Cnotes Sports Page For Friday August 28th Best Bets-Trends-News !

[CNOTES]

Preview: Cardinals (82-45) at Giants (68-59)
Game: 1
Venue: AT&T Park
Date: August 28, 2015 10:15 PM EDT

The last time Michael Wacha was seen at AT&T Park, he surrendered the walkoff homer that eliminated the St. Louis Cardinals from the NLCS.


The stakes won't be nearly as high Friday night when Wacha goes for a share of the major league lead in wins against the San Francisco Giants.


Wacha's only playoff appearance last year came with the score tied in the ninth inning of Game 5 at San Francisco. The right-hander, who had shoulder trouble in the regular season, served up a three-run blast to light-hitting Travis Ishikawa in a 6-3 loss.


Wacha (15-4, 2.80 ERA) and the Cardinals (82-45) sure look like they've put that behind them. St. Louis owns the best record in baseball and Wacha is one win shy of matching Jake Arrieta of the Chicago Cubs and San Francisco's Madison Bumgarner for the major league lead.


Wacha is 4-0 with a 1.09 ERA in his last five starts, a stretch that includes St. Louis' 2-1 home win over the Giants on Aug. 17. He allowed one run in seven innings and didn't get a decision while San Francisco went on to take two of three in that series.


Wacha followed that up six days later by yielding one run in six innings of a 10-3 win at San Diego.


"He's been very consistent for us. He's done a terrific job," manager Mike Matheny told MLB's official website. "I didn't think he had his top stuff (Sunday), missed a lot high and out of the zone, which didn't really allow his changeup to have its effectiveness that it normally has.


"He pitched with heart more than anything, and figured out a way to get outs in tough counts."


The Cardinals have put together an 11-4 stretch on the road, winning five straight with Thursday's 5-3 victory at Arizona.


They haven't had a longer streak away from home since a seven-gamer from April 22-May 5, 2013.


The Giants (68-59), 2 1/2 games back of the NL West-leading Los Angeles Dodgers, cruised to a 9-1 rout of the Chicago Cubs on Thursday for their 15th win in 18 home games. Rookie Kelby Tomlinson hit his first grand slam and Marlon Byrd added a three-run shot.


Tomlinson has been a pleasant surprise, hitting .346 in 20 games since being called up from Triple-A Sacramento to replace the injured Joe Panik (back).


"It was pretty crazy. Everybody got up and started clapping for me," Tomlinson said. "I'd never experienced anything like that. It's pretty special."


He went 4 for 10 in three games at St. Louis last week.


Mike Leake (9-6, 3.44) makes his third start for the Giants and first at AT&T Park for his new team. The right-hander allowed one run and one hit over six innings before leaving without a decision in a 3-2 loss at Pittsburgh on Saturday after missing nearly three weeks with a hamstring injury.


"What a job he did for us in his first start back," manager Bruce Bochy said. "He gave us what we were hoping for."


Leake should feel very comfortable pitching in San Francisco, where he went 4-0 with a 0.87 ERA in his last four starts for Cincinnati. He walked five and struck out 26 over 31 innings in those games.


He's split six decisions with a 2.81 ERA in his past seven starts against the Cardinals, tossing four-hit ball over eight innings in a 4-0 victory with the Reds on July 28.




SERIES AT A GLANCE


GAME 1
Cardinals at Giants
Fri, Aug 28 - 10:15PM EDT


GAME 2
Cardinals at Giants
Sat, Aug 29 - 4:05PM EDT


GAME 3
Cardinals at Giants
Sun, Aug 30 - 4:05PM EDT

 

[CNOTES]

MLB
Dunkel

Friday, August 28


Miami @ Washington

Game 901-902
August 28, 2015 @ 7:05 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Miami
(Conley) 14.850
Washington
(Scherzer) 16.434
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Washington
by 1 1/2
6
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Washington
-250
7
Dunkel Pick:
Washington
(-250); Under

Colorado @ Pittsburgh

Game 903-904
August 28, 2015 @ 7:05 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Colorado
(Gray) 10.607
Pittsburgh
(Liriano) 15.996
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Pittsburgh
by 5 1/2
8
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Pittsburgh
-230
7
Dunkel Pick:
Pittsburgh
(-230); Over

San Diego @ Philadelphia

Game 905-906
August 28, 2015 @ 7:05 pm

Dunkel Rating:
San Diego
(Kennedy) 13.574
Philadelphia
(Nola) 15.706
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Philadelphia
by 2
9
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
San Diego
-130
8
Dunkel Pick:
Philadelphia
(+110); Over

Cincinnati @ Milwaukee

Game 907-908
August 28, 2015 @ 8:10 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Cincinnati
(Iglesias) 14.564
Milwaukee
(Jungmnn) 12.969
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Cincinnati
by 1 1/2
7
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Milwaukee
-130
7 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Cincinnati
(+110); Under

Chicago Cubs @ LA Dodgers

Game 909-910
August 28, 2015 @ 10:10 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Chicago Cubs
(Hammel) 17.519
LA Dodgers
(Kershaw) 15.606
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Chicago Cubs
by 2
5
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
LA Dodgers
-210
6 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Chicago Cubs
(+180); Under

St. Louis @ San Francisco

Game 911-912
August 28, 2015 @ 10:15 pm

Dunkel Rating:
St. Louis
(Wacha) 15.599
San Francisco
(Leake) 17.022
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
San Francisco
by 1 1/2
5
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
St. Louis
-120
6 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
San Francisco
(+100); Under

Detroit @ Toronto

Game 913-914
August 28, 2015 @ 7:05 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Detroit
(Boyd) 11.053
Toronto
(Dickey) 17.982
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Toronto
by 7
11
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Toronto
-220
9 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Toronto
(-220); Over

LA Angels @ Cleveland

Game 915-916
August 28, 2015 @ 7:10 pm

Dunkel Rating:
LA Angels
(Heaney) 14.115
Cleveland
(Salazar) 15.657
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Cleveland
by 1 1/2
9
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Cleveland
-160
7 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Cleveland
(-160); Over

Kansas City @ Tampa Bay

Game 917-918
August 28, 2015 @ 7:10 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Kansas City
(Volquez) 17.466
Tampa Bay
(Ramirez) 16.007
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Kansas City
by 1 1/2
6
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Kansas City
-115
7
Dunkel Pick:
Kansas City
(-115); Under

Baltimore @ Texas

Game 919-920
August 28, 2015 @ 8:05 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Baltimore
(Gausman) 14.366
Texas
(Hamels) 16.572
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Texas
by 2
7
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Texas
-145
8 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Texas
(-145); Under

Seattle @ Chicago White Sox

Game 921-922
August 28, 2015 @ 8:10 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Seattle
(Walker) 13.752
Chicago White Sox
(Danks) 15.675
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Chicago White Sox
by 2
8
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Seattle
-135
8 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Chicago White Sox
(+115); Under

Houston @ Minnesota

Game 923-924
August 28, 2015 @ 8:10 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Houston
(Kazmir) 14.017
Minnesota
(Gibson) 15.693
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Minnesota
by 1 1/2
7
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Houston
-130
8
Dunkel Pick:
Minnesota
(+110); Under

Boston @ NY Mets

Game 925-926
August 28, 2015 @ 7:10 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Boston
(Owens) 13.752
NY Mets
(Harvey) 16.299
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
NY Mets
by 2 1/2
8
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
NY Mets
-200
7
Dunkel Pick:
NY Mets
(-200); Over

NY Yankees @ Atlanta

Game 927-928
August 28, 2015 @ 7:35 pm

Dunkel Rating:
NY Yankees
(Tanaka) 17.462
Atlanta
(Perez) 13.976
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
NY Yankees
by 3 1/2
6
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
NY Yankees
-220
7 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
NY Yankees
(-220); Under

Oakland @ Arizona

Game 929-930
August 28, 2015 @ 9:40 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Oakland
(Gray) 12.675
Arizona
(Anderson) 15.277
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Arizona
by 2 1/2
6
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Oakland
-130
7 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Arizona
(+110); Under

 

[CNOTES]

MLB
Armadillo's Write-Up

Friday, August 28

National League
Marlins @ Nationals
Conley is 1-1, 5.12 in his four starts (over 3-1).

Scherzer is 0-2, 6.86 in his last four starts (over 3-1).

Miami lost three of last four games with Washington; over is 5-3 in their last eight games. Marlins lost six of last seven games- five of their last six stayed under total. Washington won four of its last five (over 4-1-1 in last six). .

Rockies @ Pirates
Gray is 0-0, 6.48 in his four starts (over 3-1).

Liriano is 4-0, 4.91 in his last six starts; over is 6-0-1 in his last seven.

Colorado lost four of last six games with Pittsburgh; home side won nine of last ten series games. Rockies won last two games after losing six of previous seven-- four of their last six went over total. Pirates won eight of last ten games; four of their last five stayed under.

Padres @ Phillies
Kennedy is 2-1, 2.55 in his last three starts (under 7-3 in his last ten).

Nola is 4-0, 3.93 in his last six starts (over 5-1); Phils scored 41 runs for him.

Padres lost four of last five games with Philly; five of last six series games got over total. San Diego lost three of last four games; five of its last six games stayed under. Phillies lost last four games; eight of their last ten went over. .

Reds @ Brewers
Iglesias is 2-2, 2.20 in his last five starts; five of his last six stayed under.

Jungmann is 2-4, 4.55 in his last six starts; under is 4-2-1 in his last seven.

Reds lost last four games with Milwaukee (over 3-1); Cincy lost 11 of last 12 games (over 5-2 in last seven) overall. Brewers lost last four games, allowing 32 runs; over is 6-0-1 in their last seven games.

Cubs @ Dodgers
Hammel is 2-1, 4.01 in his last five starts; six of his last eight went over.

Kershaw is 5-0, 0.90 in his last nine starts; eight of his last ten stayed under.

Cubs are 3-5 in last eight games with LA; last four series games went under total. Chicago won six of last eight games (over 6-3 in last nine). Dodgers won last three games, allowing five runs; five of their last six stayed under.

Cardinals @ Giants
Wacha is 4-0, 1.09 in his last five starts (under 5-1 in last six).

Leake is 4-1, 1.06 in his last six starts (under 6-1 in last seven).

Cardinals lost four of their last six games with Giants (under 2-0-1 last three); St Louis won last five games; over is 4-1-2 in last seven. Giants are 3-5 in last eight games; over is 6-3-2 in their last eleven.

St Louis closer Rosenthal won't be in SF this weekend; his wife is having a baby and Rosenthal will be in St Louis with her.

American League
Tigers @ Blue Jays
Former Blue Jay Boyd is 0-2, 6.06 in his last three starts (under 3-1 last four).

Dickey is 5-0, 3.50 in his last seven starts; last three went over. Dickey has a 7.31 RA in his last three starts; Jays scored 30 runs in those three games.

Tigers lost six of last seven games; six of their last eight stayed under; Tigers lost six of last nine games with Toronto (over 7-1 in last eight). Blue Jays won seven of last nine (seven of last eight went over).

Angels @ Indians
Heaney is 0-2, 5.96 in his last five starts; six of his last nine went over.

Salazar is 3-1, 2.45 in his last five starts; four of his last six stayed under.

Angels won seven of last ten games with Cleveland; under is 5-3 in last eight series games. Halos lost five of last seven games (over 5-2). Indians won five of last seven games; seven of their last ten went over the total.

