212; Miami (Nolasco) 15.642
Dunkel Line: Miami by 1/2; 8
Vegas Line: St. Louis (-120); 9
Dunkel Pick: Miami (+100); Under

Game 957-958: NY Mets at Chicago Cubs (8:05 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: NY Mets (Santana) 16.502; Cubs (Wood) 13.685
Dunkel Line: NY Mets by 3; 10
Vegas Line: NY Mets (-150); No Run Total
Dunkel Pick: NY Mets (-150); N/A

Game 959-960: San Diego at Houston (8:05 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: San Diego (Ohlendorf) 15.537; Houston (Rodriguez) 13.898
Dunkel Line: San Diego by 1 1/2; 7
Vegas Line: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A

Game 961-962: Washington at Colorado (8:40 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Washington (Strasburg) 15.933; Colorado (Francis) 14.640
Dunkel Line: Washington by 1 1/2; 10
Vegas Line: Washington (-170); 9 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Washington (-170); Over

Game 963-964: LA Dodgers at San Francisco (10:15 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: LA Dodgers (Eovaldi) 15.568; San Francisco (Zito) 14.830
Dunkel Line: LA Dodgers by 1/2; 6 1/2
Vegas Line: San Francisco (-115); 7 1/2
Dunkel Pick: LA Dodgers (-105); Under

Game 965-966: Cleveland at NY Yankees (7:05 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Cleveland (Tomlin) 13.618; NY Yankees (Kuroda) 16.854
Dunkel Line: NY Yankees by 3; 10
Vegas Line: NY Yankees (-185); 9 1/2
Dunkel Pick: NY Yankees (-185); Over

Game 967-968: Toronto at Boston (7:10 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Toronto (Alvarez) 16.253; Boston (Doubront) 15.588
Dunkel Line: Toronto by 1/2; 10
Vegas Line: Boston (-150); 10 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Toronto (+130); Under

Game 969-970: Detroit at Texas (8:05 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Detroit (Porcello) 14.886; Texas (Grimm) 15.789
Dunkel Line: Texas by 1; 12
Vegas Line: Texas (-160); 11
Dunkel Pick: Texas (-160); Over

Game 971-972: Chicago White Sox at Minnesota (8:10 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: White Sox (Peavy) 15.450; Minnesota (Liriano) 13.936
Dunkel Line: Chicago White Sox by 1 1/2; 8 1/2
Vegas Line: Chicago White Sox (-125); 8
Dunkel Pick: Chicago White Sox (-125); Over

Game 973-974: Tampa Bay at Kansas City (8:10 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Tampa Bay (Cobb) 14.365; Kansas City (Hochevar) 14.842
Dunkel Line: Kansas City by 1/2; 7 1/2
Vegas Line: Tampa Bay (-120); 8 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Kansas City (+100); Under

Game 975-976: Oakland at Seattle (10:10 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Oakland (Milone) 15.745; Seattle (Ramirez) 14.524
Dunkel Line: Oakland by 1; 7
Vegas Line: Oakland (-125); 7 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Oakland (-125); Under

MLB
Armadillo's Write-Up

Monday, June 25

Hot pitchers
-- Gallardo is 4-1, 3.92 in his last six starts.
-- Westbrook is 2-0, 2.40 in his last couple starts.
-- JSantana is 4-1, 2.65 in his last five starts. Wood has a 2.92 RA in his last four starts.
-- Rodriguez is 2-1, 3.93 in his last three starts.
-- Strasburg is 6-0, 3.25 in his last six starts.
-- Eovaldi has a 2.64 RA in five starts, but Dodgers were outscored 12-5 in losing all five games.

-- Kuroda is 3-1, 2.06 in his last five starts.
-- Grimm won his first MLB start, allowing three runs in six IP.
-- Peavy has a 2.54 RA but no wins in his last four starts. Liriano is 1-2, 2.67 in his last five starts.
-- Hochevar is 1-0, 0.71 in his last couple starts.

Cold pitchers
-- Blanton has a 7.65 RA in his last seven starts. Karstens is 0-1, 4.50 in three starts, last of which was April 17.
-- Latos has an 8.04 RA in his last five starts.
-- Nolasco is 0-3, 9.39 in his last three starts.
-- Ohlendorf allowed three runs in 4.2 IP in his first start for San Diego.
-- Francis is 0-1, 8.56 in three starts this season.
-- Zito is 0-3, 10.68 in his last three starts.

