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CNOTES
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MLB
Friday, June 21
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American League West boasts best over and under bets
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The American League West has been a tough division for MLB totals bettors to wrangle this year.
It boasts the top two over plays in the majors, with the Los Angeles Angels (42-30-1 over/under) and Oakland Athletics (40-34-1 over/under) consistently topping totals, and is also home to the best under bet in the bigs, the Texas Rangers, who have been kind to under bettors with a 26-43-4 over/under mark.
How about when these over teams collide with the low-scoring Rangers?
Los Angeles and Texas have played each other six times this season, combing for an over/under mark of 5-1. The A’s and Rangers, who are currently wrapping a four-game set in Arlington, have produced a break-even 4-4-1 over/under count in their first nine head-to-head contests this season.
In fact, Texas is leaning more to the over against divisional foes, posting a 15-14-3 over/under record against AL West opponents. Oakland is 22-12-1 over/under versus clubs for the AL West and L.A. is 20-12 over/under during divisional play.
Stats as of June 21, 2013.
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MLB
Friday, June 21
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Bettors cashing in huge on Blue Jays' winning streak
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The Toronto Blue Jays have been the most profitable bet in the bigs over the past eight games.
Any $100 bettor would be up $920.07 if they wagered on each game of Toronto’s current eight-game winning streak. The Blue Birds have outscored the opposition 46-14 during the run.
The Blue Jays were underdogs five times during the streak, including +216 pups against Yu Darvish and the Texas Rangers on June 13.
Toronto (35-36) is now just one game shy of the .500 mark and five games out of the final AL wild-card spot heading into play Thursday night.
The Blue Jays are -134 favorites in the opener of a three-game set with the Baltimore Orioles on Friday night. Toronto will send reigning NL Cy Young Award winner R.A. Dickey (6-8, 4.90) to the hill and the Orioles will counter with Jason Hammel (7-4, 5.24).
The Blue Jays opened the 2013 campaign with 12-1 odds to win the World Series, but fell all the way to 100-1 at the LVH SuperBook on Monday. Online sportsbook Bet365 has boosted Toronto’s futures all the way to +1400 as of Thursday.
Believe in the 3 G's
GIRLS, GOLF,GAMBLING not in any particular order.
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06-21-13 04:08 PM |
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CNOTES
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MLB
Short Sheet
Friday, June 21
National League
Colorado at Washington, 7:05 ET
Chatwood: Colorado 1-6 SU off 3+ games scoring 3 runs or less
Strasburg: 18-3 Over after allowing 1 or 0 ER's last start
NY Mets at Philadelphia, 7:05 ET
Hefner: 8-3 SU away vs. left-handed starters
Hamels: 2-9 TSR as a favorite
Atlanta at Milwaukee, 8:10 ET MLB
Teheran: Atlanta 23-10 Under off 6+ home games
Peralta: Milwaukee 8-18 SU after losing 3 of their last 4 games
Cincinnati at Arizona, 9:40 ET
Cueto: 16-2 TSR after allowing 1 or 0 ER's last start
Miley: Arizona 12-21 SU after allowing 1 or 0 runs
LA Dodgers at San Diego, 10:10 ET
Kershaw: Dodgers 9-22 SU vs. division opponents
Richard: San Diego 8-1 SU at home in June
Miami at San Francisco, 10:15 ET
Nolasco: Miami 5-17 SU away off 3+ games allowing 4 runs or less
Lincecum: San Francisco 31-13 SU off 3+ games hiting 0 home runs
American League
Tampa Bay at NY Yankees, 7:05 ET
Hernandez: Tampa Bay 16-2 SU after having 6+ extra-base hits
Phelps: Yankees 27-13 Under off BB losses
Baltimore at Toronto, 7:05 ET
Hammel: 7-1 TSR in road games
Dickey: Toronto 20-11 Over vs. division opponents
Boston at Detroit, 7:05 ET
Lester: Boston 14-30 SU off 3+ games scoring 4 runs or less
Fister: 30-13 Under in night games
Minnesota at Cleveland, 7:05 ET
Deduno: Minnesota 0-9 SU on Fridays
Kazmir: 33-12 TSR as a home favorite of -125 to -175
Chicago White Sox at Kansas City, 8:10 ET
Santiago: White Sox 9-23 SU away off 5+ road games
Guthrie: 11-0 TSR at home with a total of 7 to 8.5 runs
Oakland at Seattle, 10:10 ET
Colon: Oakland 11-3 Over away off 3+ division games
Iwakuma: 9-1 TSR off BB team losses
Interleague
Houston at Chicago Cubs, 2:20 ET
Keuchel: Houston 3-18 SU as a road underdog of +125 to +175
Garza: Cubs 20-10 SU off 7+ road games
Texas at St. Louis, 8:15 ET MLB
Holland: Texas 10-1 Under on Fridays
Lyons: St. Louis 13-1 SU at home off 4+ Unders
Pittsburgh at LA Angels, 10:05 ET
Cole: Pittsburgh 9-32 SU vs. AL West opponents
Weaver: 31-9 TSR at home with a total of 7.5 runs or less
Believe in the 3 G's
GIRLS, GOLF,GAMBLING not in any particular order.
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06-22-13 12:40 AM |
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CNOTES
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MLB
Friday, June 21
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Friday's MLB betting cheat sheet and notes
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National
Colorado Rockies at Washington Nationals (-190, 7)
Hot pitcher: Rockies lefty specialist Rex Brothers has 30 straight scoreless outings (27 2/3 IP) since April 10 at San Francisco. His 0.29 ERA is the lowest in the bigs among relievers with at least 20 appearances.
Cold pitcher: Despite an excellent 2.50 ERA, the Nats are just 5-8 in Strasburg's starts this year.
Weather: Sunny skies and temperatures in the high-70s. Winds will blow from right to left at seven mph.
Key betting stat: The under is 21-7-1 in the last 29 meetings.
New York Mets at Philadelphia Phillies (-167, 7.5)
Hot pitcher: Cole Hamels has pitched well after a horrific start to the season. He is 1-1 with an ERA of 2.70 in his last three starts.
Cold pitcher: Mets closer Bobby Parnell has two losses and a blown save in his last seven appearances.
Weather: Temperatures in the mid-70s and winds blowing out to left field at seven mph.
Key betting stat: The Mets are 1-11 in Jeremy Hefner's last 12 starts as an underdog.
Atlanta Braves at Milwaukee Brewers (+119, 8.5)
Hot pitcher: Braves closer Craig Kimbrel has converted his last 10 save opportunities. Since May 7, his last blown save, his ERA has dropped from 3.38 to 1.65.
Cold pitcher: The Brewers are 0-3 in Wily Peralta's last three starts and 1-7 in his last eight outings.
Weather: Retractable roof.
