Thursday 8-30-18 Free Plays / Trends / Betting Info / Etc

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Chicago Cubs vs. Atlanta Braves Preview and Predictions 08-30-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 30th August 2018 by Gracenote
The Chicago Cubs are in the midst of playing 23 games in 23 days through Sept. 12, and the Atlanta Braves will have played 38 contests in 37 days when they reach that date. But even though the two teams - who meet in Atlanta on Thursday to make up an early-season rainout - face a challenging grind as August evolves into September, neither squad is complaining as the matchup pits the National League's top two teams record-wise in a potential playoff preview.

Chicago actually played more than one game Wednesday by concluding Tuesday's suspended game against the Mets with a 2-1 victory in 11 innings, before getting crushed in a 10-3 loss in the regularly scheduled contest as manager Joe Maddon rested several of his regular starters. The defeat snapped a season-best seven-game winning streak, and the Cubs begin play Thursday 4 1/2 games ahead of second-place St. Louis in the NL Central sparked by first baseman Anthony Rizzo, who in 14 games since Aug. 15 is hitting .434 with five homers, 11 RBIs, 10 runs scored and six doubles. The Braves waited out two rain delays totaling 1 -hour, 47 minutes but fell 8-5 to Tampa Bay, and carry a 3 1/2-game advantage over Philadelphia in the NL East into Thursday's third game of a four-team, nine-game homestand. Third baseman Johan Camargo finished 3-for-4 with a three-run homer in the first for the Braves, who went 3-for-10 with runners in scoring position in losing for just the third time in their past nine games.

TV: 7:35 p.m. ET, MLB Network, WGN (Chicago), FS Southeast (Atlanta)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Cubs LH Mike Montgomery (4-4, 3.62 ERA) vs. Braves RH Mike Foltynewicz (10-8, 2.67)

Montgomery is expected to come off the disabled list (left shoulder inflammation) and make his first appearance since an Aug. 11 relief stint against Washington. The 29-year-old has made 13 starts since May 28 in helping to fill in for injured starter Yu Darvish, posting a 3.08 ERA and 1.30 WHIP in those outings. Montgomery, who gave up one run on 12 hits over 11 1/3 innings across his first two August starts, pitched two innings of scoreless relief against the Braves on May 15.

Foltynewicz struggled in July as he allowed four runs or more in four consecutive starts, but he has returned to All-Star form in August. The 26-year-old has posted a 1.38 ERA in five starts this month, allowing five earned runs across 32 2/3 innings with eight walks and 36 strikeouts. Foltynewicz, who began Wednesday fourth in the NL in ERA and sixth in strikeouts (169), struck out 10 in five innings while surrendering one unearned run against the Cubs on May 15.

WALK-OFFS

1. Chicago 2B Daniel Murphy is hitting .355 with two homers, five RBIs and six runs scored in seven games since being traded from Washington.

2. Atlanta bolstered its bench for the stretch drive before Wednesday's game, acquiring C Rene Rivera from the Angels and 1B Lucas Duda from Kansas City in separate deals.

3. Braves 1B Freddie Freeman is 3-for-27 in his past seven games, dropping his batting average from .321 to .310.

PREDICTION: Cubs 6, Braves 5

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Los Angeles Angels vs. Houston Astros Preview and Predictions 08-30-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 29th August 2018 by Gracenote
Angels vs. Astros Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 08/29/2018

Houston Astros right-hander Justin Verlander has fallen off the pace in the American League Cy Young race but will try to remain perfect against the visiting Los Angeles Angels on Thursday night in the opener of a four-game series. Verlander has won each of his four starts while compiling a minuscule 1.61 ERA against the Angels this season.

Houston opened its 10-game homestand by taking two of three from hard-charging Oakland, winning Wednesday's rubber match on Tyler White's walk-off homer in the ninth inning. "It felt like kind of a heavyweight battle," said Astros manager A.J. Hinch after his team opened a 2 1/2-game lead over the Athletics atop the American League West and improved to 7-1 in its last eight games. Houston also has won seven of the past eight meetings against the Angels, who will arrive at Minute Maid Park having lost nine of 11 - including a three-game sweep by the Astros last weekend. Albert Pujols, who is 10-for-36 lifetime against Verlander, is expected to miss the remainder of the regular season after undergoing arthroscopic knee surgery on Wednesday.

TV: 8:10 p.m. ET, FS West (Los Angeles), AT&T SportsNet Southwest (Houston)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Angels LH Andrew Heaney (7-8, 4.25 ERA) vs. Astros RH Justin Verlander (13-8, 2.72)

Heaney has labored through five starts in August, posting a 1-2 record and 6.67 ERA after he was knocked around for five runs and eight hits over six innings in a loss to Houston on Friday. It's a marked decline from last month when he was 2-1 with a 2.88 ERA in five starts and beat the Astros with six innings of one-run ball. Alex Bregman and Yuli Gurriel are both 1-for-9 against Heaney.

Verlander was 9-2 through the middle of June but is 4-6 over his last dozen starts despite winning his last two, including six innings of three-run ball against the Angels on Saturday. The long ball continues to be a thorny issue for the 35-year-old, who has yielded 15 home runs over his last eight turns. Angels center fielder Mike Trout has struggled in his career versus Verlander, going 4-for-32.

WALK-OFFS

1. Bregman is 19-for-40 during a 10-game hitting streak.

2. Angels INF David Fletcher has hit safely in three straight and 11 of his last 13 games.

3. Astros 2B Jose Altuve struck out four times in a game for the first time in his career Wednesday and has whiffed in six of his last nine at-bats.

PREDICTION: Astros 5, Angels 2

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Boston Red Sox vs. Chicago White Sox Preview and Predictions 08-30-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 29th August 2018 by Gracenote
The Boston Red Sox saw their high-octane offense kick it up a notch, igniting for 11 runs on 12 hits -- including five for extra bases (four doubles, triple) -- in the seventh inning on their way to a season sweep of Miami. The Red Sox hope that offense travels well Thursday in the opener a four-game series against the host Chicago White Sox (52-80), who took two of three from the club in June.

Eduardo Nunez joined Mookie Betts with three hits and three runs scored as Boston rode its most productive inning of the season in a 14-6 romp on Wednesday. Nunez is 11-for-27 with five RBIs and as many runs scored during a seven-game hitting streak, although he went 1-for-8 as the Red Sox mustered just six runs against Chicago from June 8-10. Boston received an assist from the White Sox on Wednesday, as the latter's 4-1 triumph over New York allowed the Red Sox to take a 7 1/2-game lead over the second-place Yankees in the American League East. Ryan LaMarre, who homered to highlight his three-hit, four-RBI performance on Wednesday, went 3-for-7 with two runs scored in a series against Boston earlier in the season while he was still with Minnesota.

TV: 8:10 p.m. ET, NESN (Boston), CSN Chicago

PITCHING MATCHUP: Red Sox RH Rick Porcello (15-7, 4.18 ERA) vs. White Sox RH Lucas Giolito (10-9, 5.85)

Porcello lost for the third time in four starts on Saturday while allowing three runs in five innings of a 5-1 setback at Tampa Bay. The 2016 AL Cy Young Award winner also fell short in his last outing against Chicago on June 10, taking the loss after permitting three runs (two earned) and walking three in six frames of a 5-2 setback. Avisail Garcia is 7-for-20 versus Porcello, who owns an 11-9 mark with a 4.30 ERA in 24 career encounters with the White Sox.

Giolito won his third straight start and improved to 5-1 in his last eight trips to the mound on Saturday after yielding one run on three hits in seven innings of a 6-1 romp over Detroit. "It was definitely the best fastball command I've had all season. Warming up in the bullpen, I was hitting both sides of the plate super consistently," the 24-year-old said. Giolito, who will face Boston for the first time this season, has recorded three consecutive quality starts and four in his last five outings.

WALK-OFFS

1. Boston 2B Ian Kinsler has four multi-hit performances in his last six outings.

2. Chicago 2B Yoan Moncada has six hits, six RBIs and four runs scored in his last six games.

3. The White Sox announced a special online charity auction in honor of Red Sox broadcaster Jerry Remy, who went on medical leave to focus on his treatment after recently being diagnosed again with cancer.

PREDICTION: Red Sox 7, White Sox 2

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Seattle Mariners vs. Oakland Athletics Preview and Predictions 08-30-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 29th August 2018 by Gracenote
by Gracenote on 08/29/2018

The Seattle Mariners are slumping and in danger of falling out of postseason contention, but they have a chance to climb back into the race when they open a four-game series at the Oakland Athletics on Thursday night. The Mariners have dropped nine of their last 14 and trail Oakland by 5 1/2 games for the American League's second wild card.