-- Tomlin is 1-2, 5.32 in his last four starts.
-- Doubrant has 5.79 RA in his last four starts. Alvarez is 0-4, 6.91 in his last seven starts.
-- Porcello is 1-1, 5.29 in his last three starts.
-- Cobb is 1-3, 4.91 in his last four starts.
-- Milone is 0-2, 7.04 in his last four away starts. Ramirez is 0-1, 11.00 in two starts for Seattle.

Hot Teams
-- Pirates won six of their last eight games.
-- St Louis won four of its last five games.
-- Mets are 7-5 in last 12 games; they won last three on road.
-- Washington is 15-7 in its last 22 road games.
-- Giants won nine of their last thirteen home games.

-- Bronx Bombers won 12 of their last 15 games. Indians won four of their last six games.
-- Red Sox won nine of their last eleven games. Blue Jays won six of their last nine games.
-- Rangers won seven of their last eight games. Detroit is 6-4 in its last ten away games.
-- White Sox won three of their last four games.
-- Tampa Bay won seven of its last ten road games.
-- A's won nine of their last twelve games.

Cold Teams
-- Phillies lost 13 of their last 18 home games.
-- Cincinnati lost five of its last six games. Brewers lost six of their last nine road games.
-- Miami lost 15 of its last 18 games.
-- Cubs lost eight of their last eleven games.
-- San Diego/Houston both lost six of their last nine games.
-- Rockies lost 14 of their last 17 games.
-- Dodgers lost six of their last eight games.

-- Twins lost seven of their last eleven games.
-- Royals lost their last three games, allowing 30 runs.
-- Mariners lost ten of their last fourteen games.

Totals
-- Over is 21-8 in Philly's last 29 games.
-- Seven of last nine Milwaukee road games stayed under.
-- 10 of last 15 St Louis games stayed under the total.
-- Four of Cubs' last five gaes stayed under the total.
-- Five of last seven San Diego games stayed under total.
-- Under is 5-1-1 in last seven Washington games.
-- Under is 5-1-1 in Dodgers' last seven games.

-- Under is 7-1-1 in last nine Cleveland road games.
-- Over is 5-1-1 in Toronto's last seven road games.
-- Over is 9-5-1 in last fifteen Texas home games.
-- Four of last five Minnesota games stayed under total.
-- Last three Kansas City games went over the total.
-- Five of last seven Milone starts stayed under the total.

MLB

Monday, June 25

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Trend Report
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7:05 PM
PITTSBURGH vs. PHILADELPHIA
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Pittsburgh's last 5 games when playing on the road against Philadelphia
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Pittsburgh's last 5 games
Philadelphia is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games when playing Pittsburgh
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Philadelphia's last 8 games when playing Pittsburgh

7:05 PM
CLEVELAND vs. NY YANKEES
Cleveland is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Cleveland's last 9 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of NY Yankees's last 5 games at home
NY Yankees are 12-3 SU in their last 15 games

7:10 PM
ST. LOUIS vs. MIAMI
St. Louis is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 4 of St. Louis's last 6 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Miami's last 6 games
Miami is 1-6 SU in its last 7 games

7:10 PM
MILWAUKEE vs. CINCINNATI
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Milwaukee's last 7 games
Milwaukee is 3-6 SU in its last 9 games on the road
Cincinnati is 13-5 SU in its last 18 games when playing at home against Milwaukee
Cincinnati is 2-5 SU in its last 7 games when playing Milwaukee

7:10 PM
TORONTO vs. BOSTON
Toronto is 2-6 SU in its last 8 games when playing on the road against Boston
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Toronto's last 7 games when playing Boston
Boston is 7-1 SU in its last 8 games
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Boston's last 7 games

8:05 PM
SAN DIEGO vs. HOUSTON
The total has gone OVER in 5 of San Diego's last 6 games when playing Houston
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of San Diego's last 7 games
Houston is 8-4 SU in its last 12 games when playing at home against San Diego
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Houston's last 7 games when playing at home against San Diego

8:05 PM
DETROIT vs. TEXAS
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Detroit's last 6 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Detroit's last 7 games when playing Texas
Texas is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Detroit
Texas is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing Detroit

8:05 PM
NY METS vs. CHI CUBS
The total has gone OVER in 17 of NY Mets's last 23 games on the road
NY Mets are 2-4 SU in their last 6 games when playing Chi Cubs
Chi Cubs are 1-4 SU in their last 5 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Chi Cubs's last 5 games

8:10 PM
CHI WHITE SOX vs. MINNESOTA
Chi White Sox are 1-4 SU in their last 5 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Chi White Sox's last 7 games on the road
Minnesota is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 8 of Minnesota's last 9 games when playing at home against Chi White Sox