Key betting stat: The under is 6-1 in Braves starter Julio Teheran's last seven starts overall.
Cincinnati Reds at Arizona Diamondbacks (+112, 8)
Hot pitcher: Reds starter Johnny Cueto is unbeaten in 10 starts going back to last year and has held opponents to one run or less in five of his seven outings this year.
Cold pitcher: Diamondbacks starter Wade Miley is 1-5 with a 6.47 ERA in his last seven starts.
Weather: Retractable roof.
Key betting stat: The Reds are 13-3 in the last 16 meetings in Arizona.
Los Angeles Dodgers at San Diego Padres (+139, 6.5)
Hot pitcher: Dodgers reliever Kenley Jansen is third in the NL in holds and has an ERA of 1.08 in June.
Cold pitcher: Padres starter Clayton Richard has surrendered at least four earned runs in each of his previous six starts.
Weather: Partly cloudy skies and temperatures in the mid-60s. Winds will blow out to center field at four mph.
Key betting stat: The Padres are 4-17 in their last 21 games with Tim McClelland behind home plate.
Miami Marlins at San Francisco Giants (-158, 7)
Hot pitcher: Marlins reliever Dan Jennings has an ERA of 1.00 in his last eight appearances.
Cold pitcher: Giants starter Tim Lincecum is 1-5 in his last six outings.
Weather: Sunny skies and temperatures in the mid-50s. Winds will blow out to right field at 12 mph.
Key betting stat: The over is 10-2-1 in umpire Tim Timmons' last 13 games behind home plate. Total is seven Friday.
American
Minnesota Twins at Cleveland Indians (-121, 9)
Hot pitcher: Twins closer Glen Perkins has converted his last eight save opportunities and has given up one hit in his last eight innings pitched.
Cold pitcher: Indians starter Scott Kazmir gave up five earned runs in just 2 2/3 innings in his last outing. The Tribe have lost four of his last five starts.
Weather: Temperatures in the high-70s and sunny skies. Winds will blow from right field to left field at four mph.
Key betting stat: The over is 12-4 in the last 16 meetings in Cleveland.
Tampa Bay Rays at New York Yankees (-116, 9)
Hot pitcher: After a rough May where he blew four saves, Rays closer Fernando Rodney has converted all three of his save chances in June.
Cold pitcher: Yankees reliever Joba Chamberlain has given up three home runs in his last 4 2/3 innings pitched.
Weather: Temperatures in the low-70s. Winds blowing from right field to left field at nine mph.
Key betting stat: The Yankees are 0-4 in their last four games with umpire Greg Gibson behind home plate.
Baltimore Orioles at Toronto Blue Jays (-123, 9)
Hot pitcher: Jays reliever Brett Cecil has not allowed a run since May 10. In that time, his ERA has dropped from 2.79 to 1.46.
Cold pitcher: Orioles starter Jason Hammel has an ERA of 6.32 in his last three starts. The Orioles have lost all three.
Weather: Retractable roof
Key betting stat: The Blue Jays have won eight straight games.
Boston Red Sox at Detroit Tigers (-138, 8.5)
Hot pitcher: Red Sox reliever Koji Uehara has surrendered just three hits in nine innings of work in the month of June.
Cold pitcher: Red Sox starter Jon Lester has lost his last four decisions.
Weather: Mostly sunny skies and temperatures in the low-80s. Wind will blow in from center field at nine mph.
Key betting stat: The Tigers are 9-2 in Fister's last 11 starts as a home favorite.
Chicago White Sox at Kansas City Royals (-139, 8.5)
Hot pitcher: White Sox reliever Jesse Crain set the club record with his 28th consecutive appearance without allowing a run Thursday.
Cold pitcher: White Sox closer Addison Reed has an ERA of 7.00 and one blown save in June.
Weather: Partly cloudy skies and temperatures in the low-90s. Winds will blow out to left field at 16 mph.
Key betting stat: The White Sox are 5-12 in the last 17 meetings.
Oakland A's at Seattle Mariners (-106, 6.5)
Hot pitcher: A's starter Bartolo Colon has won six straight starts and has an ERA of 1.04 in that stretch.
Cold pitcher: Mariners reliever Carter Capps has given up eight earned runs in his last three appearances.
Weather: Retractable roof
Key betting stat: The A's are 10-1 in Colon's last 11 starts vs. a team with a losing record.
Interleague
Pittsburgh Pirates at Los Angeles Angels (-156, 7.5)
Hot pitcher: Pirates reliever Mark Melancon leads the majors in holds with 22.
Cold pitcher: Angels starter Jered Weaver has an ERA of 6.94 and is 0-2 in his last two starts.
Weather: Sunny skies and temperatures in the low-70s. Winds blowing out to right field at six mph.
Key betting stat: The Pirates are 8-31 in their last 39 vs. American League West.
Houston Astros at Chicago Cubs (-173, 9)
Hot pitcher: Cubs starter Matt Garza threw seven innings of three-hit ball last time out against the New York Mets, but he didn't get the win because closer Carlos Marmol failed to hold a 3-0 lead in the ninth.
Cold pitcher: Cubs relief pitcher Shawn Camp has two blown saves in his last seven appearances.
Weather: There is a 40 percent chance of rain. Temperatures will be in the high-80s and winds will blow from right field to left field at eight mph.
Key betting stat: The under is 15-6-1 in the last 22 meetings at Wrigley Field in Chicago.
Texas Rangers at St. Louis Cardinals (-104, 8)
Hot pitcher: Cardinals closer Edward Mujica has yet to record a blown save this season.
Cold pitcher: Rangers starter Derek Holland has given up four earned runs in back-to-back starts.
Weather: A 30 percent chance ot thunderstorms with temperatures in the low-90s. Winds will blow out to left field at eight mph.
Key betting stat: The under is 12-3-1 in Cardinals' last 16 interleague home games.
Believe in the 3 G's
GIRLS, GOLF,GAMBLING not in any particular order.
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06-22-13 12:41 AM |
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CNOTES
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Preview: Rockies (37-37) at Nationals (36-36)
Game: 3
Venue: Nationals Park
Date: June 22, 2013 12:05 PM EDT
A matchup with the scuffling Colorado Rockies would seem to be what Washington's Dan Haren needs to snap out of his funk.
He didn't have much luck, however, facing their lineup two weeks ago.
Seeking his first victory in six weeks, the struggling Haren tries to send the visiting Rockies to a sixth straight defeat Saturday.
Washington (37-36) has had a difficult time replicating the success it enjoyed last season when it won its first division title in franchise history.
The Nationals opened June with nine losses in 15 games before stringing together three straight wins to pull within five of NL East-leading Atlanta.
"We're still not where we need to be," manager Davey Johnson said, "but we're going to get there."
