Sunday 5/8/16 service plays chatter/comps/requests & other stuff...

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

SCOTT SPREITZER

I'm recommending a play on the Cardinals on Sunday. Matt Carpenter is beginning to heat-up, including yesterday's game winning homer in the bottom of the 9th. The Bucs have to be a little stunned after yesterday's results and after getting hammered by the Cubs before the weekend series with the Redbirds. Today, they'll face Cardinal hurler Michael Wacha. The right-hander has helped his team to a 21-7 record in his last 28 starts at Busch Stadium. Wacha is putting up top-shelf numbers in 2016 and will be backed by an offense that ranks 4th, 4th, and 1st, in team batting average, OBP, and OPS against right-handed pitchers. Wacha has allowed just four earned runs and 15 base runners with 17 strikeouts in his last two starts, spanning 15 innings, yet the Cards didn't score a single run in either game. But with the way they're hitting righties and with Carpenter heating up, I do believe they'll give Wacha enough support against Gerrit Cole. St. Louis has made a habit of beating overused bullpens, those averaging at least 4 IP per game, going 72-33 and averaging 5 rpg the last 105 times. Pittsburgh's pen fits the bill. We'll back the Cardinals as they look to extend their run as home chalk to 63-28. I'm recommending a play on the Cardinals on Sunday. Thanks & GL! Scott Spreitzer.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

JEFF BENTON

Your Sunday freebie is the Under in Game 4 of the Spurs-Thunder series.

After an easy Over in Game 1, things have tightened up defensively, as the last pair in this series have both held Under the total.

With the Under now standing at 5-1 the last 6 series meetings, and 6-2 overall Under the posted price in the last 8 series meetings, I suggest staying with that Low trend and cashing in another Under.

The Spurs are on an 8-2 overall Under run dating back to the regular season, while the Thunder have held Under in 6 of their last 10 overall since the regular campaign.

Spurs-Thunder Under in Game 4.

3* SAN ANTONIO-OKLAHOMA CITY UNDER

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

BRAD WILTON

After an Under on Friday night between the teams, Saturday's affair between the Pirates and the Cardinals did slip Over the total.

That makes 5 of 6, and 7 of their last 10 games Over the total for the Bucs, and it also puts the Cards at 4-3-2 Over the price in their last 9 games.

I will look for another Over on Sunday with Gerrit Cole and Michael Wacha on the hill.

Cole has a 3.95 season ERA, and each of his last 3 starts, and 4 of his 5 starts overall this year have landed Over the total.

Wacha does own a 0.90 ERA in his home starts this season, so the runs may be a little harder for the Pirates to plate in this one, but with a total this low, all we need is Pittsburgh to get a couple of runs, and let the host Redbirds do the rest.

Pirates and Cardinals Over the total.

2* PITTSBURGH-ST. LOUIS OVER

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

NHL

Sunday, May 8

Trend Report

3:00 PM
NY ISLANDERS vs. TAMPA BAY
NY Islanders are 6-2 SU in their last 8 games on the road
NY Islanders are 2-4 SU in their last 6 games when playing Tampa Bay
Tampa Bay is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games
Tampa Bay is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games at home

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

MLB

Sunday, May 8

Trend Report

1:07 PM
LA DODGERS vs. TORONTO
The total has gone OVER in 7 of LA Dodgers's last 9 games when playing Toronto
LA Dodgers are 5-1 SU in their last 6 games when playing Toronto
The total has gone OVER in 7 of Toronto's last 9 games when playing LA Dodgers
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Toronto's last 8 games when playing at home against LA Dodgers

1:10 PM
KANSAS CITY vs. CLEVELAND
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Kansas City's last 9 games
The total has gone OVER in 10 of Kansas City's last 14 games when playing on the road against Cleveland
The total has gone OVER in 10 of Cleveland's last 14 games when playing at home against Kansas City
Cleveland is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games at home

1:10 PM
PHILADELPHIA vs. MIAMI
Philadelphia is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games on the road
Philadelphia is 2-5 SU in its last 7 games when playing Miami
Miami is 11-2 SU in its last 13 games
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Miami's last 7 games when playing at home against Philadelphia

1:10 PM
MILWAUKEE vs. CINCINNATI
The total has gone OVER in 9 of Milwaukee's last 10 games
Milwaukee is 7-3 SU in its last 10 games when playing on the road against Cincinnati
Cincinnati is 3-7 SU in its last 10 games when playing at home against Milwaukee
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Cincinnati's last 6 games when playing at home against Milwaukee

