Cnotes Best Bets For Friday June 5th - MLB - NBA -NHL !

CNOTES · Jun 5, 2015

MLB

Friday, June 5

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Game of the Day: Cardinals at Dodgers
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St. Louis Cardinals at Los Angeles Dodgers (-120, 6.5)

Carlos Martinez superbly stymied Los Angeles on Sunday and looks for another strong performance when the St. Louis Cardinals visit the Dodgers on Friday. Martinez struck out eight and allowed just one hit in seven shutout innings as St. Louis posted a 3-1 victory over the Dodgers.

Martinez has pitched 20 1/3 scoreless innings over his last three outings and has allowed just 10 hits during the stretch. He will be looking to help the Cardinals win for the 10th time in 12 games after St. Louis rolled to a 7-1 victory in Thursday's series opener. The top four hitters in the Cardinals' lineup were a combined 8-for-15 in the opener, led by a three-hit game from shortstop Jhonny Peralta. Los Angeles center fielder Joc Pederson had his homer streak end at five consecutive games as his attempt to continue it came up short when he doubled off the left-center field fence in the third inning.

TV: 10:10 p.m. ET, FSN Midwest (St. Louis), SportsNet LA (Los Angeles)

LINE HISTORY: The line opened at LAD -123 before shifting to -120. The opening total of 6.5 has remained steady.

INJURY REPORT: Cardinals - 1B Matt Adams (Out-Quad), RP Jordan Walden (Out-Shoulder) Dodgers - 2B Howie Kendrick (Ques-Knee), OF Yasiel Puig (Out-Hamstring)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Cardinals RH Carlos Martinez (5-2, 3.13 ERA) vs. Dodgers LH Brett Anderson (2-3, 3.42)

Martinez has fanned eight batters on five occasions this season and has 64 overall in 60 1/3 innings. He gave up 14 runs over nine innings in his first two May starts before turning things around over his last four turns. Martinez is 1-1 with a 3.43 ERA in five career appearances (four starts) against Los Angeles.

Anderson faced Martinez on Sunday and took the loss as he allowed two runs and five hits in six innings. He is 0-2 over his last four outings and has allowed two or fewer runs in five of his last six turns. Anderson is 1-0 with a 2.89 ERA in five home starts.

TRENDS:

*Cardinals are 5-1 in the last 6 meetings.
*Dodgers are 8-2 in their last 10 during game 2 of a series.
*Under is 6-1 in the last 7 meetings.
*Over is 8-1 in Martinezs last 9 starts vs. a team with a winning record.

CONSENSUS: 53 percent of the Consensus is behind the Cardinals with 62 percent on the over.

CNOTES · Jun 5, 2015

MLB

Friday, June 5

We hope you weren't banking on homefield advantage Thursday

Maybe home teams just thought they could kick their feet up Thursday, but it did not pan out as they went an abysmal 1-9 straight-up. Teams taking to their home diamonds managed to amass a mere 2.3 runs, with four teams only plating a lone runner.

Road teams dominated the scoresheet by almost doubling up their hosting counterparts (44-23). Four road teams even managed to win by three or more runs in hostile territory Thursday.

The lone home team to leave action with a 'W' Thursday was the Texas Rangers, and it took them 11 innings to pull a 2-1 victory over the White Sox.

On the season as a whole home teams have won 53.41 percent of the time.

Nationals bats have gone shockingly quiet

The Washington Nationals have dropped six of their past seven games. The hardest numbers to ignore during that stretch is the Nationals lack of run scoring ability.

The Nats are scoring 2.1 runs per contest in their past seven, including an 8-0 shutout to the Blue Jays, compared to their season average of 4.33.

On the defensive side, the Nats have been struggling to stop teams too, with the team allowing 5.4 runs during this span.

Washington is currently -126 when they play host to the Chicago Cubs Friday.

CNOTES · Jun 5, 2015

MLB
Long Sheet

Friday, June 5

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CHICAGO CUBS (28 - 24) at WASHINGTON (29 - 25) - 7:05 PM
TSUYOSHI WADA (L) vs. TANNER ROARK (R)
Top Trends for this game.
CHICAGO CUBS are 1415-1577 (-280.0 Units) against the money line in all games since 1997.
CHICAGO CUBS are 1358-1490 (-254.8 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field since 1997.
CHICAGO CUBS are 1039-1173 (-213.8 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters since 1997.
CHICAGO CUBS are 656-760 (-200.5 Units) against the money line after a win since 1997.
WASHINGTON is 15-21 (-14.3 Units) against the money line when playing on Friday over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
WASHINGTON is 2-2 (-0.1 Units) against CHICAGO CUBS this season
4 of 4 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+4.0 Units)

TSUYOSHI WADA vs. WASHINGTON since 1997
WADA is 0-0 when starting against WASHINGTON with an ERA of 1.69 and a WHIP of 1.126.
His team's record is 0-1 (-1.2 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 1-0. (+1.0 units)

TANNER ROARK vs. CHICAGO CUBS since 1997
ROARK is 1-2 when starting against CHICAGO CUBS with an ERA of 4.50 and a WHIP of 1.389.
His team's record is 1-2 (-1.7 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 1-2. (-1.2 units)

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SAN FRANCISCO (30 - 25) at PHILADELPHIA (21 - 34) - 7:05 PM
TIM LINCECUM (R) vs. JEROME WILLIAMS (R)
Top Trends for this game.
SAN FRANCISCO is 10-19 (-12.8 Units) against the money line in June games over the last 2 seasons.
SAN FRANCISCO is 1-7 (-8.0 Units) against the money line after 3 or more consecutive losses this season.
SAN FRANCISCO is 130-104 (+19.7 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
SAN FRANCISCO is 33-22 (+14.5 Units) against the money line when the total is 8 to 8.5 over the last 3 seasons.
SAN FRANCISCO is 63-52 (+17.9 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 2 seasons.
SAN FRANCISCO is 130-104 (+19.7 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
SAN FRANCISCO is 1042-871 (+119.1 Units) against the money line in night games since 1997.
SAN FRANCISCO is 90-70 (+12.7 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
SAN FRANCISCO is 373-371 (+44.1 Units) against the money line in road games after a loss since 1997.