Trips to the disabled list for Bryce Harper, Stephen Strasburg, Ryan Zimmerman and Jayson Werth have factored in Washington's inconsistent start, as has an offense that is averaging 3.5 runs - 1.0 less than a year ago.
And then there's Haren (4-8, 5.72 ERA).
The right-hander has an 8.40 ERA in three starts this month and is 0-5 in seven outings since beating Detroit on May 9, with the Nationals losing each time. The three-time All-Star hasn't gone eight straight starts without a win since a career-worst 10-start drought in 2010.
"We have faith in him," Johnson said. "He'll be fine."
Haren's biggest problem is he's allowed an NL-worst 18 homers.
Carlos Gonzalez and Tyler Colvin took him deep in an 8-3 loss at Coors Field on June 11. Haren gave up five runs and eight hits in five innings before yielding four runs in six innings while not receiving a decision in a 5-4 defeat in Philadelphia on Monday.
Since 2010, Gonzalez is 7 for 13 with four homers and a double against Haren, and Colvin is 3 for 5 with a pair of home runs. Neither had any success at the plate in the first two games of this series, though, going a combined 0 for 13 with seven strikeouts.
Colorado (37-38) has dropped eight of 10 and scored seven runs with a .183 average during its season-high five-game skid.
"There's no secret formula," manager Walt Weiss said. "You go up there, take good at_bats, take some timely hits. That's all you can do."
Ian Desmond has found his power stroke for the Nationals, homering in each of his last three games. He is 9 for 17 with seven RBIs in five games against the Rockies this season and went 0 for 1 with a walk two weeks ago against Jhoulys Chacin (5-3, 4.26), who is looking to beat Haren for a second time.
After allowing two runs in seven innings against the Nationals on June 11, Chacin permitted two runs and six hits and came within one out of a complete game in Sunday's 5-2 win over Philadelphia. The right-hander walked none and threw 69 of 86 pitches for strikes.
This will be Chacin's first outing away from Coors Field since May 27, and he has a 1.88 ERA in nine road starts since August.
He hasn't pitched in the nation's capital since 2011 and is 2-1 with a 3.18 ERA in his last three starts in the series.
Zimmerman doubled off Chacin earlier this month. He's 5 for 10 with two homers in their matchups.
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SERIES AT A GLANCE
GAME 1
Rockies at Nationals
Thu, Jun 20 Final 1 to 5
Boxscores • Recaps
GAME 2
Rockies at Nationals
Fri, Jun 21 Final 1 to 2
Boxscores • Recaps
GAME 3
Rockies at Nationals
Sat, Jun 22 - 12:05PM EDT
GAME 4
Rockies at Nationals
Sun, Jun 23 - 1:35PM EDT
Believe in the 3 G's
GIRLS, GOLF,GAMBLING not in any particular order.
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06-22-13 08:11 AM |
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CNOTES
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Preview: Orioles (42-31) at Blue Jays (35-36)
Game: 2
Venue: Rogers Centre
Date: June 22, 2013 1:07 PM EDT
The Toronto Blue Jays used some late-inning heroics to extend their longest win streak in five years. Chien-Ming Wang will try to help his team skip the drama in its next game.
The right-hander will look to lead the Blue Jays to a 10th straight victory with another strong outing Saturday against the Baltimore Orioles.
After blowing an early lead in Friday's series opener, Toronto got an unexpected tying home run from Munenori Kawasaki in the seventh inning.
The shortstop's two-run shot was his first homer in 118 career games, and Rajai Davis provided the game-ending single in a 7-6 victory. Kawasaki, filling in for an injured Jose Reyes, drove in three runs and has eight of his 17 RBIs in eight games against the Orioles (42-32).
The nine-game win streak is the longest for the Blue Jays (36-36) since a 10-game run Aug. 30-Sept. 9, 2008. Toronto won a franchise-best 11 in a row in 1987 and 1998.
"We've definitely come back to life, that's for sure," manager John Gibbons said.
Wang (1-0, 3.14 ERA) will try to build on his superb second start with the Blue Jays, a 7-2 win in Texas on Sunday. The right-hander tossed seven scoreless innings in his first victory in a little more than a year and contributed to his team's 1.87 ERA during the win streak.
"We didn't know what to expect, to be honest with you," Gibbons said. "He was one of the best in the game with (the New York Yankees from 2005-09). We got some good reports on him, otherwise he wouldn't be here. To be honest, he's pitching better than I expected of him."
The Blue Jays will be trying to move above .500 for the first time since July 29 and get closer to climbing out of last place in the AL East as they face Miguel Gonzalez (5-2, 3.75).
The right-hander is 3-0 with a 2.21 ERA in his last three starts and 2-0 with a 2.89 ERA in his past three against the Blue Jays. He yielded one run over 5 2-3 innings in his most recent matchup May 26 in Toronto, but closer Jim Johnson gave up four runs in the ninth in a 6-5 loss.
Baltimore enters this game having won eight of 12 and with one of the hottest power hitters in Chris Davis. The first baseman has seven of his major league-best 27 homers in the past nine games, driving in 17 runs over that stretch.
"Chris is in a good place," manager Buck Showalter said.
Davis has three home runs in his last five games against Toronto and a pair of doubles in three at_bats versus Wang.
Adam Lind, who hit his fourth homer in six contests Friday, is batting .476 (20 for 42) with two home runs during an 11-game hit streak against Baltimore. He's 5 for 11 (.455) against Gonzalez.
The Blue Jays will try to win five straight at home for the first time since Sept. 23-27, 2010. That run included a three-game sweep of Baltimore.
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SERIES AT A GLANCE
GAME 1
Orioles at Blue Jays
Fri, Jun 21 Final 6 to 7
Boxscores • Recaps
GAME 2
Orioles at Blue Jays
Sat, Jun 22 - 1:07PM EDT
GAME 3
Orioles at Blue Jays
Sun, Jun 23 - 1:07PM EDT
Believe in the 3 G's
GIRLS, GOLF,GAMBLING not in any particular order.
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06-22-13 08:14 AM |
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CNOTES
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Preview: White Sox (29-41) at Royals (34-36)
Game: 2
Venue: Ewing M. Kauffman Stadium
Date: June 22, 2013 2:10 PM EDT
With the offense of the Kansas City Royals already struggling, the last thing they need is for their pitching to break down.
After being routed in the series opener, the Royals try to avoid a fourth consecutive loss Saturday against the visiting Chicago White Sox.
Kansas City (34-37) has totaled nine runs in the last four games, including seven during the three-game skid. The Royals had won 11 of 13, scoring three runs or fewer in six of the final nine games of that stretch, but the staff posted a 1.69 ERA and yielded more than three runs only once.
However, their pitchers have allowed a total of 19 runs in the past three games, walking 12 batters and striking out 20. Jeremy Guthrie was charged with six runs in 2 1-3 innings in Friday's 9-1 loss to Chicago.