1:10 PM
TEXAS vs. DETROIT
Texas is 3-7 SU in its last 10 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Texas's last 6 games
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Detroit's last 8 games at home
Detroit is 3-6 SU in its last 9 games at home

1:35 PM
OAKLAND vs. BALTIMORE
Oakland is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Baltimore
Oakland is 2-6 SU in its last 8 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Baltimore's last 5 games
Baltimore is 17-5 SU in its last 22 games at home

1:35 PM
ARIZONA vs. ATLANTA
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Arizona's last 6 games when playing on the road against Atlanta
Arizona is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Atlanta
Atlanta is 3-13 SU in its last 16 games
Atlanta is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games at home

2:10 PM
MINNESOTA vs. CHI WHITE SOX
Minnesota is 1-8 SU in its last 9 games
Minnesota is 0-5 SU in their last 5 games when playing Chi White Sox
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Chi White Sox's last 7 games
The total has gone UNDER in 9 of Chi White Sox's last 12 games at home

2:10 PM
SEATTLE vs. HOUSTON
The total has gone OVER in 8 of Seattle's last 11 games when playing on the road against Houston
Seattle is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games
Houston is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Seattle
Houston is 10-5 SU in its last 15 games when playing at home against Seattle

2:15 PM
PITTSBURGH vs. ST. LOUIS
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Pittsburgh's last 6 games
Pittsburgh is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games
St. Louis is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games when playing at home against Pittsburgh
St. Louis is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games

2:20 PM
WASHINGTON vs. CHI CUBS
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Washington's last 6 games when playing Chi Cubs
Washington is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games on the road
Chi Cubs are 6-1 SU in their last 7 games at home
Chi Cubs are 4-1 SU in their last 5 games when playing at home against Washington

3:35 PM
TAMPA BAY vs. LA ANGELS
Tampa Bay is 5-2 SU in their last 7 games when playing LA Angels
Tampa Bay is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games on the road
LA Angels are 2-5 SU in their last 7 games when playing Tampa Bay
LA Angels are 1-4 SU in their last 5 games when playing at home against Tampa Bay

4:05 PM
COLORADO vs. SAN FRANCISCO
Colorado is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games
Colorado is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 4 of San Francisco's last 5 games when playing Colorado
The total has gone OVER in 8 of San Francisco's last 10 games at home

4:40 PM
NY METS vs. SAN DIEGO
The total has gone OVER in 4 of NY Mets's last 5 games when playing San Diego
NY Mets are 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing San Diego
San Diego is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 4 of San Diego's last 5 games when playing NY Mets

8:05 PM
BOSTON vs. NY YANKEES
Boston is 6-3 SU in their last 9 games when playing NY Yankees
Boston is 9-4 SU in its last 13 games
NY Yankees are 3-6 SU in their last 9 games when playing Boston
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of NY Yankees's last 5 games

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

MLB
Dunkel

Sunday, May 8


NY Mets @ San Diego

Game 963-964
May 8, 2016 @ 4:40 pm

Dunkel Rating:
NY Mets
(Harvey) 16.096
San Diego
(Cshner) 14.129
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
NY Mets
by 2
8
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
NY Mets
-150
7 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
NY Mets
(-150); Over

Texas @ Detroit

Game 965-966
May 8, 2016 @ 1:10 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Texas
(Perez) 14.587
Detroit
(Vrlnder) 16.053
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Detroit
by 1 1/2
11
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Detroit
-150
9
Dunkel Pick:
Detroit
(-150); Over

Kansas City @ Cleveland

Game 967-968
May 8, 2016 @ 1:10 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Kansas City
(Volquez) 14.852
Cleveland
(Tomlin) 16.306
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Cleveland
by 1 1/2
9
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Cleveland
-125
8
Dunkel Pick:
Cleveland
(-125); Over

Oakland @ Baltimore

Game 969-970
May 8, 2016 @ 1:35 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Oakland
(Grvemen) 13.476
Baltimore
(Tillman) 15.898
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Baltimore
by 2 1/2
13
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Baltimore
-160
8 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Baltimore
(-160); Over

Seattle @ Houston

Game 971-972
May 8, 2016 @ 2:10 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Seattle
(Iwakma) 15.562
Houston
(McHugh) 14.011
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Seattle
by 1 1/2
7 1/2
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Houston
-110
9
Dunkel Pick:
Seattle
(-110); Under

Philadelphia @ Miami

Game 951-952
May 8, 2016 @ 1:10 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Philadelphia
(Nola) 12.641
Miami
(Niclino) 15.799
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Miami
by 3
9
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Miami
-115
6
Dunkel Pick:
Miami
(-115); Under

