MLB Betting Info. 4/15

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StatFox Super Situations


MLB | WASHINGTON at PHILADELPHIA
Play On - Home teams when the money line is +125 to -125 (PHILADELPHIA) terrible offensive team - scoring <=3.8 runs/game on the season (NL) against opponent starting a pitcher who gave up 1 or less earned runs last outing
131-84 over the last 5 seasons. ( 60.9% | 50.0 units )




StatFox Situational Power Trends


MLB | BALTIMORE at TEXAS
TEXAS is 46-31 (+30.1 Units) against the money line vs. an excellent bullpen whose ERA is 3.00 or better over the last 3 seasons.
The average score was: TEXAS (4.7) , OPPONENT (4.3)

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Re: MLB Betting Info. 4/15

MLB betting cheat sheet: Windy City Win Streak
By JESSE SCHULE


It may be early on in the Major League Baseball season, but the South Siders want to let people know the Cubs aren't the only good team in Chicago this season. Jesse Schule breaks down their hot start and all the best betting notes in this weekend's MLB cheat sheet.


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




Windy City Win Streak


With seven wins in their first eight games, the Cubs have matched their best start in franchise history. This really comes as no surprise, as the Cubs came into the season as one of the favorites in the National League. Few expected the White Sox to start the season in similar fashion, and Chicago's other team sits in first place in the AL Central with a record of 6-2 after it's first eight games. The White Sox play a three game series in Tampa this weekend, and the Rays are sitting last in the AL East, and rank dead last in the AL in runs scored.


Everything Is Bigger In Texas


Most teams have a few big bats in the lineup, but as the old saying goes ... "everything is bigger in Texas". So far the duo of Prince Fielder and Adrian Beltre have combined to drive in 19 runs. The Rangers play a four game series at home versus Baltimore this weekend, and Chris Tillman will go in Game 1. Beltre is 6-for-12 with a home run and three RBIs lifetime versus Tillman. Fielder is 4-for-9 with a home run and three RBIs versus Vance Worely, who will start Game 2.


The Untouchables


Two pitchers in the National League have held the opposition scoreless in their first two starts: Chase Anderson of Milwaukee and Kenta Maeda of the Dodgers. Maeda is a 27 year old rookie out of Japan, and he will make his next start at home versus the Giants on Sunday. Anderson's next start comes on the road at Minnesota opposite Phil Hughes on Monday.


Hitting Notes


*The New York Mets were expected to be one of the top teams in the National League, but after eight games the Mets are batting a major league worst .194. Things could get worse before they get better, as New York will play it's next nine games on the road.


*Giancarlo Stanton is off to a slow start, but he's played five of his first seven games on the road at Washington and New York. He should be able to get back on track in a home series versus the Braves. Atlanta's pitching staff ranks 29th in the majors, with only Colorado surrendering more runs.


Pitching Notes


*Madison Bumgarner and Clayton Kershaw are two of the best pitchers in the majors, and they've already faced off once this season. The Dodgers won that game 3-2, but Bumgarner allowed just one run on six hits, striking out eight in six innings not factoring in the decision. They will meet again on Friday night in Game 1 of a three game series at Chavez Ravine.


*Felix Hernandez is still looking for his first win of the season, despite a minuscule 0.69 ERA with 16 strikeouts in 13 innings in his first two starts. His next start comes on the road at Yankee Stadium, opposite C.C. Sabathia on Saturday.


Totals trend


At one point last season the Tigers went over in 19 consecutive games. They have gone over in six of seven games so far this year, and they are in Houston this weekend for a three game series against the Astros. Houston has gone over in six of nine so far, and it's bullpen has been brutal posting an ERA of 6.16 in those games. The over is 37-15-4 in Tigers last 56 road games.


Injury Notes


*Yankees Catcher Brain McCann is leading the American League hitting .500 so far. He sat out Wednesday's game in Toronto with a foot injury, and is listed as day to day.


* It's been another disastrous start to the season for Pablo Sandoval, and he's landed on the 15 day DL with a shoulder injury.


Friday's Weather Report


* The Windy City could hold up to its name at Wrigley Field Friday, where the Cubs host the Rockies with an expected 10-12 mile per hour pitchers wind gusting in from right field.


* It should also be windy in Arlington when Rangers host the Orioles Friday. There is an expected 10-12 mile per hour pitchers wind gusting in from center field.


* Pitchers wind is the theme Friday as there will be another in Minnesota when the Twins host the Angels. Gusts of 12-15 miles per hour are expected to come in from right.

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Re: MLB Betting Info. 4/15

Five to Follow MLB Betting: Friday, April 15, 2016, Opening Line Report
by Alan Matthews


April 15 is Jackie Robinson Day across Major League Baseball as on April 15, 1947, Robinson broke the color line in baseball when he played for the Brooklyn Dodgers. It's a great day and well-deserved, no question, but it's sure hard on those amateur scorekeepers at games because all players will wear No. 42. No future big-leaguer will ever wear that number again every day; the last to do so was former Yankees Hall of Famer Mariano Rivera, who will join Robinson in the Hall of Fame in 2019.