Seattle has scored only six runs during a three-game skid and absorbed a costly two-game sweep in San Diego, the worst team in the National League. Mariners shortstop Jean Segura, batting a team-leading .317, had to exit Wednesday's loss after fouling a ball off his shin and is listed as day-to-day. Oakland had a chance to pull within a half-game of first-place Houston in the American League West but lost to the Astros 5-4 on a walk-off homer Wednesday to drop 2 1/2 games off the pace. Athletics slugger Khris Davis is mired in a 1-for-24 slump with 12 strikeouts over the past six games but he is 3-for-4 with a homer off Wade LeBlanc, Seattle's scheduled starter.

TV: 10:05 p.m. ET, ROOT Northwest (Seattle), NBCS California (Oakland)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Mariners LH Wade LeBlanc (7-3, 3.92 ERA) vs. Athletics RH Frankie Montas (5-3, 3.75)

LeBlanc did not factor in the decision last time out at Arizona on Saturday despite yielding one run on four hits over six innings, marking his fourth quality start in seven appearances since the All-Star break. He surrendered three homers in a loss to the Los Angels Dodgers in his previous turn - the third three-homer game in a span of eight starts. LeBlanc pitched four-innings of three-hit ball versus Oakland on May 3.

Montas will be summoned from Triple-A Nashville to make his first start since July 29, when he lasted 4 1/3 innings and gave up three runs and eight hits in a loss at Colorado. He was hit hard in three straight starts at Nashville, permitting 16 runs over 14 2/3 innings, before tossing five innings of one-run ball on Saturday. Montas has made four home starts, compiling a 2-2 record and 4.01 ERA.

WALK-OFFS

1. Seattle is 7-5 versus the Athletics this year and has won 20 of the past 28 meetings in Oakland.

2. Athletics 3B Matt Chapman has multiple hits in five of his last seven games, doing 13-for-32.

3. Mariners LHP James Paxton (forearm) is expected to come off the disabled list to start Saturday's game.

PREDICTION: Athletics 5, Mariners 4

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Colorado Rockies vs. San Diego Padres Preview and Predictions 08-30-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 29th August 2018 by Gracenote
Rockies vs. Padres Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 08/29/2018

The Colorado Rockies begin a 23-game stretch against the National League West when they kick off a four-game series against the Padres in San Diego on Thursday. Colorado is one-half game behind first-place Arizona in the NL West and is also in the thick of the wild-card race, one game behind Milwaukee for the second and final spot.

"It's going to be fun," Rockies outfielder Carlos Gonzalez told reporters after hitting a two-run homer in Tuesday's 3-2 victory over the Los Angeles Angels. "It's going to be a big month ahead of us and every team in this division. We're going to face each other a lot and it's going to be a long stretch facing division rivals. We're excited and ready for the challenge." Gonzalez (.294, 15 home runs, 56 RBIs) is a big part of Colorado's success, going 11-for-26 with four RBIs during a six-game hitting streak and batting .323 since the All-Star break. The Padres (52-83) completed a two-game sweep of Seattle 8-3 on Wednesday as rookie Luis Urias, the No. 32 prospect in all of baseball entering 2018 according to Baseball America, recorded his first three major league hits in his second game. The Rockies' German Marquez tries for his seventh straight quality start and 10th in 11 outings and opposes rookie Eric Lauer, who returns after a stint on the disabled list with a strained left forearm.

TV: 10:10 p.m. ET, MLB Network; FS San Diego, AT&T SportsNet Rocky Mountain (Colorado)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Rockies RH German Marquez (11-9, 4.21 ERA) vs. Padres LH Eric Lauer (5-7, 5.30)

Marquez earned a no-decision after allowing three hits and one walk while striking out nine in seven shutout innings of Colorado's 9-1 victory over St. Louis on Saturday. The 23-year-old Venezuelan is 6-1 with a 2.57 ERA in his last 10 starts, lowering his ERA by 1.32. Eric Hosmer is 3-7 with a home run while Wil Myers is 2-for-10 with five strikeouts against Marquez, who is 2-2 with a 5.14 ERA in seven games (five starts) versus San Diego - 0-1, 2.25 in two turns this season.

Lauer struggled in three starts after the All-Star break, going 0-2 and yielding 14 runs over 11 innings before sustaining the injury while earning a no-decision in San Diego's 5-3 loss to San Francisco on July 30. The 23-year-old Ohio native and 25th overall pick in the 2016 draft was solid in eight starts prior to the break, going 4-2 with a 2.33 ERA. Lauer was hit hard in his major league debut, permitting seven runs (six earned), six hits and four walks in three innings of an 8-0 loss at Colorado on April 24.

WALK-OFFS

1. The Rockies have a minus-13 run differential while Arizona is plus-84 and the Los Angeles Dodgers, who are one game behind in the NL West, plus-127.

2. Padres CF Manuel Margot (.253) is 8-for-16 in his last five games after going 3-for-4 with a home run and double Wednesday.

3. Colorado has won nine of the 15 meetings in 2018, including four of six in San Diego, as it tries for its third straight season series victory over the Padres.

PREDICTION: Padres 3, Rockies 2

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Arizona Diamondbacks vs. Los Angeles Dodgers Preview and Predictions 08-30-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 30th August 2018 by Gracenote
Diamondbacks vs. Dodgers Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 08/30/2018

The suddenly hot Los Angeles Dodgers look to post a season-best sixth consecutive victory when they open a crucial four-game series against the visiting Arizona Diamondbacks on Thursday. The Dodgers have outscored their opponents 34-13 during the winning streak to move within one game of the first-place Diamondbacks in the National League West.

Cody Bellinger, Yasmani Grandal and Manny Machado all hit solo homers in Wednesday's 3-1 triumph over the Texas Rangers as Los Angeles remained 1 1/2 games behind the Milwaukee Brewers for the NL's second wild-card spot. "I think we're cooking as a whole team right now," Bellinger told reporters. "It's just a matter of producing on the field. It's just a matter of time until the talent takes over." Arizona salvaged the finale of a three-game set against the San Francisco Giants by recording a 3-1 win Wednesday to move a half-game ahead of the Colorado Rockies. Diamondbacks center fielder A.J. Pollock is 3-for-28 over the last eight games but has tormented the Dodgers this season by batting .348 with seven homers, four doubles and 12 RBIs in 12 games.

TV: 10:10 p.m. ET, FS Arizona, SportsNet LA (Los Angeles)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Diamondbacks LH Robbie Ray (3-2, 4.73 ERA) vs. Dodgers LH Rich Hill (6-4, 3.50)

Ray has received seven consecutive no-decisions and is 0-2 over his last 10 turns. The 26-year-old allowed one run and five hits and struck out seven over five innings against the Seattle Mariners in his last outing. Ray is 2-0 with an 0.89 ERA in his last three starts against the Dodgers and is 6-3 with a 2.69 ERA in 13 career outings against Los Angeles.

Hill is 0-5 in seven starts against Arizona since joining the Dodgers - including 0-1 with a 12.00 ERA in two 2018 outings - and stands 1-6 with a 5.90 ERA in 11 career turns against the Diamondbacks. The 38-year-old defeated the San Diego Padres in his last turn when he gave up two hits and struck out eight over six scoreless innings. Hill is 4-0 with a 2.13 ERA over his last seven starts and has allowed two or fewer runs in six of them.

WALK-OFFS

1. The Diamondbacks are 8-4 versus Los Angeles this season, including 3-2 at Dodger Stadium.

2. Struggling Los Angeles RHP Kenley Jansen (heart issues) is expected to be available for closing duties Thursday, though manager Dave Roberts opted to use RHP Kenta Maeda to close out Wednesday's win.

3. Arizona had three runs on 16 hits in the three-game series with the Giants and had gone 25 innings without a run until RF Steven Souza Jr. led off the third inning Wednesday with his first homer since Aug. 5.

PREDICTION: Dodgers 7, Diamondbacks 4

[Can'tPickAWinner]

MLB

Thursday, August 30


National League
Brewers (74-60) @ Reds (57-76)
Miley is 0-1, 4.71 in his last four starts; over is 6-2 in his last eight. Team in his starts: 6-4, 4-2 away
5-inning record: 4-5-1 Allowed run in 1st inning: 1-9

Reed allowed five runs in three IP (73 PT) in his only ’18 start, back on April 9. Team in his starts: 0-1, 0-0 home
5-inning record: 0-1 Allowed run in 1st inning: 1-1

Brewers are 6-3 in their last nine games; they’re 16-16 vs vs lefty starters- over is 6-1 in their last seven games. Cincinnati lost six of its last seven games; they’re 17-15 vs vs lefty starters- under is 8-5 in their last 13 games.