Minnesota @ Chicago White Sox

Game 973-974
May 8, 2016 @ 2:10 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Minnesota
(Duffey) 15.624
Chicago White Sox
(Quntana) 14.736
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Minnesota
by 1
7
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Chicago White Sox
-200
8
Dunkel Pick:
Minnesota
(+170); Under

Milwaukee @ Cincinnati

Game 953-954
May 8, 2016 @ 1:10 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Milwaukee
(Guerra) 13.071
Cincinnati
(Lamb) 16.053
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Cincinnati
by 3
8
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Cincinnati
-140
9
Dunkel Pick:
Cincinnati
(-140); Under

Tampa Bay @ LA Angels

Game 975-976
May 8, 2016 @ 3:35 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Tampa Bay
(Andrese) 13.298
LA Angels
(Trpeano) 14.839
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
LA Angels
by 1 1/2
9
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
LA Angels
-125
8 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
LA Angels
(-125); Over

Arizona @ Atlanta

Game 955-956
May 8, 2016 @ 1:35 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Arizona
(Corbin) 12.453
Atlanta
(Fltynwcz) 14.667
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Atlanta
by 2
9
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Arizona
-145
8
Dunkel Pick:
Atlanta
(+125); Over

Boston @ NY Yankees

Game 977-978
May 8, 2016 @ 8:05 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Boston
(Wright) 16.697
NY Yankees
(Sverino) 15.182
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Boston
by 1 1/2
11
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Boston
-120
8
Dunkel Pick:
Boston
(-120); Over

Pittsburgh @ St. Louis

Game 957-958
May 8, 2016 @ 2:15 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Pittsburgh
(Cole) 15.207
St. Louis
(Wacha) 13.608
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Pittsburgh
by 1 1/2
5
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
St. Louis
-125
7 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Pittsburgh
(+105); Under

LA Dodgers @ Toronto

Game 979-980
May 8, 2016 @ 1:07 pm

Dunkel Rating:
LA Dodgers
(Strplng) 18.056
Toronto
(Estrada) 12.533
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
LA Dodgers
by 5 1/2
11
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Toronto
-180
8 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
LA Dodgers
(+160); Over

Washington @ Chicago Cubs

Game 959-960
May 8, 2016 @ 2:10 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Washington
(Roark) 17.073
Chicago Cubs
(Arrieta) 16.128
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Washington
by 1
9 1/2
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Chicago Cubs
-250
No Run Total
Dunkel Pick:
Washington
(+210); N/A

Colorado @ San Francisco

Game 961-962
May 8, 2016 @ 4:05 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Colorado
(Butler) 16.911
San Francisco
(Smrdzja) 15.844
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Colorado
by 1
7
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
San Francisco
-190
8
Dunkel Pick:
Colorado
(+165); Under

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

NBA
Long Sheet

Sunday, May 8

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

CLEVELAND (64 - 25) at ATLANTA (52 - 39) - 5/8/2016, 3:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
ATLANTA is 100-85 ATS (+6.5 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
ATLANTA is 83-57 ATS (+20.3 Units) in home games after 3 or more consecutive losses since 1996.
ATLANTA is 57-40 ATS (+13.0 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
CLEVELAND is 16-5 ATS (+10.5 Units) in road games when leading in a playoff series since 1996.
ATLANTA is 7-24 ATS (-19.4 Units) in the second round of the playoffs since 1996.

Head-to-Head Series History
CLEVELAND is 11-6 against the spread versus ATLANTA over the last 3 seasons
CLEVELAND is 11-6 straight up against ATLANTA over the last 3 seasons
12 of 17 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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

SAN ANTONIO (73 - 16) at OKLAHOMA CITY (60 - 30) - 5/8/2016, 8:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
OKLAHOMA CITY is 155-114 ATS (+29.6 Units) revenging a loss vs opponent since 1996.
SAN ANTONIO is 49-40 ATS (+5.0 Units) in all games this season.
SAN ANTONIO is 48-35 ATS (+9.5 Units) as a favorite this season.
SAN ANTONIO is 72-55 ATS (+11.5 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 99+ points/game over the last 2 seasons.
OKLAHOMA CITY is 39-48 ATS (-13.8 Units) in all games this season.
OKLAHOMA CITY is 26-35 ATS (-12.5 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 99+ points/game this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
OKLAHOMA CITY is 12-8 against the spread versus SAN ANTONIO over the last 3 seasons
OKLAHOMA CITY is 10-10 straight up against SAN ANTONIO over the last 3 seasons
12 of 20 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

