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[Can'tPickaWinner2]

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[superbeets]

CONCACAF Gold Cup We 8Jul 00:00

Panama

v

Haiti

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RECENT FORM	LAST HEAD-TO-HEADSAT ALL VENUES	RECENT FORM
HDALAWHWHDAL​ Most recent​	1 - 1 0 - 3	–-–-–-NLALAD​ Most recent​

KEY STAT: Panama have conceded eight goals in their last six games

EXPERT VERDICT: Both teams have struggled with inconsistency lately but Panama should be encouraged by recent friendly victories over Trinidad & Tobago and Costa Rica. Haiti drew with China last time out but this looks like a difficult opener for them against a team who could make a real charge in the Gold Cup.

RECOMMENDATION: Panama
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[superbeets]

CONCACAF Gold Cup We 8Jul 02:30

USA

v

Honduras

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RECENT FORM	LAST HEAD-TO-HEADSAT ALL VENUES	RECENT FORM
ALADHWAWAWHW​ Most recent​	1 - 1 3 - 1 1 - 0 1 - 2	HLALNWADALND​ Most recent​

KEY STAT: Before facing Guatemala, USA had scored 13 goals in their previous six games

EXPERT VERDICT: The USA could not have had a better preparation for the Gold Cup after seeing off the might of Germany and Holland in build-up friendlies. However, Honduras won't be a pushover after reaching the semi-finals in 2013. Jurgen Klinsmann's side should come out on top but it could prove a tight affair.

RECOMMENDATION: USA to win 2-1
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[superbeets]

CONCACAF Gold Cup Th 9Jul 01:00

Costa Rica

v

Jamaica

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RECENT FORM	LAST HEAD-TO-HEADSAT ALL VENUES	RECENT FORM
ADHDALNLALAD​ Most recent​	1 - 1 2 - 0 0 - 0 0 - 0	HDHWHWNLNLAL​ Most recent​

KEY STAT: Jamaica have conceded only four goals in their last eight games

EXPERT VERDICT: Costa Rica were the surprise team of the 2014 World Cup and are the highest-ranked team at the Gold Cup after reaching the quarter-finals in Brazil. Expect them to come out on top of this one, although it won't be easy. Jamaica don't concede many goals as they showed at the Copa America.

RECOMMENDATION: Costa Rica to win 1-0
1

 

[superbeets]

CONCACAF Gold Cup Th 9Jul 03:30

El Salvador

v

Canada

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RECENT FORM	LAST HEAD-TO-HEADSAT ALL VENUES	RECENT FORM
NLNDNLNLADHW​ Most recent​	0 - 1	NLHDNWNDAWHW​ Most recent​

KEY STAT: El Salvador have kept just two clean sheets in their last 11 games

EXPERT VERDICT: Canada are bound to be confident they can do well at the Gold Cup having lost just one of their last seven matches and an opener against a poor El Salvador side looks the perfect first game. Tosaint Ricketts hit two goals in their 4-0 win over Dominica and could set them on their way to three points.

RECOMMENDATION: T Ricketts first scorer
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[superbeets]

CONCACAF Gold Cup Fr 10Jul 00:00

Trinidad

v

Guatemala

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RECENT FORM	LAST HEAD-TO-HEADSAT ALL VENUES	RECENT FORM
–-–-–-–-ADHL​ Most recent​	1 - 1 3 - 2 1 - 5 4 - 2	NDALALHDAWAL​ Most recent​

KEY STAT: Trinidad have failed to score in each of their last five matches

EXPERT VERDICT: Guatemala have suffered heavy recent defeats to Mexico and Uruguay but they should have little to fear from a clash with Trinidad & Tobago. Their opponents have struggled in attack lately and two clean sheets in World Cup qualifiers against Bermuda show Guatemala are capable of keeping them out.

RECOMMENDATION: Guatemala
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[superbeets]

CONCACAF Gold Cup Fr 10Jul 02:30

Mexico

v

Cuba

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RECENT FORM	LAST HEAD-TO-HEADSAT ALL VENUES	RECENT FORM
ALNDADHLHDND​ Most recent​	5 - 0 2 - 1	–-–-ALALADHD​ Most recent​

KEY STAT: Cuba have won just one of their last seven matches

EXPERT VERDICT: Mexico always field their strongest players in the Gold Cup rather than the Copa America so their exploits in Chile should be taken with a pinch of salt. This will be a huge test for them against the tournament joint-favourites and Mexico should be expected to get off to a flying start.

RECOMMENDATION: Mexico to win 4-0
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[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Coke Zero 400 Preview
By Micah Roberts

Let's start out by shaking each others hands as a congratulatory sign of affection for all of us being fellow Americans as we pass another Independence Day. It really doesn't matter whether you're friends or not, or whether you like a particular person, it's simply about everyone having the freedom to be who they truly are -- both faults and greatness, and live it.

I often reflect back in time to Philadelphia and Boston from the late 18th century and how all our founding fathers risked treason for the betterment of our colonies. And everything we stand for now as the leader of the free world can be tied back to those great moments in our brief but glorious history.

Don't ask me how I'm going to tie all this into my weekly NASCAR piece, but NASCAR does have a pretty good fireworks display going on Sunday night at Daytona International Speedway for the Coke Zero 400, formerly known as the Firecracker 400.

What I can say about NASCAR as it relates to our country is it certainly has a place in a large portion of our hobbies. It's followed weekly from spring till fall -- not too hard to follow in the standings -- and has a certain element that has grown over time that does embody America, whether it's roots of old moonshine runners or political candidates using races as forums to say 'vote for me'.

To me NASCAR is every bit American as baseball and football. They're our sports. Americans created them and we've watched them intensely waiting for some type or drama to include both the thrills of victory and agony of defeats on a regular basis. No other country is so driven by sports, and so often, as Americans.