Pirates (65-68) @ Cardinals (74-59)
Musgrove is 1-3, 3.48 in his last five starts (under 4-1). Team in his starts: 6-9, 2-4 away
5-inning record: 6-8-1 Allowed run in 1st inning: 4-15

Gant is 2-1, 1.99 in his last four starts; under is 4-3 in his home starts. Team in his starts: 4-9, 2-5 home
5-inning record: 6-3-4 Allowed run in 1st inning: 4-13

Pirates lost six of their last eight games; four of their last six road games went over. St Louis is 16-4 in its last 20 games; over is 7-6 in their last 13 home games.

Cubs (78-54) @ Braves (74-58)
Montgomery is 1-1, 2.82 in his last four starts; his last three stayed under. Team in his starts: 6-7, 3-4 away
5-inning record: 6-7 Allowed run in 1st inning: 3-13

Foltynewicz is 3-1, 1.93 in his last five starts; under is 5-1 in his last six. Team in his starts: 12-13, 6-6 home
5-inning record: 11-8-6 Allowed run in 1st inning: 4-25

Cubs won seven of their last eight games; they’re 3-6 in last nine road series openers. Under isi 7-1-1 in their last nine road games. Atlanta lost five of its last six home games; they’re 12-9 in home series openers. 19-19 vs vs lefty starters- under is 10-2 in their last 12 games.

Diamondbacks (72-61) @ Dodgers (72-61)
Ray is 0-0, 4.34 in his last seven starts; under is 4-1-1 in his last six road starts. Team in his starts: 7-10, 5-4 road
5-inning record: 9-5-4 Allowed run in 1st inning: 5-17

Hill is 4-0, 2.55 in his last seven starts (over 5-2). Team in his starts: 9-9, 3-4 home
5-inning record: 6-9-3 Allowed run in 1st inning: 5-18

Arizona lost four of its last six games; they’re 24-20 vs vs lefty starters—seven of their last nine games stayed under. Dodgers won their last five games; they’re 1-4 in last five home series openers, 28-21 vs vs lefty starters- over is 7-3-1 in their last 11 games.

Rockies (72-60) @ Padres (52-83)
Marquez is 2-0, 1.29 in his last three starts; his last six starts stayed under. Team in his starts: 14-11, 8-4 road
5-inning record: 11-11-3 Allowed run in 1st inning: 16-25

Lauer is making his first start since July 30; he is 0-2, 11.45 in his last three starts (over 2-0-1). Team in his starts: 5-13, 3-6 home
5-inning record: 7-9-2 Allowed run in 1st inning: 6-18

Colorado is 8-4 in its last 12 games, 15-7 in road series openers, 25-21 vs lefty starters- under is 8-4 in their last 12 games. San Diego won three of its last four home games; they’re 3-18 in home series openers. Four of their last five games went over.

American League
Twins (62-70) @ Indians (75-57)
Odorizzi is 1-1, 4.21 in his last five starts; his last four stayed under. Team in his starts: 12-15, 4-9 away
5-inning record: 11-11-5 Allowed run in 1st inning: 6-27

Clevinger is 2-0, 2.70 in his last five starts; under is 5-3 in his last eight. Team in his starts: 11-15, 6-7 home.
5-inning record: 7-12-7 Allowed run in 1st inning: 8-26

Twins lost four of their last five games; under is 7-3 in their last ten road games. Cleveland lost five of its last seven games; under is 8-3 in their last 11 home games.

Detroit (52-81) @ New York (84-49)
Liriano is 0-4, 9.00 in his last four starts; under is 7-4 in his last 11. Team in his starts: 7-14, 3-10 away
5-inning record: 7-10-4 Allowed run in 1st inning: 6-21

Happ is 5-0, 2.37 in his five starts for New York (over 3-1-1). Team in his starts: 5-0, 4-0 home.
5-inning record: 5-0 Allowed run in 1st inning: 1-5

Tigers lost their last five games; they’re 16-17 vs vs lefty starters- over is 4-2 in their last six road games. New York won five of its last seven games; they’re 26-10 vs vs lefty starters- their last five games stayed under.

Angels (64-69) @ Astros (82-51)
Heaney is 1-2, 6.67 in his last five starts; over is 6-2 in his last eight. Team in his starts: 12-12, 4-8 away
5-inning record: 7-11-6 Allowed run in 1st inning: 6-24

Verlander is 2-2, 6.98 in his last four starts (over 3-1). Team in his starts: 16-12, 5-10 home.
5-inning record: 18-6-4 Allowed run in 1st inning: 7-28

Angels lost their last six games; they’re 9-13 in road series openers. Over is 8-5 in their last 13 games. Houston won eight of its last ten games; they’re 9-7 vs lefty starters, 10-11 in home series openers- over is 7-2 in their last nine games. Astros are 7-1 since Altuve got back in the lineup.

Red Sox (92-42) @ White Sox (53-80)
Porcello is 1-3, 6.26 in his last four starts; over is 13-7 in his last 20 starts. Team in his starts: 17-10, 9-6 away
5-inning record: 17-9-1 Allowed run in 1st inning: 7-21

Giolito is 3-0, 3.32 in his last three starts; over is 5-1 in his last six home starts. Team in his starts: 14-12, 4-8 home.
5-inning record: 8-15-3 Allowed run in 1st inning: 9-26

Red Sox are 5-6 in their last 11 games, 13-9 in road series openers. Over is 5-2 in their last seven games. Chicago is 11-4 in its last 15 games, 8-13 in home series openers. Under is 4-1 in their last five games.

Mariners (74-59) @ A’s (80-54)
LeBlanc is 1-1, 4.57 in his last four starts; under is 6-2 in his last eight. Team in his starts: 14-7, 5-5 away
5-inning record: 12-6-3 Allowed run in 1st inning: 7-21

Montas is making his first start since July 29; he is 1-2, 6.00 in his last five starts. Team in his starts: 7-3, 2-2 home.
5-inning record: 4-5-1 Allowed run in 1st inning: 5-10

Mariners are 5-9 in their last 14 games; they’re 12-10 in road series openers. Under is 5-2 in their last seven road games. A’s are 19-8 in their last 27 games; they’re 26-18 vs lefty starters, 12-9 in home series openers— four of their last six games stayed under.

______________________________

Teams’ records in first five innings:
Team (road-home-total)- thru 8/29
Ariz 34-23-10……33-22-10……..67-45
Atl 30-28-10…..32-23-9………62-51
Cubs 25-26-13……32-28-9…….57-54
Reds 21-40-4……25-31-10….…46-71
Colo 33-23-14……33-23-8……65-47
LA 34-23-8…….31-25-14……66-48
Miami 23-33-9…..27-28-15…….50-61
Milw 26-33-9…..34-25-7…….60-58
Mets 31-30-5……26-27-15…..57-55
Philly 26-26-15…..34-21-10……60-47
Pitt 29-28-7……29-27-13……..58-55
StL 34-25-10……28-30-6………62-55
SD 20-39-10……22-34-9…….42-73
SF 29-30-12…..27-24-13……56-54
Wash 29-28-13..…29-25-10……58-53

Orioles 18-37-12……21-37-11……39-73
Boston 32-23-14……41-18-6……..73-41
W Sox 23-40-6…..…20-35-10……43-75
Indians 27-27-13……41-16-9……..68-43
Det 21-35-9…..…30-30-11.……51-65
Astros 37-18-15……33-20-12…….70-37
KC 20-38-8…….27-32-10…..47-70
Angels 28-27-11……28-32-8……56-59
Twins 20-35-11……32-31-8…..52-66
NYY 33-21-11……41-21-7………74-41
A’s 26-32-11……28-25-12…..54-57
Seattle 32-29-9……29-24-14…….61-51
TB 30-26-12……31-25-9……60-50
Texas 22-35-8…..25-37-7…….47-72
Toronto 18-37-11…23-30-15……41-66

%age of times teams score in first inning (road/home/total- 8/29)
Ariz 28-66…….25-66…..…53
Atl 21-67……27-64………48
Cubs 12-64……..22-66……..34
Reds 15-66……..16-68……..31
Colo 22-69…….24-64.…….46
LA 22-65……..25-68..…..47
Miami 14-65……..19-69…….33
Milw 23-67…..…25-68…….48
Mets 27-65……..21-68……48
Philly 16-67……..21-66……37
Pitt 15-64……..19-70…….34
StL 23-69……..20-64…….43
SD 19-70……..19-66…….38
SF 13-69………21-67..…..34
Wash 25-70……..19-64……..44