Royals @ Rays
Volquez is 0-1, 5.95 in his last three starts; over is 5-3 in his last eight.

Ramirez is 2-0, 2.75 in his last three starts; four of his last five went over.

Royals won their last five games with Tampa Bay (over 5-0); KC won five of last six games- over is 4-1-2 in its last seven. Tampa Bay lost of its three of last four games; Rays' last five games all went over.

Orioles @ Rangers
Gausman is 0-3, 4.91 in his last four starts; under is 6-3-1 in his last ten.

Hamels is 1-1, 4.72 in his four starts for Texas.

Rangers won three of last four games with Baltimore; under is 3-1-1 in last five series games. Texas won nine of last 13 games (under is 8-2-1 in their last 11 games). Orioles lost seven of last eight games (under 4-2-1 in last seven).

Mariners @ White Sox
Walker is 2-0, 3.71 in his last five starts (over is 7-2 in his last nine).

Danks is 0-3, 5.68 in his last four starts; four of his last six went over.

White Sox won three of last four games with Seattle (over 3-1); Chicago lost three of last five games overall-- seven of their last ten went over. Mariners won three of last five games- five of their last six games went over total.

Astros @ Twins
Kazmir is 1-3, 5.56 in his last four starts (under 8-2 in his last ten).

Gibson is 0-3, 7.45 in his last seven starts.

Houston is 4-6 in last ten games with Minnesota (over 6-3 in last nine); Astros won seven of last nine games (over 7-2). Twins won six of last seven games-- their last three all went over.

Interleague
Red Sox @ Mets
Owens is 2-1, 4.88 in his four starts (over 4-0).

Harvey skipped his last start to keep his innings down; he is 3-0, 1.01 in his last five starts (over 4-2 in last six).

Mets won their last seven games, scoring 73 runs; 10 of their last 11 games went over total. NY lost four of last six games with Boston- six of last nine series games stayed under total. Boston won four of last six games (over 7-2-1 in last ten). If Ortiz is in lineup (NL park, no DH), Red Sox have a pathetic defensive infield.

Bronx @ Braves
Tanaka is 2-3, 3.82 in his last five starts; under is 5-3 in his last eight.

Perez is 0-4, 8.28 in his last five starts (over 3-1-1).

Bronx won five of last seven games with Atlanta; three of last four series tilts stayed under total. NY lost five of last seven games overall; four of last six went over total. Braves lost nine of last ten games; four of their last five went over.

A's @ Diamondbacks
Gray is 2-1, 2.09 in his last five starts (under 7-1-1 in his last nine).

Anderson is 2-1, 4.63 in his last four starts.

Oakland lost four of last five games with Arizona; three of last four went over total. A's lost four of last six games; their last five went over total. Diamondbacks lost last four games; over is 4-2-2 in their last eight.

Win-loss records this year for team with this starting pitcher:
Mia-Wsh-- Conley 3-1; Scherzer 13-12
Col-Pitt-- Gray 0-4; Liriano 14-10 (10-0 last 10)
SD-Phil-- Kennedy 11-12; Nola 5-2
Cin-Mil-- Iglesias 4-8; Jungmann 8-6
Chi-LA-- Hammel 12-12 (4-1 last 5); Kershaw 13-12
StL-SF-- Wacha 19-5; Leake 11-12/0-2

Det-Tor-- Boyd 1-5/1-3; Dickey 17-7 (6-0 last 6)
LA-Clev-- Heaney 8-3; Salazar 14-9
KC-TB-- Volquez 18-8; Ramirez 14-6
Balt-Tex-- Gausman 3-7; Hamels 12-12/2-2
Hst-Min-- Kazmir 11-13/3-3; Gibson 13-12
Sea-Chi-- Walker 14-11; Danks 11-13

Bos-NY-- Owens 2-2; Harvey 14-9
NY-Atl-- Tanaka 12-6; Perez 5-8 (0-6 last 6)
A's-Az-- Gray 15-10; Anderson 9-13

Times this starting pitcher allowed a run in first inning:
Mia-Wsh-- Conley 0-4; Scherzer 5-23
Col-Pitt-- Gray 3-4; Liriano 5-25
SD-Phil-- Kennedy 8-23; Nola 4-7
Cin-Mil-- Iglesias 2-12; Jungmann 2-14
Chi-LA-- Hammel 10-24; Kershaw 5-25
StL-SF-- Wacha 4-24; Leake 4-23

Det-Tor-- Boyd 2-6; Dickey 11-24 (4 of last 5)
LA-Clev-- Heaney 0-11; Salazar 7-23
KC-TB-- Volquez 6-26; Ramirez 5-20
Balt-Tex-- Gausman 5-10; Hamels 5-24
Hst-Min-- Kazmir 4-24; Gibson 6-25
Sea-Chi-- Walker 7-25; Danks 8-24

Bos-NY-- Owens 2-4; Harvey 6-23
NY-Atl-- Tanaka 4-18; Perez 5-13
A's-Az-- Gray 4-25; Anderson 8-22

 

[CNOTES]

MLB

Friday, August 28

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

7:05 PM
MIAMI vs. WASHINGTON
Miami is 1-6 SU in its last 7 games
Miami is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games when playing Washington
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Washington's last 6 games
Washington is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games at home

7:05 PM
SAN DIEGO vs. PHILADELPHIA
San Diego is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Philadelphia
The total has gone OVER in 5 of San Diego's last 6 games when playing Philadelphia
Philadelphia is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing San Diego
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Philadelphia's last 6 games when playing San Diego

7:05 PM
COLORADO vs. PITTSBURGH
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Colorado's last 6 games
Colorado is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Pittsburgh
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Pittsburgh's last 7 games when playing Colorado
Pittsburgh is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games when playing Colorado

7:07 PM
DETROIT vs. TORONTO
Detroit is 3-6 SU in its last 9 games when playing Toronto
Detroit is 1-6 SU in its last 7 games
Toronto is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games
Toronto is 6-3 SU in its last 9 games when playing Detroit

7:10 PM
BOSTON vs. NY METS
Boston is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against NY Mets
Boston is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games when playing NY Mets
NY Mets are 7-3 SU in its last 10 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of NY Mets's last 6 games when playing at home against Boston

7:10 PM
KANSAS CITY vs. TAMPA BAY
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Kansas City's last 5 games
Kansas City is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games on the road
Tampa Bay is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games at home
Tampa Bay is 2-5 SU in its last 7 games when playing at home against Kansas City

7:10 PM
LA ANGELS vs. CLEVELAND
The total has gone OVER in 5 of LA Angels's last 7 games
LA Angels are 2-5 SU in their last 7 games
Cleveland is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 18 of Cleveland's last 25 games when playing at home against LA Angels

7:35 PM
NY YANKEES vs. ATLANTA
The total has gone UNDER in 9 of NY Yankees's last 13 games when playing Atlanta
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of NY Yankees's last 5 games on the road
Atlanta is 2-6 SU in their last 8 games when playing NY Yankees
Atlanta is 1-9 SU in its last 10 games

8:05 PM
BALTIMORE vs. TEXAS
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Baltimore's last 6 games on the road
Baltimore is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games on the road
Texas is 10-3 SU in its last 13 games at home
Texas is 4-12 SU in its last 16 games when playing Baltimore

8:10 PM
HOUSTON vs. MINNESOTA
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Houston's last 9 games when playing Minnesota
Houston is 5-16 SU in its last 21 games on the road
Minnesota is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games when playing at home against Houston
Minnesota is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games at home

8:10 PM
SEATTLE vs. CHI WHITE SOX
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Seattle's last 7 games
Seattle is 1-5 SU in their last 6 games when playing on the road against Chi White Sox
Chi White Sox are 5-1 SU in their last 6 games when playing at home against Seattle
Chi White Sox are 4-2 SU in their last 6 games when playing Seattle

8:10 PM
CINCINNATI vs. MILWAUKEE
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Cincinnati's last 6 games on the road
Cincinnati is 2-6 SU in its last 8 games on the road
Milwaukee is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games when playing at home against Cincinnati
The total has gone UNDER in 8 of Milwaukee's last 10 games when playing at home against Cincinnati

9:40 PM
OAKLAND vs. ARIZONA
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Oakland's last 5 games on the road
Oakland is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing Arizona
Arizona is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Oakland
Arizona is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games

10:10 PM
CHI CUBS vs. LA DODGERS
Chi Cubs are 3-6 SU in their last 9 games when playing on the road against LA Dodgers
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Chi Cubs's last 7 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of LA Dodgers's last 5 games when playing Chi Cubs
LA Dodgers are 6-3 SU in their last 9 games when playing at home against Chi Cubs

10:15 PM
ST. LOUIS vs. SAN FRANCISCO
St. Louis is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games when playing on the road against San Francisco
The total has gone OVER in 4 of St. Louis's last 5 games when playing on the road against San Francisco
The total has gone OVER in 4 of San Francisco's last 5 games when playing at home against St. Louis
The total has gone OVER in 4 of San Francisco's last 6 games at home

 

[CNOTES]

MLB
Long Sheet

Friday, August 28

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

MIAMI (51 - 77) at WASHINGTON (64 - 62) - 7:05 PM
ADAM CONLEY (L) vs. MAX SCHERZER (R)
Top Trends for this game.
MIAMI is 51-77 (-24.1 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
MIAMI is 21-41 (-16.0 Units) against the money line in road games this season.
MIAMI is 17-31 (-17.9 Units) against the money line against division opponents this season.
MIAMI is 51-74 (-21.1 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
MIAMI is 33-53 (-20.1 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
MIAMI is 40-60 (-18.9 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
MIAMI is 26-50 (-21.7 Units) against the money line after a loss this season.
SCHERZER is 33-9 (+19.7 Units) against the money line against division opponents over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)
SCHERZER is 38-13 (+18.3 Units) against the money line after a win over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)
MIAMI is 366-423 (+39.1 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season since 1997.
WASHINGTON is 64-62 (-12.2 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
WASHINGTON is 34-37 (-11.6 Units) against the money line when the total is 7 or less this season.
WASHINGTON is 10-15 (-10.4 Units) against the money line in August games this season.
WASHINGTON is 20-28 (-17.9 Units) against the money line when playing on Friday over the last 2 seasons.
WASHINGTON is 63-61 (-12.4 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
WASHINGTON is 39-44 (-14.1 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
WASHINGTON is 30-28 (-10.0 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
MIAMI is 5-4 (+2.0 Units) against WASHINGTON this season
5 of 9 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+1.2 Units)

ADAM CONLEY vs. WASHINGTON since 1997
No recent starts.