Anyway, Happy Fourth or July to all. No let's talk about who is going win Sunday night's race.

I don't know whether I'm happy or sad to see racing at a restrictor-plate race because on one hand I love that anyone can win like no place elese. But on the other hand, I hate it because it's impossible to narrow down five to six drivers to win or bet driver matchups.

In fact, when plate races come around, I don't bet match-ups at all because practices in the four plate races don't tell any part of the story for race day like they do at the 32 other races. So the advantage plays on certain drivers and weeding those guys out before practices happen are completely gone which gives a huge advantage to the house.

Now to be fair to the sports books, they offer better value on drivers for plate races than you'll see on a normal basis. Take Kevin Harvick for example: He's 5/1 or less in normal races, but this week he's 12/1 as he tries to win his first race at Daytona since 2010. Harvick finished second to Joey Logano in February's Daytona 500.

This will be the third race of the season with cars using plates -- the Daytona 500 and the Geico 500 at Talladega were the first two. What we saw in each of those races was Hendrick Motorsports be very strong with Dale Earnhardt Jr. finishing third at Daytona and winning at Talladega.

Joey Logano won the Daytona 500, but it was Hendrick drivers leading the most laps led by Jeff Gordon's race-high 87 laps led, followed by Jimmie Johnson (39) and Earnhardt Jr. (32).

Those drivers all figure to be strong again, but you can probably suggest that there are up to 35 drivers that have a legitimate shot at winning. There is nothing wrong with taking a longer shot like Jamie McMurray and David Ragan at 40/1 because we've seen them constantly run well in plate races. McMurray's got four of his career wins with plates on and Ragan's only two victories came in plate races.

The past three years of plate races has seen Joe Gibbs Racing excel with Denny Hamlin and Matt Kenseth running extremely well. In Hamlin's past three starts at Daytona, he's finished second, sixth and fourth. You should be able to get 12/1 odds on him this week.

However, the best driver over the long haul at Daytona has been Earnhardt Jr. who has a 13.06 average finish in 31 career starts that includes three wins. For a track that is so volatile, Earnhardt Jr. has been the most consistent and has done it during all the different type of changes NASCAR has made with its aero-package. Junior just sees the air of the draft a little better than everyone else, even though teammate Jeff Gordon has six Daytona wins in 45 starts.

The last time we saw Junior win this summer holiday race was 2001 and it was his first win on any track since his father passed in the 2001 Daytona 500. Yes, to this day it still seems too good to be true -- the story book ending, but those DEI cars were way more advanced at that time than anyone else and they continued a huge run on plate races for the next four years. Everyone is now equal more than ever, but Junior is still getting the job done very well, and right now, this season, he's doing it better than most in plate races.

So enjoy the weekend, have some apple pie, say hello and congratulations to your fellow Americans and lets get that No. 88 Chevrolet to victory lane.

Top-5 Finish Prediction:

1) #88 Dale Earnhardt Jr. (10/1)
2) #11 Denny Hamlin (12/1)
3) #24 Jeff Gordon (12/1)
4) #48 Jimmie Johnson (12/1)
5) #20 Matt Kenseth (12/1)

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Drivers to Watch - Daytona
July 1, 2015

NASCAR Sprint Cup Series
Coke Zero 400
Sunday, July 5th – 7:45 p.m. EDT
Daytona International Speedway – Daytona Beach, FL
Odds to Win Race

After a historic week at the “Road Course” in Sonoma where the Busch brothers finished one-two, the racers head to one of the more historic courses in the circuit for the Coke Zero 400 in Daytona Beach. The Sprint Cup standings look very familiar to past years as Jimmie Johnson leads the way with his four victories and nine top-fives while being followed by Kevin Harvick. They will look to continue their dominance of the sport in Daytona where the Daytona 500 has already been run and won by Joey Logano.

In the past at this event, there have been plenty of multiple winners with the last being Tony Stewart who took the trophy four times (2005, 2006, 2009, 2012). Jeff Gordon is still looking for a victory in his final season, and this is yet another track where he has done well with three victories (1995, 1998, 2004) as he goes against last year’s winner, Aric Almirola, who won in a rain-shortened 112 laps that was postponed a day. The 2.5-mile, tri-oval asphalt track features 31-degree banks and will be looking for the 12th different winner on the season when the checkered flag waves.

Drivers to Bet

Dale Earnhardt Jr. (8/1) - Earnhardt Jr. has been having yet another successful season as he sits in sixth in the Sprint Cup standings and owns one win on the year in Talladega. Besides that, he has also jumped into the top-five another seven times, including at this track for the Daytona 500 where he earned a third place. He has always performed well here, getting three career wins and ranking in the top-five a total of 12 times in his 31 attempts with one pole. His driver rating of 91.9 ranks second among the drivers as he owns 2,968 quality passes (2nd-most) and has been in the top-15 for 66% of his laps (2,475 laps, 2nd-most). He is coming off of top-seven showings in each of the last two weeks and should continue his success on Sunday.

Kurt Busch (12/1) - Busch narrowly earned a victory last week in Sonoma, but was eventually outdueled by his brother and came in as the runner-up. He has never won at Daytona International Speedway, but has done well in his 28 attempts, getting into the top-five 11 times and has been in seventh or better at seven of the last nine visits to this particular event. Busch has the third-best driver rating (90.5) at this venue and if he can improve on his average starting position of 21st, there is a good opportunity for him to be very successful. He already has two wins this year, including one a few weeks ago in Michigan, and has done no worse than fifth in each of his last three races, so look for the 36-year-old to perform well on the asphalt Sunday night.

Jamie McMurray (30/1) - McMurray has not been able to add to his seven career victories this year, but will certainly be a nice sleeper to do so this week in Daytona. Of those seven wins, two have come at this track where he is very volatile with only one other top-five and three other top-10s over 25 career visits. His recent races have been his most consistent of the season as McMurray has done no worse than 11th with three seventh place finishes over the past month of competition and he has improved on his pole spot by an average of nine positions during that stretch. With his recent solid racing, the 39-year-old should put himself in contention for his eighth career victory.