8:10 PM
TAMPA BAY vs. KANSAS CITY
Tampa Bay is 7-3 SU in its last 10 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 11 of Tampa Bay's last 14 games when playing on the road against Kansas City
Kansas City is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games when playing Tampa Bay
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Kansas City's last 5 games when playing Tampa Bay

8:40 PM
WASHINGTON vs. COLORADO
Washington is 6-18 SU in its last 24 games when playing Colorado
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Washington's last 5 games on the road
Colorado is 18-6 SU in its last 24 games when playing Washington
Colorado is 3-14 SU in its last 17 games

10:10 PM
OAKLAND vs. SEATTLE
Oakland is 9-3 SU in its last 12 games
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Oakland's last 7 games
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Seattle's last 10 games when playing Oakland
Seattle is 3-10 SU in its last 13 games at home

10:15 PM
LA DODGERS vs. SAN FRANCISCO
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of LA Dodgers's last 7 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of LA Dodgers's last 6 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 4 of San Francisco's last 5 games when playing LA Dodgers
The total has gone OVER in 4 of San Francisco's last 6 games

MLB

Monday, June 25

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Monday's streaking and slumping starting pitchers
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STREAKING

Yovani Gallardo, Milwaukee Brewers (6-5, 4.22 ERA)

The Brewers would like better results than an ERA north of 4.00 from this hard-throwing righty. But even though Gallardo isn’t pitching lights out, he has been remarkably consistent. The 26-year-old is dishing out quality starts at an 80 percent clip (12 for 15) this season.

The Brew Crew are 5-1 in Gallardo’s last six trips to the bump and he’s averaging 10.5 strikeouts per 9 innings pitched over his last five appearances.

Justin Masterson, Cleveland Indians (4-6, 3.98 ERA)

In the year of the pitcher, great performances - like Masterson’s last start - are easily overlooked. The former Red Sox reliever pitched a complete game shutout, allowing just three hits, no walks and striking out nine for good measure.

It was Masterson’s third consecutive masterful (sorry, couldn’t help myself) outing. He’s allowed just one run over his last 23 innings pitched. Not surprisingly, the under is 3-0 over his last three starts.

STRUGGLING

Joe Blanton, Philadelphia Phillies (6-6, 5.04 ERA)

Don’t be fooled by the Phillies’ 3-0 record in Blanton’s last three turns in the rotation. Dude is throwing beach balls over the plate. Blanton only gave up six hits over seven innings in his last outing. Problem was that three of those hits were home runs.

Blanton has been tagged for five or more runs in six of his last seven starts.

Barry Zito, San Francisco Giants (5-5, 4.35 ERA)

Can you believe the Giants still have one more year left of Zito after this season? He’s making $19 million this year and will make $20 mil next campaign before the worst contract in history of team sports finally expires.

Zeets is just doing his thing. He surrendered eight runs in just 3.1 innings work in his last outing. The Giants are 0-3 in his last three appearances.

MLB
Long Sheet

Monday, June 25

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PITTSBURGH (38 - 33) at PHILADELPHIA (34 - 40) - 7:05 PM
JEFF KARSTENS (R) vs. JOE BLANTON (R)
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
PITTSBURGH is 2-1 (+1.7 Units) against PHILADELPHIA this season
2 of 3 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+0.9 Units)

JEFF KARSTENS vs. PHILADELPHIA since 1997
KARSTENS is 0-0 when starting against PHILADELPHIA with an ERA of 3.46 and a WHIP of 1.077.
His team's record is 3-1 (+3.3 units) in these starts. The OVER is 2-2. (+0.0 units)

JOE BLANTON vs. PITTSBURGH since 1997
BLANTON is 1-0 when starting against PITTSBURGH with an ERA of 3.04 and a WHIP of 0.825.
His team's record is 1-3 (-3.8 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 2-2. (-0.6 units)

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MILWAUKEE (33 - 39) at CINCINNATI (39 - 32) - 7:10 PM
YOVANI GALLARDO (R) vs. MAT LATOS (R)
Top Trends for this game.
MILWAUKEE is 33-39 (-13.6 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
MILWAUKEE is 44-62 (-24.1 Units) against the money line when the total is 9 to 9.5 over the last 3 seasons.
MILWAUKEE is 19-39 (-19.7 Units) against the money line on the road when the total is 9 to 9.5 over the last 3 seasons.
MILWAUKEE is 33-39 (-13.6 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
MILWAUKEE is 23-29 (-12.0 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
CINCINNATI is 105-80 (+20.7 Units) against the money line after a loss over the last 3 seasons.
CINCINNATI is 91-111 (-34.7 Units) against the money line in home games in June games since 1997.
CINCINNATI is 306-287 (-73.1 Units) against the money line in home games when playing against a team with a losing record since 1997.