"We got beat up pretty good," manager Ned Yost said. "It wasn't a game that we gave away."
The White Sox (30-41), who won for the second time in nine games, pounded out 11 hits while scoring more than five runs for the third time in 23 contests.
"You could see it, a little sigh of relief," said Chicago slugger Adam Dunn, who drove in a run for the third straight game. "You get a couple hits and you get a little excitement on the bench."
The Royals were held to Eric Hosmer's homer and two other hits over eight innings by Chicago's Hector Santiago.
Kansas City hopes scheduled starter Wade Davis (4-5, 5.18 ERA) can improve on his 3-1 record and 2.01 ERA in five starts against the White Sox. The right-hander gave up a run in six innings of a 6-5, 10-inning victory over Chicago on May 5.
He allowed two runs in six innings Sunday in a 5-3 victory over his former Tampa Bay team for his first win in a month.
"(Sunday) was just a matter of taking a deep breath and keeping the ball down, getting some quick outs," said Davis, 1-0 with a 2.04 ERA in his last three starts.
Scheduled Chicago starter Jose Quintana (3-2, 3.86) allowed three runs in five innings against Davis in May. The left-hander is 0-1 with a 4.50 ERA in four starts against the Royals.
He has not factored in the decision in four straight starts and is 0-1 with a 4.50 ERA in the last five. Quintana was pulled Monday after throwing 104 pitches in 4 2-3 innings, allowing two runs, five hits and three walks in a 4-2 victory at Houston.
Jeff Francoeur is 6 for 8 with a homer against Quintana and enters with a hit in three straight games following a 1-for-14 slump.
Teammate Mike Moustakas got the night off Friday, but he's 6 for 12 with two home runs versus Quintana. Despite hitting .195, Moustakas is 4 for 8 in his last two contests.
Dayan Viciedo had a three-run homer Friday and Alexei Ramirez, batting .386 in his last 10 games, added two hits as the White Sox won for the third time in 18 road contests.
Alex Rios and Gordon Beckham are a combined 0 for 27 against Davis.
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SERIES AT A GLANCE
GAME 1
White Sox at Royals
Fri, Jun 21 9 to 1
Boxscores • Recaps
GAME 2
White Sox at Royals
Sat, Jun 22 - 2:10PM EDT
GAME 3
White Sox at Royals
Sun, Jun 23 - 2:10PM EDT
Believe in the 3 G's
GIRLS, GOLF,GAMBLING not in any particular order.
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06-22-13 08:16 AM |
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CNOTES
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Preview: Mets (28-41) at Phillies (35-38)
Game: 2
Venue: Citizens Bank Park
Date: June 22, 2013 4:05 PM EDT
Though his win streak came to an end his last time out, Dillon Gee has settled into a rhythm after an inconsistent first two months of the season.
Now he returns to Citizens Bank Park, the site of one of his worst career starts from earlier this season.
Gee will try to banish those memories Saturday as he gets the ball for the New York Mets against the Philadelphia Phillies.
After going 2-6 with a 6.34 ERA over his first 10 starts, Gee (5-7, 4.56 ERA) has since gone 3-1 with a 1.53 ERA in four outings. The right-hander was two outs shy of recording his first career shutout Monday in Atlanta before serving up a game-ending two-run homer to Freddie Freeman. He allowed four hits and walked one batter prior to the home run.
"It's tough after something like this to be pleased," he told the team's official website. "To go out there and have an opportunity to throw a complete game and get a win for the team, it's tough to be pleased if we lose. And we lost. That's the bottom line."
Included in Gee's rocky start to the year was an atrocious outing at Philadelphia on April 9. He served up solo homers to Ryan Howard, Michael Young and John Mayberry in the third - the final inning in the shortest start of his career - and was charged with seven runs and 10 hits in an 8-3 loss.
Gee had given up as many home runs combined over his first five career starts against the Phillies (35-39).
"He'd miss his target by two feet," manager Terry Collins said. "It was just one of those nights for him."
Gee was marginally better in a 4-0 home loss to Philadelphia on April 26, yielding four runs and seven hits over six innings. In eight games - seven starts - versus Philadelphia, Gee is 2-3 with a 7.49 ERA - his worst ERA against any team's he's faced more than once.
Jimmy Rollins, who owns an 12-game hitting streak versus the Mets (29-41) after going 2 for 5 in Friday's 4-3 loss, is 8 for 13 versus Gee. Young is 6 for 8 with two homers against him and all four of Howard's hits off Gee in 12 at_bats are home runs.
Howard doubled twice Friday while Young went 0 for 5.
Phillies rookie Jonathan Pettibone (3-3, 4.40) comes off his worst start of the season as he was charged with seven runs and 10 hits in three innings in a 10-5 loss at Colorado last Saturday. All three of the right-hander's losses have come in his last four starts, over which he's posted a 6.98 ERA.
Pettibone earned his first win at New York on April 27, when he gave up three runs over five innings in a 9-4 final.
Chase Utley wasn't much help in Friday's defeat, going hitless in five at_bats while playing for the first time since May 20 after missing 28 games with a strained oblique. Utley, who stranded five men on base, is 3 for 13 off Gee.
The Mets had dropped five straight and nine of 10 to the Phillies prior to Friday's victory.
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SERIES AT A GLANCE
GAME 1
Mets at Phillies
Fri, Jun 21 Final 4 to 3
Boxscores • Recaps
GAME 2
Mets at Phillies
Sat, Jun 22 - 4:05PM EDT
GAME 3
Mets at Phillies
Sun, Jun 23 - 1:35PM EDT
Believe in the 3 G's
GIRLS, GOLF,GAMBLING not in any particular order.
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06-22-13 08:18 AM |
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CNOTES
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Preview: Astros (28-46) at Cubs (29-42)
Game: 2
Venue: Wrigley Field
Date: June 22, 2013 4:05 PM EDT
The good news for Bud Norris and Travis Wood on Saturday is that they both can't lose.
The Houston Astros will try to at long last pick up a decent amount of runs for Norris and the Chicago Cubs hope to do the same for Wood as these clubs square off at Wrigley Field.
Both beleaguered starters enter having lost three straight starts despite pitching fairly well.
Houston's offense has simply been inconsistent. The Astros (28-47) entered this week on a four-game winning streak but have since alternated wins and losses, with four runs over three defeats and 17 runs in two victories. The one thing that has been steady during that nine-game span is superb pitching, recording a 2.11 ERA with 77 strikeouts compared to 19 walks.
Norris (5-7, 3.64 ERA) has not benefited from the explosive side of Houston's offense virtually all season, receiving 35 runs of support in 15 starts. The right-hander has only one win in his last six starts despite a 2.27 ERA.
