MLB Betting Info. 5/18

[TheGame]

Re: MLB Betting Info. 5/18

Preview: Giants (23-18) at Padres (17-23)


Game: 2
Venue: PETCO Park
Date: May 18, 2016 10:10 PM EDT


Stellar starting pitching has been the main reason for the San Francisco Giants' winning streak, and it's no surprise that Johnny Cueto owns one of the best outings in that stretch.


It didn't top his start against the San Diego Padres last month, though.


Drew Pomeranz has been great in his own right, and he'll try to prevent the Giants from winning a seventh straight game Wednesday night.


San Francisco's starters have a 1.44 ERA during the streak, helped by Cueto (5-1, 2.97 ERA) allowing two runs in seven innings of Thursday's 4-2 win at Arizona.


It marked his second straight solid outing after he pitched 8 1/3 scoreless and got a no-decision against Colorado on May 7.


"He's been so consistent and done a great job of giving us quality innings," manager Bruce Bochy said. "He's fun to watch. He pitches out there and did a great job against a tough lineup."


The right-hander had his best start of the season against the Padres on April 26, pitching a seven-hitter while striking out 11 in a 1-0 victory. Cueto improved to 3-1 with a 0.84 ERA in his last four starts against San Diego, which was swept in that April series and has lost 10 of the last 12 meetings with the Giants.


Pomeranz's worst start of the season came in the opener of that three-game set, when he allowed four runs - three earned - in 4 1/3 innings of a 5-4 defeat one day prior to Cueto's masterpiece.


Pomeranz (4-3, 1.80) has been great since then, posting a 0.50 ERA in three starts. He's allowed four hits in 11 scoreless innings over his last two and tied his season high with 10 strikeouts in last Wednesday's 1-0 win over the Chicago Cubs in the nightcap of a doubleheader.


The left-hander's success is a bit surprising given this is his first season as a full-time starter since 2012 with Colorado.


"In pro ball, this is the best I've ever felt," Pomeranz said. "I felt strong and I was almost getting better as the game went along. That's a positive for me. Early in my career, I'd kind of burn out early and taper off."


He's had some trouble with Buster Posey, who is 5 for 8 with two homers off Pomeranz. Brandon Crawford is 0 for 3 with two strikeouts in their matchups, but he finished with a three-run homer, RBI double and a sacrifice fly in a 5-1 win in Tuesday's series opener.


Hunter Pence had three hits and scored twice for the Giants (23-18).


San Diego (17-23) avoided being shut out for the 10th time when Matt Kemp led off the ninth with a homer. It has lost three of four, scoring a combined three runs in the defeats.


Wil Myers returned to the lineup and went 1 for 4 after being scratched Sunday with forearm tightness, but he exchanged words with Madison Bumgarner after striking out in the third inning and the benches cleared, though it didn't appear punches were thrown.

[TheGame]

Re: MLB Betting Info. 5/18

Wednesday's Diamond Notes
By Tony Mejia


Hottest team: Giants (6-0 last six)
Madison Bumgarner continued San Francisco’s fantastic run of quality pitching, going the distance in a 5-1 win at San Diego where he lost the shutout in the 9th thanks to a Matt Kemp homer. He struck out 11 hitters, got into it with Wil Myers and pitched comfortably thanks to Brandon Crawford’s second-inning 3-run homer providing cushion. The Giants shortstop drove in all five runs while going 2-for-3, cashing in as Brandon Belt and Hunter Pence reached base safely 5-of-8 times in front of him.


The Giants have given up just eight runs in the last five games will have seen the ‘under’ prevail in nine of the last 10 games. Johnny Cueto (5-1, 2.97 ERA) will look to continue that streak and has given up two runs or fewer in five of his eight starts this season, including two of the last three. He pitched his only shutout of the season against the Padres on April 26, going the distance and striking out 11, both also season-bests. Lefty Drew Pomeranz (4-3, 1.80), who has been San Diego’s best pitcher thus far, had his worst outing in a 5-4 loss in San Francisco the previous day, surrendering what remain season-highs in hits (7) and earned runs (3), lasting a season-low 4.1 innings. Pence homered off him. These NL West foes get together next week at AT&T Park after the Giants host the Cubs this weekend.


Coldest team: Braves (2-10 last 12)
After firing Fredi Gonzalez on Tuesday, the Braves fell behind 9-0 as rookie Aaron Blair got rocked by the Pirates failing to get out of the second inning. It was a nasty welcome to the big leagues for interim manager Brian Snitker, getting a 125-game tryout to keep the gig. The Pirates pounded out a season-high 21 hits in a 12-9 win, though Atlanta was encouraged by young CF Mallex Smith hitting two more home runs, becoming the first player on the roster besides Freddie Freeman with more than one.
We’ll see if things can go any better as the team sends staff ace Julio Teheran (0-4, 3.17) out to the mound in order to slow down the Bucs bats, which have produced 20 runs over the first two contests of the four-game series. It’s not exactly reassuring that the Braves have averaged just 2.1 runs per game in Teheran’s starts. Pittsburgh is countering with Francisco Liriano (3-2, 4.99). The teams conclude this set Thursday before Atlanta ventures to Philly for the weekend.


Hottest pitcher: Chris Tillman (5-1, 2.58 ERA)
Tillman has always been better at Camden Yards than on the road, so he’s been fortunate since this will his seventh start in nine outings this season. He’s 4-0 with a 1.89 ERA at home and will be looking to help the Orioles bounce back from a 10-0 loss to Seattle on Monday, their second loss in a row after seven consecutive wins. Baltimore has lost three straight just once this season (April 24-26). It’s worth pointing out that Mariners star Robinson Cano is 14-for-31 (.452) against Tillman throughout his career, homering twice.


Coldest pitcher: Shelby Miller (1-4, 6.94 ERA)
Miller finally broke through with his first win on May 7 – about five months too late for hopeful, exasperated Diamondbacks fans – but that breakthrough came against the lowly Braves, his former team. In Atlanta, too. He lost again in his last outing against San Francisco, so he’s now 0-4 with a 7.46 ERA in Phoenix as he steps in to try and help sweep New York. Miller gave up seven runs in five innings in his only career outing against the Yankees and will try to overcome the pressure that follows him since most Arizona fans felt the team grossly over-spent for him, dealing Dansby Swanson, the 2015 MLB Draft’s top pick, in addition to Ender Inciarte and the aforementioned Blair.


Biggest UNDER run: Rockies (6-2 last eight)
The Giants own this distinction too, but what Colorado has done may actually be more impressive since four of those 'under' results have come in at Coors Field. Chad Bettis kept the run going on Tuesday in St. Louis, holding down the Cardinals in a 3-1 upset to help start a nine-game road trip in style. Lefty Chris Rusin, making just his fourth start after initially coming out of the bullpen, has yet to get out of the sixth inning this season and has never had a winning season in the majors. He'll be opposed by Adam Wainwright, who has helped the Cards win each of the last four times he's taken the mound.


Biggest OVER run: Red Sox (8-0 last eight)
Boston was rained out in Kansas City on Monday and will play a day-night doubleheader here, hoping to continue a run that has seen them win seven of nine despite Tuesday's 8-4 loss. The Royals did the heavy lifting in extending the streak last night after the Red Sox scored 73 runs on their most recent seven-game homestand to start this flurry. They'll return home after the night portion of this twinbill for a six-game set against the Indians and Rockies. Extending this streak could prove difficult given the pitching matchups on Wednesday, as Boston sends Steven Wright (3-3, 2.36) out for the opener against solid veteran Ian Kennedy (4-3, 3.25), while David Price (5-1, 6.00) squares off against Edinson Volquez (4-3, 3.51) in the nightcap.


