Cnotes Best Bets For Saturday April 25th - MLB - NBA -NHL !

[CNOTES]

Preview: Mets (13-4) at Yankees (10-7)
Game: 2
Venue: Yankee Stadium
Date: April 25, 2015 4:05 PM EDT

The Subway Series appears to have new life.


After the Yankees - who entered the three-game set in the rare position of underdogs - denied the Mets' attempt to establish a team-record winning streak in the opener, Matt Harvey will try to get them back on track when he opposes CC Sabathia on Saturday in the Bronx.


The Yankees (10-7) had won three in a row and six of seven before Friday, but came in somewhat under the radar due to the Mets' stunning 11-game run. However, the Yankees stole the spotlight with a 6-1 victory behind a pair of two-run homers from Mark Teixeira and Michael Pineda's 7 2-3 innings of one-run ball.


The Yankees scored all their runs in the first three innings off Jacob deGrom en route to their third straight win over their crosstown rivals. For the first time since the start of interleague play in 1997, the teams entered a Subway Series game with each holding at least a share of first place in their divisions, and that will be the case Saturday as well.


The Mets (13-4) had been tied with the 1986 team for the longest win streak in franchise history, but fell victim to the latest strong effort by the Yankees' rotation, which has posted a 2.28 ERA in the past seven games.


"If you have starting pitching that can keep you in every single game like they have been, it just makes the job of the fielders and the batters so much easier," Teixeira said.


Teixeira has four home runs in his last five contests for the Yankees, who are tied for the major league lead with 24.


'It's disappointing because we were on a nice roll,' Mets manager Terry Collins said, 'and I know the Yankees have been playing very well, but we're surprised when Jake doesn't have his good stuff and tonight he didn't have it.'


Harvey (3-0, 3.50 ERA) will try for a repeat of his first career start against the Yankees, as he threw eight innings of one-run ball with 10 strikeouts and no walks in a 2-1 home win May 28, 2013.


The right-hander has lasted six innings in each of his three starts. He hasn't been nearly as dominant in the last two as he was in his season debut, when he didn't give up any runs against Washington. Harvey has allowed seven over the past two outings, giving up four with eight hits in a 7-6 victory over Miami on Sunday while weakened by illness.


Harvey, who's walked one and struck out 24, is now dealing with a sprained left ankle that he plans to wrap heavily.


Sabathia (0-3, 4.35) pitched his best game of the season his last time out, but he'll be trying to avoid losing his first four decisions for the first time in his career. He also dropped the first three in 2008.


If the left-hander performs as well as he did Monday, he'll have a good chance to keep that from happening as he seeks his first win since last April 24. He went eight innings for a complete game and gave up two runs in a 2-1 defeat at Detroit.


Sabathia is 3-1 with a 2.14 ERA in five career starts against the Mets, allowing one or no earned runs in four of them. He hasn't pitched in the Subway Series since 2012.


Teixeira is batting .353 with three homers and six RBIs in a five-game hitting streak against the Mets. Jacoby Ellsbury also homered Friday and has gone 5 for 11 in the past three games.

 

[CNOTES]

Preview: Astros (9-7) at Athletics (8-10)
Game: 2
Venue: O.co Coliseum
Date: April 25, 2015 4:05 PM EDT

The Houston Astros continue to show their maturity while finding ways to win.


They'll look for a sixth victory in seven games Saturday on the road against the Oakland Athletics.


Houston (9-7) improved to 5-2 in games decided by one or two runs with Friday's 5-4, 11-inning victory over Oakland, which fell to 0-7 in such contests. Marwin Gonzalez had a two-run double in 10th but the A's (8-10) tied it up on Josh Reddick's two-run double in the bottom of the inning.


Robbie Grossman's two-run single highlighted the Astros' three-run 11th, but a two run-homer by Marcus Semien cut the lead to one before Oakland stranded two runners to end the game.


'One of the things I've learned is that we compete, we play, until the end," manager A.J. Hinch said.


Houston, which last won at least 10 of its first 17 games in 2006, totaled seven runs and 21 hits to lose two of three at home to the A's last week. It matched a season high with 11 hits Friday, however.


'The way we started the last couple of years was horrible, so anything better than that is going to give us confidence,' starter Dallas Keuchel said. 'This win is extra rewarding, but at the same time every win is crucial. You take it when you can get it.'


With two of those hits, two-time All-Star Jose Altuve is batting .374 during a 27-game hitting streak against Oakland - the longest by a Houston player against one team.


Scott Feldman (1-2, 5.09 ERA) looks to fare better than he did April 13, when he gave up five of his eight runs on three homers and allowed 10 total hits in five innings of an 8-1 loss to the A's.


"That was one of those days that maybe come along once a year or something like that," Feldman told the Astros' official website after he fell to 0-3 and was left with a 5.23 ERA in his last five starts against Oakland.


"No matter what happens, when I let the ball go I have to worry about making pitches, and I didn't do a good job of that."


However, the right-hander bounced back by allowing only a two-run homer in six innings of a 4-3 win over the Los Angeles Angels on Sunday. With one walk issued this season, Feldman is the first Houston pitcher since 2008 to go at least five innings and yield one or fewer bases on balls in his first three starts.


Oakland's Ben Zobrist doubled for one of his two hits April 13, Billy Butler delivered a three-run home run and Semien went 2 for 2 with a solo shot.


In his first season as a starter, the A's Kendall Graveman (1-1, 6.94) lasted a career-high 5 1-3 innings while allowing four hits and four walks in his first major league victory April 14, a 4-0 win over Houston.


The right-hander, however, didn't make it out of the fourth Monday as he gave up three runs, four hits and three walks while throwing 78 pitches in a 6-3 win over the Angels.


The A's allowed 13 runs and recorded three shutouts to start 3-2 at home, but have since yielded 18 runs in dropping three in a row there.


'We got down and then we came back. You have to look at the positives in it," manager Bob Melvin said. "We continued to fight.'


Batting .350 with a .400 on-base percentage, Houston center fielder Jake Marisnick is expected to miss a second straight game because of leg soreness.

 

[CNOTES]

Preview: Nationals (7-10) at Marlins (6-11)
Game: 2
Venue: Marlins Park
Date: April 25, 2015 4:10 PM EDT

Stephen Strasburg struggled through his first two starts before seeing plenty of improvement the last time out, albeit against a weak lineup.


The one he'll face Saturday in Miami has been considerably better lately, though the Washington Nationals' starter has strung together some impressive outings against the Marlins.


Strasburg (1-1, 4.50 ERA) allowed eight earned runs in 10 2-3 innings in his first two starts before limiting light-hitting Philadelphia to a run and five hits in 7 1-3 innings of Sunday's 4-1 win. He was perfect through 4 2-3, and manager Matt Williams said it might have been the best he's seen him pitch.


"The command of my changeup and the feel for my changeup was much better," Strasburg told MLB's official website. "You work on things and you try to remember what the keys are - what are you trying to do with the pitch, where you want to execute it. You try to paint that picture in your head. You go out there and let it go."


If the right-hander can replicate recent outings against the Marlins, he might be able keep it going.


Strasburg has recorded 14 straight scoreless innings against the Marlins over his last three starts, going 2-1 with a 0.45 ERA and nine hits surrendered over 20 innings.


However, the two scoreless starts came with Giancarlo Stanton out of the lineup. The slugger is just 1 for 12 over his last three games but is 10 for 28 with three home runs and five doubles against Strasburg. The only other Miami player with any sustained success against him is Marcell Ozuna (6 for 13).


Much of the lineup, though, has been consistent over the last six games with a .294 average and 5.2 runs per game. Miami (6-11) opened the series with a 3-2 victory Friday to extend its winning streak to three.