Austin Dillon (40/1) - Dillon has been to Daytona just four times in his young Sprint Cup Series career and actually performed quite well with two top-10s and a top-five. He has only ran in this particular event once, and that came last year when he started in 23rd in the pole and ended up flying up the standings for an eventual fifth-place finish. Dillon hasn’t exactly been tearing up the circuit this year with his one top-10 showing, but he did well at Daytona in February with a 14th-place and has done well in qualifying recently with a start in the top-seven in two of the past three races. Expect Dillon to exceed expectations in this one and outpace his current odds.

Casey Mears (75/1) - This is a special place for Mears as he made his Sprint Cup Series debut on the track back in 2003 when he led for one lap but eventually finished in 27th. This year he did well again at the Daytona 500 with his best finish of this season (6th) and he seems to enjoy this venue with six top-10s in his 24 career starts. Recently he has done very well in this event, ranking fourth last year after a pole of 22nd and did well (9th) in 2013 when he had a starting position of 19th. The 13-year veteran has plenty of experience under his belt (432 races), but has just one career victory, so he is certainly a long shot, but his recent success at the course bodes well and he could really surprise when he crosses the finish line.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Earnhardt lands on pole after qualifying rainout
By THE SPORTS XCHANGE

Jul 04, 2015
By Jeff Olson

NASCAR Wire Service

Distributed by The Sports Xchange

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. -- The cancellation of qualifying for the Coke Zero 400 on Saturday inadvertently gave NASCAR a popular pole-sitter at Daytona International Speedway.

Dale Earnhardt Jr. will start first Sunday after the cancellation, which lined up the field according to speeds from Friday's first practice session. Earnhardt, who had a fast lap of 202.284 mph on Friday afternoon, will start next to Austin Dillon. Clint Bowyer will follow in third, Paul Menard fourth and Trevor Bayne fifth.

Earnhardt said he and crew chief Greg Ives went after a good time Friday on purpose.

"I asked Greg before we went out for practice what we were trying to accomplish," Earnhardt said. "That was the first thing he mentioned was to try to go out there on that first run and try to put a lap down because the weather wasn't looking so good for today. That was his decision, and it ended up working out for us."

It will be the first time Earnhardt has started from the pole in nearly two years. He won the pole at Dover in September 2013.

Meanwhile, Jeff Gordon, who's racing at Daytona for the final time as a full-time driver in his career, will start 24th.

"I'm pretty bummed that it rained out," Gordon said. "We were on a heck of a streak this year with two poles on the superspeedways, and I wanted to keep that going. I felt like yesterday our car had some really good speed and we'd have a good shot of doing that."

Sunday's race is scheduled to start at 7:45 p.m. ET and will be televised live by NBC.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

MLB

Marlins @ Cubs
Latos is 1-1, 5.30 in his last three starts; five of his last six went over.

Hendricks is 0-1, 3.34 in his last four home starts, under is 3-0 in last three.

Cubs won four of last five games overall, allowing five runs- nine of their last 12 games stayed under. Miami won five of last seven games, with four of last five going over the total. Marlins won three of last four games against the Cubs; three of last five series games stayed under.

Giants @ Nationals
Vogelsong is 2-1, 1.93 in his last three starts; three of his last four went under.

Zimmerman is 1-0, 0.00 (15.2 IP) in his last two starts; four of his last five home starts stayed under.

Giants lost three of last four games with Washington; five of last six series games went under the total. SF lost last five games, allowing 27 runs, eight of their last nine went over the total. Nationals lost three of last five games; their last three games all stayed under.

Brewers @ Reds
Jungmann is 2-1, 3.10 in his five starts (under 3-1-1).

Leake is 2-1, 6.55 in his last four home starts; four of his last five went over.

Brewers won last seven games, scoring 52 runs; over is 5-0-1 in last six. Reds are 9-3 in last 12 home games; five of their last six games overall went over. Milwaukee lost six of last nine games with Cincinnati; three of last four went over the total.

Phillies @ Braves
Hamels is 0-2, 4.32 in his last four starts; over is 3-1-1 in his last five.

Miller is 0-2, 4.88 in his last four starts; over is 5-1-1 in his last seven.

Phillies are 3-7 in last ten games with Atlanta; over is 4-1-1 in last six series games. Philly lost nine of last ten games; over is 5-1-1 in last seven. Braves won five of last six games; nine of their last twelve stayed under.

Padres @ Cardinals
Kennedy is 1-2, 4.50 in his last four starts; all of which stayed under- Padres got shut out in his last two starts.

Lynn is 2-0, 1.09 in his last four starts; his last seven stayed under.

Cardinals lost four of last five games after winning six in row; six of their last nine games stayed under. San Diego won three of last five games with St Louis; three of last five in series went over total. Padres lost four of last six games-- under is 3-1-1 in their last five.

Rockies @ Diamondbacks
JDe La Rosa is 4-1, 3.16 in his last six starts, five of which stayed under.

RDe La Rosa is 2-0, 1.63 in his last four starts, three of which stayed under.

Colorado lost eight of last ten games with Arizona; eight of last 12 series games went over. Rockies lost seven of last eight games; under is 3-1-1 in last five. D'backs won five of last seven games; under is 2-1-1 in their last four.

Mets @ Dodgers
Matz allowed two runs in 7.2 IP (112 PT) in winning his first MLB start.

Bolsinger is 0-1, 4.34 in his last four starts; four of his last six went over.

Mets lost nine of last 12 games with the Dodgers; over is 7-1-1 in last nine meetings. NY is 5-19 in its last 24 road games; they've lost four of last five games, scoring six runs- ten of their last 12 stayed under. LA won seven of last ten games; nine of their last 12 stayed under total.