Matchup to watch: Astros at White Sox
Chicago is looking to avoid its first four-game losing streak of the season as they send unbeaten Mat Latos (5-0, 3.40) to the mound. After falling just short in a 6-5, 11-inning loss to Houston in the first of a 10-game homestand, the White Sox have to be aware that Cleveland, Kansas City and Detroit are on winning streaks and charging hard while they've dropped five of six. Latos, despite his unbeaten mark, has failed to get out of the sixth inning in his last three starts, which is one reason why an ERA that was at 0.74 through four starts now looks ordinary. The Astros remain in last place in the AL West, but have won in Doug Fister's last three starts. They're without OF Carlos Gomez (ribs), who has gone on the DL. Chicago is hoping to have home run leader Todd Frazier back from a bout with the flu.


Betcha didn’t know: Cleveland is sending out Mike Clevinger for his big league debut after an impressive 5-0 mark in Triple-A. He's of Native American descent and had the second-lowest WHIP and third-most strikeouts in all of Double-A last year, earning organizational Player of the Year honors. Clevinger is undoubtedly hoping to get some of the same run support he's seen his offense put together of late since the Indians have outscored the Bengals, er, Reds, 28-7 over a two-game stint at Progressive Field to open this series, which shifts to Cincinnati for these next two games.


Biggest public favorite: Cubs (-180) at Brewers


Biggest public underdog: Rockies (+155) at Cardinals


Biggest line move: Yankees (-120 to -140) vs. Diamondbacks

[TheGame]

Re: MLB Betting Info. 5/18

Five to Follow MLB Betting: Wednesday, May 18, 2016, Opening Line Report
by Alan Matthews


The Chicago Cubs have built their young powerhouse team around hitting. The New York Mets have built their young powerhouse team around pitching. The one worry with doing it that way is that pitchers are so much more likely to suffer major arm/shoulder injuries that can cost them at least a season. For the most part, everyday players don't suffer those types of career-threatening injuries. I mention this because the Mets apparently avoided disaster on young lefty Steven Matz. He missed his last start due to forearm soreness but has no ligament issues in that arm after visiting a specialist on Monday. He might miss another start, however. This comes on the news that Mets fire-baller Noah Syndergaard got his arm checked out secretly early this month but also apparently was fine. I realize you need pitching to win, but this is why I'm not paying pitchers $20 million-plus a season if I ever own or run a team (not looking good for me in that regard).




Twins at Tigers (-164, 9)


A 1:10 p.m. ET getaway game. If you want to be entertained, go YouTube the video of Tigers manager Brad Ausmus losing his mind after being ejected in Monday's game with the Twins. It's like Ausmus is asking the front office to fire him, and he might have been late Monday night if the Tigers had lost that game because they were up 8-0, blew that but then still won. Detroit goes with Justin Verlander here, and I've just about given up on forecasting what he will do in a given start. Verlander (2-4, 4.71) has been very good in his past two, allowing one run and seven hits over 15 innings, but Detroit lost them both. Verlander also has two starts this season where he allowed seven runs. He hasn't faced Minnesota in 2016. Joe Mauer is a career .353 hitter off him with three homers and 10 RBIs in 68 at-bats. Minnesota's Ricky Nolasco (1-1, 4.87) has regressed to his level of the previous two years, allowing at least four runs in four straight starts. He gave up five runs over 5.2 innings on May 1 vs. Detroit in a no-decision. Nick Castellanos is 3-for-11 off him with two homers and eight RBIs.


Key trends: The Twins are 4-10 in Nolasco's past 14 on the road. The Tigers are 5-0 in Verlander's past five on Wednesday. The "over/under" has gone under in three of his past five at home vs. Minnesota.


Early lean: Tigers and over.


Red Sox at Royals (TBA)


This is Game 1 of a day-night doubleheader, starting at 2:15 p.m. ET, necessitated by a postponed game on Monday. Both teams are off Thursday and could have made it up then but the Red Sox didn't want to lose their day off. Both teams must agree. The Sox are expected to go with knuckleballer Steven Wright (3-3, 2.36) here. He had been fantastic but was hit around Friday by Houston, allowing five runs and nine hits over 4.1 innings in easily his worst start of the year. It snapped a streak of six straight outings of six-plus innings and two or fewer earned runs for Wright. It was apparently a wet night in Boston, and Wright was having trouble getting a grip on the ball. The Royals are likely going with Ian Kennedy (4-3, 3.25). He comes off his worst start of the year, allowing seven runs and five hits (three homers) at the Yankees last Thursday. Boston's Hanley Ramirez is 4-for-24 off him career. Dustin Pedroia is 2-for-2.


Key trends: The Sox are 3-7 in their past 10 in Game 1 of a doubleheader. Kansas City is 5-0 in its past five in that situation. The under is 4-0 in Wright's past four on the road. It's 4-1-2 in Kennedy's past seven overall.


Early lean: I probably should have known better than to preview a game in a doubleheader because the managers could opt to switch their pitchers around to Game 2. If it stays this way, I like Kansas City.


Nationals at Mets (TBA)


ESPN game so should have live betting at sportsbooks. The Nationals start lefty Gio Gonzalez (2-1, 1.93), who is among the NL ERA leaders. He allowed two unearned runs over five innings Friday against Miami but again took a no-decision. Gonzalez has allowed only two homers in 42 innings this season. He was 2-0 with a 1.14 ERA in four starts last season against the Mets. Curtis Granderson struggles against him, going 4-for-30 with 10 strikeouts. David Wright is 6-for-21 with a homer and four RBIs. The Mets will go with Bartolo Colon (3-2, 3.53). He was hit hard at the Dodgers in his last start, allowing five runs and seven hits (two homers) over five innings. He was 1-0 with a 1.29 ERA in seven innings vs. Washington last year. Bryce Harper is 3-for-13 off him with a homer. Jayson Werth is 4-for-9 with two doubles.


Key trends: The Nats are 14-4 in Gonzalez's past 18 on Wednesday. The Mets are 1-4 in their past five against a lefty. The under is 4-0-1 in Gonzalez's past five in New York.


Early lean: This is TBA because it's not 100 percent that Colon will go but he should. Part of the uncertainty was due to Matz. I like the Nats in this matchup.


Astros at White Sox (-115, 8.5)


That Carlos Gomez trade Houston made with Milwaukee last July looks worse and worse by the day. Gomez was being threatened with a benching because he's not hitting. Gomez didn't do much after coming over from the Brewers in 2015, either, and Milwaukee got some good prospects for him and pitcher Mike Fiers. Instead of benching Gomez, the team put him on the DL Tuesday. He is batting .182, has yet to hit a homer and has driven in only five runs. He also has struck out 46 times. Houston starts Doug Fister (3-3, 4.22) here. He has been getting better each time out it seems. Last Wednesday, he gave up two runs and six hits over seven innings against the Indians as the Astros won his third straight outing. The White Sox's Melky Cabrera is 5-for-14 off him with a double. Austin Jackson is 2-for-14. It's Mat Latos (5-0, 3.40) for Chicago, and he has been brought soundly back to earth after a great start. Latos had a third straight start of 5.1 innings or less and at least four earned runs allowed last time out vs. Texas. The Pale Hose now might have to think about trading for an arm. Gomez does hit Latos well, going 10-for-24 with two homers and eight RBIs.


Key trends: The Sox are 4-0 in Latos' past four vs. teams with a losing record. The under is 3-0-3 in Fister's past six.


Early lean: Astros and over.


Giants at Padres (+133, 6.5)


Thus far, San Francisco is getting its money's worth from big free-agent addition Johnny Cueto (5-1, 2.97) as returning to the National League clearly agrees with him. The Giants won his fourth start in a row Thursday in Arizona as Cueto allowed two runs over seven innings and struck out nine. His top start of the year was April 26 at home vs. San Diego, throwing a complete-game seven-hitter with 11 strikeouts. Matt Kemp is 7-for-20 off him with two homers. Jon Jay is 13-for-33 with three dingers and seven RBIs. If the Padres were willing to listen on offers for lefty Drew Pomeranz (4-3, 1.80), they could do pretty well. He hasn't allowed a run over his past two starts, spanning 11 innings vs. the Cubs and Mets. Pomeranz lost April 25 in San Francisco, giving up four runs and seven hits in 4.1 innings. Hunter Pence is 3-for-11 with three homers and six RBIs against him. Buster Posey is 5-for-8 with two homers.