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

TIM LINCECUM vs. PHILADELPHIA since 1997
LINCECUM is 7-4 when starting against PHILADELPHIA with an ERA of 3.21 and a WHIP of 1.149.
His team's record is 7-8 (-1.6 units) in these starts. The OVER is 10-5. (+5.1 units)

JEROME WILLIAMS vs. SAN FRANCISCO since 1997
WILLIAMS is 0-2 when starting against SAN FRANCISCO with an ERA of 4.36 and a WHIP of 1.839.
His team's record is 0-2 (-2.1 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-1. (-0.2 units)

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SAN DIEGO (27 - 28) at CINCINNATI (23 - 29) - 7:10 PM
TYSON ROSS (R) vs. RAISEL IGLESIAS (R)
Top Trends for this game.
SAN DIEGO is 13-31 (-16.4 Units) against the money line in road games after a win over the last 2 seasons.
CINCINNATI is 106-125 (-38.8 Units) against the money line in home games in June games since 1997.
CINCINNATI is 362-384 (-92.9 Units) against the money line in home games after a win since 1997.
CINCINNATI is 364-332 (-84.9 Units) against the money line in home games when playing against a team with a losing record since 1997.

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

TYSON ROSS vs. CINCINNATI since 1997
ROSS is 3-0 when starting against CINCINNATI with an ERA of 0.78 and a WHIP of 0.826.
His team's record is 3-0 (+3.9 units) in these starts. The OVER is 0-3. (-3.1 units)

RAISEL IGLESIAS vs. SAN DIEGO since 1997
No recent starts.

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PITTSBURGH (29 - 24) at ATLANTA (26 - 27) - 7:35 PM
CHARLIE MORTON (R) vs. WILLIAMS PEREZ (R)
Top Trends for this game.
PITTSBURGH is 214-170 (+29.9 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 3 seasons.
PITTSBURGH is 12-4 (+9.4 Units) against the money line in road games in June games over the last 2 seasons.
PITTSBURGH is 212-169 (+28.3 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 3 seasons.
PITTSBURGH is 83-60 (+14.7 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.
PITTSBURGH is 173-139 (+26.3 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 3 seasons.
PITTSBURGH is 119-70 (+34.2 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 3 seasons.
ATLANTA is 125-112 (-36.4 Units) against the money line in home games in June games since 1997.
ATLANTA is 103-109 (-16.6 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
ATLANTA is 83-89 (-15.0 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.

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

CHARLIE MORTON vs. ATLANTA since 1997
MORTON is 0-2 when starting against ATLANTA with an ERA of 2.57 and a WHIP of 1.429.
His team's record is 1-2 (-0.2 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 3-0. (+3.0 units)

WILLIAMS PEREZ vs. PITTSBURGH since 1997
No recent starts.

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MIAMI (22 - 32) at COLORADO (24 - 28) - 8:40 PM
TOM KOEHLER (R) vs. EDDIE BUTLER (R)
Top Trends for this game.
MIAMI is 15-29 (-16.1 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
MIAMI is 82-85 (+20.9 Units) against the money line in road games when playing with a day off since 1997.
COLORADO is 55-88 (-31.3 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.
COLORADO is 73-92 (-28.7 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 3 seasons.

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

TOM KOEHLER vs. COLORADO since 1997
KOEHLER is 1-0 when starting against COLORADO with an ERA of 2.14 and a WHIP of 1.143.
His team's record is 1-2 (-0.5 units) in these starts. The OVER is 0-3. (-3.2 units)

EDDIE BUTLER vs. MIAMI since 1997
No recent starts.

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NY METS (30 - 25) at ARIZONA (25 - 28) - 9:40 PM
JON NIESE (L) vs. JEREMY HELLICKSON (R)
Top Trends for this game.
NY METS are 4-14 (-10.2 Units) against the money line in road games in night games this season.
NY METS are 109-108 (+7.7 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
NY METS are 109-108 (+7.7 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
NY METS are 62-41 (+19.0 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.
ARIZONA is 89-126 (-32.1 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
ARIZONA is 46-61 (-18.6 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 2 seasons.
ARIZONA is 89-126 (-32.1 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
ARIZONA is 34-68 (-29.3 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.

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

JON NIESE vs. ARIZONA since 1997
NIESE is 2-2 when starting against ARIZONA with an ERA of 6.67 and a WHIP of 1.518.
His team's record is 2-3 (-1.5 units) in these starts. The OVER is 4-1. (+2.9 units)

JEREMY HELLICKSON vs. NY METS since 1997
HELLICKSON is 0-1 when starting against NY METS with an ERA of 19.62 and a WHIP of 2.725.
His team's record is 0-1 (-1.3 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 0-1. (-1.2 units)

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ST LOUIS (36 - 18) at LA DODGERS (31 - 23) - 10:10 PM
CARLOS MARTINEZ (R) vs. BRETT ANDERSON (L)
Top Trends for this game.
ST LOUIS is 21-36 (-18.1 Units) against the money line in road games after a win over the last 2 seasons.
ST LOUIS is 6-15 (-11.6 Units) against the money line in road games after 3 or more consecutive wins over the last 3 seasons.
LA DODGERS are 60-31 (+20.2 Units) against the money line after a loss over the last 2 seasons.
ST LOUIS is 36-18 (+15.7 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
ST LOUIS is 36-18 (+15.7 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
ST LOUIS is 59-43 (+13.3 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
ST LOUIS is 3-1 (+1.7 Units) against LA DODGERS this season
3 of 4 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+1.8 Units)