American League
Blue Jays @ Tigers
Estrada is 1-1, 2.50 in his last three starts; four of his last six went over.

Verlander is 0-1, 5.60 in his three starts; they all went over.

Toronto won five of last eight games with Detroit; six of last seven in series went over. Blue Jays lost five of last six games. Tigers lost five of last nine games; their last 15 games went over.

Rays @ Bronx
Ramirez is 4-1, 1.41 in his last six starts (under 4-1-1).

Nova is 1-1, 1.50 in his two starts this season.

Rays lost seven in row, ten of last 12- six of their last seven games went over total. NY won last three games, allowing eight runs; seven of its last nine games stayed under. Tampa Bay won four of last seven games with Bronx; seven of last nine in series stayed under total.

Astros @ Red Sox
McCullers is 2-1, 2.82 in his last four starts; under is 3-1-2 in his last six.

Rodriguez allowed 15 runs in 8.2 IP in his last two home starts; three of his last four starts overall went over.

Astros won three of last five games with Boston (over 8-4 in last 12); they won five of last six games overall, allowing 18 runs- under is 6-3-1 in their last ten. Red Sox won five of their last seven games.

Angels @ Rangers
Wilson is 3-1, 3.33 in his last four starts; four of his last five stayed uder.

Lewis is 3-0, 4.00 in his last four starts; over is 7-2-1 in his last ten.

Angels won five of last six games with Texas; over is 8-3-1 in last 12 series games. Halos won six of last seven games; seven of their last nine stayed under total. Rangers lost three of their last four games, outscored 25-6.

Orioles @ White Sox
Gonzalez is 1-2, 5.75 in his last four starts; four of his last six stayed under.

Rodon is 1-1, 7.98 in his last three starts; his last three home starts stayed under the total.

Baltimore lost five of its last six games, scored three runs in last three; under is 6-1-1 in their last eight . White Sox won last four games, allowing four runs; three of those four stayed under. Orioles lost three of last four games with Chicago; five of last seven in series stayed under.

Twins @ Royals
Santana is making first '15 start; he was suspended for first 80 games of this season. He is 119-110 in 296 career starts.

Duffy is 0-4, 8.57 in his last five starts; four of his last six went over.

Minnesota lost six of last nine games vs Kansas City; six of last seven went under the total. Royals lost five of last six games, scoring 12 runs. Twins lost four of their last seven games; their last four stayed under

Mariners @ A's
Montgomery is 3-2, 1.62 in his six starts, 2-0, 0.00 (18 IP) in his last two; under is 3-1-1 in his last five.

Bassitt allowed one run in five IP (84 PT) in his first '15 start.

Seattle won six of its last eight games with Oakland; over is 5-3-1 in last nine series games. Mariners are 5-5 in last ten games; under is 6-1-1 in last eight. A's are 13-7 in their last 20 games, 4-5 in last nine; under is 5-2-1 in their last eight.

Interleague
Indians @ Pirates
Salazar is 1-2, 5.70 in his last four starts; under is 5-3 in his last eight.

Cole is 6-1, 2.68 in his last eight starts; under is 7-2-1 in his last ten.

Pirates won six of last eight games overall- eight of their last 12 went over the total. Bucs are 6-6 in last 12 games with Cleveland- seven of last nine stayed under total. Indians won five of last six games, scoring 31 runs-- four of the six went over the total.

Win-loss records this year for team with this starting pitcher:
Mia-Chi-- Latos 5-8; Hendricks 8-7
SF-Wsh-- Vogelsong 8-6; Zimmerman 9-7
Mil-Cin-- Jungmann 3-2; Leake 7-9
Phil-Atl-- Hamels 7-9; Miller 9-7
SD-StL-- Kennedy 6-8; Lynn 8-6
Col-Az-- JDe La Rosa 7-5; RDe La Rosa 9-7
NY-LA-- Matz 1-0; Bolsinger 6-5

Tor-Det-- Estrada 5-6; Verlander 0-3
TB-NY-- Ramirez 8-3; Nova 1-1
Hst-Bos-- McCullers 5-4; Rodriguez 4-3
LA-Tex-- Wilson 8-8; Lewis 8-8
Balt-Chi-- Gonzalez 8-6; Rodon 6-3
Minn-KC-- Santana 0-0; Duffy 5-5
Sea-A's-- Montgomery 3-3; Bassitt 0-1

Clev-Pitt-- Salazar 10-4; Cole 12-4

Times this starting pitcher allowed a run in first inning:
Mia-Chi-- Latos 5-13; Hendricks 2-15
SF-Wsh-- Vogelsong 2-14; Zimmerman 6-16
Mil-Cin-- Jungmann 0-5; Leake 3-16
Phil-Atl-- Hamels 5-16; Miller 2-16
SD-StL-- Kennedy 5-14; Lynn 4-14
Col-Az-- JDe La Rosa 4-12; RDe La Rosa 4-16
NY-LA-- Matz 1-1; Bolsinger 3-11

Tor-Det-- Estrada 2-11; Verlander 1-3
TB-NY-- Ramirez 3-11; Nova 0-2
Hst-Bos-- McCullers 1-9; Rodriguez 0-7
LA-Tex-- Wilson 3-16; Lewis 3-16
Balt-Chi-- Gonzalez 3-14; Rodon 3-9
Minn-KC-- Santana 0-0; Duffy 2-10
Sea-A's-- Montgomery 1-6; Bassitt 0-1

Clev-Pitt-- Salazar 4-14; Cole 7-16

Umpires
SF-Wsh-- Five of last six Cuzzi games stayed under.
SD-StL-- Three of last four Kulpa games stayed under.
Mil-Cin-- Under is 9-2-1 in last dozen Tumpane games.
Phil-Atl-- Over is 7-4 in last eleven Johnson games.
NY-LA-- Under is 6-3-1 in last ten Marquez games.
Mia-Chi-- Eight of last eleven Hudson games stayed under.
Col-Az-- Six of last seven Culbreth games stayed under.