NBA

Sunday, May 8

Trend Report

3:30 PM
CLEVELAND vs. ATLANTA
Cleveland is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing Atlanta
Cleveland is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Atlanta
Atlanta is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games when playing Cleveland
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Atlanta's last 8 games when playing Cleveland

8:00 PM
SAN ANTONIO vs. OKLAHOMA CITY
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of San Antonio's last 6 games when playing Oklahoma City
San Antonio is 2-5 ATS in its last 7 games when playing Oklahoma City
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Oklahoma City's last 6 games when playing San Antonio
Oklahoma City is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games when playing San Antonio

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

NBA
Dunkel

Sunday, May 8


Cleveland @ Atlanta

Game 525-526
May 8, 2016 @ 3:30 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Cleveland
127.751
Atlanta
120.389
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Cleveland
by 7 1/2
208
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Cleveland
by 5
203 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Cleveland
(-5); Over

San Antonio @ Oklahoma City

Game 527-528
May 8, 2016 @ 8:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
San Antonio
129.194
Oklahoma City
125.677
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
San Antonio
by 3 1/2
193
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
San Antonio
by 1
198
Dunkel Pick:
San Antonio
(-1); Under

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

DAVE COKIN

PHILLIES -101

Aaron Nola is turning out to be a much better pitcher than I thought he’d likely be. Nola looked like a very high floor prospect coming out of out of school, but he also wasn’t projected as an ultra-high ceiling guy. It might be time for some reassessment on that count. This guy has a curveball that is just plain nasty and Nola is clearly pitching at an All-Star level in his first full season in the majors.

Time will tell if he has true staying power, but Nola is definitely not a pitcher I want to try and beat right now. All his pitches are working, his control has been impeccable, and when balls get put into play, they’re generally not being hit with a great deal of authority.

I’ve got to give Nola a substantial edge over Justin Nicolino today. The Marlins southpaw simply doesn’t miss many bats and he’s a pitcher who will consistently be dependent on good defense and some BABIP good fortune. I don’t see Nicolino as more than a back end of the rotation starter and to be honest, I might be a shade high with even that projection. Admittedly, I have a bias against pitchers who can’t get the K when it’s most needed. While I occasionally go a little overboard on that stat, I’ll be adamant that a pitcher who might not even be able to average 4 strikeouts per 9 innings is not likely to enjoy a successful career as a major league starter.

The Phillies have not done much with the sticks against lefties so far this season. But they did knock Wei-Yin Chen around on Friday and I have to think they can get some good things done against Nicolino as well. The Phillies ended up losing on Friday after rallying against Miami. But the Phils will have some positive momentum here after a nice comeback win last night. Yes, they got a little lucky as the winning run scored when Miami 1B Chris Johnson simply dropped a center of the glove throw on what should have been an inning ending double play. But these Phillies have been mighty opportunistic so far, and this was just another game they found a way to win.

I’m a little surprised at this price. No question the Marlins have been on fire, but the starting pitcher edge for Philadelphia looks pretty substantial to me. I thought this would come something like Phillies -115, and on my homework I actually made it closer to -130. At virtually even money, it’s a relatively easy decision and I’m backing Nola and the Phillies.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Larry Ness

New York Mets

The Mets won EIGHT in a row from April 22-30, as their rotation posted a 2.51 ERA during that streak. However, a lack of run support since then has led to some ordinary results. The Mets scored 50 times during their eight-game run but only 16 times in the six that followed, going 2-4. New York starters weren’t to blame, as they posted a 2.84 ERA in the six games after the streak. The Mets are hoping the team’s dip in production is a thing of the past, as New York went deep FOUR times in a 6-3 win over San Diego last night. Yoenis Cespedes hit his 10th of the season, while David Wright and Michael Conforto added back-to-back solo blasts in the ninth. Most surprising was a two-run shot by Bartolo Colon, who turns 43 on May 24. He became the oldest player to hit his first major league home run!

Matt Harvey (2-4, 4.76 ERA) takes the mound Sunday looking to help the the Mets salvage a four-game split against the Padres. He’s 1-1 with a 3.50 ERA in three career starts against the Padres (Mets are 1-2). Harvey is blaming his early struggles on bad mechanics and not his heavy 2015 workload in his comeback from Tommy John surgery. He was 5-1 with a 2.72 ERA after his first six starts last season. "My body doesn't feel bad," Harvey told MLB's official website. "I don't feel tired. I don't feel any downside from the workload last year. It's just right now, I'm in a little funk with my mechanics, and we're working to get rid of that." Opposing Harvey will be Andrew Cashner (2-2, 4.85 ERA), who has notched three quality starts in his last four outings. He'll now try to win consecutive outings for the first time since a three-start streak in September 2014. However, Cashner is 0-2 with a 7.88 ERA in three career starts against New York (Padres are 1-2)