Rockies at Cubs (-185, TBA)


Your lone matinee -- as is custom at Wrigley Field on Fridays -- with a 2:20 p.m. ET start and on the MLB Network. These are two of the highest-scoring teams in baseball in the early going. And I expect plenty of runs here as long as the wind isn't blowing in here considering the starting pitchers. It's Chad Bettis for Colorado. He was roughed up in his first start in Arizona but held the Padres to one earned run over seven innings last time out. But the Padres stink. Bettis didn't face the Cubs in 2015. Just a few have seen him. Jason Heyward is 1-for-5 with a homer. Ben Zobrist is 1-for-2 with a double. Cubs No. 5 starter Kyle Hendricks was solid in his lone start thus far, allowing two runs and four hits in 6.2 innings in a win at Arizona. He was 0-0 with an 8.68 ERA last year in two starts against the Rockies. Carlos Gonzalez is 3-for-8 with a homer and three RBIs against him. DJ LeMahieu is 3-for-7 with five RBIs.


Key trends: The Rockies are 1-5 in Bettis' past six against teams with a winning record. The Cubs are 15-6 in Hendricks' past 21 at home. The "over/under" is 8-3 in Bettis' past 11 vs. teams with a winning record.


Early lean: Cubs.


Mets at Indians (-110, 8)


This is the only interleague series of the weekend so the Mets will add the designated hitter. I'm guessing that would be Michael Conforto since he was in that role the first two games of the season in Kansas City. Rather a shame there is a DH because it's always fun to see chubby Mets 42-year-old Bartolo Colon try to hit. Colon's excellent career began in 1997 in Cleveland and he lasted there until being traded to Montreal in 2002 in what would turn out to be an incredibly lopsided deal for the Indians as they got the likes of Cliff Lee, Grady Sizemore and Brandon Phillips. Colon was strong in his first start this season but lost against the Phillies despite allowing just one run on five hits over six innings and striking out seven. Cleveland's Marlon Byrd is 6-for-14 off him with two homers. Juan Uribe is 4-for-13 with three doubles. It's Cody Anderson for the Tribe. He was very good as a rookie last year, going 7-3 with a 3.05 ERA in 15 starts. And he was good in his 2016 debut, allowing two runs over six innings in a no-decision at the White Sox. He has never faced the Mets.


Key trends: The Mets are 4-1 in Colon's past five on the road. The Indians have won eight straight on Friday. They are 4-0 in Anderson's past four at home. The over is 6-0 in his past six at home.


Early lean: Indians and under.


Blue Jays at Red Sox (-120, 9)


I'm not going to lie, I'm not a Red Sox fan. So it makes me somewhat giddy to see two guys who are owed about a combined $138 million totally go bust on that team. I'm speaking of fat third baseman Pablo Sandoval and Cuban outfielder Rusney Castillo. Both lost their presumed starting jobs in the spring and now Sandoval is on the DL while still having the audacity to say he only wants to stay in Boston if he can play every day. What a tool! Castillo, meanwhile, was sent to Triple-A on Wednesday. This game looks to be a shootout as the Jays start knuckleballer R.A. Dickey and the Sox Rick Porcello. These two squared off last Saturday in Toronto in an 8-4 Red Sox win. Dickey allowed seven runs and eight hits in five innings. Porcello allowed four runs and seven hits in six innings. Jose Bautista homered off Porcello twice in that loss and I highly recommend you take a Bautista hitting prop here as he's 13-for-28 with three homers and nine RBIs career off Porcello.


Key trends: The Jays are 2-5 in Dickey's past seven vs. Boston. The over is 5-0-2 in his past seven overall. The over is 8-2-1 in Boston's past 11 Friday games.


Early lean: Red Sox and over.


Giants at Dodgers (-165, 6)


Also on the MLB Network. And clearly the pitching matchup of the night as lefty studs Madison Bumgarner and Clayton Kershaw face off for the second time in less than a week. Last Saturday in San Francisco, Kershaw allowed two runs and four hits over eight innings in a no-decision, a game the Dodgers won in extra innings. Perhaps most notable was that Bumgarner hit his second homer in two seasons off Kershaw. Only 17 players all-time have hit two homers off the three-time Cy Young winner. Unthinkable that one is a pitcher. It was Bumgarner's 12th career homer, which ties current Oriole Yovani Gallardo for the most among active pitchers. Bumgarner also pitched well Saturday, allowing a run and six hits over six innings with eight strikeouts. He left with the lead.


Key trends: The under is 8-2-1 in Kershaw's past 11 at home vs. the Giants. The under is 12-3-1 in Bumgarner's past 16 vs. L.A. The Dodgers are 2-5 in past seven when Kershaw faces Bumgarner.


Early lean: Dodgers and under.


Diamondbacks at Padres (+105, 6.5)


Are the Snakes having major buyer's remorse on Zack Greinke? He was terrible in his first start against Colorado in allowing seven runs in four innings, and then not a ton better Saturday against the Cubs, allowing four runs and seven hits in six innings. He's 0-2 with a 9.90 ERA. Last year with the Dodgers, Greinke had three total losses and didn't allow 11 runs in any month, much less back-to-back starts. Maybe going to pitcher-friendly Petco Park will help. He was 2-1 with a 1.23 ERA in five starts against the Padres in 2015. Melvin Upton will likely be out of the lineup as he's 4-for-31 with 18 strikeouts off Greinke. The Padres' James Shields gave up way too many homers last year and was dinged for three more on Sunday in Colorado, allowing four runs in seven innings. He's 0-2 with a 4.85 ERA. Shields was 2-2 with a 4.97 ERA in four 2015 starts vs. Arizona. David Peralta is 4-for-8 with two homers off him. Paul Goldschmidt has one in eight at-bats.


