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CNOTES · Jul 6, 2015

Matz sharp, Mets feast on Dodgers pitching to take series

LOS ANGELES (AP) Steven Matz is having the time of his young baseball life, winning his first two career starts, including silencing the Los Angeles Dodgers' powerful lineup.

Matz scattered two hits over six scoreless innings, Wilmer Flores went 4 for 5, and the New York Mets won 8-0 Sunday to take two out of three from the NL West leaders.

"The Dodgers have a really good team," Matz said, "so it was good to win the series and I think it will definitely give us momentum going into San Francisco."

Matz (2-0) struck out eight and walked two in a strong follow-up to winning his major league debut a week ago against Cincinnati. His 14 strikeouts after two games are the second-most by any Met, trailing only Matt Harvey's 18 in 2012.

The left-hander had a run-scoring groundout in a three-run fourth that made it 4-0, giving him five RBIs in two games, tying him for the most by any Mets pitcher in a two-game span.

"It's been a lot of fun. It's been great," Matz said. "It's been a good learning experience so far, and I just want to keep learning and trying to get better. Today was a little bit different. I kind of know what it feels like now, so I just tried to relax and pitch."

Matz credited his fastball with being his best pitch.

"The curve ball was so-so, but I was able to work with the fastball late in the count, especially up, and get some swings and misses on that," he said.

Logan Verrett earned the first save of his career with three scoreless innings to end the game.

Mike Bolsinger (4-3) gave up four runs and a season-high nine hits in five innings, his fifth straight outing of less than six innings. The right-hander struck out four and walked two while throwing a career-high 101 pitches. After winning his first four starts at home, he's lost two in a row at Dodger Stadium.

"A little unlucky," Dodgers manager Don Mattingly said of Bolsinger. "He hung in there. I didn't think it was that bad. He wasn't getting squared up all over the yard. He kind of limited the damage."

New York had 15 hits - one off its season high - against the Dodgers' struggling pitching in their worst shutout loss of the season that also equaled their largest margin of defeat.

The Mets' eight runs were their most since June 14, when they had 10, and they earned their first shutout against the Dodgers since June 30, 2012.

Flores had a career-high four hits while driving in three runs and finished the three-game series 10 for 13. His single to Kike Hernandez in the fourth resulted in the Dodgers shortstop rolling over on his head with his legs splayed in the air in a fruitless attempt to field the ball.

"Some of the guys are starting to break out," Mets manager Terry Collins said. "Wilmer's really starting to swing the bat right now. He's hitting the ball to right field and he's not trying to pull things. When they're pitching him away, he's taking them the other way, and that's what good hitters have to do."

Juan Lagares had a two-run triple and Ruben Tejada added an RBI single off reliever Juan Nicasio in the seventh when the Mets led 7-0. Yasiel Puig lost Lagares' hit in the sun and then overran it, stretching himself to the limit as the ball landed behind him in right field.

Michael Cuddyer was hitless in five at-bats in his return to the Mets' starting lineup after being out four games because of a knee injury, although he came off the bench in the last two.

The Dodgers mustered just three hits. After A.J. Ellis' leadoff single in the fifth, they had just two runners reach base the rest of the game.

"Early on we kind of chased out of the zone," Mattingly said. "The ball was taking off a little bit and as the game went on his command got better."

Puig went 0 for 4 with two strikeouts and rookie Joc Pederson was hitless in three at-bats with a strikeout.

THROUGH THE GATES

The Dodgers became the first major league team to reach 2 million in attendance, with 2,004,009 through 43 home games.

TRAINER'S ROOM

Dodgers:

1B Adrian Gonzalez left after three innings with a bruised right hand. He got hit by a pitch from Matz, although Gonzalez said he expects to play Monday. ... RHP Carlos Frias went on the 15-day DL retroactive to Wednesday with lower back tightness, a problem he had in his previous two starts, going only five innings in both. An MRI showed no structural damage in his back.

UP NEXT

Mets:

LHP Jonathon Niese (3-8, 3.90 ERA) starts in the series opener at San Francisco. He hasn't earned a win in a career-high nine straight outings and has lost a career-high-tying six consecutive decisions.

Dodgers:

They had yet to announce a starter to replace Frias in the opener of a four-game series against Philadelphia. LH Eric Surkamp was to be called up from the minors, but Mattingly refused to confirm he would start.

CNOTES · Jul 6, 2015

Red Sox, Buchholz shut down Astros

BOSTON (AP) Clay Buchholz knew he had it going right away.

Buchholz pitched a six-hitter to win his fourth straight start, coming within one out of a shutout as the Boston Red Sox rebounded from a tough loss with a 6-1 victory over the Houston Astros on Saturday.

Mookie Betts drove in three runs and made a leaping catch in center field to help the Red Sox snap Houston's five-game winning streak.

Buchholz (7-6) struck out eight and didn't walk a batter in his ninth career complete game. He is 3-0 with a 1.38 ERA in four starts against the Astros.

''I could throw just about any pitch I wanted to today. It doesn't happen often like that,'' he said. ''The first inning I threw some good pitches and they don't always happen that way. After the second inning, I felt like I was going to have good command of my fastball on both sides of the plate. When you have that you can throw everything off of that, and that's what I was able to do.''

Luis Valbuena's RBI single with two outs in the ninth broke up the shutout.

''A complete game is a complete game,'' Buchholz said. ''A shutout is a little different. It's pretty hard to do.''

Betts hit two RBI doubles and a sacrifice fly. Sandy Leon had three singles for the Red Sox, and Xander Bogaerts drove in two runs.

Unlike Friday night's extra-inning game that featured three Boston comebacks before the Astros pulled out a 12-8 victory in the 10th, the Red Sox scored early and won for the fifth time in seven games.

A couple of early runs were more than enough the way Buchholz was pitching. He has a 0.87 ERA in his last four starts.

''He's been on a run,'' Red Sox manager John Farrell said. ''He's in such a good place mentally where he's completing his delivery for strikes, and he was in control again today.''

Astros manager A.J. Hinch was impressed.

''He pounded the strike zone with a couple different pitches. He had a really good changeup, a really good cutter,'' Hinch said. ''This game was almost entirely about him.''

Boston grabbed a 1-0 lead against Collin McHugh (9-4) three batters in on Bogaerts' RBI single. Betts' sacrifice fly made it 2-0 in the second.

McHugh gave up four runs - three earned - and seven hits in 5 1-3 innings.

''Fastball was sporadic, especially early on,'' he said.

In the fifth, the Red Sox turned catcher Hank Conger's throwing error into an unearned run. Brock Holt hit a dribbler in front of the plate and Conger fired the ball down the right-field line. Bogaerts followed by hooking a low, outside pitch into the left-field corner for an RBI double.

Betts hit a run-scoring double just inside third base to make it 4-0 in the sixth. His second RBI double came in a two-run eighth.

Betts also made a nice grab of Jose Altuve's drive on the warning track after a long run for the first out of the game.

FLYING PANDA

Red Sox 3B Pablo Sandoval made a catch of a foul pop near the Astros' dugout before falling over the railing. His right cleat struck pitcher Vincent Velasquez on the left side of the head. He had a couple of scratches, but wasn't injured.

''The railing's still up,'' Farrell joked. ''He's fearless.''

Buchholz had a funny line, too.

''That's a big man going over a small railing,'' he said.

TRAINER'S ROOM

Astros:

Colby Rasmus started in center field and went 0 for 3 with three strikeouts in his first game since June 26 due to a skin infection on his left wrist. Hinch said Rasmus will probably play every other day for the next week. ... After the game, Houston activated OF Jake Marisnick (hamstring) from the disabled list and sent OF Domingo Santana to Triple-A Fresno.

Red Sox:

2B Dustin Pedroia, on the 15-day DL with a strained right hamstring, hit in the cage after increasing his running a day earlier. Farrell said the club is still trying to decide if Pedroia will be activated for a series against the New York Yankees next weekend.

UP NEXT

Astros:

RHP Lance McCullers (4-2) is slated to start the series finale Sunday. He threw seven innings of one-run ball in a win over Kansas City on Wednesday.

Red Sox:

Rookie LHP Eduardo Rodriguez (4-2) is scheduled to start. He's allowed one run or none in four of his six starts.

CNOTES · Jul 6, 2015

Twins' Santana sharp, but Royals win 3-2

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) Royals manager Ned Yost treats just about every game the same, especially in July, because the reality is that they all count the same at the end of the season.

So when he singles one out, it must have been important.

Eric Hosmer drove in Lorenzo Cain with nobody out in the ninth inning Sunday, helping Kansas City beat the Minnesota Twins 3-2 and earn a four-game split between AL Central contenders.

''It's huge. It's as big a game as you're going to play in early July,'' Yost said, his own head drenched in sweat. ''Very seldom do you have a chance to make it a two-game swing.''

The game was knotted two-all when Cain drew a leadoff walk against Blaine Boyer (2-4), who had been summoned to relieve Ervin Santana after a masterful return from his drug suspension.