MAX SCHERZER vs. MIAMI since 1997
SCHERZER is 2-0 when starting against MIAMI with an ERA of 3.60 and a WHIP of 1.200.
His team's record is 3-0 (+3.0 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 2-1. (+0.7 units)

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

COLORADO (51 - 74) at PITTSBURGH (77 - 49) - 7:05 PM
JON GRAY (R) vs. FRANCISCO LIRIANO (L)
Top Trends for this game.
COLORADO is 117-170 (-43.5 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
COLORADO is 45-98 (-38.9 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 2 seasons.
COLORADO is 117-170 (-43.5 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
COLORADO is 28-54 (-21.6 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
COLORADO is 5-21 (-15.8 Units) against the money line against left-handed starters this season.
COLORADO is 48-88 (-29.4 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
COLORADO is 6-28 (-17.8 Units) against the money line in road games when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
PITTSBURGH is 77-49 (+19.0 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
PITTSBURGH is 44-20 (+16.7 Units) against the money line in home games this season.
PITTSBURGH is 30-15 (+15.2 Units) against the money line when playing on Friday over the last 2 seasons.
PITTSBURGH is 77-49 (+19.0 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
PITTSBURGH is 118-81 (+23.3 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.
PITTSBURGH is 61-38 (+16.8 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
PITTSBURGH is 49-27 (+17.0 Units) against the money line after a win this season.
PITTSBURGH is 88-52 (+22.1 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.
PITTSBURGH is 24-7 (+13.0 Units) against the money line in home games when playing against a team with a losing record in the second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.

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

JON GRAY vs. PITTSBURGH since 1997
No recent starts.

FRANCISCO LIRIANO vs. COLORADO since 1997
LIRIANO is 1-2 when starting against COLORADO with an ERA of 5.49 and a WHIP of 1.641.
His team's record is 2-2 (-0.4 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-2. (-1.2 units)

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SAN DIEGO (62 - 65) at PHILADELPHIA (50 - 78) - 7:05 PM
IAN KENNEDY (R) vs. AARON NOLA (R)
Top Trends for this game.
SAN DIEGO is 60-101 (-31.5 Units) against the money line in road games against right-handed starters over the last 3 seasons.
PHILADELPHIA is 13-9 (+7.5 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record in the second half of the season this season.
SAN DIEGO is 47-42 (+4.3 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
PHILADELPHIA is 89-116 (-33.1 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
PHILADELPHIA is 3-0 (+5.0 Units) against SAN DIEGO this season
2 of 3 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+1.1 Units)

IAN KENNEDY vs. PHILADELPHIA since 1997
KENNEDY is 3-2 when starting against PHILADELPHIA with an ERA of 3.33 and a WHIP of 1.022.
His team's record is 4-3 (+1.1 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 6-1. (+5.0 units)

AARON NOLA vs. SAN DIEGO since 1997
NOLA is 0-0 when starting against SAN DIEGO with an ERA of 4.50 and a WHIP of 1.333.
His team's record is 1-0 (+1.4 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-0. (+1.0 units)

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CINCINNATI (52 - 74) at MILWAUKEE (53 - 74) - 8:10 PM
RAISEL IGLESIAS (R) vs. TAYLOR JUNGMANN (R)
Top Trends for this game.
CINCINNATI is 52-74 (-21.6 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
CINCINNATI is 56-88 (-25.6 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 2 seasons.
CINCINNATI is 6-19 (-12.2 Units) against the money line in August games this season.
CINCINNATI is 52-74 (-21.6 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
CINCINNATI is 83-110 (-24.8 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.
CINCINNATI is 39-54 (-15.1 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
CINCINNATI is 30-44 (-13.6 Units) against the money line after a loss this season.
CINCINNATI is 25-36 (-14.3 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
CINCINNATI is 19-34 (-19.1 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record in the second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
CINCINNATI is 18-9 (+10.5 Units) against the money line after getting shut out over the last 2 seasons.
MILWAUKEE is 53-74 (-21.2 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
MILWAUKEE is 25-29 (-14.9 Units) against the money line as a home favorite of -125 to -150 over the last 2 seasons.
MILWAUKEE is 28-38 (-14.9 Units) against the money line in home games this season.
MILWAUKEE is 53-74 (-21.2 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
MILWAUKEE is 17-26 (-12.0 Units) against the money line in home games in night games this season.
MILWAUKEE is 39-60 (-21.3 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
MILWAUKEE is 28-45 (-17.8 Units) against the money line after a loss this season.
MILWAUKEE is 7-17 (-10.6 Units) against the money line after 3 or more consecutive losses this season.
MILWAUKEE is 20-30 (-13.5 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
MILWAUKEE is 21-35 (-25.4 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record in the second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
MILWAUKEE is 5-5 (-0.0 Units) against CINCINNATI this season
5 of 10 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+0.1 Units)

RAISEL IGLESIAS vs. MILWAUKEE since 1997
No recent starts.

TAYLOR JUNGMANN vs. CINCINNATI since 1997
JUNGMANN is 1-0 when starting against CINCINNATI with an ERA of 1.13 and a WHIP of 0.750.
His team's record is 1-0 (+1.1 units) in these starts. The OVER is 0-1. (-1.0 units)

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CHICAGO CUBS (73 - 53) at LA DODGERS (70 - 56) - 10:10 PM
JASON HAMMEL (R) vs. CLAYTON KERSHAW (L)
Top Trends for this game.
CHICAGO CUBS are 73-53 (+9.2 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
CHICAGO CUBS are 34-27 (+6.8 Units) against the money line in road games this season.
CHICAGO CUBS are 16-6 (+11.1 Units) against the money line on the road when the total is 7 or less this season.
CHICAGO CUBS are 34-20 (+15.9 Units) against the money line in August games over the last 2 seasons.
CHICAGO CUBS are 73-53 (+9.2 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
CHICAGO CUBS are 45-29 (+13.9 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
CHICAGO CUBS are 29-25 (+15.6 Units) against the money line in road games against left-handed starters over the last 3 seasons.
CHICAGO CUBS are 72-67 (+7.6 Units) against the money line after a loss over the last 2 seasons.
CHICAGO CUBS are 33-23 (+9.1 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
HAMMEL is 32-26 (+14.6 Units) against the money line in road games after a loss since 1997. (Team's Record)
HAMMEL is 60-51 (+16.1 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record since 1997. (Team's Record)
LA DODGERS are 70-56 (-12.9 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
LA DODGERS are 33-32 (-17.2 Units) against the money line when the total is 7 or less this season.
LA DODGERS are 70-56 (-12.9 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
LA DODGERS are 50-42 (-13.8 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
LA DODGERS are 38-33 (-13.6 Units) against the money line after a win this season.
LA DODGERS are 15-23 (-19.1 Units) against the money line after 3 or more consecutive wins over the last 2 seasons.
LA DODGERS are 23-26 (-10.3 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
CHICAGO CUBS is 2-2 (+0.5 Units) against LA DODGERS this season
4 of 4 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+4.0 Units)

JASON HAMMEL vs. LA DODGERS since 1997
HAMMEL is 2-4 when starting against LA DODGERS with an ERA of 4.94 and a WHIP of 1.516.
His team's record is 6-5 (+1.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 7-4. (+2.8 units)

CLAYTON KERSHAW vs. CHICAGO CUBS since 1997
KERSHAW is 4-3 when starting against CHICAGO CUBS with an ERA of 2.36 and a WHIP of 1.139.
His team's record is 4-3 (-1.7 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 6-1. (+4.9 units)

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ST LOUIS (82 - 45) at SAN FRANCISCO (68 - 59) - 10:15 PM
MICHAEL WACHA (R) vs. MIKE LEAKE (R)
Top Trends for this game.
ST LOUIS is 81-111 (-44.7 Units) against the money line in road games after 3 or more consecutive wins since 1997.
SAN FRANCISCO is 68-59 (+3.5 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
SAN FRANCISCO is 11-3 (+9.3 Units) against the money line as a home underdog of +100 to +125 this season.
SAN FRANCISCO is 68-59 (+3.5 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
SAN FRANCISCO is 1066-893 (+119.1 Units) against the money line in night games since 1997.
SAN FRANCISCO is 118-96 (+11.5 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
SAN FRANCISCO is 40-28 (+10.5 Units) against the money line after a win this season.
SAN FRANCISCO is 743-733 (+46.6 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record since 1997.
ST LOUIS is 82-45 (+27.1 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
ST LOUIS is 36-26 (+8.5 Units) against the money line in road games this season.
ST LOUIS is 82-45 (+27.1 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
ST LOUIS is 59-32 (+21.3 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
ST LOUIS is 63-30 (+26.2 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
ST LOUIS is 52-30 (+14.0 Units) against the money line after a win this season.
ST LOUIS is 35-19 (+14.8 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
WACHA is 19-5 (+11.8 Units) against the money line in all games this season. (Team's Record)
WACHA is 12-2 (+9.1 Units) against the money line when the total is 7 or less this season. (Team's Record)
WACHA is 11-2 (+8.5 Units) against the money line in road games this season. (Team's Record)
WACHA is 6-0 (+6.5 Units) against the money line on the road when the total is 7 or less this season. (Team's Record)
WACHA is 19-5 (+11.8 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season. (Team's Record)
WACHA is 10-1 (+9.0 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record this season. (Team's Record)

Head-to-Head Series History
ST LOUIS is 2-1 (+0.6 Units) against SAN FRANCISCO this season
2 of 2 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+2.0 Units)

MICHAEL WACHA vs. SAN FRANCISCO since 1997
WACHA is 1-0 when starting against SAN FRANCISCO with an ERA of 0.69 and a WHIP of 0.769.
His team's record is 2-0 (+2.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 0-2. (-2.0 units)

MIKE LEAKE vs. ST LOUIS since 1997
LEAKE is 5-7 when starting against ST LOUIS with an ERA of 4.47 and a WHIP of 1.241.
His team's record is 6-9 (-2.1 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 7-8. (-2.3 units)

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DETROIT (60 - 67) at TORONTO (71 - 56) - 7:05 PM
MATT BOYD (L) vs. R.A. DICKEY (R)
Top Trends for this game.
DETROIT is 150-142 (-14.3 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
DETROIT is 33-46 (-12.9 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
DETROIT is 41-53 (-12.1 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
DETROIT is 67-73 (-16.8 Units) against the money line after a loss over the last 2 seasons.
TORONTO is 18-5 (+10.1 Units) against the money line in August games this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
DETROIT is 2-1 (+1.0 Units) against TORONTO this season
3 of 3 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+3.0 Units)

MATT BOYD vs. TORONTO since 1997
No recent starts.

R.A. DICKEY vs. DETROIT since 1997
DICKEY is 6-2 when starting against DETROIT with an ERA of 4.32 and a WHIP of 1.545.
His team's record is 8-3 (+5.4 units) in these starts. The OVER is 7-3. (+4.0 units)

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LA ANGELS (65 - 62) at CLEVELAND (60 - 66) - 7:10 PM
ANDREW HEANEY (L) vs. DANNY SALAZAR (R)
Top Trends for this game.
LA ANGELS are 776-763 (+61.0 Units) against the money line in road games since 1997.
LA ANGELS are 285-209 (+53.0 Units) against the money line when playing on Friday since 1997.
LA ANGELS are 651-644 (+53.6 Units) against the money line in road games in games played on a grass field since 1997.
LA ANGELS are 128-95 (+16.4 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.
LA ANGELS are 17-7 (+10.5 Units) against the money line after shutting out their opponent over the last 2 seasons.
LA ANGELS are 93-55 (+24.8 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.
LA ANGELS are 47-21 (+18.2 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record in the second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
CLEVELAND is 60-66 (-18.3 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
CLEVELAND is 26-34 (-19.8 Units) against the money line in home games this season.
CLEVELAND is 56-66 (-22.4 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
CLEVELAND is 14-24 (-18.4 Units) against the money line in home games in night games this season.
CLEVELAND is 16-28 (-15.9 Units) against the money line against left-handed starters this season.
CLEVELAND is 25-34 (-16.0 Units) against the money line after a win this season.
CLEVELAND is 29-34 (-8.9 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record this season.