Head-to-Head Series History
CINCINNATI is 2-1 (+1.0 Units) against MILWAUKEE this season
2 of 3 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+0.8 Units)

YOVANI GALLARDO vs. CINCINNATI since 1997
GALLARDO is 4-3 when starting against CINCINNATI with an ERA of 5.13 and a WHIP of 1.635.
His team's record is 4-8 (-6.0 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 3-8. (-6.0 units)

MAT LATOS vs. MILWAUKEE since 1997
LATOS is 0-2 when starting against MILWAUKEE with an ERA of 4.63 and a WHIP of 1.542.
His team's record is 0-2 (-2.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 0-1. (-1.1 units)

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ST LOUIS (38 - 35) at MIAMI (34 - 38) - 7:10 PM
JAKE WESTBROOK (R) vs. RICKY NOLASCO (R)
Top Trends for this game.
ST LOUIS is 66-86 (-30.3 Units) against the money line in road games after 3 or more consecutive wins since 1997.
ST LOUIS is 122-108 (-33.6 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 3 seasons.
ST LOUIS is 72-59 (+13.5 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 2 seasons.
ST LOUIS is 71-57 (+14.2 Units) against the money line in road games in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
ST LOUIS is 100-72 (+14.8 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.
MIAMI is 34-38 (-10.9 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
MIAMI is 6-22 (-15.5 Units) against the money line as a home underdog of +100 to +125 over the last 2 seasons.
MIAMI is 49-67 (-30.5 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 2 seasons.
MIAMI is 5-16 (-12.6 Units) against the money line in June games this season.
MIAMI is 33-36 (-10.0 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
MIAMI is 36-52 (-26.1 Units) against the money line in home games in night games over the last 2 seasons.
MIAMI is 72-92 (-22.1 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
MIAMI is 46-71 (-20.0 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
NOLASCO is 13-22 (-13.8 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)
NOLASCO is 13-22 (-13.8 Units) against the money line in home games in games played on a grass field over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)
NOLASCO is 11-20 (-13.4 Units) against the money line in home games in night games over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)

Head-to-Head Series History
ST LOUIS is 1-0 (+1.6 Units) against MIAMI this season
1 of 1 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+1.0 Units)

JAKE WESTBROOK vs. MIAMI since 1997
WESTBROOK is 1-0 when starting against MIAMI with an ERA of 2.96 and a WHIP of 1.025.
His team's record is 3-1 (+2.3 units) in these starts. The OVER is 2-2. (-0.4 units)

RICKY NOLASCO vs. ST LOUIS since 1997
NOLASCO is 0-4 when starting against ST LOUIS with an ERA of 6.62 and a WHIP of 1.676.
His team's record is 1-5 (-4.5 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 2-4. (-2.7 units)

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NY METS (39 - 34) at CHICAGO CUBS (24 - 48) - 8:05 PM
JOHAN SANTANA (L) vs. TRAVIS WOOD (L)
Top Trends for this game.
NY METS are 39-34 (+10.4 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
NY METS are 59-55 (+21.9 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 2 seasons.
NY METS are 45-30 (+18.1 Units) against the money line in June games over the last 3 seasons.
NY METS are 35-32 (+6.9 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
NY METS are 39-38 (+12.3 Units) against the money line in road games in night games over the last 2 seasons.
NY METS are 29-25 (+14.4 Units) against the money line in road games after a loss over the last 2 seasons.
NY METS are 29-21 (+12.7 Units) against the money line in road games when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.
CHICAGO CUBS are 24-48 (-19.3 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
CHICAGO CUBS are 89-107 (-32.7 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 3 seasons.
CHICAGO CUBS are 24-48 (-19.3 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
CHICAGO CUBS are 10-24 (-11.0 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
CHICAGO CUBS are 3-16 (-13.4 Units) against the money line against left-handed starters this season.
CHICAGO CUBS are 16-31 (-13.0 Units) against the money line after a loss this season.
CHICAGO CUBS are 5-15 (-9.7 Units) against the money line after 3 or more consecutive losses this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.

JOHAN SANTANA vs. CHICAGO CUBS since 1997
SANTANA is 3-0 when starting against CHICAGO CUBS with an ERA of 1.61 and a WHIP of 1.030.
His team's record is 3-0 (+3.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 2-0. (+2.0 units)

TRAVIS WOOD vs. NY METS since 1997
WOOD is 0-0 when starting against NY METS with an ERA of 5.78 and a WHIP of 1.713.
His team's record is 1-0 (+1.5 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-0. (+1.2 units)

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SAN DIEGO (26 - 47) at HOUSTON (30 - 42) - 8:05 PM
ROSS OHLENDORF (R) vs. WANDY RODRIGUEZ (L)
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.