Key trends: The Giants are 4-0 in Cueto's past four on the road. The under is 4-1 in his past five vs. teams with a losing record.


Early lean: Giants and under.

[TheGame]

Re: MLB Betting Info. 5/18

Previews, Streaks, Tips, Notes


New York Yankees at Arizona Diamondbacks May 18, 9:40 EST


Things haven't started well for Shelby Miller with his new club. The right-hander is 1-4 with a 6.94 ERA in eight trips to the mound for Diamondbacks. Looking back to his days with Atlanta, the hurler has managed just two wins in 33 starts for Arizona/Atlanta with the teams 7-26 over the span. Shelby Miller not a peg to hang your hopes on, D-backs a consistent money burner at Chase Field (7-16) along with ridding a 3-9 skid in front of its friendly crowd the lean is New York with Nathan Eovaldi carrying a 4-1 team start record in May, 8-2 team start record away from the Bronx.

[Satch]

Re: MLB Betting Info. 5/18

Preview: Marlins at Phillies

Weather information is currently unavailable. 5-Day Forecast
GAME: Miami Marlins (21-18) at Philadelphia Phillies (23-17)
DATE/TIME: Wednesday, May 18 - 1:05 PM EST
WHERE: Citizens Bank Park, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A

The Philadelphia Phillies attempt to claim a series victory over the Miami Marlins for the second time this month when the National League East rivals conclude their three-game set at Citizens Bank Park on Wednesday afternoon. Tommy Joseph had yet to be recalled from Triple-A Lehigh Valley when Philadelphia took two of three in Miami from May 6-8, but the 24-year-old came up big in his third career major-league game in a 3-1 triumph on Tuesday.

Joseph, who was elevated to the cleanup spot in the lineup, belted his first major-league homer to highlight his three-hit performance as he looks to provide a spark in place of slumping veteran Ryan Howard and fellow first baseman Darin Ruf. Freddy Galvis carries a seven-game hitting streak into Wednesday's tilt versus Tom Koehler, against whom he is just 4-for-19 (.211) with five strikeouts in his career. Miami's Marcell Ozuna saw his career high-tying 16-game hitting streak come to a halt on Tuesday, but Adeiny Heachavarria has rebounded from an 0-for-14 stretch to go 7-for-12 with four runs scored in his last three contests. The 27-year-old Cuban is just 2-for-10 in his career versus Wednesday starter Jeremy Hellickson.

TV: 1:05 p.m. ET, FSN Florida (Miami), CSN Philadelphia

PITCHING MATCHUP: Marlins RH Tom Koehler (2-3, 5.14) vs. Phillies RH Jeremy Hellickson (3-2, 4.12)

Koehler has been saddled with a no-decision in consecutive starts despite yielding a combined two runs on eight hits in 12 2/3 innings. The 29-year-old struggled with his control in his last outing, however, issuing a season-high five walks to drive up his pitch count. Koehler enjoyed his best contest of 2016 with a dominating performance versus Philadelphia on May 7, permitting just one run on two hits and striking out eight in a no-decision.

After yielding five homers in his previous two starts, Hellickson rebounded in a big way on Friday as he allowed just two runs on four hits and struck out nine in a 3-2 win over Cincinnati. The 29-year-old was taken deep on two occasions against Miami on May 5, but walked away with a no-decision after laboring through 5 1/3 innings. Marlins slugger Giancarlo Stanton is 0-for-6 with five strikeouts in this series and just 1-for-7 - albeit with a homer - in his career versus Hellickson.

WALK-OFFS

1. Philadelphia (23-17) is six games over .500 despite having scored 30 fewer runs than it has allowed.

2. Marlins LF Christian Yelich is 9-for-21 with four runs scored and three RBIs in five games versus the Phillies this season.

3. Philadelphia 3B Maikel Franco is 0-for-7 with three strikeouts in the first two games of the series.

PREDICTION: Marlins 3, Phillies 2

[Satch]

Re: MLB Betting Info. 5/18

Trends - Miami at Philadelphia
W/L Trends

Miami

Marlins are 4-1 in their last 5 after scoring 2 runs or less in their previous game. Marlins are 6-2 in their last 8 road games vs. a team with a home winning % of greater than .600. Marlins are 8-3 in their last 11 road games vs. a right-handed starter. Marlins are 10-4 in their last 14 road games. Marlins are 5-2 in their last 7 games following a loss. Marlins are 5-2 in their last 7 during game 3 of a series. Marlins are 7-3 in their last 10 road games vs. a team with a winning record. Marlins are 16-7 in their last 23 overall. Marlins are 16-7 in their last 23 games on grass. Marlins are 5-1 in Koehlers last 6 starts after scoring 2 runs or less in their previous game. Marlins are 4-1 in Koehlers last 5 starts with 4 days of rest. Marlins are 3-7 in Koehlers last 10 road starts. Marlins are 2-5 in Koehlers last 7 starts. Marlins are 2-5 in Koehlers last 7 starts on grass. Marlins are 1-4 in Koehlers last 5 starts vs. National League East. Marlins are 1-8 in Koehlers last 9 Wednesday starts.

Philadelphia

Phillies are 4-0 in their last 4 games vs. a starter with a WHIP greater than 1.30. Phillies are 5-1 in their last 6 home games vs. a right-handed starter. Phillies are 9-2 in their last 11 vs. a team with a winning record. Phillies are 4-1 in their last 5 home games vs. a team with a winning record. Phillies are 7-2 in their last 9 home games. Phillies are 9-3 in their last 12 vs. National League East. Phillies are 11-4 in their last 15 during game 3 of a series. Phillies are 13-5 in their last 18 games vs. a right-handed starter. Phillies are 7-3 in their last 10 overall. Phillies are 7-3 in their last 10 games on grass. Phillies are 7-3 in their last 10 when their opponent scores 2 runs or less in their previous game. Phillies are 9-4 in their last 13 games following a win. Phillies are 7-15 in their last 22 Wednesday games. Phillies are 4-1 in Hellicksons last 5 starts vs. National League East. Phillies are 4-1 in Hellicksons last 5 starts. Phillies are 4-1 in Hellicksons last 5 starts on grass.

OU Trends

Miami

Under is 5-0 in Marlins last 5 Wednesday games. Over is 9-3-1 in Marlins last 13 road games vs. a right-handed starter. Over is 5-2-1 in Marlins last 8 games following a loss. Over is 9-4 in Marlins last 13 after scoring 2 runs or less in their previous game. Under is 6-1 in Koehlers last 7 starts after scoring 2 runs or less in their previous game. Over is 4-1-1 in Koehlers last 6 starts during game 3 of a series. Over is 4-1 in Koehlers last 5 starts following a team loss in their previous game. Under is 4-1 in Koehlers last 5 starts vs. a team with a winning record. Under is 4-1 in Koehlers last 5 starts vs. National League East. Over is 3-1-2 in Koehlers last 6 Wednesday starts. Under is 5-2 in Koehlers last 7 road starts vs. a team with a winning record. Under is 7-3 in Koehlers last 10 starts when their opponent allows 2 runs or less in their previous game.

