Lakers-Magic, Game 5
By Brian Edwards
There’s been a lot of talk about Kobe Bryant’s legacy in recent weeks, but that’s a discussion for another day. Coming out of Thursday’s Game 4 win by the Lakers in overtime at Orlando, the only thing to talk about is one of the classiest guys in the NBA, Derek Fisher.
It was Fisher who was the catalyst in Los Angeles taking a 3-1 lead in the NBA Finals with a 99-91 victory over the Magic at Amway Arena. The Lakers took the cash as two-point road underdogs, while the 190 points stayed ‘under’ the 202-point total even though the game went to an extra session.
With L.A. trailing 87-84 with 11 seconds remaining, Dwight Howard had a chance to put the game on ice. However, he missed a pair of free throws to give the Lakers life. And Fisher wouldn’t let the opportunity slip away.
When the Magic immediately doubled Bryant, he gave the ball up to Trevor Ariza, who threw cross-court to Fisher as he came across half court. With Jameer Nelson inexplicably giving Fisher plenty of room, the veteran guard pulled up for a deep trey that tickled nothing but twine with 4.6 ticks remaining. Orlando’s Mickael’s Pietrus misfired on a tough look at the end of regulation.
Howard’s misses at the charity stripe were costly, but Howard wasn’t the only one struggling from the line. The Magic missed 15 free throws. Hedo Turkoglu, who had a team-high 25 points on 8-of-13 shooting from the floor, was off the mark three times in four free-throw attempts in the last 5:06 of regulation.
With game knotted at 91-91 in OT, Bryant was doubled as he backed Pietrus down on the low block. When the double team came, Bryant found Fisher at the top of the key and he was able to step into another trey that found all net. Fisher’s go-ahead 3-pointer was the dagger.
He came into the league the same year as Bryant, a product of Arkansas Little Rock from out of the Sun Belt Conference. He’s been the consummate professional from day one. In fact, you could call him the Anti-Kobe. When Shaq and Kobe had their problems during a four-year run of trips to the finals, Fisher was always the voice of reason.
With the exception of one year spent in Utah, Fisher has been with Bryant every step of the way. In 2004 with the Lakers and Spurs tied at 2-2 in Game 5, San Antonio went up one with less than a second left on an improbable 3-pointer from Tim Duncan.
The remarkable shot by Duncan seemingly had turned the series, but L.A. still had a chance in-bounding from half court. With most expecting the Lakers to go to Shaq or Bryant for a potential game winner, it was Fisher that came off a screen clean. He took the pass and went up in one motion for a high-arching fadeaway jumper as the horn sounded. The shot got no rim and Fisher sprinted off the court a victor. The Lakers put the Spurs away in Game 6 back at Staples Center.
More than a decade later after Fisher and Bryant came into the league together (along with UConn’s Travis Knight as well), they are poised to collect a fourth career NBA championship ring.
They’ll get that chance Sunday night in Orlando on ABC at 8:05 p.m. Eastern. Las Vegas Sports Consultants opened the Magic as a two-point favorite with a total of 197. As of early Friday night, most books had Orlando as a three-point ‘chalk’ with the total increased to 198 ½. Bettors can take the Lakers to win outright for a plus-130 return (risk $100 to win $130).
No proposition numbers had been released as of Friday night. Nevertheless, we’ll discuss props right now. As I recommended on Thursday’s edition of the Power Hours on VI Radio, Howard’s rebounds went ‘over’ 15 when he pulled down 21. The Magic’s big man also had nine blocked shots and 16 points, but he made only 6-of-14 from the charity stripe.
In Game 2, the total for Howard’s rebounds was 15 and went ‘over’ when had 16 boards. In Game 3, the total was adjusted to 15 ½ and ‘under’ backers cashed when Howard had just 14 rebounds.
Bryant had 32 points in Game 4, allowing ‘over’ backers at Sportsbook.com to cash tickets since his total was 31 ½. His prop for points has been in the 31 ½-32 ½ range throughout the series.
Sportsbook.com also offered adjusted lines for Game 4. If you took the Lakers at minus 3 ½, you brought home a plus-160 payout (paid $160 on $100 wagers).
With most props for Game 5 not expected to be released until Saturday, I’ll come back and discuss those when they’re made available.
**B.E.’s Bonus Nuggets**
--Robert Horry is the career leader in 3-pointers made during the NBA Finals with 56. Michael Jordan is second with 42 trifectas. Third? That would be Mr. Fisher with 40. He could pass Jordan before these Finals are over.
--With L.A. leading 3-1, the series price is now off the board. If Orlando wins Game 5, gamblers can expect to see an adjusted price available prior to Tuesday’s Game 6, if necessary.
Sportsbook.com has a wager available for what team LeBron James will play for in 2010-2011. The Cavs are the even-money favorites, while the Knicks have plus-200 odds. New Jersey had a plus-350 number and the Pistons are the longshots with plus-550 odds.
--The ‘under’ cashed on Howard’s made free throws (8 ½) in Game 4.
--Orlando assistant coach Patrick Ewing has been signed to an extension.
vegasinsider
By Brian Edwards
There’s been a lot of talk about Kobe Bryant’s legacy in recent weeks, but that’s a discussion for another day. Coming out of Thursday’s Game 4 win by the Lakers in overtime at Orlando, the only thing to talk about is one of the classiest guys in the NBA, Derek Fisher.
It was Fisher who was the catalyst in Los Angeles taking a 3-1 lead in the NBA Finals with a 99-91 victory over the Magic at Amway Arena. The Lakers took the cash as two-point road underdogs, while the 190 points stayed ‘under’ the 202-point total even though the game went to an extra session.
With L.A. trailing 87-84 with 11 seconds remaining, Dwight Howard had a chance to put the game on ice. However, he missed a pair of free throws to give the Lakers life. And Fisher wouldn’t let the opportunity slip away.
When the Magic immediately doubled Bryant, he gave the ball up to Trevor Ariza, who threw cross-court to Fisher as he came across half court. With Jameer Nelson inexplicably giving Fisher plenty of room, the veteran guard pulled up for a deep trey that tickled nothing but twine with 4.6 ticks remaining. Orlando’s Mickael’s Pietrus misfired on a tough look at the end of regulation.
Howard’s misses at the charity stripe were costly, but Howard wasn’t the only one struggling from the line. The Magic missed 15 free throws. Hedo Turkoglu, who had a team-high 25 points on 8-of-13 shooting from the floor, was off the mark three times in four free-throw attempts in the last 5:06 of regulation.
With game knotted at 91-91 in OT, Bryant was doubled as he backed Pietrus down on the low block. When the double team came, Bryant found Fisher at the top of the key and he was able to step into another trey that found all net. Fisher’s go-ahead 3-pointer was the dagger.
He came into the league the same year as Bryant, a product of Arkansas Little Rock from out of the Sun Belt Conference. He’s been the consummate professional from day one. In fact, you could call him the Anti-Kobe. When Shaq and Kobe had their problems during a four-year run of trips to the finals, Fisher was always the voice of reason.
With the exception of one year spent in Utah, Fisher has been with Bryant every step of the way. In 2004 with the Lakers and Spurs tied at 2-2 in Game 5, San Antonio went up one with less than a second left on an improbable 3-pointer from Tim Duncan.
The remarkable shot by Duncan seemingly had turned the series, but L.A. still had a chance in-bounding from half court. With most expecting the Lakers to go to Shaq or Bryant for a potential game winner, it was Fisher that came off a screen clean. He took the pass and went up in one motion for a high-arching fadeaway jumper as the horn sounded. The shot got no rim and Fisher sprinted off the court a victor. The Lakers put the Spurs away in Game 6 back at Staples Center.
More than a decade later after Fisher and Bryant came into the league together (along with UConn’s Travis Knight as well), they are poised to collect a fourth career NBA championship ring.
They’ll get that chance Sunday night in Orlando on ABC at 8:05 p.m. Eastern. Las Vegas Sports Consultants opened the Magic as a two-point favorite with a total of 197. As of early Friday night, most books had Orlando as a three-point ‘chalk’ with the total increased to 198 ½. Bettors can take the Lakers to win outright for a plus-130 return (risk $100 to win $130).
No proposition numbers had been released as of Friday night. Nevertheless, we’ll discuss props right now. As I recommended on Thursday’s edition of the Power Hours on VI Radio, Howard’s rebounds went ‘over’ 15 when he pulled down 21. The Magic’s big man also had nine blocked shots and 16 points, but he made only 6-of-14 from the charity stripe.
In Game 2, the total for Howard’s rebounds was 15 and went ‘over’ when had 16 boards. In Game 3, the total was adjusted to 15 ½ and ‘under’ backers cashed when Howard had just 14 rebounds.
Bryant had 32 points in Game 4, allowing ‘over’ backers at Sportsbook.com to cash tickets since his total was 31 ½. His prop for points has been in the 31 ½-32 ½ range throughout the series.
Sportsbook.com also offered adjusted lines for Game 4. If you took the Lakers at minus 3 ½, you brought home a plus-160 payout (paid $160 on $100 wagers).
With most props for Game 5 not expected to be released until Saturday, I’ll come back and discuss those when they’re made available.
**B.E.’s Bonus Nuggets**
--Robert Horry is the career leader in 3-pointers made during the NBA Finals with 56. Michael Jordan is second with 42 trifectas. Third? That would be Mr. Fisher with 40. He could pass Jordan before these Finals are over.
--With L.A. leading 3-1, the series price is now off the board. If Orlando wins Game 5, gamblers can expect to see an adjusted price available prior to Tuesday’s Game 6, if necessary.
Sportsbook.com has a wager available for what team LeBron James will play for in 2010-2011. The Cavs are the even-money favorites, while the Knicks have plus-200 odds. New Jersey had a plus-350 number and the Pistons are the longshots with plus-550 odds.
--The ‘under’ cashed on Howard’s made free throws (8 ½) in Game 4.
--Orlando assistant coach Patrick Ewing has been signed to an extension.
vegasinsider
INTERLEAGUE
Boston (37-24) at Philadelphia (35-24)
The Red Sox will try to run their winning streak to five when they send Daisuke Matsuzaka (1-4, 7.33 ERA) to the mound at Citizens Bank Park against the Phillies and young left-hander Antonio Bastardo (2-0, 2.45).
Boston overcame a blown save in the ninth inning and beat the Phillies 6-3 in 13 innings on Friday night in the series opener. The Red Sox have now won three straight over Philadelphia and 12 of the last 14 against the Phillies dating back to 2004.
The Red Sox are 9-2 in their last 11 games overall and they have now won five straight on the highway. They’ve also dominated interleague play, currently on runs of 54-18 overall, 25-9 on the road and 36-17 against N.L. East foes. The Phillies are on several hot streaks as well, including 10-4 overall, 4-2 at home, 5-2 in interleague play, 40-18 against winning teams, 15-6 on Saturdays and 6-1 against right-handed pitching.
Matsuzaka is just 1-2 in his last three outings with a 5.17 ERA and he’s got a 7.36 ERA this season on the highway. The Rangers knocked him around Sunday, scoring five runs on 10 hits in 5 2/3 innings of a 6-3 win at Fenway Park. The right-hander has allowed three runs or more in five of his six starts this season. Still, with Matsuzaka on the hill, the Sox are on runs of 32-12 overall, 5-1 on Saturdays, 4-1 as an underdog, 5-2 in interleague action and 12-5 in the second game of a series.
Bastardo has been fantastic in his first two career starts, holding the Padres to one run on four hits in six innings in a 10-5 win on June 2 and then limiting the Dodgers to two runs in five innings of a 7-2 win on Sunday, both on the road. He’s got nine strikeouts and just two walks in his 11 innings.
The Red Sox are on several “under” runs, including 22-6-2 overall, 8-2-1 in interleague action, 8-2 on the road, 4-0 on Saturdays and 36-15-4 as in interleague underdog, and with Matsuzaka pitching, they are on “under” streaks of 4-0 overall, 6-2 in interleague games and 11-5-2 in the second game of a series. Philadelphia has topped the total in seven on its last 10 Saturday games, but it is on “under” runs of 14-5-1 overall, 6-1 at home, 5-0 against the A.L. East, 14-3-1 in interleague action and 8-3 against teams with a winning record. Finally, the over is 4-2 in the last six series clashes in Philadelphia and 6-3 in the last nine overall.
ATS ADVANTAGE: UNDER
N.Y. Mets (31-28) at N.Y. Yankees (35-26)
After an unbelievable loss in Game 1 of this edition of the Subway Series, the Mets send recently recalled Fernando Nieve (0-0, 0.00 ERA) to the mound for his first start of the season opposite Yankees veteran southpaw Andy Pettitte (6-2, 4.22).