Twins manager Paul Molitor then called upon Aaron Thompson to face Hosmer, who promptly ripped a pitch down the right-field line. Cain sprinted around third base at full speed, and a throw from Torii Hunter in right field was nowhere close to getting him at the plate.

Greg Holland (2-0) earned the win with a scoreless ninth inning.

''This is a good team and they're playing well,'' said Alex Gordon, who homered along with making several stellar plays in left field. ''It's good to come out with two games, especially when I don't feel like we're playing our best baseball.''

Aaron Hicks homered and Miguel Sano drove in the other run for Minnesota.

The victory allowed the first-place Royals to salvage what had been a rough series against the Twins, who remain in second in the division. Kansas City was shut out in the opener, needed extra innings to win Friday night, then lost 5-3 on Saturday.

Santana certainly didn't look like he had missed 80 games for testing positive for Stanozolo, a performance-enhancing substance. After winning each of three rehab starts at Triple-A Rochester, he made his former team look like just another minor league club.

Santana retired the first six batters he faced before issuing a walk, and then got a double play after Butera drove in Kansas City's first run in the third inning.

Santana only allowed one more hit before Alcides Escobar's two-out knock in the eighth, though it happened to be a big one: Gordon's high fly ball that just cleared the right-field wall.

''I was laughing in between innings,'' Santana said of facing his old team, where his career experienced a resurgence. ''At the same time, I had to get them out. I know we were teammates, but when we get between those lines everything changes.''

Besides, the Royals' pitching staff was just as tough.

Danny Duffy continued his renaissance by allowing two runs on five hits and three walks in 6 1-3 innings. It was his third straight solid start since returning from the disabled list.

Ryan Madson and Wade Davis got the game to Holland, who wound up with the win.

''Walk-off wins are definitely fun, especially against a team in our division,'' Hosmer said. ''We're not playing our best baseball right now and we know that. We'll take a win against those guys when we're not playing our best.''

MOOSE EXITS

Royals 3B Mike Moustakas left the game for what Yost called ''a family emergency.'' Dusty Coleman replaced him in the sixth inning and struck out in his first major league at-bat. Coleman also flied out in the eighth inning.

STILL BULLDOZING

Twins 2B Brian Dozier began the day with 44 extra-base hits, most in the American League. He added to that total with a double in the eighth, though he wound up getting stranded.

TRAINER'S ROOM

Twins: RHP Ryan Pressly had an MRI exam on his right shoulder Sunday, though results were not available. Pressly strained the shoulder during Saturday's game.

Royals: RHP Yordano Ventura (elbow nerve) will throw a side session Monday rather than make a rehab start, manager Ned Yost said. Ventura could return Thursday against Tampa Bay.

UP NEXT

Twins: RHP Phil Hughes starts in the opener of a three-game series against Baltimore.

Royals: RHP Edinson Volquez takes the mound to start a four-game set against Tampa Bay.

CNOTES · Jul 6, 2015

MLB
Armadillo's Write-Up

Monday, July 6

National League
Reds @ Nationals
DeSclafani is 0-2, 5.24 in his last four starts; four of his last six stayed under.

Fister is 1-3, 7.08 in his last four starts; six of his last nine went over.

Cincinnati won four of last five games with Washington; five of last seven in series stayed under. Reds lost seven of last nine games overall; five of their last seven went over. Nationals won last four games, allowing six runs; five of their last six games stayed under.

Padres @ Pirates
Shields is 0-3, 5.90 in his last five starts; over is 6-2-1 in his last nine.

Burnett is 1-1, 1.24 in his last four home starts; over is 5-3 in his last eight starts overall.

San Diego won four of last six games with Pittsburgh; over is 4-0-1 in last five series games. Padres lost five of last seven games; under is 4-1-1 in their last six. Pirates won five of last six games (over 4-2).

Cardinals @ Cubs
Lackey is 2-1, 2.17 in his last four starts; four of his last six went over.

Lester is 0-1, 2.22 in his last four starts; his last five stayed under- Chicago scored total of 11 runs in his last seven starts.

St Louis won six of last seven games with the Cubs; home side won eight of last ten series games- three of last four stayed under. Cardinals won five of last six on road; under is 5-2 in their last seven games overall. Chicago won five of last six games, allowing five runs; under is 5-2 in their last seven.

Braves @ Brewers
Wisler is 2-1, 3.64 in his three starts- they all stayed under.

Lohse is 2-5, 7.11 in his last eight starts, but won his last two (Brewers scored 10-9 runs); six of his last eight starts went over.

Braves won four of last five games (under 4-1). Atlanta won eight of last ten games with Milwaukee, which has won eight games in row, scoring 42 runs in its last five (over 5-1-1 in last seven).

Phillies @ Dodgers
O'Sullivan is 0-3, 7.41 in his last seven starts; four of his last six went over.

LA hasn't named a starting pitcher as I type this, but it could be Eric Stults, who was 1-4, 5.36 in seven starts for Atlanta earlier this year- five of those seven games went over.

Or it could be Surkamp, who was 2-3, 7.67 in seven starts for SF in 2012-13; he is 4-0, 2.89 in his last five AAA starts this year.

Philly lost six of last seven games; over is 5-2-1 in their last eight. Phillies are 5-3 in last eight games with Dodgers; under is 7-2-1 in last 10 series games. LA is 3-5 in last eight home games; four of its last six home games went over. .

Mets @ Giants
Niese is winless in his last nine starts, but is 0-2, 2.70 in his last three, so he's gotten better-- his last three starts stayed under.

Heston is 3-1, 3.03 in his last five starts; eight of his last ten went over.

Mets are 5-20 in its last 25 road games; they've lost four of last six overall. Ten of their last 13 stayed under. Giants won eight of last ten games against Mets; over is 3-1-1 in last five series games. SF flew cross-country Monday morning after playing in Washington last night- they're off an 0-6 road trip. Eight of last ten Giant games went over.

American League
Astros @ Indians
Keuchel is 4-2, 2.09 in his last seven starts, 2-0, 0.00 in his last two (17 IP); seven of his last nine starts stayed under.

Carrasco is 3-1, 2.79 in his last four starts; four of his last five went over.

Houston lost seven of last nine games with Cleveland; last ten series games stayed under. Astros are 8-17 in last 25 road games; three of their last four overall went over. Indians won five of last seven games (over 5-2) but lost last two games, scoring three runs.

Orioles @ Twins
Chen is 3-0, 2.00 in his last four starts; his last nine all stayed under.

Hughes is 3-0, 2.38 in his last three starts; over is 4-2-1 in his last seven.

Baltimore won three of last four games with Minnesota (over 3-1); Orioles lost five of last seven games- four of their last five stayed under. Twins are 3-5 in their last eight; under is 4-0-1 in their last five games. .

Rays @ Royals
Colome is 0-2, 5.73 in his last four starts; over is 5-3 in his last eight.

Volquez is 4-0, 3.99 in his last five starts (over 4-0-1).

Tampa Bay lost six of last eight games with Kansas City; over is 5-3-2 in last ten series games. Rays lost seven of last eight games (over 6-1-1). Royals lost five of last seven games; under is 4-1-1 in their last six. .

Blue Jays @ White Sox
Former White Sox P Buehrle is 3-0, 1.88 in his last six starts; under is 5-3-1 in his last nine. Jays scored 23 runs in his last two starts.

Sale struck out 10+ batters his last eight starts, but is winless in his last four (0-2, 2.76). White Sox scoted five runs in his last four- under is 8-1-1 in his last ten starts.

Toronto lost five of last seven games; their last five went over total. Jays lost six of last nine games with Chicago; under is 5-3 in last eight series games. White Sox won four of last five games; over is 5-3 in their last eight.

Tigers @ Mariners
Simon is 0-1, 11.05 in his last three starts; his last five all went over.

Iwakuma is making first start since April 20 (back); he was 0-1, 7.16 in three starts before going on DL- all three went over total.

Detroit lost four of last five games with Seattle; Tigers lost four of their last six games- their last 15 games went over. Mariners won four of last six games; under is 7-1-1 in their last nine.