Philadelphia

Over is 4-0 in Phillies last 4 during game 3 of a series. Under is 6-1 in Phillies last 7 games vs. a starter with a WHIP greater than 1.30. Under is 4-1 in Phillies last 5 games following a win. Over is 3-1-1 in Phillies last 5 home games vs. a team with a road winning % of greater than .600. Over is 26-9-2 in Phillies last 37 home games vs. a team with a winning record. Under is 5-2-1 in Phillies last 8 home games. Over is 35-16-5 in Phillies last 56 home games vs. a right-handed starter. Under is 15-7-2 in Phillies last 24 when their opponent scores 2 runs or less in their previous game. Over is 4-1 in Hellicksons last 5 starts with 4 days of rest.

Head to Head

Over is 4-1 in Koehlers last 5 road starts vs. Phillies. Over is 8-3-1 in the last 12 meetings in Philadelphia. Marlins are 16-36 in the last 52 meetings in Philadelphia.

Umpire Trends - Mark Ripperger

Road team is 6-0 in Rippergers last 6 Wednesday games behind home plate. Road team is 5-0 in Rippergers last 5 games behind home plate. Under is 9-1-1 in Rippergers last 11 games behind home plate. Road team is 4-1 in Rippergers last 5 games behind home plate vs. Philadelphia. Over is 3-1-1 in Rippergers last 5 Wednesday games behind home plate.

[Satch]

Re: MLB Betting Info. 5/18

Preview: Twins at Tigers

Current Conditions - Detroit

RAIN 49 °F
Wind: NE 13
5-Day Forecast
GAME: Minnesota Twins (10-28) at Detroit Tigers (18-21)
DATE/TIME: Wednesday, May 18 - 1:10 PM EST
WHERE: Comerica Park, Detroit, Michigan
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A

The Detroit Tigers are finally starting to hit the ball and pile up runs in bunches, leading to a three-game winning streak. The Tigers, who dropped 11 of 12 before the streak, will try to make it four straight and polish off a three-game sweep when they host the Minnesota Twins on Wednesday.

Detroit avoided a sweep in Baltimore on Sunday when J.D. Martinez and Miguel Cabrera ripped back-to-back home runs and scored eight runs in the first inning on Monday before having to battle for the 10-8 win. The Tigers went with the bunch scoring strategy again on Tuesday, pushing across seven runs in the seventh inning to come from behind for a 7-2 triumph. The Twins own the worst record in the American League at 10-28 and have dropped 14 of their last 17 games. Minnesota has been particularly poor against American League Central opponents with a 4-16 mark – all four wins coming over the Cleveland Indians.

TV: 1:10 p.m. ET, FSN North (Minnesota), FSN Detroit

PITCHING MATCHUP: Twins RH Ricky Nolasco (1-1, 4.87 ERA) vs. Tigers RH Justin Verlander (2-4, 4.71)

Nolasco allowed at least four runs in each of his last four starts and was ripped for six home runs in that span. The veteran yielded four runs on four hits – two homers – and three walks over six innings at Cleveland in a no decision on Friday. Nolasco went 5 2/3 innings against Detroit at home on May 1 and was reached for five runs on eight hits without factoring in the decision.

Verlander could not get any support last time out and suffered the loss despite yielding one run in eight innings at Baltimore. The former AL MVP has been in top form in his last two starts with just the one run allowed and 17 strikeouts in 15 innings. Verlander missed the last series with Minnesota and is 15-8 with a 3.12 ERA in 30 career starts against the Twins.

WALK-OFFS

1. Tigers manager Brad Ausmus will return on Wednesday after serving a one-game suspension.

2. Minnesota RHP Trevor May has allowed seven runs in 1 2/3 innings over his last three appearances.

3. Martinez has homered in three straight games and is 7-for-12 in that span.

PREDICTION: Tigers 6, Twins 3

[Satch]

Re: MLB Betting Info. 5/18

Trends - Minnesota at Detroit
W/L Trends

Minnesota

Twins are 18-38 in their last 56 games following a loss. Twins are 18-39 in their last 57 overall. Twins are 18-39 in their last 57 games on grass. Twins are 8-20 in their last 28 when their opponent scores 5 runs or more in their previous game. Twins are 8-21 in their last 29 during game 3 of a series. Twins are 7-19 in their last 26 road games. Twins are 7-19 in their last 26 after allowing 5 runs or more in their previous game. Twins are 9-26 in their last 35 games vs. a right-handed starter. Twins are 5-16 in their last 21 road games vs. a right-handed starter. Twins are 6-20 in their last 26 vs. American League Central. Twins are 2-12 in their last 14 when their opponent allows 2 runs or less in their previous game. Twins are 2-14 in their last 16 after scoring 2 runs or less in their previous game. Twins are 1-10 in their last 11 games after losing the first 2 games of a series. Twins are 0-4 in their last 4 road games vs. a team with a losing record. Twins are 0-4 in their last 4 road games vs. a team with a losing home record. Twins are 0-7 in their last 7 Wednesday games. Twins are 0-4 in their last 4 vs. a team with a losing record. Twins are 6-0 in Nolascos last 6 starts vs. a team with a losing record. Twins are 4-10 in Nolascos last 14 road starts. Twins are 4-10 in Nolascos last 14 starts during game 3 of a series. Twins are 6-18 in Nolascos last 24 starts following a team loss in their previous game. Twins are 1-4 in Nolascos last 5 starts after allowing 5 runs or more in their previous game. Twins are 1-5 in Nolascos last 6 starts vs. American League Central. Twins are 0-4 in Nolascos last 4 starts after scoring 2 runs or less in their previous game.

Detroit

Tigers are 5-0 in their last 5 games vs. a team with a winning % below .400. Tigers are 5-1 in their last 6 home games vs. a right-handed starter. Tigers are 6-2 in their last 8 games following a win. Tigers are 13-5 in their last 18 Wednesday games. Tigers are 4-9 in their last 13 games vs. a right-handed starter. Tigers are 5-13 in their last 18 after allowing 2 runs or less in their previous game. Tigers are 4-11 in their last 15 overall. Tigers are 4-11 in their last 15 games on grass. Tigers are 2-6 in their last 8 when their opponent scores 2 runs or less in their previous game. Tigers are 2-7 in their last 9 home games vs. a team with a road winning % of less than .400. Tigers are 1-4 in their last 5 when their opponent allows 5 runs or more in their previous game. Tigers are 0-4 in their last 4 during game 3 of a series. Tigers are 5-0 in Verlanders last 5 Wednesday starts. Tigers are 2-5 in Verlanders last 7 starts following a team loss in their previous game. Tigers are 2-5 in Verlanders last 7 starts during game 3 of a series. Tigers are 3-8 in Verlanders last 11 starts vs. American League Central. Tigers are 4-11 in Verlanders last 15 home starts. Tigers are 3-9 in Verlanders last 12 starts after scoring 5 runs or more in their previous game. Tigers are 2-6 in Verlanders last 8 starts after allowing 2 runs or less in their previous game. Tigers are 7-22 in Verlanders last 29 starts when their opponent allows 5 runs or more in their previous game. Tigers are 1-4 in Verlanders last 5 starts following a Quality Start in his last appearance. Tigers are 1-4 in Verlanders last 5 home starts vs. a team with a losing record. Tigers are 2-8 in Verlanders last 10 starts vs. a team with a losing record. Tigers are 1-4 in Verlanders last 5 starts. Tigers are 1-4 in Verlanders last 5 starts on grass.