The Mets took the lead Friday night in the eighth inning off Mariano Rivera and appeared to have the game won when closer Francisco Rodriguez got Yankees’ slugger Alex Rodriguez to pop up with two outs and two on. But Mets’ second baseman Luis Castillo dropped the pop up in short right field, allowing both runners to score and the Yankees to escape with a 9-8 victory.
The Mets have now lost seven of their last 10 and six of their last eight on the highway. Jerry Manuel’s club is 4-2 in its last six games in American League parks and 7-3 in its last 10 Saturday contests, but the Mets are just 1-4 in their last five against lefties and they’ve dropped four straight in the second game of a series.
The Yankees are now on upticks of 13-4 at home, 20-9 overall and 56-22 when hosting National League squads, 9-2 against right-handed pitching, 19-9 in Game 2 of a series, 19-9 on Saturdays but just 2-4 in their last six interleague games.
The Yankees have now won three of four in the Subway Series, and they are 8-2 in Pettitte’s last 10 starts against the Mets and 4-1 when he faces them in Yankee Stadium.
Nieve hasn’t started a game since 2006 when he was with the Astros and his only action this season came a week ago when he pitched two scoreless innings out of the bullpen against the Nationals. He went 3-0 with a 3.70 ERA in four starts at Triple-A Buffalo.
Pettitte is 3-1 at home and the Yankees have won five of his last six outings overall, including Monday when he held the Rays to three runs (two earned) on five hits in six innings of a 5-3 victory. He faced the Mets twice last season and gave up a combined five runs in 12 innings as the teams split the two games. The Yankees are 73-34 in Pettitte’s last 107 home starts, 76-34 when he’s a home favorite, 16-5 when he faces N.L. East teams and 4-0 in his last four Saturday starts.
The Mets have topped the total in each of their last five as a ‘dog, and gone over in six straight interleague road games against southpaws and seven of 11 as an interleague ‘dog. Meanwhile the Yankees are on a plethora of “under” runs, including 4-1-1 overall and 7-1 in interleague play, and with Pettitte on the hill, they are on “under” streaks of 20-9-1 at home, 41-17-1 overall, 10-1-1 in interleague games and 8-1 against N.L. East teams.
Finally, with last night’s high-scoring affair, the over has now hit in six straight Subway Series battles at Yankee Stadium, but the under is 5-1 in Pettitte’s last six starts against the Mets.
ATS ADVANTAGE: N.Y. YANKEES
Gametimepicks
Boston (37-24) at Philadelphia (35-24)
The Red Sox will try to run their winning streak to five when they send Daisuke Matsuzaka (1-4, 7.33 ERA) to the mound at Citizens Bank Park against the Phillies and young left-hander Antonio Bastardo (2-0, 2.45).
Boston overcame a blown save in the ninth inning and beat the Phillies 6-3 in 13 innings on Friday night in the series opener. The Red Sox have now won three straight over Philadelphia and 12 of the last 14 against the Phillies dating back to 2004.
The Red Sox are 9-2 in their last 11 games overall and they have now won five straight on the highway. They’ve also dominated interleague play, currently on runs of 54-18 overall, 25-9 on the road and 36-17 against N.L. East foes. The Phillies are on several hot streaks as well, including 10-4 overall, 4-2 at home, 5-2 in interleague play, 40-18 against winning teams, 15-6 on Saturdays and 6-1 against right-handed pitching.
Matsuzaka is just 1-2 in his last three outings with a 5.17 ERA and he’s got a 7.36 ERA this season on the highway. The Rangers knocked him around Sunday, scoring five runs on 10 hits in 5 2/3 innings of a 6-3 win at Fenway Park. The right-hander has allowed three runs or more in five of his six starts this season. Still, with Matsuzaka on the hill, the Sox are on runs of 32-12 overall, 5-1 on Saturdays, 4-1 as an underdog, 5-2 in interleague action and 12-5 in the second game of a series.
Bastardo has been fantastic in his first two career starts, holding the Padres to one run on four hits in six innings in a 10-5 win on June 2 and then limiting the Dodgers to two runs in five innings of a 7-2 win on Sunday, both on the road. He’s got nine strikeouts and just two walks in his 11 innings.
The Red Sox are on several “under” runs, including 22-6-2 overall, 8-2-1 in interleague action, 8-2 on the road, 4-0 on Saturdays and 36-15-4 as in interleague underdog, and with Matsuzaka pitching, they are on “under” streaks of 4-0 overall, 6-2 in interleague games and 11-5-2 in the second game of a series. Philadelphia has topped the total in seven on its last 10 Saturday games, but it is on “under” runs of 14-5-1 overall, 6-1 at home, 5-0 against the A.L. East, 14-3-1 in interleague action and 8-3 against teams with a winning record. Finally, the over is 4-2 in the last six series clashes in Philadelphia and 6-3 in the last nine overall.
ATS ADVANTAGE: UNDER
N.Y. Mets (31-28) at N.Y. Yankees (35-26)
After an unbelievable loss in Game 1 of this edition of the Subway Series, the Mets send recently recalled Fernando Nieve (0-0, 0.00 ERA) to the mound for his first start of the season opposite Yankees veteran southpaw Andy Pettitte (6-2, 4.22).
The Mets took the lead Friday night in the eighth inning off Mariano Rivera and appeared to have the game won when closer Francisco Rodriguez got Yankees’ slugger Alex Rodriguez to pop up with two outs and two on. But Mets’ second baseman Luis Castillo dropped the pop up in short right field, allowing both runners to score and the Yankees to escape with a 9-8 victory.
The Mets have now lost seven of their last 10 and six of their last eight on the highway. Jerry Manuel’s club is 4-2 in its last six games in American League parks and 7-3 in its last 10 Saturday contests, but the Mets are just 1-4 in their last five against lefties and they’ve dropped four straight in the second game of a series.
The Yankees are now on upticks of 13-4 at home, 20-9 overall and 56-22 when hosting National League squads, 9-2 against right-handed pitching, 19-9 in Game 2 of a series, 19-9 on Saturdays but just 2-4 in their last six interleague games.
The Yankees have now won three of four in the Subway Series, and they are 8-2 in Pettitte’s last 10 starts against the Mets and 4-1 when he faces them in Yankee Stadium.
Nieve hasn’t started a game since 2006 when he was with the Astros and his only action this season came a week ago when he pitched two scoreless innings out of the bullpen against the Nationals. He went 3-0 with a 3.70 ERA in four starts at Triple-A Buffalo.
Pettitte is 3-1 at home and the Yankees have won five of his last six outings overall, including Monday when he held the Rays to three runs (two earned) on five hits in six innings of a 5-3 victory. He faced the Mets twice last season and gave up a combined five runs in 12 innings as the teams split the two games. The Yankees are 73-34 in Pettitte’s last 107 home starts, 76-34 when he’s a home favorite, 16-5 when he faces N.L. East teams and 4-0 in his last four Saturday starts.
The Mets have topped the total in each of their last five as a ‘dog, and gone over in six straight interleague road games against southpaws and seven of 11 as an interleague ‘dog. Meanwhile the Yankees are on a plethora of “under” runs, including 4-1-1 overall and 7-1 in interleague play, and with Pettitte on the hill, they are on “under” streaks of 20-9-1 at home, 41-17-1 overall, 10-1-1 in interleague games and 8-1 against N.L. East teams.
Finally, with last night’s high-scoring affair, the over has now hit in six straight Subway Series battles at Yankee Stadium, but the under is 5-1 in Pettitte’s last six starts against the Mets.
ATS ADVANTAGE: N.Y. YANKEES
Gametimepicks
Game of the day: Twins at Cubs
By Alex Smart
Minnesota Twins at Chicago Cubs (-162)
Setting the table
Interleague play strikes up again sending the Minnesota Twins south for a weekend within the friendly confines of Wrigley Field.
For Minnesota, this is the second set of three games against the National League Central. The Twins swept the Milwaukee Brewers back in mid-May, outscoring the Brew Crew 23-8. For the Cubbies, this will be their first action against the American League this season.
After Minnesota leaves town, the Cubs will continue their nine-game interleague home stand, welcoming the cross-town rival White Sox followed by another AL Central foe in the Cleveland Indians.
Minnesota Masterpiece
Outside of the Milwaukee sweep at the Metrodome, the Twins are 4-1 in their last five interleague contests. Minnesota also swept the Cubs the last time these clubs met in June 2006. The Twins are 21-6 over the last 27 games played against the NL Central.
The Twins have just shown dominance across the National League and, despite a losing record, they still hold second place in their own division. When playing on the road against the NL, Minnesota's 20-8 over the last 28 games.
Pitching has played a big part in those victories, as the under was 4-1 over their last five against the NL Central. Oddly enough, right-hander Anthony Swarzak became the only Twins pitcher to toss seven scoreless innings in his major league debut for a 6-2 win over Milwaukee on May 23. It was Swarzak's only win to date.
In front of the second-largest crowd since opening day at the Metrodome, the 23-year-old starter calmed the Brewers’ bats while receiving help from Joe Mauer and Joe Crede. Since that first win, Swarzak has failed to last more than six innings and hasn’t held an opponent to under three earned runs in an outing. Minnesota is also 1-5 in its last six meetings in Chicago.
Cubbie Blues
The Cubs bullpen is struggling heading into the third month of the season. Whether it is closer Kevin Gregg, the inconsistency of Carlos Marmol or the recent collapse of Jose Ascanio, the Cubs pen has faulted on the mound.,
They’re almost as bad as the Cubs bats. During its recent eight-game road trip, Chicago finished 4-4 and is now hitting just .248 BA as a team. Adding insult to injury, the Cubs suffered back-to-back walk-off extra-inning defeats at the hands of the Houston Astros their past two games - both thanks to Geoff Blum.
With Swarzak slated to start for Minnesota, Chicago's 6-1 at Wrigley Field when facing a right-handed starter. Conversely, the Cubs are also 1-4 in their last five interleague games when facing a right-handed starter. Having not played an interleague contest this year heading into this series, the Cubs are 0-4 in their last four games against the American League.
With Rich Harden scheduled to make his first start since being put on the 15-day DL (May 18, back strain), more hope will fill the stands on the North Side. The Cubs are 5-1 in Harden's last six starts, as well as 8-2 in Harden's last 10 starts at Wrigley.
Three strikes
Strike 1: Under is 4-1 in Twins last five vs. National League Central.
Strike 2: Under is 5-1 in Cubs last six home games.
Strike 3: Over is 5-0 in Cubs last five interleague games vs. a right-handed starter.
By Alex Smart
Minnesota Twins at Chicago Cubs (-162)
Setting the table
Interleague play strikes up again sending the Minnesota Twins south for a weekend within the friendly confines of Wrigley Field.
For Minnesota, this is the second set of three games against the National League Central. The Twins swept the Milwaukee Brewers back in mid-May, outscoring the Brew Crew 23-8. For the Cubbies, this will be their first action against the American League this season.
After Minnesota leaves town, the Cubs will continue their nine-game interleague home stand, welcoming the cross-town rival White Sox followed by another AL Central foe in the Cleveland Indians.
Minnesota Masterpiece
Outside of the Milwaukee sweep at the Metrodome, the Twins are 4-1 in their last five interleague contests. Minnesota also swept the Cubs the last time these clubs met in June 2006. The Twins are 21-6 over the last 27 games played against the NL Central.
The Twins have just shown dominance across the National League and, despite a losing record, they still hold second place in their own division. When playing on the road against the NL, Minnesota's 20-8 over the last 28 games.
Pitching has played a big part in those victories, as the under was 4-1 over their last five against the NL Central. Oddly enough, right-hander Anthony Swarzak became the only Twins pitcher to toss seven scoreless innings in his major league debut for a 6-2 win over Milwaukee on May 23. It was Swarzak's only win to date.
In front of the second-largest crowd since opening day at the Metrodome, the 23-year-old starter calmed the Brewers’ bats while receiving help from Joe Mauer and Joe Crede. Since that first win, Swarzak has failed to last more than six innings and hasn’t held an opponent to under three earned runs in an outing. Minnesota is also 1-5 in its last six meetings in Chicago.
Cubbie Blues
The Cubs bullpen is struggling heading into the third month of the season. Whether it is closer Kevin Gregg, the inconsistency of Carlos Marmol or the recent collapse of Jose Ascanio, the Cubs pen has faulted on the mound.,
They’re almost as bad as the Cubs bats. During its recent eight-game road trip, Chicago finished 4-4 and is now hitting just .248 BA as a team. Adding insult to injury, the Cubs suffered back-to-back walk-off extra-inning defeats at the hands of the Houston Astros their past two games - both thanks to Geoff Blum.