Orioles 19-67……..20-68………39
Boston 19-68……25-66………44
White Sox 19-68……16-64…….35
Clev 18-66…….28-65……..46
Detroit 20-65……..20-69….…40
Astros 20-69…..…15-65………35
KC 16-66..…….21-67…….37
Angels 17-64…..….18-68…….35
Twins 15-64………15-68…….30
NYY 15-65……..28-68………43
A’s 18-71…..…..18-65…….36
Seattle 26-68………21-67…….47
TB 21-68..……20-64…….41
Texas 10-65……19-68…….…29
Toronto 17-66………14-67….….31

Interleague play- 2018
NL @ AL– 71-67 NL, favorites +$100
AL @ NL– 68-56 NL, favorites -$167
Total: 139-123 NL, favorites -$67

[Can'tPickAWinner]

MLB

Thursday, August 30

Trend Report

Milwaukee Brewers
Milwaukee is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games
Milwaukee is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Milwaukee's last 5 games
Milwaukee is 1-5 ATS in its last 6 games on the road
Milwaukee is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Milwaukee's last 6 games on the road
Milwaukee is 2-5 ATS in its last 7 games when playing Cincinnati
Milwaukee is 10-4 SU in its last 14 games when playing Cincinnati
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Milwaukee's last 7 games when playing Cincinnati
Milwaukee is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Cincinnati
Milwaukee is 6-3 SU in its last 9 games when playing on the road against Cincinnati
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Milwaukee's last 6 games when playing on the road against Cincinnati
Cincinnati Reds
Cincinnati is 1-6 SU in its last 7 games
Cincinnati is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games at home
Cincinnati is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 7 of Cincinnati's last 10 games at home
Cincinnati is 5-2 ATS in its last 7 games when playing Milwaukee
Cincinnati is 4-10 SU in its last 14 games when playing Milwaukee
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Cincinnati's last 7 games when playing Milwaukee
Cincinnati is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games when playing at home against Milwaukee
Cincinnati is 3-6 SU in its last 9 games when playing at home against Milwaukee
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Cincinnati's last 6 games when playing at home against Milwaukee


Minnesota Twins
Minnesota is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games
Minnesota is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Minnesota's last 5 games
Minnesota is 2-5 ATS in its last 7 games on the road
Minnesota is 4-10 SU in its last 14 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Minnesota's last 7 games on the road
Minnesota is 2-6 SU in its last 8 games when playing Cleveland
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Minnesota's last 10 games when playing Cleveland
Minnesota is 2-5 SU in its last 7 games when playing on the road against Cleveland
Cleveland Indians
Cleveland is 2-5 ATS in its last 7 games
Cleveland is 16-8 SU in its last 24 games
Cleveland is 2-5 SU in its last 7 games
Cleveland is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games at home
Cleveland is 8-3 SU in its last 11 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Cleveland's last 5 games at home
Cleveland is 6-2 SU in its last 8 games when playing Minnesota
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Cleveland's last 10 games when playing Minnesota
Cleveland is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games when playing at home against Minnesota


Detroit Tigers
Detroit is 0-5 ATS in its last 5 games
Detroit is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Detroit's last 7 games
Detroit is 3-7 ATS in its last 10 games on the road
Detroit is 1-11 SU in its last 12 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Detroit's last 6 games on the road
Detroit is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games when playing NY Yankees
Detroit is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games when playing NY Yankees
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Detroit's last 6 games when playing NY Yankees
Detroit is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games when playing on the road against NY Yankees
Detroit is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against NY Yankees
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Detroit's last 6 games when playing on the road against NY Yankees
New York Yankees
NY Yankees is 9-3 SU in its last 12 games
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of NY Yankees's last 5 games
NY Yankees is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of NY Yankees's last 9 games at home
NY Yankees is 4-2 ATS in its last 6 games when playing Detroit
NY Yankees is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games when playing Detroit
The total has gone OVER in 5 of NY Yankees's last 6 games when playing Detroit
NY Yankees is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games when playing at home against Detroit
NY Yankees is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Detroit
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of NY Yankees's last 6 games when playing at home against Detroit


Pittsburgh Pirates
Pittsburgh is 4-2 ATS in its last 6 games
Pittsburgh is 2-6 SU in its last 8 games
The total has gone UNDER in 9 of Pittsburgh's last 12 games
Pittsburgh is 2-6 SU in its last 8 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Pittsburgh's last 6 games on the road
Pittsburgh is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games when playing St. Louis
Pittsburgh is 3-8 SU in its last 11 games when playing St. Louis
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Pittsburgh's last 8 games when playing St. Louis
Pittsburgh is 2-8 SU in its last 10 games when playing on the road against St. Louis
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Pittsburgh's last 5 games when playing on the road against St. Louis
St. Louis Cardinals
St. Louis is 6-2 ATS in its last 8 games
St. Louis is 16-4 SU in its last 20 games
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of St. Louis's last 9 games
St. Louis is 8-3 SU in its last 11 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of St. Louis's last 5 games at home
St. Louis is 4-2 ATS in its last 6 games when playing Pittsburgh
St. Louis is 8-3 SU in its last 11 games when playing Pittsburgh
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of St. Louis's last 8 games when playing Pittsburgh
St. Louis is 8-2 SU in its last 10 games when playing at home against Pittsburgh
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of St. Louis's last 5 games when playing at home against Pittsburgh


Chicago Cubs
Chi Cubs is 7-1 SU in its last 8 games
The total has gone UNDER in 15 of Chi Cubs's last 21 games
Chi Cubs is 2-5 ATS in its last 7 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 8 of Chi Cubs's last 9 games on the road
Chi Cubs is 1-5 ATS in its last 6 games when playing Atlanta
Chi Cubs is 17-7 SU in its last 24 games when playing Atlanta
Chi Cubs is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games when playing Atlanta
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Chi Cubs's last 6 games when playing Atlanta
Chi Cubs is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games when playing on the road against Atlanta
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Chi Cubs's last 5 games when playing on the road against Atlanta
Atlanta Braves
Atlanta is 6-3 SU in its last 9 games
The total has gone UNDER in 9 of Atlanta's last 11 games
Atlanta is 1-5 ATS in its last 6 games at home
Atlanta is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games at home
Atlanta is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games when playing Chi Cubs
Atlanta is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games when playing Chi Cubs
Atlanta is 7-17 SU in its last 24 games when playing Chi Cubs
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Atlanta's last 6 games when playing Chi Cubs
Atlanta is 1-6 SU in its last 7 games when playing at home against Chi Cubs
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Atlanta's last 5 games when playing at home against Chi Cubs


Boston Red Sox
Boston is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games
Boston is 17-8 SU in its last 25 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Boston's last 5 games
Boston is 0-5 ATS in its last 5 games on the road
Boston is 16-7 SU in its last 23 games on the road
Boston is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games on the road
Boston is 6-3 ATS in its last 9 games when playing Chi White Sox
Boston is 7-2 SU in its last 9 games when playing Chi White Sox
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Boston's last 5 games when playing Chi White Sox
Boston is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Chi White Sox
Boston is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Chi White Sox
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Boston's last 7 games when playing on the road against Chi White Sox
Chicago White Sox
Chi White Sox is 5-0 ATS in its last 5 games
Chi White Sox is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Chi White Sox's last 5 games
Chi White Sox is 2-5 ATS in its last 7 games at home
Chi White Sox is 5-10 SU in its last 15 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Chi White Sox's last 6 games at home
Chi White Sox is 3-6 ATS in its last 9 games when playing Boston
Chi White Sox is 2-7 SU in its last 9 games when playing Boston
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Chi White Sox's last 5 games when playing Boston
Chi White Sox is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games when playing at home against Boston
Chi White Sox is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Boston
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Chi White Sox's last 7 games when playing at home against Boston


Los Angeles Angels
LA Angels is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games
LA Angels is 1-7 SU in its last 8 games
LA Angels is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games on the road
LA Angels is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games on the road
LA Angels is 1-7 ATS in its last 8 games when playing Houston
LA Angels is 1-7 SU in its last 8 games when playing Houston
The total has gone UNDER in 10 of LA Angels's last 14 games when playing on the road against Houston
Houston Astros
Houston is 5-2 ATS in its last 7 games
Houston is 7-1 SU in its last 8 games
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Houston's last 7 games
Houston is 2-11 ATS in its last 13 games at home
Houston is 3-10 SU in its last 13 games at home
Houston is 7-1 ATS in its last 8 games when playing LA Angels
Houston is 7-1 SU in its last 8 games when playing LA Angels
The total has gone UNDER in 10 of Houston's last 14 games when playing at home against LA Angels