ROSS OHLENDORF vs. HOUSTON since 1997
OHLENDORF is 0-6 when starting against HOUSTON with an ERA of 5.96 and a WHIP of 1.632.
His team's record is 1-8 (-7.5 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 6-3. (+2.7 units)

WANDY RODRIGUEZ vs. SAN DIEGO since 1997
RODRIGUEZ is 3-1 when starting against SAN DIEGO with an ERA of 3.73 and a WHIP of 1.213.
His team's record is 4-1 (+3.2 units) in these starts. The OVER is 3-2. (+0.9 units)

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WASHINGTON (41 - 29) at COLORADO (27 - 44) - 8:40 PM
STEPHEN STRASBURG (R) vs. JEFF FRANCIS (L)
Top Trends for this game.
WASHINGTON is 41-29 (+10.3 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
WASHINGTON is 29-18 (+13.6 Units) against the money line in June games over the last 2 seasons.
WASHINGTON is 118-111 (+16.2 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
WASHINGTON is 80-72 (+16.9 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.
COLORADO is 27-44 (-16.7 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
COLORADO is 30-42 (-17.9 Units) against the money line when the total is 9 to 9.5 over the last 2 seasons.
COLORADO is 15-21 (-9.3 Units) against the money line in home games this season.
COLORADO is 27-44 (-16.7 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
COLORADO is 122-144 (-41.3 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 3 seasons.
COLORADO is 67-97 (-39.6 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
COLORADO is 16-28 (-10.9 Units) against the money line after a loss this season.
COLORADO is 38-62 (-24.3 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.

STEPHEN STRASBURG vs. COLORADO since 1997
No recent starts.

JEFF FRANCIS vs. WASHINGTON since 1997
FRANCIS is 1-1 when starting against WASHINGTON with an ERA of 4.91 and a WHIP of 1.432.
His team's record is 4-1 (+2.4 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 3-2. (+0.8 units)

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LA DODGERS (43 - 30) at SAN FRANCISCO (40 - 33) - 10:15 PM
NATHAN EOVALDI (R) vs. BARRY ZITO (L)
Top Trends for this game.
SAN FRANCISCO is 162-98 (+62.2 Units) against the money line when playing on Monday since 1997.
SAN FRANCISCO is 869-723 (+107.0 Units) against the money line in night games since 1997.
SAN FRANCISCO is 21-12 (+10.2 Units) against the money line after a loss this season.
LA DODGERS are 43-30 (+10.9 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
LA DODGERS are 58-42 (+15.3 Units) against the money line against division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
LA DODGERS are 43-30 (+10.9 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
SAN FRANCISCO is 1-2 (-0.1 Units) against LA DODGERS this season
2 of 3 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+0.9 Units)

NATHAN EOVALDI vs. SAN FRANCISCO since 1997
No recent starts.

BARRY ZITO vs. LA DODGERS since 1997
ZITO is 6-9 when starting against LA DODGERS with an ERA of 3.89 and a WHIP of 1.212.
His team's record is 8-13 (-4.1 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 13-5. (+7.7 units)

CLEVELAND (37 - 34) at NY YANKEES (43 - 28) - 7:05 PM
JOSH TOMLIN (R) vs. HIROKI KURODA (R)
Top Trends for this game.
NY YANKEES are 16-5 (+9.8 Units) against the money line in June games this season.
NY YANKEES are 43-23 (+10.6 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
CLEVELAND is 120-116 (+8.0 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
CLEVELAND is 17-8 (+10.0 Units) against the money line when playing on Monday over the last 2 seasons.
CLEVELAND is 117-113 (+6.8 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
CLEVELAND is 25-16 (+10.2 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
CLEVELAND is 32-19 (+13.9 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
CLEVELAND is 62-56 (+11.7 Units) against the money line after a loss over the last 2 seasons.
TOMLIN is 16-9 (+10.7 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
NY YANKEES are 65-54 (-24.7 Units) against the money line in home games in night games over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.

JOSH TOMLIN vs. NY YANKEES since 1997
TOMLIN is 2-1 when starting against NY YANKEES with an ERA of 4.26 and a WHIP of 1.053.
His team's record is 2-1 (+2.5 units) in these starts. The OVER is 0-1. (-1.1 units)

HIROKI KURODA vs. CLEVELAND since 1997
No recent starts.