Cashner has been a reliable starter for the Padres here at Petco but it’s my belief that Harvey is about to go on a run. That’s my bet, as well.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

MMA OddsBreaker

Madadi Over Cabral

This isn't just a play on Madadi, it's more a fade on his opponent Yan Cabral's conditioning. Cabral is an elite Brazilian jiu-jitsu specialist, but he always gasses in his fights that last over a round. If Cabral can't put Madadi away, his conditioning is going to fail him and Madadi will take over. Madadi should be even or slightly better than Cabral on the feet and if he can keep the fight there, he's going to be in a good position to win. Madadi is older, but he has a ton of heart and I think that carries him through here.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

NHL
Dunkel

Sunday, May 8


NY Islanders @ Tampa Bay

Game 67-68
May 8, 2016 @ 3:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
NY Islanders
9.791
Tampa Bay
12.754
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Tampa Bay
by 3
6
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Tampa Bay
-175
5
Dunkel Pick:
Tampa Bay
(-175); Over

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

NHL
Long Sheet

Sunday, May 8

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

NY ISLANDERS (50-30-0-12, 112 pts.) at TAMPA BAY (53-33-0-5, 111 pts.) - 5/8/2016, 3:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
TAMPA BAY is 35-18 ATS (+5.2 Units) second half of the season this season.
TAMPA BAY is 18-5 ATS (+23.9 Units) in the second round of the playoffs since 1996.
TAMPA BAY is 199-209 ATS (+489.8 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season since 1996.
NY ISLANDERS are 16-7 ATS (+7.2 Units) after scoring 1 goal or less in their previous game this season.
NY ISLANDERS are 24-18 ATS (+5.6 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
TAMPA BAY is 17-22 ATS (-14.8 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
TAMPA BAY is 7-6-0 straight up against NY ISLANDERS over the last 3 seasons
6 of 11 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=+0.5 Units)

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Dodgers at Blue Jays


GAME: Los Angeles Dodgers (15-15) at Toronto Blue Jays (16-16)
DATE/TIME: Sunday, May 08 - 1:07 PM EST
WHERE: Rogers Centre, Toronto, Ontario
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A


After being cooled off by Clayton Kershaw, the Toronto Blue Jays look to get back on track when they host the Los Angeles Dodgers on Sunday afternoon in the rubber match of a three-game set. Toronto had its four-game winning streak snapped by three-time National League Cy Young Award winner Kershaw in Saturday's 6-2 defeat.

Although the Dodgers have won only three times in the last 11 games, first baseman Adrian Gonzalez appears to have rediscovered his hitting stroke. Following a slump in which he was hitless in 20 at-bats, Gonzalez went 2-for-4 and drove in a pair of runs Saturday to run his hitting streak to four games and halt a 10-game RBI drought. Blue Jays center fielder Kevin Pillar, who clubbed a three-run homer in the series opener, is 5-for-13 with six RBIs over the past three games. Toronto sends veteran right-hander Marco Estrada to the mound Sunday while Los Angeles counters with rookie Ross Stripling.

TV: 1:07 p.m. ET, SportsNet LA (Los Angeles), Sportsnet (Toronto)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Dodgers RH Ross Stripling (0-2, 4.33 ERA) vs. Blue Jays RH Marco Estrada (1-2, 2.64)

Stripling had a splashy start to his major league career, throwing 7 1/3 no-hit innings in his first outing and following that up with six innings of two-run ball against Arizona. Things have since deteriorated for the 26-year-old rookie, who was knocked around for five runs on seven hits over 4 2/3 innings in a loss to San Diego last time out. Stripling has pitched a total of 13 2/3 innings over his last three turns, giving up 11 runs and 21 hits.

Estrada turned in his third quality start of the season last time out against Texas, but he had to settle for a no-decision despite permitting only one run on two hits over six innings. He took the loss against the Chicago White Sox in his previous turn after allowing three runs in 6 2/3 innings while walking four batters for the second straight outing. Estrada has been tormented by Los Angeles' Chase Utley, who is 6-for-10 with a homer and five RBIs against him.