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

ANDREW HEANEY vs. CLEVELAND since 1997
No recent starts.

DANNY SALAZAR vs. LA ANGELS since 1997
SALAZAR is 0-1 when starting against LA ANGELS with an ERA of 4.50 and a WHIP of 1.250.
His team's record is 1-2 (-1.2 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-2. (-1.2 units)

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KANSAS CITY (78 - 49) at TAMPA BAY (63 - 64) - 7:10 PM
EDINSON VOLQUEZ (R) vs. ERASMO RAMIREZ (R)
Top Trends for this game.
RAMIREZ is 14-6 (+10.4 Units) against the money line in all games this season. (Team's Record)
RAMIREZ is 11-4 (+8.7 Units) against the money line in night games this season. (Team's Record)
RAMIREZ is 6-0 (+6.9 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record this season. (Team's Record)
KANSAS CITY is 78-49 (+25.9 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
KANSAS CITY is 21-11 (+11.4 Units) against the money line when the total is 7 or less this season.
KANSAS CITY is 33-28 (+6.7 Units) against the money line in road games this season.
KANSAS CITY is 36-17 (+16.2 Units) against the money line in August games over the last 2 seasons.
KANSAS CITY is 17-8 (+11.3 Units) against the money line in road games when playing on Friday over the last 2 seasons.
KANSAS CITY is 53-35 (+13.7 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
KANSAS CITY is 54-27 (+25.6 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
KANSAS CITY is 48-31 (+14.2 Units) against the money line after a win this season.
KANSAS CITY is 40-24 (+14.4 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
KANSAS CITY is 44-24 (+17.6 Units) against the money line in road games when playing against a team with a losing record in the second half of the season over the last 3 seasons.
VOLQUEZ is 18-8 (+8.8 Units) against the money line in all games this season. (Team's Record)
VOLQUEZ is 9-2 (+8.8 Units) against the money line when the total is 7 or less over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
TAMPA BAY is 140-149 (-31.3 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
TAMPA BAY is 54-61 (-19.1 Units) against the money line when the total is 7 or less over the last 2 seasons.
TAMPA BAY is 67-76 (-32.1 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 2 seasons.
TAMPA BAY is 16-24 (-12.8 Units) against the money line at home when the total is 7 or less this season.
TAMPA BAY is 68-77 (-32.4 Units) against the money line in games played in a dome over the last 2 seasons.
TAMPA BAY is 76-85 (-31.4 Units) against the money line in games played on artificial turf over the last 2 seasons.
TAMPA BAY is 41-50 (-11.9 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
KANSAS CITY is 4-0 (+4.3 Units) against TAMPA BAY this season
4 of 4 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+4.2 Units)

EDINSON VOLQUEZ vs. TAMPA BAY since 1997
VOLQUEZ is 2-0 when starting against TAMPA BAY with an ERA of 2.49 and a WHIP of 1.145.
His team's record is 3-1 (+3.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 3-1. (+2.0 units)

ERASMO RAMIREZ vs. KANSAS CITY since 1997
RAMIREZ is 0-0 when starting against KANSAS CITY with an ERA of 4.27 and a WHIP of 1.580.
His team's record is 0-1 (-1.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 0-1. (-1.0 units)

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BALTIMORE (63 - 64) at TEXAS (65 - 61) - 8:05 PM
KEVIN GAUSMAN (R) vs. COLE HAMELS (L)
Top Trends for this game.
BALTIMORE is 63-64 (-6.2 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
BALTIMORE is 24-38 (-12.9 Units) against the money line in road games this season.
BALTIMORE is 56-57 (-6.6 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
BALTIMORE is 40-44 (-8.7 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
BALTIMORE is 22-36 (-14.6 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
BALTIMORE is 5-15 (-10.9 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season this season.
TEXAS is 65-61 (+20.6 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
TEXAS is 25-18 (+13.0 Units) against the money line when the total is 8 to 8.5 this season.
TEXAS is 62-57 (+20.1 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
TEXAS is 47-43 (+17.0 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
TEXAS is 41-36 (+13.6 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
TEXAS is 33-31 (+11.4 Units) against the money line after a win this season.
BALTIMORE is 74-59 (+16.3 Units) against the money line after a loss over the last 2 seasons.
TEXAS is 62-80 (-18.9 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 2 seasons.
TEXAS is 11-21 (-10.9 Units) against the money line in home games when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
HAMELS is 17-26 (-18.9 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)

Head-to-Head Series History
TEXAS is 3-1 (+2.5 Units) against BALTIMORE this season
2 of 3 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+1.0 Units)

KEVIN GAUSMAN vs. TEXAS since 1997
GAUSMAN is 0-0 when starting against TEXAS with an ERA of 0.00 and a WHIP of 0.948.
His team's record is 0-1 (-1.1 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 1-0. (+1.0 units)

COLE HAMELS vs. BALTIMORE since 1997
HAMELS is 0-2 when starting against BALTIMORE with an ERA of 6.23 and a WHIP of 1.615.
His team's record is 0-2 (-2.6 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 1-1. (-0.2 units)

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SEATTLE (59 - 69) at CHI WHITE SOX (60 - 66) - 8:10 PM
TAIJUAN WALKER (R) vs. JOHN DANKS (L)
Top Trends for this game.
SEATTLE is 59-69 (-18.1 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
SEATTLE is 7-18 (-10.5 Units) against the money line when the total is 8 to 8.5 this season.
SEATTLE is 7-17 (-9.5 Units) against the money line on the road when the total is 8 to 8.5 this season.
SEATTLE is 54-68 (-22.7 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
SEATTLE is 39-46 (-13.9 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
SEATTLE is 15-26 (-13.2 Units) against the money line against left-handed starters this season.
SEATTLE is 68-71 (-17.6 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.
SEATTLE is 345-326 (-87.1 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record in the second half of the season since 1997.
CHI WHITE SOX are 92-92 (+13.1 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.
SEATTLE is 76-68 (+14.0 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 2 seasons.
SEATTLE is 20-13 (+9.1 Units) against the money line in road games after a loss this season.
CHI WHITE SOX are 20-33 (-15.8 Units) against the money line in August games over the last 2 seasons.
DANKS is 8-24 (-18.8 Units) against the money line when playing on Friday since 1997. (Team's Record)
DANKS is 21-36 (-21.3 Units) against the money line in home games after a win since 1997. (Team's Record)
DANKS is 8-22 (-13.3 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)

Head-to-Head Series History
CHI WHITE SOX is 3-1 (+2.0 Units) against SEATTLE this season
3 of 4 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+2.4 Units)

TAIJUAN WALKER vs. CHI WHITE SOX since 1997
WALKER is 1-1 when starting against CHI WHITE SOX with an ERA of 5.58 and a WHIP of 1.448.
His team's record is 1-1 (-0.3 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-1. (-0.1 units)

JOHN DANKS vs. SEATTLE since 1997
DANKS is 7-7 when starting against SEATTLE with an ERA of 3.71 and a WHIP of 1.228.
His team's record is 7-8 (-1.6 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 10-5. (+4.7 units)

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HOUSTON (71 - 57) at MINNESOTA (65 - 62) - 8:10 PM
SCOTT KAZMIR (L) vs. KYLE GIBSON (R)
Top Trends for this game.
MINNESOTA is 65-62 (+16.2 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
MINNESOTA is 34-32 (+8.2 Units) against the money line when the total is 8 to 8.5 this season.
MINNESOTA is 38-24 (+16.8 Units) against the money line in home games this season.
MINNESOTA is 63-57 (+18.2 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
MINNESOTA is 38-34 (+13.5 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
MINNESOTA is 32-29 (+9.6 Units) against the money line after a loss this season.
HOUSTON is 71-57 (+8.9 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
HOUSTON is 71-51 (+15.3 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
HOUSTON is 97-104 (+7.0 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.
HOUSTON is 46-35 (+9.5 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
HOUSTON is 40-30 (+8.1 Units) against the money line after a win this season.
HOUSTON is 22-8 (+15.6 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
HOUSTON is 30-28 (+12.8 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 118-134 (-37.4 Units) against the money line in home games in August games since 1997.

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

SCOTT KAZMIR vs. MINNESOTA since 1997
KAZMIR is 7-5 when starting against MINNESOTA with an ERA of 3.56 and a WHIP of 1.167.
His team's record is 9-6 (+3.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 7-8. (-1.5 units)

KYLE GIBSON vs. HOUSTON since 1997
GIBSON is 2-0 when starting against HOUSTON with an ERA of 2.55 and a WHIP of 1.358.
His team's record is 3-0 (+3.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-2. (-1.2 units)

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BOSTON (58 - 69) at NY METS (71 - 56) - 7:10 PM
HENRY OWENS (L) vs. MATT HARVEY (R)
Top Trends for this game.
BOSTON is 58-69 (-16.3 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
BOSTON is 25-37 (-10.0 Units) against the money line in road games this season.
BOSTON is 11-21 (-11.9 Units) against the money line when playing with a day off over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 51-63 (-18.7 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
BOSTON is 40-46 (-8.8 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
BOSTON is 43-47 (-8.2 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
BOSTON is 22-35 (-16.8 Units) against the money line after a win this season.
BOSTON is 22-34 (-14.5 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
BOSTON is 27-47 (-17.2 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
NY METS are 71-56 (+13.8 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
NY METS are 42-21 (+17.9 Units) against the money line in home games this season.
NY METS are 29-15 (+11.3 Units) against the money line at home when the total is 7 or less this season.
NY METS are 70-52 (+16.9 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
NY METS are 44-26 (+16.7 Units) against the money line after a win this season.
NY METS are 43-26 (+14.5 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
NY METS are 18-4 (+13.9 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record in the second half of the season this season.
BOSTON is 23-12 (+15.8 Units) against the money line when the total is 7 or less over the last 3 seasons.
BOSTON is 19-11 (+12.9 Units) against the money line on the road when the total is 7 or less over the last 3 seasons.

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

HENRY OWENS vs. NY METS since 1997
No recent starts.

MATT HARVEY vs. BOSTON since 1997
No recent starts.

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NY YANKEES (69 - 57) at ATLANTA (54 - 73) - 7:35 PM
MASAHIRO TANAKA (R) vs. WILLIAMS PEREZ (R)
Top Trends for this game.
NY YANKEES are 161-103 (-52.2 Units) against the money line as a road favorite of -175 or more since 1997.
NY YANKEES are 70-71 (-19.4 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.
ATLANTA is 33-26 (+9.4 Units) against the money line in home games this season.
ATLANTA is 17-5 (+12.1 Units) against the money line in home games when playing on Friday over the last 2 seasons.
ATLANTA is 33-26 (+9.4 Units) against the money line in home games in games played on a grass field this season.
ATLANTA is 29-20 (+11.3 Units) against the money line in home games in night games this season.
ATLANTA is 27-19 (+10.8 Units) against the money line in home games against right-handed starters this season.
ATLANTA is 18-8 (+11.7 Units) against the money line in home games after a loss this season.
ATLANTA is 53-31 (+19.8 Units) against the money line in home games when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 3 seasons.
ATLANTA is 133-156 (-27.3 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.

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

MASAHIRO TANAKA vs. ATLANTA since 1997
No recent starts.