Seattle Mariners
Seattle is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games
Seattle is 2-5 SU in its last 7 games
Seattle is 8-4 ATS in its last 12 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 8 of Seattle's last 11 games on the road
Seattle is 14-2 ATS in its last 16 games when playing Oakland
Seattle is 15-6 SU in its last 21 games when playing Oakland
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Seattle's last 8 games when playing Oakland
Seattle is 9-1 ATS in its last 10 games when playing on the road against Oakland
Seattle is 17-8 SU in its last 25 games when playing on the road against Oakland
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Seattle's last 6 games when playing on the road against Oakland
Oakland Athletics
Oakland is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games
Oakland is 17-8 SU in its last 25 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Oakland's last 6 games
Oakland is 4-2 ATS in its last 6 games at home
Oakland is 15-4 SU in its last 19 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 10 of Oakland's last 14 games at home
Oakland is 2-14 ATS in its last 16 games when playing Seattle
Oakland is 6-15 SU in its last 21 games when playing Seattle
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Oakland's last 8 games when playing Seattle
Oakland is 1-9 ATS in its last 10 games when playing at home against Seattle
Oakland is 8-17 SU in its last 25 games when playing at home against Seattle
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Oakland's last 6 games when playing at home against Seattle


Arizona Diamondbacks
Arizona is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Arizona's last 5 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Arizona's last 5 games on the road
Arizona is 17-8 ATS in its last 25 games when playing LA Dodgers
Arizona is 8-4 SU in its last 12 games when playing LA Dodgers
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Arizona's last 9 games when playing LA Dodgers
Arizona is 11-4 ATS in its last 15 games when playing on the road against LA Dodgers
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Arizona's last 5 games when playing on the road against LA Dodgers
Los Angeles Dodgers
LA Dodgers is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games
LA Dodgers is 8-15 ATS in its last 23 games
LA Dodgers is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of LA Dodgers's last 5 games
LA Dodgers is 2-10 ATS in its last 12 games at home
LA Dodgers is 8-17 ATS in its last 25 games when playing Arizona
LA Dodgers is 4-8 SU in its last 12 games when playing Arizona
The total has gone OVER in 6 of LA Dodgers's last 9 games when playing Arizona
LA Dodgers is 4-11 ATS in its last 15 games when playing at home against Arizona
The total has gone OVER in 5 of LA Dodgers's last 5 games when playing at home against Arizona


Colorado Rockies
Colorado is 1-5 ATS in its last 6 games
Colorado is 12-5 SU in its last 17 games
The total has gone UNDER in 12 of Colorado's last 17 games
Colorado is 4-2 ATS in its last 6 games on the road
Colorado is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Colorado's last 6 games on the road
Colorado is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games when playing San Diego
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Colorado's last 7 games when playing San Diego
Colorado is 5-2 ATS in its last 7 games when playing on the road against San Diego
Colorado is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games when playing on the road against San Diego
San Diego Padres
San Diego is 7-3 ATS in its last 10 games
San Diego is 4-11 SU in its last 15 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of San Diego's last 5 games
San Diego is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games at home
San Diego is 5-17 SU in its last 22 games at home
San Diego is 2-5 SU in its last 7 games when playing Colorado
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of San Diego's last 7 games when playing Colorado
San Diego is 2-5 ATS in its last 7 games when playing at home against Colorado
San Diego is 2-5 SU in its last 7 games when playing at home against Colorado

[Can'tPickAWinner]

MLB
Weather Report

Thursday, August 30

[Can'tPickAWinner]

MLB
Dunkel

Thursday, August 30


Milwaukee @ Cincinnati

Game 951-952
August 30, 2018 @ 12:35 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Milwaukee
(Miley) 12.196
Cincinnati
(Reed) 15.736
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Cincinnati
by 3 1/2
13
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Milwaukee
-130
9 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Cincinnati
(+110); Over

Pittsburgh @ St. Louis

Game 953-954
August 30, 2018 @ 7:15 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Pittsburgh
(Musgrve) 15.761
St. Louis
(Gant) 17.967
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
St. Louis
by 2
6
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
St. Louis
-120
8
Dunkel Pick:
St. Louis
(-120); Under

Chicago Cubs @ Atlanta

Game 955-956
August 30, 2018 @ 7:35 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Chicago Cubs
(Mntgmry) 16.656
Atlanta
(Fltynwcz) 14.852
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Chicago Cubs
by 2
10
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Atlanta
-135
8
Dunkel Pick:
Chicago Cubs
(+115); Over

Arizona @ LA Dodgers

Game 957-958
August 30, 2018 @ 10:10 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Arizona
(Ray) 15.841
LA Dodgers
(Hill) 18.088
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
LA Dodgers
by 2
6
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
LA Dodgers
-135
7 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
LA Dodgers
(-135); Under

Colorado @ San Diego

Game 959-960
August 30, 2018 @ 10:10 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Colorado
(Marquez) 16.091
San Diego
(Lauer) 15.064
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Colorado
by 1
7
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Colorado
No Line
N/A
Dunkel Pick:
Colorado
( );

Minnesota @ Cleveland

Game 961-962
August 30, 2018 @ 1:10 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Minnesota
(Odorizzi) 16.163
Cleveland
(Clevnger) 13.514
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Minnesota
by 2 1/2
8
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Cleveland
-210
9
Dunkel Pick:
Minnesota
(+180); Under

Detroit @ NY Yankees

Game 963-964
August 30, 2018 @ 7:05 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Detroit
(Liriano) 14.369
NY Yankees
(Happ) 12.934
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Detroit
by 1 1/2
7
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
NY Yankees
-300
9
Dunkel Pick:
Detroit
(+250); Under

LA Angels @ Houston

Game 965-966
August 30, 2018 @ 8:10 pm

Dunkel Rating:
LA Angels
(Heaney) 14.984
Houston
(Verlnder) 18.370
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Houston
by 3 1/2
9
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Houston
-230
8
Dunkel Pick:
Houston
(-230); Over

Boston @ Chicago White Sox

Game 967-968
August 30, 2018 @ 7:10 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Boston
(Porcello) 16.261
Chicago White Sox
(Giolito) 15.068
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Boston
by 1
7
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Boston
-200
9
Dunkel Pick:
Boston
(-200); Under

Seattle @ Oakland

Game 969-970
August 30, 2018 @ 10:05 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Seattle
(LeBlanc) 16.240
Oakland
(Montas) 14.684
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Seattle
by 1 1/2
9
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Oakland
-135
8 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Seattle
(+115); Over

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Thursday's Diamond Notes
Kevin Rogers

Hottest team: White Sox (7-3 last 10)

Yes, the White Sox are going nowhere towards the playoffs this season. However, Chicago is saving its best baseball for late in the season as the Sox are coming off five consecutive series victories. The latest series win was a solid performance by taking two of three from the Yankees in New York with both victories coming as a +200 underdog or higher. The worst part is in the lone loss, Chicago squandered a 4-0 lead and lost on a walk-off homer on Tuesday, which prevented the Sox from a season-high five-game winning streak.

The task doesn’t get easier as Chicago returns home tonight to battle Boston. Granted, the White Sox did grab two of three matchups at Fenway Park back in June, as Boston heads to Chicago trying to snap a four-game road losing streak. Since the All-Star break, Chicago has won seven of eight starts made by right-hander Lucas Giolito, while the right-hander is coming off three consecutive road wins in his past three outings.

Coldest team: Angels (2-9 last 11)

Both Western divisions in baseball are top-heavy this season as three teams have a shot to make the playoffs in the AL West and NL West. However, the Angels aren’t part of that mix as they have won only two of their last 11 games since sweeping the Padres in mid-August. In the last seven games, Los Angeles has picked up one victory against three potential playoff squads (Houston, Colorado, and Arizona), while veteran slugger Albert Pujols was lost for the season after undergoing knee surgery.

The Angels travel to the Lone Star State to face the Astros tonight for the start of a four-game set. Andrew Heaney hasn’t had much luck on the road for the Halos this season, as L.A. owns a 4-8 record in his 12 away starts, although the Halos are 3-1 in his past four road outings. The only good news for the Angels tonight is they face Justin Verlander, who is winless in his last four home assignments.

Hottest pitcher: J.A. Happ, Yankees (15-6, 3.80 ERA)

The Yankees acquired plenty of arms at the trade deadline to help themselves for a potential run in the playoffs. Happ won 10 starts as a member of the Blue Jays before getting dealt to New York, but the southpaw has been electric since his move to the Bronx by compiling a 5-0 record in five starts. In those five outings, Happ has allowed a total of eight earned runs, while four of those wins have come at Yankee Stadium. Happ will get the ball at home tonight as a heavy favorite against the Tigers, but Detroit got the best of Happ in two wins earlier this season when he pitched for Toronto.