Win-loss records this year for team with this starting pitcher:
Cin-Wsh-- DeSclafani 8-8; Fister 4-6
SD-Pitt-- Shields 9-8; Burnett 9-7
StL-Cubs-- Lackey 9-7; Lester 9-7
Atl-Mil-- Wisler 2-1; Lohse 7-10
Phil-LA-- O'Sullivan 5-7; Stults 2-5 for Atlanta
NY-SF-- Niese 4-11; Heston 10-6

Hst-Clev-- Keuchel 12-5; Carrasco 10-6
Balt-Minn-- Chen 10-5; Hughes 8-8
TB-KC-- Colome 3-10; Volquez 11-5
Tor-Chi-- Buehrle 10-6; Sale 9-6
Det-Sea-- Simon 8-7; Iwakuma 0-3

Times this starting pitcher allowed a run in first inning:
Cin-Wsh-- DeSclafani 3-16; Fister 3-10
SD-Pitt-- Shields 4-17; Burnett 4-16
StL-Cubs-- Lackey 3-16; Lester 6-16
Atl-Mil-- Wisler 1-3; Lohse 7-17
Phil-LA-- O'Sullivan 8-12; Stults 1-7
NY-SF-- Niese 6-15; Heston 1-16

Hst-Clev-- Keuchel 3-17; Carrasco 7-16
Balt-Minn-- Chen 3-15; Hughes 3-16
TB-KC-- Colome 2-13; Volquez 4-16
Tor-Chi-- Buehrle 9-16; Sale 5-15
Det-Sea-- Simon 3-15; Iwakuma 2-3

CNOTES · Jul 6, 2015

MLB

Monday, July 6

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

7:05 PM
CINCINNATI vs. WASHINGTON
Cincinnati is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Cincinnati's last 7 games
Washington is 12-3 SU in its last 15 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Washington's last 5 games

7:05 PM
SAN DIEGO vs. PITTSBURGH
San Diego is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games when playing Pittsburgh
San Diego is 16-3 SU in its last 19 games when playing on the road against Pittsburgh
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Pittsburgh's last 5 games when playing San Diego
Pittsburgh is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games when playing San Diego

7:10 PM
HOUSTON vs. CLEVELAND
Houston is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games
Houston is 1-8 SU in its last 9 games when playing on the road against Cleveland
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Cleveland's last 8 games when playing at home against Houston
Cleveland is 8-1 SU in its last 9 games when playing at home against Houston

8:05 PM
ST. LOUIS vs. CHI CUBS
St. Louis is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of St. Louis's last 6 games when playing on the road against Chi Cubs
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Chi Cubs's last 6 games when playing at home against St. Louis
Chi Cubs are 5-1 SU in their last 6 games

8:10 PM
ATLANTA vs. MILWAUKEE
Atlanta is 1-6 SU in its last 7 games on the road
Atlanta is 3-9 SU in its last 12 games when playing on the road against Milwaukee
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Milwaukee's last 6 games when playing Atlanta
Milwaukee is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing Atlanta

8:10 PM
TAMPA BAY vs. KANSAS CITY
Tampa Bay is 10-4 SU in its last 14 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 9 of Tampa Bay's last 12 games on the road
Kansas City is 10-3 SU in its last 13 games when playing Tampa Bay
Kansas City is 2-5 SU in its last 7 games

8:10 PM
BALTIMORE vs. MINNESOTA
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Baltimore's last 5 games when playing on the road against Minnesota
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Baltimore's last 5 games
Minnesota is 8-16 SU in its last 24 games when playing Baltimore
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Minnesota's last 5 games when playing at home against Baltimore

8:10 PM
TORONTO vs. CHI WHITE SOX
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Toronto's last 6 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Toronto's last 7 games when playing on the road against Chi White Sox
The total has gone UNDER in 10 of Chi White Sox's last 11 games at home
Chi White Sox are 4-1 SU in their last 5 games

10:10 PM
DETROIT vs. SEATTLE
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Detroit's last 5 games on the road
Detroit is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing Seattle
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Seattle's last 5 games when playing at home against Detroit
Seattle is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games

10:10 PM
PHILADELPHIA vs. LA DODGERS
The total has gone UNDER in 8 of Philadelphia's last 11 games when playing LA Dodgers
Philadelphia is 11-5 SU in their last 16 games when playing on the road against LA Dodgers
LA Dodgers are 2-4 SU in their last 6 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 6 of LA Dodgers's last 9 games when playing at home against Philadelphia

10:15 PM
NY METS vs. SAN FRANCISCO
The total has gone OVER in 6 of NY Mets's last 7 games when playing on the road against San Francisco
The total has gone UNDER in 8 of NY Mets's last 11 games on the road
San Francisco is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 6 of San Francisco's last 7 games when playing at home against NY Mets

CNOTES · Jul 6, 2015

MLB
Dunkel

Monday, July 6

Cincinnati @ Washington

Game 951-952
July 6, 2015 @ 7:05 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Cincinnati
(DeSclafani) 16.101
Washington
(Fister) 17.529
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Washington
by 1 1/2
9
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Washington
-165
7 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Washington
(-165); Over

San Diego @ Pittsburgh

Game 953-954
July 6, 2015 @ 7:05 pm

Dunkel Rating:
San Diego
(Shields) 12.734
Pittsburgh
(Burnett) 17.713
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Pittsburgh
by 5
8
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Pittsburgh
-165
7
Dunkel Pick:
Pittsburgh
(-165); Over

St. Louis @ Chicago Cubs

Game 955-956
July 6, 2015 @ 8:05 pm

Dunkel Rating:
St. Louis
(Lackey) 16.586
Chicago Cubs
(Lester) 15.032
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
St. Louis
by 1 1/2
6
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Chicago Cubs
-130
No Run Total
Dunkel Pick:
St. Louis
(+110); N/A

Atlanta @ Milwaukee

Game 957-958
July 6, 2015 @ 8:10 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Atlanta
(Wisler) 15.449
Milwaukee
(Lohse) 12.068
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Atlanta
by 3 1/2
7
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Milwaukee
-135
8
Dunkel Pick:
Atlanta
(+115); Under

Philadelphia @ LA Dodgers

Game 959-960
July 6, 2015 @ 10:10 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Philadelphia
(O'Sullvan) 13.234
LA Dodgers
(Surkamp) 16.329
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
LA Dodgers
by 3
6
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
LA Dodgers
No Line
N/A
Dunkel Pick:
LA Dodgers
N/A

NY Mets @ San Francisco

Game 961-962
July 6, 2015 @ 10:15 pm

Dunkel Rating:
NY Mets
(Niese) 13.701
San Francisco
(Heston) 15.204
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
San Francisco
by 1 1/2
6
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
San Francisco
-170
7
Dunkel Pick:
San Francisco
(-170); Under

Houston @ Cleveland

Game 963-964
July 6, 2015 @ 7:10 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Houston
(Keuchel) 15.521
Cleveland
(Carrasco) 14.039
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Houston
by 1 1/2
8
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Cleveland
-120
7
Dunkel Pick:
Houston
(+100); Over

Baltimore @ Minnesota

Game 965-966
July 6, 2015 @ 8:10 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Baltimore
(Chen) 17.097
Minnesota
(Hughes) 13.466
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Baltimore
by 3 1/2
9
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Minnesota
-110
8
Dunkel Pick:
Baltimore
(-110); Over

Tampa Bay @ Kansas City

Game 967-968
July 6, 2015 @ 8:10 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Tampa Bay
(Colome) 13.512
Kansas City
(Volquez) 16.235
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Kansas City
by 2 1/2
9
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Kansas City
-150
7 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Kansas City
(-150); Over

Toronto @ Chicago White Sox

Game 969-970
July 6, 2015 @ 8:10 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Toronto
(Buehrle) 12.544
Chicago White Sox
(Sale) 18.006
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Chicago White Sox
by 5 1/2
8
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Chicago White Sox
-160
7
Dunkel Pick:
Chicago White Sox
(-160); Over

Detroit @ Seattle

Game 971-972
July 6, 2015 @ 10:10 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Detroit
(Simon) 15.217
Seattle
(Iwakuma) 14.210
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Detroit
by 1
6
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Seattle
-150
7
Dunkel Pick:
Detroit
(+130); Under

CNOTES · Jul 6, 2015

Tigers incredible over run continues

Jul 06, 2015

The Detroit Tigers continue to add to the majors longest total streak since 2010 thanks their 10-5 loss to the Toronto Blue Jays Sunday afternoon.

Sunday's defeat made it an incredible 16 consecutive overs by the Tigers, passing the mark set by the Tampa Bay Rays when they went over 14 straight games between April 26 to May 11 in 2013.

The Tigers are scoring 5.44 runs per game over the course of the streak, more than a run more than their season average of 4.43 runs per game. But what makes over bettors excited, is the fact they are allowing an even bigger 6.63 runs per game.

Over bettors riding this crazy streak hope the Tigers make it 17 in a row when they begin a seven-game road trip Monday in Seattle against the Mariners.

The Tigers will send Alfredo Simon (3.94 ERA, 8-6 O/U) to the mound to take on the Mariners' Hisashi Iwakuma (6.61 ERA, 3-0 O/U), who is making his first start in more than two months due to a strained lat.

CNOTES · Jul 6, 2015

Padres' backers slumping in this pitcher's starts

Jul 6, 2015

The San Diego Padres have lost their last five ball games when righty James Shields takes the mound. Shields is expected to start the Friars' opener against the Pittsburgh Pirates Monday.

Shields has lost three of those starts and took a no decision twice. The Friars have lost to the Atlanta Braves (-121), Los Angeles Dodgers (+100), Arizona Diamondbacks (-107), San Francisco Giants (+121) and Seattle Mariners (-108) over that stretch.

A.J. Burnett is expected to start for the Pirates, who are presently -139.