With Swarzak slated to start for Minnesota, Chicago's 6-1 at Wrigley Field when facing a right-handed starter. Conversely, the Cubs are also 1-4 in their last five interleague games when facing a right-handed starter. Having not played an interleague contest this year heading into this series, the Cubs are 0-4 in their last four games against the American League.
With Rich Harden scheduled to make his first start since being put on the 15-day DL (May 18, back strain), more hope will fill the stands on the North Side. The Cubs are 5-1 in Harden's last six starts, as well as 8-2 in Harden's last 10 starts at Wrigley.
Three strikes
Strike 1: Under is 4-1 in Twins last five vs. National League Central.
Strike 2: Under is 5-1 in Cubs last six home games.
Strike 3: Over is 5-0 in Cubs last five interleague games vs. a right-handed starter.
Saturday's streaking and slumping starting pitchers
By Covers (not teddy)
Streaking
Josh Outman, Oakland A’s, (4-0, 3.17 ERA)
Outman has perhaps the best name for a pitcher in major league history and so far this season, he’s lived up to it. The lefty hasn’t allowed more than three runs in any of his seven starts and that has helped under bettors win in six of those outings.
He’ll get his first taste of the Bay Area rivalry this weekend when the A’s take on the Giants. Outman picked up a win in his only other interleague start this year, a 6-2 victory over the Diamondbacks.
Erik Bedard, Seattle Mariners, (5-2, 2.47 ERA)
Nothing inspires outstanding efforts like a contract year. Seattle Mariners lefty Erik Bedard is singing for his supper in recent starts, going 3-1 in his last six starts with an ERA of 2.33.
Bedard hasn’t allowed more than three earned runs in any of his 11 outings this year but has only gone past the sixth inning in six of those appearances. In his most recent start, he had trouble with his control and allowed four walks before leaving the game in the fifth.
However, he’s done a good job limiting the damage from those mistakes and is posting a strikeout-to-walk count of 65-to-22 on the season. This will be Bedard’s first-career start in Coors Field, which ranks first in the majors in runs and hits.
Slumping
Anthony Swarzak, Minnesota Twins, (1-2, 5.23 ERA)
You can forgive Swarzak for slumping recently. He is a rookie after all. And like many big league rookies, you can have some success for a little while but once the opposition has had a chance to see a bit of what you’ve got, things can unravel.
He started the year with a pair of quality starts going 1-1. The Twins lost his last two starts though and Swarzak failed to make it past the fourth inning in either one. He also threw more than 80 pitches in each game.
It’s going to take this 24-year-old righty a little long to learn how to get outs in the bigs and until then, you might want to fade him.
By Covers (not teddy)
Streaking
Josh Outman, Oakland A’s, (4-0, 3.17 ERA)
Outman has perhaps the best name for a pitcher in major league history and so far this season, he’s lived up to it. The lefty hasn’t allowed more than three runs in any of his seven starts and that has helped under bettors win in six of those outings.
He’ll get his first taste of the Bay Area rivalry this weekend when the A’s take on the Giants. Outman picked up a win in his only other interleague start this year, a 6-2 victory over the Diamondbacks.
Erik Bedard, Seattle Mariners, (5-2, 2.47 ERA)
Nothing inspires outstanding efforts like a contract year. Seattle Mariners lefty Erik Bedard is singing for his supper in recent starts, going 3-1 in his last six starts with an ERA of 2.33.
Bedard hasn’t allowed more than three earned runs in any of his 11 outings this year but has only gone past the sixth inning in six of those appearances. In his most recent start, he had trouble with his control and allowed four walks before leaving the game in the fifth.
However, he’s done a good job limiting the damage from those mistakes and is posting a strikeout-to-walk count of 65-to-22 on the season. This will be Bedard’s first-career start in Coors Field, which ranks first in the majors in runs and hits.
Slumping
Anthony Swarzak, Minnesota Twins, (1-2, 5.23 ERA)
You can forgive Swarzak for slumping recently. He is a rookie after all. And like many big league rookies, you can have some success for a little while but once the opposition has had a chance to see a bit of what you’ve got, things can unravel.
He started the year with a pair of quality starts going 1-1. The Twins lost his last two starts though and Swarzak failed to make it past the fourth inning in either one. He also threw more than 80 pitches in each game.
It’s going to take this 24-year-old righty a little long to learn how to get outs in the bigs and until then, you might want to fade him.
Trend Report
1:05 PM
MINNESOTA vs. CHI CUBS
Minnesota is 4-1 SU in their last 5 games when playing Chi Cubs
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Minnesota's last 6 games when playing Chi Cubs
Chi Cubs are 2-4 SU in their last 6 games
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Chi Cubs's last 8 games
1:07 PM
FLORIDA vs. TORONTO
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Florida's last 7 games on the road
Florida is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing Toronto
Toronto is 2-5 SU in its last 7 games when playing at home against Florida
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Toronto's last 6 games when playing at home against Florida
4:10 PM
CHI WHITE SOX vs. MILWAUKEE
Chi White Sox are 4-2 SU in their last 6 games when playing on the road against Milwaukee
Chi White Sox are 5-2 SU in their last 7 games on the road
Milwaukee is 16-8 SU in its last 24 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 14 of Milwaukee's last 21 games at home
4:10 PM
NY METS vs. NY YANKEES
The total has gone OVER in 5 of NY Mets's last 5 games when playing on the road against NY Yankees
NY Mets are 3-7 SU in its last 10 games
The total has gone OVER in 6 of NY Yankees's last 9 games when playing NY Mets
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of NY Yankees's last 6 games
4:10 PM
ST. LOUIS vs. CLEVELAND
St. Louis is 2-6 SU in its last 8 games
St. Louis is 2-7 SU in its last 9 games when playing Cleveland
Cleveland is 7-2 SU in its last 9 games when playing St. Louis
Cleveland is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games
6:08 PM
WASHINGTON vs. TAMPA BAY
Washington is 3-13 SU in its last 16 games
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Washington's last 5 games
Tampa Bay is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games when playing Washington
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Tampa Bay's last 6 games when playing Washington
7:05 PM
ATLANTA vs. BALTIMORE
Atlanta is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Atlanta's last 5 games
Baltimore is 1-6 SU in its last 7 games when playing at home against Atlanta
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Baltimore's last 6 games when playing at home against Atlanta
7:05 PM
BOSTON vs. PHILADELPHIA
Boston is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games when playing Philadelphia
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Boston's last 9 games when playing Philadelphia
Philadelphia is 2-9 SU in its last 11 games when playing at home against Boston
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Philadelphia's last 6 games when playing at home against Boston
7:05 PM
DETROIT vs. PITTSBURGH
Detroit is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Pittsburgh
Detroit is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games when playing Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games at home
Pittsburgh is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games
7:10 PM
CINCINNATI vs. KANSAS CITY
Cincinnati is 4-10 SU in its last 14 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Cincinnati's last 5 games on the road
Kansas City is 2-5 SU in its last 7 games when playing Cincinnati
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Kansas City's last 7 games when playing Cincinnati
8:05 PM
LA DODGERS vs. TEXAS
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of LA Dodgers's last 8 games
LA Dodgers are 9-4 SU in their last 13 games on the road
Texas is 2-4 SU in their last 6 games when playing LA Dodgers
Texas is 14-5 SU in its last 19 games at home
8:10 PM
HOUSTON vs. ARIZONA
Houston is 2-9 SU in its last 11 games when playing Arizona
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Houston's last 5 games when playing Arizona
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Arizona's last 5 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 7 of Arizona's last 8 games
8:10 PM
SEATTLE vs. COLORADO
Seattle is 6-13 SU in its last 19 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 8 of Seattle's last 11 games on the road
Colorado is 3-6 SU in its last 9 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 17 of Colorado's last 25 games at home
9:05 PM
SAN DIEGO vs. LA ANGELS
San Diego is 2-4 SU in their last 6 games when playing on the road against LA Angels
The total has gone OVER in 4 of San Diego's last 6 games when playing on the road against LA Angels
LA Angels are 4-2 SU in their last 6 games when playing San Diego
The total has gone OVER in 4 of LA Angels's last 6 games when playing San Diego
10:05 PM
OAKLAND vs. SAN FRANCISCO
Oakland is 10-4 SU in its last 14 games when playing San Francisco
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Oakland's last 9 games when playing San Francisco
San Francisco is 1-7 SU in its last 8 games when playing at home against Oakland
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of San Francisco's last 6 games when playing at home against Oakland
1:05 PM
MINNESOTA vs. CHI CUBS
Minnesota is 4-1 SU in their last 5 games when playing Chi Cubs
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Minnesota's last 6 games when playing Chi Cubs
Chi Cubs are 2-4 SU in their last 6 games
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Chi Cubs's last 8 games
1:07 PM
FLORIDA vs. TORONTO
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Florida's last 7 games on the road
Florida is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing Toronto
Toronto is 2-5 SU in its last 7 games when playing at home against Florida
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Toronto's last 6 games when playing at home against Florida
4:10 PM
CHI WHITE SOX vs. MILWAUKEE
Chi White Sox are 4-2 SU in their last 6 games when playing on the road against Milwaukee
Chi White Sox are 5-2 SU in their last 7 games on the road
Milwaukee is 16-8 SU in its last 24 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 14 of Milwaukee's last 21 games at home
4:10 PM
NY METS vs. NY YANKEES
The total has gone OVER in 5 of NY Mets's last 5 games when playing on the road against NY Yankees
NY Mets are 3-7 SU in its last 10 games
The total has gone OVER in 6 of NY Yankees's last 9 games when playing NY Mets
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of NY Yankees's last 6 games
4:10 PM
ST. LOUIS vs. CLEVELAND
St. Louis is 2-6 SU in its last 8 games
St. Louis is 2-7 SU in its last 9 games when playing Cleveland
Cleveland is 7-2 SU in its last 9 games when playing St. Louis
Cleveland is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games
6:08 PM
WASHINGTON vs. TAMPA BAY
Washington is 3-13 SU in its last 16 games
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Washington's last 5 games
Tampa Bay is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games when playing Washington
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Tampa Bay's last 6 games when playing Washington
7:05 PM
ATLANTA vs. BALTIMORE
Atlanta is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Atlanta's last 5 games
Baltimore is 1-6 SU in its last 7 games when playing at home against Atlanta
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Baltimore's last 6 games when playing at home against Atlanta
7:05 PM
BOSTON vs. PHILADELPHIA
Boston is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games when playing Philadelphia
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Boston's last 9 games when playing Philadelphia
Philadelphia is 2-9 SU in its last 11 games when playing at home against Boston
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Philadelphia's last 6 games when playing at home against Boston
7:05 PM
DETROIT vs. PITTSBURGH
Detroit is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Pittsburgh
Detroit is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games when playing Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games at home
Pittsburgh is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games
7:10 PM
CINCINNATI vs. KANSAS CITY
Cincinnati is 4-10 SU in its last 14 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Cincinnati's last 5 games on the road
Kansas City is 2-5 SU in its last 7 games when playing Cincinnati
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Kansas City's last 7 games when playing Cincinnati
8:05 PM
LA DODGERS vs. TEXAS
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of LA Dodgers's last 8 games
LA Dodgers are 9-4 SU in their last 13 games on the road
Texas is 2-4 SU in their last 6 games when playing LA Dodgers
Texas is 14-5 SU in its last 19 games at home
8:10 PM
HOUSTON vs. ARIZONA
Houston is 2-9 SU in its last 11 games when playing Arizona
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Houston's last 5 games when playing Arizona
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Arizona's last 5 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 7 of Arizona's last 8 games
8:10 PM
SEATTLE vs. COLORADO
Seattle is 6-13 SU in its last 19 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 8 of Seattle's last 11 games on the road
Colorado is 3-6 SU in its last 9 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 17 of Colorado's last 25 games at home
9:05 PM
SAN DIEGO vs. LA ANGELS
San Diego is 2-4 SU in their last 6 games when playing on the road against LA Angels
The total has gone OVER in 4 of San Diego's last 6 games when playing on the road against LA Angels
LA Angels are 4-2 SU in their last 6 games when playing San Diego
The total has gone OVER in 4 of LA Angels's last 6 games when playing San Diego
10:05 PM
OAKLAND vs. SAN FRANCISCO
Oakland is 10-4 SU in its last 14 games when playing San Francisco
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Oakland's last 9 games when playing San Francisco
San Francisco is 1-7 SU in its last 8 games when playing at home against Oakland
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of San Francisco's last 6 games when playing at home against Oakland
DUNKEL
Houston at Arizona
The only non-interleague game has Arizona looking to take advantage of a Houston team that is 1-4 in Roy Oswalt's last 5 starts as a road favorite between -110 and -150. The Diamondbacks are the pick (+115) according to Dunkel, which has Arizona favored by 1. Dunkel Pick: Arizona (+115).