Coldest pitcher: Joe Musgrove, Pirates (5-7, 3.56 ERA)

The former Astros’ hurler went through a stretch after the All-Star break by tossing at least seven innings in five of six starts. However, that streak came to an end when he lasted only four innings in an extra-innings loss to the Brewers last Friday. The Pirates have lost four of Musgrove’s last five starts, including three defeats by one run each. Musgrove faces the Cardinals tonight in a rubber match at Busch Stadium as the right-hander defeated St. Louis earlier this season at home by tossing seven scoreless innings in an 8-1 blowout.

Biggest OVER run: Red Sox (6-2-1 last nine)

Boston’s offense scored a total of two runs in the final two losses of a three-game sweep at Tampa Bay last weekend. The Red Sox rebounded in a huge way by crossing home plate 22 times in a two-game home sweep of the Marlins. Boston dropped an 11-spot in the seventh inning in last night’s 14-6 blowout of Miami, the 17th time this season the Red Sox have scored double-digit runs. The Red Sox travel to Chicago to face the streaking White Sox as Rick Porcello takes the mound for Boston. The UNDER has hit in three of Porcello’s last four road outings, while Porcello lost to the White Sox earlier this season as a -220 home favorite, 5-2.

Biggest UNDER run: Yankees (5-0 last five)

New York is coming off probably its worst home series of the season after losing two of three to the White Sox in the Bronx. For the exception of a late rally in Tuesday’s walk-off win, the Yankees produced three runs in the two losses, which is in stark contrast to scoring 27 runs in last weekend’s four-game sweep of the Orioles. The Yankees draw another below .500 squad tonight as the Tigers invade the Bronx looking to snap a five-game skid. Detroit has scored two runs or less in four straight games, while New York’s offense could wake up as Tigers’ pitching has given up at least six runs in five consecutive contests.

Matchup to watch: Diamondbacks vs. Dodgers

One game separates the top three teams in the NL West with two days remaining in August. Arizona and Los Angeles are both coming off road wins last night as the two squads start a crucial four-game series at Dodger Stadium tonight. The D-backs remained in first place by edging the Giants, 3-1, while the Dodgers held off the Rangers in Arlington to pick up their second consecutive sweep.

Robbie Ray takes the ball in the opener for Arizona as the southpaw has amazingly picked up a no-decision in seven consecutive starts. The D-backs are 2-8 in Ray’s last 10 starts dating back to the start of July, while not lasting past the sixth inning nine times in this stretch. Ray has not faced the Dodgers this season, but Arizona won four of his six starts against Los Angeles in 2017, including two victories at Chavez Ravine.

Rich Hill counters for the Dodgers, as the southpaw tossed six scoreless innings against the Padres his last time out in an 11-1 home blowout. Los Angeles has compiled a 5-2 record in Hill’s seven starts since the All-Star break, but Hill has been torched by Arizona in two outings this season by allowing 14 hits and 12 earned runs in nine innings of work. The D-backs have won five of the last nine matchups with the Dodgers, as these teams meet for one more series in Phoenix in late September.

Betcha didn’t know: The Athletics have won seven of their last nine home series openers as they welcome in the Mariners tonight. Oakland dropped two of three to Houston and face a Seattle squad mired in a mini slump after getting swept at San Diego in a two-game series. Mariners’ starter Wade LeBlanc was money in the bank at home until losing his last two starts at Safeco, but Seattle has won each of LeBlanc’s last three starts on the highway.

Biggest public favorite: Yankees (-300) vs. Tigers

Biggest public underdog: Cubs (+114) at Braves

Biggest line move: Pirates (+115 to +100) at Cardinals

[Can'tPickAWinner]

MLB
Dunkel

Thursday, August 30


Colorado @ San Diego

Game 959-960
August 30, 2018 @ 10:10 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Colorado
(Marquez) 16.091
San Diego
(Lauer) 15.064
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Colorado
by 1
7
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Colorado
-145
8
Dunkel Pick:
Colorado
(-145); Under

[Can'tPickAWinner]

MLB
Long Sheet

Thursday, August 30

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

MILWAUKEE (74 - 60) at CINCINNATI (57 - 76) - 12:35 PM
WADE MILEY (L) vs. CODY REED (L)
Top Trends for this game.
MILWAUKEE is 21-31 (-13.8 Units) against the money line in day games this season.
MILWAUKEE is 11-16 (-10.2 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record in the second half of the season this season.
MILWAUKEE is 74-60 (+9.6 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
MILWAUKEE is 76-73 (+14.2 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 2 seasons.
MILWAUKEE is 16-10 (+9.9 Units) against the money line in road games when playing on Thursday over the last 3 seasons.
MILWAUKEE is 62-53 (+16.2 Units) against the money line against left-handed starters over the last 3 seasons.
REED is 0-12 (-13.3 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)

Head-to-Head Series History
MILWAUKEE is 10-5 (+3.4 Units) against CINCINNATI this season
9 of 14 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+3.5 Units)

WADE MILEY vs. CINCINNATI since 1997
MILEY is 4-2 when starting against CINCINNATI with an ERA of 3.42 and a WHIP of 1.220.
His team's record is 6-2 (+3.8 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 6-2. (+3.7 units)

CODY REED vs. MILWAUKEE since 1997
REED is 0-1 when starting against MILWAUKEE with an ERA of 54.00 and a WHIP of 8.000.
His team's record is 0-1 (-1.1 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 0-1. (-1.2 units)

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

PITTSBURGH (65 - 68) at ST LOUIS (74 - 59) - 7:15 PM
JOE MUSGROVE (R) vs. JOHN GANT (R)
Top Trends for this game.
PITTSBURGH is 32-44 (-12.2 Units) against the money line when the total is 8 to 8.5 this season.
PITTSBURGH is 20-45 (-20.7 Units) against the money line on the road when the total is 8 to 8.5 over the last 2 seasons.
ST LOUIS is 20-6 (+15.0 Units) against the money line in August games this season.
ST LOUIS is 36-22 (+10.2 Units) against the money line after a loss this season.
PITTSBURGH is 32-24 (+10.2 Units) against the money line against division opponents this season.
PITTSBURGH is 26-21 (+9.7 Units) against the money line in road games against right-handed starters this season.
ST LOUIS is 117-109 (-35.1 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 3 seasons.
ST LOUIS is 49-50 (-19.2 Units) against the money line in home games in night games over the last 2 seasons.
ST LOUIS is 55-54 (-17.8 Units) against the money line in home games against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
ST LOUIS is 10-12 (-10.2 Units) against the money line in home games when playing against a team with a losing record this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
ST LOUIS is 8-7 (-0.4 Units) against PITTSBURGH this season
8 of 13 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+2.7 Units)

JOE MUSGROVE vs. ST LOUIS since 1997
MUSGROVE is 1-0 when starting against ST LOUIS with an ERA of 0.00 and a WHIP of 0.714.
His team's record is 1-0 (+1.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 0-0. (+0.0 units)

JOHN GANT vs. PITTSBURGH since 1997
GANT is 0-1 when starting against PITTSBURGH with an ERA of 7.30 and a WHIP of 1.460.
His team's record is 0-3 (-3.2 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 1-1. (+0.0 units)

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

CHICAGO CUBS (78 - 54) at ATLANTA (74 - 58) - 7:35 PM
MIKE MONTGOMERY (L) vs. MIKE FOLTYNEWICZ (R)
Top Trends for this game.
CHICAGO CUBS are 1773-1816 (-264.0 Units) against the money line in all games since 1997.
CHICAGO CUBS are 56-51 (-15.9 Units) against the money line when the total is 8 to 8.5 over the last 2 seasons.
CHICAGO CUBS are 1309-1353 (-205.6 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters since 1997.
ATLANTA is 74-57 (+18.5 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
ATLANTA is 37-26 (+10.0 Units) against the money line when the total is 8 to 8.5 this season.
ATLANTA is 35-22 (+12.8 Units) against the money line after a loss this season.
ATLANTA is 37-31 (+11.9 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
CHICAGO CUBS are 13-2 (+10.7 Units) against the money line in road games when playing on Thursday over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
ATLANTA is 3-2 (+2.3 Units) against CHICAGO CUBS this season
3 of 5 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+0.8 Units)