Key trends : The Padres are 2-6 in Shields' past eight at home. The over is 10-3 in his past 13 there.


Early lean: Diamondbacks and over.

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Re: MLB Betting Info. 4/15

Preview: Rockies at Cubs
GAME: Colorado Rockies (5-4) at Chicago Cubs (8-1)
DATE/TIME: Friday, April 15 – 2:20 PM EST
WHERE: Wrigley Field, Chicago, Illinois
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A
Both the Chicago Cubs and Colorado Rockies have put up plenty of runs early in the season, but the Cubs have paired their powerful offense with a dominant pitching staff. Right-hander Kyle Hendricks hopes to continue that trend when he takes the mound for the opener of a three-game series against the visiting Rockies on Friday afternoon.
The Cubs lead the majors in runs per game (7.11) thanks to a power-packed lineup led by Anthony Rizzo and Kris Bryant, who homered for a second straight game in Thursday’s 8-1 win over Cincinnati. The Rockies have a potent lineup of their own and put up a nine-run fifth inning en route to an 11-6 triumph over San Francisco on Thursday. Two of the most dangerous bats in the lineup belong to Nolan Arenado, who drove in 10 runs in the three-game series against the Giants, and red-hot rookie Trevor Story, who leads the majors with seven home runs. The difference between Colorado (5-4) and Chicago (8-1) has been on the mound, where the Cubs lead the majors in runs allowed per game (2.33) while the Rockies have surrendered a league-high 7.78 per contest.
TV: 2:20 p.m. ET, MLB Network, ROOT (Colorado), CSN Chicago
PITCHING MATCHUP: Rockies RH Chad Bettis (1-0, 4.38 ERA) vs. Cubs RH Kyle Hendricks (1-0, 2.70)
Bettis was roughed up in Arizona in his season debut, but he rebounded with a strong outing to beat San Diego on Sunday. The 26-year-old limited the Padres to two runs (one earned) and six hits over seven frames while striking out six. Bettis has pitched against the Cubs only once, facing one batter and inducing a double play in a relief appearance at Wrigley Field in 2014.
Hendricks earned the final spot in the rotation with a strong spring and picked up where he left off in his season debut Saturday at Arizona. The 26-year-old struck out five and held the Diamondbacks to two runs and four hits over 6 2/3 innings. Hendricks has been tough at home over the last two seasons, going 6-4 with a 2.93 ERA in 22 career starts at Wrigley Field.
WALK-OFFS
1. Colorado RF Carlos Gonzalez and 2B DJ LeMahieu each have hit safely in all nine games this season.
2. The Cubs have drawn at least five walks in five straight games and lead the majors with 53 bases on balls.
3. Rockies CF Charlie Blackmon (toe) was placed on the 15-day disabled list Thursday.
PREDICTION: Cubs 6, Rockies 4

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Re: MLB Betting Info. 4/15

Preview: Brewers at Pirates
GAME: Milwaukee Brewers (4-5) at Pittsburgh Pirates (5-5)
DATE/TIME: Friday, April 15 – 7:05 PM EST
WHERE: PNC Park, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A
The Pittsburgh Pirates’ fast start has disintegrated rapidly and the club attempts to get back above .500 when it opens a three-game home series against the Milwaukee Brewers on Friday. Pittsburgh won its first four games of the season but has since lost five of its last six, including a 7-4 decision against the Detroit Tigers on Thursday.
The Pirates have lost three straight games and the latest setback was frustrating as they left 12 men on base while going 5-for-16 with runners in scoring position on Thursday. “I look at the opportunities we’ve been able to create and are creating,” Pittsburgh manager Clint Hurdle told reporters. “It’s having that finishing at-bat at the end, that at-bat where you drive in two runs, something along those lines.” Milwaukee had a much different experience in its 7-0 loss to St. Louis on Thursday as it had just one hit against Cardinals left-hander Jaime Garcia. The Brewers fanned 13 times and never even had an at-bat with a runner in scoring position.
TV: 7:05 p.m. ET, FSN Wisconsin (Milwaukee), ROOT (Pittsburgh)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Brewers RH Jimmy Nelson (1-1, 2.70 ERA) vs. Pirates LH Jeff Locke (0-0, 1.50)
Nelson is coming off a strong effort in which he struck out nine and gave up two runs and three hits in six innings while defeating the Houston Astros last Sunday. He also allowed just two runs in his first start when he lasted 7 1/3 innings while losing to the San Francisco Giants. Nelson is 4-2 with a 2.48 ERA and 0.99 WHIP in six career starts against Pittsburgh and has had issues with center fielder Andrew McCutchen (3-for-7, four walks).
Locke received a no-decision in his first start of the season when he gave up one run and seven hits in six innings against the Cincinnati Reds last Sunday. He is 5-4 with a 3.75 ERA in 12 career outings against the Brewers and was 3-2 with a 3.45 ERA in five starts against them last season. Locke has struggled to retire catcher Jonathan Lucroy (10-for-24, one homer) and outfielder Ryan Braun (10-for-31, one homer).
WALK-OFFS
1. The Brewers won the season series 10-9 last season but the Pirates went 7-3 in games played at PNC Park.
2. Milwaukee SS Jonathan Villar (ankle) has missed consecutive games but could return to the lineup on Friday.
3. Pittsburgh signed RHP Justin Masterson – a 2013 All-Star with the Cleveland Indians – to a minor-league contract.
PREDICTION: Brewers 5, Pirates 4