TB-NY-- Six of last seven Bucknor games stayed under.
Tor-Det-- Five of last seven Baker games stayed under
Hst-Bos-- Favorites won 10 of last 11 Fagan games.
Balt-Chi-- Under is 10-6 in last sixteen Pattillo games.
Sea-A's-- Five of last six Muchlinski games stayed under.
Min-KC-- Four of last six Wolcott games went over.
LA-Tex-- Since start of 2014, home side is 16-9 in Woodring games.

Clev-Pitt-- Underdogs won six of last nine Hernandez games.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Wimbledon: Jankovic stuns defending champ Kvitova
By THE SPORTS XCHANGE

Jelena Jankovic of Serbia ended Petra Kvitova's dream of a second straight Wimbledon title with a 3-6, 7-5, 6-4 upset in the third round on Centre Court at the All-England Club on Saturday.

The second-seeded Kvitova of Czechoslovakia seemed headed toward an easy victory with a 4-2 lead in the second set before the Serb began a dramatic rally.

"Playing on grass is very difficult for me; it does not come naturally," said the 30-year-old Jankovic, whose best finish in a Grand Slam event was runner-up to Serena Williams in the 2008 U.S. Open. "In the last couple of years I've played so poorly. Being on Centre Court against the defending champion was unbelievable and the crowd was great, so I'm really, really happy I was able to win this match.

"She was playing unbelievably and she's in great form, there's no doubt about that. I just tried to stay one point at a time, just hanging in there, stay positive and fight. When I won the second set I knew I had it, and I just had to keep going."

Jankovic broke back to even the second set before breaking Kvitova in the 12th game, when the defending champion drove a forehand into the net.

The deciding set was on serve until the 10th game, when the Czech's forehand deserted her at 30-love. She sent one into the net, hit another long and wide, and sent a third several feet beyond the baseline, and Jankovic had her first match point.

When Kvitova hit into the net with a backhand, Jankovic flopped to the ground, finding her victory hard to believe.

"From the beginning of the match I felt in a good way," said Kvitova, who also won at Wimbledon in 2011. "Suddenly I was just missing it. It was unusual, or weird, but it is how it is. She was going for it and playing more aggressively. I was still waiting for chances that didn't come."

Jankovic, who has never advanced past the quarterfinals, will face No. 13-seeded Agnieszka Radwanska of Poland on Monday.

In other women's matches, No. 5 Caroline Wozniacki defeated No. 31 Camila Giorgi, 6-2, 6-2; No. 20 Garbine Muguruza beat No. 10 Angelique Kerber, 7-6 (12), 1-6, 6-2; No. 13 Agnieszka Radwanska ousted Casey Dellacqua, 6-1, 6-4; No. 13 Agnieszka Radwanska beat Casey Dellacqua, 6-1, 6-4; No. 15 Timea Bacsinszky eliminated No. 18 Sabine Lisicki, 6-3, 6-2, and No. 21 Madison Keys beat Tatjana Maria, 6-4, 6-4.

On the men's side, No. 2 Roger Federer got past Sam Groth, 6-4, 6-4, 6-7 (5), 6-2; No. 3 Andy Murray took care of No. 25 Andreas Seppi, 6-2, 6-2, 1-6, 6-1; No. 6 Tomas Berdych defeated. Pablo Andujar, 4-6, 6-0, 6-3, 7-6 (3); No. 9 Marin Cilic ousted No. 17 John Isner, 7-6 (4), 6-7 (6), 6-4, 6-7 (4), 12-10; No. 22 Viktor Troicki eliminated Dustin Brown, 6-4, 7-6 (3), 4-6, 6-3; No. 23 Ivo Karlovic defeated No. 13 Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, 7-6 (3), 4-6, 7-6 (2), 7-6 (9); and No. 20 Roberto Bautista beat Nikoloz Basilashvili, 7-6 (4), 6-0, 6-1.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Bohn ties for Greenbrier lead after third-round 61
By THE SPORTS XCHANGE

Jason Bohn posted a blistering 9-under-par 61 early in the day and it held up for a share of the lead with Sean O'Hair, Bryce Molder and S.J. Park of South Korea heading to the final round of the Greenbrier Classic on the Old White TPC in White Sulphur Springs, W.Va.

The 42-year-old Bohn, who has won twice on the PGA Tour, collected 10 birdies on Saturday in his career-best round, including four on the last five holes after making his only bogey at No. 11.

"I played from the fairway pretty much all day," said Bohn, who made the cut on the number at 69-69--138. "Every iron shot was kind of up the fall line.

"I didn't really have a lot of break to any of my putts. They were like left edge, inside right. The ball was just barely breaking, so I had a lot of straight putts and that was pretty easy, and I kind of felt very comfortable with the putter today and made a lot of putts."

O'Hair, who has won four times on the PGA Tour but not since the 2011 RBC Canadian Open, birdied four of the last eight holes to finish a 66.

Park, whose only two pro victories came in Japan, carded a bogey-free 66. Molder, whose lone PGA Tour victory came in the 2011 Frys.com Open, made his third birdie at No. 9 and closed out a bogey-free 67 with nine straight pars.

Rookie Justin Thomas had a bogey-free 66 and was one stroke behind in a tie for fifth with David Hearn of Canada, Danny Lee of New Zealand and Chad Collins, who all had 68s.

David Lingmerth of Sweden, who captured the Memorial earlier this year for his first PGA victory, holed a bunker shot for an eagle on the 12th hole in a bogey-free 64 and was another shot behind in a tie for ninth with Brendon Todd, who totaled 67, and Jonathan Byrd, who came in with a 69.