CARLOS MARTINEZ vs. LA DODGERS since 1997
MARTINEZ is 1-1 when starting against LA DODGERS with an ERA of 3.60 and a WHIP of 1.550.
His team's record is 2-2 (+0.2 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-3. (-2.0 units)

BRETT ANDERSON vs. ST LOUIS since 1997
ANDERSON is 0-1 when starting against ST LOUIS with an ERA of 3.00 and a WHIP of 1.333.
His team's record is 0-1 (-1.1 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 1-0. (+1.0 units)

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BALTIMORE (24 - 29) at CLEVELAND (26 - 27) - 7:05 PM
CHRIS TILLMAN (R) vs. SHAUN MARCUM (R)
Top Trends for this game.
BALTIMORE is 11-21 (-11.6 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
CLEVELAND is 111-62 (+35.9 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 3 seasons.
BALTIMORE is 124-99 (+29.5 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
BALTIMORE is 55-53 (+13.2 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 2 seasons.
BALTIMORE is 110-87 (+25.7 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
BALTIMORE is 96-72 (+27.9 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
BALTIMORE is 31-25 (+13.2 Units) against the money line in road games after a win over the last 2 seasons.
TILLMAN is 29-18 (+11.9 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
TILLMAN is 14-7 (+10.5 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
TILLMAN is 26-15 (+11.5 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
TILLMAN is 37-20 (+16.3 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
CLEVELAND is 116-116 (-41.0 Units) against the money line in home games in June games since 1997.
MARCUM is 3-14 (-13.2 Units) against the money line at home with a money line of -100 to -125 since 1997. (Team's Record)
MARCUM is 22-31 (-16.6 Units) against the money line in home games in night games since 1997. (Team's Record)

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

CHRIS TILLMAN vs. CLEVELAND since 1997
TILLMAN is 2-2 when starting against CLEVELAND with an ERA of 5.19 and a WHIP of 1.462.
His team's record is 2-3 (-0.9 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 5-0. (+5.0 units)

SHAUN MARCUM vs. BALTIMORE since 1997
MARCUM is 4-2 when starting against BALTIMORE with an ERA of 4.14 and a WHIP of 1.426.
His team's record is 7-5 (-0.5 units) in these starts. The OVER is 8-4. (+4.0 units)

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LA ANGELS (28 - 26) at NY YANKEES (29 - 25) - 7:05 PM
JERED WEAVER (R) vs. NATHAN EOVALDI (R)
Top Trends for this game.
LA ANGELS are 61-31 (+18.6 Units) against the money line when the total is 8 to 8.5 over the last 2 seasons.
LA ANGELS are 762-741 (+69.1 Units) against the money line in road games since 1997.
LA ANGELS are 191-172 (+29.3 Units) against the money line on the road when the total is 8 to 8.5 since 1997.
LA ANGELS are 136-111 (+37.8 Units) against the money line in road games in June games since 1997.
LA ANGELS are 279-203 (+53.1 Units) against the money line when playing on Friday since 1997.
LA ANGELS are 639-623 (+62.7 Units) against the money line in road games in games played on a grass field since 1997.
LA ANGELS are 101-68 (+18.8 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.
WEAVER is 172-108 (+32.7 Units) against the money line in all games since 1997. (Team's Record)
NY YANKEES are 44-50 (-15.6 Units) against the money line when the total is 8 to 8.5 over the last 2 seasons.

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

JERED WEAVER vs. NY YANKEES since 1997
WEAVER is 7-4 when starting against NY YANKEES with an ERA of 5.46 and a WHIP of 1.397.
His team's record is 10-5 (+5.4 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 5-9. (-5.5 units)

NATHAN EOVALDI vs. LA ANGELS since 1997
EOVALDI is 0-1 when starting against LA ANGELS with an ERA of 6.75 and a WHIP of 2.144.
His team's record is 0-2 (-2.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-1. (-0.1 units)

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HOUSTON (34 - 21) at TORONTO (25 - 30) - 7:05 PM
ROBERTO HERNANDEZ (R) vs. AARON SANCHEZ (R)
Top Trends for this game.
HERNANDEZ is 14-27 (-13.1 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
HOUSTON is 34-21 (+11.6 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
HOUSTON is 16-6 (+11.8 Units) against the money line as a road underdog of +100 to +125 over the last 2 seasons.
HOUSTON is 15-8 (+9.5 Units) against the money line in road games this season.
HOUSTON is 71-80 (+8.6 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.
HOUSTON is 22-11 (+12.2 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
TORONTO is 4-12 (-10.0 Units) against the money line in home games when playing on Friday over the last 2 seasons.
TORONTO is 8-16 (-9.3 Units) against the money line after a win this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
HOUSTON is 4-0 (+4.0 Units) against TORONTO this season
3 of 4 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+2.1 Units)

ROBERTO HERNANDEZ vs. TORONTO since 1997
HERNANDEZ is 3-3 when starting against TORONTO with an ERA of 4.38 and a WHIP of 1.414.
His team's record is 5-5 (-1.4 units) in these starts. The OVER is 7-3. (+4.3 units)

AARON SANCHEZ vs. HOUSTON since 1997
No recent starts.