WALK-OFFS

1. Dodgers RHP Kenley Jansen has converted all 11 saves chances this season and 23 in a row dating to last year.

2. Blue Jays SS Troy Tulowitzki is 6-for-44 with one extra-base hit over his last 12 games.

3. The Dodgers claimed RHP Casey Fien off waivers from Minnesota.

PREDICTION: Blue Jays 5, Dodgers 4

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Phillies at Marlins


GAME: Philadelphia Phillies (17-14) at Miami Marlins (16-13)
DATE/TIME: Sunday, May 08 - 1:10 PM EST
WHERE: Marlins Park, Miami, Florida
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A


Aaron Nola looks to keep his hot streak going when he toes the rubber for the Philadelphia Phillies in the finale of their three-game series against the host Miami Marlins on Sunday. The 22-year-old has emerged as one of the top young pitchers in the game and carries a 20-inning scoreless streak into what will be his fourth straight start on the road, where he owns a sparkling 0.64 ERA.

"The guy is just a really good pitcher," Phillies manager Pete Mackanin told reporters following Nola's most recent gem - a 1-0 win over St. Louis. "You can't sit on one side of the plate because he's so good locating to both sides." Nola's effort versus the Cardinals preceded a three-game losing streak for the Phillies, who ended the skid with a comeback 4-3 win on Saturday. Odubel Herrera recorded an RBI single and scored a run in the pivotal three-run eighth inning, keeping alive a six-game hitting streak during which he has gone 10-for-23 to raise his average to .330. The budding star from Venezuela now is hitting .384 in 21 career games against the Marlins, who lost for just the second time in 13 games Saturday.

TV: 1:10 p.m. ET, CSN Philadelphia, FSN Florida (Miami)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Phillies RH Aaron Nola (2-2, 2.93 ERA) vs. Marlins LH Justin Nicolino (2-0, 2.70)

Nola has worked exactly seven innings in each of his last three starts, recording seven strikeouts every time. The former first-round pick has yielded a scant eight hits in that stretch and is limiting opponents to a .176 average, which is even more impressive when one considers the fact he has issued only seven walks in 40 frames overall. Nola tossed eight scoreless innings in his lone start against the Marlins last season, limiting them to three hits.

After blanking the Los Angeles Dodgers in his season debut on April 27, Nicolino gave up four runs in six frames against Arizona on Tuesday but still managed to pick up his second win in as many tries. He has recorded just two strikeouts against five walks in those two outings. The 24-year-old allowed four runs and 11 hits over 14 2/3 innings in two starts against the Phillies in 2015.

WALK-OFFS

1. Philadelphia is 10-3 in one-run games.

2. Miami LF Christian Yelich is 4-for-8 in the series and is batting .333 in 32 career games against the Phillies.

3. Marlins CF Marcell Ozuna has recorded four straight two-hit performances and belted four homers in his last seven contests.

PREDICTION: Phillies 5, Marlins 3

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Brewers at Reds

GAME: Milwaukee Brewers (12-18) at Cincinnati Reds (13-18)
DATE/TIME: Sunday, May 08 - 1:10 PM EST
WHERE: Great American Ball Park, Cincinnati, Ohio
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A

After ending their three-game slide in emphatic fashion, the Milwaukee Brewers attempt to earn a split of the four-game series when they visit the Cincinnati Reds on Sunday. Milwaukee recorded a total of six runs in losing the first two games of the set before scoring seven in the 10th inning en route to a 13-7 triumph on Saturday.

Aaron Hill is riding an eight-game hitting streak that featured his first career three-homer performance Saturday in which he belted a tiebreaking grand slam in the 10th to match the franchise record for RBIs in a game with seven. Hill, who drove in eight runs in his first 28 games of the season, is 12-for-29 during his hitting streak. Cincinnati squandered a pair of four-run leads Saturday as it had its string of three straight wins halted and fell to 3-3 on its 10-game homestand. Brandon Phillips has been on a tear for the Reds as he enters the series finale with a six-game hitting streak and home runs in each of his last four contests.

TV: 1:10 p.m. ET, FSN Wisconsin (Milwaukee), FSN Ohio (Cincinnati)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Brewers RH Junior Guerra (1-0, 6.00 ERA) vs. Reds LH John Lamb (0-0, 1.50)

Guerra came away with the victory in his first major-league start Tuesday despite surrendering four runs and seven hits in six innings against the Los Angeles Angels. The 31-year-old Venezuelan issued one walk and struck out three while throwing 72 pitches - six more than his total in three relief appearances with the Chicago White Sox last season. Guerra, who has not faced any member of the Reds, recorded 23 strikeouts over 23 1/3 frames in four starts for Triple-A Colorado Springs before being recalled but went 0-2 with a 4.63 ERA.

Lamb pitched well in his season debut Tuesday but settled for a no-decision against San Francisco after allowing one run and six hits over six innings. It was a strong showing by the 25-year-old Californian, who began the campaign on the disabled list due to offseason back surgery and posted a 9.22 ERA in three rehab starts for Triple-A Louisville. Lamb made two starts versus Milwaukee last year, going 0-1 while yielding eight runs and 14 hits over 11 2/3 frames.