Game 901-902: Houston at Arizona
Dunkel Ratings: Houston (Oswalt) 13.929; Arizona (Garland) 14.902
Dunkel Line: Arizona by 1; 8 1/2
Vegas Line: Houston (-125); 9
Dunkel Pick: Arizona (+115); Under
Game 903-904: Florida at Toronto
Dunkel Ratings: Florida (West) 15.708; Toronto (Janssen) 14.849
Dunkel Line: Florida by 1; 8 1/2
Vegas Line: Toronto (-130); 9
Dunkel Pick: Florida (+120); Under
Game 905-906: Minnesota at Chicago Cubs
Dunkel Ratings: Minnesota (Swarzak) 15.538; Cubs (Harden) 15.939
Dunkel Line: Chicago Cubs by 1/2; 10 1/2
Vegas Line: Chicago Cubs (-165); No Run Line
Dunkel Pick: Chicago Cubs (-165); N/A
Game 907-908: Chicago White Sox at Milwaukee
Dunkel Ratings: White Sox (Contreras) 15.367; Milwaukee (Parra) 15.043
Dunkel Line: Chicago White Sox by 1/2; 10 1/2
Vegas Line: Milwaukee (-125); 9 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Chicago White Sox (+115); Over
Game 909-910: NY Mets at NY Yankees
Dunkel Ratings: NY Mets (Nieve) 15.714; NY Yankees (Pettitte) 15.089
Dunkel Line: NY Mets by 1/2; 12
Vegas Line: NY Yankees (-215); 11
Dunkel Pick: NY Mets (+195); Over
Game 911-912: St. Louis at Cleveland
Dunkel Ratings: St. Louis (Thompson) 14.555; Cleveland (Okha) 15.606
Dunkel Line: Cleveland by 1; 11
Vegas Line: Cleveland (-110); 10
Dunkel Pick: Cleveland (-110); Over
Game 913-914: Washington at Tampa Bay
Dunkel Ratings: Washington (Zimmerman) 15.038; Tampa Bay (Sonnanstine) 15.233
Dunkel Line: Tampa Bay by 1/2; 9
Vegas Line: Tampa Bay (-160); 9 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Tampa Bay (-160); Under
Game 915-916: Atlanta at Baltimore
Dunkel Ratings: Atlanta (Kawakami) 13.740; Baltimore (Hill) 14.480
Dunkel Line: Baltimore by 1/2; 10 1/2
Vegas Line: Atlanta (-115); 9 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Baltimore (+105); Over
Game 917-918: Detroit at Pittsburgh
Dunkel Ratings: Detroit (Galarraga) 16.077; Pittsburgh (Duke) 14.508
Dunkel Line: Detroit by 1 1/2; 9 1/2
Vegas Line: Pittsburgh (-115); 8 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Detroit (+105); Over
Game 919-920: Boston at Philadelphia
Dunkel Ratings: Boston (Matsuzaka) 15.999; Philadelphia (Bastardo) 17.043
Dunkel Line: Philadelphia by 1; 8 1/2
Vegas Line: Philadelphia (-115); 9 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Philadelphia (-115); Under
Game 921-922: Cincinnati at Kansas City
Dunkel Ratings: Cincinnati (Arroyo) 14.270; Kansas City (Davies) 15.438
Dunkel Line: Kansas City by 1; 9 1/2
Vegas Line: Kansas City (-110); 8 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Kansas City (-110); Over
Game 923-924: LA Dodgers at Texas
Dunkel Ratings: LA Dodgers (Wolf) 14.461; Texas (Feldman) 15.591
Dunkel Line: Texas by 1; 8 1/2
Vegas Line: Texas (-120); 10
Dunkel Pick: Texas (-120); Under
Game 925-926: Seattle at Colorado
Dunkel Ratings: Seattle (Morrow) 15.657; Colorado (Marquis) 16.783
Dunkel Line: Colorado by 1; 8 1/2
Vegas Line: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A
Game 927-928: San Diego at LA Angels
Dunkel Ratings: San Diego (Geer) 14.134; LA Angels (Saunders) 15.058
Dunkel Line: LA Angels by 1; 11 1/2
Vegas Line: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A
Game 929-930: Oakland at San Francisco
Dunkel Ratings: Oakland (Outman) 15.333; San Francisco (Johnson) 16.798
Dunkel Line: San Francisco by 1 1/2; 7
Vegas Line: Oakland (-115); 8
Dunkel Pick: San Francisco (+105); Under
Houston at Arizona
The only non-interleague game has Arizona looking to take advantage of a Houston team that is 1-4 in Roy Oswalt's last 5 starts as a road favorite between -110 and -150. The Diamondbacks are the pick (+115) according to Dunkel, which has Arizona favored by 1. Dunkel Pick: Arizona (+115).
Game 901-902: Houston at Arizona
Dunkel Ratings: Houston (Oswalt) 13.929; Arizona (Garland) 14.902
Dunkel Line: Arizona by 1; 8 1/2
Vegas Line: Houston (-125); 9
Dunkel Pick: Arizona (+115); Under
Game 903-904: Florida at Toronto
Dunkel Ratings: Florida (West) 15.708; Toronto (Janssen) 14.849
Dunkel Line: Florida by 1; 8 1/2
Vegas Line: Toronto (-130); 9
Dunkel Pick: Florida (+120); Under
Game 905-906: Minnesota at Chicago Cubs
Dunkel Ratings: Minnesota (Swarzak) 15.538; Cubs (Harden) 15.939
Dunkel Line: Chicago Cubs by 1/2; 10 1/2
Vegas Line: Chicago Cubs (-165); No Run Line
Dunkel Pick: Chicago Cubs (-165); N/A
Game 907-908: Chicago White Sox at Milwaukee
Dunkel Ratings: White Sox (Contreras) 15.367; Milwaukee (Parra) 15.043
Dunkel Line: Chicago White Sox by 1/2; 10 1/2
Vegas Line: Milwaukee (-125); 9 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Chicago White Sox (+115); Over
Game 909-910: NY Mets at NY Yankees
Dunkel Ratings: NY Mets (Nieve) 15.714; NY Yankees (Pettitte) 15.089
Dunkel Line: NY Mets by 1/2; 12
Vegas Line: NY Yankees (-215); 11
Dunkel Pick: NY Mets (+195); Over
Game 911-912: St. Louis at Cleveland
Dunkel Ratings: St. Louis (Thompson) 14.555; Cleveland (Okha) 15.606
Dunkel Line: Cleveland by 1; 11
Vegas Line: Cleveland (-110); 10
Dunkel Pick: Cleveland (-110); Over
Game 913-914: Washington at Tampa Bay
Dunkel Ratings: Washington (Zimmerman) 15.038; Tampa Bay (Sonnanstine) 15.233
Dunkel Line: Tampa Bay by 1/2; 9
Vegas Line: Tampa Bay (-160); 9 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Tampa Bay (-160); Under
Game 915-916: Atlanta at Baltimore
Dunkel Ratings: Atlanta (Kawakami) 13.740; Baltimore (Hill) 14.480
Dunkel Line: Baltimore by 1/2; 10 1/2
Vegas Line: Atlanta (-115); 9 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Baltimore (+105); Over
Game 917-918: Detroit at Pittsburgh
Dunkel Ratings: Detroit (Galarraga) 16.077; Pittsburgh (Duke) 14.508
Dunkel Line: Detroit by 1 1/2; 9 1/2
Vegas Line: Pittsburgh (-115); 8 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Detroit (+105); Over
Game 919-920: Boston at Philadelphia
Dunkel Ratings: Boston (Matsuzaka) 15.999; Philadelphia (Bastardo) 17.043
Dunkel Line: Philadelphia by 1; 8 1/2
Vegas Line: Philadelphia (-115); 9 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Philadelphia (-115); Under
Game 921-922: Cincinnati at Kansas City
Dunkel Ratings: Cincinnati (Arroyo) 14.270; Kansas City (Davies) 15.438
Dunkel Line: Kansas City by 1; 9 1/2
Vegas Line: Kansas City (-110); 8 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Kansas City (-110); Over
Game 923-924: LA Dodgers at Texas
Dunkel Ratings: LA Dodgers (Wolf) 14.461; Texas (Feldman) 15.591
Dunkel Line: Texas by 1; 8 1/2
Vegas Line: Texas (-120); 10
Dunkel Pick: Texas (-120); Under
Game 925-926: Seattle at Colorado
Dunkel Ratings: Seattle (Morrow) 15.657; Colorado (Marquis) 16.783
Dunkel Line: Colorado by 1; 8 1/2
Vegas Line: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A
Game 927-928: San Diego at LA Angels
Dunkel Ratings: San Diego (Geer) 14.134; LA Angels (Saunders) 15.058
Dunkel Line: LA Angels by 1; 11 1/2
Vegas Line: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A
Game 929-930: Oakland at San Francisco
Dunkel Ratings: Oakland (Outman) 15.333; San Francisco (Johnson) 16.798
Dunkel Line: San Francisco by 1 1/2; 7
Vegas Line: Oakland (-115); 8
Dunkel Pick: San Francisco (+105); Under
Sports Gambling Hotline, Featured Handicapper
Friday comp play winner on Milwaukee over the White Sox.
Now 7-2 the last 9 days for free.
Early interleague action this Saturday, and I am all about the huge dog Twins to down the slumping Cubs once again.
Yesterday, Minny took the 7-4 decision, as Chicago continues to try and find offense in their anemic attack.
The Twins have some serious bats in their lineup, and with Rich Harden slated to make his first start since May 17th, you kind of get the feeling that he won't be around too late in this game...at least we do!
Swarzak hasn't shown all that much for Ron Garenhire's team, but the way the Cubbies have been swinging the bat, perhaps this is the day he throws 6 or 7 goose eggs on the board.
The Twins have won 3 of 4, while the Cubs have now lost 3 straight, and stand at just .500 for the year.
Take the underdog to get the Saturday card started!
1♦ MINNESOTA
Friday comp play winner on Milwaukee over the White Sox.
Now 7-2 the last 9 days for free.
Early interleague action this Saturday, and I am all about the huge dog Twins to down the slumping Cubs once again.
Yesterday, Minny took the 7-4 decision, as Chicago continues to try and find offense in their anemic attack.
The Twins have some serious bats in their lineup, and with Rich Harden slated to make his first start since May 17th, you kind of get the feeling that he won't be around too late in this game...at least we do!
Swarzak hasn't shown all that much for Ron Garenhire's team, but the way the Cubbies have been swinging the bat, perhaps this is the day he throws 6 or 7 goose eggs on the board.
The Twins have won 3 of 4, while the Cubs have now lost 3 straight, and stand at just .500 for the year.
Take the underdog to get the Saturday card started!
1♦ MINNESOTA
Nick "BookieKiller" Parsons | MLB Money Line
free pick928 ANA (-130) vs 927 SDP
Analysis:
Member Play: The San Diego Padres had originally scheduled Jake Peavy to take
the mound in the second game of an interleague series against the Los Angeles
Angels. Instead, he likely won?t make another start until after the All-Star
break. The Angels? Joe Saunders(notes) (6-4, 3.94) went 3-1 with a 2.03 ERA in
four starts against the NL in 2008 and is set to make his first career start
against San Diego and I expect him to be sharp; LA is 4-2 (+1.2 units) as a home
favorite of -125 to -150! Play on the ANGELS!
free pick928 ANA (-130) vs 927 SDP
Analysis:
Member Play: The San Diego Padres had originally scheduled Jake Peavy to take
the mound in the second game of an interleague series against the Los Angeles
Angels. Instead, he likely won?t make another start until after the All-Star
break. The Angels? Joe Saunders(notes) (6-4, 3.94) went 3-1 with a 2.03 ERA in
four starts against the NL in 2008 and is set to make his first career start
against San Diego and I expect him to be sharp; LA is 4-2 (+1.2 units) as a home
favorite of -125 to -150! Play on the ANGELS!
DUNKEL
New York at San Antonio
The Silver Stars host the 0-2 Liberty and look to build on their 5-2 ATS record in their last 7 games against teams with a losing SU record. San Antonio is the pick (-5 1/2) according to Dunkel, which has the Silver Stars favored by 8 1/2. Dunkel Pick: San Antonio (-5 1/2). Here are all of today's picks.