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OAKLAND (23 - 33) at BOSTON (24 - 31) - 7:10 PM
SCOTT KAZMIR (L) vs. WADE MILEY (L)
Top Trends for this game.
OAKLAND is 23-33 (-15.7 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
OAKLAND is 21-31 (-16.1 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
OAKLAND is 31-35 (-16.6 Units) against the money line against left-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
OAKLAND is 7-15 (-11.4 Units) against the money line after a win this season.
OAKLAND is 8-17 (-12.1 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
OAKLAND is 85-50 (+25.9 Units) against the money line when the total is 8 to 8.5 over the last 3 seasons.
BOSTON is 24-31 (-13.1 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
BOSTON is 39-55 (-24.0 Units) against the money line when the total is 8 to 8.5 over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 9-22 (-16.7 Units) against the money line at home with a money line of -100 to -125 over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 46-62 (-33.4 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 24-31 (-15.5 Units) against the money line at home when the total is 8 to 8.5 over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 22-27 (-10.9 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
BOSTON is 67-86 (-28.3 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 25-35 (-20.1 Units) against the money line in home games after a loss over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 37-46 (-16.5 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
BOSTON is 2-1 (+1.4 Units) against OAKLAND this season
2 of 3 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+0.8 Units)

SCOTT KAZMIR vs. BOSTON since 1997
KAZMIR is 9-8 when starting against BOSTON with an ERA of 4.09 and a WHIP of 1.437.
His team's record is 16-15 (+8.2 units) in these starts. The OVER is 19-12. (+6.7 units)

WADE MILEY vs. OAKLAND since 1997
MILEY is 1-0 when starting against OAKLAND with an ERA of 0.00 and a WHIP of 1.349.
His team's record is 1-0 (+1.3 units) in these starts. The OVER is 0-1. (-1.3 units)

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DETROIT (28 - 27) at CHI WHITE SOX (24 - 28) - 8:10 PM
KYLE RYAN (L) vs. JOSE QUINTANA (L)
Top Trends for this game.
DETROIT is 143-219 (-60.0 Units) against the money line as a road underdog of +100 to +125 since 1997.
DETROIT is 11-19 (-10.5 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
DETROIT is 47-53 (-20.6 Units) against the money line after a loss over the last 2 seasons.
DETROIT is 52-54 (-19.0 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.
CHI WHITE SOX are 12-19 (-10.2 Units) against the money line against division opponents this season.
QUINTANA is 14-23 (-13.2 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)
QUINTANA is 7-17 (-12.2 Units) against the money line against division opponents over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
QUINTANA is 13-27 (-15.7 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
QUINTANA is 7-15 (-10.4 Units) against the money line in home games in night games over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)
QUINTANA is 5-17 (-12.6 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)

Head-to-Head Series History
CHI WHITE SOX is 3-3 (-0.2 Units) against DETROIT this season
3 of 6 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=-0.2 Units, Under=-0.2 Units)

KYLE RYAN vs. CHI WHITE SOX since 1997
RYAN is 1-0 when starting against CHI WHITE SOX with an ERA of 0.00 and a WHIP of 1.167.
His team's record is 1-0 (+1.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-0. (+1.0 units)

JOSE QUINTANA vs. DETROIT since 1997
QUINTANA is 4-3 when starting against DETROIT with an ERA of 4.30 and a WHIP of 1.352.
His team's record is 5-5 (+2.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 5-4. (+0.7 units)

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TEXAS (28 - 26) at KANSAS CITY (30 - 21) - 8:10 PM
CHI CHI GONZALEZ (R) vs. EDINSON VOLQUEZ (R)
Top Trends for this game.
TEXAS is 63-95 (-23.6 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.
KANSAS CITY is 30-21 (+8.4 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
KANSAS CITY is 24-12 (+12.6 Units) against the money line when playing on Friday over the last 2 seasons.
KANSAS CITY is 30-21 (+8.4 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
KANSAS CITY is 93-66 (+17.8 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.
KANSAS CITY is 93-68 (+14.4 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
KANSAS CITY is 13-6 (+8.5 Units) against the money line after a loss this season.
KANSAS CITY is 64-47 (+16.3 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
VOLQUEZ is 52-33 (+24.0 Units) against the money line after a loss since 1997. (Team's Record)
TEXAS is 28-26 (+10.9 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
TEXAS is 17-11 (+14.3 Units) against the money line in road games this season.
TEXAS is 26-24 (+9.9 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
TEXAS is 19-15 (+9.7 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
TEXAS is 12-4 (+13.3 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
TEXAS is 2-2 (+0.4 Units) against KANSAS CITY this season
2 of 3 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+1.0 Units)

CHI CHI GONZALEZ vs. KANSAS CITY since 1997
No recent starts.

EDINSON VOLQUEZ vs. TEXAS since 1997
VOLQUEZ is 0-1 when starting against TEXAS with an ERA of 9.00 and a WHIP of 1.800.
His team's record is 1-1 (+0.0 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 0-2. (-2.4 units)

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TAMPA BAY (29 - 26) at SEATTLE (24 - 30) - 10:10 PM
JAKE ODORIZZI (R) vs. J.A. HAPP (L)
Top Trends for this game.
TAMPA BAY is 106-111 (-25.3 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
TAMPA BAY is 4-12 (-10.2 Units) against the money line when the total is 7 or less this season.
SEATTLE is 24-30 (-11.2 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
SEATTLE is 12-17 (-10.7 Units) against the money line in home games this season.
SEATTLE is 5-11 (-9.0 Units) against the money line at home when the total is 7 or less this season.
SEATTLE is 19-29 (-15.7 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
SEATTLE is 16-24 (-12.9 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
SEATTLE is 34-44 (-25.3 Units) against the money line in home games against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
SEATTLE is 3-1 (+2.1 Units) against TAMPA BAY this season
3 of 4 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+1.9 Units)

JAKE ODORIZZI vs. SEATTLE since 1997
ODORIZZI is 1-1 when starting against SEATTLE with an ERA of 0.69 and a WHIP of 0.769.
His team's record is 1-1 (-0.4 units) in these starts. The OVER is 0-2. (-2.0 units)

J.A. HAPP vs. TAMPA BAY since 1997
HAPP is 2-2 when starting against TAMPA BAY with an ERA of 4.96 and a WHIP of 1.349.
His team's record is 4-3 (+2.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 4-3. (+0.8 units)

