MLB PREVIEWS 29 APR 09

[Lumi]

Preview: Astros (9-12) at Reds (10-10)

Preview: Astros (9-12) at Reds (10-10)

Preview: Astros (9-12) at Reds (10-10)

Date: April 29, 2009 7:10 PM EDT

If the Houston Astros could play their remaining schedule in Cincinnati, they wouldn't stay last in the NL Central for too long.

Unfortunately for the Astros, they must leave following Wednesday night's series finale. A 12th straight win at Cincinnati and a fourth consecutive overall victory would make a nice souvenir on their eight-game road trip.

However, they first have to deal with Reds starter Edinson Volquez, who has never lost to Houston.

Losers in three of four entering the three-game set, the Astros (9-12) have bounced back by outscoring Cincinnati 12-4 in the first two contests, including Tuesday night's 8-3 win.


"Every time we play here, we play great," said starting pitcher Wandy Rodriguez, who allowed one run over seven innings Tuesday.

Kaz Matsui and Carlos Lee each drove in two runs while Ivan Rodriguez hit his first career homer against the Reds and doubled. With his solo shot in the second inning, Rodriguez moved within three of 300 career homers and would become the seventh catcher in major league history to reach that mark.

With 10 hits Tuesday, the Astros have batted .311 with 17 home runs during their 11-game win streak at the Great American Ball Park, which began Sept. 25, 2007.

"They like to come in here and hit," Reds manager Dusty Baker said. "They were commenting around the batting cage about how they feel comfortable and confident playing here."

Baker may finally have the answer for the Astros in Volquez (2-2, 6.20 ERA). The 25-year-old has won all three career starts over Houston and allowed one earned run in each, including a 4-2 win April 19.

However, the All-Star right-hander has only faced the Astros on the road, and hasn't gotten off to a strong start following a stellar 2008 that produced a 17-6 record, 3.21 ERA and 206 strikeouts. Volquez has allowed at least three earned runs in three of his four starts and issued a career-high seven walks - five in one inning - in a 4-3 loss Friday night to Atlanta.

The Reds (10-10) have provided inconsistent offense, scoring three runs or fewer 12 times and in four of five meetings with Houston. They are also among the league's worst defensive teams with 18 errors - two fewer than only Washington and St. Louis - and committed three Tuesday.

Two came on one play in the first as first baseman Joey Votto misplayed a grounder and threw past starter Aaron Harang covering the bag, allowing the first run to score.

"We didn't help out (Harang) very much," Baker told the team's official Web site. "That hurt. (Votto) bobbled it, and I guess Aaron got to the bag quicker than he anticipated."

While dropping four of its last five - all at home, Cincinnati also lost third baseman Edwin Encarnacion to the 15-day disabled list after tests found a chipped bone in his right wrist. Left fielder Chris Dickerson, who bumped heads with Astros shortstop Miguel Tejada on Monday, was sidelined after undergoing tests to see if he has a concussion.

The Astros, meanwhile, won't have closer Jose Valverde available until May 12 after he was placed on the 15-day disabled list Tuesday with a strained right calf.

Houston will look for a repeat effort from Felipe Paulino (0-1, 3.00) in his second start this season against the Reds. The right-hander pitched six scoreless innings opposite Volquez on April 19, but allowed four runs and 10 hits to Milwaukee on Friday night.

 

[Lumi]

Astros vs Reds

Game Time: 7:10 p.m. ET

Stadium: Great American Ballpark Surface: Grass






Houston
Date at Opp SC Time
/Sur Home
Open Home
Close Total
Open Total
Close Starter Dec O/U
4/19/09 Cin 2-4 D/g +115 +105 9.0+100 9.0+100 Paulino,fe L U
4/20/09 Cin 3-4 N/g -120 -125 8.5-125 8.0-130 Hampton,mi L U
4/21/09 La 8-5 N/g +130 +160 9.0+100 10.0-120 Ortiz,ru W O
4/22/09 La 6-5 N/g -125 -118 8.5+100 9.0-110 Oswalt,ro W O
4/23/09 La 0-2 N/g +115 +120 8.5-110 8.5-110 Rodriguez,wa L U
4/24/09 Mlw 2-5 N/g +110 +120 8.5-125 9.0-120 Paulino,fe L U
4/25/09 Mlw 8-9 N/g -140 -120 9.0-130 9.5-110 Hampton,mi L O
4/26/09 Mlw 3-2 D/g -103 +105 10.0-105 10.5-110 Ortiz,ru W U
4/27/09 At Cin 4-1 N/t +105 -110 8.5+110 8.0-110 Oswalt,ro W U
4/28/09 At Cin 8-3 N/t -135 -122 8.5-110 8.0-105 Rodriguez,wa W O
Cincinnati
Date at Opp SC Time
/Sur Home
Open Home
Close Total
Open Total
Close Starter Dec O/U
4/19/09 At Hou 4-2 D/g +115 +105 9.0+100 9.0+100 Volquez,ed W U
4/20/09 At Hou 4-3 N/g -120 -125 8.5-125 8.0-130 Arroyo,br W U
4/21/09 At Chc 2-7 N/g -200 -220 8.0-110 8.0+100 Owings,mi L O
4/22/09 At Chc 3-0 N/g -165 -165 8.5+100 8.5+100 Cueto,jo W U
4/23/09 At Chc 7-1 D/g -175 -160 10.0-120 10.5-115 Harang,aa W U
4/24/09 Atl 3-4 N/t -115 -110 8.5-120 8.5-105 Volquez,ed L U
4/25/09 Atl 2-10 D/t +100 -103 8.5-125 9.0+100 Arroyo,br L O
4/26/09 Atl 8-2 D/t -105 -105 9.5-120 9.5-110 Owings,mi W O
4/27/09 Hou 1-4 N/t +105 -110 8.5+110 8.0-110 Cueto,jo L U
4/28/09 Hou 3-8 N/t -135 -122 8.5-110 8.0-105 Harang,aa L O