Bubba Watson, who rose to No. 3 in the World Golf Rankings with his victory in the Travelers Championship last week, registered a second straight 68 and was tied for 17th. Tiger Woods could not shoot in the 60s for a third straight round, posting a 71 that left him tied for 47th.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

WWC - United States vs. Japan

The 2015 FIFA Women’s World Cup comes to a close Sunday evening as the United States and Japan meet in the final, which is a rematch of the 2011 World Cup championship.

In that game, Japan defeated the USA 3-1 in a penalty-kick shootout after the score was tied 2-2 after regulation and extra time.

The United States did get revenge a year later as it defeated Japan in the Gold Medal game of the 2012 Olympics from London by a score of 2-1.

USA went 2-1-0 in the group stage while scoring four goals and allowing one. Hope Solo hasn’t allowed a goal in the knockout stage while the offense has scored five goals in three games.

Japan posted a 3-0 record in the group round and also scored four and allowed just one in the three matches. The Japanese women have scored five goals in the knockout stage and only allowed two thus far.

BC Place in Vancouver will host the game on Sunday July 5 with the first kick expected to take place at 7:00 p.m. ET with FOX providing national coverage.

The Americans entered the World Cup as 9/4 betting favorites (Bet $100 to win $225) while Japan had 8/1 pre-tournament odds.

Heading into Sunday’s final, the oddsmakers have made the United States a very healthy favorite to win in regulation.

Listed below are odds and props for the game.

Women's World Cup 2015 Game Lines

Game Odds (Regular Time)
USA -150
Japan +450
Draw +280

Over 2.5 (+150)
Under 2.5 (-200)

1st Half Odds
USA +130
Japan +475
Draw -105

Over 1.5 (+260)
Under 1.5 (-385)

2nd Half Lines
USA +100
Japan +425
Draw +130

Over 1.5 (+165)
Under 1.5 (-225)


Propositions -

To Lift The Trophy
USA -357
Japan +240

Draw No Bet (Regular Time)
USA -450
JAPAN +300

Goal Line (Regular Time)
USA -0.5 (-155)
JAPAN -+0.5 (+120)

Alternative Lines (Regular Time)
USA +0.5 (+750)
Japan -0.5 (+450)

Over 1.5 (-210)
Under 1.5 (+155)

USA -1.5 (+210)
Japan +1.5 (-290)

Over 3.5 (+380)
Under 3.5 (-625)

Total USA Goals
Over 1.5 (+110)
Under 1.5 (-150)

Total Japan Goals
Over 0.5 (-115)
Under 0.5 (-115)

Both Teams to Score (Regular Time)
Yes +140
No -180

USA to keep a clean sheet (Shutout) (Regular Time)
Yes -125
No -115

Japan to keep a clean sheet (Shutout) (Regular Time)
Yes +325
No -475

Method of Victory
Japan in Extra time +1700
Japan in Regular Time +450
Japan on Penalties +1150
USA in Extra time +600
USA in Regular Time -155
USA on Penalties +950

Total Goals (Regular Time)
1 goal +225
2 goals +225
3 goals +325
4 goals +650
5 goals +1600
6 or goals +3500
No goals +600

1st Team to Score (Regular Time)
Japan +217
No Goal +600
USA -195

Half Time/Full Time (Regular Time)
Japan / Japan +750
Japan / Tie +1700
Japan / USA +4500
Tie / Japan +850
Tie / Tie +315
Tie / USA +270
USA / Japan +5000
USA / Tie +1700
USA / USA +135

Correct Score (Regular Time)

Any Other Score +10000
Japan win 1-0 +850
Japan win 2-0 +2700
Japan win 2-1 +1700
Japan win 3-0 +12000
Japan win 3-1 +8000
Japan win 3-2 +10000
Japan win 4-0 +20000
Japan win 4-1 +20000
Japan win 4-2 +20000
Japan win 4-3 +20000
Japan win 5-0 +20000
Japan win 5-1 +20000
Japan win 5-2 +20000
Japan win 5-3 +20000
Japan win 5-4 +20000

Tie 0-0 +600
Tie 1-1 +550
Tie 2-2 +2300
Tie 3-3 +20000
Tie 4-4 +20000
Tie 5-5 +20000

USA win 1-0 +325
USA win 2-0 +500
USA win 2-1 +750
USA win 3-0 +1050
USA win 3-1 +1600
USA win 3-2 +4500
USA win 4-0 +2900
USA win 4-1 +4000
USA win 4-2 +12000
USA win 4-3 +20000
USA win 5-0 +9500
USA win 5-1 +14000
USA win 5-2 +20000
USA win 5-3 +20000
USA win 5-4 +20000

First Goal Scorer
Abby Wambach (USA) +500
Alex Morgan (USA) +500
Ali Krieger (USA) +2800
Amy Rodriguez (USA) +650
Asano Nagasato (JPN) +2800
Asuna Tanaka (JPN) +2800
Aya Miyama (JPN) +1200
Aya Sameshima (JPN) +4000
Azusa Iwashimizu (JPN) +2800
Becky Sauerbrunn (USA) +2800
Carli Lloyd (USA) +750
Christen Press (USA) +650
Christie Rampone (USA) +4000
Heather OReilly (USA) +1100
Homare Sawa (JPN) +1000
Julie Johnston (USA) +2500
Kana Kitahara (JPN) +2800
Kelley OHara (USA) +1400
Kozue Ando (JPN) +2000
Lori Chalupny (USA) +1600
Mana Iwabuchi (JPN) +1200
Megan Rapinoe (USA) +1000
Meghan Klingenberg (USA) +2500
Megumi Kamionobe (JPN) +5000
Mizuho Sakaguchi (JPN) +1200
Morgan Brian (USA) +1600
Nahomi Kawasumi (JPN) +1000
No Goalscorer +700
Rumi Utsugi (JPN) +4000
Saki Kumagai (JPN) +8000
Saori Ariyoshi (JPN) +4000
Shannon Boxx (USA) +1600
Shinobu Ohno (JPN) +1000
Sydney Leroux (USA) +600
Tobin Heath (USA) +1400
Whitney Engen (USA) +2500
Yuika Sugasawa (JPN) +1000
Yukari Kinga (JPN) +6600
Yuki Ogimi (JPN) +750
Yuri Kawamura (JPN) +3300

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

USA favored to top Japan thanks to defense
Justin Hartling

Coming into the Women's World Cup very few people were expecting the Americans to be as utterly dominant as they have been. The US team has allowed one goal all tournament, which was in the first game against Australia.