CNOTES · Jul 6, 2015

Giants stumble home after winless trip

Jul 05, 2015

WASHINGTON -- The Giants, unable to find their way on the road, are thankful to be heading back to San Francisco to try to right their season.

A 3-1 loss to the Nationals on Sunday at Washington marked the conclusion of an 0-6 road trip that featured odd starting times, poor pitching and, on Monday, an early-morning flight that will cause them to hustle into AT&T Park for their night game against the New York Mets.

In short, it was a week to forget.

"Hopefully, we'll find that mojo at home," said manager Bruce Bochy, who was ejected from Sunday's game for arguing balls and strikes. "You just try to keep marching here and put these behind you. We've been through this -- this is not the first time this year. We've had our streaks. We've had too many this year at this point. We've had good ones, too."

The Giants asked for, and received a special exemption from Major League Baseball to fly home from Washington on Monday thanks to the 8 p.m. EDT start Sunday. Pitchers Chris Heston and Matt Cain, who are starting the first two games of the series against New York, left early in order to make it back to San Francisco.

After a Thursday afternoon game in Miami, the Giants had starts of 6 p.m., 11 a.m. and 8 p.m. in D.C. over the weekend, and San Francisco seemed out of sorts throughout. The Giants are 21-21 on the road this season, and after the All-Star break, they play 16 of their first 22 games away from the Bay, including a tough 10-game swing to face the Texas Rangers, Atlanta Braves and Chicago Cubs with no days off.

"They've been grinding hard," Bochy said of his players.

CNOTES · Jul 6, 2015

Sale aiming for record ninth straight game with double-digit strikeouts

Jul 06, 2015

CHICAGO -- Chris Sale has a chance to stand alone in major league history when he takes the mound for the Chicago White Sox on Monday at U.S. Cellular Field.

The ace left-hander has struck out at least 10 hitters in eight straight starts and is vying to become the only pitcher in the majors to ever do that in nine straight outings. He's currently tied with Hall of Famer Pedro Martinez, who is the only other pitcher to accomplish that feat in the big leagues.

Regardless, Sale isn't satisfied with his ascension to star pitcher status. Asked recently if he still feels he can improve, he didn't hesitate to answer.

"I'm going to try," he said. "That's what everyone does. It doesn't matter who you are, where you're at in your career, what you've done up until then. Every time you take the ball, you try to do better than the last time out. You just try to keep getting better, however that is."

Sale will be pitching with an extra day's rest after manager Robin Ventura decided to give his scheduled start Sunday against the Orioles to left-handed rookie Carlos Rodon. Ventura said there's no health concern that drove him to make the decision, but it does set up a fun matchup for White Sox fans on Monday.

Mark Buehrle will pitch for the Blue Jays in his annual homecoming to Chicago, where he made some history of his own for the White Sox. Buehrle threw a no-hitter and a perfect game at U.S. Cellular Field as the White Sox's ace and was their No. 1 starter in 2005, when they won the World Series.

He also tutored Sale for a season, before leaving as a free agent.

"We didn't do it for this (matchup)," Ventura said of pushing Sale back. "We did it more for Chris. It ends up being a nice game that our fans should enjoy. Mark he should be celebrated for everything that he's done here. He's meant a lot to Chris and a lot of these guys that are in here in mentor fashion of the guy that can show you how to grab the ball and pitch and get it done."

Sale learned from Buehrle how working quickly on the mound can be advantageous for pitchers. Now, they each work fast and mow through their starts in record time.

"It should be fun," Ventura said. "It should be fast too."

CNOTES · Jul 6, 2015

Pirates claim 1B Ishikawa off waivers

Jul 05, 2015

PITTSBURGH -- Travis Ishikawa is back with the Pirates as Pittsburgh claimed the first baseman off waivers from the San Francisco Giants on Sunday.

The 31-year-old was 0-for-5 in six games for the Giants this season. He also hit a combined .266 with four home runs and 20 RBIs in 37 games with Triple-A Sacramento and Class A San Jose.

Ishikawa was the Pirates' Opening Day first baseman in 2014, then was designated for assignment in mid-April.

He cleared waivers and signed with the Giants days later. Ishikawa hit a game-ending home run against the St. Louis Cardinals in the decisive Game 5 of the National League Championship Series in October to give San Francisco its third pennant in five seasons.

The Pirates will make a correspondent roster move once Ishikawa reports to the team.

In 15 games with Pittsburgh last year, Ishikawa hit .206 with one homer and three RBIs. For his eight-season major league career, he has a .257 batting average, a .321 on-base percentage, a .395 slugging percentage, 22 homers and 129 RBIs in 450 games.

In addition to Pittsburgh and San Francisco, Ishikawa also had stints with the Milwaukee Brewers, Baltimore Orioles and New York Yankees.

CNOTES · Jul 6, 2015

Cards place LHP Garcia on DL with groin strain

The St. Louis Cardinals placed left-handed pitcher Jaime Garcia on the 15-day disabled list Sunday with a left groin strain.

The move is retroactive to July 4. The club also recalled left-handed pitcher Tim Cooney from Class A Peoria.

Garcia was scratched from a start last Thursday due to the groin strain. He is 3-3 with a 1.69 ERA in seven starts this season.

Manager Mike Matheny announced that Cooney and lefty Tyler Lyons are slated to draw the starting assignments for the Cardinals in Tuesday's split doubleheader at Chicago.

Cooney, who started for the Cardinals last Thursday, is is 0-0 with a 5.40 ERA in two starts for St. Louis this season. The Pacific Coast League All-Star is 6-4 with a 2.74 ERA in his 14 starts for Triple-A Memphis.

Lyons is 2-0, 5.09 ERA in five starts for St. Louis, winning each of his last two (June 13 vs. Kansas City and June 19 vs. Philadelphia). He is 5-4 with a 3.10 ERA in 10 starts at Memphis.

CNOTES · Jul 6, 2015

Rangers' Hamilton now dealing with groin strain

Jul 05, 2015

Texas Rangers outfielder Josh Hamilton, who did not play Saturday, is now dealing with a groin strain.

Hamilton came out of Friday night's game against the Los Angeles Angels after the seventh inning. He was playing for the first time against his former team, which traded him to the Rangers after two disappointing years with Los Angeles.

Hamilton, who signed a five-year, $125 million contract with the Angels in December 2012, went 1-for-3 with a double in Friday's game.

The Rangers re-acquired Hamilton from the Angels on April 27 while he was on the disabled list recovering from Feb. 4 surgery on his right shoulder. Hamilton didn't make his season debut until May 25, and he hurt the hamstring several days later.

Rangers manager Jeff Banister said Saturday was a planned day off but did not get specific with what was ailing Hamilton except to say that his "whole lower half" has been an issue since Hamilton went on the DL with a left hamstring strain after an injury May 31, according to the Fort Worth Star-Telegram.

The slugger was not in the lineup for Sunday night's game against the Angels.

Hamilton returned on Tuesday from a month-long stint on the disabled list with a hamstring injury, and the veteran went 2-for-4, scored a run and made a nice sliding catch in Texas' 8-6 victory over the Baltimore Orioles.

"Obviously, we'll see where he is throughout the night," Banister said Saturday. "We'll continue to try to manage how he feels. This is a guy we'd like to have for an extended period of time. I'm trying my best to figure this whole thing out with him and what is best for Josh."

Hamilton is hitting .303 with two home runs and five RBIs in 10 games this season.

CNOTES · Jul 6, 2015

Anderson 'a horse out there' for Indians

Jul 05, 2015

PITTSBURGH -- Cody Anderson has been a sensation through his first three starts with the Cleveland Indians, going 1-1 with a 0.76 ERA.

The 24-year-old rookie right-hander has allowed just two runs and 14 hits in 23 2/3 innings while striking out 10 and walking one only.

Anderson was the Indians' 14th-round draft pick in 2011 from Feather River College in Quincy, Calif. He was not considered a top prospect until this season when he went 3-2 with a 1.73 ERA in 10 starts with Double-A Akron and 1-1 with a 2.33 ERA in three starts with Triple-A Columbus.

Catcher Yan Gomes believes a large part of Anderson's early success with the Indians stems from attacking hitters.

"He's a horse out there," Gomes said. "He pitches. He's really aggressive. Gets ahead of guys. You can see some of the swings that guys are taking. He's not afraid to sometimes just try to pound the strike zone and see what happens."

Indians pitching coach Mickey Callaway has been particularly impressed by Anderson's changeup, usually the last pitch a young pitcher is able to master.

"There's deception. There's location," Callaway said. "That changeup is way above average. It's really good. He sells it well. He has good depth to it. His command with it, to be able to go in and out, east and west, with it, is something you don't see very often."

CNOTES · Jul 6, 2015

MLB betting cheat sheet: Greinke stealing the show in L.A.