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Re: MLB Betting Info. 4/15

Preview: Nationals at Phillies
GAME: Washington Nationals (7-1) at Philadelphia Phillies (5-5)
DATE/TIME: Friday, April 15 – 7:05 PM EST
WHERE: Citizens Bank Park, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A
The Washington Nationals are off to a great start, but this weekend’s opponent also has exceeded expectations over the last week. Washington begins a three-game set on the road against the Philadelphia Phillies on Friday with both teams looking to extend early-season winning streaks.
Washington enters this series with five straight victories, including a four-game sweep of Atlanta this week. The Nationals have given up a total of nine runs during their five consecutive victories – a streak during which they have yet to score more than six runs in any game. The Phillies have followed a similar formula of late, as they have won three games in a row despite totaling eight runs in those contests. Philadelphia’s Opening Day starter, Jeremy Hellickson, will get the nod Friday against Washington youngster Joe Ross, who is facing the Phillies for the first time.
TV: 7:05 p.m. ET, MASN (Washington), CSN Philadelphia
PITCHING MATCHUP: Nationals RH Joe Ross (1-0, 1.29 ERA) vs. Phillies RH Jeremy Hellickson (1-0, 1.54)
Ross allowed one run over seven frames in his season debut against Miami. As a rookie last season, he made 13 starts and three relief outings, posting a 3.64 ERA en route to a 5-5 record. He has never faced any player on the Phillies.
Hellickson has delivered two solid starts to begin his Phillies career, most recently a victory over the Mets in which he yielded two runs and three hits in 5 2/3 innings. He has 11 strikeouts against one walk this season and has not given up a hit in 18 at-bats against lefties. Hellickson has a 6.97 ERA in two previous starts versus Washington and has allowed two hits and three walks to Bryce Harper in six lifetime plate appearances.
WALK-OFFS
1. The Phillies have scored three runs or fewer in eight of their 10 games.
2. The Nationals took 12 of 19 meetings with the Phillies a season ago.
3. Former Philadelphia closer Jonathan Papelbon, who was traded to Washington last summer, is 5-for-5 in save opportunities this year.
PREDICTION: Nationals 8, Phillies 3

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Re: MLB Betting Info. 4/15

Preview: Mariners at Yankees
GAME: Seattle Mariners (3-6) at New York Yankees (4-4)
DATE/TIME: Friday, April 15 – 7:05 PM EST
WHERE: Yankee Stadium, Bronx, New York
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A
The New York Yankees will get a glimpse of their recent past when they welcome Robinson Cano and the Seattle Mariners to town for the opener of a three-game series on Friday night. The Yankees will be kicking off a nine-game homestand after dropping their last two contests in Toronto to culminate a 2-3 road trip.
New York decided to let Cano walk via free agency followed the 2013 season after he played his first nine years with the Yankees. Cano is batting only .189 on the season but is tied for the American League lead with five home runs for Seattle, which is starting a nine-game road trip. Getting away from home may not be the worst thing for the Mariners, who needed a 10th-inning homer on Wednesday to snap a five-game skid at Safeco Field. Seattle will send Nathan Karns to the mound to oppose New York right-hander Luis Severino.
TV: 7:05 p.m. ET, ROOT (Seattle), YES (New York)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Mariners RH Nathan Karns (0-1, 7.20 ERA) vs. Yankees RH Luis Severino (0-1, 5.40)
Karns has a shaky season debut at home against Oakland, getting tagged for four runs and seven hits while striking out six over five innings. He has plenty of familiarity with the Yankees from his tenure in Tampa Bay, compiling a 1-0 record and 2.91 ERA in four starts against New York in 2015 and ringing up 28 strikeouts over 21 2/3 innings. Yankees designated hitter Alex Rodriguez was 2-for-10 with a home run against Karns, who held the Yankees to a .215 batting average.
Severino routinely churned out quality starts following his promotion to the majors last August, but he labored in his season debut at the Detroit Tigers. The 22-year-old Dominican struck out five batters over five innings but was touched for three runs on a career-high 10 hits in a 4-0 loss. Severino made five starts at Yankee Stadium during his rookie campaign, compiling a 3-2 record with a 3.16 ERA while surrendering five home runs over 25 2/3 innings.
WALK-OFFS
1. Rodriguez is mired in an 0-for-14 rut, dropping his batting average to .120.
2. Cano is a lifetime .311 hitter in 407 games at the new Yankee Stadium.
3. Yankees 2B Starlin Castro is batting .310 despite going hitless in nine at-bats in Toronto.
PREDICTION: Yankees 4, Mariners 2