MIKE MONTGOMERY vs. ATLANTA since 1997
MONTGOMERY is 1-1 when starting against ATLANTA with an ERA of 3.27 and a WHIP of 0.818.
His team's record is 1-1 (-1.4 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-1. (-0.2 units)

MIKE FOLTYNEWICZ vs. CHICAGO CUBS since 1997
FOLTYNEWICZ is 0-2 when starting against CHICAGO CUBS with an ERA of 5.06 and a WHIP of 1.625.
His team's record is 0-3 (-3.0 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 2-1. (+1.0 units)

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ARIZONA (73 - 60) at LA DODGERS (72 - 61) - 10:10 PM
ROBBIE RAY (L) vs. RICH HILL (L)
Top Trends for this game.
ARIZONA is 21-33 (-16.5 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
ARIZONA is 167-132 (+17.3 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
ARIZONA is 38-29 (+9.1 Units) against the money line in road games this season.
ARIZONA is 22-11 (+10.1 Units) against the money line when playing on Thursday over the last 2 seasons.
ARIZONA is 79-58 (+14.4 Units) against the money line against division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
ARIZONA is 26-17 (+8.8 Units) against the money line in road games in night games this season.
ARIZONA is 95-71 (+13.3 Units) against the money line after a win over the last 2 seasons.
LA DODGERS are 72-61 (-24.1 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
LA DODGERS are 14-21 (-18.9 Units) against the money line as a home favorite of -125 to -175 this season.
LA DODGERS are 35-33 (-23.7 Units) against the money line in home games this season.
LA DODGERS are 49-51 (-24.7 Units) against the money line in home games when playing on Thursday since 1997.
LA DODGERS are 30-27 (-13.1 Units) against the money line against division opponents this season.
LA DODGERS are 52-43 (-13.8 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
HILL is 9-12 (-11.6 Units) against the money line against division opponents over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)

Head-to-Head Series History
ARIZONA is 8-4 (+5.9 Units) against LA DODGERS this season
7 of 11 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+3.1 Units)

ROBBIE RAY vs. LA DODGERS since 1997
RAY is 6-4 when starting against LA DODGERS with an ERA of 2.98 and a WHIP of 1.169.
His team's record is 8-6 (+3.8 units) in these starts. The OVER is 9-5. (+4.1 units)

RICH HILL vs. ARIZONA since 1997
HILL is 1-7 when starting against ARIZONA with an ERA of 5.95 and a WHIP of 1.385.
His team's record is 3-10 (-12.7 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 5-6. (-1.6 units)

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COLORADO (72 - 60) at SAN DIEGO (52 - 83) - 10:10 PM
GERMAN MARQUEZ (R) vs. ERIC LAUER (L)
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
COLORADO is 9-6 (+0.5 Units) against SAN DIEGO this season
9 of 14 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+3.4 Units)

GERMAN MARQUEZ vs. SAN DIEGO since 1997
MARQUEZ is 2-2 when starting against SAN DIEGO with an ERA of 4.74 and a WHIP of 1.419.
His team's record is 3-2 (+0.8 units) in these starts. The OVER is 3-2. (+0.9 units)

ERIC LAUER vs. COLORADO since 1997
LAUER is 0-1 when starting against COLORADO with an ERA of 18.00 and a WHIP of 3.333.
His team's record is 0-1 (-1.0 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 1-0. (+1.0 units)

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MINNESOTA (62 - 70) at CLEVELAND (75 - 57) - 1:10 PM
JAKE ODORIZZI (R) vs. MIKE CLEVINGER (R)
Top Trends for this game.
MINNESOTA is 23-41 (-15.7 Units) against the money line in road games this season.
MINNESOTA is 6-18 (-11.5 Units) against the money line in road games in day games this season.
MINNESOTA is 147-148 (+1.4 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 375-389 (+45.9 Units) against the money line in road games against division opponents since 1997.
MINNESOTA is 52-52 (+9.4 Units) against the money line in road games against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
CLEVELAND is 75-57 (-15.6 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
CLEVELAND is 21-23 (-17.6 Units) against the money line when the total is 9 to 9.5 this season.
CLEVELAND is 33-27 (-23.0 Units) against the money line as a home favorite of -175 to -250 over the last 2 seasons.
CLEVELAND is 57-42 (-12.7 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
CLEVINGER is 11-15 (-11.3 Units) against the money line in all games this season. (Team's Record)
CLEVINGER is 3-8 (-10.9 Units) against the money line when the total is 9 to 9.5 this season. (Team's Record)

Head-to-Head Series History
MINNESOTA is 9-9 (+4.3 Units) against CLEVELAND this season
10 of 18 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+1.5 Units)

JAKE ODORIZZI vs. CLEVELAND since 1997
ODORIZZI is 1-3 when starting against CLEVELAND with an ERA of 5.89 and a WHIP of 1.609.
His team's record is 2-6 (-3.8 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 3-5. (-2.8 units)

MIKE CLEVINGER vs. MINNESOTA since 1997
CLEVINGER is 0-1 when starting against MINNESOTA with an ERA of 3.64 and a WHIP of 1.416.
His team's record is 3-3 (-1.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 2-4. (-2.4 units)

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DETROIT (53 - 80) at NY YANKEES (84 - 49) - 7:05 PM
FRANCISCO LIRIANO (L) vs. J.A. HAPP (L)
Top Trends for this game.
DETROIT is 117-178 (-42.2 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
DETROIT is 2-20 (-16.3 Units) against the money line as a road underdog of +175 to +250 this season.
DETROIT is 19-46 (-18.4 Units) against the money line in road games this season.
DETROIT is 7-29 (-19.2 Units) against the money line in road games in night games this season.
LIRIANO is 13-5 (+12.6 Units) against the money line in road games after 3 or more consecutive losses since 1997. (Team's Record)
HAPP is 11-22 (-16.1 Units) against the money line when playing on Thursday since 1997. (Team's Record)

Head-to-Head Series History
NY YANKEES is 2-1 (+0.2 Units) against DETROIT this season
2 of 3 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+1.0 Units)

FRANCISCO LIRIANO vs. NY YANKEES since 1997
LIRIANO is 4-4 when starting against NY YANKEES with an ERA of 3.82 and a WHIP of 1.484.
His team's record is 4-7 (-2.8 units) in these starts. The OVER is 6-5. (+0.6 units)

J.A. HAPP vs. DETROIT since 1997
HAPP is 3-2 when starting against DETROIT with an ERA of 5.02 and a WHIP of 1.385.
His team's record is 3-6 (-4.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 6-3. (+2.6 units)

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LA ANGELS (64 - 69) at HOUSTON (82 - 51) - 8:10 PM
ANDREW HEANEY (L) vs. JUSTIN VERLANDER (R)
Top Trends for this game.
LA ANGELS are 64-69 (-12.7 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
LA ANGELS are 27-36 (-14.1 Units) against the money line when the total is 8 to 8.5 this season.
LA ANGELS are 30-38 (-11.6 Units) against the money line after a loss this season.
LA ANGELS are 20-41 (-18.7 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
HOUSTON is 16-16 (-17.8 Units) against the money line as a home favorite of -175 to -250 this season.
HOUSTON is 35-30 (-28.6 Units) against the money line in home games this season.
HOUSTON is 19-17 (-20.7 Units) against the money line at home when the total is 8 to 8.5 this season.
HOUSTON is 25-27 (-17.9 Units) against the money line in August games over the last 2 seasons.
HOUSTON is 8-15 (-14.3 Units) against the money line in home games when playing on Thursday over the last 3 seasons.
HOUSTON is 10-18 (-28.3 Units) against the money line in home games against division opponents this season.
HOUSTON is 23-23 (-25.9 Units) against the money line in home games in night games this season.
HOUSTON is 11-14 (-19.8 Units) against the money line in home games against left-handed starters this season.
HOUSTON is 20-16 (-15.7 Units) against the money line in home games after a win this season.
VERLANDER is 5-10 (-19.7 Units) against the money line in home games this season. (Team's Record)
VERLANDER is 44-41 (-27.4 Units) against the money line at home when the total is 8 to 8.5 since 1997. (Team's Record)
VERLANDER is 3-9 (-17.9 Units) against the money line in home games in night games this season. (Team's Record)
VERLANDER is 3-7 (-13.1 Units) against the money line in home games after a win this season. (Team's Record)
VERLANDER is 3-6 (-14.7 Units) against the money line in home games when playing against a team with a losing record this season. (Team's Record)

Head-to-Head Series History
HOUSTON is 8-4 (+2.2 Units) against LA ANGELS this season
7 of 11 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+2.7 Units)