Jul 06, 2015

Here's a comprehensive look at betting notes for the mid-week major-league schedule:

Sale Goes For Strikeout Record

White Sox ace Chris Sale is coming off eight consecutive starts with 10 or more strikeouts, tying him with Pedro Martinez. He can set a new standard for consecutive games with double-digit Ks on Monday at home versus the Blue Jays. The southpaw is 1-1 with a 2.57 ERA in two career starts versus Toronto, but both of those came at Rogers Center. The Jays aren't an ideal opponent though, leading the major league in runs scored, and batting a major league best .307 versus left-handers.

Tigers Over Trend at 16 and Counting...

Detroit has now seen the total go over in 16 straight, and given the way they've been playing, there may be no end in sight. Their starting rotation is struggling, and the bullpen has been a complete disaster over the past few weeks. The defense has been brutal as well, evidence by two more errors in Sunday's loss to Toronto. On a positive note for the Tigers, their bats have been hot, scoring 28 runs in five games in July, and they led the majors batting .281 in June.

Greinke Working On 27 2/3 Scoreless Innings Streak

While Clayton Kershaw continues to struggle, Zack Greinke is stealing the show out west in LA. He's leading the major leagues with a 1.48 ERA, and he's now gone 27 2/3 innings without surrendering a run. He'll have an excellent chance to extend that run at home against the Phillies on Thursday.

Pitching Notes

*Hisashi Iwakuma will come off the DL on Monday to start in the series opener versus the Tigers. The 34 year old hasn't pitched for Seattle since April, but his performance at Triple-A was quite encouraging. He was 1-0 with a 1.35 ERA in three starts, pitching a total of 13 1/3 innings. Iwakuma is 20-12 with a 2.82 ERA in 42 starts at Safeco since 2012.

*Yovani Gallardo has quietly been dominating out in Texas. The right-hander has not allowed a run over 26 1/3 innings in his last four starts, and the last three came on the road. His numbers at home aren't too shabby either, going 4-2 with a 2.23 ERA in seven starts in Arlington. He should have an excellent chance to continue his success in his next start at home versus Arizona, he's 2-0 with a 2.45 ERA in his last five starts versus the Diamondbacks.

Hitting Notes

*Last year's AL batting champ Jose Altuve sat out seven games due to injury in mid June, but he's riding a 13 game hitting streak since returning. He could be gearing up for another strong second half, as he hit .349 after the All Star break in 2014.

*Cubs Rookie Kris Bryant was benched for the first time in his career on July 2nd, and he's responded well going 5-for-15 with a pair of home runs and six RBIs in three games since.

Weather Notes

* Forecasts are calling for wind to blow to left-centerfield at around 14 miles per hours at Wrigley Field Monday.

* More wind in the Windy City Tuesday as forecasts are predicting wind to blow in from leftfield at roughly 19 miles per hour.

Totals Streak

The Tigers as I already mentioned have been trending toward the over, and they head out on the road to face the Mariners in their pitcher's park on Monday. They've seen the total go over in nine straight road games, and 22-5-1 in their last 28 overall. The bookmakers are expecting this trend to cool off at Safeco, with a total of O/U 7 in Game 1 of the series.

Injury Notes

*The Nats have placed Stephen Strasburg on the 15 day DL with a strained oblique. The 26 year old has had a nightmare of a season posting a 5-5 record with a 5.16 ERA in 13 starts.

*For the first time in his career, Miguel Cabrera will go on the DL with a strained calf. He's expected to miss at least six weeks. It's a huge blow for the Tigers, as the 32 year old was batting a major league best .350.

CNOTES · Jul 6, 2015

MLB
Long Sheet

Monday, July 6

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CINCINNATI (36 - 44) at WASHINGTON (46 - 36) - 7:05 PM
ANTHONY DESCLAFANI (R) vs. DOUG FISTER (R)
Top Trends for this game.
CINCINNATI is 8-26 (-15.5 Units) against the money line as a road underdog of +125 to +150 over the last 2 seasons.
CINCINNATI is 47-75 (-23.0 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 2 seasons.
CINCINNATI is 47-75 (-23.0 Units) against the money line in road games in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
CINCINNATI is 69-90 (-21.1 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.
CINCINNATI is 31-61 (-23.9 Units) against the money line in road games when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 3 seasons.
CINCINNATI is 511-578 (+30.8 Units) against the money line in road games against right-handed starters since 1997.

Head-to-Head Series History
CINCINNATI is 3-0 (+3.3 Units) against WASHINGTON this season
2 of 3 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+1.0 Units)

ANTHONY DESCLAFANI vs. WASHINGTON since 1997
DESCLAFANI is 1-0 when starting against WASHINGTON with an ERA of 3.00 and a WHIP of 1.667.
His team's record is 1-0 (+1.1 units) in these starts. The OVER is 0-1. (-1.1 units)

DOUG FISTER vs. CINCINNATI since 1997
FISTER is 2-0 when starting against CINCINNATI with an ERA of 1.29 and a WHIP of 0.786.
His team's record is 2-0 (+2.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-1. (-0.3 units)

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SAN DIEGO (39 - 45) at PITTSBURGH (47 - 34) - 7:05 PM
JAMES SHIELDS (R) vs. A.J. BURNETT (R)
Top Trends for this game.
SAN DIEGO is 53-92 (-29.8 Units) against the money line in road games against right-handed starters over the last 3 seasons.
PITTSBURGH is 232-180 (+34.2 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 3 seasons.
PITTSBURGH is 129-78 (+28.5 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 3 seasons.
PITTSBURGH is 230-179 (+32.7 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 3 seasons.
PITTSBURGH is 94-67 (+15.7 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.
PITTSBURGH is 63-36 (+17.3 Units) against the money line in home games against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
PITTSBURGH is 78-45 (+21.7 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.
SHIELDS is 39-21 (+19.7 Units) against the money line when the total is 7 or less since 1997. (Team's Record)
SHIELDS is 20-10 (+10.5 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
SHIELDS is 30-15 (+15.1 Units) against the money line in road games in games played on a grass field over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)
SHIELDS is 19-8 (+10.3 Units) against the money line in road games in night games over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)
SHIELDS is 11-3 (+8.9 Units) against the money line in road games after a loss over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
SHIELDS is 10-2 (+9.2 Units) against the money line in road games when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
BURNETT is 12-31 (-28.9 Units) against the money line when playing on Monday since 1997. (Team's Record)
BURNETT is 174-180 (-36.0 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field since 1997. (Team's Record)
BURNETT is 141-152 (-34.1 Units) against the money line in night games since 1997. (Team's Record)
BURNETT is 10-21 (-16.4 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)
BURNETT is 3-11 (-10.0 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record in the second half of the season over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)

Head-to-Head Series History
PITTSBURGH is 2-2 (+0.1 Units) against SAN DIEGO this season
3 of 3 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+3.0 Units)

JAMES SHIELDS vs. PITTSBURGH since 1997
SHIELDS is 0-0 when starting against PITTSBURGH with an ERA of 3.00 and a WHIP of 1.333.
His team's record is 1-0 (+1.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-0. (+1.0 units)

A.J. BURNETT vs. SAN DIEGO since 1997
BURNETT is 4-7 when starting against SAN DIEGO with an ERA of 4.38 and a WHIP of 1.551.
His team's record is 4-8 (-6.1 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 5-6. (-1.8 units)

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ST LOUIS (53 - 28) at CHICAGO CUBS (44 - 36) - 8:05 PM
JOHN LACKEY (R) vs. JON LESTER (L)
Top Trends for this game.
LACKEY is 10-21 (-13.4 Units) against the money line in road games in night games over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)
CHICAGO CUBS are 117-123 (+2.2 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
CHICAGO CUBS are 29-20 (+9.4 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
CHICAGO CUBS are 66-68 (+4.7 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
ST LOUIS is 53-28 (+20.5 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
ST LOUIS is 22-8 (+12.2 Units) against the money line against division opponents this season.
ST LOUIS is 53-28 (+20.5 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
ST LOUIS is 35-17 (+14.5 Units) against the money line after a win this season.
ST LOUIS is 24-11 (+12.5 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
LACKEY is 20-8 (+12.9 Units) against the money line in road games in July games since 1997. (Team's Record)
CHICAGO CUBS are 1431-1589 (-276.6 Units) against the money line in all games since 1997.
CHICAGO CUBS are 766-742 (-163.8 Units) against the money line in home games since 1997.
CHICAGO CUBS are 362-346 (-87.1 Units) against the money line in home games against division opponents since 1997.
CHICAGO CUBS are 1053-1185 (-213.0 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters since 1997.
CHICAGO CUBS are 40-55 (-32.5 Units) against the money line in home games after shutting out their opponent since 1997.
CHICAGO CUBS are 665-767 (-198.7 Units) against the money line after a win since 1997.