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

MILWAUKEE (18 - 36) at MINNESOTA (32 - 21) - 8:10 PM
KYLE LOHSE (R) vs. KYLE GIBSON (R)
Top Trends for this game.
MILWAUKEE is 18-36 (-17.7 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
MILWAUKEE is 18-36 (-17.7 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
MILWAUKEE is 10-23 (-13.0 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
MILWAUKEE is 13-30 (-17.1 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
MILWAUKEE is 12-23 (-11.6 Units) against the money line after a loss this season.
MINNESOTA is 32-21 (+17.8 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
MINNESOTA is 19-7 (+14.3 Units) against the money line in home games this season.
MINNESOTA is 32-21 (+17.8 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
MINNESOTA is 16-9 (+11.7 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
MINNESOTA is 12-4 (+9.6 Units) against the money line in home games against right-handed starters this season.
MINNESOTA is 18-13 (+8.3 Units) against the money line after a win this season.
MINNESOTA is 25-10 (+20.8 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
GIBSON is 11-3 (+10.0 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)

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

KYLE LOHSE vs. MINNESOTA since 1997
LOHSE is 0-1 when starting against MINNESOTA with an ERA of 11.56 and a WHIP of 1.927.
His team's record is 0-1 (-1.2 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 0-1. (-1.2 units)

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

CNOTES · Jun 5, 2015

Braves bats suddenly some of the best in the bigs

The Atlanta Braves are 4-0-1 over/under in their past five contests as they have tallied at least six runs in each of those affairs. The five consecutive games of six runs or more is tied for the longest in the MLB this season (Astros, Tigers).

The Braves has plated 34 runs in their past five, while they amounted the same amount in the 12 previous games.

Atlanta hosts the Pittsburgh Pirates Friday with a current total of 7.5.

CNOTES · Jun 5, 2015

Niese's struggles have Mets losing, Overs cashing

New York Mets' P Jon Niese is struggling as of late, which has lead the team to drop their last four games with the leftie starting.

Niese has worked 20 innings in his past four starts while allowing 20 runs and five home runs. It should not come as a shock then that all four of those starts have been losses for the Mets and overs for bettors.

The Mets are currently +108 with a total of nine when they travel to Arizona Friday.

CNOTES · Jun 5, 2015

Will books adjust low totals for Padres?

Over bettors have been relishing the Padres, as San Diego has a 7-0-1 over/under record in their past eight games.

Those eight games have seen the Padres average 4.9 runs per game while allowing 4.4.

None of the closing totals during those eight games have gone past 7, with 50 percent of those games closing at 6.5 or lower.

San Diego will visit Cincinnati, another hot over team, Friday with the total currently set at 8.

CNOTES · Jun 5, 2015

Indians sit slumping SS Ramirez

KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- Jose Ramirez's offensive struggles landed him on the Cleveland Indians' bench.

For the second consecutive game Thursday, veteran Mike Aviles started at shortstop while the feeble-hitting Ramirez took a seat during the Indians' 6-2, rain-shortened win over the Kansas City Royals.

Ramirez took over the shortstop duties full time last July 31, and he wound up batting .262 in 62 games in 2014. He is slumping mightily at the plate in 2015, producing a .184 average with seven extra-base hits in 147 at-bats for a .245 slugging percentage and a .252 on-base percentage.

"I'm just trying to win the game tonight," Indians manager Terry Francona said when asked about Ramirez's bench time. "There has been times when Josie looks like he's turning the corner, and there have been times when he looks like he's not.

"He is getting beat on fastballs, and then he is ahead of the breaking ball. I spent a lot of years doing that. I think it starts with his base. At times, his feet want to move around a little bit. Then you start to press."

Francisco Lindor, the Indians' 2011 first-round pick, is touted as the shortstop of the future.

"Lindor is not ready. He's really not," Francona said.

Lindor, 21, is hitting .260 with nine doubles, two homers and 21 RBIs for Triple-A Columbus.

CNOTES · Jun 5, 2015

Mariners' offensive funk continues even with Trumbo

SEATTLE -- Mark Trumbo provided the added offense, as advertised, in his Seattle Mariners debut on Thursday night.

It just wasn't enough.

Trumbo went 2-for-4 in his first game with Seattle, a 2-1 loss to the Tampa Bay Rays.

"It's kind of bittersweet," he said. "It's nice to get that out of the way, but it would have been a lot nicer to get a nice win, too. All you can ask for is to do what you can."

Even with a new lineup that had Trumbo in the No. 5 spot and middle-of-the-lineup hitters Robinson Cano, Nelson Cruz and Kyle Seager all moving up one spot, the Mariners continued to struggle putting runs on the board. Seattle (24-30) had 10 hits but extended its season-worst losing streak to six games because it couldn't hit with runners in scoring position.

After going 1-for-11 with six strikeouts Thursday, the Mariners are now hitting an American League-worst .215 with runners in scoring position.

"Obviously, we couldn't get them in," manager Lloyd McClendon said late Thursday night, rolling out a familiar refrain for a team that has now driven in an AL-low 116 runs when runners are in scoring position. "I believe, truly, that we're going to score a lot of runs. Tonight was one of those nights that leaves you scratching your head."

It's been a season-long problem for a fan base that has done so much head-scratching that they might need a lice check.

Just don't blame Trumbo, who's only been around for one game and did his part to give the offense a spark.

"It's nice to see him in that lineup," McClendon said. "He swings it. It's nice to see him have some success."

CNOTES · Jun 5, 2015

Nats' Rendon makes long-awaited season debut

WASHINGTON -- After an injury absence that extended longer than anyone initially expected, Anthony Rendon is finally back with the Washington Nationals.

And already, his manager is pleading for others not to pressure him for an offensive spark.

"You can't expect him to be the catalyst for anything right now," Matt Williams said of Rendon, who batted .287 with 21 homers and 83 RBIs last season while winning a Silver Slugger at third base. "But we're glad to have him back."

The infielder missed Washington's first 53 games this season with a sprained left knee and then a strained left oblique before returning Thursday for the Nationals' 2-1 loss to the Chicago Cubs.