WALK-OFFS

1. Drew Hayes and Steve Delabar pitched for the Reds on Saturday after being summoned from Louisville to replace fellow RHPs J.J. Hoover, who was optioned to Triple-A, and Jon Moscot, who was placed on the 15-day disabled list with left shoulder inflammation.

2. Brewers LF Ryan Braun, who is on a seven-game hitting streak, ended his homer drought at nine games Saturday with the 19th of his career at Great American Ball Park - his highest total at a road stadium.

3. Cincinnati 1B Joey Votto and 2B Phillips have played 1,000 games together on the right side of the team's infield, the most in team history and the eighth-highest total in the majors since 1900.

PREDICTION: Reds 7, Brewers 4

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Royals at Indians

GAME: Kansas City Royals (15-14) at Cleveland Indians (14-13)
DATE/TIME: Sunday, May 08 - 1:10 PM EST
WHERE: Progressive Field, Cleveland, Ohio
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A

The defending World Series champion Kansas City Royals are having trouble keeping the momentum moving in a positive direction so far in 2016. The Royals will try to avoid their fourth straight series loss when they visit the Cleveland Indians in the rubber match of a three-game set on Sunday.

The American League Central rivals traded strong pitching performances in the first two games of the series, with the Indians riding Danny Salazar to a 7-1 victory in Friday’s opener and Kansas City getting seven strong innings from Ian Kennedy in Saturday’s 7-0 win. The seven-run outburst was a rarity for the Royals, who are operating without their leading home run hitter after third baseman Mike Moustakas was placed on the disabled list with a fractured thumb. Cheslor Cuthbert went 1-for-4 with an RBI single in his season debut while starting in place of Moustakas on Saturday. Cleveland had a four-game winning streak come to an end with the loss and is looking for a second straight series win against a division opponent after sweeping the Detroit Tigers during the week.

TV: 1:10 p.m. ET, FSN Kansas City, SportsTime Ohio (Cleveland)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Royals RH Edinson Volquez (3-2, 3.13 ERA) vs. Indians RH Josh Tomlin (4-0, 3.13)

Volquez surrendered two or fewer runs in five of his six starts and bounced back from his worst outing by holding the Washington Nationals to two runs in 7 2/3 innings on Monday. The Dominican Republic native could not get any support and absorbed the loss in that outing, giving him two straight setbacks after a debacle at the Los Angeles Angels on April 26 in which he was reached for eight runs in five innings. Volquez doesn’t quite have a handle on how to pitch to Cleveland and is 2-4 with an 8.01 ERA in seven career starts against the Indians.

Tomlin is undefeated in four starts and has issued a total of two walks in 23 innings. The 31-year-old Texan yielded nine hits in six innings against Detroit on Tuesday but limited the damage to two runs while striking out five. Tomlin is 6-4 with a 5.11 ERA in 16 career games – 12 starts – against the Royals but held Kansas City to two runs in a complete-game effort at home last season on Sept. 15.

WALK-OFFS

1. Royals DH Kendrys Morales homered on Saturday – his first blast since April 11.

2. Cleveland SS Francisco Lindor is 12-for-27 with six runs scored in the last seven games.

3. Moustakas is expected to miss two-to-three weeks with the fractured left thumb.

PREDICTION: Royals 6, Indians 5

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Rangers at Tigers

GAME: Texas Rangers (17-14) at Detroit Tigers (14-15)
DATE/TIME: Sunday, May 08 - 1:10 PM EST
WHERE: Comerica Park, Detroit, Michigan
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A

The Texas Rangers are getting well at the expense of Detroit's pitching staff and look to compete a three-game sweep of the host Tigers in Sunday afternoon's series finale. The Rangers have bounced back from losing three straight in Toronto by belting six home runs, including five Saturday to send the Tigers to their fifth straight defeat.

Detroit right-hander Justin Verlander made headlines earlier in the week when his engagement to model/actress Kate Upton became public, but his immediate concern is quieting a lineup that has produced 20 hits in the past two games. Former Cy Young Award winner Verlander is off to a rocky start, owning the highest ERA (6.49) among starters in the American League entering the weekend. Rangers leadoff hitter Rougned Odor has homered in each of the last two games and is 5-for-10 with four RBIs and three runs scored in the series. Opposing Verlander is left-hander Martin Perez, who has an ERA of nearly 10.00 in three career starts against the Tigers.