Head-to-Head Series History
ST LOUIS is 7-2 (+4.7 Units) against CHICAGO CUBS this season
5 of 9 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+0.5 Units)

JOHN LACKEY vs. CHICAGO CUBS since 1997
LACKEY is 2-1 when starting against CHICAGO CUBS with an ERA of 2.34 and a WHIP of 1.269.
His team's record is 4-1 (+3.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-4. (-3.2 units)

JON LESTER vs. ST LOUIS since 1997
LESTER is 3-1 when starting against ST LOUIS with an ERA of 1.85 and a WHIP of 1.147.
His team's record is 4-1 (+3.3 units) in these starts. The OVER is 2-3. (-1.2 units)

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ATLANTA (40 - 42) at MILWAUKEE (36 - 48) - 8:10 PM
MATT WISLER (R) vs. KYLE LOHSE (R)
Top Trends for this game.
ATLANTA is 59-69 (-22.7 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.
ATLANTA is 25-29 (-12.5 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.
ATLANTA is 30-27 (+7.4 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
ATLANTA is 22-19 (+8.3 Units) against the money line after a loss this season.
MILWAUKEE is 118-128 (-18.1 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
MILWAUKEE is 21-26 (-14.4 Units) against the money line as a home favorite of -125 to -150 over the last 2 seasons.
MILWAUKEE is 15-26 (-13.7 Units) against the money line in home games this season.
MILWAUKEE is 15-26 (-13.7 Units) against the money line in home games in games played on a grass field this season.
MILWAUKEE is 26-41 (-15.2 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
MILWAUKEE is 55-60 (-17.9 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.
MILWAUKEE is 12-23 (-19.9 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
ATLANTA is 3-1 (+2.0 Units) against MILWAUKEE this season
2 of 4 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=-0.1 Units, Under=-0.4 Units)

MATT WISLER vs. MILWAUKEE since 1997
No recent starts.

KYLE LOHSE vs. ATLANTA since 1997
LOHSE is 6-2 when starting against ATLANTA with an ERA of 3.86 and a WHIP of 1.262.
His team's record is 7-7 (+1.5 units) in these starts. The OVER is 8-6. (+1.8 units)

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PHILADELPHIA (28 - 56) at LA DODGERS (46 - 37) - 10:10 PM
SEAN O'SULLIVAN (R) vs. ERIC SURKAMP (L)
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

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

SEAN O'SULLIVAN vs. LA DODGERS since 1997
No recent starts.

ERIC SURKAMP vs. PHILADELPHIA since 1997
No recent starts.

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NY METS (42 - 41) at SAN FRANCISCO (42 - 41) - 10:15 PM
JON NIESE (L) vs. CHRIS HESTON (R)
Top Trends for this game.
NY METS are 13-27 (-12.6 Units) against the money line in road games this season.
NY METS are 23-33 (-11.3 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
NY METS are 9-22 (-12.7 Units) against the money line in road games against right-handed starters this season.
NY METS are 2-12 (-10.4 Units) against the money line in road games after a win this season.
NIESE is 6-19 (-12.0 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
SAN FRANCISCO is 142-120 (+14.0 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
SAN FRANCISCO is 211-106 (+40.9 Units) against the money line as a home favorite of -150 to -175 since 1997.
SAN FRANCISCO is 142-120 (+14.0 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
SAN FRANCISCO is 1048-882 (+113.1 Units) against the money line in night games since 1997.
SAN FRANCISCO is 250-158 (+56.5 Units) against the money line in home games against left-handed starters since 1997.
SAN FRANCISCO is 63-57 (+12.2 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
SAN FRANCISCO is 20-36 (-22.4 Units) against the money line in July games over the last 3 seasons.
SAN FRANCISCO is 2-10 (-11.9 Units) against the money line in home games when playing on Monday over the last 2 seasons.
SAN FRANCISCO is 16-23 (-11.1 Units) against the money line after a loss this season.
SAN FRANCISCO is 3-12 (-11.5 Units) against the money line after 3 or more consecutive losses this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
SAN FRANCISCO is 2-1 (+1.6 Units) against NY METS this season
2 of 3 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+1.0 Units)

JON NIESE vs. SAN FRANCISCO since 1997
NIESE is 1-3 when starting against SAN FRANCISCO with an ERA of 2.57 and a WHIP of 1.102.
His team's record is 2-5 (-3.0 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 6-1. (+5.0 units)

CHRIS HESTON vs. NY METS since 1997
HESTON is 1-0 when starting against NY METS with an ERA of 0.00 and a WHIP of 0.000.
His team's record is 1-0 (+1.1 units) in these starts. The OVER is 0-1. (-1.1 units)

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HOUSTON (48 - 36) at CLEVELAND (38 - 43) - 7:10 PM
DALLAS KEUCHEL (L) vs. CARLOS CARRASCO (R)
Top Trends for this game.
HOUSTON is 48-36 (+9.3 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
HOUSTON is 14-8 (+9.5 Units) against the money line when the total is 7 or less over the last 2 seasons.
HOUSTON is 19-9 (+12.0 Units) against the money line as a road underdog of +100 to +125 over the last 2 seasons.
HOUSTON is 48-33 (+12.3 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
HOUSTON is 80-88 (+8.7 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.
HOUSTON is 31-18 (+14.0 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
KEUCHEL is 29-17 (+15.7 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
KEUCHEL is 28-16 (+14.9 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
KEUCHEL is 19-10 (+12.0 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
KEUCHEL is 18-9 (+13.0 Units) against the money line after a loss over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
CLEVELAND is 38-43 (-14.3 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
CLEVELAND is 15-23 (-16.7 Units) against the money line in home games this season.
CLEVELAND is 34-43 (-18.4 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
CLEVELAND is 5-15 (-16.3 Units) against the money line in home games in night games this season.
CLEVELAND is 13-20 (-9.7 Units) against the money line against left-handed starters this season.
CLEVELAND is 18-26 (-12.6 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
CARRASCO is 7-13 (-11.5 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)
CARRASCO is 7-13 (-11.5 Units) against the money line in home games in games played on a grass field over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)
CARRASCO is 6-17 (-15.0 Units) against the money line in home games in night games since 1997. (Team's Record)

Head-to-Head Series History
CLEVELAND is 2-1 (+0.9 Units) against HOUSTON this season
3 of 3 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+3.0 Units)

DALLAS KEUCHEL vs. CLEVELAND since 1997
KEUCHEL is 2-0 when starting against CLEVELAND with an ERA of 0.78 and a WHIP of 0.913.
His team's record is 2-1 (+1.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 0-2. (-2.2 units)

CARLOS CARRASCO vs. HOUSTON since 1997
CARRASCO is 2-0 when starting against HOUSTON with an ERA of 0.42 and a WHIP of 0.516.
His team's record is 2-1 (-0.2 units) in these starts. The OVER is 0-3. (-3.2 units)

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

BALTIMORE (43 - 39) at MINNESOTA (43 - 39) - 8:10 PM
WEI-YIN CHEN (L) vs. PHIL HUGHES (R)
Top Trends for this game.
BALTIMORE is 5-16 (-11.8 Units) against the money line in road games in night games this season.
MINNESOTA is 43-39 (+12.0 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
MINNESOTA is 16-8 (+9.3 Units) against the money line as a home underdog of +100 to +125 this season.
MINNESOTA is 25-15 (+12.1 Units) against the money line in home games this season.
MINNESOTA is 43-39 (+12.0 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
MINNESOTA is 22-19 (+8.6 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
MINNESOTA is 18-11 (+10.7 Units) against the money line against left-handed starters this season.
MINNESOTA is 23-15 (+13.1 Units) against the money line after a loss this season.
HUGHES is 28-20 (+12.1 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
HUGHES is 27-20 (+10.7 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
HUGHES is 51-29 (+24.9 Units) against the money line after a loss since 1997. (Team's Record)
HUGHES is 17-7 (+13.6 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
BALTIMORE is 143-109 (+38.1 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
BALTIMORE is 63-59 (+15.5 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 2 seasons.
BALTIMORE is 19-11 (+10.9 Units) against the money line in July games over the last 2 seasons.
BALTIMORE is 19-9 (+12.3 Units) against the money line when playing on Monday over the last 2 seasons.
BALTIMORE is 127-96 (+33.0 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
BALTIMORE is 109-80 (+33.1 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
BALTIMORE is 78-63 (+16.0 Units) against the money line after a win over the last 2 seasons.
BALTIMORE is 65-52 (+19.5 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
BALTIMORE is 34-19 (+19.0 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.
CHEN is 30-18 (+12.0 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
CHEN is 38-17 (+20.0 Units) against the money line when the total is 8 to 8.5 since 1997. (Team's Record)
CHEN is 29-14 (+15.2 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
CHEN is 15-7 (+9.4 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
MINNESOTA is 38-69 (-25.4 Units) against the money line in home games when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 3 seasons.