OU Trends

Minnesota

Over is 4-0 in Twins last 4 Wednesday games. Over is 6-1-2 in Twins last 9 vs. a team with a losing record. Over is 4-1 in Twins last 5 when their opponent scores 5 runs or more in their previous game. Over is 8-2-1 in Twins last 11 games following a loss. Over is 4-1-2 in Twins last 7 road games vs. a team with a losing record. Over is 7-2 in Twins last 9 road games vs. a right-handed starter. Under is 20-6-1 in Twins last 27 when their opponent allows 2 runs or less in their previous game. Over is 18-6-2 in Twins last 26 overall. Over is 3-1-1 in Twins last 5 road games vs. a team with a losing home record. Over is 18-6-2 in Twins last 26 on grass. Over is 6-2-1 in Twins last 9 after allowing 5 runs or more in their previous game. Over is 8-3-1 in Twins last 12 road games. Over is 18-7-1 in Twins last 26 games vs. a right-handed starter. Over is 5-2 in Twins last 7 after scoring 2 runs or less in their previous game. Over is 5-2 in Twins last 7 during game 3 of a series. Over is 9-4 in Twins last 13 vs. American League Central. Over is 6-0-1 in Nolascos last 7 starts with 4 days of rest. Over is 5-0-1 in Nolascos last 6 starts on grass. Over is 4-0-1 in Nolascos last 5 starts vs. a team with a losing record. Over is 5-0-1 in Nolascos last 6 starts overall. Over is 3-0-1 in Nolascos last 4 starts following a team loss in their previous game. Over is 4-0 in Nolascos last 4 starts vs. American League Central. Under is 4-1-1 in Nolascos last 6 starts when their opponent scores 5 runs or more in their previous game. Over is 3-1-1 in Nolascos last 5 road starts.

Detroit

Over is 7-1 in Tigers last 8 home games vs. a right-handed starter. Under is 5-1 in Tigers last 6 when their opponent allows 5 runs or more in their previous game. Over is 16-5 in Tigers last 21 games vs. a right-handed starter. Over is 9-3-1 in Tigers last 13 home games vs. a team with a road winning % of less than .400. Over is 11-4 in Tigers last 15 home games. Over is 8-3 in Tigers last 11 overall. Over is 8-3 in Tigers last 11 on grass. Over is 7-3 in Tigers last 10 vs. American League Central. Over is 18-8 in Tigers last 26 games following a win. Over is 11-5-1 in Tigers last 17 when their opponent scores 2 runs or less in their previous game. Over is 37-18-1 in Tigers last 56 during game 3 of a series. Over is 5-1-1 in Verlanders last 7 starts when their opponent scores 2 runs or less in their previous game. Under is 4-1-1 in Verlanders last 6 starts after allowing 2 runs or less in their previous game. Over is 4-1-1 in Verlanders last 6 starts vs. American League Central. Over is 7-2-1 in Verlanders last 10 starts following a Quality Start in his last appearance. Over is 9-3-1 in Verlanders last 13 starts on grass. Over is 6-2-1 in Verlanders last 9 starts during game 3 of a series. Over is 9-3-1 in Verlanders last 13 starts overall. Over is 19-7-1 in Verlanders last 27 home starts. Over is 5-2-1 in Verlanders last 8 starts with 4 days of rest. Over is 35-16-2 in Verlanders last 53 starts after scoring 5 runs or more in their previous game.

Head to Head

Under is 3-1-1 in Verlanders last 5 home starts vs. Twins. Tigers are 5-2 in Verlanders last 7 home starts vs. Twins. Over is 13-6-2 in Verlanders last 21 starts vs. Twins. Twins are 3-9 in the last 12 meetings in Detroit. Tigers are 1-4 in Verlanders last 5 starts vs. Twins. Twins are 0-5 in the last 5 meetings.

Umpire Trends - Ben May

Home team is 4-1 in Mays last 5 Wednesday games behind home plate. Road team is 5-2 in Mays last 7 games behind home plate.

[Satch]

Re: MLB Betting Info. 5/18

Preview: Red Sox at Royals

Weather information is currently unavailable. 5-Day Forecast
GAME: Boston Red Sox (24-15) at Kansas City Royals (19-19)
DATE/TIME: Wednesday, May 18 - 2:15 PM EST
WHERE: Kauffman Stadium, Kansas City, Missouri
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A

After calming an increasing unrest among a legion of Boston Red Sox fans, ace David Price looks to build on the success of his last start when he faces the host Kansas City Royals on Wednesday in the second game of a day-night doubleheader. The twin bill was necessitated by a rainout of Monday's series opener.

Price has lost only once in six decisions, but his bloated 6.00 ERA is not exactly what the Red Sox had in mind when they inked the left-hander to a seven-year, $217 million deal in the offseason. Boston lost for only the second time in nine games despite another big night from third baseman Travis Shaw, who is 14-for-31 with three homers and 12 RBIs in his last eight games. The Nos. 7-9 hitters in Kansas City's lineup combined for eight hits in Tuesday's 8-4 victory, capped by Paulo Orlando's three-hit, four-RBI night. Edinson Volquez will oppose Price in Game 1 on Wednesday while Royals right-hander Ian Kennedy faces knuckleballer Steven Wright in the opener.

TV: 2:15 p.m. ET, NESN (Boston), FSN Kansas City

PITCHING MATCHUP: Red Sox RH Steven Wright (3-3, 2.36 ERA) vs. Royals RH Ian Kennedy (4-3, 3.25)

Wright was overdue for a clunker and it came in his last outing against Houston on Friday, when he lasted only 4 1/3 innings was tagged for five runs on nine hits -- both season highs. That came on the heels of a complete-game masterpiece at the New York Yankees in which he permitted only three hits and had his shutout bid spoiled with a two-out homer in the ninth. Prior to his last outing, Wright did not allowed more than two runs in his first six starts.

Kennedy, much like Wright, is coming off his worst start when he was pounded for seven runs on three homers over 6 1/3 innings in a loss to the Yankees. The 31-year-old Kennedy has yielded two runs or fewer in five of his first six starts, including seven innings of four-hit ball against Cleveland on May 7. Although he has made his last four starts on the road, Kennedy was solid in both outings at Kauffman Stadium, giving up a combined two runs in 13 innings.

WALK-OFFS

1. Boston has homered in 17 straight contests, the longest string since the franchise-record 19-game run in 1996.

2. Royals C Salvador Perez will sit out Game 1 of the doubleheader.

3. Red Sox SS Xander Bogaerts has his safely in 11 straight games while 1B Hanley Ramirez is riding an eight-game streak.

PREDICTION: Royals 6, Red Sox 5

[Satch]

Re: MLB Betting Info. 5/18

Trends - Boston at Kansas City
W/L Trends

Boston

Red Sox are 5-0 in their last 5 Wednesday games. Red Sox are 6-0 in their last 6 when their opponent scores 5 runs or more in their previous game. Red Sox are 7-1 in their last 8 games following a loss. Red Sox are 5-1 in their last 6 after allowing 5 runs or more in their previous game. Red Sox are 7-2 in their last 9 overall. Red Sox are 7-2 in their last 9 games on grass. Red Sox are 12-5 in their last 17 games vs. a right-handed starter. Red Sox are 3-7 in their last 10 opening games of a double-header. Red Sox are 4-0 in Wrights last 4 starts following a team loss in their previous game. Red Sox are 4-1 in Wrights last 5 starts with 4 days of rest. Red Sox are 4-1 in Wrights last 5 starts after allowing 5 runs or more in their previous game.

Kansas City

Royals are 5-0 in their last 5 opening games of a double-header. Royals are 8-3 in their last 11 home games vs. a team with a winning road record. Royals are 36-16 in their last 52 home games vs. a right-handed starter. Royals are 47-22 in their last 69 home games. Royals are 3-8 in their last 11 when their opponent allows 5 runs or more in their previous game. Royals are 2-7 in their last 9 during game 2 of a series. Royals are 1-6 in their last 7 after scoring 5 runs or more in their previous game. Royals are 1-7 in their last 8 games following a win.