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TORONTO (37 - 35) at BOSTON (38 - 34) - 7:10 PM
HENDERSON ALVAREZ (R) vs. FELIX DOUBRONT (L)
Top Trends for this game.
ALVAREZ is 3-11 (-10.4 Units) against the money line in all games this season. (Team's Record)
ALVAREZ is 0-6 (-7.4 Units) against the money line against division opponents this season. (Team's Record)
ALVAREZ is 0-6 (-7.6 Units) against the money line after a loss this season. (Team's Record)
ALVAREZ is 0-8 (-9.9 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record this season. (Team's Record)
BOSTON is 19-21 (-15.2 Units) against the money line as a home favorite of -150 to -175 over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 66-56 (-20.2 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 24-27 (-15.5 Units) against the money line in home games against division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 66-56 (-20.2 Units) against the money line in home games in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 10-16 (-11.4 Units) against the money line in home games against right-handed starters this season.
BOSTON is 9-16 (-12.5 Units) against the money line in home games when playing against a team with a winning record this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
BOSTON is 3-3 (-0.3 Units) against TORONTO this season
4 of 6 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+1.8 Units)

HENDERSON ALVAREZ vs. BOSTON since 1997
ALVAREZ is 0-1 when starting against BOSTON with an ERA of 2.45 and a WHIP of 1.037.
His team's record is 1-2 (-0.9 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 3-0. (+3.0 units)

FELIX DOUBRONT vs. TORONTO since 1997
DOUBRONT is 1-0 when starting against TORONTO with an ERA of 3.18 and a WHIP of 1.324.
His team's record is 2-0 (+2.2 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-1. (-0.1 units)

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DETROIT (35 - 37) at TEXAS (45 - 28) - 8:05 PM
RICK PORCELLO (R) vs. JUSTIN GRIMM (R)
Top Trends for this game.
DETROIT is 35-37 (-15.3 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
DETROIT is 35-37 (-15.3 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
DETROIT is 15-22 (-13.2 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
DETROIT is 12-22 (-17.4 Units) against the money line after a win this season.
TEXAS is 152-100 (+17.7 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
TEXAS is 145-93 (+18.3 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
TEXAS is 111-66 (+18.9 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.
TEXAS is 110-67 (+19.6 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
TEXAS is 3-1 (+2.0 Units) against DETROIT this season
2 of 4 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=-0.2 Units, Under=-0.2 Units)

RICK PORCELLO vs. TEXAS since 1997
PORCELLO is 1-2 when starting against TEXAS with an ERA of 8.66 and a WHIP of 2.151.
His team's record is 1-3 (-2.0 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 1-3. (-2.4 units)

JUSTIN GRIMM vs. DETROIT since 1997
No recent starts.

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CHI WHITE SOX (38 - 34) at MINNESOTA (29 - 42) - 8:10 PM
JAKE PEAVY (R) vs. FRANCISCO LIRIANO (L)
Top Trends for this game.
CHI WHITE SOX are 11-20 (-11.2 Units) against the money line when the total is 8 to 8.5 this season.
CHI WHITE SOX are 80-93 (-27.8 Units) against the money line against division opponents over the last 3 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 28-19 (+14.1 Units) against the money line in June games over the last 2 seasons.
CHI WHITE SOX are 19-13 (+9.1 Units) against the money line in road games this season.
CHI WHITE SOX are 104-87 (+27.1 Units) against the money line in road games in June games since 1997.
CHI WHITE SOX are 58-46 (+18.4 Units) against the money line in road games in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
CHI WHITE SOX are 11-5 (+7.4 Units) against the money line in road games after a win this season.
PEAVY is 11-3 (+9.4 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
PEAVY is 11-3 (+9.4 Units) against the money line in road games in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
MINNESOTA is 92-142 (-30.1 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 42-72 (-23.7 Units) against the money line when the total is 8 to 8.5 over the last 2 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 46-71 (-25.3 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 2 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 2-13 (-11.5 Units) against the money line in home games when playing on Monday over the last 2 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 89-135 (-27.0 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 24-44 (-19.4 Units) against the money line in home games in night games over the last 2 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 63-107 (-29.8 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
CHI WHITE SOX is 2-1 (+0.6 Units) against MINNESOTA this season
2 of 3 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+0.9 Units)

JAKE PEAVY vs. MINNESOTA since 1997
PEAVY is 2-2 when starting against MINNESOTA with an ERA of 3.72 and a WHIP of 1.266.
His team's record is 2-4 (-4.1 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 3-2. (+0.7 units)