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

WEI-YIN CHEN vs. MINNESOTA since 1997
CHEN is 3-1 when starting against MINNESOTA with an ERA of 3.42 and a WHIP of 1.141.
His team's record is 3-1 (+1.8 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-3. (-2.3 units)

PHIL HUGHES vs. BALTIMORE since 1997
HUGHES is 8-5 when starting against BALTIMORE with an ERA of 4.61 and a WHIP of 1.388.
His team's record is 11-9 (-1.4 units) in these starts. The OVER is 11-7. (+3.7 units)

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

TAMPA BAY (43 - 41) at KANSAS CITY (46 - 33) - 8:10 PM
ALEX COLOME (R) vs. EDINSON VOLQUEZ (R)
Top Trends for this game.
TAMPA BAY is 120-126 (-26.0 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
TAMPA BAY is 85-93 (-22.0 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
KANSAS CITY is 46-33 (+11.2 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
KANSAS CITY is 46-33 (+11.2 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
KANSAS CITY is 105-75 (+19.5 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.
KANSAS CITY is 33-19 (+12.4 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
KANSAS CITY is 83-64 (+12.4 Units) against the money line after a win over the last 2 seasons.
KANSAS CITY is 70-56 (+11.0 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
TAMPA BAY is 23-16 (+10.0 Units) against the money line in road games this season.
TAMPA BAY is 11-3 (+8.7 Units) against the money line in road games in July games over the last 2 seasons.

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

ALEX COLOME vs. KANSAS CITY since 1997
No recent starts.

EDINSON VOLQUEZ vs. TAMPA BAY since 1997
VOLQUEZ is 2-0 when starting against TAMPA BAY with an ERA of 2.66 and a WHIP of 1.033.
His team's record is 2-1 (+2.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 2-1. (+1.0 units)

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

TORONTO (43 - 41) at CHI WHITE SOX (36 - 43) - 8:10 PM
MARK BUEHRLE (L) vs. CHRIS SALE (L)
Top Trends for this game.
CHI WHITE SOX are 10-1 (+9.3 Units) against the money line in home games when playing on Monday over the last 2 seasons.
BUEHRLE is 31-17 (+14.5 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
BUEHRLE is 22-10 (+13.1 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
BUEHRLE is 18-7 (+11.8 Units) against the money line after a win over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
BUEHRLE is 18-5 (+13.4 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)

Head-to-Head Series History
TORONTO is 2-1 (+0.8 Units) against CHI WHITE SOX this season
2 of 3 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+1.0 Units)

MARK BUEHRLE vs. CHI WHITE SOX since 1997
BUEHRLE is 1-1 when starting against CHI WHITE SOX with an ERA of 3.20 and a WHIP of 1.322.
His team's record is 2-1 (+0.8 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 3-0. (+3.0 units)

CHRIS SALE vs. TORONTO since 1997
SALE is 1-1 when starting against TORONTO with an ERA of 2.57 and a WHIP of 1.000.
His team's record is 1-1 (+0.0 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 2-0. (+2.0 units)

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

DETROIT (41 - 40) at SEATTLE (38 - 44) - 10:10 PM
ALFREDO SIMON (R) vs. HISASHI IWAKUMA (R)
Top Trends for this game.
DETROIT is 19-27 (-10.7 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
DETROIT is 16-23 (-9.8 Units) against the money line after a loss this season.
DETROIT is 61-60 (-16.0 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.
SIMON is 28-20 (+10.6 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
SIMON is 28-20 (+10.6 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
SIMON is 10-3 (+8.6 Units) against the money line in road games when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
SEATTLE is 38-44 (-11.3 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
SEATTLE is 4-10 (-9.7 Units) against the money line as a home favorite of -125 to -150 this season.
SEATTLE is 17-23 (-12.5 Units) against the money line in home games this season.
SEATTLE is 10-15 (-8.3 Units) against the money line at home when the total is 7 or less this season.
SEATTLE is 33-43 (-15.9 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
SEATTLE is 13-18 (-10.7 Units) against the money line in home games in night games this season.
SEATTLE is 14-19 (-11.0 Units) against the money line in home games against right-handed starters this season.
SEATTLE is 14-23 (-12.8 Units) against the money line after a win this season.
SEATTLE is 14-21 (-9.0 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record this season.

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

ALFREDO SIMON vs. SEATTLE since 1997
No recent starts.

HISASHI IWAKUMA vs. DETROIT since 1997
IWAKUMA is 1-1 when starting against DETROIT with an ERA of 2.25 and a WHIP of 1.000.
His team's record is 2-1 (+2.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 2-1. (+1.0 units)

CNOTES · Jul 6, 2015

Preview: Reds (36-44) at Nationals (46-36)
Game: 1
Venue: Nationals Park
Date: July 06, 2015 7:05 PM EDT

Behind star slugger Bryce Harper and an overpowering rotation, the surging Washington Nationals are closing in on their longest run at home in 10 years.

Doug Fister hopes to add to that success as the Nationals seek their 10th straight home victory Monday night in the opener of a three-game series against the struggling Cincinnati Reds.

Washington starters have posted an 0.44 ERA, tossing six scoreless outings and conceding only three runs in 61 innings, during the winning streak at Nationals Park. The Nationals haven't won 10 in a row there since a 12-game run in June 2005.

Jordan Zimmermann provided the latest gem Sunday when he allowed one run over seven innings in a 3-1 win over San Francisco for the NL East-leading Nationals' 12th win in 15 games overall.

Harper, voted to his third All-Star Game on Sunday, is 5 for 7 with a home run and two doubles in his last two games. He's also batting .385 with seven homers in 27 games since the start of June.

"I have a great group of guys around me," Harper told MLB's official website. "They come in, have fun. They do the things we need to do as a group, as a family that we are."

Fister (3-4, 4.34 ERA) will try to continue Washington's groove on the mound. However, he's still trying to find his way since missing more than a month because of a flexor strain in his right elbow.

After scattering four hits over seven innings in a 7-0 home win over Atlanta in his second start off the disabled list June 25, he gave up four runs over six in Wednesday's 4-1 road loss to the Braves.

"Things are starting to get back to normal," Fister told MLB's official website. "It's just a matter of fine-tuning and getting back to the game plan."

The right-hander seeks his third straight win against the Reds after going 2-0 with a 1.29 ERA in two meetings last season. Marlon Byrd has had the most success against him, going 5 for 12 with a home run.

Byrd is batting .356 over a 10-game hitting streak heading into this series after finishing with two of his team's four hits in Sunday's 6-1 home loss to NL Central-worst Milwaukee.

The Reds (36-44) have scored two runs or less six times during this 2-7 stretch. Joey Votto has gone 3 for 32 over that span, while Brandon Phillips is 5 for 28 in his past seven.

It certainly hasn't helped that Cincinnati's pitching staff has a 6.83 ERA over its last six.

'We need to do better at doing the little thing,' said manager Bryan Price, whose club is now just two games ahead of the Brewers. 'It is something you say when you get outplayed and get drubbed.'

Anthony DeSclafani (5-6, 3.63) aims to regroup from one of his worst outings of the season. He gave up a season high-tying six runs over 6 2-3 innings in Tuesday's 8-5 home loss to Minnesota.

The right-hander has pitched well on the road, going 3-2 with a 2.45 ERA in eight starts. In his only start versus Washington (46-36), he gave up two runs over six innings in a 5-2 home win May 29.

Harper is 1 for 4 with a strikeout in their matchups and 2 for 19 over his last six games against the Reds.

The Nationals were outscored 21-9 in dropping three straight at Cincinnati in May. All-Star Todd Frazier keyed the Reds' sweep by going 8 for 12 with two home runs and three doubles.

SERIES AT A GLANCE

GAME 1
Reds at Nationals
Mon, Jul 6 - 7:05PM EDT

GAME 2
Reds at Nationals
Tue, Jul 7 - 7:05PM EDT

GAME 3
Reds at Nationals
Wed, Jul 8 - 7:05PM EDT

CNOTES · Jul 6, 2015

Preview: Padres (39-45) at Pirates (47-34)
Game: 1
Venue: PNC Park
Date: July 06, 2015 7:05 PM EDT

A.J. Burnett is walking batters at the lowest frequency of his career, and that aggressive approach is fueling his renaissance season.

James Shields' inability to throw strikes, conversely, has proven costly of late.

These veteran right-handers match up Monday night as the Pittsburgh Pirates and San Diego Padres open a three-game series at PNC Park.

Burnett (7-3, 2.05 ERA) ended a four-game winless stretch with his fifth straight quality start Wednesday at Detroit, allowing two runs over seven innings in a 9-3 victory.

Opponents are hitting .255 against Burnett - barely better than .256 last year when he posted a 4.59 ERA. One of the biggest differences has been Burnett's ability to limit walks. He didn't record a base on balls against the Tigers and his 2.31 walks per nine innings marks the lowest rate of his career.

The 38-year-old, who was backed by a total of five runs over his previous four outings, said the nine runs of support didn't change his approach.

"I program myself that it's 0-0 no matter what," Burnett, whose ERA is a personal best, told MLB's official website. "I didn't change anything. Just try to get strike one, and get back in the dugout."

Burnett is 4-7 with 4.38 ERA in 12 matchups with San Diego, including a win in Pittsburgh's 11-5 road victory May 28. He gave up five runs over 5 2-3 innings.

Shields (7-3, 4.14) hasn't performed nearly as well as Burnett despite an identical record, as he's 0-3 with a 5.59 ERA over his last five outings. His last start could be something to build off, though, as he limited Seattle to two runs over 6 2-3 innings in a 7-0 loss on Wednesday.