Game 601-602: New York at San Antonio
Dunkel Ratings: New York 108.648; San Antonio 117.303
Dunkel Line & Total: San Antonio by 8 1/2; 149
Vegas Line & Total: San Antonio by 5 1/2; 145 1/2
Dunkel Pick: San Antonio (-5 1/2); Over
Game 603-604: Sacramento at Phoenix
Dunkel Ratings: Sacramento 110.502; Phoenix 116.066
Dunkel Line & Total: Phoenix by 5 1/2; 172
Vegas Line & Total: Phoenix by 7; 170
Dunkel Pick: Sacramento (+7); Over
New York at San Antonio
The Silver Stars host the 0-2 Liberty and look to build on their 5-2 ATS record in their last 7 games against teams with a losing SU record. San Antonio is the pick (-5 1/2) according to Dunkel, which has the Silver Stars favored by 8 1/2. Dunkel Pick: San Antonio (-5 1/2). Here are all of today's picks.
Game 601-602: New York at San Antonio
Dunkel Ratings: New York 108.648; San Antonio 117.303
Dunkel Line & Total: San Antonio by 8 1/2; 149
Vegas Line & Total: San Antonio by 5 1/2; 145 1/2
Dunkel Pick: San Antonio (-5 1/2); Over
Game 603-604: Sacramento at Phoenix
Dunkel Ratings: Sacramento 110.502; Phoenix 116.066
Dunkel Line & Total: Phoenix by 5 1/2; 172
Vegas Line & Total: Phoenix by 7; 170
Dunkel Pick: Sacramento (+7); Over
MLB LONG SHEET
Saturday, June 12
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HOUSTON (27 - 32) at ARIZONA (27 - 35) - 8:10 PM
ROY OSWALT (R) vs. JON GARLAND (R)
Top Trends for this game.
OSWALT is 7-16 (-14.5 Units) against the money line in road games when playing on Saturday since 1997. (Team's Record)
HOUSTON is 111-106 (+14.7 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
HOUSTON is 54-39 (+15.2 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.
HOUSTON is 113-107 (+16.9 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
HOUSTON is 57-51 (+12.6 Units) against the money line when the total is 9 to 9.5 over the last 2 seasons.
ARIZONA is 27-35 (-10.3 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
ARIZONA is 7-16 (-12.1 Units) against the money line in home games in night games this season.
ARIZONA is 75-84 (-23.3 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
ARIZONA is 7-19 (-13.1 Units) against the money line after a win this season.
ARIZONA is 27-35 (-10.3 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
ARIZONA is 14-21 (-11.6 Units) against the money line in home games this season.
GARLAND is 36-44 (-22.7 Units) against the money line in home games after a win since 1997. (Team's Record)
Head-to-Head Series History
ARIZONA is 1-0 (+1.0 Units) against HOUSTON this season
1 of 1 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+1.0 Units)
ROY OSWALT vs. ARIZONA since 1997
OSWALT is 7-1 when starting against ARIZONA with an ERA of 2.25 and a WHIP of 1.078.
His team's record is 8-1 (+6.5 units) in these starts. The OVER is 5-4. (+1.1 units)
JON GARLAND vs. HOUSTON since 1997
GARLAND is 0-0 when starting against HOUSTON with an ERA of 3.79 and a WHIP of 1.632.
His team's record is 2-1 (+1.3 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 1-2. (-1.2 units)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FLORIDA (30 - 33) at TORONTO (34 - 29) - 1:07 PM
SEAN WEST (L) vs. CASEY JANSSEN (R)
Top Trends for this game.
TORONTO is 48-29 (+18.5 Units) against the money line in day games over the last 2 seasons.
FLORIDA is 56-53 (+15.4 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
FLORIDA is 114-110 (+16.6 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
FLORIDA is 69-53 (+23.2 Units) against the money line when the total is 9 to 9.5 over the last 2 seasons.
FLORIDA is 54-55 (+13.7 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 2 seasons.
FLORIDA is 31-20 (+19.5 Units) against the money line on the road when the total is 9 to 9.5 over the last 2 seasons.
FLORIDA is 120-98 (+28.1 Units) against the money line in an inter-league game since 1997.
Head-to-Head Series History
FLORIDA is 1-0 (+1.9 Units) against TORONTO this season
1 of 1 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+1.0 Units)
SEAN WEST vs. TORONTO since 1997
No recent starts.
CASEY JANSSEN vs. FLORIDA since 1997
JANSSEN is 0-1 when starting against FLORIDA with an ERA of 21.00 and a WHIP of 5.000.
His team's record is 0-1 (-1.5 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 0-1. (-1.1 units)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
MINNESOTA (31 - 32) at CHICAGO CUBS (29 - 29) - 1:05 PM
ANTHONY SWARZAK (R) vs. RICH HARDEN (R)
Top Trends for this game.
MINNESOTA is 18-4 (+16.5 Units) against the money line in an inter-league game over the last 2 seasons.
CHICAGO CUBS are 929-954 (-170.1 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field since 1997.
CHICAGO CUBS are 488-464 (-103.5 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record since 1997.
CHICAGO CUBS are 986-1038 (-192.3 Units) against the money line in all games since 1997.
CHICAGO CUBS are 529-481 (-110.4 Units) against the money line in home games since 1997.
Head-to-Head Series History
MINNESOTA is 1-0 (+1.2 Units) against CHICAGO CUBS this season
1 of 1 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+1.0 Units)
ANTHONY SWARZAK vs. CHICAGO CUBS since 1997
No recent starts.
RICH HARDEN vs. MINNESOTA since 1997
HARDEN is 1-0 when starting against MINNESOTA with an ERA of 2.13 and a WHIP of 1.105.
His team's record is 2-2 (-1.6 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-3. (-2.1 units)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CHI WHITE SOX (28 - 34) at MILWAUKEE (34 - 27) - 4:05 PM
JOSE CONTRERAS (R) vs. MANNY PARRA (L)
Top Trends for this game.
CHI WHITE SOX are 13-33 (-17.5 Units) against the money line in road games when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
CHI WHITE SOX are 13-27 (-13.0 Units) against the money line as a road underdog of +100 to +125 over the last 2 seasons.
MILWAUKEE is 34-24 (+9.3 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
CHI WHITE SOX are 111-87 (+13.5 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
PARRA is 5-13 (-11.0 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
Head-to-Head Series History
MILWAUKEE is 1-0 (+1.0 Units) against CHI WHITE SOX this season
0 of 0 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+0.0 Units)
JOSE CONTRERAS vs. MILWAUKEE since 1997
No recent starts.
MANNY PARRA vs. CHI WHITE SOX since 1997
No recent starts.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NY METS (31 - 28) at NY YANKEES (35 - 26) - 4:10 PM
FERNANDO NIEVE (R) vs. ANDY PETTITTE (L)
Top Trends for this game.
NY YANKEES are 93-75 (-44.6 Units) against the money line in home games when playing on Saturday since 1997.
Head-to-Head Series History
NY YANKEES is 1-0 (+1.0 Units) against NY METS this season
1 of 1 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+1.1 Units)
FERNANDO NIEVE vs. NY YANKEES since 1997
No recent starts.
ANDY PETTITTE vs. NY METS since 1997
PETTITTE is 8-4 when starting against NY METS with an ERA of 3.29 and a WHIP of 1.257.
His team's record is 13-7 (+5.7 units) in these starts. The OVER is 9-11. (-3.0 units)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ST LOUIS (33 - 29) at CLEVELAND (28 - 35) - 4:10 PM
BRAD THOMPSON (R) vs. TOMO OHKA (R)
Top Trends for this game.
OHKA is 29-18 (+15.0 Units) against the money line in day games since 1997. (Team's Record)
CLEVELAND is 29-43 (-17.5 Units) against the money line in day games over the last 2 seasons.
CLEVELAND is 8-19 (-11.7 Units) against the money line after a win this season.
CLEVELAND is 84-82 (-34.6 Units) against the money line in home games in June games since 1997.
CLEVELAND is 5-13 (-13.0 Units) against the money line in home games when playing on Saturday over the last 2 seasons.
Head-to-Head Series History
CLEVELAND is 1-0 (+1.0 Units) against ST LOUIS this season
0 of 0 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+0.0 Units)
BRAD THOMPSON vs. CLEVELAND since 1997
No recent starts.
TOMO OHKA vs. ST LOUIS since 1997
OHKA is 3-3 when starting against ST LOUIS with an ERA of 5.64 and a WHIP of 1.516.
His team's record is 3-3 (+1.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 2-3. (-1.1 units)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
WASHINGTON (16 - 43) at TAMPA BAY (32 - 31) - 6:08 PM
JORDAN ZIMMERMANN (R) vs. ANDY SONNANSTINE (R)
Top Trends for this game.
WASHINGTON is 9-27 (-16.6 Units) against the money line when playing on Saturday over the last 2 seasons.
WASHINGTON is 11-31 (-19.0 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
WASHINGTON is 12-31 (-18.0 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
WASHINGTON is 12-29 (-15.6 Units) against the money line after a loss this season.
WASHINGTON is 8-27 (-17.5 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
WASHINGTON is 16-43 (-25.6 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
WASHINGTON is 8-26 (-15.4 Units) against the money line as a road underdog of +125 to +150 over the last 2 seasons.
WASHINGTON is 31-77 (-28.6 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 2 seasons.
TAMPA BAY is 82-42 (+27.4 Units) against the money line in games played in a dome over the last 2 seasons.
TAMPA BAY is 86-47 (+26.7 Units) against the money line in games played on artificial turf over the last 2 seasons.
TAMPA BAY is 101-62 (+32.9 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
TAMPA BAY is 137-104 (+24.5 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
TAMPA BAY is 31-7 (+19.6 Units) against the money line as a home favorite of -150 to -175 over the last 2 seasons.
TAMPA BAY is 81-39 (+30.0 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 2 seasons.
WASHINGTON is 99-98 (+31.0 Units) against the money line when the total is 9 to 9.5 over the last 3 seasons.
Head-to-Head Series History
TAMPA BAY is 1-0 (+1.0 Units) against WASHINGTON this season
1 of 1 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+1.0 Units)
JORDAN ZIMMERMANN vs. TAMPA BAY since 1997
No recent starts.
ANDY SONNANSTINE vs. WASHINGTON since 1997
No recent starts.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ATLANTA (30 - 30) at BALTIMORE (25 - 36) - 7:05 PM
KENSHIN KAWAKAMI (R) vs. RICH HILL (L)
Top Trends for this game.
ATLANTA is 87-98 (-23.6 Units) against the money line after a win over the last 3 seasons.
ATLANTA is 13-17 (-8.9 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
ATLANTA is 102-120 (-29.9 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
ATLANTA is 101-118 (-29.0 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
ATLANTA is 69-82 (-22.9 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.
BALTIMORE is 228-288 (-89.8 Units) against the money line in home games after a loss since 1997.
BALTIMORE is 127-237 (-104.7 Units) against the money line after 3 or more consecutive losses since 1997.
BALTIMORE is 483-526 (-109.6 Units) against the money line in home games since 1997.
BALTIMORE is 483-526 (-109.6 Units) against the money line in home games in games played on a grass field since 1997.
Head-to-Head Series History
ATLANTA is 1-0 (+1.0 Units) against BALTIMORE this season
1 of 1 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+1.0 Units)
KENSHIN KAWAKAMI vs. BALTIMORE since 1997
No recent starts.
RICH HILL vs. ATLANTA since 1997
HILL is 3-0 when starting against ATLANTA with an ERA of 0.94 and a WHIP of 0.837.
His team's record is 3-1 (+2.5 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-3. (-2.3 units)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
DETROIT (34 - 27) at PITTSBURGH (28 - 33) - 7:05 PM
ARMANDO GALARRAGA (R) vs. ZACH DUKE (L)
Top Trends for this game.
DETROIT is 67-76 (-19.6 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.
DETROIT is 108-115 (-25.4 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
DETROIT is 14-29 (-13.5 Units) against the money line as a road underdog of +100 to +125 over the last 2 seasons.
GALARRAGA is 0-7 (-8.1 Units) against the money line in night games this season. (Team's Record)
PITTSBURGH is 360-343 (+35.8 Units) against the money line in home games in night games since 1997.
PITTSBURGH is 255-269 (+30.6 Units) against the money line in home games when playing against a team with a winning record since 1997.
PITTSBURGH is 89-67 (+25.4 Units) against the money line in home games when playing on Saturday since 1997.
DETROIT is 14-5 (+9.8 Units) against the money line against left-handed starters this season.
DETROIT is 21-11 (+9.8 Units) against the money line when the total is 9 to 9.5 this season.
DETROIT is 29-11 (+16.3 Units) against the money line in an inter-league game over the last 3 seasons.
DETROIT is 33-21 (+10.2 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
Head-to-Head Series History
DETROIT is 1-0 (+1.0 Units) against PITTSBURGH this season
1 of 1 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+1.0 Units)
ARMANDO GALARRAGA vs. PITTSBURGH since 1997
No recent starts.