OU Trends

Boston

Over is 8-0 in Red Sox last 8 overall. Over is 8-0 in Red Sox last 8 on grass. Over is 5-0 in Red Sox last 5 when their opponent scores 5 runs or more in their previous game. Over is 5-0 in Red Sox last 5 after allowing 5 runs or more in their previous game. Over is 5-0 in Red Sox last 5 games vs. a right-handed starter. Over is 19-6-2 in Red Sox last 27 vs. American League Central. Over is 8-3 in Red Sox last 11 Wednesday games. Over is 23-9-2 in Red Sox last 34 games vs. a starter with a WHIP less than 1.15. Over is 20-8-1 in Red Sox last 29 during game 2 of a series. Under is 4-0 in Wrights last 4 road starts. Under is 4-0 in Wrights last 4 starts after allowing 5 runs or more in their previous game. Under is 5-2 in Wrights last 7 starts overall.

Kansas City

Over is 5-0 in Royals last 5 vs. American League East. Over is 4-1-1 in Royals last 6 after scoring 5 runs or more in their previous game. Over is 4-1 in Royals last 5 games following a win. Over is 6-2 in Royals last 8 when their opponent allows 5 runs or more in their previous game. Under is 13-5 in Royals last 18 home games. Under is 5-2 in Royals last 7 opening games of a double-header. Over is 9-4 in Royals last 13 overall. Over is 9-4 in Royals last 13 on grass. Over is 9-4 in Royals last 13 games vs. a right-handed starter. Under is 11-5 in Royals last 16 home games vs. a right-handed starter. Under is 44-21-3 in Royals last 68 games vs. a team with a winning % above .600. Under is 4-1-2 in Kennedys last 7 starts on grass. Under is 4-1-2 in Kennedys last 7 starts overall.

Head to Head

Over is 6-0 in the last 6 meetings in Kansas City. Over is 3-0-1 in the last 4 meetings.

Umpire Trends - Pat Hoberg

Home team is 4-0 in Hobergs last 4 games behind home plate. Road team is 7-2 in Hobergs last 9 Wednesday games behind home plate. Under is 6-2-1 in Hobergs last 9 Wednesday games behind home plate. Over is 6-2 in Hobergs last 8 games behind home plate

[Satch]

Re: MLB Betting Info. 5/18

Preview: Rangers at Athletics

Current Conditions - Oakland

P/SUNNY 64 °F
Wind: WSW 8
5-Day Forecast
GAME: Texas Rangers (22-18) at Oakland Athletics (18-22)
DATE/TIME: Wednesday, May 18 - 3:35 PM EST
WHERE: Oakland Coliseum, Oakland, California
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A

Rougned Odor has appealed his eight-game suspension and once again will be in the lineup when the Texas Rangers conclude their three-game series against the host Oakland Athletics on Wednesday afternoon. Odor was suspended for delivering a right cross to the face of Toronto's Jose Bautista during a brawl on Sunday and maintains he only was defending himself.

Texas' Elvis Andrus drew a one-game suspension for "aggressive actions during the incident," and served his penalty on Tuesday, but Odor has no interest in missing an extended number of games. "I just have to follow the protocol and wait for the appeal," Odor told reporters prior to Tuesday's gut-wrenching 8-5 loss. "I just want to be with my team. I don't want to be out eight games." The Rangers took a 5-4 lead in the ninth inning on Ian Desmond's two-run homer before Oakland's Khris Davis hit a walk-off grand slam in the bottom of the frame to cap his first three-homer performance in the majors and match his career high of six RBIs. "I feel if my swing is on time, there isn't a pitcher who can beat me," Davis said after his major league-leading eighth homer in May gave the Athletics their fourth victory in five games.

TV: 3:35 p.m. ET, MLB Network, FSN Southwest (Texas)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Rangers LH Martin Perez (1-3, 3.23) vs. Athletics LH Rich Hill (5-3, 2.68)

Perez has allowed two or fewer earned runs in six of his eight starts, but wins have been hard to come by. He lost to Toronto in his last outing, when he gave up two runs (one earned) and five hits in 6 1/3 innings. Perez is 3-4 with a 5.93 ERA in eight career starts against Oakland and has struggled to retire Coco Crisp (6-for-16, three doubles).

Hill has won four of his last five starts, and his next victory will match the second-highest total of his major-league career - which began in 2005. He has given up four or fewer hits in each of his last five outings and has struck out 34 in 30 2/3 innings during the stretch. Hill is 0-3 with a 4.85 ERA in three home starts compared to a 5-0 record and 1.76 ERA in five road outings.

WALK-OFFS

1. Athletics 3B Danny Valencia is on a tear, as his homer on Tuesday was his sixth in the last five games.

2. Texas DH Prince Fielder returned to the lineup after having Monday off and went 2-for-4, but his homerless streak is now at 25 games.

3. Oakland INF/OF Mark Canha will undergo season-ending hip surgery next week.

PREDICTION: Rangers 7, Athletics 5

[Satch]

Re: MLB Betting Info. 5/18

Trends - Texas at Oakland
W/L Trends

Texas

Rangers are 20-6 in their last 26 when their opponent scores 5 runs or more in their previous game. Rangers are 28-11 in their last 39 after allowing 5 runs or more in their previous game. Rangers are 5-2 in their last 7 when their opponent allows 5 runs or more in their previous game. Rangers are 11-5 in their last 16 games on grass. Rangers are 4-9 in their last 13 road games. Rangers are 1-4 in their last 5 road games vs. a team with a home winning % of less than .400. Rangers are 1-5 in their last 6 road games vs. a team with a losing record. Rangers are 1-5 in their last 6 vs. a team with a losing record. Rangers are 0-4 in their last 4 road games vs. a left-handed starter. Rangers are 7-1 in Perezs last 8 Wednesday starts. Rangers are 11-4 in Perezs last 15 starts during game 3 of a series. Rangers are 16-6 in Perezs last 22 starts vs. a team with a losing record. Rangers are 10-4 in Perezs last 14 starts after allowing 5 runs or more in their previous game. Rangers are 9-4 in Perezs last 13 road starts vs. a team with a losing record. Rangers are 2-5 in Perezs last 7 starts when their opponent allows 5 runs or more in their previous game. Rangers are 2-6 in Perezs last 8 starts after scoring 5 runs or more in their previous game. Rangers are 2-6 in Perezs last 8 starts with 4 days of rest. Rangers are 1-4 in Perezs last 5 road starts. Rangers are 2-8 in Perezs last 10 starts on grass. Rangers are 2-9 in Perezs last 11 starts. Rangers are 1-10 in Perezs last 11 starts following a Quality Start in his last appearance. Rangers are 0-4 in Perezs last 4 starts vs. American League West.

Oakland

Athletics are 4-1 in their last 5 home games vs. a team with a losing road record. Athletics are 4-1 in their last 5 overall. Athletics are 18-37 in their last 55 after allowing 5 runs or more in their previous game. Athletics are 21-46 in their last 67 games vs. a left-handed starter. Athletics are 10-22 in their last 32 home games. Athletics are 3-7 in their last 10 when their opponent allows 5 runs or more in their previous game. Athletics are 3-7 in their last 10 games vs. a starter with a WHIP greater than 1.30. Athletics are 3-8 in their last 11 vs. a team with a winning record. Athletics are 3-9 in their last 12 games on grass. Athletics are 1-4 in their last 5 after scoring 5 runs or more in their previous game. Athletics are 1-4 in their last 5 Wednesday games. Athletics are 1-6 in their last 7 during game 3 of a series. Athletics are 4-1 in Hills last 5 starts.