Dee Gordon was 3 for 4 and is batting .429 in his last six. Adeiny Hechavarria added two hits, has a seven-game hitting streak and is batting .476 over his last 11.


"We're playing better baseball," said Martin Prado, who's gone 6 for 14 with six RBIs on the winning streak. 'That's what everybody was expecting with this team."


The Marlins could need that kind of production if Tom Koehler doesn't turn things around.


The right-hander's first three starts have gone the opposite direction of Strasburg's after Sunday's 7-6 loss to the New York Mets. Koehler (1-2, 6.75), who yielded two runs in each of his first two outings, allowed seven runs and five hits with two walks in 3 1-3 innings.


His last four starts against Washington have yielded a 2-2 record and 2.63 ERA, but Ryan Zimmerman (4 for 8 with a home run), Denard Span (3 for 8) and Jayson Werth (3 for 10 with two homers) have all hit him well.


Washington (7-10) has dropped three straight for the second time this year and fell to 2-5 on the road in the first contest of a 10-game trip. Werth was 0 for 3 and is batting .152 in nine games back from shoulder surgery, but Zimmerman, who is playing through plantar fasciitis, doubled and has hit safely in his last five after an equally slow start. Ian Desmond also doubled, is hitting .405 on a 10-game streak and has a nine-game streak against the Marlins.


The Nationals have won 27 of 39 over the Marlins since the start of 2013, including 12 of 20 in Miami. Over the last seven games there, Washington starters have posted a 1.74 ERA.

 

[CNOTES]

Preview: Blue Jays (9-8) at Rays (9-8)
Game: 2
Venue: Tropicana Field
Date: April 25, 2015 6:10 PM EDT

The Toronto Blue Jays don't top the list of preferred teams against which many pitchers would elect to make a spot start.


Given his start against them 10 days ago, Erasmo Ramirez would probably agree.


Nevertheless, he'll be called upon Saturday night as the Tampa Bay Rays try to continue what's outside of that one game been early season dominance against the typically high-scoring Blue Jays.


The Rays (9-8) have 10 players on the disabled list, including four starting pitchers. Ramirez is one of seven starters they've used, and after Matt Andriese earned a three-inning save in Friday's 12-3 win in the opener of a three-game home set, Ramirez (0-1, 21.32 ERA) will get the ball with hopes of improving on considerable early struggles.


In his only start, the right-hander allowed eight earned runs and nine hits with three walks in 3 1-3 innings of a 12-7 loss in Toronto (9-8) on April 15. He made it through a clean relief inning four days later, but he's walked six in 6 1-3 innings and is serving up a .455 opponent batting average.


In four career games against the Blue Jays, Ramirez is 1-1 with an 8.31 ERA.


The Rays took three of four in that series from April 13-16 and have won six of eight between the AL East clubs since being swept at home from Sept. 2-4. In those eight games, the Blue Jays are batting .195, despite a 14-hit showing in Ramirez's start.


Friday's win welcomed back James Loney after missing 15 games with a strained right oblique, and the first baseman was 2 for 5 with a two-run homer.


"It's fun being back out there again," Loney said. "I'm just glad it's over."


Rene Rivera and Tim Beckham also connected on two-run shots, and Rivera has driven in runs in consecutive games but is still hitting .143.


"We were hoping that (Thursday) was something to get started a little bit and Rene proved that it was," manager Kevin Cash told MLB's official website. "He's feeling better. He had very aggressive swings the entire night so that was very good to see."


The Rays have won three straight and will have right fielder Steven Souza Jr. back in the lineup Saturday after being rested Friday.


Toronto, which leads the majors with 97 runs, saw a three-game winning streak come to an end in its third straight game without Jose Bautista because of a sore shoulder.


Manager John Gibbons said Bautista, who is 2 for 3 with a home run against Ramirez, won't go on the disabled list and is likely to DH this weekend before returning to the outfield. Additionally, outfielder Michael Saunders is scheduled to make his season debut after missing the start of the season because of knee surgery.


Starter Daniel Norris is also seeking improvement. Norris (1-1, 6.08) is still trying to make it through six innings in a big league start, and he wasn't even close his last time out. The left-hander allowed five runs and six hits in 2 2-3 innings of Sunday's 5-2 loss to Atlanta.


"I'm going through a little bit of a dead-arm phase, so it's really tough for me to feel that late life on everything that I was used to in spring training," Norris said. "… I can definitely get through it, dead arm is just something where you feel 100 percent fine, it just doesn't come out like it usually does. Even if I throw one that says 93 or 94 mph, it just doesn't have the same life on it. I can't really command it the way I'm used to."


Probably his best start came April 14 at home against the Rays as Norris surrendered two runs and two hits with three walks in five innings.

 

[CNOTES]

Preview: Red Sox (10-7) at Orioles (7-10)
Game: 2
Venue: Oriole Park at Camden Yards
Date: April 25, 2015 7:05 PM EDT

The Boston Red Sox have battered Baltimore's pitching while winning the last two games between the teams.


The Orioles' offense, meanwhile, is battered by injuries heading into Saturday night's game at Camden Yards.


Boston salvaged a split of its four-game series at Fenway Park on Monday with a 7-1 victory and opened this three-game set with a 7-5 win Friday. Brandon Holt's three-run homer in the eighth snapped a tie and David Ortiz and Hanley Ramirez also went deep for the Red Sox (10-7), who have hit 12 of their 18 home runs on the road.


'It was just the same approach that I normally have - trying to get a good pitch to hit and hitting it hard somewhere,' said Holt, batting .424. 'He just left the fastball up and over the plate, and fortunately I was able to hit it out.'


Ortiz has batted .392 with seven homers and 16 RBIs in his last 12 games at Baltimore and has enjoyed success against Wei-Yin Chen (0-1, 3.07 ERA), going 8 for 23 with a homer and a double. Dustin Pedroia has been even better against the left-hander, going 15 for 29 with five doubles.


Chen is out to avenge his defeat from Monday in which most of the damage came via bases on balls and poor defense. He walked five and committed one of Baltimore's three errors, which contributed to all five of the runs he allowed in 4 1-3 innings being unearned.


That loss snapped a three-start winning streak for Chen versus the Red Sox, against whom he's 5-4 with a 3.97 ERA in 12 starts.


The Orioles (7-10) are trying to avoid their first six-game losing streak since Sept. 19-24, 2013, and struggling to piece together their lineup due to a lengthy list of walking wounded. Ryan Flaherty was the latest to be put on the disabled list, joining fellow infielders J.J. Hardy and Jonathan Schoop as well as catcher Matt Wieters.


"It's disappointing any time you go on the DL," Flaherty told MLB's official website. "A couple of those guys are down, and I take a lot of pride in trying to fill in. And all of a sudden, you're with them, hurt."


The Orioles will miss Flaherty on Saturday as he's 6 for 10 with a homer and two doubles against Justin Masterson (2-0, 5.74).


The right-hander has done a solid job working out of trouble thus far and limited Baltimore to one run and three hits with three walks in five innings Monday.


Masterson has been able to battle in part by keeping the ball in the park, not yielding a homer in his 15 2-3 innings while giving up 14 hits and eight walks. He's looking to find a groove at Camden Yards, where he's 2-4 with a 7.71 ERA in seven lifetime starts.


Jimmy Paredes is doing what he can to fill Baltimore's offensive void. He hit a two-run homer Friday and has gone 8 for 25 with two home runs in six games since being activated from the DL last week.


'We have to grind through it,' manager Buck Showalter said. 'Nobody's going to feel sorry for us. This is not the type of club that's going to wallow around in self-pity.'

 

[CNOTES]

Preview: Braves (8-8) at Phillies (6-11)
Game: 2
Venue: Citizens Bank Park
Date: April 25, 2015 7:05 PM EDT

Shelby Miller has been effective in his first three starts with the Atlanta Braves, but that success has come despite the shortcomings that made much of his 2014 season forgettable following him to the NL East.