With Washington scoring only 30 runs in its past 13 games, the pressure may soon ratchet up on Rendon, especially if third baseman Yunel Escobar is out for any length of time after sustaining a right wrist injury Thursday. Williams said X-rays were negative but that Escobar would be evaluated further Friday.

Rendon won a Silver Slugger at third base last season, but he will play mostly at second with Escobar also in the lineup, Williams said. Escobar is batting .317 with two homers and 14 RBIs.

"I'm not surprised about anything anymore," Rendon said. "I'm just happy to go out here and help the team any way I can. If I end up playing first, second, third, short, left, center, left bench, you know, I'm happy to be here."

Quickly inserted into the No. 2 spot in the lineup, Rendon went 2-for-4 with a double in his first game back.

He appeared to have a chance for a storybook return when he came to the plate with two runners on in the ninth inning. However, pinch hitter Clint Robinson was picked off first base, and the Nationals took their third consecutive loss and sixth out of seven with Rendon still in the batter's box.

"That can't happen," Robinson said. "I took the bat out of Anthony's hands, one of our better hitters."

CNOTES · Jun 5, 2015

Nationals bats have gone shockingly quiet

The Washington Nationals have dropped six of their past seven games. The hardest numbers to ignore during that stretch is the Nationals lack of run scoring ability.

The Nats are scoring 2.1 runs per contest in their past seven, including an 8-0 shutout to the Blue Jays, compared to their season average of 4.33.

On the defensive side, the Nats have been struggling to stop teams too, with the team allowing 5.4 runs during this span.

Washington is currently -126 when they play host to the Chicago Cubs Friday.

CNOTES · Jun 5, 2015

Angels riding Weaver's arm to wins

Jered Weaver is expected to take to the mound with the LA Angels looking for their sixth consecutive win with the veteran starting. In his last five starts Weaver is 4-0 while only surrendering eight runs in 36.1 innings pitched.

However, Weaver will need to buck an ugly trend to continue his strong play as the Angels have dropped four of their past five games at Yankee Stadium with the rightie starting.

CNOTES · Jun 5, 2015

Cubs give scuffling Montero an extended break

WASHINGTON -- Slumping Chicago Cubs catcher Miguel Montero began his third consecutive game on the bench Thursday, a decision manager Joe Maddon attributed mostly to pitching matchups and the looming dog days of summer.

The left-handed-batting Montero is in a 4-for-39 (.103) slump over his past 13 games, with his batting average dropping from .313 to .244 in that stretch. So Maddon gave veteran David Ross his third consecutive start, with the Cubs facing left-handers on Tuesday and Thursday, and Ross catching former Boston Red Sox teammate Jon Lester on Wednesday.

Maddon said he hoped resting Montero now would pay off.

"Looking at the big picture, during the course of the whole season, keeping him frisky now is going to benefit us later," Maddon said of Montero before the Cubs' 2-1 win over the Washington Nationals. "Sometimes, the schedule itself dictates what you're supposed to do, so you just pay attention to it."

Montero played in 136 games last season for the Arizona Diamondbacks -- starting behind the plate for 132 of them -- while earning his second All-Star appearance. However, he batted .230 in July, .236 in August and .183 in September/October before joining the Cubs in an offseason trade.

Ross, 38, last started three consecutive games from Sept. 2-4, 2012, the final month of his final season with the Atlanta Braves. He played in 86 games the past two seasons with Boston.

Ross struck out three times Thursday, but he also picked Clint Robinson off first base for the game's final out and caught two of three attempted base-stealers.

Maddon said Montero understands his manager may try to find him more rest this season, giving more opportunities to Ross when the team faces left-handed starters.

"We've had conversations," Maddon said. "He's good, he's been good about it. He's been really supportive of Rossy."

CNOTES · Jun 5, 2015

Murphy's injury muddles Mets' infield plans

PHOENIX -- When it became clear that third baseman David Wright would miss extensive time, New York Mets manager Terry Collins juggled his infield defense Thursday, moving Daniel Murphy to third base and Ruben Tejada to second.

You know what they say about the best laid plans ...

Three innings into the change, Murphy was forced to leave Thursday's game, a 6-2 Mets win over the Arizona Diamondbacks, due to tightness in his left quadriceps. He is to undergo an MRI exam Friday, but it appears almost certain the Mets will be without him for a while. And since they are carrying only 12 position players, a decision must be made soon, Collins said.

Until Murphy's exit, Collins had everything lined up the way he wanted it. Tejada started the previous seven games at third base, with Murphy manning his normal spot at second. Murphy played third earlier during Wright's absence, and Collins sounded as if he would give the new alignment a good, long look.

"With the news that David is week-to-week, if not more, we have to start putting our best defense out there," Collins said. "I'm a true believer in good pitching and good defense, and we certainly have the good pitching. I thought we'd flip it, and both Dan and Ruben were on board with it."

Collins said he was mulling the move for a week. Even after Murphy's injury, Collins said that Tejada would remain at second base.

"Dan Murphy is a stinking All-Star," Collins said. "You just don't take All-Stars and switch them positions for one or two days. We'll have this alignment, and I'm not saying we won't switch in the middle. But for now, this is what we are going to go with."

Collins said he considered moving shortstop Wilmer Flores but stopped short of the full-scale change. Some believe the Mets' best infield defense would be Tejada at shortstop and Flores at second base.

"We might," Collins said of moving Flores. "Nobody said we're not going to do it. We're just not doing it now. We're trying to take baby steps now. We're not trying to reinvent the wheel totally. I know that I think Dan Murphy is an outstanding third baseman. As I told Ruben, if Jose Reyes was still here, he'd be the second baseman. I'm going to put you back where I think you fit the best right now. We'll go from there."

Collins said he will readdress the infield alignment again when Wright returns.