ANDREW HEANEY vs. HOUSTON since 1997
HEANEY is 2-1 when starting against HOUSTON with an ERA of 2.32 and a WHIP of 1.065.
His team's record is 3-2 (+1.4 units) in these starts. The OVER is 2-2. (-0.1 units)

JUSTIN VERLANDER vs. LA ANGELS since 1997
VERLANDER is 12-8 when starting against LA ANGELS with an ERA of 3.05 and a WHIP of 1.042.
His team's record is 13-10 (+0.5 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 16-5. (+10.3 units)

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BOSTON (92 - 42) at CHI WHITE SOX (53 - 80) - 8:10 PM
RICK PORCELLO (R) vs. LUCAS GIOLITO (R)
Top Trends for this game.
BOSTON is 10-19 (-15.1 Units) against the money line in road games when playing on Thursday over the last 3 seasons.
CHI WHITE SOX are 16-11 (+9.8 Units) against the money line in August games this season.
CHI WHITE SOX are 36-41 (+9.4 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
GIOLITO is 14-12 (+8.1 Units) against the money line in all games this season. (Team's Record)
GIOLITO is 12-6 (+11.0 Units) against the money line in night games this season. (Team's Record)
BOSTON is 92-42 (+31.6 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
BOSTON is 43-16 (+18.0 Units) against the money line when the total is 9 to 9.5 this season.
BOSTON is 20-7 (+11.0 Units) against the money line on the road when the total is 9 to 9.5 this season.
BOSTON is 75-28 (+33.5 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
BOSTON is 64-27 (+23.8 Units) against the money line after a win this season.
PORCELLO is 92-50 (+25.0 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record since 1997. (Team's Record)

Head-to-Head Series History
CHI WHITE SOX is 2-1 (+3.6 Units) against BOSTON this season
3 of 3 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+3.0 Units)

RICK PORCELLO vs. CHI WHITE SOX since 1997
PORCELLO is 11-9 when starting against CHI WHITE SOX with an ERA of 4.36 and a WHIP of 1.312.
His team's record is 15-9 (+5.1 units) in these starts. The OVER is 12-11. (+0.2 units)

LUCAS GIOLITO vs. BOSTON since 1997
No recent starts.

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SEATTLE (74 - 59) at OAKLAND (80 - 54) - 10:05 PM
WADE LEBLANC (L) vs. FRANKIE MONTAS (R)
Top Trends for this game.
SEATTLE is 172-213 (-57.7 Units) against the money line when playing on Thursday since 1997.
SEATTLE is 97-167 (-51.7 Units) against the money line in road games after 3 or more consecutive losses since 1997.
OAKLAND is 80-54 (+31.7 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
OAKLAND is 36-25 (+13.8 Units) against the money line when the total is 8 to 8.5 this season.
OAKLAND is 39-26 (+11.6 Units) against the money line in home games this season.
OAKLAND is 340-278 (+56.8 Units) against the money line in August games since 1997.
OAKLAND is 48-35 (+17.7 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
OAKLAND is 33-20 (+19.1 Units) against the money line after a loss this season.
SEATTLE is 74-59 (+11.7 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
SEATTLE is 40-34 (+5.1 Units) against the money line when the total is 8 to 8.5 this season.
SEATTLE is 36-31 (+8.3 Units) against the money line in road games this season.
SEATTLE is 17-12 (+7.0 Units) against the money line on the road when the total is 8 to 8.5 this season.
SEATTLE is 51-35 (+13.6 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
SEATTLE is 52-37 (+16.0 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
SEATTLE is 33-24 (+6.2 Units) against the money line after a loss this season.
SEATTLE is 34-35 (+4.9 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
LEBLANC is 14-7 (+8.3 Units) against the money line in all games this season. (Team's Record)
LEBLANC is 12-6 (+7.3 Units) against the money line in night games this season. (Team's Record)

Head-to-Head Series History
SEATTLE is 7-5 (+1.6 Units) against OAKLAND this season
8 of 12 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+3.7 Units)

WADE LEBLANC vs. OAKLAND since 1997
LEBLANC is 2-0 when starting against OAKLAND with an ERA of 2.95 and a WHIP of 1.146.
His team's record is 3-1 (+2.5 units) in these starts. The OVER is 2-2. (-0.1 units)

FRANKIE MONTAS vs. SEATTLE since 1997
No recent starts.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Diamond Trends - Thursday
Vince Akins

SU Play ON Trend of the Day:

-- The Indians are 18-0 SU since the start of the 2012 season as a home 140+ favorite after they lost by one run and it is post All-Star break.

SU Play AGAINST Trend of the Day:

-- The Mariners are 0-14 SU in the first game of a series with no rest as a road dog off a road game in which they did not hit a home run and it is post All-Star break.

Hitter-Based Trend of the Day:

-- The Reds are 0-14 SU as a home dog off a game as a dog in which Scooter Gennett had multiple hits.

Starter-Based Trend of the Day:

-- The Dodgers are 11-0 OU with Rich Hill as a favorite when he went 6+ innings and allowed fewer than six hits in his last start.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

MLB

Thursday, August 30


Streaking and Slumping Starting Pitchers

Streaking: J.A. Happ, New York Yankees (15-6, 3.850 ERA, $753)

It's was certainly no secret that the major issue with the Yankees' roster (other than some missing bodies due to injury) was their starting rotation. Well, what a boost they've gotten from the addition of J.A. Happ from the Blue Jays at the trade deadline.

Since putting on the pinstripes, Happ owns a team win/loss record of 5-0, an ERA of 2.37, and a WHIP of 0.9231.

Happ looks to keep it rolling this evening at Yankee Stadium as a huge -310 favorite against Francisco Liriano and the visiting Detroit Tigers.

Slumping: Francisco Liriano, Detroit Tigers (3-9, 4.82 ERA, $-559)

Francisco Liriano, another former Blue Jays' starter, comes in to tonight's outing with a team win/loss record of 3-9 on the season. Some of that can certainly be associated with the fact that he pitches for the rebuilding Detroit Tigers, but he has also really struggled with his personal stats of late. In Liriano's last three starts he is 0-3 with an ERA of 8.25, a WHIP of 2.25, and an opponent's on-base percentage of .443.

Liriano has the difficult assignment of trying to beat his ex-teammate, J.A. Happ, and contain the Yankees in The Bronx tonight as a +280 underdog.


Pitcher's Wind At Progressive

The weather forecast is calling for a 12-14 mile per hour wind blowing in from right-center field for this afternoon's game between the Twins and Indians in Cleveland. This is great news for today's starting pitchers, Jake Odorizzi and Mike Clevinger.

While Odorizzi's numbers are exactly awe-inspiring, he has been better on the road this season with an ERA of 4.01 and a WHIP of 1.35 away from Target Field. Clevinger has been dynamite in his last two starts at Progressive Field, allowing only one run in 13 innings of work.

With the wind blowing in and Clevinger's recent form at home, the Under on Minnesota's team total is worth a look at 3.5 (-115) and perhaps a sprinkle on the full game Under at 8.5 (-105).


YARR!!! More Unders

The Pirates and Cardinals will wrap up their three-game series this evening in St. Louis. The first two games of their mid-week set went Under the closing total and six of their last eight head-to-head encounters have cashed for Under bettors.

The Under has hit in 12 of the Pirates' last 16 games overall and seven of the Cards' last nine contests have finished Under the closing number.

Joe Musgrove gets the road start for the Pirates and he has been very tidy away from home with a 2.92 ERA and a 1.03 WHIP this season. His only career start against the Cardinals was back in May when he held them scoreless for seven innings in an eventual 8-1 victory.

Cards' starter John Gant is also in very good recent form with a very nice 1.99 ERA over his last four starts and owns a 3.35 ERA and 1.09 WHIP in seven starts at home this season.

With all of these stats, and the fact that Mike Winters and his huge 64.4 strike percentage on the season will be behind the plate, it makes sense to look at Under 8 (-115) for the full game and Under 4.5 (-130) for the first five innings.


An Insulting total?

Most times, when you see a total of 8.0 or lower, you expect to see a fairly decent pitching matchup on the board. And no offense to Robbie Ray and Rich Hill in tonight’s D-backs-Dodgers game, but they aren’t show stoppers by any means.

Ray has failed to find the magic he had last year with a 4.73 ERA and Hill has a 3.50 ERA, but rarely pitches more than six innings. Yes, this number is about a pair of lineups that are what some would call inconsistent.

However, both have a penchant for hitting home runs off south paws, which both Hill and Ray are. Plus, the Dodges bullpen has been iffy of late. Lastly, the Over has cashed the last seven times these two NL West rivals have met in L.A. We think the number is a little low for teams so talented. Look at the Over 7.5.