Miller will face a Phillies lineup Saturday night in Philadelphia that could again allow him to get away with control issues, though the 24-year-old knows it's something he'll have to straighten out if a consistent season is to follow.


Miller (2-0, 1.69 ERA) has won consecutive starts after Sunday's 5-2 victory in Toronto, limiting a potent Blue Jays lineup to two runs and five hits while striking out six in six innings as he continues to refine a cutter.


"It's more of a feel, pitch, a confidence pitch," Miller said. "You've just got to have confidence in it and throw it and let it do what it does. That's a pitch that'll help but it's still got a lot of room to grow."


It was his longest outing of the season, in which he's issued seven walks and hit a batter in 16 innings.


The 3.94 walks per nine innings is up from a career mark of 3.26 entering the season, and his 1.57 strikeout-to-walk ratio is down from 2.33. It's only three starts, but it has to be a concern after his 2014 season was nearly sabotaged by posting marks of 4.46 and 1.35, respectively, through 19 starts. He went 7-8 with a 4.29 ERA in that span, then recovered to go 5-1 with a 2.73 ERA in his last 15. That stretch included 2.53 walks per nine and a 2.60 ratio.


Against the Phillies, Miller has only had to worry about Ryan Howard (3 for 5 with two home runs) and Chase Utley (4 for 9), though neither former All-Star has been imposing early this season.


Philadelphia (6-11) opened the series with a 1-0 win Friday, but it has scored three runs in three games and has a big league-low 42 for the season. Freddy Galvis was 3 for 4 and Cody Asche has a six-game hitting streak, but the key names of Utley (.135), Howard (.180), Ben Revere (.172) and Carlos Ruiz (.190) continue to struggle.


That lineup, combined with David Buchanan's awful start, has made for predictable results with the right-hander on the mound. Buchanan (0-3, 9.22) allowed three runs and six hits in five innings of Sunday's 4-1 loss in Washington for his best start of the season.


His control issues make Miller's look petty. The 25-year-old has issued 5.93 walks per nine, though he saw improvement in comparison to walking four in three innings of his debut against Boston on April 9.


"I think you just have to really look at yourself and be honest with what happened," Buchanan told MLB's official website. "Against the Red Sox, I wasn't really throwing strikes. I was falling behind. Eventually that's going to catch up to you. But today I thought I was throwing the ball in the zone, had some tough breaks."


He faced Atlanta twice as a rookie and wasn't much better, going 0-1 with a 4.00 ERA and nine walks in nine innings.


Atlanta (8-8) has lost four straight, scoring six runs and batting .189 after being two-hit Friday.


After Nick Markakis' hitting streak came to an end, A.J. Pierzynski (.400) is about the only one producing. The catcher has played three straight games over Christian Bethancourt and has hit safely in all eight he's appeared in this season.


The Braves have won eight of 11 in Philadelphia, with their starting pitchers posting a 1.78 ERA.


Phillies closer Jonathan Papelbon missed Friday due to illness.

 

[CNOTES]

Preview: Cardinals (11-4) at Brewers (3-14)
Game: 2
Venue: Miller Park
Date: April 25, 2015 7:10 PM EDT

Adam Wainwright is coming off his best and longest performance of the season, but feels he can be even better.


That's certainly his sentiment regarding his last meeting with the Milwaukee Brewers.


Wainwright looks to keep the St. Louis Cardinals rolling by avenging his first loss Saturday night against the struggling Brewers.


Wainwright (2-1, 1.71 ERA) was superb Sunday, allowing one run in eight innings of a 2-1 win over Cincinnati. It was the longest start of the season for St. Louis (11-4), coming from the ace who was limited to three starts in spring training due to an abdomen injury.


"I'll continue to grow in my velocity, and the sharpness of my off-speed breaking ball is getting better at times," Wainwright told MLB's official website. "My breaking ball and cutter are still not where I want them to be. Neither is my fastball location or velocity. We'll just keep building and building and building until we get to where we want to be."


The right-hander was still struggling with his effectiveness when he faced the Brewers on April 13, giving up five runs in seven innings of a 5-4 loss, though only three runs were earned.


Wainwright didn't have many problems while winning his two starts at Miller Park last year, yielding three runs in 16 innings and going the distance in a 9-1 victory Sept. 7.


He could be in for a similar result as Milwaukee (3-14) owns the worst record in baseball after losing nine of 10.


The Cardinals won for the eighth time in nine tries Friday, 3-0 to open the three-game series. However, they suffered a potential blow when Yadier Molina exited after taking a foul tip off the knee guard in the fourth inning.


It's uncertain if the catcher will be in the lineup Saturday, but he was hit by a foul ball on the same knee last week and didn't miss any time.


"I was feeling better and boom, I get hit again in the same spot," Molina said. "He got me on the muscle. It's just a big bruise."


Jhonny Peralta has recorded at least one hit in each of St. Louis' nine road games. He can become the first Cardinal to go 10 straight since Albert Pujols' 18-game run to start 2008.


Peralta is batting .342 with two homers during his streak after connecting for a solo shot for one of his three hits Friday. He has a .482 average with seven homers and 14 RBIs in 14 games at Milwaukee, getting at least one hit in 13.


The Brewers' Wily Peralta (0-2, 5.68) gets a fourth chance to earn his first win. The right-hander gave up six runs and two homers over his final two innings before leaving after the seventh in Monday's 6-1 loss to the Reds. That came five days after he allowed four runs and 10 hits in five innings of a 4-2 defeat at St. Louis.


Peralta compiled a 1.86 ERA while winning two of three at home against the Cardinals last year. He's held Peralta to a 3-for-17 effort, but Matt Carpenter is 11 for 24 against him.


Carpenter is batting .426 in an 11-game hitting streak, one shy of teammate Matt Holliday and Oakland's Billy Butler for the longest in the majors this year.


The third baseman has recorded two hits in each of the four meetings with the Brewers this season, going 8 for 18 with five doubles.

 

[CNOTES]

Preview: Giants (7-11) at Rockies (10-7)
Game: 2
Venue: Coors Field
Date: April 25, 2015 8:10 PM EDT

Jorge De La Rosa was dreadful in his return from the disabled list. He's hoping to change his fortunes in a home matchup with the San Francisco Giants.


The Colorado Rockies left-hander has usually been on his game when facing the Giants at Coors Field, and he'll try for another sharp outing Saturday night.


De La Rosa gave up nine runs and nine hits while pitching just two innings in his first start back from a strained groin, a 14-3 loss to San Diego on Monday.


"I think I was overthrowing a lot, got too excited," he said. "I was trying to throw as hard as I can, but you can't make outs if you don't have command. It was my first start. I'll go back, be more calm next time and get better."


De La Rosa (0-1, 31.50 ERA) is 1-0 with a 1.29 ERA in his last three home starts against the Giants (7-11) and went 1-1 with a 2.81 ERA in his final four overall matchups in 2014.


His counterpart for Saturday, Tim Hudson (0-2, 3.93), is 0-2 with a 7.29 ERA in eight career starts in Denver - a far cry from his 5-1 record and 2.15 home mark against Colorado. Coors is one of two ballparks in which the veteran right-hander hasn't won, along with Minnesota's Target Field, where he's made one start.


Hudson gave up three runs in seven innings of a 4-1 home loss to the Rockies (10-7) on April 14. He followed with a rough outing, allowing five runs in five innings of a 5-1 defeat to Arizona on Sunday despite feeling like he was in top form.


"Honestly, this is probably the best I've felt all year so far," Hudson said. "Physically, I felt like things were pretty good for me out there. If we could have had a little bit of luck go our way a time or two, I don't know that they really score."


Hudson will try to snap his team's five-game skid to the Rockies. San Francisco had won three in a row before a 6-4 loss Friday.