The five game scoreless streak the American women have been on has them as a -143 favorite in 1x2 betting . Their opponent, the Japanese, are currently listed at +400.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Women's World Cup: U.S. inspired for rematch vs. Japan
By THE SPORTS XCHANGE

The U.S. soccer team goes for redemption against Japan in the Women's World Cup final on Sunday in Vancouver, British Columbia.

Japan will aim for back-to-back titles when it faces USA in a rematch of the 2011 final won by Japan 3-1 on penalty kicks after a 2-2 tie.

The Americans are ready for the glory this time after their heartbreaking loss four years ago.

"I think it's fantastic," U.S. coach Jill Ellis said. "These are two talented teams with a lot of history and rivalry, and I think it will be a classic matchup."

USA is coming off back-to-back commanding performances, including a 2-0 win against top-ranked Germany in the semifinals. Carli Lloyd scored on a penalty kick minutes after Germany misfired on its own penalty kick and the veteran midfielder also set up Kelley O'Hara's insurance goal.

Japan needed a miracle in the semifinals to get past England. An own goal by England in second-half stoppage time gave Japan a 2-1 win. Facing her goal as she attempted a clearance, England defender Laura Bassett miskicked the ball and saw it bounce off the underside of the crossbar and over the goal line.

The teams in the final will face off in Vancouver's BC Place Stadium, where the Americans are hoping to win a third World Cup title. The U.S. previously won the World Cup in 1991 in China and in 1999 at home.

U.S. goalkeeper Hope Solo, 33, who received the Adidas Golden Glove award when Japan defeated the U.S. in the 2011 final, will be net again on Sunday.

The 32-year-old Llloyd, a two-time Olympic gold medalist, is the team's captain and USA's top scorer with three goals.

Following her well-executed penalty-kick goal against Germany, Lloyd took to Twitter after sending USA to the championship game:

"Team #USA! @TeamUSANA here we go! Staying strong and healthy as we head to the finals. #SheBelieves #WorldCup2015"

Lloyd has just one target left -- lifting the trophy Sunday night.

"I've just been training my butt off the last 12 years. These are the moments I live for," Lloyd told ESPN. "This is kind of when I roll up my sleeves up and say to myself, 'I need to step up.'"

The Japanese will attempt to join Germany, champions in 2003 and 2007, in winning consecutive Women's World Cup championships after advancing on the latest goal ever to decide a semifinal in the event's history.

"The two teams played out a wonderful match in 2011 and for the sake of women's football, I hope it's a similar affair in 2015 -- that in itself would make me very happy," Japan coach Norio Sasaki. "We faced them in a friendly last year, in which we felt the force of their power. We will apply the lessons we learned from that in the final."

USA's best chance may come down to Lloyd's play. She is the only American player other than Solo and defenders Johnston, Meghan Klingenberg and Becky Sauerbrunn to play every minute of the tournament.

"She's one of the best players in the world and has been wanting to be in this position her whole life," star forward Abby Wambach said of Lloyd after the U.S. advanced to the final. "And now she's here and taking advantage of it and actually doing well. So, for me, I couldn't have more respect and couldn't be more proud of Carli because she does all the things that she needs to do off the pitch to make herself the best on (the pitch)."

Wambach's pursuit of her first title in her final World Cup gives the team a source of motivation.

"All I care about is winning this World Cup," said Wambach, who is playing in her fourth Women's World Cup.

The 35-year-old Wambach, who has been on the national team for 15 years, has scored 183 goals, more than any other player, male or female, in the world. Of those, 77 have come on headers.

"For this being her last one, I will do whatever it takes to get the job done," Lloyd said of Wambach.

Vice President Joe Biden and his wife, Jill, will cheer on the United States and lead a delegation that includes U.S. Ambassador to Canada Bruce Heyman, Assistant Secretary of State for Educational and Cultural Affairs Evan Ryan, and former U.S. players Cobi Jones and Mia Hamm.

''We're honored to be part of the Women's World Cup Final,'' the Bidens said in a statement. "Team USA has inspired millions around the globe -- especially girls and other young athletes who know that the power of sports can change lives. The team is a source of pride and unity, and we can't wait to see them represent the United States on the world stage. Let's cheer the team on and bring the World Cup trophy home.''

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

CFL Betting Notes - Week 2
By David Schwab

The underdogs ruled the day in Week 1 of the new CFL season with a straight-up record of 3-1 and a perfect 4-0 run against the spread. Ottawa started things off with a stunning 20-16 victory over Montreal last Thursday as a 9 ½-point road favorite after winning just two games all last year.

In Friday night’s rematch of last season’s Grey Cup, Hamilton once again fell to Calgary in a tight 24-23 loss, but the Tiger-Cats easily covered as six-point road underdogs. Last Saturday’s action started with Toronto upsetting Edmonton 26-11 as a nine-point home favorite. Later that night, Winnipeg completed the ATS sweep with a 30-26 win against Saskatchewan as a seven point underdog on the road.