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Re: MLB Betting Info. 4/15

Preview: Blue Jays at Red Sox
GAME: Toronto Blue Jays (5-5) at Boston Red Sox (4-4)
DATE/TIME: Friday, April 15 – 7:10 PM EST
WHERE: Fenway Park, Boston, Massachusetts
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A
The Boston Red Sox were at their best offensively in a three-game series at Toronto last weekend and are hoping the bats come to life again when they host the Blue Jays in the opener of a four-game series on Friday. The Red Sox dropped two of three on their homestand-opening series against Baltimore but took the finale to climb back to .500.
Boston has received two quality starts from the rotation in the first eight games and got a much-needed break for the bullpen with Thursday’s off day. The relief corps has been solid despite its extended use, and five relievers helped close out Wednesday’s 4-2 win after starter Joe Kelly needed 116 pitches to get through five innings. That suspect staff is still searching for a way to retire reigning MVP Josh Donaldson, who went 5-for-13 with two home runs, five RBIs and five runs scored in the series last weekend. Donaldson continued his torrid pace and extended his hitting streak to 10 games to begin the season by delivering a go-ahead, three-run blast in Thursday’s 4-2 victory over the Yankees, which also extended his streak to seven straight contests with at least one run scored.
TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, Sportsnet One (Toronto), NESN (Boston)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Blue Jays RH R.A. Dickey (1-1, 8.10 ERA) vs. Red Sox RH Rick Porcello (1-0, 6.00)
Dickey was a victim of Boston’s offense last Saturday, when he surrendered seven runs – six earned – on eight hits and a pair of walks in five innings to absorb the loss. The veteran knuckleballer did record nine strikeouts in the setback and has 12 in 10 total innings on the season. Dickey’s rough start last weekend came on the heels of a 2015 campaign that saw him go 0-3 with a 4.62 ERA in six starts against the division-rival Red Sox.
Porcello was the beneficiary of Dickey’s tough outing on Saturday and ended up with the win despite yielding a pair of two-run homers to Jose Bautista among seven hits. The New Jersey native struck out seven and walked one in those six innings and worked through his final three frames scoreless after the early trouble with Bautista. Porcello is 5-7 with a 5.35 ERA in 13 career games – 12 starts – against Toronto.
WALK-OFFS
1. The Red Sox placed 3B Pablo Sandoval (shoulder) on the 15-day DL and optioned OF Rusney Castillo to Triple-A Pawtucket.
2. Bautista has 21 home runs in 56 career games at Fenway Park.
3. Boston RF Mookie Betts is 7-for-14 with four RBIs and four runs scored in his last three contests after going 1-for-13 in the three-game series at Toronto.
PREDICTION: Red Sox 6, Blue Jays 5

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Re: MLB Betting Info. 4/15

Preview: White Sox at Rays
GAME: Chicago White Sox (7-2) at Tampa Bay Rays (3-6)
DATE/TIME: Friday, April 15 – 7:10 PM EST
WHERE: Tropicana Field, St. Petersburg, Florida
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A
The Chicago White Sox look to extend their winning streak to five and continue a strong start to the season when they visit the Tampa Bay Rays on Friday to begin a three-game set. The White Sox, who opened last season 0-4, finished a sweep of the slumping Minnesota Twins with a 3-1 victory on Thursday and have allowed just six runs in their last five victories.
Chicago (7-2), which will send All-Star left-hander Chris Sale to the mound Friday, has been led by solid pitching and the offense has produced when needed with leadoff batter Adam Eaton setting the table well with 13 hits in eight games. The White Sox hope to take advantage of the offensively challenged Rays, who have dropped four of their last five while managing 10 runs in that span. Tampa Bay was held to one run over the past two games against Cleveland, falling to 3-6 overall, and manager Kevin Cash told reporters, “It looked like guys are frustrated, and that’s OK to be frustrated.” The Rays look to turn things around with right-hander Jake Odorizzi taking the mound and will likely sit struggling left-handed hitters Logan Morrison (2-for-29) and Brad Miller (2-for-26) against Sale.
TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, CSN Chicago, FSN Sun (Tampa Bay)
PITCHING MATCHUP: White Sox LH Chris Sale (2-0, 3.86 ERA) vs. Rays RH Jake Odorizzi (0-1, 3.86)
Sale has gotten enough offensive support to win his first two starts while allowing three runs in each with 13 hits given up in 14 total innings. The 27-year-old Lakeland, Fla. native has struggled in his career against the Rays, going 2-4 with a 4.62 ERA in eight appearances (six starts). Steve Pearce is 3-for-9 versus Sale, who went 13-11 with a 3.41 ERA in 2015 after an outstanding 12-4 season in 2014.
Odorizzi has given his team a chance to win in his first two starts, allowing one earned run over 5 2/3 innings before the Rays rallied for a 3-2 victory in his season debut and giving up four in six frames last time out. The 26-year-old Illinois native has 14 strikeouts and just two walks in his first two turns. Odorizzi permitted four runs in 4 1/3 innings in his lone career start against the White Sox to take the loss.
WALK-OFFS
1. The Rays won five of six games against the White Sox last season, including a three-game sweep at home.
2. Chicago 1B Jose Abreu is batting .354 with five homers, 18 RBIs, 17 hits and seven walks in 13 career games against the Rays.
3. Tampa Bay 3B Evan Longoria has hit safely in seven of nine games this season with two homers and five RBIs.
PREDICTION: Rays 4, White Sox 3