While Burnett has been effective because of his aggressiveness, much of Shields' ineffectiveness can be chalked up to his career-worst 3.02 walks per nine innings. He walked four Mariners and has three or more walks in three of his last four starts.

Shields has been stuck on seven wins since June 3, receiving eight runs of support in five games.

The right-hander gave up two runs over six innings without a decision in San Diego's 6-2 win against the Pirates on May 29, his first career matchup. The teams split the four-game series.

Pittsburgh (47-34) beat Cleveland 5-3 on Sunday, its seventh in nine games. The rotation has posted a 2.52 ERA in that span with Gerrit Cole working eight strong innings against the Indians.

The Pirates haven't needed much offense, going 25-2 when scoring at least three runs since May 22, though Neil Walker is 17 for 37 with nine RBIs during a nine-game hitting streak.

Starling Marte, who leads the team with 44 runs, left Sunday's game during a fourth-inning at-bat with discomfort in his left side, but said he felt better afterward.

The Padres (39-45) lost 3-1 at St. Louis on Sunday, recording three hits and scoring two runs or fewer for the fifth time in six games. Justin Upton and Matt Kemp are a combined 4 for 37 in that span.

Upton is 8 for 16 with two homers and two doubles off Burnett, while Kemp is 0 for 11 with eight strikeouts.

San Diego has averaged 5.9 runs while winning 16 of its last 19 at Pittsburgh.

Josh Harrison is 16 for 36 (.444) with three doubles and two triples in his last nine against the Padres.

SERIES AT A GLANCE

GAME 1
Padres at Pirates
Mon, Jul 6 - 7:05PM EDT

GAME 2
Padres at Pirates
Tue, Jul 7 - 7:05PM EDT

GAME 3
Padres at Pirates
Wed, Jul 8 - 7:05PM EDT

CNOTES · Jul 6, 2015

Preview: Astros (48-36) at Indians (38-43)
Game: 1
Venue: Progressive Field
Date: July 06, 2015 7:10 PM EDT

Dallas Keuchel's business-like approach helps him block out any talk of individual accolades and focus on giving the Houston Astros a solid effort each time he's on the mound.

That type of demeanor doesn't resonate with Carlos Carrasco, who wore his light-hearted attitude on his sleeve at the end of his most recent excellent outing.

They'll oppose each other Monday night as the Astros host the opener of a four-game series with the Cleveland Indians.

Keuchel (10-3, 2.03 ERA) continues showing it was no fluke when he went 12-9 with a 2.93 ERA for the 92-loss Astros in 2014, and his improvement has helped surprising Houston (48-36) surge to the most wins in the AL.

The left-hander has been especially superb over his last two starts, striking out a career-high 12 in a six-hitter to beat the New York Yankees 4-0 on June 25 before winning by the same score Tuesday after giving up seven hits in eight innings against Kansas City.

Keuchel became the first Astros pitcher to win 10 games before the All-Star break since Roy Oswalt in 2005.

"He gets after it every five days, and I think that he does that trying to be the best more than trying to accomplish anything outside of a win," manager A.J. Hinch said.

Keuchel has tossed at least six innings while not allowing an earned run in seven of his 17 outings, including April 6 when he allowed three hits in seven innings of a 2-0 win over Cleveland. He's 2-0 with a 0.78 ERA in three career starts against the Indians (38-43).

He could be in for a duel against Carrasco (10-6, 3.88), who has gotten better as the season progresses and is 5-2 with a 3.00 ERA over his last seven starts.

After allowing two runs in eight innings of an 8-2 win over Detroit on June 24, Carrasco had a perfect game through 7 1-3 and held Tampa Bay hitless for 8 2-3 before allowing an RBI single in Wednesday's 8-1 win.

The right-hander struck out a career-high 13 and showed no disappointment after losing the no-hitter and being removed, smiling and lauding second baseman Jason Kipnis for his attempt to snag the line drive that sailed over his head.

"All I could do was laugh," Carrasco said. "Everything was great. Everyone played good. I had my teammates, my defense. You know what? It's most important that we won."

Carrasco pitched the Indians to a 2-0 victory over the Astros on April 8, allowing three hits and striking out 10 in 6 1-3 innings. He also had the best start of his career against Houston on Sept. 17, tossing a two-hitter in a 2-0 victory.

Cleveland is looking to get back on track after dropping the final two of a three-game series with Pittsburgh. It had won five straight before falling 1-0 on Saturday and blowing a three-run lead in Sunday's 5-3 loss.

Houston is coming off a similar situation, as it had a five-game winning streak snapped with Saturday's 6-1 loss to Boston before losing a late lead in Sunday's series finale and falling 5-4.

Jose Altuve singled to extend his hitting streak to 13, and rookie Carlos Correa had three hits. Correa went 7 for 14 with two homers in the series, including a two-run shot in the seventh Sunday before Evan Gattis' go-ahead homer two pitches later.

Correa was still in the minors when Cleveland took two of three from the Astros from April 6-8. The Indians have won 13 of the last 16 meetings.

SERIES AT A GLANCE

GAME 1
Astros at Indians
Mon, Jul 6 - 7:10PM EDT

GAME 2
Astros at Indians
Tue, Jul 7 - 7:10PM EDT

GAME 3
Astros at Indians
Wed, Jul 8 - 7:10PM EDT

GAME 4
Astros at Indians
Thu, Jul 9 - 7:10PM EDT

CNOTES · Jul 6, 2015

Preview: Cardinals (53-28) at Cubs (44-36)
Game: 1
Venue: Wrigley Field
Date: July 06, 2015 8:05 PM EDT

The MLB-best St. Louis Cardinals and Chicago Cubs have both overcome shortages on the offensive end thanks to some spectacular work on the mound.

The Cubs, however, haven't measured up in either category in the season series with their rivals.

Former Boston teammates John Lackey and Jon Lester face off in the opener of a four-game series Monday night when the visiting Cardinals look to maintain their dominance over the Cubs.

St. Louis (53-28) has hit .195 while totaling 11 runs in its last six games, but moved past a four-game losing streak by holding San Diego to two total runs in back-to-back victories.

Lance Lynn allowed one unearned run over seven innings Sunday, while rookie Tommy Pham added a two-run homer and a double in a 3-1 home win.

'He's sparking us, that's exactly what we were hoping for,' manager Mike Matheny said.

Chicago is also slumping with a .207 average and 2.2 runs per game over its last 12. The team, however, has won five of six since a five-game skid while posting a 0.80 ERA in those six contests.

Kyle Hendrick provided the latest gem with 7 1-3 stellar innings in Sunday's 2-0 win over Miami.

'As long as you can pull some of this ... magical stuff out while you're waiting for the offense to come I'll take it,' manager Joe Maddon said after his team finished with three hits.

The Cubs (44-36) have averaged 2.9 runs against the Cardinals, but their rotation hasn't been able to make up for those shortcomings with a 5.06 ERA while dropping seven of nine in the season series.

Lackey hopes to keep Chicago's bats quiet as the Cardinals seek a season high-tying fourth straight road win in the opener of a trip with stops at the two teams nearest to them in the NL Central.

The right-hander has gone 1-0 with a 1.84 mark in two starts against the Cubs this year, allowing two runs over seven innings in a 3-2, 10-inning win June 26.

Kris Bryant is 1 for 6 with five strikeouts when facing Lackey, while Anthony Rizzo has gone 0 for 9 and twice has been hit by a pitch. Chris Coghlan has fared better, going 8 for 14 with a double.

Rizzo is expected back after sitting out Sunday's win while in a 3-for-28 slump. He's one shy of his 18th hit-by-pitch, which would be the most by any Cub in a single season since 1900.

Lackey (6-5, 3.30 ERA) has gone 2-1 with a 2.17 ERA in his last four starts overall after yielding two runs over seven in Wednesday's 7-1 home loss to the Chicago White Sox.

Lester (4-6, 3.74) was his teammate from 2010-14 and both helped the Red Sox win the 2013 World Series. Now he's hoping to build on one of his best outings as a Cub after allowing five hits over seven innings in a 2-0, 11-inning victory at the New York Mets.

Lester, who hasn't won since May 16, had gone 0-3 with a 5.74 ERA in five June outings. He'll be without personal catcher David Ross, who is sidelined with a mild concussion.

The left-hander faces the Cardinals for the third time this season, going 1-1 with a 3.18 ERA. Jhonny Peralta homered off him in Chicago's 6-5 win in the most recent matchup May 6.

Lester will also have to be careful with Jason Heyward, who is 8 for 15 with a homer off him. Heyward is also 14 for 35 (.400) in this season series.

SERIES AT A GLANCE

GAME 1
Cardinals at Cubs
Mon, Jul 6 - 8:05PM EDT

GAME 2
Cardinals at Cubs
Tue, Jul 7 - 1:20PM EDT

GAME 3
Cardinals at Cubs
Wed, Jul 8 - 8:05PM EDT