ZACH DUKE vs. DETROIT since 1997
No recent starts.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
BOSTON (37 - 24) at PHILADELPHIA (35 - 24) - 7:05 PM
DAISUKE MATSUZAKA (R) vs. ANTONIO BASTARDO (L)
Top Trends for this game.
PHILADELPHIA is 137-96 (+19.2 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
PHILADELPHIA is 100-66 (+18.6 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.
PHILADELPHIA is 72-51 (+15.0 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
PHILADELPHIA is 138-97 (+19.2 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 33-17 (+10.1 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
BOSTON is 22-8 (+12.3 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
PHILADELPHIA is 4-12 (-12.9 Units) against the money line in home games against right-handed starters this season.
PHILADELPHIA is 107-127 (-39.3 Units) against the money line at home with a money line of -100 to -125 since 1997.
Head-to-Head Series History
BOSTON is 1-0 (+1.0 Units) against PHILADELPHIA this season
1 of 1 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+1.0 Units)
DAISUKE MATSUZAKA vs. PHILADELPHIA since 1997
No recent starts.
ANTONIO BASTARDO vs. BOSTON since 1997
No recent starts.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CINCINNATI (31 - 29) at KANSAS CITY (26 - 34) - 7:10 PM
BRONSON ARROYO (R) vs. KYLE DAVIES (R)
Top Trends for this game.
CINCINNATI is 74-96 (-30.6 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 3 seasons.
ARROYO is 10-25 (-17.6 Units) against the money line in June games since 1997. (Team's Record)
KANSAS CITY is 25-15 (+13.5 Units) against the money line in an inter-league game over the last 3 seasons.
KANSAS CITY is 52-44 (+18.1 Units) against the money line when the total is 8 to 8.5 over the last 2 seasons.
DAVIES is 11-3 (+11.7 Units) against the money line when the total is 8 to 8.5 since 1997. (Team's Record)
CINCINNATI is 405-485 (+31.4 Units) against the money line in road games in games played on a grass field since 1997.
CINCINNATI is 309-350 (+34.4 Units) against the money line in road games in night games since 1997.
CINCINNATI is 342-397 (+32.8 Units) against the money line in road games against right-handed starters since 1997.
CINCINNATI is 18-10 (+9.2 Units) against the money line after a loss this season.
CINCINNATI is 466-538 (+47.6 Units) against the money line in road games since 1997.
KANSAS CITY is 59-98 (-38.8 Units) against the money line in home games when playing on Saturday since 1997.
KANSAS CITY is 55-83 (-24.2 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
Head-to-Head Series History
KANSAS CITY is 1-0 (+1.0 Units) against CINCINNATI this season
1 of 1 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+1.0 Units)
BRONSON ARROYO vs. KANSAS CITY since 1997
ARROYO is 0-0 when starting against KANSAS CITY with an ERA of 2.57 and a WHIP of 1.143.
His team's record is 1-0 (+1.0 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 0-1. (-1.2 units)
KYLE DAVIES vs. CINCINNATI since 1997
DAVIES is 1-1 when starting against CINCINNATI with an ERA of 9.00 and a WHIP of 2.300.
His team's record is 1-2 (-1.5 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 0-3. (-3.2 units)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
LA DODGERS (40 - 22) at TEXAS (35 - 25) - 8:05 PM
RANDY WOLF (L) vs. SCOTT FELDMAN (R)
Top Trends for this game.
LA DODGERS are 36-62 (-25.9 Units) against the money line in road games in an inter-league game since 1997.
TEXAS is 35-25 (+12.0 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
TEXAS is 107-86 (+17.6 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 3 seasons.
TEXAS is 16-5 (+9.8 Units) against the money line at home when the total is 10 to 10.5 this season.
TEXAS is 25-15 (+13.0 Units) against the money line in an inter-league game over the last 3 seasons.
TEXAS is 34-23 (+12.1 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
TEXAS is 23-15 (+9.6 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
LA DODGERS are 40-22 (+14.9 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
LA DODGERS are 29-15 (+10.7 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
LA DODGERS are 40-22 (+14.9 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
WOLF is 37-26 (+13.4 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
WOLF is 60-50 (+19.3 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record since 1997. (Team's Record)
Head-to-Head Series History
TEXAS is 1-0 (+1.0 Units) against LA DODGERS this season
1 of 1 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+1.0 Units)
RANDY WOLF vs. TEXAS since 1997
No recent starts.
SCOTT FELDMAN vs. LA DODGERS since 1997
No recent starts.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SEATTLE (30 - 31) at COLORADO (29 - 32) - 8:10 PM
BRANDON MORROW (R) vs. JASON MARQUIS (R)
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.
Head-to-Head Series History
COLORADO is 1-0 (+1.0 Units) against SEATTLE this season
1 of 1 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+1.0 Units)
BRANDON MORROW vs. COLORADO since 1997
No recent starts.
JASON MARQUIS vs. SEATTLE since 1997
MARQUIS is 1-0 when starting against SEATTLE with an ERA of 3.18 and a WHIP of 0.794.
His team's record is 2-0 (+2.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 0-2. (-2.2 units)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SAN DIEGO (28 - 32) at LA ANGELS (30 - 29) - 9:05 PM
JOSH GEER (R) vs. JOE SAUNDERS (L)
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.
Head-to-Head Series History
LA ANGELS is 1-0 (+1.0 Units) against SAN DIEGO this season
1 of 1 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+1.0 Units)
JOSH GEER vs. LA ANGELS since 1997
No recent starts.
JOE SAUNDERS vs. SAN DIEGO since 1997
No recent starts.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
OAKLAND (27 - 33) at SAN FRANCISCO (32 - 28) - 10:05 PM
JOSH OUTMAN (L) vs. RANDY JOHNSON (L)
Top Trends for this game.
OAKLAND is 7-18 (-10.8 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
OAKLAND is 4-15 (-12.4 Units) against the money line on the road with a money line of -100 to -125 over the last 2 seasons.
SAN FRANCISCO is 19-9 (+9.7 Units) against the money line in home games in games played on a grass field this season.
SAN FRANCISCO is 679-573 (+82.9 Units) against the money line in night games since 1997.
SAN FRANCISCO is 155-93 (+40.2 Units) against the money line in home games against left-handed starters since 1997.
SAN FRANCISCO is 19-9 (+9.7 Units) against the money line in home games this season.
OAKLAND is 196-138 (+56.5 Units) against the money line in June games since 1997.
OUTMAN is 6-0 (+7.4 Units) against the money line in night games this season. (Team's Record)
Head-to-Head Series History
SAN FRANCISCO is 1-0 (+1.0 Units) against OAKLAND this season
1 of 1 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+1.0 Units)
JOSH OUTMAN vs. SAN FRANCISCO since 1997
No recent starts.
RANDY JOHNSON vs. OAKLAND since 1997
JOHNSON is 4-5 when starting against OAKLAND with an ERA of 3.98 and a WHIP of 1.344.
His team's record is 4-5 (-6.6 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 4-5. (-1.6 units)
Saturday, June 12
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
HOUSTON (27 - 32) at ARIZONA (27 - 35) - 8:10 PM
ROY OSWALT (R) vs. JON GARLAND (R)
Top Trends for this game.
OSWALT is 7-16 (-14.5 Units) against the money line in road games when playing on Saturday since 1997. (Team's Record)
HOUSTON is 111-106 (+14.7 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
HOUSTON is 54-39 (+15.2 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.
HOUSTON is 113-107 (+16.9 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
HOUSTON is 57-51 (+12.6 Units) against the money line when the total is 9 to 9.5 over the last 2 seasons.
ARIZONA is 27-35 (-10.3 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
ARIZONA is 7-16 (-12.1 Units) against the money line in home games in night games this season.
ARIZONA is 75-84 (-23.3 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
ARIZONA is 7-19 (-13.1 Units) against the money line after a win this season.
ARIZONA is 27-35 (-10.3 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
ARIZONA is 14-21 (-11.6 Units) against the money line in home games this season.
GARLAND is 36-44 (-22.7 Units) against the money line in home games after a win since 1997. (Team's Record)
Head-to-Head Series History
ARIZONA is 1-0 (+1.0 Units) against HOUSTON this season
1 of 1 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+1.0 Units)
ROY OSWALT vs. ARIZONA since 1997
OSWALT is 7-1 when starting against ARIZONA with an ERA of 2.25 and a WHIP of 1.078.
His team's record is 8-1 (+6.5 units) in these starts. The OVER is 5-4. (+1.1 units)
JON GARLAND vs. HOUSTON since 1997
GARLAND is 0-0 when starting against HOUSTON with an ERA of 3.79 and a WHIP of 1.632.
His team's record is 2-1 (+1.3 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 1-2. (-1.2 units)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FLORIDA (30 - 33) at TORONTO (34 - 29) - 1:07 PM
SEAN WEST (L) vs. CASEY JANSSEN (R)
Top Trends for this game.
TORONTO is 48-29 (+18.5 Units) against the money line in day games over the last 2 seasons.
FLORIDA is 56-53 (+15.4 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
FLORIDA is 114-110 (+16.6 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
FLORIDA is 69-53 (+23.2 Units) against the money line when the total is 9 to 9.5 over the last 2 seasons.
FLORIDA is 54-55 (+13.7 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 2 seasons.
FLORIDA is 31-20 (+19.5 Units) against the money line on the road when the total is 9 to 9.5 over the last 2 seasons.
FLORIDA is 120-98 (+28.1 Units) against the money line in an inter-league game since 1997.
Head-to-Head Series History
FLORIDA is 1-0 (+1.9 Units) against TORONTO this season
1 of 1 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+1.0 Units)
SEAN WEST vs. TORONTO since 1997
No recent starts.
CASEY JANSSEN vs. FLORIDA since 1997
JANSSEN is 0-1 when starting against FLORIDA with an ERA of 21.00 and a WHIP of 5.000.
His team's record is 0-1 (-1.5 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 0-1. (-1.1 units)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
MINNESOTA (31 - 32) at CHICAGO CUBS (29 - 29) - 1:05 PM
ANTHONY SWARZAK (R) vs. RICH HARDEN (R)
Top Trends for this game.
MINNESOTA is 18-4 (+16.5 Units) against the money line in an inter-league game over the last 2 seasons.
CHICAGO CUBS are 929-954 (-170.1 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field since 1997.
CHICAGO CUBS are 488-464 (-103.5 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record since 1997.
CHICAGO CUBS are 986-1038 (-192.3 Units) against the money line in all games since 1997.
CHICAGO CUBS are 529-481 (-110.4 Units) against the money line in home games since 1997.
Head-to-Head Series History
MINNESOTA is 1-0 (+1.2 Units) against CHICAGO CUBS this season
1 of 1 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+1.0 Units)
ANTHONY SWARZAK vs. CHICAGO CUBS since 1997
No recent starts.
RICH HARDEN vs. MINNESOTA since 1997
HARDEN is 1-0 when starting against MINNESOTA with an ERA of 2.13 and a WHIP of 1.105.
His team's record is 2-2 (-1.6 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-3. (-2.1 units)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CHI WHITE SOX (28 - 34) at MILWAUKEE (34 - 27) - 4:05 PM
JOSE CONTRERAS (R) vs. MANNY PARRA (L)
Top Trends for this game.
CHI WHITE SOX are 13-33 (-17.5 Units) against the money line in road games when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
CHI WHITE SOX are 13-27 (-13.0 Units) against the money line as a road underdog of +100 to +125 over the last 2 seasons.
MILWAUKEE is 34-24 (+9.3 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
CHI WHITE SOX are 111-87 (+13.5 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
PARRA is 5-13 (-11.0 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
Head-to-Head Series History
MILWAUKEE is 1-0 (+1.0 Units) against CHI WHITE SOX this season
0 of 0 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+0.0 Units)
JOSE CONTRERAS vs. MILWAUKEE since 1997
No recent starts.
MANNY PARRA vs. CHI WHITE SOX since 1997
No recent starts.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NY METS (31 - 28) at NY YANKEES (35 - 26) - 4:10 PM
FERNANDO NIEVE (R) vs. ANDY PETTITTE (L)
Top Trends for this game.
NY YANKEES are 93-75 (-44.6 Units) against the money line in home games when playing on Saturday since 1997.
Head-to-Head Series History
NY YANKEES is 1-0 (+1.0 Units) against NY METS this season
1 of 1 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+1.1 Units)
FERNANDO NIEVE vs. NY YANKEES since 1997
No recent starts.
ANDY PETTITTE vs. NY METS since 1997
PETTITTE is 8-4 when starting against NY METS with an ERA of 3.29 and a WHIP of 1.257.