A big reason Norris has lost his last three outings is the Astros scoring a combined three runs in those games. He held the Chicago White Sox scoreless until surrendering four runs in his sixth and final inning Monday in a 4-2 loss.
"I felt a lot of those balls could have gone my way," Norris said. "I was in a groove, and that sixth inning was very frustrating."
Wood (5-6, 2.74) certainly has reason to feel frustrated this month, losing all three of his starts while getting a combined two runs of support. He has a 2.70 ERA in June - the Cubs (30-42) have scored a major league-low 61 runs for the month - and has held opponents to a .205 batting average.
The left-hander surrendered four runs - three earned - in seven innings of a 5-2 loss to St. Louis on Monday.
"Just wasn't enough really," Wood said. "I felt like I was making pitches and keeping them off balance pretty good. ... They hit some good pitches and they did what they did."
Facing the Astros and being at home certainly could benefit Wood. He has a 0.92 ERA in his last six starts against Houston while going 3-1, and opponents are hitting .194 off him at Wrigley this year.
The matchup doesn't appear as favorable for Norris, who is 1-4 with a 6.93 ERA in his last five road starts and 0-3 with a 6.10 ERA in day games. He's lost three of four career starts at Wrigley.
While left-handed batters are batting .317 off Norris, they're hitting .143 against Wood.
Carlos Pena has never faced Wood, and the lefty-hitting first baseman is batting .123 over his last 17 games with 20 strikeouts.
His .219 batting average is now the lowest among Houston's regulars after Chris Carter reached .221 with his third two-hit effort in five games Friday in a 3-1 loss to the Cubs.
Carter delivered his team-leading 15th home run but also struck out with a man on base in the ninth inning for his major league-high 105th strikeout.
"That's what makes you stick with him because we see the power potential and we understand that when it clicks and it all comes together we have something that is really special," manager Bo Porter said.
That's what the Cubs feel they have in Anthony Rizzo, who broke a 4-for-40 slump with two hits Friday and notched his first home run since May 18.
Rizzo is batting .378 with 13 RBIs in interleague play this season as the Cubs have gone 7-2. They've batted .299 with 14 home runs in those matchups.
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SERIES AT A GLANCE
GAME 1
Astros at Cubs
Fri, Jun 21 Final 1 to 3
Boxscores • Recaps
GAME 2
Astros at Cubs
Sat, Jun 22 - 4:05PM EDT
GAME 3
Astros at Cubs
Sun, Jun 23 - 2:20PM EDT
Believe in the 3 G's
GIRLS, GOLF,GAMBLING not in any particular order.
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06-22-13 08:21 AM |
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CNOTES
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Preview: Braves (43-31) at Brewers (29-42)
Game: 2
Venue: Miller Park
Date: June 22, 2013 4:10 PM EDT
Though it's been seven weeks since Tim Hudson last earned a victory, he's often been deserving of a better outcome.
The 15-year veteran tries to avoid the longest winless stretch of his career as the Atlanta Braves look to halt a seven-game road losing streak to the Milwaukee Brewers on Saturday.
Hudson (4-6, 4.17 ERA) has had a rough go of late, compiling an 0-5 record and a 4.47 ERA over his last eight outings while receiving just 10 runs of support. The right-hander, whose only other winless streak to last this long was an eight-start stretch in 2002, owns a 1.57 ERA in four outings this month.
"I feel good about how I'm throwing the ball," Hudson told MLB's official website. "If I keep throwing it the way I'm throwing, the wins will come."
He allowed one run over seven innings Monday in a 2-1 walkoff victory over the New York Mets.
"Hudson did his job, he really did," manager Fredi Gonzalez said. "We can't ask any more from him."
Hudson is 4-4 with a 3.30 ERA over 10 career matchups versus Milwaukee. He gave up four runs over 6 2-3 innings in his only start against the Brewers last year, a 5-0 road loss Sept. 11.
Carlos Gomez and Yuniesky Betancourt are a combined 0 for 11 versus Hudson, but Rickie Weeks has a homer, a triple and a double in his last six at_bats against him.
The Brewers (30-42) took Friday's series opener 2-0 behind seven strong innings from Wily Peralta and Jean Segura's three hits, including his 11th homer. Milwaukee has outscored the Braves 29-9 during a seven-game winning streak at Miller Park.
Loser in four of five overall, Atlanta (43-32) was limited to two singles en route to being shut out for a major league-high 10th time. The Braves are hitting .172 with runners in scoring position in June, including 1 for 8 on Friday.
"A couple of times tonight we could have used that one hit," second baseman Dan Uggla said. "We had a couple of opportunities here and there. We need to start taking advantage of those."
The Braves have dropped a season worst-tying four straight on the road, where they are 11-21 since April 19.
"It's just part of the game," said B.J. Upton, hitting a major league-low .171. "You play long enough you are going to get in stretches like this. Just got to find a way. We are a good enough ballclub. We'll be fine."
With Marco Estrada and Hiram Burgos still sidelined, the Brewers give the ball to rookie Donovan Hand (0-0, 3.38) for his first big league start. The right-hander has allowed six runs over eight relief appearances spanning 13 1-3 innings.
"I'm going to go out like I'm the long guy in the bullpen, which I've done. I'll go out until they tell me to stop," he said. "It's an opportunity, if nothing else to go out and work on some pitches. Get off to a good start with two good innings, three good innings and see what happens after that."
Betancourt, held out of Friday's starting lineup before flying out as a pinch hitter, is 6 for his last 49 with 13 strikeouts. Weeks is batting .352 with three homers while hitting safely in 15 consecutive starts, but he's sat out the last two games.
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SERIES AT A GLANCE
GAME 1
Braves at Brewers
Fri, Jun 21 Final 0 - 2
Boxscores • Recaps
GAME 2
Braves at Brewers
Sat, Jun 22 - 4:10PM EDT
GAME 3
Braves at Brewers
Sun, Jun 23 - 2:10PM EDT
Believe in the 3 G's
GIRLS, GOLF,GAMBLING not in any particular order.
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06-22-13 08:24 AM |
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CNOTES
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Preview: Red Sox (44-31) at Tigers (40-31)
Game: 3
Venue: Comerica Park
Date: June 22, 2013 7:15 PM EDT
The Detroit Tigers' Max Scherzer joined some elite company following another superb performance his last time out.
He could, however, have his hands full against a Boston Red Sox team that's given him trouble over the years.
Scherzer tries to stay unbeaten as the Tigers continue a four-game set against the visiting Red Sox on Saturday night.
Second in the AL in opponents' batting average (.189) and strikeouts (116), Scherzer (10-0, 3.08 ERA) had everything working again Monday. The right-hander allowed one run and struck out 10 over six innings in a 5-1 win over Baltimore.
"He's at the top of his game pretty much," manager Jim Leyland said.