"I'm going to stay away from the shortstop position right now because it's a firestorm," Collins said. "(Flores has) played great. He made a real good play in San Diego. Leave him alone. The minute you move him, controversy starts. Then you move him back, and more controversy. We're trying to play baseball here and stay away from the back page."

CNOTES · Jun 5, 2015

Diamondbacks' Bradley goes back on DL

PHOENIX -- Right-hander Archie Bradley will not make his next start after all.

The Arizona Diamondbacks placed Bradley on the disabled list Thursday due to right shoulder tendinitis, and they recalled left-hander Robbie Ray to start against the New York Mets.

Bradley struggled since returning from a previous stay on the disabled list, giving up 19 earned runs, 27 hits and 11 walks in his past four starts, covering 15 2/3 innings.

He has not been the same since he was struck in the face with a line drive in his fourth career start April 18. Bradley was 2-0 with a 1.45 ERA in his first three starts, beating the Los Angeles Dodgers' Clayton Kershaw and the Texas Rangers' Yovani Gallardo and earning a no-decision against the San Francisco Giants' Madison Bumgarner in a game he left with a lead.

Bradley is 0-3 with a 10.91 ERA since returning from the disabled list May 16.

"We just felt like, at this point, after the tough outings, getting hit in the face and then some soreness in his shoulder, we wanted to 'DL' him and get him a break," Arizona manager Chip Hale said. "I told him this today, we need to get him back to who he was before the injury to the face. He hasn't had the same stuff, the same location."

Bradley said he felt more soreness than normal in a May 26 start at St. Louis and that it persisted during his side sessions. An MRI administered earlier this week showed no structural damage.

"Something was funny," Bradley said. "It wasn't painful. Just something wasn't right. It felt off. I was having to labor a little more than I normally do. No one wants to pitch like that, so I said something. Hopefully, we can jump on it, calm it down and go from there. It had been a little more sore the start in St. Louis, but nothing I was really concerned about. Just figured it was a little dead arm or soreness. Just kind of carried over and just not feeling right."

Bradley will be shut down for a few days before picking up a ball to play catch Sunday or Monday and progressing from there. He will go out on a rehab assignment, Hale said, something the D-backs did not do after he was struck in the face with the liner.

"The mistake maybe by us was not sending him on a rehab then," Hale said. "He's a young kid. We talked about it today, 'You're young, this is all part of your career.' We need to stay positive with him, but he needs to understand he can't continue to pitch the way he was pitching and pitch here. I told him, there's no guarantees. He has to pitch well and prove he's ready to pitch here."

Bradley won the No. 5 spot in the rotation late in spring training, when the Diamondbacks traded Trevor Cahill to the Atlanta Braves to make room for him. Ray was sent down earlier in spring.

In his second major league start of the season, Ray fired five shutout innings Thursday in a no-decision during the Diamondbacks' 6-2 loss to the Mets.

CNOTES · Jun 5, 2015

Royals' Medlen, Duffy impress in simulated game

KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- Before playing their real game Thursday night, the Kansas City Royals played a "doubleheader" simulated game.

Rehabbing pitchers Kris Medlen and Danny Duffy each threw 45 pitches and three innings.

Medlen, who is recovering from Tommy John surgery performed in March 2014, has not pitched in the majors since 2013. Duffy has been out two weeks due to left biceps tendinitis.

"Fantastic, they both looked great," Royals manager Ned Yost said of the simulated action. "Duffy, the ball was exploding out of his hand, commanding his breaking ball and changeup real well.

"Medlen the same way, really nice four-seamer, two-seamer, nice action on his curveball."

Yost said the next step for Duffy would likely be a side session Saturday.

"If he feels good, he'll probably be ready to go out (on a minor league rehab assignment)," Yost said.

Yost said Medlen is still a ways away from beginning a rehab assignment.

"He looks like he's right on track to come back," the manager said. "It just increases our depth and gives us another quality guy we can fill in in the starting rotation or in the bullpen if we need him."

It is doubtful Medlen would be major-league-ready until after the All-Star break.

CNOTES · Jun 5, 2015

Reds' Phillips using simple yet effective approach

PHILADELPHIA -- The approach is simple, the results impressive.

"I just try to play the game, not worry about stats and stuff like that," Cincinnati Reds second baseman Brandon Phillips said after going 3-for-5 in Thursday's 6-4 victory over the Philadelphia Phillies. "I just try to hit the ball, and hopefully nobody catches it. Only thing I did today was hit the ball where they weren't."

He's been doing that a lot lately. Thursday's game was his fourth straight multi-hit effort, and his second straight with three hits. He is also hitting .385 on the road this season, .311 overall.

Phillips, plagued by turf toe for the better part of a month, has been doing that while batting leadoff. He has hit in that spot before, but he has also batted cleanup in his career.

"It's all about being a trendsetter," he said, "trying to get things going, and also trying to do the small things that get things right for the big guys that are hitting behind me. I think I've been doing pretty good lately. Hopefully I can keep it up for the big guys."

CNOTES · Jun 5, 2015

Athletics' Kazmir set for return to rotation

DETROIT -- Scott Kazmir returns to the rotation on Friday after giving the club a scare during his last outing.

Kazmir left his start against Detroit on May 27 after three innings with tightness in his pitching shoulder. That's all it turned out to be and after skipping a start, the left-hander faces Boston in the opener of a three-game road series.

"He was just a little tight in the back of his shoulder, so we just wanted to make sure (he was OK)," manager Bob Melvin said. "He felt it a little bit for a couple of starts. It just got the point where, when we had to take him out of the game, we just felt it would be prudent to skip him the next time around."

Kazmir threw a full bullpen session during the interim and didn't experience any pain. Melvin and the coaching staff will monitor him closely at Fenway Park.

"If you're around him long enough, his body language tells you," Melvin said. "I can tell when he's bouncing around and feeling pretty good. I can also tell when things are bothering him just a little bit, even though he'll try to stay out there and work through it. Sometimes, the velocity will tell you. Like I said, if you're around guys long enough, you have a pretty good idea."