FRANCISCO LIRIANO vs. CHI WHITE SOX since 1997
LIRIANO is 4-3 when starting against CHI WHITE SOX with an ERA of 5.00 and a WHIP of 1.463.
His team's record is 6-3 (+3.2 units) in these starts. The OVER is 4-5. (-1.3 units)

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TAMPA BAY (40 - 32) at KANSAS CITY (31 - 39) - 8:10 PM
ALEX COBB (R) vs. LUKE HOCHEVAR (R)
Top Trends for this game.
TAMPA BAY is 65-43 (+16.2 Units) against the money line when the total is 8 to 8.5 over the last 2 seasons.
TAMPA BAY is 64-55 (+12.8 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 2 seasons.
TAMPA BAY is 61-45 (+17.2 Units) against the money line in road games after a win over the last 3 seasons.
TAMPA BAY is 59-31 (+22.4 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.
KANSAS CITY is 11-23 (-13.4 Units) against the money line in home games this season.
KANSAS CITY is 11-23 (-13.4 Units) against the money line in home games in games played on a grass field this season.
KANSAS CITY is 7-16 (-10.6 Units) against the money line in home games against right-handed starters this season.
KANSAS CITY is 6-15 (-9.2 Units) against the money line in home games after a loss this season.
KANSAS CITY is 2-12 (-10.2 Units) against the money line in home games when playing against a team with a winning record this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.

ALEX COBB vs. KANSAS CITY since 1997
COBB is 1-0 when starting against KANSAS CITY with an ERA of 0.00 and a WHIP of 0.857.
His team's record is 1-0 (+1.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 0-1. (-1.0 units)

LUKE HOCHEVAR vs. TAMPA BAY since 1997
HOCHEVAR is 1-2 when starting against TAMPA BAY with an ERA of 7.42 and a WHIP of 1.682.
His team's record is 1-5 (-4.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 3-3. (-0.2 units)

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OAKLAND (35 - 38) at SEATTLE (31 - 43) - 10:10 PM
TOM MILONE (L) vs. ERASMO RAMIREZ (L)
Top Trends for this game.
OAKLAND is 9-20 (-12.9 Units) against the money line on the road with a money line of -100 to -125 over the last 2 seasons.
MILONE is 13-6 (+9.6 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
SEATTLE is 98-139 (-29.1 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
SEATTLE is 49-64 (-17.0 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 2 seasons.
SEATTLE is 50-88 (-30.4 Units) against the money line against division opponents over the last 3 seasons.
SEATTLE is 49-64 (-17.0 Units) against the money line in home games in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
SEATTLE is 19-42 (-18.1 Units) against the money line against left-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
SEATTLE is 6-13 (-9.2 Units) against the money line in home games after a loss this season.
SEATTLE is 3-9 (-8.6 Units) against the money line in home games when playing against a team with a losing record this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
SEATTLE is 5-2 (+3.0 Units) against OAKLAND this season
4 of 7 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+0.5 Units)

TOM MILONE vs. SEATTLE since 1997
MILONE is 0-1 when starting against SEATTLE with an ERA of 6.00 and a WHIP of 1.000.
His team's record is 0-1 (-1.1 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 1-0. (+1.0 units)

ERASMO RAMIREZ vs. OAKLAND since 1997
No recent starts.

MLB
Short Sheet

Monday, June 25

National League

Pittsburgh at Philadelphia, 7:05 ET
Karstens: Pittsburgh 20-12 SU off a loss
Blanton: Philadelphia 7-15 SU in June

Milwaukee at Cincinnati, 7:10 ET
Gallardo: Milwaukee 5-13 SU after allowing 2 runs or less
Latos: Cincinnati 12-5 SU at home vs. Milwaukee

St. Louis at Miami, 7:10 ET
Westbrook: St. Louis 14-4 SU away off a combined score of 15+ runs
Nolasco: Miami 2-11 SU after losing 4 of their last 5 games

NY Mets at Chicago Cubs, 8:05 ET
Santana: 7-0 TSR pitching off BB team losses
Wood: Cubs 3-16 SU vs. left-handed starters

San Diego at Houston, 8:05 ET
Ohlendorf: San Diego 2-11 SU off BB Unders
Rodriguez: 11-3 TSR vs. NL West opponents

Washington at Colorado, 8:40 ET
Strasburg: Washington 34-18 Under vs. left-handed starters
Francis: Colorado 9-23 SU after losing 5 or 6 of their last 7 games

LA Dodgers at San Francisco, 10:15 ET
Eovaldi: 8-0 Under as an underdog
Zito: San Francisco 21-12 SU off a loss