The Giants blew a trio of leads and Colorado went ahead for good with three runs in the sixth. Rafael Ynoa had a tiebreaking pinch-hit double and D.J. LeMahieu doubled in another run.


"We try to remind ourselves every day that this is a really good team and we can get the job done," outfielder Carlos Gonzalez said. "If we stay positive the way we've been doing, a lot of great things are going to happen."


LeMahieu, batting .414, will try to lead the Rockies to a fourth consecutive win. His team has experienced three win streaks of at least three games, the current one following a five-game skid.


LeMahieu is 13 for 24 with seven RBIs in a seven-game hit streak against the Giants and has gone 9 for 14 in the four matchups this season. He's 4 for 11 against Hudson and went 1 for 2 on April 14.

 

[CNOTES]

Preview: Pirates (9-8) at Diamondbacks (8-8)
Game: 2
Venue: Chase Field
Date: April 25, 2015 8:10 PM EDT

The Pittsburgh Pirates have one of baseball's best starting rotations and now their offense is starting to come around.


The goal now is to get the lineup going in one of A.J. Burnett's starts.


Hindered by a lack of run support, Burnett again goes for his first win while trying to spur the Pirates to a fourth consecutive victory Saturday night against the Arizona Diamondbacks.


Pittsburgh (9-8) has a 2.89 ERA from its starting pitchers, the third-lowest in the majors. The Pirates' rotation has been even better during a 6-2 stretch, compiling a 2.37 ERA.


Gerrit Cole turned in the latest impressive performance, allowing one run in 7 2-3 innings of a 4-1 win at Arizona in Friday's series opener. Josh Harrison and Neil Walker each drove in two runs for the Pirates, who rank third in the NL with 5.0 runs per game in eight contests since April 17 after averaging 3.2 during a 3-6 start.


Burnett (0-1, 2.00 ERA), however, has still not seen much improvement from the lineup. He has been backed by three total runs through three starts - one in the last two. The right-hander allowed one run and eight hits before leaving with the score tied after six innings in Monday's 5-2 loss to the Chicago Cubs.


Burnett didn't need much offense, however, in his last start at Arizona on April 27, collecting eight strikeouts in eight scoreless innings of a win with Philadelphia.


Pittsburgh's offense is starting to click although Andrew McCutchen is batting. 189 with two homers. The star center fielder is 0 for 11 over the past four games after coming up empty in three at_bats in the series opener.


Still, he's a .338 career hitter in 39 meetings with the Diamondbacks, and has a .390 average in his last 12 games at Chase Field.


Gregory Polanco is looking to bounce back from his 0-for-4 effort from Friday. The right fielder, who was 5 for 9 in his previous two contests, had at least one hit in each of his seven games versus Arizona as a rookie last year, going 11 for 27 (.407).


The Diamondbacks (8-8) are trying to climb back above .500 for the sixth time this season, and they've alternated wins and losses for the last six games.


Rubby De La Rosa (2-1, 6.00) will try to help keep that trend intact, and continue to show improvement. The right-hander allowed four runs with seven strikeouts before leaving with two outs in the seventh inning of a 4-1 loss at San Francisco last Saturday.


He had won his two previous starts, despite surrendering nine runs in 11 1-3 innings.


"He just left too many pitches up," manager Chip Hale told MLB's official website Saturday. "When he was pitching down he had some success. He's getting better every time out."


This will be his first meeting with Pittsburgh and first home start since being hammered for six runs and two homers in 5 1-3 innings in a 7-6 win over the Giants on April 7.


Paul Goldschmidt is 13 for 29 (.448) in his last eight games against the Pirates, but he's 0 for 3 with two strikeouts against Burnett.

 

[CNOTES]

Preview: Dodgers (10-6) at Padres (10-8)
Game: 2
Venue: PETCO Park
Date: April 25, 2015 8:40 PM EDT

The San Diego Padres' offense has cooled off considerably, but that's fairly common at home against the Los Angeles Dodgers.


With Ian Kennedy back on the mound for the first time in over two weeks, the Padres will try to get the offense going in an attempt to end their longest losing streak of the season Saturday night against the Dodgers.


San Diego (10-8) is batting .208 with five runs during a three-game skid, a tremendous drop from its .304 average while scoring 6.0 runs per game while winning nine of the previous 11.


The Padres collected six hits - five singles - in Friday's 3-0 loss to the Dodgers (10-6). Those offensive woes may not be resolved in the remainder of this three-game set since San Diego has hit .204 while averaging 2.7 runs over the past 29 home meetings with Los Angeles.


Brandon McCarthy (2-0, 4.50 ERA) has won his last two starts at Petco Park while yielding one run in 14 innings and is 5-1 with a 2.96 ERA over seven career starts against San Diego. However, he served up a pair of homers and four runs in five-plus innings of a 7-4 home win over the Padres on April 8.


The right-hander is coming off his best start of the season, allowing three hits with six strikeouts in six innings of Sunday's 7-0 win over Colorado. He credited catcher A.J. Ellis with the performance, which came after he gave up nine runs and six homers in 12 innings over his first two starts.


"I made better pitches and stayed away from the middle of the plate, for the most part," McCarthy said. "A.J. just took me along with him, and we just kept attacking the hitters. But we did it without being stupid and didn't leave it in a spot where they could drive it."


McCarthy, though, has allowed Matt Kemp to go 4 for 9 off him.


Kemp is 7 for 17 (.412) with two doubles and three RBIs in four games against his former team.


Carl Crawford is looking to continue hitting Padres pitchers hard after connecting for a solo homer and a double Friday to help Los Angeles snap a three-game skid. He is 15 for 26 (.577) with two homers, seven doubles and seven RBIs during a seven-game hitting streak against San Diego, and he's 10 for 20 versus Kennedy since 2013.


Kennedy is returning to the rotation after injuring his hamstring in his season debut and landing on the disabled list. The right-hander threw 2 1-3 scoreless innings before coming out against San Francisco on April 9.


Odrisamer Despaigne moves to the bullpen as the Padres' leader in innings pitched (201) and strikeouts (207) from last year returns to the rotation. Kennedy also tied Tyson Ross with a team-high 13 wins.


"We're counting on Ian to be one of the anchors in our rotation," manager Bud Black told MLB's official website. "This was a little bit of a hiccup with the strained hammy that put him on the DL and missed a couple spots, but he'll resume his spot in the rotation."


Kennedy, though, is 0-5 with a 4.86 ERA over his last nine starts against the Dodgers.

 

[CNOTES]

Preview: Rangers (6-10) at Angels (8-9)
Game: 2
Venue: Angel Stadium of Anaheim
Date: April 25, 2015 9:05 PM EDT

The Los Angeles Angels signed C.J. Wilson and Josh Hamilton away from the Texas Rangers in back-to-back offseasons with the hopes of winning another World Series.


In the coming days, only Wilson might be left on the Angels roster, and the left-hander will try to avoid a third consecutive loss Saturday night when he faces his former team.


The Angels landed Wilson and Albert Pujols after the 2011 season before signing Hamilton to a five-year contract in 2012, putting themselves on the hook for $125 million in the last deal and a combined $410 million for the three players. Hamilton, owed $83 million in the final three years, is reportedly close to being traded back to the Rangers after failing to duplicate his stellar seasons with Texas and admitting to a drug relapse this past offseason.


"It's going to be resolved one way or another in its own time," manager Mike Scioscia told MLB's official website before Friday's series opener against Texas. "Whatever course this takes, it takes. We're just going to focus on playing baseball."


The 2010 AL MVP and five-time All-Star has been recovering from right shoulder surgery and was on the verge of heading to extended spring training to continue his rehabilitation.