His team's record is 13-7 (+5.7 units) in these starts. The OVER is 9-11. (-3.0 units)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ST LOUIS (33 - 29) at CLEVELAND (28 - 35) - 4:10 PM
BRAD THOMPSON (R) vs. TOMO OHKA (R)
Top Trends for this game.
OHKA is 29-18 (+15.0 Units) against the money line in day games since 1997. (Team's Record)
CLEVELAND is 29-43 (-17.5 Units) against the money line in day games over the last 2 seasons.
CLEVELAND is 8-19 (-11.7 Units) against the money line after a win this season.
CLEVELAND is 84-82 (-34.6 Units) against the money line in home games in June games since 1997.
CLEVELAND is 5-13 (-13.0 Units) against the money line in home games when playing on Saturday over the last 2 seasons.
Head-to-Head Series History
CLEVELAND is 1-0 (+1.0 Units) against ST LOUIS this season
0 of 0 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+0.0 Units)
BRAD THOMPSON vs. CLEVELAND since 1997
No recent starts.
TOMO OHKA vs. ST LOUIS since 1997
OHKA is 3-3 when starting against ST LOUIS with an ERA of 5.64 and a WHIP of 1.516.
His team's record is 3-3 (+1.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 2-3. (-1.1 units)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
WASHINGTON (16 - 43) at TAMPA BAY (32 - 31) - 6:08 PM
JORDAN ZIMMERMANN (R) vs. ANDY SONNANSTINE (R)
Top Trends for this game.
WASHINGTON is 9-27 (-16.6 Units) against the money line when playing on Saturday over the last 2 seasons.
WASHINGTON is 11-31 (-19.0 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
WASHINGTON is 12-31 (-18.0 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
WASHINGTON is 12-29 (-15.6 Units) against the money line after a loss this season.
WASHINGTON is 8-27 (-17.5 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
WASHINGTON is 16-43 (-25.6 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
WASHINGTON is 8-26 (-15.4 Units) against the money line as a road underdog of +125 to +150 over the last 2 seasons.
WASHINGTON is 31-77 (-28.6 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 2 seasons.
TAMPA BAY is 82-42 (+27.4 Units) against the money line in games played in a dome over the last 2 seasons.
TAMPA BAY is 86-47 (+26.7 Units) against the money line in games played on artificial turf over the last 2 seasons.
TAMPA BAY is 101-62 (+32.9 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
TAMPA BAY is 137-104 (+24.5 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
TAMPA BAY is 31-7 (+19.6 Units) against the money line as a home favorite of -150 to -175 over the last 2 seasons.
TAMPA BAY is 81-39 (+30.0 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 2 seasons.
WASHINGTON is 99-98 (+31.0 Units) against the money line when the total is 9 to 9.5 over the last 3 seasons.
Head-to-Head Series History
TAMPA BAY is 1-0 (+1.0 Units) against WASHINGTON this season
1 of 1 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+1.0 Units)
JORDAN ZIMMERMANN vs. TAMPA BAY since 1997
No recent starts.
ANDY SONNANSTINE vs. WASHINGTON since 1997
No recent starts.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ATLANTA (30 - 30) at BALTIMORE (25 - 36) - 7:05 PM
KENSHIN KAWAKAMI (R) vs. RICH HILL (L)
Top Trends for this game.
ATLANTA is 87-98 (-23.6 Units) against the money line after a win over the last 3 seasons.
ATLANTA is 13-17 (-8.9 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
ATLANTA is 102-120 (-29.9 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
ATLANTA is 101-118 (-29.0 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
ATLANTA is 69-82 (-22.9 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.
BALTIMORE is 228-288 (-89.8 Units) against the money line in home games after a loss since 1997.
BALTIMORE is 127-237 (-104.7 Units) against the money line after 3 or more consecutive losses since 1997.
BALTIMORE is 483-526 (-109.6 Units) against the money line in home games since 1997.
BALTIMORE is 483-526 (-109.6 Units) against the money line in home games in games played on a grass field since 1997.
Head-to-Head Series History
ATLANTA is 1-0 (+1.0 Units) against BALTIMORE this season
1 of 1 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+1.0 Units)
KENSHIN KAWAKAMI vs. BALTIMORE since 1997
No recent starts.
RICH HILL vs. ATLANTA since 1997
HILL is 3-0 when starting against ATLANTA with an ERA of 0.94 and a WHIP of 0.837.
His team's record is 3-1 (+2.5 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-3. (-2.3 units)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
DETROIT (34 - 27) at PITTSBURGH (28 - 33) - 7:05 PM
ARMANDO GALARRAGA (R) vs. ZACH DUKE (L)
Top Trends for this game.
DETROIT is 67-76 (-19.6 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.
DETROIT is 108-115 (-25.4 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
DETROIT is 14-29 (-13.5 Units) against the money line as a road underdog of +100 to +125 over the last 2 seasons.
GALARRAGA is 0-7 (-8.1 Units) against the money line in night games this season. (Team's Record)
PITTSBURGH is 360-343 (+35.8 Units) against the money line in home games in night games since 1997.
PITTSBURGH is 255-269 (+30.6 Units) against the money line in home games when playing against a team with a winning record since 1997.
PITTSBURGH is 89-67 (+25.4 Units) against the money line in home games when playing on Saturday since 1997.
DETROIT is 14-5 (+9.8 Units) against the money line against left-handed starters this season.
DETROIT is 21-11 (+9.8 Units) against the money line when the total is 9 to 9.5 this season.
DETROIT is 29-11 (+16.3 Units) against the money line in an inter-league game over the last 3 seasons.
DETROIT is 33-21 (+10.2 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
Head-to-Head Series History
DETROIT is 1-0 (+1.0 Units) against PITTSBURGH this season
1 of 1 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+1.0 Units)
ARMANDO GALARRAGA vs. PITTSBURGH since 1997
No recent starts.
ZACH DUKE vs. DETROIT since 1997
No recent starts.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
BOSTON (37 - 24) at PHILADELPHIA (35 - 24) - 7:05 PM
DAISUKE MATSUZAKA (R) vs. ANTONIO BASTARDO (L)
Top Trends for this game.
PHILADELPHIA is 137-96 (+19.2 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
PHILADELPHIA is 100-66 (+18.6 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.
PHILADELPHIA is 72-51 (+15.0 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
PHILADELPHIA is 138-97 (+19.2 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 33-17 (+10.1 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
BOSTON is 22-8 (+12.3 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
PHILADELPHIA is 4-12 (-12.9 Units) against the money line in home games against right-handed starters this season.
PHILADELPHIA is 107-127 (-39.3 Units) against the money line at home with a money line of -100 to -125 since 1997.
Head-to-Head Series History
BOSTON is 1-0 (+1.0 Units) against PHILADELPHIA this season
1 of 1 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+1.0 Units)
DAISUKE MATSUZAKA vs. PHILADELPHIA since 1997
No recent starts.
ANTONIO BASTARDO vs. BOSTON since 1997
No recent starts.
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CINCINNATI (31 - 29) at KANSAS CITY (26 - 34) - 7:10 PM
BRONSON ARROYO (R) vs. KYLE DAVIES (R)
Top Trends for this game.
CINCINNATI is 74-96 (-30.6 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 3 seasons.
ARROYO is 10-25 (-17.6 Units) against the money line in June games since 1997. (Team's Record)
KANSAS CITY is 25-15 (+13.5 Units) against the money line in an inter-league game over the last 3 seasons.
KANSAS CITY is 52-44 (+18.1 Units) against the money line when the total is 8 to 8.5 over the last 2 seasons.
DAVIES is 11-3 (+11.7 Units) against the money line when the total is 8 to 8.5 since 1997. (Team's Record)
CINCINNATI is 405-485 (+31.4 Units) against the money line in road games in games played on a grass field since 1997.
CINCINNATI is 309-350 (+34.4 Units) against the money line in road games in night games since 1997.
CINCINNATI is 342-397 (+32.8 Units) against the money line in road games against right-handed starters since 1997.
CINCINNATI is 18-10 (+9.2 Units) against the money line after a loss this season.
CINCINNATI is 466-538 (+47.6 Units) against the money line in road games since 1997.
KANSAS CITY is 59-98 (-38.8 Units) against the money line in home games when playing on Saturday since 1997.
KANSAS CITY is 55-83 (-24.2 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
Head-to-Head Series History
KANSAS CITY is 1-0 (+1.0 Units) against CINCINNATI this season
1 of 1 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+1.0 Units)
BRONSON ARROYO vs. KANSAS CITY since 1997
ARROYO is 0-0 when starting against KANSAS CITY with an ERA of 2.57 and a WHIP of 1.143.
His team's record is 1-0 (+1.0 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 0-1. (-1.2 units)
KYLE DAVIES vs. CINCINNATI since 1997
DAVIES is 1-1 when starting against CINCINNATI with an ERA of 9.00 and a WHIP of 2.300.
His team's record is 1-2 (-1.5 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 0-3. (-3.2 units)
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LA DODGERS (40 - 22) at TEXAS (35 - 25) - 8:05 PM
RANDY WOLF (L) vs. SCOTT FELDMAN (R)
Top Trends for this game.
LA DODGERS are 36-62 (-25.9 Units) against the money line in road games in an inter-league game since 1997.
TEXAS is 35-25 (+12.0 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
TEXAS is 107-86 (+17.6 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 3 seasons.
TEXAS is 16-5 (+9.8 Units) against the money line at home when the total is 10 to 10.5 this season.
TEXAS is 25-15 (+13.0 Units) against the money line in an inter-league game over the last 3 seasons.
TEXAS is 34-23 (+12.1 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
TEXAS is 23-15 (+9.6 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
LA DODGERS are 40-22 (+14.9 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
LA DODGERS are 29-15 (+10.7 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
LA DODGERS are 40-22 (+14.9 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
WOLF is 37-26 (+13.4 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
WOLF is 60-50 (+19.3 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record since 1997. (Team's Record)
Head-to-Head Series History
TEXAS is 1-0 (+1.0 Units) against LA DODGERS this season
1 of 1 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+1.0 Units)
RANDY WOLF vs. TEXAS since 1997
No recent starts.
SCOTT FELDMAN vs. LA DODGERS since 1997
No recent starts.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SEATTLE (30 - 31) at COLORADO (29 - 32) - 8:10 PM
BRANDON MORROW (R) vs. JASON MARQUIS (R)
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.
Head-to-Head Series History
COLORADO is 1-0 (+1.0 Units) against SEATTLE this season
1 of 1 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+1.0 Units)
BRANDON MORROW vs. COLORADO since 1997
No recent starts.
JASON MARQUIS vs. SEATTLE since 1997
MARQUIS is 1-0 when starting against SEATTLE with an ERA of 3.18 and a WHIP of 0.794.
His team's record is 2-0 (+2.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 0-2. (-2.2 units)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SAN DIEGO (28 - 32) at LA ANGELS (30 - 29) - 9:05 PM
JOSH GEER (R) vs. JOE SAUNDERS (L)
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.
Head-to-Head Series History
LA ANGELS is 1-0 (+1.0 Units) against SAN DIEGO this season
1 of 1 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+1.0 Units)
JOSH GEER vs. LA ANGELS since 1997
No recent starts.
JOE SAUNDERS vs. SAN DIEGO since 1997
No recent starts.
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OAKLAND (27 - 33) at SAN FRANCISCO (32 - 28) - 10:05 PM
JOSH OUTMAN (L) vs. RANDY JOHNSON (L)
Top Trends for this game.
OAKLAND is 7-18 (-10.8 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
OAKLAND is 4-15 (-12.4 Units) against the money line on the road with a money line of -100 to -125 over the last 2 seasons.
SAN FRANCISCO is 19-9 (+9.7 Units) against the money line in home games in games played on a grass field this season.
SAN FRANCISCO is 679-573 (+82.9 Units) against the money line in night games since 1997.
SAN FRANCISCO is 155-93 (+40.2 Units) against the money line in home games against left-handed starters since 1997.
SAN FRANCISCO is 19-9 (+9.7 Units) against the money line in home games this season.
OAKLAND is 196-138 (+56.5 Units) against the money line in June games since 1997.
OUTMAN is 6-0 (+7.4 Units) against the money line in night games this season. (Team's Record)
Head-to-Head Series History
SAN FRANCISCO is 1-0 (+1.0 Units) against OAKLAND this season
1 of 1 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+1.0 Units)
JOSH OUTMAN vs. SAN FRANCISCO since 1997
No recent starts.
RANDY JOHNSON vs. OAKLAND since 1997
JOHNSON is 4-5 when starting against OAKLAND with an ERA of 3.98 and a WHIP of 1.344.