American League

Cleveland at NY Yankees, 7:05 ET ESPN2
Tomlin: Cleveland 17-8 SU on Mondays
Kuroda: 0-6 TSR vs. AL Central opponents

Toronto at Boston, 7:10 ET
Alvarez: 0-6 TSR vs. division opponents
Doubront: Boston 45-13 SU at home off 6+ interleague games

Detroit at Texas, 8:05 ET
Porcello: Detroit 5-15 SU off a win by 2 runs or less
Grimm: Texas 36-17 SU after winning 8+ of their last 10 games

Chicago White Sox at Minnesota, 8:10 ET
Peavy: 11-3 TSR in road games
Liriano: Minnesota 2-13 SU at home on Mondays

Tampa Bay at Kansas City, 8:10 ET
Cobb: Tampa Bay 14-2 SU off 10+ games hitting 1 or 0 home runs
Hochevar: Kansas City 4-12 SU at home off 3+ home games

Oakland at Seattle, 10:10 ET
Milone: 11-3 TSR with a total of 7 to 8.5 runs
Ramirez: Seattle 19-42 SU vs. left-handed starters

MLB

Monday, June 25

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What bettors need to know: Dodgers at Giants
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Los Angeles Dodgers at San Francisco Giants (-109, 7.5)

Los Angeles leads the Giants by three games in the NL West as the teams begin a three-game set in San Francisco. The Dodgers have lost five of their last six, including a 5-3 decision to the Angels on Sunday. The Giants are coming off a crushing 4-2 loss to the Athletics on Sunday, when closer Santiago Casilla gave up a three-run walkoff homer to Derek Norris. Casilla will likely be unavailable Monday after appearing in three straight games. Sergio Romo would probably serve as the Giants’ closer.

Giants C Buster Posey could also receive a day off after catching a four-hour, 15-minute game Saturday and coming right back to catch Sunday’s game. Posey is batting .295 and leads the team with 10 homers and 41 RBIs. The Dodgers are still without CF Matt Kemp (hamstring), who’s hoping to return around the All-Star break. Kemp reported some soreness Saturday, but the Dodgers did not express any concern. Los Angeles is 23-12 when Kemp starts and 20-18 without him in the lineup.

TV: 10:15 p.m. ET, Prime Ticket (Los Angeles), NBC Bay Area (San Francisco)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Dodgers RH Nathan Eovaldi (0-3, 2.35 ERA) vs. Giants LH Barry Zito (5-5, 4.35 ERA)

Eovaldi remained winless after giving up three runs in six innings Wednesday against Oakland. He hasn’t allowed more than three runs in any of his five starts this season, but he’s been a victim of poor run support as the Dodgers have scored just five runs total in his five starts.

After a promising start, Zito has gone 0-3 with a 10.67 ERA in his last three turns with his ERA rising from 2.98 to 4.35 over that stretch. He allowed eight runs over 3 1/3 innings in a loss to the Angels on Tuesday.

WALK-OFFS

1. Dodgers SS Dee Gordon is hitting just .221 in June, but he’s converted 8-of-10 stolen-base attempts this month.

2. Giants 1B Brandon Belt was hitless in three at-bats Sunday, ending his career-best 11-game hitting streak.

3. The Dodgers are six games into a stretch of playing 20 games in 20 days leading up to the All-Star break.

MLB

Monday, June 25

Game Score Status Pick Amount

Cleveland - 7:05 PM ET NY Yankees -167 500
NY Yankees - Under 9.5 500

Pittsburgh - 7:05 PM ET Pittsburgh +124 500
Philadelphia - Over 8 500

Toronto - 7:10 PM ET Boston -149 500
Boston - Over 10.5 500

St. Louis - 7:10 PM ET Miami +106 500
Miami - Under 9 500

Milwaukee - 7:10 PM ET Milwaukee +119 500
Cincinnati - Under 8.5 500

NY Mets - 8:05 PM ET Chi. Cubs +121 500
Chi. Cubs - Over 6.5 500

Detroit - 8:05 PM ET Detroit +131 500
Texas - Over 11 500

San Diego - 8:05 PM ET Houston -149 500
Houston - Under 8.5 500

Tampa Bay - 8:10 PM ET Kansas City -106 500
Kansas City - Over 8.5 500

Chi. White Sox - 8:10 PM ET Chi. White Sox -106 500
Minnesota - Over 8 500

Washington - 8:40 PM ET Washington -172 500
Colorado - Under 10 500

Oakland - 10:10 PM ET Oakland -105 500
Seattle - Over 7 500

LA Dodgers - 10:15 PM ET San Francisco -106 500
San Francisco - Under 7.5 500