'We know Josh and who he is," Adrian Beltre said. "We hope he's healthy, his mind is in a good position, and he has the support he needs to be the productive Josh that we all know he can be - the Josh that helped us go to the World Series in 2011.'


With Hamilton's departure seemingly imminent, his longtime teammate Wilson (1-2, 3.54 ERA) will try to lead the Angels (8-9) to a third consecutive win and their 17th in 21 games against Texas (6-10) while pitching on six days of rest.


In his most recent start last Saturday, Wilson allowed two runs and three hits in 6 2-3 innings while striking out eight and walking four in a 4-0 loss in Houston. He was tagged for seven runs in 5 2-3 innings in a 9-2 defeat to Kansas City in his prior start April 12.


David Freese's two-run homer in the seventh powered Los Angeles to a 3-2 win Friday in Anaheim, the Angels' third in four meetings this season.


The Angels will face Colby Lewis (1-1, 3.79), who went 0-4 with an 11.07 ERA in his last four starts against them in 2014. The right-hander was charged with eight runs in five innings in his most recent matchup, an 8-5 loss in Anaheim on Sept. 20.


He's also had six days to recover from his lone defeat this season, 3-1 in Seattle last Saturday. He gave up three runs and 10 hits in 5 2-3 innings.


"There wasn't one inning that was very easy," Lewis said. "I didn't really get any quick innings. Seemed like I was always pitching out of the stretch. Always had to work."


Wilson is 1-1 with a 8.76 ERA in his last five starts against Texas, the last in September 2013. Prince Fielder, 6 for 12 lifetime against him and batting .375 this season, will face the left-hander for the first time while in a Rangers uniform.


Pujols is 7 for 15 with two homers in the regular season versus Lewis but batting .177 to start this year. Kole Calhoun, hitting .275, is 6 for 13.


Mike Trout is 3 for 24 in his last seven games but 10 for 19 in a six-game hit streak against the Rangers. He has six hits in his last 15 at_bats against Lewis, including a pair of homers.

 

[CNOTES]

Preview: Twins (6-10) at Mariners (7-9)
Game: 2
Venue: Safeco Field
Date: April 25, 2015 9:10 PM EDT

Patiently, the Seattle Mariners are successfully working their way back from a rough start.


The Mariners will try a third time to win three straight games Saturday night against the visiting Minnesota Twins.


Felix Hernandez allowed five hits for his first complete game victory since August 2012 and Nelson Cruz hit his major league-leading ninth home run in Friday's 2-0 win over Minnesota.


"You've got to recognize a good performance on their side," Twins manager Paul Molitor told MLB's official website. "We were trying different things. We tried to be aggressive, we tried to be patient. But nothing was very effective."


A winner in four of six since opening 3-7, Seattle (7-9) continues to go about its business in a calm and confident manner.


"We're happy to come out on top," said Cruz, who is tied for the third-most home runs hit in the opening month of a season in club history.


Batting .328 and also leading the majors with 18 RBIs, Cruz has homered in three straight games versus the Twins (6-10). The only time he went deep in four consecutive contests against the same team was versus Houston in 2013 with Texas.


Cruz went 0 for 2 with a strikeout and was hit by a pitch last season while facing Minnesota's Trevor May (1-1, 4.76 ERA), a native of Longview, Washington, who makes his first professional appearance in his home state. The right-hander looks to build on Sunday's effort when he gave up one run and four hits without a walk through six innings of a 7-2 victory over Cleveland.


May, who went 3-6 with a 7.89 ERA in nine starts for the Twins in 2014, is making his third straight since being called up from Triple-A Rochester to replace the injured the Ricky Nolasco.


'My biggest thing is just be ready to pitch whenever they say you're pitching,' he said.


The Mariners counter with James Paxton (0-1, 8.40), who tries to bounce back after he allowed seven runs and a career-high 10 hits in 2 2-3 innings of Sunday's 11-10 home win over Texas.


"I'm struggling right now, but I'm not going to quit fighting," said the left-hander, who yielded five runs in 6 1-3 innings of his previous start at Dodger Stadium. "I'm going to figure it out and persevere."


Though this will be Paxton's first appearance against the Twins, veteran Torii Hunter is 1 for 5 with a home run against him.


Trevor Plouffe had two hits Friday for Minnesota, which has been shut out three times while going 2-8 on the road. Plouffe is 10 for 23 in his last six games after going 4 for 30 in his first nine.


Seattle's Logan Morrison homered for his first extra-base hit of the season Friday, but is hitting just .185.


'I was more of like `finally it went over the fence,' Morrison said. 'I didn't feel like I was due. You don't think about that as a player you think about each day getting better and trying to feel comfortable."

 

[CNOTES]

NBA
Armadillo's Write-Up

Saturday, April 25

Chicago made 38-98 from arc in first three series wins- they held the Bucks to 39%/36%/42% from floor. Bulls won nine of last ten games with Milwaukee (8-1 vs spread in last nine)-- seven of last 11 games stayed under total. Chicago won last six games. Bucks are 14-52 from arc in two games; they've only turned ball over 24 times in three games- six of their last eight games went over total.

New Orleans lost 11 of last 13 games with Golden State, losing by 7-10 in first two games, then blowing 20-point lead in 4th quarter of Game 3. Golden State won 11 of last 13 games, but covered only one of last nine - they got to line 34 times in Game 1, but only 49 times in last two games. Very difficult for Pelicans to bounce back and win game, after they had Warriors by throat last game but got beat in overtime.

Brooklyn lost last seven games with Atlanta, losing by 7-5 in first two series games. Hawks made 22 of 61 from arc, 35-41 on line in pair of home wins. Nets had only ten fast break points in losing twice- they won seven of last nine home games. Johnson was just 12-33 for Nets in Atlanta; he'll have to do better. Hawks lost last two road games- their last road loss was here by 3 on April 8.

Memphis held Portland to 34%/39% from floor in winning first two series games; they were up 19-11 at half in two games. Grizzlies won six in row, 11 of its last 12 games with Portland, covering ten of last eleven. Memphis held the Blazers to 13 fast break points in first two games. Portland is 14-46 from arc in two games, forcing only 13 turnovers in two games. Afflalo is expected back; if he is healthy, that should help Portland a lot.

Home favorites are 10-9 in this round, home dogs are 1-2; home teams are 15-7 SU, with four of six road wins in OT-- over is 9-13.

2015 playoffs
Brooklyn vs Atlanta
Atl 99-92, -10, U201.5
Atl 96-91, -9.5, U202

Boston vs Cleveland
Clev 113-100, -11.5, O203
Clev 99-91, -11, U206
Clev 103-95, -4, U204

Milwaukee vs Chicago
Chi 103-91, -8, O186
Chi 91-82, -8, U190.5
Chi 113-106, 2OT, -2.5, O187

Washington vs Toronto
Wash 93-86 OT, +4, U194.5
Wash 117-106, +5, O193.5
Wash 106-99, -4.5, O195.5

New Orleans vs Golden State
GSt 106-99, -12, U205
GSt 97-87, -13, U206.5
GSt 123-119 OT, -5, O203

Dallas vs Houston
Hst 118-108, -5.5, O212.5
Hst 111-99, -6.5, U214
Hst 130-128, +1, O214.5

San Antonio vs LA Clippers
LAC 107-92, -1.5, U207
SA 111-107 OT, +1.5, O207.5
SA 100-73, -, U203.5

Portland vs Memphis
Mem 100-86, -5.5, U188.5
Mem 97-82, -6, U189

East vs West
SU: West 242-177 ATS: West 214-202-3
East teams HF vs West: 56-57
East teams HU vs West: 46-52
West teams HF vs East: 81-79-3
West teams HU vs East: 24-21




NBA

Saturday, April 25

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Trend Report
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