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Re: MLB Betting Info. 4/15

Preview: Mets at Indians
GAME: New York Mets (3-5) at Cleveland Indians (4-3)
DATE/TIME: Friday, April 15 – 7:10 PM EST
WHERE: Progressive Field, Cleveland, Ohio
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A
Bartolo Colon takes the mound in the place he started his major league career in 1997 when his struggling New York Mets visit the Cleveland Indians on Friday to start a three-game interleague series. The 42-year-old Colon has accumulated 218 victories, including 75 with the Indians from 1997-2002, and hopes to help the Mets snap out of an early funk.
New York’s pitching staff has kept the team in games during a 3-5 start, but the Mets are batting .194 and averaging 2.5 runs per game after ending a four-game losing streak with a 2-1 win over Miami on Wednesday. “We’ve gotten off to a slow start,” New York manager Terry Collins told reporters. “It happens. … There’s a lot of teams that get off to great starts and falter.” The Indians have yet to lose a series and won their first by outscoring the Tampa Bay Rays 10-1 in two straight victories the past two days. Cody Anderson opposes Colon after veteran Marlon Byrd belted his first homer for the team in a 6-0 triumph on Thursday afternoon as Cleveland improved to 4-3.
TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, SNY (New York), SportsTime Ohio (Cleveland)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Mets RH Bartolo Colon (0-1, 1.23 ERA) vs. Indians RH Cody Anderson (0-0, 3.00)
Colon pitched six solid innings in his first start of the season last Saturday in a loss to Philadelphia, permitting one run on five hits with seven strikeouts. The 42-year-old from the Dominican Republic has not walked anyone in 7 1/3 innings this season, including a brief relief stint, and issued just 24 bases on balls in 194 2/3 frames in 2015. Byrd is 6-for-14 with two homers versus Colon, who is 6-4 against his former club.
Anderson allowed two runs on six hits in six innings last Saturday without factoring in the decision as the Indians lost at the Chicago White Sox 7-3 to begin his second major league campaign. The 25-year-old Californian went 7-3 (4-1 at home) with a 3.05 ERA in 15 starts last season – none of them against the Mets. Anderson, who was a 14th round pick by Cleveland in 2011, has just 46 strikeouts in his first 16 major league games.
WALK-OFFS
1. Cleveland OF-INF Jose Ramirez has produced multiple hits in three of the five games he has played in this season.
2. New York OF Curtis Granderson is off to the worst start among the team’s regulars, going 3-for-31.
3. The teams met for a three-game interleague series in 2013 with the Indians taking two of three at home.
PREDICTION: Indians 5, Mets 3

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Re: MLB Betting Info. 4/15

Preview: Braves at Marlins
GAME: Atlanta Braves (0-9) at Miami Marlins (3-4)
DATE/TIME: Friday, April 15 – 7:10 PM EST
WHERE: Marlins Park, Miami, Florida
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A
The Atlanta Braves expected to take a step back this season in order to take steps forward in the future, but they don’t expect to go winless. The Braves will try to become the last team to earn its first victory when they visit the Miami Marlins in the opener of a three-game series on Friday.
Atlanta traded away or released most of its veterans and is having some trouble pushing runs across while its best hitter – first baseman Freddie Freeman – struggles through a 2-for-25 slump to begin the season. The Braves gave Freeman the day off on Thursday and fell 6-2 at Washington, giving them a total of three runs scored in the last three games. The Marlins only have seven games under their belts so far but have totaled seven more runs (31 to 24) than 0-9 Atlanta. Miami’s bats fell silent in a 2-1 loss to New York on Wednesday, but Christian Yelich has hit safely in each of the first seven games and Martin Prado is batting .417 with the two sandwiched around slugger Giancarlo Stanton in the lineup.
TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, SportSouth (Atlanta), FSN Florida (Miami)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Braves RH Williams Perez (0-0, 7.71 ERA) vs. Marlins LH Wei-Yin Chen (0-0, 9.00)
Perez actually received some run support from his offense on Sunday against St. Louis but could not find a way to earn a win while surrendering four runs in 4 2/3 innings. The Venezuela native allowed three hits and walked three while striking out four. Perez made one start against Miami in his 2015 rookie campaign and was knocked around for six runs – four earned – on nine hits in five innings to suffer the loss.
Chen started against Detroit on Apr. 5 and took a comebacker off the elbow while getting knocked around for five runs and nine hits. The Marlins elected to push back the Taiwan native’s next start and protect their investment after signing him to a five-year, $80 million contract as a free agent over the winter. Chen made one start against Atlanta as a member of the Baltimore Orioles and twirled a seven-inning gem, scattering six hits without allowing a run in the win.
WALK-OFFS
1. The Marlins claimed LHP Eric Jokisch off waivers from the Cubs and designated RHP Scott McGough for assignment.
2. One more loss would tie Atlanta’s franchise mark for worst start (0-10 in 1988).
3. Miami 2B Dee Gordon is 1-for-10 with five strikeouts in the last two games.
PREDICTION: Marlins 7, Braves 2

[Satch]