Scherzer became the first starter to win his first 10 decisions since Roger Clemens went 11-0 with Toronto in 1997. He's also the first to record at least six strikeouts in each of his first 14 outings since Pedro Martinez did so with Boston in 2001.
"That tickles me when you say those type of names," he said.
Scherzer wrote his name into the team record books, too, becoming the second Tigers starter to go 10-0. George Mullin opened a franchise-best 11-0 in 1909.
"You have to savor this a little bit because of the history of this organization," Scherzer, who's posted a 1.93 ERA over his last six outings, told MLB's official website. "It's special to be 10-0. But at the end of the day, I don't measure my success on being 10-0. I measure my success on everything else I do on the mound."
Though he isn't showing any signs of slowing down, Scherzer could run into trouble against the Red Sox (45-31). He's 1-3 over six starts versus Boston while compiling a 9.21 ERA, by far his highest against any team he's faced more than once.
David Ortiz is 6 for 10 with two homers against Scherzer, and Dustin Pedroia has also taken him deep twice. Jarrod Saltalamacchia and Jacoby Ellsbury are a combined 8 for 15 with two home runs.
The Red Sox had a big day at the plate Friday, winning 10-6 behind 17 hits. Shane Victorino, who went 4 for 5 with a homer and tied a career high with five RBIs, is 11 for 22 with three homers and eight RBIs in five career games against the Tigers (40-32).
"They're a good lineup - put the ball in play and did what they needed to do to put up runs," losing pitcher Doug Fister said.
Miguel Cabrera went 4 for 4 with a three-run homer for Detroit, which has dropped three of four while surrendering 50 hits and 31 runs. Cabrera is 14 for 28 with two homers during a seven-game hitting streak.
The Tigers try to bounce back against Allen Webster (0-1, 11.74), who's expected to be recalled from Triple-A Pawtucket. He gave up eight runs in 1 2-3 innings during his second big league outing, a 15-8 loss to Minnesota on May 8.
"He got predictable against a good fastball-hitting team," manager John Farrell said. "I think he learned an important lesson, or at least one challenging experience, that I'm sure served him well as he continues to develop."
The right-hander went 4-1 with a 3.16 ERA over his last six starts with Pawtucket.
"Much better command (of late)," Farrell added. "And particularly to his fastball. He's worked deeper into games. He's been a little bit more efficient. ... We're looking forward to seeing him here Saturday."
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SERIES AT A GLANCE
GAME 1
Red Sox at Tigers
Thu, Jun 20 Final 3 to 4
Boxscores • Recaps
GAME 2
Red Sox at Tigers
Fri, Jun 21 Final 10 to 6
Boxscores • Recaps
GAME 3
Red Sox at Tigers
Sat, Jun 22 - 7:15PM EDT
GAME 4
Red Sox at Tigers
Sun, Jun 23 - 1:08PM EDT
Believe in the 3 G's
GIRLS, GOLF,GAMBLING not in any particular order.
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06-22-13 08:26 AM |
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CNOTES
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Preview: Rangers (41-32) at Cardinals (47-26)
Game: 2
Venue: Busch Stadium
Date: June 22, 2013 7:15 PM EDT
The St. Louis Cardinals and Texas Rangers will both send rookie hurlers to the mound on Saturday night at Busch Stadium, though each has followed a very different path.
St. Louis' Shelby Miller has firmly entrenched himself in the Cardinals' rotation as he ranks among baseball's best pitchers this year. Texas' Martin Perez likely needs to impress in his second start of the season to gain some staying power with his club.
Friday marked these teams' first meeting since St. Louis' seven-game victory in the 2011 World Series. While the stakes were much lower, this time it was the Rangers (42-32) using some late-game heroics to upend the Cardinals (47-27), with Nelson Cruz's two-run single in the ninth inning proving to be the difference in a 6-4 victory.
"Obviously, there are memories of the stadium and memories of the field and stuff like that, but this is a different year and we're trying to win a series and continue to play good baseball," Texas' Ian Kinsler said of the team's first trip back to St. Louis.
The Rangers, who trailed 3-0 before recording an out, chased Cardinals starter Tyler Lyons after 1 2-3 innings. Similar success against Miller (8-4, 2.08 ERA) should prove to be much more difficult, as he leads all rookies in wins and owns one of baseball's best ERAs.
Though Saturday marks his first outing against an AL opponent, Miller has been especially reliable in Busch Stadium, going 5-1 in seven starts with a 0.99 ERA - one of the top three home marks among all qualifying starting pitchers.
He was on his way to another strong showing Monday, yielding two hits through five scoreless innings against the Cubs. Miller then left due to cramps in his right leg, though he earned the victory in St. Louis' 5-2 win.
"He did a great job," manager Mike Matheny said of Miller's shortened outing, the fifth time this season he didn't surrender a run. "Had a little warning there that his calf had tightened up (and) we didn't know exactly what we were dealing with. We found out it's just a cramp. He should be fine."
Miller, whose 10.01 strikeouts per nine innings rank among baseball's elite, appeared to have learned his lesson immediately after the game.
"I know I wasn't taking care of myself fluid-wise, drinking enough electrolytes," he told the team's official website. "It's something I need to start staying on top of and making it part of my routine."
Perez (0-1, 5.06) will be recalled from Triple-A Round Rock to make his eighth major league start. Touted as one of the organization's best young arms, the left-hander was 1-4 with a 5.45 ERA in 12 games - six starts - last season.
He vied for a spot in Texas' rotation out of spring training but a broken arm suffered March 4 sidelined him for nearly two months. Perez wasn't sharp in his first start for the Rangers this year, giving up four runs - three earned - and nine hits over 5 1-3 innings in a 5-3 loss at Arizona on May 27.
Manager Ron Washington said he preferred for Perez to focus on Saturday, while the 22-year-old Venezuelan sounded ready for that and more.
"I think this is my time," Perez told the team's official website. "I just need the opportunity to do the job, and I think people will see what I can do to help this team."
The Cardinals are 4-2 this season in games against rookie starters while the Rangers are 4-5.
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SERIES AT A GLANCE
GAME 1
Rangers at Cardinals
Fri, Jun 21 Final 6 to 4
Boxscores • Recaps
GAME 2
Rangers at Cardinals
Sat, Jun 22 - 7:15PM EDT
GAME 3
Rangers at Cardinals
Sun, Jun 23 - 8:05PM EDT
Believe in the 3 G's
GIRLS, GOLF,GAMBLING not in any particular order.
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06-22-13 08:28 AM |
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CNOTES
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Preview: Twins (33-36) at Indians (36-35)
Game: 2
Venue: Progressive Field
Date: June 22, 2013 7:15 PM EDT
Following an abysmal stretch from their starting pitchers, the Cleveland Indians' rotation has been superb over the past week.
Corey Kluber has been instrumental to the turnaround.