3:00 PM
ATLANTA vs. BROOKLYN
Atlanta is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing Brooklyn
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Atlanta's last 6 games
Brooklyn is 1-5 ATS in its last 6 games when playing at home against Atlanta
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Brooklyn's last 6 games when playing at home against Atlanta

5:30 PM
CHICAGO vs. MILWAUKEE
The total has gone OVER in 8 of Chicago's last 12 games on the road
Chicago is 10-1 SU in its last 11 games when playing on the road against Milwaukee
Milwaukee is 4-10 ATS in its last 14 games when playing at home against Chicago
Milwaukee is 2-7 ATS in its last 9 games when playing Chicago

8:00 PM
GOLDEN STATE vs. NEW ORLEANS
Golden State is 6-2 SU in its last 8 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 8 of Golden State's last 12 games when playing New Orleans
New Orleans is 1-8 SU in its last 9 games when playing at home against Golden State
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of New Orleans's last 6 games when playing at home against Golden State

10:30 PM
MEMPHIS vs. PORTLAND
Memphis is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games
The total has gone UNDER in 15 of Memphis's last 22 games when playing on the road against Portland
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Portland's last 5 games when playing Memphis
Portland is 0-5 ATS in its last 5 games when playing Memphis

 

[CNOTES]

NBA

Saturday, April 25

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Game of the Day: Saturday's NBA Playoffs matchups
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Atlanta Hawks at Brooklyn Nets (+2.5, 200.5)

Hawks lead series 2-0

Atlanta forward Paul Millsap went 2-of-11 from the field while playing with a bulky shoulder brace in Game 1. The All-Star ditched the brace for Game 2 and ended up going 4-of-4 from 3-point range and 7-of-11 from the floor en route to a team-high 19 points. “Definitely more range and definitely more mobility,” Millsap told reporters. “When you can’t pick your arms up above your ears, your shoulders up above your ears, it’s kind of tough. So I was able to do that (in Game 2), and more than likely I’ll go without it again the next game.”

Deron Williams, who drew criticism from former teammate Paul Pierce questioning his desire on the eve of the playoffs, is 6-of-18 from the field in the first two games of the series. "He was defending,” Brooklyn coach Lionel Hollins told reporters of Williams. “He made some hustle plays. Shooting comes and goes. People can criticize all they want, but if you are not in the game performing and doing it and going through the battle, you can't say anything.” Backup point guard Jarrett Jack led the team with 23 points in Game 2.

TRENDS:

* Hawks are 5-1 ATS in the last six meetings in Brooklyn.
* Under is 5-1 in Nets last six overall.
* Hawks are 2-8 ATS in their last 10 vs. NBA Atlantic.


Chicago Bulls at Milwaukee Bucks (+4.5, 188.5)

Bulls lead series 3-0

The Chicago Bulls are eyeing a sweep when they visit the Milwaukee Bucks in Saturday’s Game 4 of the Eastern Conference first-round series. The Bucks have lost nine consecutive playoff contests and blew an opportunity to make it a series by falling 113-106 in double-overtime on Thursday.

Milwaukee led by as many as 18 points in Game 3 but squandered the lead and later came up empty with chances to win in the final seconds of both regulation and the first overtime. “We had a great chance to win the game twice,” Bucks coach Jason Kidd told reporters. “Effort was there the whole night, and guys played their hearts out to give us a chance to win against a very elite team.” The Chicago backcourt of Derrick Rose (34) and Jimmy Butler (24) combined for 58 points in Game 3 and the Bulls knocked down 14 3-pointers – five from Rose and four apiece from Mike Dunleavy and Tony Snell. Chicago center Joakim Noah is averaging 14 rebounds in the series and power forward Pau Gasol (12.7 points, 14.3 rebounds) has posted three straight double-doubles.

TRENDS:

* Bulls are 8-1 ATS in the last nine meetings.
* Bucks are 0-4 ATS in their last four games overall.
* Over is 12-2 in Bulls last 14 Saturday games.


Golden State Warriors at New Orleans Pelicans (+7, 205)

Warriors lead series 3-0

Steph Curry finished with 40 points and Klay Thompson added 28, but Draymond Green’s third double-double of the series and Golden State’s rebounding down the stretch were just as big. Curry missed several shots from deep late in regulation but offensive rebounds led to second chances, including Marreese Speights’ offensive board before the game-tying shot. “It was just determination and will,” Green told reporters. “We have a group of guys whose competitive spirits are through the roof. We never give up.”

Anthony Davis went for 29 points and 15 rebounds in the loss but missed a free throw at the end of regulation that would have put the game out of reach and came up empty on a tying attempt in the final seconds of overtime. The 22-year-old also had trouble keeping the Warriors off the offensive glass down the stretch, even when Golden State went to a small lineup. “We're down 0-3 and it's a must win and we all know that,'' Williams told reporters. ''We had it and we let it go and I can't say it enough, we just didn't execute in the fourth quarter.”

TRENDS:

* Underdog is 4-0 ATS in the last four meetings.
* Under is 8-3-1 in the last 12 meetings.
* Warriors are 0-6 ATS in their last six games overall.


Memphis Grizzlies at Portland Trail Blazers (-3, 188.5)

Grizzlies lead series 2-0

The Portland Trail Blazers still have time to make it a series with Memphis but they need to chime in with a strong Game 3 performance on Saturday to make it happen. The Grizzlies won each of the first two games of the Western Conference first-round series by double digits while controlling both contests.

Memphis’ physical style appears to be more than the Trail Blazers can handle as Portland has lost all six meetings this season with the Grizzlies and trailed by as many as 29 points in the opener and 18 in Game 2. “We can’t look at the first two games and say it’s impossible,” point guard Damian Lillard told reporters. “We’ve just got to keep believing.” Trail Blazers star LaMarcus Aldridge averaged 28 points and 14 rebounds in the first two games and the Grizzlies were still able to hold Portland to an average of 84 points. And Aldridge had to hoist 54 shots – making a subpar 37 percent – to score one-third of the Trail Blazers’ points.

TRENDS:

* Grizzlies are 10-1 ATS in the last 11 meetings.
* Under is 4-0 in the last four meetings.
* Trail Blazers are 0-6 ATS in their last six vs. Western Conference.

 

[CNOTES]

NBA

Saturday, April 25


Grizzlies are on fire ATS vs. Trail Blazers

The Memphis Grizzlies head west to Portland for Game 3 of their first-round series on Saturday carrying a 2-0 series lead.

History is showing that the Grizz have simply been too much for the Blazers both on the court and at the betting window. The Grizzlies are 10-1 ATS in their last 11 contests against Portland.

The Trail Blazers are presently listed as 3-point underdogs with a total of 188.5.


Warriors have become a bad bet all of a sudden

It's been six straight games since the Golden State Warriors covered the spread, a trend Dubs bettors will hope reverses itself Saturday in New Orleans.

The Warriors, who hold a 3-0 lead in their first-round series over the Pelicans, have been tabbed as 7-point road favorites for the clash.

The total was sitting at 205 as of this writing.



NBA roundup: Rockets, Wizards grab 3-0 series leads

DALLAS -- James Harden scored a career-playoff-high 42 points and the Houston Rockets withstood Dallas' desperate punch to beat the Mavericks 130-128 and take a 3-0 lead in the Western Conference playoff series Friday night.

Houston trailed by 13 in the first half before storming back behind Harden, an MVP candidate shooting guard who scored 16 points in third quarter and knocked down a jumper with 13 seconds left that helped nail down the win. Center Dwight Howard had a playoff career-best 26 rebounds and scored 13 points.

The Mavericks had their chances in the final minute. Power forward Dirk Nowitzki (34 points) drilled three free throws with 34 seconds remaining to pull Dallas within 127-126. Harden followed with his final basket before Mavs shooting guard Monta Ellis banked in a driving layup to make it a one-point game again.