Re: MLB Betting Info. 4/15

Preview: Orioles at Rangers
GAME: Baltimore Orioles (7-2) at Texas Rangers (6-5)
DATE/TIME: Friday, April 15 – 8:05 PM EST
WHERE: Globe Life Park in Arlington, Arlington, Texas
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A
The Baltimore Orioles’ red-hot bats have cooled a bit as they’ve followed a franchise-best 7-0 start by scoring just five runs in back-to-back losses. The Orioles look to snap their modest skid and even their four-game series with the host Texas Rangers when the clubs meet on Friday at Globe Life Park in Arlington.
Offseason acquisition Mark Trumbo belted his third homer in four games in Baltimore’s 6-3 setback against Texas on Thursday and is 4-for-9 with one blast in his career versus Friday starter Martin Perez. While the Orioles were hot from the start, the Rangers have heated up with five wins in their last seven contests. Elvis Andrus recorded an RBI single on Thursday as Texas claimed its seventh win in eight meetings with Baltimore and is 6-for-11 with three runs scored in his last three contests. Adrian Beltre is riding a team-best seven-game hitting streak and has reached safely in all but one game this season.
TV: 8:05 p.m. ET, MASN2 (Baltimore), FSN Southwest (Texas)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Orioles RH Vance Worley (0-0, 3.86 ERA) vs. Rangers LH Martin Perez (0-1, 3.65)
Worley’s season debut on Sunday was hardly a thing of beauty, but he was in line for the victory as he allowed three runs and seven hits before being pulled with two outs in the fifth inning versus Tampa Bay. The 28-year-old was limited to just 79 pitches in that contest but expects a longer outing on Friday. Worley had a better showing in his lone appearance against Texas on April 25, 2013, permitting two runs and six hits over five innings of a losing effort.
Perez struggled with his control in his second straight start on Sunday, following up his four-walk performance in his initial outing with five more free passes in a 3-1 setback against the Los Angeles Angels. The 25-year-old Venezuelan didn’t walk a batter in his last encounter with Baltimore, retiring the first 14 hitters he faced before allowing a three-run homer. Perez overcame a bit of turbulence to pick up the win and improve to 2-1 lifetime versus the Orioles.
WALK-OFFS
1. Texas rookie RF Nomar Mazara recorded two hits in the series opener to improve to 8-for-20 (.400) with three RBIs and three runs scored in five contests this season.
2. Baltimore 3B Manny Machado is riding a season-opening nine-game hitting streak.
3. Rangers 2B Rougned Odor highlighted a five-run sixth inning on Thursday with a two-run double – his fourth two-base hit in the last four contests.
PREDICTION: Orioles 5, Rangers 4

[Satch]

Re: MLB Betting Info. 4/15

Preview: Angels at Twins
GAME: Los Angeles Angels (5-4) at Minnesota Twins (0-9)
DATE/TIME: Friday, April 15 – 8:10 PM EST
WHERE: Target Field, Minneapolis, Minnesota
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A
The Los Angeles Angels have overcome a slow start with four consecutive wins and look to record another victory when they visit the struggling Minnesota Twins in Friday’s opener of a three-game series. The Angels have allowed just seven runs during their winning streak while winless Minnesota has scored just 14 runs in its first nine games.
The Twins continued their worst start since 1904 – when they were known as the Washington Senators and lost 13 straight – with a 3-1 loss to the Chicago White Sox on Thursday. “It’s getting harder to kind of come up with words. It’s kind of the repetitive story day to day,” Twins manager Paul Molitor told reporters afterward. “We’re just trying to find a way to put some numbers on the board offensively, but it’s just not happening right now.” Los Angeles is receiving stellar production from right fielder Kole Calhoun, who has been moved from leadoff to the middle of the order this season and is 5-of-9 over the past two games. “I thought at some point maybe it would happen, I never really thought about it to be honest with you.” Calhoun, who is batting. 387, told reporters. “Just go out and play. I never wrote my own lineup, so it kind of is what it is. There’s a lot of spots in the order that are fun to hit, and right now, hitting in the middle of the order is a blast.”
TV: 8:10 p.m. ET, FSN West (Los Angeles), FSN North (Minnesota)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Angels RH Garrett Richards (0-2, 3.86 ERA) vs. Twins LH Tommy Milone (0-1, 3.86)
Richards dropped his first two starts of the season despite striking out 13 in 11 2/3 innings. He lost to the Texas Rangers in his last turn when he gave up four runs (two earned) and eight hits in 6 2/3 innings. Richards is 2-1 with a 2.52 ERA in four career appearances (three starts) against Minnesota and has served up two homers to third baseman Trevor Plouffe in seven at-bats.
Milone lost his lone start of the season as he gave up four runs (two earned) and four hits in 4 2/3 innings in a loss to the Kansas City Royals last Saturday. He is 6-2 in 11 career starts against the Angels despite a high ERA of 4.55 and a 1.48 WHIP. Milone has been hit hard by designated hitter Albert Pujols, who is 9-for-22 with seven doubles against him.
WALK-OFFS
1. The Angels went 12-2 against the Twins over the previous two seasons.
2. Minnesota CF Byron Buxton (bruised left hand) departed Thursday after being hit by a pitch – X-rays were negative and he is considered day-to-day.
3. Los Angeles CF Mike Trout went 3-for-5 with three runs scored in Wednesday’s 5-1 victory over Oakland after being just 5-for-27 over the first eight games.
PREDICTION: Angels 4, Twins 0

[Satch]