His team's record is 4-5 (-6.6 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 4-5. (-1.6 units)
WNBA ADDITIONAL
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Lady Luck: Saturday's WNBA best bets
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
New York Liberty at San Antonio Silver Stars (-6, 145)
Judging by the way their former star guard has tormented them since, the New York Liberty may have made a mistake two years ago when they traded Becky Hammon to the San Antonio Silver Stars.
Hammon looks to continue her success against her old team Saturday night when the Silver Stars try to defeat the Liberty for the sixth straight time.
New York (0-2) dealt Hammon to San Antonio before the 2007 season for the No. 2 pick in the WNBA draft. That selection, Jessica Davenport, was cut by the Liberty earlier this year.
Hammon, meanwhile, has emerged to lead the Silver Stars (0-1) to the playoffs for two straight years, including last season's appearance in the WNBA finals against Detroit. Two years after the trade, she claims there are no hard feelings.
"I have great memories of New York," Hammon said. "My former teammates are already blowing up my phone wanting to cook out when they get here so I still keep in touch with most of the girls.
"I have a lot good memories of Madison Square Garden. We did a lot of great things, Eastern Conference championships and finals and all sorts of stuff so I have nothing but love for them."
San Antonio is 4-0 against New York since the trade, with Hammon averaging 24.5 points. She averaged 28.5 in last season's sweep of the Liberty. The Silver Stars set a league record by going 14-0 against Eastern Conference opponents in 2008.
Pick: San Antonio -6
Sacramento Monarchs at Phoenix Mercury (-4.5, 169)
The Sacramento Monarchs know the key to beating the Phoenix Mercury is being able to contain stars Diana Taurasi and Cappie Pondexter.
After succeeding at that in their last contest, the Monarchs hope for a repeat performance while looking for their first road victory over the Mercury in four years Saturday night in the finale of a home-and-home between the Western Conference rivals.
Nicole Powell scored 19 points and Sacramento (1-2) held Taurasi and Pondexter to a combined 21 points in a 90-71 home victory over Phoenix on Friday.
The WNBA's top two scorers from a year ago, Taurasi and Pondexter entered Friday's game averaging a combined 47.5 points for the Mercury (2-1), who scored 181 in their first two contests.
"It was a great defensive effort, it takes a collective focus against a team like that,'' said Monarchs coach Jenny Boucek, whose team outrebounded the Mercury 42-31 and held a 22-6 edge in second-chance points. "We hope to take momentum from this game into (Saturday). There's not a lot of time for them to make adjustments.''
That's especially true since the Monarchs haven't won in Phoenix since a 77-72 victory on May 21, 2005.
"There's absolutely no margin for error,'' Boucek said. "If you don't show up playing your 'A' game, you're going to get beat. (Phoenix) is a good team."
Powell, who had 22 points combined in two losses to Seattle, was 5 for 11 from the floor for Sacramento, which is trying to get by without veteran point guard Ticha Penicheiro, who is out with an injured thumb.
Center Laura Harper added 12 points and eight rebounds, and rookie Courtney Paris also had eight boards for the Monarchs.
"It's just the way it is,'' Powell said. "Each person is just worried about doing what they can. We're not worried about who's coming out there. ... We just go out there and do the best we can.''
Taurasi, who had 11 points and was plagued by foul trouble Friday night, could get back on track as she returns home where she scored 46 points in the first two games of the season.
Pick: Over 169
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Lady Luck: Saturday's WNBA best bets
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
New York Liberty at San Antonio Silver Stars (-6, 145)
Judging by the way their former star guard has tormented them since, the New York Liberty may have made a mistake two years ago when they traded Becky Hammon to the San Antonio Silver Stars.
Hammon looks to continue her success against her old team Saturday night when the Silver Stars try to defeat the Liberty for the sixth straight time.
New York (0-2) dealt Hammon to San Antonio before the 2007 season for the No. 2 pick in the WNBA draft. That selection, Jessica Davenport, was cut by the Liberty earlier this year.
Hammon, meanwhile, has emerged to lead the Silver Stars (0-1) to the playoffs for two straight years, including last season's appearance in the WNBA finals against Detroit. Two years after the trade, she claims there are no hard feelings.
"I have great memories of New York," Hammon said. "My former teammates are already blowing up my phone wanting to cook out when they get here so I still keep in touch with most of the girls.
"I have a lot good memories of Madison Square Garden. We did a lot of great things, Eastern Conference championships and finals and all sorts of stuff so I have nothing but love for them."
San Antonio is 4-0 against New York since the trade, with Hammon averaging 24.5 points. She averaged 28.5 in last season's sweep of the Liberty. The Silver Stars set a league record by going 14-0 against Eastern Conference opponents in 2008.
Pick: San Antonio -6
Sacramento Monarchs at Phoenix Mercury (-4.5, 169)
The Sacramento Monarchs know the key to beating the Phoenix Mercury is being able to contain stars Diana Taurasi and Cappie Pondexter.
After succeeding at that in their last contest, the Monarchs hope for a repeat performance while looking for their first road victory over the Mercury in four years Saturday night in the finale of a home-and-home between the Western Conference rivals.
Nicole Powell scored 19 points and Sacramento (1-2) held Taurasi and Pondexter to a combined 21 points in a 90-71 home victory over Phoenix on Friday.
The WNBA's top two scorers from a year ago, Taurasi and Pondexter entered Friday's game averaging a combined 47.5 points for the Mercury (2-1), who scored 181 in their first two contests.
"It was a great defensive effort, it takes a collective focus against a team like that,'' said Monarchs coach Jenny Boucek, whose team outrebounded the Mercury 42-31 and held a 22-6 edge in second-chance points. "We hope to take momentum from this game into (Saturday). There's not a lot of time for them to make adjustments.''
That's especially true since the Monarchs haven't won in Phoenix since a 77-72 victory on May 21, 2005.
"There's absolutely no margin for error,'' Boucek said. "If you don't show up playing your 'A' game, you're going to get beat. (Phoenix) is a good team."
Powell, who had 22 points combined in two losses to Seattle, was 5 for 11 from the floor for Sacramento, which is trying to get by without veteran point guard Ticha Penicheiro, who is out with an injured thumb.
Center Laura Harper added 12 points and eight rebounds, and rookie Courtney Paris also had eight boards for the Monarchs.
"It's just the way it is,'' Powell said. "Each person is just worried about doing what they can. We're not worried about who's coming out there. ... We just go out there and do the best we can.''
Taurasi, who had 11 points and was plagued by foul trouble Friday night, could get back on track as she returns home where she scored 46 points in the first two games of the season.
Pick: Over 169
Red Dog Sports Free Baseball Play
Boston at Philadelphia
Play under 9.5
Matsuzaka has 1 over and 5 unders this year while Bastardo has an ERA of 2.45. The Phils have played under 13-3-1 in their last 17 Interleague games and under 13-5-1 overall in their last 19. Look for the under to profit on Saturday.
Boston at Philadelphia
Play under 9.5
Matsuzaka has 1 over and 5 unders this year while Bastardo has an ERA of 2.45. The Phils have played under 13-3-1 in their last 17 Interleague games and under 13-5-1 overall in their last 19. Look for the under to profit on Saturday.
JEFF BENTON
For Saturday, we’ll head to the desert and back the Astros and ace Roy Oswalt as a slight road chalk against the Diamondbacks.
Now in his ninth season in the majors, Oswalt has been having an unprecedented down year with the Astros. Normally, the star right-hander is good for at least 15 wins, but he enters the day 2-3 with a 4.66 ERA in 13 starts, and he was given an extra two days of rest for this start because of a sore right wrist. However, the rest puts Oswalt in a good spot as he faces the Diamondbacks, a team he has owned throughout his career, going 7-1 with a 2.25 ERA in nine starts.
Conversely, Diamondbacks starter Jon Garland had been an innings-eater in his first season with the team, but those innings have not been productive ones. Garland (4-6, 5.61 ERA) hasn’t tasted victory since he beat Florida on May 19. He has lost his last four starts, posting a 7.98 ERA over this span, including getting bombed for six runs and seven hits in 6 2/3 innings against San Diego in his last outing.
Also, Garland has been especially bad this season at home, where his ERA is an outrageous 8.71 in six starts, compared with 3.08 on the road. So, considering Garland’s struggles and Oswalt’s history against Arizona, the Astros – who will certainly be happy to see Garland after getting handcuffed by Dan Haren last night – are a smart play at this price.
(based on a 1♦ to a 10♦ Rating)
3♦ HOUSTON
For Saturday, we’ll head to the desert and back the Astros and ace Roy Oswalt as a slight road chalk against the Diamondbacks.
Now in his ninth season in the majors, Oswalt has been having an unprecedented down year with the Astros. Normally, the star right-hander is good for at least 15 wins, but he enters the day 2-3 with a 4.66 ERA in 13 starts, and he was given an extra two days of rest for this start because of a sore right wrist. However, the rest puts Oswalt in a good spot as he faces the Diamondbacks, a team he has owned throughout his career, going 7-1 with a 2.25 ERA in nine starts.
Conversely, Diamondbacks starter Jon Garland had been an innings-eater in his first season with the team, but those innings have not been productive ones. Garland (4-6, 5.61 ERA) hasn’t tasted victory since he beat Florida on May 19. He has lost his last four starts, posting a 7.98 ERA over this span, including getting bombed for six runs and seven hits in 6 2/3 innings against San Diego in his last outing.
Also, Garland has been especially bad this season at home, where his ERA is an outrageous 8.71 in six starts, compared with 3.08 on the road. So, considering Garland’s struggles and Oswalt’s history against Arizona, the Astros – who will certainly be happy to see Garland after getting handcuffed by Dan Haren last night – are a smart play at this price.
(based on a 1♦ to a 10♦ Rating)
3♦ HOUSTON
MATT RIVERS
For Saturday take the underdog Mets once again.
Sure the Yankees with Arod and Teixeira and Cano and Jeter and others will get some hits and plate some runs against Fernando Nieve but with that said Joe Girardi's team is once again laying a bit much today. The Mets deserved to win on Friday but lost in fairly ridiculous fashion in the bottom of the 9th and more times than not the team that suffers a bad beat like that is able to rebound the next day.
The Mets are not close to being healthy and are the inferior squad today, I admit that, but with David Wright, Carlos Beltran and a few other capable hitters in Sheffield and Church how can you not take back this sweet number with the still capable enough Mets!?!?!?! This isn't 1998 where Andy Pettitte was an elite pitcher. No doubt in a clutch money situation when the chips are down the Yankee Southpaw can be tough as he guts it out with the best of them but more times than not this guy right now is extremely mediocre.
Nieve may even be the better pitcher at this point when compared to his mound combatant in Pettitte. I'm not saying that Triple A compares to the Bigs at all but the Mets' starter was 3-0 there and has been pretty solid. Plus he has had some experience the past few years with the Astros so it's not like this is his Major League debut at all.
Sure the Bronx Bombers in this new Hitters' paradise of Yankee Stadium is a bit tougher than facing the Toledo Mudhens but the bottom line is that Nieve is okay and the Mets are still a very good team overall, no matter how banged up and average they have been, and are too good to be getting such a handsome price. They stayed toe to toe in the first game of this series as a similar dog and will compete once again here.
The Yankees should win the game but yet again they may not and that is enough for me at this price.
For Saturday take the underdog Mets once again.
Sure the Yankees with Arod and Teixeira and Cano and Jeter and others will get some hits and plate some runs against Fernando Nieve but with that said Joe Girardi's team is once again laying a bit much today. The Mets deserved to win on Friday but lost in fairly ridiculous fashion in the bottom of the 9th and more times than not the team that suffers a bad beat like that is able to rebound the next day.
The Mets are not close to being healthy and are the inferior squad today, I admit that, but with David Wright, Carlos Beltran and a few other capable hitters in Sheffield and Church how can you not take back this sweet number with the still capable enough Mets!?!?!?! This isn't 1998 where Andy Pettitte was an elite pitcher. No doubt in a clutch money situation when the chips are down the Yankee Southpaw can be tough as he guts it out with the best of them but more times than not this guy right now is extremely mediocre.
Nieve may even be the better pitcher at this point when compared to his mound combatant in Pettitte. I'm not saying that Triple A compares to the Bigs at all but the Mets' starter was 3-0 there and has been pretty solid. Plus he has had some experience the past few years with the Astros so it's not like this is his Major League debut at all.
Sure the Bronx Bombers in this new Hitters' paradise of Yankee Stadium is a bit tougher than facing the Toledo Mudhens but the bottom line is that Nieve is okay and the Mets are still a very good team overall, no matter how banged up and average they have been, and are too good to be getting such a handsome price. They stayed toe to toe in the first game of this series as a similar dog and will compete once again here.
The Yankees should win the game but yet again they may not and that is enough for me at this price.