Rockets guard Corey Brewer (15 points) made one of two free throws, giving Dallas one last shot. Ellis, however, couldn't add to the highest-scoring game of his playoff career as he missed a jumper from the top of the key as time expired. Ellis finished with 34 points.

Wizards 106, Raptors 99

WASHINGTON -- Center Marcin Gortat scored 24 points and guard John Wall had 19 points and 15 assists as Washington opened a 3-0 lead in the best-of-seven playoff series.

Six Wizards scored in double figures, including forward Paul Pierce with 18 points on four 3-pointers. Pierce and Otto Porter fueled a decisive 10-2 run late in the fourth quarter and both forwards sank two 3-point shots inside the final 4:23. Pierce's final bomb with 16.9 seconds left came after the Raptors pulled to 102-99.

Toronto's DeMar DeRozan started 8 of 10 from the field and scored 20 of his 32 points in the first quarter. However, the shooting woes that plagued him and backcourt partner Kyle Lowry in Toronto returned. The Raptors shot 37.4 percent from the field.

Spurs 100, Clippers 73

SAN ANTONIO -- Kawhi Leonard was handed the NBA defensive player of the year award and then showed his versatility at both ends of the court, scoring a career-best 32 points and adding three steals as San Antonio took a 2-1 lead in the first-round playoff series.

Leonard, MVP of the 2014 NBA Finals after the Spurs' fifth title, had 13 points in the third quarter, outscoring the Clippers by two. He converted 13 of 18 shots from field, including three 3-pointers.

The Clippers shot just 34.1 percent from the floor while suffering their worst-ever playoff defeat. Forward Blake Griffin and guard Chris Paul scored 14 and 10 points, respectively.

 

[CNOTES]

NBA
Long Sheet

Saturday, April 25

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

ATLANTA (62 - 22) at BROOKLYN (38 - 46) - 4/25/2015, 3:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
ATLANTA is 13-30 ATS (-20.0 Units) when playing with 2 days rest over the last 3 seasons.
ATLANTA is 12-29 ATS (-19.9 Units) in road games in all playoff games since 1996.
BROOKLYN is 54-37 ATS (+13.3 Units) revenging a loss vs opponent over the last 2 seasons.
ATLANTA is 49-32 ATS (+13.8 Units) in all games this season.
ATLANTA is 36-23 ATS (+10.7 Units) as a favorite this season.
ATLANTA is 10-1 ATS (+8.9 Units) in a road game where where the total is between 200 and 204.5 points this season.
BROOKLYN is 56-81 ATS (-33.1 Units) in home games when playing with 2 days rest since 1996.

Head-to-Head Series History
ATLANTA is 7-6 against the spread versus BROOKLYN over the last 3 seasons
ATLANTA is 9-4 straight up against BROOKLYN over the last 3 seasons
7 of 13 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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

CHICAGO (53 - 32) at MILWAUKEE (41 - 44) - 4/25/2015, 5:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
CHICAGO is 20-34 ATS (-17.4 Units) after scoring 105 points or more over the last 3 seasons.
MILWAUKEE is 45-37 ATS (+4.3 Units) in all games this season.
MILWAUKEE is 136-102 ATS (+23.8 Units) after 3 or more consecutive losses since 1996.
MILWAUKEE is 50-72 ATS (-29.2 Units) in home games over the last 3 seasons.
MILWAUKEE is 13-23 ATS (-12.3 Units) second half of the season this season.
MILWAUKEE is 20-36 ATS (-19.6 Units) on Saturday games over the last 3 seasons.
MILWAUKEE is 182-225 ATS (-65.5 Units) after a division game since 1996.
MILWAUKEE is 5-15 ATS (-11.5 Units) in home games revenging a home loss vs opponent over the last 3 seasons.
MILWAUKEE is 30-46 ATS (-20.6 Units) in home games revenging a loss vs opponent over the last 3 seasons.
MILWAUKEE is 46-65 ATS (-25.5 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 3 seasons.
MILWAUKEE is 5-14 ATS (-10.4 Units) in home games versus good offensive teams - scoring 99+ points/game this season.
MILWAUKEE is 8-19 ATS (-12.9 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 99+ points/game - 2nd half of the season this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
CHICAGO is 10-5 against the spread versus MILWAUKEE over the last 3 seasons
CHICAGO is 11-4 straight up against MILWAUKEE over the last 3 seasons
9 of 15 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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

GOLDEN STATE (70 - 15) at NEW ORLEANS (45 - 40) - 4/25/2015, 8:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
NEW ORLEANS is 48-35 ATS (+9.5 Units) in all games this season.
NEW ORLEANS is 28-13 ATS (+13.7 Units) as an underdog this season.
NEW ORLEANS is 25-16 ATS (+7.4 Units) in home games this season.
NEW ORLEANS is 41-23 ATS (+15.7 Units) in home games in April games since 1996.
NEW ORLEANS is 97-69 ATS (+21.1 Units) on Saturday games since 1996.
NEW ORLEANS is 14-5 ATS (+8.5 Units) against Pacific division opponents this season.
NEW ORLEANS is 26-16 ATS (+8.4 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
NEW ORLEANS is 17-7 ATS (+9.3 Units) in home games when playing against a team with a winning record - 2nd half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
NEW ORLEANS is 30-21 ATS (+6.9 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 99+ points/game this season.
GOLDEN STATE is 46-35 ATS (+7.5 Units) in all games this season.
GOLDEN STATE is 42-29 ATS (+10.1 Units) as a favorite this season.
GOLDEN STATE is 33-24 ATS (+6.6 Units) after scoring 105 points or more this season.
GOLDEN STATE is 24-14 ATS (+8.6 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
GOLDEN STATE is 29-18 ATS (+9.2 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 99+ points/game this season.
GOLDEN STATE is 35-22 ATS (+10.8 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 99+ points/game - 2nd half of the season over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
GOLDEN STATE is 8-5 against the spread versus NEW ORLEANS over the last 3 seasons
GOLDEN STATE is 13-1 straight up against NEW ORLEANS over the last 3 seasons
8 of 13 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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

MEMPHIS (57 - 27) at PORTLAND (51 - 33) - 4/25/2015, 10:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
MEMPHIS is 45-29 ATS (+13.1 Units) after a win by 10 points or more over the last 3 seasons.
MEMPHIS is 29-17 ATS (+10.3 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
MEMPHIS is 87-67 ATS (+13.3 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 99+ points/game over the last 3 seasons.
PORTLAND is 9-21 ATS (-14.1 Units) in April games over the last 3 seasons.
PORTLAND is 25-41 ATS (-20.1 Units) against Southwest division opponents over the last 3 seasons.
PORTLAND is 7-19 ATS (-13.9 Units) in home games after a loss by 10 points or more over the last 3 seasons.
PORTLAND is 10-24 ATS (-16.4 Units) after 3 or more consecutive losses over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
MEMPHIS is 10-3 against the spread versus PORTLAND over the last 3 seasons
MEMPHIS is 11-2 straight up against PORTLAND over the last 3 seasons
8 of 13 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

 

[CNOTES]

NBA
Dunkel

Saturday, April 25


Atlanta Hawks @ Brooklyn Nets

Game 745-746
April 25, 2015 @ 3:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Atlanta Hawks
123.130
Brooklyn Nets
115.885
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Atlanta Hawks
by 6 1/2
196
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Atlanta Hawks
by 2 1/2
201
Dunkel Pick:
Atlanta Hawks
(-2 1/2); Under

Chicago Bulls @ Milwaukee Bucks

Game 747-748
April 25, 2015 @ 5:30 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Chicago Bulls
121.702
Milwaukee Bucks
123.877
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Milwaukee Bucks
by 2
183
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Chicago Bulls
by 5
188 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Milwaukee Bucks
(+5); Under

Golden State Warriors @ New Orleans Pelicans

Game 749-750
April 25, 2015 @ 8:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Golden State Warr
126.180
New Orleans Pelic
125.285
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Golden State Warr
by 1
211
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Golden State Warr
by 7 1/2
205 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
New Orleans Pelic
(+7 1/2); Over

Memphis Grizzlies @ Portland Trail Blazers

Game 751-752
April 25, 2015 @ 10:30 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Memphis Grizzlies
117.979
Portland Trail Bl
124.900
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Portland Trail Bl
by 7
193
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Portland Trail Bl
by 2 1/2
188 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Portland Trail Bl
(-2 1/2); Over

 

[CNOTES]

NBA

Saturday, April 25


Under Popovich, Spurs are dynamite when leading 2-1

The San Antonio Spurs hammered the Los Angeles Clippers 100-73 in Game 3 of their first-round series Friday night, putting the reigning champions up 2-1 in the process.