WILLIAMS PEREZ vs. NY YANKEES since 1997
No recent starts.

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

OAKLAND (55 - 73) at ARIZONA (62 - 65) - 9:40 PM
SONNY GRAY (R) vs. CHASE ANDERSON (R)
Top Trends for this game.
OAKLAND is 55-73 (-25.4 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
OAKLAND is 65-79 (-20.3 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 2 seasons.
OAKLAND is 22-31 (-13.6 Units) against the money line in August games over the last 2 seasons.
OAKLAND is 4-16 (-14.7 Units) against the money line when playing on Friday this season.
OAKLAND is 53-68 (-22.9 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
OAKLAND is 34-45 (-15.2 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
OAKLAND is 43-49 (-12.1 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
OAKLAND is 31-41 (-12.8 Units) against the money line after a loss this season.
OAKLAND is 20-30 (-13.0 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
OAKLAND is 24-26 (-17.5 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record in the second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
ARIZONA is 37-20 (+17.2 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
ARIZONA is 126-163 (-30.7 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
ARIZONA is 15-33 (-16.8 Units) against the money line as a home underdog of +100 to +125 over the last 2 seasons.
ARIZONA is 63-79 (-21.7 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 2 seasons.
ARIZONA is 126-163 (-30.7 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.

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

SONNY GRAY vs. ARIZONA since 1997
No recent starts.

CHASE ANDERSON vs. OAKLAND since 1997
No recent starts.

 

[CNOTES]

Preview: Mercury (17-11) at Mystics (15-11)


Date: August 28, 2015 7:00 PM EDT

With no point in dwelling on back-to-back defeats to the same Eastern Conference rival, the Washington Mystics feel confident they're capable of successfully moving forward.


They can do so Friday night by ending their recent struggles against the visiting Phoenix Mercury.


Two days after losing 87-85 at Chicago, Washington (15-11) once again fell short as Cappie Pondexter's layup with 6 seconds left gave the Sky a 66-64 victory Sunday.


"It's tough the way we lost both of those games," said guard Kara Lawson, who had 19 points and hit a tying 3-pointer with 28 seconds remaining. "We were right there. We feel it could have very easily been 2-0 us."


The Mystics are 4-5 since concluding July with a season-high five-game winning streak. Though Washington is one game behind the third-place Sky in the East, it owns the conference's final playoff spot and has no intentions of feeling sorry itself.


"You rebound from it, learn from it, watch film and get ready for the next game and forget what we did last week," guard Tierra Ruffin-Pratt said. "The game in front of us is always the hardest. We've just got to stay focused."


Washington, which dropped a season-high three straight in July, has lost four in a row to Phoenix (17-11), including the two 2014 meetings by a combined 27 points.


"It will be a good test for us," Mystics coach Mike Thibault said. "It's a back-to-back for them so hopefully we can push the pace and that tires them down, too."


Lawson (9.6 points per game) has averaged 16.8 points in the last four games but should be in for a stiff challenge against a Mercury squad that has clinched a playoff spot and will try for a third consecutive victory.


DeWanna Bonner recorded a game-high 26 points and Leilani Mitchell hit a 3-pointer at the buzzer to give Phoenix an 81-80 victory at Connecticut on Thursday. Brittney Griner had 14 points with 13 rebounds and ex-Mystic Monique Currie scored 13 in the opener of a three-game trip.


Griner totaled 36 points in the two games last season against the Mystics.


Currie makes her first trip back to Washington, where she averaged 11.0 points over the previous seven-plus seasons before signing with Phoenix in February.


"Right now she's the enemy," Thibault said. "She's been a big part of the organization here, but for two hours she's the enemy and we'll treat her just like that."


These teams meet again Wednesday at Phoenix.




WNBA HEAD TO HEAD


Jul 15, 2014 Score ATS Results
WAS 78 Over: 168
PHO « 90 Cover: 1.5
Tools: Recaps


Jun 10, 2014 Score ATS Results
PHO « 81 Cover: 10.5
WAS 66 Under: 147
Tools: Recaps

 

[CNOTES]

Preview: Mercury (17-11) at Mystics (15-11)


Date: August 28, 2015 7:00 PM EDT

With no point in dwelling on back-to-back defeats to the same Eastern Conference rival, the Washington Mystics feel confident they're capable of successfully moving forward.


They can do so Friday night by ending their recent struggles against the visiting Phoenix Mercury.


Two days after losing 87-85 at Chicago, Washington (15-11) once again fell short as Cappie Pondexter's layup with 6 seconds left gave the Sky a 66-64 victory Sunday.


"It's tough the way we lost both of those games," said guard Kara Lawson, who had 19 points and hit a tying 3-pointer with 28 seconds remaining. "We were right there. We feel it could have very easily been 2-0 us."


The Mystics are 4-5 since concluding July with a season-high five-game winning streak. Though Washington is one game behind the third-place Sky in the East, it owns the conference's final playoff spot and has no intentions of feeling sorry itself.


"You rebound from it, learn from it, watch film and get ready for the next game and forget what we did last week," guard Tierra Ruffin-Pratt said. "The game in front of us is always the hardest. We've just got to stay focused."


Washington, which dropped a season-high three straight in July, has lost four in a row to Phoenix (17-11), including the two 2014 meetings by a combined 27 points.


"It will be a good test for us," Mystics coach Mike Thibault said. "It's a back-to-back for them so hopefully we can push the pace and that tires them down, too."


Lawson (9.6 points per game) has averaged 16.8 points in the last four games but should be in for a stiff challenge against a Mercury squad that has clinched a playoff spot and will try for a third consecutive victory.


DeWanna Bonner recorded a game-high 26 points and Leilani Mitchell hit a 3-pointer at the buzzer to give Phoenix an 81-80 victory at Connecticut on Thursday. Brittney Griner had 14 points with 13 rebounds and ex-Mystic Monique Currie scored 13 in the opener of a three-game trip.


Griner totaled 36 points in the two games last season against the Mystics.


Currie makes her first trip back to Washington, where she averaged 11.0 points over the previous seven-plus seasons before signing with Phoenix in February.


"Right now she's the enemy," Thibault said. "She's been a big part of the organization here, but for two hours she's the enemy and we'll treat her just like that."


These teams meet again Wednesday at Phoenix.




WNBA HEAD TO HEAD


Jul 15, 2014 Score ATS Results
WAS 78 Over: 168
PHO « 90 Cover: 1.5
Tools: Recaps


Jun 10, 2014 Score ATS Results
PHO « 81 Cover: 10.5
WAS 66 Under: 147
Tools: Recaps

 

[CNOTES]

Preview: Lynx (19-9) at Liberty (18-8)


Date: August 28, 2015 7:30 PM EDT

GREENBURGH, N.Y. (AP) Bill Laimbeer and Cheryl Reeve are downplaying the significance of Friday night's game between the WNBA's conference leaders.


As Minnesota's coach put it, 'it's a chance to add another `W' in the win column. There's no championship being won. It's just a chance to get better.'


Laimbeer also said that there's no added meaning to the game besides a chance to further distance New York from the rest of the East.


'Every game is important this time of year,' the Liberty coach said.


It almost sounds as if the two longtime friends coordinated their answers. The two have known each other from Reeve's days as an assistant for Laimbeer when they were winning titles with the Detroit Shock. They still text a few times a week.


The pair has guided their teams to the top of their conferences and will meet for the first time this season Friday in the first of two matchups over the next nine days. This is the latest in the season that two WNBA conference leaders have met for the first time according to STATS.


While Minnesota has already clinched a playoff berth, New York's magic number sits at one. A win by the Liberty over the Lynx on Friday would give New York its first playoff berth in three seasons.


'It means something to me,' New York's Tina Charles said. 'Growing up in Queens, New York, and what we've been able to accomplish this year, it's special for me to be a part of it. I haven't been to the playoffs in the last two years of my career and to be able to get this team back there would be huge.'


New York (18-8) also is percentage points ahead of Minnesota (19-9) for the best record in the league.


'In the back of both teams' minds we're thinking about overall record,' Charles said. 'This game means a lot, it also would help us separate ourselves from other Eastern Conference teams.'


The Liberty, who have seven games left after Friday, hold a 1 1/2-game lead on Indiana for the No. 1 seed in the East. Clinching a playoff spot would be nice, but the Liberty have bigger goals. They haven't reached the conference finals since 2010 and haven't made it to the WNBA Finals since 2002.


'Yes we're on the verge of making the playoffs, but that doesn't mean anything to us anymore,' Laimbeer said. 'I don't think it did throughout the course of the year. I don't think it was one of our goals, we had loftier goals than that.'


While New York hasn't been in the championship chase for more than a decade, Minnesota has been to the Finals in three of the past four seasons and won two titles.


The Lynx were the prohibitive favorite to win a third crown in five seasons coming into this year, but they have struggled lately since acquiring All-Star center Sylvia Fowles.


They have gone just 7-5 since the blockbuster deal on July 28 after starting the season 12-4.


'It definitely takes a lot of work to maintain a winning record and a winning culture,' Lynx forward Maya Moore said. 'We're trying to focus on the day to day. We haven't been as efficient as we wanted on the offensive end. We're taking steps forward.'


Part of the Lynx problem recently might just be fatigue. They are finishing off a hectic month where they had 10 games in 23 days. They finally had a few days off this week to recoup and prepare for Friday's matchup.


'It's not a lack of effort, we're playing hard,' Reeve said. 'We're not playing well enough to win hard road games in that stretch. We would like to be able to have a signature win on the road before the playoffs starts.'


Beating the Eastern Conference leader would qualify. Minnesota may have to do it without Seimone Augustus.


She's missed half the games this past month dealing with a knee and foot injury. Reeve said that Augustus is out 'indefinitely' and they are taking it day by day.


'She's a big piece of what we're doing,' Reeve said. 'As soon as she can get back on the floor, we'll have her.'




WNBA HEAD TO HEAD


Jul 6, 2014 Score ATS Results
MIN 80 Over: 167
NEW « 87 Cover: 11
Tools: Recaps


May 24, 2014 Score ATS Results
NEW 82 Cover: 3
MIN « 87 Over: 169
Tools: Recaps

 

[CNOTES]

Preview: Sparks (11-17) at Shock (13-14)


Date: August 28, 2015 8:00 PM EDT

A modest win streak has put the Tulsa Shock on the verge of clinching their first playoff berth since relocating from Detroit in 2010.


On a bittersweet note, it would be their only one in Tulsa as they're set to move again after this season.


The well-rested Shock could secure that parting gift for their fans with some help and a win over the also-streaking Los Angeles Sparks on Friday night.


Tulsa (13-14) has been off since earning a third consecutive win last Friday, 84-76 in overtime against visiting Connecticut. The Shock come out of their break with a six-game lead on a Western Conference postseason spot, and they can wrap one up with a victory as well as a Seattle loss to San Antonio on Friday.


That long-awaited postseason appearance would come just before the franchise's relocation to the Dallas-Fort Worth area, which was approved by the WNBA last month. The Shock went 41-129 in their first five seasons in Oklahoma after making the playoffs in each of their final seven in Detroit and winning three league titles.


The Shock appeared to be cruising to a playoff spot after an 82-67 home win over the Sparks on July 11 pushed their record to 10-4. However, they went on to lose 10 in a row, including an 84-57 drubbing in Los Angeles on Aug. 6, but have since turned things around with victories over New York, Phoenix and the Sun.