OU Trends

Texas

Over is 5-1 in Rangers last 6 when their opponent scores 5 runs or more in their previous game. Over is 8-2 in Rangers last 10 overall. Over is 8-2 in Rangers last 10 on grass. Under is 4-1 in Rangers last 5 Wednesday games. Over is 4-1 in Rangers last 5 games following a loss. Over is 4-1 in Rangers last 5 during game 3 of a series. Over is 5-2 in Rangers last 7 after scoring 5 runs or more in their previous game. Over is 5-2 in Rangers last 7 after allowing 5 runs or more in their previous game. Under is 5-2 in Rangers last 7 games vs. a left-handed starter. Under is 10-4-2 in Rangers last 16 road games vs. a left-handed starter. Under is 9-4 in Rangers last 13 road games. Under is 6-1 in Perezs last 7 starts following a Quality Start in his last appearance. Under is 4-1 in Perezs last 5 road starts. Under is 4-1 in Perezs last 5 starts overall. Under is 7-2 in Perezs last 9 starts with 4 days of rest. Under is 23-7 in Perezs last 30 starts when their opponent allows 5 runs or more in their previous game. Under is 12-4 in Perezs last 16 starts when their opponent scores 5 runs or more in their previous game. Under is 22-8 in Perezs last 30 starts after scoring 5 runs or more in their previous game. Under is 5-2 in Perezs last 7 starts during game 3 of a series. Under is 12-5 in Perezs last 17 starts on grass.

Oakland

Over is 4-0 in Athletics last 4 during game 3 of a series. Over is 9-1 in Athletics last 10 when their opponent scores 5 runs or more in their previous game. Over is 5-1 in Athletics last 6 on grass. Under is 5-1 in Athletics last 6 games following a win. Over is 5-1 in Athletics last 6 vs. a team with a winning record. Over is 4-1 in Athletics last 5 games vs. a starter with a WHIP greater than 1.30. Over is 12-3-1 in Athletics last 16 after allowing 5 runs or more in their previous game. Over is 4-1 in Athletics last 5 games vs. a left-handed starter. Over is 7-2 in Athletics last 9 overall. Over is 16-5-2 in Athletics last 23 Wednesday games. Over is 11-4-1 in Athletics last 16 home games vs. a team with a losing road record. Over is 8-3-1 in Athletics last 12 home games vs. a left-handed starter. Under is 3-0-1 in Hills last 4 starts with 4 days of rest.

Head to Head

Over is 5-1 in the last 6 meetings. Over is 4-1 in the last 5 meetings in Oakland.

Umpire Trends - Jerry Layne

Over is 6-0 in Laynes last 6 Wednesday games behind home plate vs. Oakland. Home team is 5-1 in Laynes last 6 Wednesday games behind home plate. Over is 21-5-1 in Laynes last 27 games behind home plate vs. Oakland. Over is 4-1 in Laynes last 5 games behind home plate vs. Texas. Home team is 9-3 in Laynes last 12 games behind home plate vs. Texas. Over is 5-2 in Laynes last 7 Wednesday games behind home plate. Athletics are 5-13 in their last 18 games with Layne behind home plate.

[Satch]

Re: MLB Betting Info. 5/18

Preview: Mariners at Orioles

Current Conditions - Baltimore

CLOUDY 50 °F
Wind: E 16
5-Day Forecast
GAME: Seattle Mariners (22-16) at Baltimore Orioles (23-14)
DATE/TIME: Wednesday, May 18 - 7:05 PM EST
WHERE: Oriole Park at Camden Yards, Baltimore, Maryland
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A

The Seattle Mariners endured a tough weekend at home against the Los Angeles Angels but were all smiles by the time they finished up the opener of a road trip at Baltimore on Tuesday. The Mariners will try to keep the momentum going forward when they visit the Orioles for the second of a three-game set on Wednesday.

Seattle squandered ninth-inning leads in losses on Friday and Saturday and wasted a solid performance by Felix Hernandez in a 3-0 loss on Sunday but had no such problems against Baltimore. Nelson Cruz homered and drove in five runs and Kyle Seager added a three-run blast while the bullpen backed starter Wade Miley up with three hitless innings in the 10-0 thrashing. The Orioles have dropped two in a row after rolling to seven straight wins and are usually the ones on the other end of home run-aided blowouts. Baltimore managed two hits in Tuesday’s setback and star Manny Machado went 0-for-3 to extend his slump to 1-for-17 over the last four games.

TV: 7:05 p.m. ET, ROOT (Seattle), MASN2 (Baltimore)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Mariners RH Taijuan Walker (2-2, 2.63 ERA) vs. Orioles RH Chris Tillman (5-1, 2.58)

Walker left a start at Houston on May 6 after only two innings due to neck spasms but made his next start against Tampa Bay last Wednesday. The 23-year-old notched nine strikeouts but was charged with a season-high four runs on five hits and three walks in 5 2/3 innings without factoring in the decision. Walker is making his third career start against the Orioles and allowed a total of six runs and 12 hits in 9 2/3 innings over the first two.

Tillman is on a roll with four straight wins and five consecutive quality starts. The California native, who was originally drafted by Seattle in 2006, struck out seven and scattered five hits over seven scoreless innings against Detroit on Friday and allowed a total of six runs in his last five turns. Tillman has never lost to his original franchise, posting a 6-0 record with a 2.98 ERA in eight career starts.

WALK-OFFS

1. The Mariners activated RHP Joaquin Benoit (shoulder) from the 15-day disabled list on Tuesday and optioned RHP Mayckol Guaipe to Triple-A Tacoma.

2. Baltimore CF Adam Jones had an eight-game hitting streak come to an end with Monday’s 0-for-3 effort.

3. Seager is 7-for-15 with three doubles and a home run in the last four games.

PREDICTION: Orioles 4, Mariners 3

[Satch]

Re: MLB Betting Info. 5/18

Trends - Seattle at Baltimore
W/L Trends

Seattle

Mariners are 4-0 in their last 4 vs. American League East. Mariners are 7-1 in their last 8 vs. a team with a winning record. Mariners are 5-1 in their last 6 Wednesday games. Mariners are 8-2 in their last 10 road games vs. a right-handed starter. Mariners are 7-2 in their last 9 road games. Mariners are 6-2 in their last 8 road games vs. a team with a home winning % of greater than .600. Mariners are 5-2 in their last 7 when their opponent scores 2 runs or less in their previous game. Mariners are 17-8 in their last 25 overall. Mariners are 17-8 in their last 25 games on grass. Mariners are 4-0 in Walkers last 4 Wednesday starts. Mariners are 10-2 in Walkers last 12 starts during game 2 of a series. Mariners are 5-1 in Walkers last 6 road starts vs. a team with a winning record. Mariners are 9-3 in Walkers last 12 road starts. Mariners are 11-4 in Walkers last 15 starts vs. a team with a winning record. Mariners are 18-7 in Walkers last 25 starts. Mariners are 18-7 in Walkers last 25 starts on grass.

Baltimore

Orioles are 4-0 in their last 4 when their opponent allows 2 runs or less in their previous game. Orioles are 11-2 in their last 13 during game 2 of a series. Orioles are 4-1 in their last 5 after scoring 2 runs or less in their previous game. Orioles are 4-1 in their last 5 after allowing 5 runs or more in their previous game. Orioles are 4-1 in their last 5 when their opponent scores 5 runs or more in their previous game. Orioles are 7-2 in their last 9 overall. Orioles are 7-2 in their last 9 games on grass. Orioles are 21-7 in their last 28 home games. Orioles are 8-3 in their last 11 home games vs. a team with a winning record. Orioles are 23-9 in their last 32 games vs. a right-handed starter. Orioles are 10-4 in their last 14 Wednesday games. Orioles are 75-33 in their last 108 home games vs. a right-handed starter. Orioles are 18-8 in their last 26 vs. a team with a winning record. Orioles are 3-7 in their last 10 vs. American League West. Orioles are 1-4 in their last 5 home games vs. a team with a road winning % of greater than .600. Orioles are 5-0 in Tillmans last 5 starts following a Quality Start in his last appearance. Orioles are 5-0 in Tillmans last 5 starts. Orioles are 4-0 in Tillmans last 4 starts on grass. Orioles are 4-0 in Tillmans last 4 Wednesday starts. Orioles are 4-0 in Tillmans last 4 starts when their opponent scores 5 runs or more in their previous game. Orioles are 4-0 in Tillmans last 4 starts after allowing 5 runs or more in their previous game. Orioles are 4-1 in Tillmans last 5 starts with 4 days of rest. Orioles are 24-9 in Tillmans last 33 starts when their opponent allows 2 runs or less in their previous game. Orioles are 37-18 in Tillmans last 55 home starts. Orioles are 2-6 in Tillmans last 8 home starts vs. a team with a winning record.