Kluber looks to win three consecutive starts for the first time in his career and lead the Indians to a fourth straight win Saturday night against the visiting Minnesota Twins.
After their starters posted a 7.59 ERA during an eight-game losing streak, the Indians (37-35) have won seven of nine behind a starting staff that has accumulated a 2.21 ERA. Scott Kazmir went seven innings Friday and Cleveland held a Minnesota team that entered having amassed 22 runs over a three-game winning streak to five hits in a 5-1 victory.
"You can look at it one of two ways,' Twins manager Ron Gardenhire said. "We wasted an opportunity or he made pitches when he had to. By the look of the whole work tonight, he made pitches when he had to.'
Perhaps no Indians pitcher has been hotter than Kluber (5-4, 3.58 ERA), who helped the Indians snap their losing streak by allowing one run over eight innings in a 5-2 victory over Texas on June 11. Five days later, the right-hander allowed seven hits without a walk over eight innings in a 2-0 victory over Washington.
"You just have to stay in the moment, so I take it pitch by pitch,' said Kluber, who has issued six base on balls over his last seven starts. "I'm not thinking too far ahead. I'm not thinking if I can get a double play here or a strikeout there. Those things happen as a result of making good pitches.'
Although Kluber has an exceptional rate of 1.65 walks per nine innings pitched, he issued a season-high four base on balls and three runs over 5 2-3 innings in a 4-2 loss to the Twins (33-37) on May 5. He walked Joe Mauer twice and Trevor Plouffe connected off him for a two-run homer.
Plouffe had two hits Friday, and is batting .364 (8 for 22) with six RBIs in six games since coming off the disabled list with a strained left calf.
Jason Kipnis led Cleveland in the series opener with three RBIs, and is batting .355 with 12 RBIs in 18 games this month. He is also 3 for 6 lifetime against scheduled starter P.J. Walters (2-2, 3.23).
After posting a 0.68 ERA in his first two June starts, Walters permitted four runs and nine hits - including two homers - in 5 1-3 innings in Sunday's 5-2 loss at Detroit.
"I'd make a good pitch, then back it up with two bad ones. It was just all day long. Not locating the ball,' the right-hander said.
In two career starts against the Indians - both in Cleveland - Walters has a 5.79 ERA without a decision.
Kluber's victory over the Nationals on Sunday marked his first career win in Cleveland, despite a 2.74 ERA at Progressive Field this season. He has received four total runs of support in four home starts this year.
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SERIES AT A GLANCE
GAME 1
Twins at Indians
Fri, Jun 21 Final 1 to 5
Boxscores • Recaps
GAME 2
Twins at Indians
Sat, Jun 22 - 7:15PM EDT
GAME 3
Twins at Indians
Sun, Jun 23 - 1:05PM EDT
Believe in the 3 G's
GIRLS, GOLF,GAMBLING not in any particular order.
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06-22-13 08:32 AM |
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CNOTES
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Preview: Marlins (24-49) at Giants (37-36)
Game: 3
Venue: AT&T Park
Date: June 22, 2013 4:05 PM EDT
Three days after the death of his father, Barry Zito will take the mound as scheduled for the struggling San Francisco Giants.
The left-hander looks to help the Giants avoid a 10th consecutive home loss to the Miami Marlins on Saturday.
Grieving for his 84-year-old father, Joseph, who passed away in California on Wednesday, Zito (4-5, 4.67 ERA) won't veer from his schedule and remains in position to make this start.
"His routine will remain the same," manager Bruce Bochy told the Giants' official website. "There's nothing that's going to change, right now. He's scheduled to go."
Zito is 5-1 with a 2.45 ERA in eight starts against the Marlins.
However, he's 1-1 with a 4.18 ERA in his last four home starts after going 3-0 with an 0.55 ERA in his first five. He allowed two runs and struck out eight in 5 2-3 innings of a 5-3, 13-inning home loss to San Diego on Monday.
San Francisco (37-36) has lost 21 of 35 and fell for the fifth time in seven games, 6-3 to Miami on Friday.
Though the Marlins (24-49) own the majors' worst record, they've won eight of 13 overall and have outscored the Giants 34-16 during their remarkable nine-game winning streak at AT&T Park.
The Marlins can't put a finger on the reason for their success at San Francisco.
"I don't know, I'm a baseball player not a sociologist,' Miami's Logan Morrison said.
Rookie outfielder Marcell Ozuna hit a go-ahead single in the eighth after tying it with a run-scoring single in the sixth Friday. He also threw out San Francisco's Andres Torres trying to stretch a sixth-inning double into a triple.
Morrison homered for the first time this season. He's batting .333 (9 for 27) with three RBIs in eight games since making his season debut June 9 from knee surgery.
Scheduled Miami starter Jacob Turner (1-0, 2.16) overcame six hits and three walks by yielding two runs on 96 pitches over five innings while not factoring in the decision of a 3-2 win at Arizona on Monday.
"Unfortunately, my pitch count was elevated quickly, but being able to limit them to two runs with all the baserunners they had was key for us," Turner told the Marlins' official website after making his fourth start since being called up May 31.
The right-hander is making his first appearance against the Giants, but likely won't face Torres after he injured his knee Friday.
San Francisco is already without third baseman Pablo Sandoval (foot) and outfielder Angel Pagan (hamstring), but hopes to have shortstop Brandon Crawford back after he missed the first two games of this set with two sprained fingers.
"It feels a little better, but not quite where I want it to be," Crawford said.
"It still doesn't feel good when I'm throwing,' he said. 'I don't have much behind it.'
With three hits Friday, San Francisco's Gregor Blanco is batting .400 (22 for 55) in his last 16 games. He hitting .477 (21 for 44) in his last 12 against the Marlins.
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SERIES AT A GLANCE
GAME 1
Marlins at Giants
Thu, Jun 20 Final 2 to 1
Boxscores • Recaps
GAME 2
Marlins at Giants
Fri, Jun 21 Final 6 to 3
Boxscores • Recaps
GAME 3
Marlins at Giants
Sat, Jun 22 - 4:05PM EDT
GAME 4
Marlins at Giants
Sun, Jun 23 - 4:05PM EDT
Believe in the 3 G's
GIRLS, GOLF,GAMBLING not in any particular order.
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06-22-13 03:12 PM |
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CNOTES
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Preview: Rays (38-36) at Yankees (40-33)
Game: 3
Venue: Yankee Stadium
Date: June 22, 2013 1:05 PM EDT
Alex Colome may have been fortunate to face baseball's lowest-scoring team in his first major league start.
Now, more than three weeks later, the Tampa Bay Rays rookie takes on another slumping lineup but also the sport's most storied franchise as he pitches against the New York Yankees on Saturday in the Bronx.