The Sparks (11-17) also are seeking a fourth straight win, which would tie a season high. They are within 2 1/2 games of third-place Tulsa and have moved 3 1/2 games ahead of Seattle for the West's fourth and final playoff spot.


Ana Dabovic's basket with 6.1 seconds remaining gave them an 81-79 victory at Indiana on Wednesday. She had a career-high 18 points for the second straight game.


Los Angeles, which is closing a four-game road trip, has won five of six away from home.


The Sparks have been hot despite second-leading scorer Nneka Ogwumike missing the past four games due to concussion-like symptoms. Ogwumike, averaging 16.1 points, had a team-best 26 against Tulsa earlier this month and is averaging 24.8 on 63.5 percent shooting in her last five matchups with the Shock.


Riquna Williams led Tulsa with 22 points last Friday and is averaging 20.8 over the last five games, but she's totaled 12 points on 2-of-16 shooting in the past two meetings with Los Angeles.


The Sparks' Kristi Toliver scored a franchise-record 43 in a 98-95 victory over Tulsa on July 3.




WNBA HEAD TO HEAD


Aug 6, 2015 Score ATS Results
TUL 57 Under: 141
LOS « 84 Cover: 19.5
Tools: Recaps


Jul 11, 2015 Score ATS Results
LOS 67 Under: 149
TUL « 82 Cover: 10.5
Tools: Recaps


Jul 3, 2015 Score ATS Results
TUL 95 Cover: 2.5
LOS « 98 Over: 193
Tools: Recaps


Aug 5, 2014 Score ATS Results
TUL « 96 Cover: 12.5
LOS 90 Over: 186
Tools: Recaps


Jun 28, 2014 Score ATS Results
LOS « 92 Cover: 2
TUL 89 Over: 181
Tools: Recaps


Jun 19, 2014 Score ATS Results
TUL 77 Over: 164
LOS « 87 Cover: 3.5
Tools: Recaps


Jun 13, 2014 Score ATS Results
LOS 67 Under: 136
TUL « 69 Cover: 6
Tools: Recaps

 

[CNOTES]

Stars-Storm Preview


The stakes are still high for the Seattle Storm and San Antonio Stars, though one of the two's already slim postseason chances will be reduced to near nil following Friday's matchup at KeyArena.


Each remains alive - albeit barely - in the Western Conference playoff race despite owning the WNBA's two worst records. Seattle (7-20) trails fourth-place Los Angeles by 3 1/2 games with seven to play, with San Antonio (7-21) another half-game back with six remaining.


The Storm lost further ground following Friday's 75-63 loss to Indiana and the Sparks' 90-59 rout at fading San Antonio on Sunday. The loss was the Stars' fifth straight, with the last three all at home by an average of 25.3 points.


San Antonio hasn't fared any better on the road, going 0-13. That includes a 72-63 defeat in Seattle on Aug. 16, one of the Storm's only two wins in their last 10 games.


Seattle's Jewell Loyd had 18 points that evening and 15 in Friday's loss to the Fever, with the rookie shooting 7 for 11 both games. The No. 1 overall draft pick was a bright spot on a night when the Storm were outscored 30-9 by Indiana in the third quarter after leading by six at halftime.


"I thought we played a good game for three quarters but we really laid an egg in the third quarter," coach Jenny Boucek told the team's official site. "And against good teams, which Indiana is a very good team, you just have to have 40 minutes of sustained focus and effort."


Loyd has tallied 15 or more points in four of the past six games as she enters another showdown with former Notre Dame teammate Kayla McBride. The second-year standout has averaged 20.7 points in three 2015 meetings with Seattle, and the Stars won the first two.


McBride has been off lately, shooting 10 of 32 from the field in the past two games and 2 for 8 on 3-pointers. She was 19 of 35 (54.3 percent) from beyond the arc in her previous five contests.


Backcourt mate Jia Perkins also is in a shooting slump, making 32.1 percent from the field in five games since amassing a season-best 32 points in the Stars' 88-81 win over Seattle on Aug. 8.


Storm leading scorer Crystal Langhorne had 47 points on 20-of-22 shooting in the two losses to San Antonio before being held to four in the most recent meeting.

 

[CNOTES]

Standings

EASTERN CONFERENCE


Team Win Loss Percent GB Home Away Conf. Last 10 Streak


New York Liberty 18 8 0.692 0 9-3 9-5 10-6 7-3 L-1


Indiana Fever 17 10 0.630 1 9-5 8-5 10-7 8-2 L-1


Chicago Sky 17 11 0.607 2 11-3 6-8 12-6 6-4 W-2


Washington Mystics 15 11 0.577 3 9-5 6-6 8-10 5-5 L-2


Connecticut Sun 12 16 0.429 7 7-8 5-8 4-13 3-7 L-6


Atlanta Dream 11 16 0.407 7 7-6 4-10 7-9 4-6 W-2





WESTERN CONFERENCE


Team Win Loss Percent GB Home Away Conf. Last 10 Streak


Minnesota Lynx 19 9 0.679 0 10-3 9-6 14-5 5-5 L-1


Phoenix Mercury 17 11 0.607 2 11-4 6-7 13-5 6-4 W-2


Tulsa Shock 13 14 0.481 5 8-5 5-9 7-10 3-7 W-3


Los Angeles Sparks 11 17 0.393 8 6-8 5-9 8-10 7-3 W-3


Seattle Storm 7 20 0.259 11 5-7 2-13 6-11 2-8 L-1


San Antonio Stars 7 21 0.250 12 7-8 0-13 5-12 1-9 L-5

Updated Fri Aug 28 11:07 AM EDT

 

[CNOTES]

Preseason Week 3 Essentials


August 24, 2015


You read in this space last week that the preseason is not only a necessarily evil, but also, that you can profit on it if you invest the preparation time. That opinion hasn’t changed, but those who despise the fact we’re still only halfway through the exhibition schedule got massive amounts of ammunition in Pittsburgh on Sunday.


Green Bay’s top receiver, Jordy Nelson, tore his ACL. Top guard T.J. Lang left with a concussion. The Steelers lost center Maurkice Pouncey for most, if not all of the season, due to a broken fibula. DE Stephon Tuitt limped off with an ankle injury and backup QB Bruce Gradkowski hurt a finger. All of this happened inside of a half. It looked as ugly as it sounds, which is why you’ll hear outrage with the current system all week long.


Owners are stuffing their pockets, sure. We would all be better off with an 18-game regular season. One day, we’ll get it and find something else to complain about. Preseason games aren’t going away any time soon and it’s pointless to campaign for their removal. The injuries are unfortunate. Aaron Rodgers openly complained about how tough it is to lose Nelson in a “meaningless game.” It’s awful, but wouldn’t it be equally as disappointing if it had happened a few weeks from now in the Week 1 of the regular season?


In this case, the system is what it is. Football is what it is. The preseason isn’t exempt from the brutality we all appreciate and wager on.


Watch the second half of preseason action and you’ll see receivers getting blasted going over the middle as they try to field passes they’ll be catching on the practice squad – at best – if they happen to hold on enough. This is how football players make their livelihood. Let’s not feel sorry for anybody, especially given their earning potential. Linebackers and defensive backs are all in search of the big hit that will stand out when coaches review the film. That’s the game. This is the time of year they’ve been waiting for, the opportunity they train all year to try and take advantage of.


Nelson was lost for the season on an innocuous-looking play where he simply cut, lost his balance and had his knee give out. It could’ve happened in practice. It could’ve happened in the playoffs. He was playing football. Threat of injury is part of the job description.


Week 3 of the NFL preseason offers dress rehearsals for all. It’s almost like the 17th regular season game, by far the most important exhibition. We’ll undoubtedly lose a few more players. There won’t be any more of a consolation because it’s happening in a game that’s a tad more meaningful than the first or second preseason game. Here’s how the schedule unfolds:


Friday, Aug. 28


New England at Carolina: Whether or not there is any headway made on Tom Brady’s appeal, expect him to see his longest action this preseason against a sturdy Panthers defense. Cam Newton has gotten off to a rough start and started 0-for-4 with a pick against Miami in his first drive minus No. 1 WR Kelvin Benjamin, another victim of the preseason injury monster.


Tennessee at Kansas City: It's early, but QB Alex Smith has looked dreadful, turning the ball over with sloppy passes. He did finally complete a TD pass to a wideout last week, hitting new top target Jeremy Maclin. Establishing chemistry will be key here, while Marcus Mariota will look to get his first touchdown after being denied thus far.


Detroit at Jacksonville: QB Matthew Stafford has impressively marched the Lions offense down the field in his limited action despite top target Calvin Johnson sitting both games out as a healthy scratch. He’ll get some run against the Jaguars, who will see projected rookie starter T.J. Yeldon finally debut at tailback.


Saturday, Aug. 29


Pittsburgh at Buffalo: Losing Pouncey is a massive blow, as centers of his caliber are hard to come by. Getting new starter Cody Wallace up to speed at such a key position will now be the main focus of the offense between now and the season opener. Fortunately, he does have experience. Bills head coach Rex Ryan hasn’t announced a starting QB for this one, which is setting up as the final battle before Matt Cassel or Tyrod Taylor is handed the reins.


N.Y. Jets at N.Y. Giants: Snoopy Bowl 2015 features a pair of 1-1 teams that have each seen their share of struggles thus far. Injuries have played a large role in the shaky starts for both MetLife Stadium tenants, so it will be fun to see how they respond in a game that always seems to be competitive since both teams typically want the back page spoils.


Atlanta at Miami: The Falcons haven’t had running backs Davonte Freeman and Tevin Coleman in either preseason game and are hoping those guys can each gain some seasoning in South Florida. QB Ryan Tannehill’s improvement has the Dolphins excited. He’s led the Fins to touchdowns in three of his four drives.


Minnesota at Dallas: After Tony Romo made a cameo in San Francisco on Sunday, he will undoubtedly get his longest in-game workload of the preseason here. Adrian Peterson will sit out another game, but the Vikings have averaged 23 points per game without him as the passing game has looked sharp.


Cleveland at Tampa Bay: Ex-Buc starter Josh McCown is nursing an injured ring finger and backup Johnny Manziel had to cut Sunday’s practice short due to a sore elbow, so this could wind up being a difficult trip for the winless Browns. Rookie starting QB Jameis Winston should get plenty of varied defensive looks to work against, which can only aid his development.


Washington at Baltimore: Remember when we all doubted Joe Flacco? It wasn’t that long ago, so you should. Heck, there are still people who think it’s funny to debate whether the Super Bowl XLVII MVP is an elite quarterback. He plays like one, is paid like one and comes off posting career-highs in passing yards (3,986) and TD throws (27), so the answer is yes. On the other end of the spectrum is Robert Griffin III, who is both polarizing and currently mediocre despite all the hype. Sadly, new Ravens backup Matt Schaub is more accomplished than either or RG III or Kirk Cousins, which has to keep owner Dan Snyder up at night.


Chicago at Cincinnati: After playing at Tampa on Monday night, the Bengals turn right around and host the Bears, so it will be interesting to see how head coach Marvin Lewis treats this game. The Bears’ depth has been impressive so far this preseason, as they’ve outscored opponents 38-0 in the second half of games thanks to the play of their backups. With Jay Cutler scheduled to play into the second half, Chicago is looking for him to lead the team to its first touchdown after coming up empty in the first two games.