OU Trends

Seattle

Over is 3-0-1 in Mariners last 4 road games vs. a team with a home winning % of greater than .600. Over is 3-0-1 in Mariners last 4 vs. American League East. Over is 4-0 in Mariners last 4 games vs. a right-handed starter. Over is 3-0-1 in Mariners last 4 during game 2 of a series. Over is 6-1-1 in Mariners last 8 when their opponent allows 5 runs or more in their previous game. Over is 5-1-1 in Mariners last 7 overall. Over is 5-1-1 in Mariners last 7 on grass. Over is 5-1-2 in Mariners last 8 after scoring 5 runs or more in their previous game. Over is 5-1-2 in Mariners last 8 games following a win. Under is 5-1-1 in Mariners last 7 vs. a team with a winning record. Under is 5-2 in Mariners last 7 when their opponent scores 2 runs or less in their previous game. Over is 5-2 in Mariners last 7 Wednesday games. Over is 6-1-1 in Walkers last 8 starts after allowing 2 runs or less in their previous game. Under is 5-1-1 in Walkers last 7 starts on grass. Under is 5-1-1 in Walkers last 7 starts overall. Over is 5-1 in Walkers last 6 starts vs. American League East. Under is 5-1 in Walkers last 6 road starts vs. a team with a winning record. Under is 3-1-1 in Walkers last 5 starts when their opponent allows 5 runs or more in their previous game. Under is 3-1-1 in Walkers last 5 road starts. Under is 3-1-1 in Walkers last 5 starts when their opponent scores 2 runs or less in their previous game. Under is 3-1-1 in Walkers last 5 starts after scoring 5 runs or more in their previous game.

Baltimore

Over is 4-0-1 in Orioles last 5 vs. a team with a winning record. Over is 7-1 in Orioles last 8 overall. Over is 7-1 in Orioles last 8 on grass. Over is 6-1-1 in Orioles last 8 home games vs. a team with a road winning % of greater than .600. Over is 6-1 in Orioles last 7 vs. American League West. Over is 6-1 in Orioles last 7 games vs. a right-handed starter. Under is 5-1 in Orioles last 6 games vs. a starter with a WHIP less than 1.15. Under is 5-1 in Orioles last 6 Wednesday games. Over is 5-1 in Orioles last 6 home games. Over is 4-1 in Orioles last 5 home games vs. a right-handed starter. Under is 4-1 in Orioles last 5 when their opponent scores 5 runs or more in their previous game. Under is 4-1 in Orioles last 5 after allowing 5 runs or more in their previous game. Under is 4-1-1 in Orioles last 6 during game 2 of a series. Over is 15-5-1 in Orioles last 21 home games vs. a team with a winning record. Under is 6-2 in Orioles last 8 games following a loss. Under is 5-2 in Orioles last 7 after scoring 2 runs or less in their previous game. Under is 3-0-2 in Tillmans last 5 Wednesday starts. Under is 4-0 in Tillmans last 4 starts after allowing 5 runs or more in their previous game. Under is 5-0 in Tillmans last 5 starts when their opponent scores 5 runs or more in their previous game. Under is 5-1 in Tillmans last 6 home starts. Under is 4-1 in Tillmans last 5 starts with 4 days of rest. Under is 4-1 in Tillmans last 5 starts after scoring 2 runs or less in their previous game. Under is 4-1 in Tillmans last 5 starts overall. Under is 9-3-1 in Tillmans last 13 starts following a Quality Start in his last appearance. Over is 3-1-1 in Tillmans last 5 starts during game 2 of a series. Over is 3-1-2 in Tillmans last 6 starts vs. a team with a winning record. Under is 5-2 in Tillmans last 7 starts on grass. Under is 19-9-1 in Tillmans last 29 home starts vs. a team with a winning record.

Head to Head

Orioles are 5-0 in Tillmans last 5 home starts vs. Mariners. Orioles are 7-1 in Tillmans last 8 starts vs. Mariners. Over is 4-1 in Tillmans last 5 starts vs. Mariners. Mariners are 5-11 in the last 16 meetings in Baltimore.

Umpire Trends - Rob Drake

Under is 3-0-1 in Drakes last 4 games behind home plate. Over is 5-1 in Drakes last 6 games behind home plate vs. Baltimore. Home team is 4-1 in Drakes last 5 Wednesday games behind home plate. Home team is 8-3 in Drakes last 11 games behind home plate. Mariners are 2-6 in their last 8 Wednesday games with Drake behind home plate. Mariners are 5-17 in their last 22 games with Drake behind home plate.

[Satch]

Re: MLB Betting Info. 5/18

Preview: Braves at Pirates

Weather information is currently unavailable. 5-Day Forecast
GAME: Atlanta Braves (9-29) at Pittsburgh Pirates (21-17)
DATE/TIME: Wednesday, May 18 - 7:05 PM EST
WHERE: PNC Park, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A

The Braves are off to one of the worst starts in baseball history, entering Wednesday’s game against Pittsburgh looking for their 10th victory of the season and first under interim manager Brian Snitker. Atlanta fired Fredi Gonzalez Tuesday morning, the first time the franchise has dismissed a manager since 1990, but the Pirates scored seven first-inning runs and held off a spirited Braves' comeback in a 12-9 victory.

“Sometimes, changes is a good thing,” Atlanta right fielder Nick Markakis told reporters, hours after Gonzalez’s dismissal and before Tuesday's loss dropped the Braves to 9-29. “Sometimes, it’s a bad thing. You never know until you try.” Pittsburgh has won three in a row and coupled with the Chicago Cubs’ loss at Milwaukee has whittled Chicago’s lead in the National League Central to 6 ½ games. The Pirates finished with a season-high 21 hits, getting three-hit games from John Jaso, Andrew McCutchen, Gregory Polanco and Francisco Cervelli. Polanco is 9-for-17 in his past five games, and has scored nine runs in his past eight contests.

TV: 7:05 p.m., FSN Southeast (Atlanta), Root Sports (Pittsburgh)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Braves RH Julio Teheran (0-4, 3.17 ERA) vs. Pirates LH Francisco Liriano (3-2, 4.99)

The veteran of Atlanta's rotation at age 25, Teheran has pitched well while receiving little run support – the Braves have averaged 2.04 runs in his eight starts. He lost Friday at Kansas City despite allowing two runs (one earned) on four hits in seven innings, the fifth consecutive outing Teheran has given up two earned runs or less. He is 2-1 with a 4.32 ERA in six career appearances (five starts) against the Pirates.

Liriano was rocked by the Cubs for eight runs on nine hits – including three homers – in 4 2/3 innings Friday. It snapped a two-start winning streak during which the 32-year-old surrendered only three runs in 13 2/3 innings and featured 10 strikeouts May 6 against the Cardinals. Liriano makes his fifth career start against Atlanta, and is 2-1 with a 3.60 ERA.

WALK-OFFS

1. Pittsburgh signed Cervelli to a three-year contract extension through 2019; Cervelli has hit .294 in 164 games with the Pirates the past two seasons.

2. Atlanta CF Mallex Smith slugged two homers and drove in four runs Tuesday; the rookie is hitting .362 with three homers and nine RBIs in his past 16 games.

3. Highly touted Pirates INF Alen Hanson recorded his first major-league hit – an infield single – in the fifth inning Tuesday, one night after striking out in his big-league debut.

PREDICTION: Pirates 3, Braves 1