Colome (1-0, 0.00 ERA) is being brought back up from Triple-A Durham to fill in for Alex Cobb, who remains sidelined due to a concussion.
In his big league debut, Colome held Miami, which has scored a big league-low 3.1 runs per game, to an unearned run in 5 2-3 innings of a 5-2 road victory May 30. The 24-year-old right-hander struck out seven, walked two and allowed five hits.
"I was most impressed with his ability to stay calm throughout the whole thing, but his stuff is a little bit overwhelming. It's really good," manager Joe Maddon said.
In his second start, Colome will look to do the same against a Yankees squad that has scored 63 runs in June, tied for third-fewest in baseball. They've hit .209 with four homers in the last 13 games.
Still, New York (40-33) showed signs of breaking out in Friday's 6-2 victory over the Rays. In just his third major league game and his first start, left fielder Zoilo Almonte went 3 for 4 with a homer.
"It was a sign that things are starting to be where they should be," Almonte said through a translator.
Lyle Overbay, meanwhile, had his first multihit game of the month and has hit safely in five straight games following a 9-for-52 slump. After going 10 contests without an RBI, Overbay has four in his last five games.
While Colome seeks his second major league win, Yankees starter CC Sabathia (7-5, 3.93) is two shy of 200. He picked up his 198th victory Sunday as he gave up five hits and two runs in eight innings of a 6-5 victory over the Los Angeles Angels.
Sabathia has been particularly good at Yankee Stadium, going 5-1 with a 2.73 ERA in his last seven starts there. New York has won his past three home starts as he's recorded nine-plus strikeouts in each, most recently throwing a complete game against Cleveland on June 5. He has 59 strikeouts in 57 2-3 innings at home, compared to 30 in 45 1-3 frames elsewhere.
The left-hander was on the road for both of his matchups with the Rays (38-36) this season and lost both. He's dropped three consecutive starts against them, posting a 6.97 ERA, and is winless in five straight versus Tampa Bay.
Rays second baseman Ben Zobrist has had plenty of trouble with Sabathia since the start of 2010, striking out 20 times in 52 at_bats and managing only nine singles for a .173 average. Zobrist enters with three multihit games in a row and a .338 average in June.
Sabathia has had less success when facing Evan Longoria, who has a .491 on-base percentage against him with five home runs and three doubles in 45 career at_bats. Longoria had two home runs in the series opener before going 0 for 4 on Friday.
If Sabathia doesn't go the distance, the Yankees will look for their bullpen to build off 3 1-3 scoreless innings Friday after having surrendered runs in eight straight appearances. During that stretch, New York's relievers posted a 5.47 ERA with 18 walks in 24 2-3 innings while surrendering a .305 batting average.
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SERIES AT A GLANCE
GAME 1
Rays at Yankees
Thu, Jun 20 Final 8 to 3
Boxscores • Recaps
GAME 2
Rays at Yankees
Fri, Jun 21 Final 2 to 6
Boxscores • Recaps
GAME 3
Rays at Yankees
Sat, Jun 22 - 1:05PM EDT
GAME 4
Rays at Yankees
Sun, Jun 23 - 2:05PM EDT
Believe in the 3 G's
GIRLS, GOLF,GAMBLING not in any particular order.
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06-22-13 03:14 PM |
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CNOTES
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Preview: Astros (28-47) at Cubs (30-42)
Game: 2
Venue: Wrigley Field
Date: June 22, 2013 4:05 PM EDT
The good news for Bud Norris and Travis Wood on Saturday is that they both can't lose.
The Houston Astros will try to at long last pick up a decent amount of runs for Norris and the Chicago Cubs hope to do the same for Wood as these clubs square off at Wrigley Field.
Both beleaguered starters enter having lost three straight starts despite pitching fairly well.
Houston's offense has simply been inconsistent. The Astros (28-47) entered this week on a four-game winning streak but have since alternated wins and losses, with four runs over three defeats and 17 runs in two victories. The one thing that has been steady during that nine-game span is superb pitching, recording a 2.11 ERA with 77 strikeouts compared to 19 walks.
Norris (5-7, 3.64 ERA) has not benefited from the explosive side of Houston's offense virtually all season, receiving 35 runs of support in 15 starts. The right-hander has only one win in his last six starts despite a 2.27 ERA.
A big reason Norris has lost his last three outings is the Astros scoring a combined three runs in those games. He held the Chicago White Sox scoreless until surrendering four runs in his sixth and final inning Monday in a 4-2 loss.
"I felt a lot of those balls could have gone my way," Norris said. "I was in a groove, and that sixth inning was very frustrating."
Wood (5-6, 2.74) certainly has reason to feel frustrated this month, losing all three of his starts while getting a combined two runs of support. He has a 2.70 ERA in June - the Cubs (30-42) have scored a major league-low 61 runs for the month - and has held opponents to a .205 batting average.
The left-hander surrendered four runs - three earned - in seven innings of a 5-2 loss to St. Louis on Monday.
"Just wasn't enough really," Wood said. "I felt like I was making pitches and keeping them off balance pretty good. ... They hit some good pitches and they did what they did."
Facing the Astros and being at home certainly could benefit Wood. He has a 0.92 ERA in his last six starts against Houston while going 3-1, and opponents are hitting .194 off him at Wrigley this year.
The matchup doesn't appear as favorable for Norris, who is 1-4 with a 6.93 ERA in his last five road starts and 0-3 with a 6.10 ERA in day games. He's lost three of four career starts at Wrigley.
While left-handed batters are batting .317 off Norris, they're hitting .143 against Wood.
Carlos Pena has never faced Wood, and the lefty-hitting first baseman is batting .123 over his last 17 games with 20 strikeouts.
His .219 batting average is now the lowest among Houston's regulars after Chris Carter reached .221 with his third two-hit effort in five games Friday in a 3-1 loss to the Cubs.
Carter delivered his team-leading 15th home run but also struck out with a man on base in the ninth inning for his major league-high 105th strikeout.
"That's what makes you stick with him because we see the power potential and we understand that when it clicks and it all comes together we have something that is really special," manager Bo Porter said.
That's what the Cubs feel they have in Anthony Rizzo, who broke a 4-for-40 slump with two hits Friday and notched his first home run since May 18.
Rizzo is batting .378 with 13 RBIs in interleague play this season as the Cubs have gone 7-2. They've batted .299 with 14 home runs in those matchups.
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SERIES AT A GLANCE
GAME 1
Astros at Cubs
Fri, Jun 21 Final 1 to 3
Boxscores • Recaps
GAME 2
Astros at Cubs
Sat, Jun 22 - 4:05PM EDT
GAME 3
Astros at Cubs
Sun, Jun 23 - 2:20PM EDT
Believe in the 3 G's
GIRLS, GOLF,GAMBLING not in any particular order.
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06-22-13 03:16 PM |
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