Philadelphia at Green Bay: The Packers are reeling from the loss of Nelson and have probably seen enough out of Rodgers that they won’t see the value in exposing him here, but backup Scott Tolzien was also banged up in Pittsburgh, suffering a concussion. Chip Kelly’s desire to see Sam Bradford take more live-action snaps may be dwarfed by the need to keep him healthy and confident, so be sure to monitor this situation.


Indianapolis at St. Louis: Both of these teams have struggled mightily so far, but there’s no panic setting. The Colts will be looking to see how their o-line holds up against the Rams’ primary strength. St. Louis will be looking to get Nick Foles on track after a dreadful start thus far.


Seattle at San Diego: This one is slated for a national broadcast and should be entertaining. The Seahawks have predictably not looked like themselves given the rebuilt offensive line and the absence of Legion of Boom members in the secondary, so 0-2 isn’t a big deal. Pete Carroll will want to see improvement against a Chargers squad that will allow Philip Rivers to participate for the first time since he went 2-for-2 on the opening drive of the team’s preseason.


San Francisco at Denver: QB Peyton Manning wasn’t able to get a rhythm in his debut, coming up empty on four drives while racking up just 67 yards on 19 plays in Houston. Count on him playing into the second half here as he seeks to gain his footing in Gary Kubiak’s new offense. Colin Kaepernick is 4-for-8 for 27 yards in limited action, so the 49ers are looking forward to seeing how he fares with a heavier workload.


Sunday, Aug. 30


Houston at New Orleans: Losing tight end Jimmy Graham to Seattle is a major blow, but there was justifiable criticism that Drew Brees was targeting him too much at the expense of some of the other targets on the roster. With an abundance of talented receivers to spread the ball to, Brees has looked like his old self. It should be a blast to see how quickly he can get rid of it against the Texans stout front seven. J.J. Watt should be rested and ready to go after sitting out Saturday’s game against the Broncos. The QB battle between Ryan Mallett and Brian Hoyer has seen Hoyer named the starter for Week 1, so we'll see how snaps are handed down here.


Arizona at Oakland: Despite the presence of elite rookie WR Amari Cooper to ease his burden, Derek Carr has only produced field goals and has largely misfired. The Cardinals secondary presents a great test for him. Carson Palmer has participated in both preseason games thus far, flashing a great deep ball and confidence in the pocket. If Arizona can keep him upright, it should stay in contention.

 

[CNOTES]

Friday's Preseason Tips


August 27, 2015


Patriots at Panthers (-1, 44) – 7:30 p.m. ET


New England


Head coach: Bill Belichick (44-39 SU, 40-36-7 ATS in preseason)


Quarterback rotation: Tom Brady, Jimmy Garoppolo, Ryan Lindley


Brady’s situation creates a dilemma for Belichick, who rode Garoppolo last week and knows he’s got to continue bringing him up to speed in case the Deflategate appeal doesn’t go his No. 1’s way. Brady has been razor-sharp in practices, but has struggled to move the Patriots in his limited preseason drives. Of course, the Patriots have been missing top WRs Julian Edelman, Brandon LaFell and Aaron Dobson in addition to tight ends Rob Gronkowski and Scott Chandler, so this has really been as strange an offseason as there’s ever been in a New England. Considering the team just lived through Aaron Hernandez overshadowing the 2013 version, that’s saying something.


Carolina


Head coach: Ron Rivera (10-8 SU, 10-7-1 ATS in preseason)


Quarterback rotation: Cam Newton, Derek Anderson, Joe Webb


Rivera plans on his starters going to 35-40 plays, likely having them start the second half in spite of all the injury trouble they’ve had this training camp. Center Ryan Kalil sprained his knee and is out the remainder of preseason, leaving Newton without his top protector. Despite this, the Panthers head coach thinks it’s important to press forward and avoid becoming snake-bit by a week which also saw his team lose top WR Kelvin Benjamin and DE Frank Alexander for the season.


Titans at Chiefs (-4, 44 ½) – 8:00 p.m. ET


Tennessee


Head coach: Ken Whisenhunt (11-20 SU, 11-19-1 ATS in preseason)


Quarterback rotation: Marcus Mariota (Rookie), Zach Mettenberger, Charlie Whitehurst, Alex Tanney


Mariota will be looking to find the end zone for the first time this preseason, but he made a number of eye-opening plays on Sunday night and will gain a little more seasoning here. Whisenhunt isn’t loving the idea of a dress rehearsal on a short week with so many players banged up, so he’s probably not going to have many of his starters play into the second half. Since Jason McCourty is now out for the rest of the preseason with a groin injury, the Titans are also getting a long look at their cornerback depth.


Kansas City


Head Coach: Andy Reid (30-36 SU, 28-34-4 ATS in preseason)


Quarterback Rotation: Alex Smith, Chase Daniel, Aaron Murray


No current coach has won this third preseason game more often than Reid, who is 10-6 entering this one. He’s treated this game like a typical regular-season contest since and continues to diligently follow that blue print, so expect Alex Smith and Chase Daniel to split all the snaps from center and a defense that has looked impressive thus far to continue attacking.


Lions at Jaguars (-2, 42) – 8:00 p.m. ET


Detroit


Head coach: Jim Caldwell (6-12 SU, 8-10 ATS in preseason)


Quarterback Rotation: Matthew Stafford, Dan Orlovsky, Kellen Moore, Garrett Gilbert


Stafford has gone 8-for-10 for 135 yards in his short preseason stint so far, but with Calvin Johnson unlikely to play here, he’s probably not going to play a full half either. Both Orlovsky and Moore have struggled in preseason, so Caldwell may utilize this game to come to a final decision between them. Orlovsky has pulled ahead.


Jacksonville
Head coach: Gus Bradley (3-7 SU, 5-5 ATS in preseason)


Quarterback rotation: Blake Bortles, Chad Henne, Stephen Morris, Jeff Tuel


Bortles has been productive despite not having a TD pass to his credit yet. He does have a TD run and has taken a lot of snaps through the first two games, so new coordinator Greg Olson may open things up for him as he’s likely to play into the second half. Rookie running back T.J. Yeldon will finally make his debut. Bradley is 0-2 in dress rehearsal games, but has won two of his last three home preseason dates.

 

[CNOTES]

Manziel out for rest of preseason


August 27, 2015


BEREA, Ohio (AP) Johnny Manziel's preseason is over, sacked by a stinging elbow.


Browns coach Mike Pettine said Thursday that Manziel, who has made strides in his second year in the NFL after a rough rookie season, will not play in Cleveland's last two exhibition games because of lingering soreness in his right elbow. The injury has bothered him for two weeks and is more serious than initially thought.


Manziel will miss Saturday's game at Tampa Bay as well as Cleveland's preseason finale at Chicago on Sept. 3. Pettine said the plan had been for Manziel to play against the Buccaneers starters in the second quarter, and for a half against the Bears.


''You can't get those reps back,'' Pettine said. ''He will lose out on all that real-game experience, but we are very pleased at where he is currently.''


It's a setback for Manziel, whose improvement on the field this summer and improvement off it has the Browns hopeful the former Heisman Trophy winner can one day solve their problems at quarterback.


For now, though, Manziel is not throwing any passes and Pettine isn't sure when the 22-year-old will resume full participation in practice.


''At some point we'll make the determination,'' Pettine said. ''Let's see how it feels and to me that's a training room, doctor's decision: Does he pick up a ball and start throwing again? And how many times does he do it? And how do we test it to make sure we're not overdoing it and not rushing him back from it?''


Manziel's sore elbow first kept him out of practice on Aug. 11 and the injury flared up Sunday, when he cut his workout short by more than 30 minutes. He hasn't thrown a pass this week, standing to the side as expected starter Josh McCown and backup Thad Lewis took snaps with Cleveland's offense.


Pettine said Manziel is frustrated at not being able to play, but understands it's best that he doesn't make his elbow worse.


''He's upset that he's not out there,'' Pettine said. ''He's upset that it got to this point, but he didn't fight us as far as him saying, `Forget this, I'm going to go out and do it.' He's smart enough to realize that it's the smart thing to do.''


With Manziel sidelined and No. 3 quarterback Connor Shaw recovering from ligament surgery on his right thumb, the Browns needed another quarterback for practice and signed free agent Pat Devlin, who has been with Miami, Minnesota and Chicago but hasn't taken a snap in a regular-season game.


Manziel's elbow problems date back to high school, said Pettine, who was asked if the Browns were aware of his issues before they drafted him in the first round last year.


''I am sure there was something in the medical reports about it, but it had been managed. ''


The Browns remain convinced that rest will help Manziel's elbow, but the team also initially downplayed the injury which doesn't seem to be responding as expected.


While Manziel won't play Saturday, the Browns should get their first look in a game situation at wide receiver Terrelle Pryor, the former Oakland QB trying to switch positions at age 26. Pryor came back to practice this week after being out with a hamstring injury and has made it through two practices without any trouble.


He knows his chances of making Cleveland's roster have diminished, and he's excited about getting an opportunity to showcase his talents. Pryor remains confident, but he knows he won't be handed anything.


''I've been cut three times, four times,'' he said. ''I know what it feels like. Would I like to be here? Absolutely. I know I could help this team and make plays for this team, but at the same time I can't control the decisions they make.''


Pettine said the Browns aren't looking for Pryor to do anything special.


''Just do his job,'' he said. ''Whatever his job is on that play, do it. Do it to the best of his ability. We know he's a project. We understand that. We're not expecting him to go out there and light it up and catch 10 balls for 150 yards and two touchdowns.


''We understand it's a process. It's just been unfortunate with the injury, the setbacks that we haven't been able to get as good of an evaluation as we wanted.''


NOTES: Pettine said all of Cleveland's starters will play the first half Saturday and some could be in during the third quarter. ... Pro Bowl CB Joe Haden is expected to play after missing the first two exhibitions.

 

[CNOTES]

Bills QB EJ Manuel to start Saturday


August 27, 2015


ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. (AP) Don't count EJ Manuel out of the Buffalo Bills quarterback competition just yet.


After spending much of the previous two weeks working with the Bills' second- and third-stringers, Manuel will get his turn to start in Buffalo's third preseason game against Pittsburgh on Saturday.


Coach Rex Ryan made the announcement following practice Thursday, when the team returned to Orchard Park after breaking camp in suburban Rochester.


Acknowledging he didn't have an exact plan on who would start in the Bills' third preseason game when training camp started, Ryan said Manuel ''earned the shot at this.'' Ryan based that assessment on how Manuel went a combined 13 of 22 for 188 yards and two touchdowns in the second half of each of Buffalo's first two preseason games. That includes a touchdown drive and 2-point conversion in the final minutes to pull out an 11-10 win at Cleveland.


''I just love the competitiveness in him,'' Ryan said. ''All he's gotten is reps with the threes and the twos. And now it's a shot to get reps with the ones as well. And I feel good about that.''


The decision means all three quarterbacks competing for the No. 1 job will have had a start this preseason. Matt Cassel started the opener against Carolina, and Tyrod Taylor started against Cleveland last week.


Ryan, however, cautioned that while Manuel will start, Cassel and Taylor will also have a chance to work with the first-team offense against the Steelers.


That's fine with Manuel, because all he's wanted is a chance to prove himself under Ryan, who took over in January after Doug Marrone stepped down abruptly on Dec. 31.