Under head coach Gregg Popovich, the Spurs have won 84 percent of their best-of-seven playoff series (16-3) when leading 2-1.

Game 4 is set to get underway in the Lone Star State on Sunday. The line for the tilt is currently off the board.

 

[CNOTES]

NHL
Armadillo's Write-Up

Saturday, April 25

Detroit had 2-1 series edge and 2-0 lead with 6:00 left in Game 4, but gave up two goals in 1:14 and then lost in OT, so they go back to Florida with series tied. Red Wings lost four of last five visits to Tampa; Lightning is 2-21 on power play in series, Red Wings 2-15. Lightning won nine of their last 13 games vs Detroit- under is 8-4-1 in last 13 series games. Tampa Bay won five of last seven games overall, allowing 14 goals. Under is 5-2-2 in Lightning's last nine games. Red Wings won three of last five road games.

Islanders are 5-9 in last fourteen games overall, with under 3-2-1 in last six vs Caps. Isles are 0-12 on power play in series-- only 22 penalties total were called in last four games (Washington is 1-10 on power play in series). Caps won eight of their last 12 games; they outshot Islanders 41-23 last game, 42-27 in third period of last four games. Caps split last four road games, with last three all ending up in 2-1 finals. Islanders split last four at home; they scored total of seven goals in last four games overall. Home side won seven of last nine series games.

Nashville showed onions, winning Game 5 at home to stave off elimination after losing Game 4 at 1am local time in triple OT; Predators lost nine of last 11 games overall with pair of multiple-OT losses in this series- they lost six of last nine games with Chicago, with five of last six going over total. Predators scored 6-5 goals in two series wins, 3-2-2 in losses- they lost last four road games, scoring total of seven goals. Home side won four of five games in this series, with four of five games in this playoff series going over total.

Calgary is up 3-2 in this series, has won five of last seven games with Vancouver- under is 5-1-2 in last eight series games, but Canucks outshot them 43-21 in Game 5, staying alive in series they're favored to win. Flames have now won eight of last twelve games; under is 7-2-1 in last ten Calgary games. Vancouver is 2-14 on power play in series, Calgary is 4-14- they've only scored eleven goals in whole series. Home teams are 23-15 in this round; over is 17-15-6. Vancouver needs win to force seventh game at home.

2015 NHL playoffs
Montreal vs Ottawa
Mtl 4-3, -$140, O5
Mtl 3-2 OT, -$140, N5
Mtl 2-1 OT, +$110, U5
Ott 1-0, -$106, U5
Ott 5-1, _$139, O5

Tampa Bay vs Detroit
Det 3-2, +$155, U5.5
TB 5-1, -$200, U5.5
Det 3-0, -$105, U5.5
TB 3-2 OT, -$107, N5

NY Rangers vs Pittsburgh
NYR 2-1, -$180, U5
Pitt 4-3, +$175, O5
NYR 2-1, even U5
NYR 2-1 OT, -$119, U5
NYR 2-1 OT, -$178, U5
Rangers win series 4-1

Washington vs NY Islanders
NYI 4-1, +125, N5
Wash 4-3, -$135, O5.5
NYI 2-1 OT, -$140, U5.5
Wash 2-1 OT, +$125, U5.5
Wash 5-1, -4130, O5

St Louis vs Minnesota
Minn 4-2, +$125, O5
StL 4-1, -$140, N5
Minn 3-0, -$135, U5
StL 6-1, +$128, O5
Minn 4-1, +$128, N5

Nashville vs Chicago
Chi 4-3 2OT, +$105, O5
Nash 6-2, -$120, O5
Chi 4-2, -$160, O5
Chi 3-2 3OT, -$160, U5.5
Nash 5-2, -$119, O5

Anaheim vs Winnipeg
Ana 4-2, -$150, O5
Ana 2-1, -$150, U5
Ana 5-4 OT, +$120, O5
Ana 5-2, +$106, O5.5
Ducks win series, 4-0

Vancouver vs Calgary
Cal 2-1, +$135, U5
Van 4-1, -$155, N5
Cal 4-2, -$115, O5
Cal 3-1, -$120, U5
Van 2-1, -$147, U5




NHL

Saturday, April 25

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Trend Report
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

3:00 PM
WASHINGTON vs. NY ISLANDERS
Washington is 4-2 SU in their last 6 games when playing NY Islanders
Washington is 7-3 SU in its last 10 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 8 of the NY Islanders last 11 games at home
NY Islanders are 3-9 SU in their last 12 games at home

6:00 PM
DETROIT vs. TAMPA BAY
Detroit is 4-9 SU in its last 13 games when playing Tampa Bay
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Detroit's last 6 games when playing Tampa Bay
Tampa Bay is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games
Tampa Bay is 9-4 SU in its last 13 games when playing Detroit

8:00 PM
NASHVILLE vs. CHICAGO
Nashville is 2-9 SU in its last 11 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Nashville's last 5 games
Chicago is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Nashville
Chicago is 3-6 SU in its last 9 games

9:00 PM
VANCOUVER vs. CALGARY
Vancouver is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games on the road
Vancouver is 2-5 SU in its last 7 games when playing Calgary
Calgary is 6-3 SU in its last 9 games
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Calgary's last 10 games

 

[CNOTES]

NHL

Saturday, April 25


NHL roundup: Rangers top Pens in OT to advance

NEW YORK Carl Hagelin scored with 9:08 remaining in overtime to give the New York Rangers a 2-1 victory against the Pittsburgh Penguins in Game 5 of their first-round series at Madison Square Garden on Friday.

Derek Stepan also had a goal for the Rangers while Henrik Lundqvist stopped 37 shots.

Nick Spaling scored for the Penguins, who were backed by Marc-Andre Fleury 34 stops.

Mats Zuccarello left the game in the first period with an undisclosed injury and did not return for the Rangers.

Senators 5, Canadiens 1

MONTREAL -- Two first-period goals paced Ottawa's win in Montreal at the Bell Centre.

The win cut Montreal's series lead to 3-2, with Game 6 scheduled for Sunday in Ottawa.

Bobby Ryan, Erik Condra, Mike Hoffman, Patrick Wiercoch and Erik Karlsson scored for Ottawa. Tom Gilbert had the Canadiens' goal.

Craig Anderson stopped 45 shots for the Senators and Carey Price made 20 saves for Montreal.

Wild 4, Blues 1

ST. LOUIS -- Devan Dubnyk made 36 saves, including all 19 he faced in the third period, to help Minnesota take a 3-2 lead in its Western Conference quarterfinal series with a win over St. Louis at sold-out Scottrade Center.

Marco Scandella, Nino Niederreiter, Mikko Koivu and Charlie Coyle scored for the Wild, who can clinch the series Sunday in Game 6 in St. Paul.

Jake Allen, who played brilliantly in the series' first four games, gave up four goals on just 19 shots, while Vladimir Tarasenko scored the Blues' lone goal.