TV: 1:10 p.m. ET, FSN Southwest (Texas), FSN Detroit

PITCHING MATCHUP: Rangers LH Martin Perez (1-2, 3.60 ERA) vs. Tigers RH Justin Verlander (2-3, 6.49)

Perez blanked Toronto on four hits over five innings Tuesday but did not factor in the decision after walking three batters and throwing 90 pitches. The 25-year-old Venezuelan notched his only win of the season in his previous start by limiting the New York Yankees to two runs on six hits over six innings. Tigers DH Victor Martinez is 3-for-6 with a home run and Miguel Cabrera is 2-for-3 with four walks versus Perez, who is 0-2 with a 4.24 in three road starts.

Verlander's up-and-down - mostly down - season continued in his last outing when he was shelled for seven runs on eight hits over five innings in a 7-3 setback at Cleveland. Verlander, who has alternated losses and wins over his last five turns, rode an offensive eruption to a 9-4 victory over Oakland on April 27, allowing three runs in 6 1/3 innings. He is 9-5 lifetime against the Rangers and went 1-1 against them last year with 13 strikeouts and two earned runs allowed in 13 innings.

WALK-OFFS

1. Tigers 1B Miguel Cabrera collected four hits Saturday to boost his career batting average versus Texas to .389 in 74 games.

2. Rangers 3B Adrian Beltre ended a 14-game homer drought by going deep twice Saturday.

3. Tigers 2B Ian Kinsler is 4-for-8 with a homer in the series and 25-for-64 lifetime against the Rangers.

PREDICTION: Tigers 5, Rangers 3

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Diamondbacks at Braves

GAME: Arizona Diamondbacks (14-18) at Atlanta Braves (7-22)
DATE/TIME: Sunday, May 08 - 1:35 PM EST
WHERE: Turner Field, Atlanta, Georgia
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A

The Atlanta Braves’ start to the 2016 season has been one for the record books, but not the kind of historical accomplishments anybody wants to claim. The Braves host the Arizona Diamondbacks in the finale of a three-game series Sunday while looking to avoid a sweep, and after losing the first two contests they sit at 1-14 at home -- the first team since the 1913 New York Yankees to open a season by losing 14 of its first 15 contests in their own stadium.

The Diamondbacks gave up 5.8 runs per game during a six-game losing streak entering the weekend, but have surrendered just four tallies in 18 innings in taking the first two games of the series -- rallying from a 2-0 deficit to beat Atlanta 4-2 on Saturday. Closer Brad Ziegler breezed through the ninth Saturday for his sixth save of the season and his 34th consecutive successful save opportunity, the longest streak in the majors. Arizona second baseman Jean Segura recorded his 13th multi-hit game of the season Saturday, going 2-for-5 to raise his average to .344. Atlanta’s Freddie Freeman hit his fourth homer of the year, just the seventh by a Braves player this season.

TV: 1:35 p.m. ET, FSN Arizona, FSN South (Atlanta)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Diamondbacks LH Patrick Corbin (1-3, 4.91 ERA) vs. Braves RH Mike Foltynewicz (0-1, 9.82)

Corbin made an impressive return from Tommy John surgery last year, going 6-5 with a 3.60 ERA in 16 starts, but has given up almost as many homers through six starts in 2016 (eight) as he did last year (nine). The 26-year-old gave up three runs on five hits in 5 1/3 innings of a no-decision Tuesday at Miami, rebounding somewhat after allowing seven runs in 5 2/3 frames on April 27 against St. Louis. Corbin, a 2013 National League All-Star, has not allowed a run to the Braves in 16 2/3 innings across three career appearances.

The long ball hurt Foltynewicz in his season debut Monday at New York as the 24-year-old allowed three first-inning homers while giving up four runs on five hits in the frame. But Foltynewicz surrendered no runs on three hits the rest of the way before being lifted after 3 2/3 innings, and looks to Sunday’s start as a chance to grab hold of a spot at the back of Atlanta’s rotation. Foltynewicz made 18 appearances (15 starts) for the Braves last season, going 4-6 with a 5.71 ERA with 17 homers allowed in 86 2/3 innings.

WALK-OFFS

1. Diamondbacks OF Yasmany Tomas has not played in the first two games of the series while dealing with a stiff neck and manager Chip Hale told reporters before Saturday’s game he may return to the lineup as early as Sunday.

2. Atlanta OF Ender Inciarte returned from the disabled list Saturday, going 0-for-3 with a walk in his first game since April 8.

3. Braves RHP Arodys Vizcaino gave up one run on two hits Saturday and has allowed a tally in three of his past four appearances.

PREDICTION: Diamondbacks 6, Braves 2