Sunday, July 5

Toronto Argonauts (1-0 SU, 1-0 ATS) vs. Saskatchewan Roughriders (0-1 SU, 0-1 ATS)
Point-spread: Saskatchewan -3
Total: 51

Game Overview

Toronto stunned Edmonton last week behind a stellar performance by back-up quarterback Trevor Harris, who was starting for the injured Ricky Ray. He ended the day with 347 yards passing and three touchdown throws while completing a ridiculous 88.8 percent of his 27 attempts. He also did a good job of spreading the ball around with eight different players posting at least one catch.

It looks like it will be another rough road for Saskatchewan in regards to its quarterback situation after Darian Durant was lost for the season with a torn Achilles. Veteran Kevin Glenn was added to the roster this past offseason and he is set to take over the reins as the team’s new starter. The Roughriders’ rushing attack got a solid effort from Anthony Allen in last week’s loss with 102 yards on 11 carries.

Betting Trends

The road team in this matchup has won four of the last six meetings both SU and ATS and the total has gone OVER in four of the last five games. Toronto has the slight 3-2 edge both SU and ATS in the last five meetings.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

CFL Game of the day: Argonauts at Roughriders

Toronto Argonauts at Saskatchewan Roughriders (-3.5, 51)

The Toronto Argonauts look to build off their excellent start when they travel to Regina to face the Saskatchewan Roughriders on Sunday. The Argonauts opened the season with a spirited 26-11 win over the Edmonton Eskimos in Fort McMurray, Alberta and have the chance to go 2-0 for the first time since 1997.

Toronto dropped seven of its nine road games last season, but have beaten the Roughriders in two of the last three games at Mosaic Stadium. Saskatchewan is left to pick up the pieces after starting quarterback Darian Durant suffered a season-ending Achilles tendon injury in the 30-26 setback to the Winnipeg Blue Bombers. Veteran signal-caller Kevin Glenn will take over the starting duties as the Roughriders hope to recover from their double-blow and avoid going 0-2 for the first time in four years. "Kevin has had success everywhere he's been," Saskatchewan head coach Corey Chamblin told reporters. "So I fully expect him to continue doing the same thing here."

TV: 3:30 p.m. ET, TSN, ESPN2

LINE HISTORY: The initial spread opened at SSK -3, but has shifted to -3.5. The total has stayed firm at 51.

INJURY REPORT: Argos - OL Brandon Braxton (Ques-Suspension) Riders - WR Chaz Schilens (Ques-Suspension), LB Shea Emry (Doub-Neck), WR Weston Dressler (Ques-Undisclosed)

WHAT CAPPERS SAY: "The Argos will face the Riders in Regina in Week 2, and both teams will have their backup quarterbacks behind center. Trevor Harris threw for 347 yards and three TDs in Week 1, leading the Argos to a win over Edmonton. The Riders are going to need Kevin Glenn to be a lot better than he was in their opening loss to Winnipeg, but he's likely in a better position to succeed coming off a full week of practice with the starting offense." - Will Rogers

WHAT ODDSMAKERS SAY: "The public may be reluctant to back a favorite right now as early in this 2015 ?season, the underdogs have covered six of six games played. That includes Hamilton's win over Winnipeg on Thursday with the Bombers closing as a 1-pt choice after opening as a 3-pt dog. Five of the six played before Saturday's clash between the Lions and Redblacks has seen the dog win outright, Calgary slipping by Hamilton last week was the lone exception with the Stamps' narrow, last second win. The Roughriders will try to be the first fave to cover as they host the Argonauts. Saskatchewan opened as a 2.5-point pick with a total of 51 and there has been little change to either number with the books experiencing good two-way action." - CFL Oddsmaker Randall "The Handle"

ABOUT THE ARGONAUTS (1-0 SU, 1-0 ATS, 0-1 O/U): Trevor Harris was named one of the CFL Top Performers of the Week after going 24-of-27 for 347 yards and three touchdowns in just his second career start. Defensive lineman Cleyon Laing escaped punishment after the league reviewed his low hit on Mike Reilly, which sidelined the Edmonton quarterback for 10-12 weeks, and concluded he was pushed into the QB by an offensive lineman. Brandon Whitaker rushed for 117 yards on 14 carries and added 57 yards and a touchdown through the air on his Toronto debut.

ABOUT THE ROUGHRIDERS (0-1 SU, 0-1 ATS, 1-0 O/U): Durant was 13-of-18 for 165 yards and two touchdowns before he was carted off late in the second quarter while Glenn went 13-of-18 for 120 yards and an interception. Anthony Allen rushed for a team-high 102 yards and fellow running back Jerome Messam added 75 yards and a touchdown to pace a potent ground attack. Defensive end John Chick continues to terrorize opposing quarterbacks as he recorded a sack in Week 1 after leading the CFL with 15 last season.

TRENDS:

*Argonauts are 0-5 ATS in their last 5 games following a S.U. win.
*Roughriders are 1-9 ATS in their last 10 games overall.
*Under is 5-0 in Argonauts last 5 games overall.
*Over is 4-1 in the last 5 meetings.

CONSENSUS: 58.66 percent of action is behind the Riders with 50.8 percent on the under.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Week 2 CFL

Toronto (1-0) @ Saskatchewan (0-1)-- Roughriders lost QB Durant (achilles) for season last week, in home loss to Winnipeg; Saskatchewan is 4-5 in last nine games with Toronto, 2-3 in last five played here at Taylor Field. Four of last five series games went over. Backup QB Harris riddled Edmonton for 347 passing yards in upset of Eskimos in Edmonton last week; Average total in last seven series games is 55.6. Luckily, riders signed veteran QB Glenn in offseason, so they're not as bad off at QB as they could've been.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

CFL

TORONTO (1 - 0) at SASKATCHEWAN (0 - 1) - 7/5/2015, 3:35 PM

Top Trends for this game.
SASKATCHEWAN is 50-27 ATS (+20.3 Units) in July games since 1996.

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