Re: MLB Betting Info. 4/15

Preview: Tigers at Astros
GAME: Detroit Tigers (6-2) at Houston Astros (3-7)
DATE/TIME: Friday, April 15 – 8:10 PM EST
WHERE: Minute Maid Park, Houston, Texas
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A
Home cookin’ never tasted so good for Dallas Keuchel, who won all 15 of his decisions and posted a 1.46 ERA in 18 starts at Minute Maid Park last season. The reigning American League Cy Young Award winner looks to continue his success at home on Friday when the Houston Astros host the Detroit Tigers in the opener of a three-game series.
The misfiring Astros are in need of any semblance of good news after suffering their third straight loss and seventh in nine outings with a 6-2 setback to Kansas City on Thursday. Two-time AL hits leader Jose Altuve has rebounded from a 5-for-24 start by going 8-for-17 with two homers, three doubles, four RBIs and six runs scored in his last four outings. Detroit’s offense is clicking on all cylinders, scoring at least four runs in every outing this season and totaling 22 to win the final three contests of a four-game home-and-home set versus Pittsburgh. Ian Kinsler continued his stellar start to the campaign by recording his fifth multi-hit performance and is 7-for-22 (.318) with a homer in his career versus Keuchel.
TV: 8:10 p.m. ET, FSN Detroit, ROOT (Houston)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Tigers RH Mike Pelfrey (0-1, 14.73 ERA) vs. Astros LH Dallas Keuchel (1-1, 3.55)
Pelfrey followed his strong performance in spring training by matching the cold temperatures in his season debut on Saturday, allowing six runs on eight hits in 3 2/3 innings in a loss to the New York Yankees. The 32-year-old was quick to take the blame after falling behind in the count early and often, telling MLive.com that he “was all over the place. I didn’t do a whole lot of things to be successful.” Pelfrey struggled out of the blocks in his last encounter with the Astros, getting blitzed for seven runs on eight hits in four innings to suffer the loss while pitching for Minnesota.
Although Keuchel split his first two road contests this season, the one common theme centered around his control issues. The 28-year-old allowed four walks in a 5-3 victory over the Yankees on April 5 before matching a career high with six free passes in 5 2/3 innings of a 3-2 setback to Milwaukee on Sunday. Keuchel had no issues taming the Tigers in his dominating home stretch last season, allowing just one run and striking out eight in seven frames in a 5-1 win on Aug. 14.
WALK-OFFS
1. With Detroit lining up RHPs Justin Verlander and Anibal Sanchez this weekend, Houston will have yet to face a left-handed starter in 13 games this season.
2. Houston SS Carlos Correa has five hits and three RBIs in his last four games.
3. The Tigers (4-0) are one of just four teams with a perfect road record.
PREDICTION: Tigers 6, Astros 2

[Satch]

Re: MLB Betting Info. 4/15

Preview: Reds at Cardinals
GAME: Cincinnati Reds (5-4) at St. Louis Cardinals (5-4)
DATE/TIME: Friday, April 15 – 8:15 PM EST
WHERE: Busch Stadium, St. Louis, Missouri
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A
The St. Louis Cardinals have managed to swing their way out of an early-season slump and look to continue the momentum when they host the Cincinnati Reds on Friday in the opener of their three-game series. Conversely, the Reds will try to regain their equilibrium after getting wiped out in a three-game sweep by the Chicago Cubs.
The Cardinals opened the season by getting swept in a three-game set at Pittsburgh, but they have amassed 52 runs in winning five of their last six contests. St. Louis piled up 20 extra-base hits in taking two of three from Milwaukee and now prepares to face a club against which it went 12-7 in 2015. Cincinnati won five of its first six to open the season before it was blungeoned in three games at Chicago, getting outscored 17-3 in the final two. Tim Melville makes his second career start for the Reds and will be opposed by Cardinals right-hander Carlos Martinez.
TV: 8:15 p.m. ET, FSN Ohio (Cincinnati), FSN Midwest Plus (St. Louis)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Reds RH Tim Melville (0-0, 2.25 ERA) vs. Cardinals RH Carlos Martinez (1-0, 3.00)
Called up from the minors to make his major-league debut, Melville survived a 37-pitch first inning and last four frames against Pittsburgh, allowing one run on a solo homer among five hits while striking out five and walking four. Once listed among the top high school prospects nationally, the 26-year-old Melville underwent Tommy John surgery in 2012. Melville went 7-10 with a 4.63 ERA for Detroit’s Triple-A affiliate in Toledo last year.
Martinez received plenty of run support and wasn’t overly taxed in his season debut, picking up the victory by limiting Atlanta to two runs and four hits over six innings while striking out five and walking three. The 24-year-old Dominican blossomed in his first full season as a starter in 2015, compiling a 14-7 record and 3.01 ERA while striking out 184 in 179 2/3 frames. Martinez was 1-0 with a 2.12 ERA in three starts versus the Reds last season, limiting Jay Bruce to one hit in 12 at-bats.
WALK-OFFS
1. Cardinals CF Randal Grichuk was 5-for-10 with one homer, five RBIs and five runs scored versus Milwaukee.
2. Reds SS Zack Cozart (quadriceps) expects to return to the lineup after sitting out the last two games.
3. St. Louis rookie RF Jeremy Hazelbaker is riding an eight-game hitting streak.
PREDICTION: Cardinals 7, Reds 4