His last outing ended a forgettable month for Kazmir. He went 0-3 with a 4.65 ERA in six May starts after going 2-0 with a 0.99 ERA in April.

The Red Sox are a familiar foe for Kazmir. He's made 28 career starts against them - the most he's had against any opponent -- and is 9-8 with a 3.94 ERA.

Jesse Chavez and Kendall Graveman will start the other games against the Red Sox, who are seven games under .500.

"They still have plenty of power and a solid offensive club," Melvin said. "I know some of the guys are hurt but it looks like they're pitching a little better. Teams like that, you hope to catch them when they're down but they have a good club."

CNOTES · Jun 5, 2015

Dodgers' Jansen OK after blood-pressure scare

LOS ANGELES -- High blood pressure prevented Dodgers closer Kenley Jansen from pitching Wednesday in Los Angeles' loss against the Colorado Rockies, who rallied from a two-run deficit in the ninth inning for a 7-6 victory.

Jansen and Dodgers manager Don Mattingly confirmed the diagnosis after refusing to detail Jansen's status with reporters after Wednesday's loss, creating an air of mystery concerning on the condition of the hard-throwing right-hander. Jansen, though, was cleared to pitch and available Thursday night for the opener of a four-game series at Dodger Stadium against the St. Louis Cardinals.

Jansen met with team physicians and a cardiologist earlier Thursday. He passed a battery of tests and was immediately cleared to return action after being treated, he said.

Doctors told Jansen the high elevation in Denver triggered the problem. The 27-year-old native of Curacao said he began feeling fatigue Wednesday morning. He also experienced anxiety since he underwent a procedure in 2012 to help correct an irregular heartbeat, and he believed he might have been having another episode.

"In the beginning, you feel like all of that stuff with me that happened, now (I'm thinking) 'Here we go again,'" Jansen said. "You see how the ninth (inning) was going. You feel like you let your teammates down. It was a frustrating moment. I just didn't want to talk about."

Mattingly was clearly relieved the problem wasn't more serious.

"It's just a good feeling that he's OK, No. 1," Mattingly said. "Obviously, he was feeling bad last night because he couldn't pitch in that game. The fact that he's back and ready to go is a good feeling for us."

The good vibes also carried over to Dodger fans, who were given a Kenley Jansen bobblehead as a giveaway at Thursday's game.

CNOTES · Jun 5, 2015

Orioles' Jones escapes slump

HOUSTON -- When Baltimore manager Buck Showalter described center fielder Adam Jones as "a rock" following the Orioles' 3-2 win over the Houston Astros on Thursday, a brief review of what Jones accomplished in the finale of the four-game series crystallized the compliment.

Jones not only followed his multi-hit game Wednesday night with a 3-for-4 performance Thursday that included a go-ahead solo home run in the eighth inning, but he also produced some heady baserunning that ultimately yielded the tying run in the sixth inning.

One night earlier, Jones attempted to carry the Orioles to victory. With his three hits, two runs and acumen Thursday, he skillfully dragged Baltimore to the finish.

"(Orioles first base coach Kirby Wayne) was mad at me because I was supposed to slide and try and break it up," Jones said of thwarting a potential double play in the sixth. "But I told him: 'Hey, at least I got out the way.' In hindsight you look at it, it produced a run.

"It's the small things that add up to be big things, and this team, we've got to be efficient in order to win games. And today we proved we were efficient, we played good defense and were able to hold off a pretty good lineup."

Earlier in the series, Jones was the picture of frustration. He missed consecutive games last weekend for the first time since September 2011 after sustaining a left ankle sprain, and he entered Wednesday mired in an 0-for-11 slump. However, he found his stride at the plate while his teammates scuffled mightily Wednesday against Astros rookie right-hander Lance McCullers, then continued to warm up while making all sorts of winning plays Thursday.

After batting .400 with a .440 on-base percentage and a .707 slugging percentage in April only to slump to .239/.272/.284 in May, a hot Jones is what the Orioles need.

"All of May was a slump," Jones said. "I'm going to come every day preparing myself to go out there and have four at-bats and try to get a hit on all four of them. Is it going to happen? No. Do I understand that part of it? Yes. But do I want a hit every time? Of course I do. But I'm just going to grind it out and just hustle and play the game right. They'll fall when they fall."

CNOTES · Jun 5, 2015

Astros plan to level Tal's Hill

HOUSTON -- Conceptual plans for the proposed renovations to the center field area at Minute Maid Park following the 2015 season include the removal of Tal's Hill, the Houston Astros announced Thursday.

Tal's Hill, a 90-foot wide terrace with a 30-degree incline deep in the outfield, has been a source of conversation since Minute Maid Park opened in 2000. But for all the consternation over potential injuries for center fielders scaling the hill in pursuit of fly balls as well as engaging the flagpole that is in play on the hill, those concerns were unfounded.

Nonetheless, the Astros will move forward with renovations that will be complete by the start of the 2016, a redesign that also will feature new center field seating.

Additionally, the center field fence will be moved in 27 feet from its current 436 feet.

"The renovation of center field represents a significant improvement of the fan experience while maintaining the integrity of the game," Astros general manager Jeff Luhnow said. "The new center field will not only be great for fans, but will make Minute Maid Park an attractive ballpark for current and future players as well."

Both Luhnow and Astros manager A.J. Hinch essentially said "good riddance" to Tal's Hill, indirectly referencing the familiar trope about injury concerns.

While plenty took both sides of the debate regarding Tal's Hill and its unique place throughout baseball as a legitimate ballpark feature, the Astros made several steps in recent years to upgrade Minute Maid Park, from a new scoreboard, renovations throughout the concourses and club levels, state-of-the-art sound systems and playing surface. Removing Tal's Hill represents the next step in that process, and it will finally put an end to chatter that started 15 years ago.