''I think it's another great opportunity,'' Manuel said. ''I've just got to continue to work. The decision hasn't been made. Whatever I can continue to do to get better and show coaches that I can be the starter, I just want to continue to do that.''


Cassel is a 10-year journeyman and acquired in an offseason trade with Minnesota. He's a pocket passer, efficient in running the offense.


Taylor signed with Buffalo in March after spending the past four seasons as Joe Flacco's backup in Baltimore. Taylor is a mobile player, who has the potential of adding a read-option dimension to the Bills offense.


Manuel has remained upbeat despite an inconsistent and injury-troubled first two seasons in Buffalo since being selected in the first round of the 2013 draft. He went 4-6 as a rookie and missed six games due to three separate knee injuries. Last year, he went 2-2 to open the season before losing the starting job to journeyman Kyle Orton.


Manuel's latest opportunity comes 10 days after acknowledging that his days in Buffalo might be numbered. He told The Associated Press he didn't know if his long-term future was in Buffalo or ''somewhere else,'' and said he understood the business side of the game.


Manuel said his confidence has grown since capping the touchdown drive against Cleveland with a 14-yard pass to Andre Davis on fourth-and-goal.


''I'm a competitor and it just came out of me a little bit,'' Manuel said, referring to how he celebrated afterward on the sideline. ''I had to calm myself down because we still had some time left, but I was excited.''


Ryan hasn't revealed a timetable as to when he intends to name his starter. And he might wait until the week leading up to the season-opener against Indianapolis on Sept. 13 so as not to tip his hand to the Colts.


NOTES: RBs Boobie Dixon (calf) and Bryce Brown (hamstring) returned to practice Thursday, but it's unlikely they will play Sunday. ... The Bills are also expected to be without their top three WRs for a second straight game with Sammy Watkins (gluteal muscle/hamstring), Robert Woods (tightness) and Percy Harvin (hip) still nursing injuries.


... TE Charles Clay practiced and is expected to play after he hurt his knee on Tuesday.

 

[CNOTES]

CFL
Dunkel

Week 10

Montreal @ Hamilton

Game 283-284
August 27, 2015 @ 7:30 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Montreal
112.936
Hamilton
124.716
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Hamilton
by 19
49
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Hamilton
by 9 1/2
53
Dunkel Pick:
Hamilton
(-9 1/2); Under

Toronto @ Edmonton

Game 285-286
August 28, 2015 @ 9:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Toronto
114.483
Edmonton
123.494
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Edmonton
by 9
52
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Edmonton
by 4
48
Dunkel Pick:
Edmonton
(-4); Over

Calgary @ Winnipeg

Game 287-288
August 29, 2015 @ 6:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Calgary
114.483
Winnipeg
123.994
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Winnipeg
by 9 1/2
54
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Calgary
by 6
49 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Winnipeg
(+6); Over

Saskatchewan @ Ottawa

Game 289-290
August 30, 2015 @ 4:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Saskatchewan
106.170
Ottawa
107.091
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Ottawa
by 1
46
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Ottawa
by 3
52 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Saskatchewan
(+3); Under

 

[CNOTES]

CFL
Long Sheet

Thursday, August 27

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

MONTREAL (3 - 5) at HAMILTON (6 - 2) - 8/27/2015, 7:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
HAMILTON is 7-1 ATS (+5.9 Units) in all games this season.
HAMILTON is 7-1 ATS (+5.9 Units) in all lined games this season.
HAMILTON is 7-1 ATS (+5.9 Units) in games played on turf this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
MONTREAL is 5-2 against the spread versus HAMILTON over the last 3 seasons
HAMILTON is 5-3 straight up against MONTREAL over the last 3 seasons
5 of 8 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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

Friday, August 28

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

TORONTO (6 - 2) at EDMONTON (5 - 3) - 8/28/2015, 9:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
EDMONTON is 12-3 ATS (+8.7 Units) as a favorite of 3.5 to 9.5 points over the last 2 seasons.
EDMONTON is 13-4 ATS (+8.6 Units) as a favorite over the last 2 seasons.
TORONTO is 7-0 ATS (+7.0 Units) in road games in weeks 10 through 15 over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
EDMONTON is 3-2 against the spread versus TORONTO over the last 3 seasons
TORONTO is 4-1 straight up against EDMONTON over the last 3 seasons
4 of 5 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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

Saturday, August 29

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

CALGARY (6 - 2) at WINNIPEG (3 - 5) - 8/29/2015, 6:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
CALGARY is 1-7 ATS (-6.7 Units) as a favorite of 3.5 to 9.5 points this season.
CALGARY is 1-7 ATS (-6.7 Units) in all games this season.
CALGARY is 1-7 ATS (-6.7 Units) in all lined games this season.
CALGARY is 1-7 ATS (-6.7 Units) as a favorite this season.
CALGARY is 1-7 ATS (-6.7 Units) in games played on turf this season.
WINNIPEG is 5-14 ATS (-10.4 Units) in home games over the last 3 seasons.
WINNIPEG is 5-14 ATS (-10.4 Units) in home lined games over the last 3 seasons.
WINNIPEG is 1-8 ATS (-7.8 Units) in home games versus division opponents over the last 3 seasons.
WINNIPEG is 5-14 ATS (-10.4 Units) in home games in games played on turf over the last 3 seasons.
WINNIPEG is 6-15 ATS (-10.5 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
WINNIPEG is 2-2 against the spread versus CALGARY over the last 3 seasons
CALGARY is 4-1 straight up against WINNIPEG over the last 3 seasons
3 of 5 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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

Sunday, August 30

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

SASKATCHEWAN (0 - 8) at OTTAWA (4 - 4) - 8/30/2015, 4:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
SASKATCHEWAN is 117-82 ATS (+26.8 Units) as an underdog since 1996.

Head-to-Head Series History
OTTAWA is 1-1 against the spread versus SASKATCHEWAN over the last 3 seasons
SASKATCHEWAN is 2-0 straight up against OTTAWA over the last 3 seasons
2 of 2 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

 

[CNOTES]

CFL

Week 9

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

Thursday, August 27

7:30 PM
MONTREAL vs. HAMILTON
The total has gone UNDER in 12 of Montreal's last 15 games on the road
Montreal is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games on the road
Hamilton is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Montreal
Hamilton is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home


Friday, August 28

9:00 PM
TORONTO vs. EDMONTON
Toronto is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing Edmonton
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Toronto's last 6 games on the road
Edmonton is 6-12 ATS in its last 18 games when playing at home against Toronto
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Edmonton's last 5 games when playing at home against Toronto


Saturday, August 29

6:00 PM
CALGARY vs. WINNIPEG
Calgary is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games
Calgary is 1-8 ATS in its last 9 games
Winnipeg is 1-11 SU in its last 12 games when playing Calgary
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Winnipeg's last 5 games


Sunday, August 30

4:00 PM
SASKATCHEWAN vs. OTTAWA
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Saskatchewan's last 7 games when playing Ottawa
Saskatchewan is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games when playing Ottawa
Ottawa is 2-5 SU in its last 7 games when playing Saskatchewan
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Ottawa's last 7 games when playing Saskatchewan

 

[CNOTES]

CFL

Thursday, August 27

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Game of the day: Alouettes at Tiger-Cats
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The Tiger-Cats head into Thursday's showdown with the Alouettes with a record of 14-3 ATS in their last 17 games overall.

Montreal Alouettes at Hamilton Tiger-Cats (-9.5, 53)

The Hamilton Tiger-Cats look to earn their CFL-leading seventh victory when they host the Montreal Alouettes on Thursday. The Tiger-Cats have won five straight games following a comprehensive 49-20 victory over the Edmonton Eskimos, and return home to Tim Hortons Field where they are a formidable 9-0 during the regular season.

Hamilton's offense continues to put up points at a remarkable rate scoring at least 49 in back-to-back games while its defense recorded its eighth defensive touchdown, which is three off the single-season record set by the BC Lions in 1987. The Alouettes snapped a three-game losing streak with a 23-13 road victory over the Lions but it wasn't enough to save Tom Higgins' job as the second-year coach was unceremoniously relieved of his duties a day after the victory. "We have made this change as we believe it is in the best interest of our team," Montreal owner Bob Wetenhall told reporters. "We all wish to express to Tom our affection and respect, as well as our appreciation for the contributions he has made to the franchise." General manager Jim Popp will assume the coaching duties as he looks to lead the Alouettes to their second win over Hamilton this year after a 17-13 victory in Week 4.

TV: 7:30 p.m. ET, TSN, RDS, ESPN2

LINE HISTORY: The Ti-Cats opened as 9.5-point home favorites and the total opened at 53.

INJURY REPORT: Tiger-Cats - WR Andy Fantuz (Six-Game IR, elbow)

WHAT CAPPERS SAY: "Despite beating the B.C. Lions in Vancouver last week, they fired head Coach Tom Higgins, who will be replaced by GM Jim Popp. The Als will be double-digit dogs on the road in Hamilton Thursday, where the Ti-Cats are still undefeated. Montreal held Hamilton to a season low 13 points in Week 4, picking off Zach Collaros three times. Montreal leads the CFL in scoring defense, but Hamilton owns the league's top air attack, averaging over 300 passing yards per game."

ABOUT THE ALOUETTES (3-5 SU, 5-3 ATS, 1-7 O/U): Rakeem Cato had one of his most accurate performances of the year as he completed 16-of-19 passes for 154 yards and a touchdown against BC. Tyrell Sutton ran for a game-high 111 yards and added another 43 receiving while Nik Lewis had four receptions for 52 yards and a touchdown in Week 9. Anthony Calvillo, who is the CFL's all-time passing leader, was named Montreal's new quarterbacks coach as part of the staff shakeup after spending the first seven games working with the wide receivers.

ABOUT THE TIGER-CATS (6-2 SU, 7-1 ATS, 3-5 O/U): Zach Collaros continued his recent tear as he threw for 300 yards and three touchdowns to go along with a rushing score against the Eskimos, and leads the CFL with 2,314 passing yards. Defensive end Eric Norwood has scored a defensive touchdown in each of his last two games, including a team-record 106-yard fumble return TD, which was the third longest in CFL history. Hamilton is set to retire the number of legendary offensive lineman Angelo Mosca, who played 158 games for the team, in a halftime ceremony Thursday.

TRENDS:

* Under is 19-7 in Tiger-Cats last 26 home games.
* Alouettes are 6-2 ATS in their last eight meetings.
* Tiger-Cats are 14-3 ATS in their last 17 games overall.
* Under is 6-1 in Alouettes last seven games in August.

CONSENSUS: Fifty-three percent of users are backing the Tiger-Cats.

 

[CNOTES]

CFL
Armadillo's Write-Up

Thursday, August 27

Montreal (3-5) @ Hamilton (6-2)-- TiCats won/covered last five games since they were -4 in turnovers in 17-13 (+3) loss at Montreal in Week 4; total yardage was 390-338 for Hamilton. Home side won last 11 series gams; Alouettes lost last ten visits here (3-2 vs spread in last five). Als covered five of last seven games; they're 3-0 as road underdogs-- all five of their losses are by 4 or less points. Hamilton is 3-0 as home favorite, winning at home by average score of 41-13; they outscored last four foes 111-27 in first half. Seven of eight Montreal games, four of last six Hamilton games stayed under the total.