Head-To-Head

Head-To-Head
Date Opp SC Time
/Sur Home
Open Home
Close Total
Open Total
Close Winner Dec O/U
8/28/08 Cin 3-2 D/g -140 -140 9.5+100 9.0-105 Backe,br W U
9/23/08 Cin 1-2 N/g -125 -115 8.5-120 8.5-110 Volquez,ed L U
9/24/08 Cin 5-0 N/g -140 -120 9.0-105 8.5+100 Wolf,ra W U
9/25/08 Cin 8-6 N/g -180 -200 8.0+110 7.5+100 Oswalt,ro W O
4/17/09 Cin 1-2 N/g -165 -150 8.5+105 8.0-110 Masset,ni L U
4/18/09 Cin 7-0 N/g -120 -125 8.5-110 8.0-110 Rodriguez,wa W U
4/19/09 Cin 2-4 D/g +115 +105 9.0+100 9.0+100 Volquez,ed L U
4/20/09 Cin 3-4 N/g -120 -125 8.5-125 8.0-130 Arroyo,br L U
4/27/09 Hou 1-4 N/t +105 -110 8.5+110 8.0-110 Sampson,ch L U
4/28/09 Hou 3-8 N/t -135 -122 8.5-110 8.0-105 Rodriguez,wa L O



W/L Record Comparison

Houston
Home Units Away Units Total Units
2009 5-8 -330 4-4 +27 9-12 -303
Last 10 3-5 -180 2-0 +212 5-5 +32
Cincinnati
Home Units Away Units Total Units
2009 3-7 -478 7-3 +622 10-10 +144
Last 10 1-4 -345 4-1 +420 5-5 +75
RECORDS
Day Night Grass Turf Fav Dog
Houston 2-4 7-8 7-12 2-0 2-3 7-8
Cincinnati 5-3 5-7 7-3 3-7 2-5 7-5



Over/Under Comparison
(Based on taking the Over)

Houston
Home Units Away Units Total Units
2009 4-9 -600 2-5 -355 6-14 -955
Last 10 3-5 -270 1-1 -10 4-6 -280
Cincinnati
Home Units Away Units Total Units
2009 6-4 +165 3-7 -480 9-11 -315
Last 10 3-2 +85 1-4 -345 4-6 -260



Value Index

LV MONEY LINE
OPEN CURRENT VALUE INDEX VI LINE VI EDGE
(PAULINO,FE) - HOU -180 50
(VOLQUEZ,ED) - CIN -155 -155 -180 -105

LV OVER/UNDER
OPEN CURRENT VALUE INDEX VI EDGE
OVER/UNDER 9.0 9.0 8.0 1.0 UN




Away Pitcher

HOUSTON ASTROS -- PAULINO,FELIPE (R)

GS W L IP H R ER BB SO ERA Day Ngt Grs Trf
W L W L W L W L
Away 0 0 0 0.0 0 0 0 0 0 0.00 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Home 2 0 1 12.0 13 4 4 2 10 3.00 0 0 0 1 0 1 0 0
Total 2 0 1 12.0 13 4 4 2 10 3.00 0 0 0 1 0 1 0 0
2009 BULLPEN FOR PAULINO,FELIPE
GMS IP R ER ERA H BB SO HR W L SV BS
2 6.0 5 4 6.00 5 1 3 1 0 1 0 1
Last Five Starts
Date Opp SC Dec IP R ER H BB SO HR H/Open H/Close Tot Op Tot Cl
4/19/09 CIN 2-4 6.0 0 0 3 2 6 0 +115 +105 9.0+100 9.0+100
4/24/09 MLW 2-5 L 6.0 4 4 10 0 4 0 +110 +120 8.5-125 9.0-120


VS. Opponent ( Last 5 Starts - Since 1997)
Date Opp SC Dec IP R ER H BB SO HR H/Open H/Close Tot Op Tot Cl
4/19/09 CIN 2-4 6.0 0 0 3 2 6 0 +115 +105 9.0+100 9.0+100

Bullpen ( Last 5 Games )
Date Opp IP R ER ERA H BB SO HR W L SV BS
4/24/09 MLW 3.0 1 1 3.00 1 0 1 1 0 0 0 0
4/25/09 MLW 5.0 5 5 9.00 9 3 7 1 0 0 0 1
4/26/09 MLW 4.0 0 0 0.00 3 3 4 0 0 0 1 0
4/27/09 at CIN 2.0 0 0 0.00 2 0 1 0 1 0 0 0
4/28/09 at CIN 2.0 2 2 9.00 2 1 0 2 0 0 0 0



Home Pitcher

CINCINNATI REDS -- VOLQUEZ,EDINSON (R)

GS W L IP H R ER BB SO ERA Day Ngt Grs Trf
W L W L W L W L
Away 2 2 0 11.0 11 7 7 9 11 5.73 1 0 1 0 2 0 0 0
Home 2 0 2 9.1 7 8 7 11 11 6.75 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 2
Total 4 2 2 20.1 18 15 14 20 22 6.20 1 0 1 2 2 0 0 2
2009 BULLPEN FOR VOLQUEZ,EDINSON
GMS IP R ER ERA H BB SO HR W L SV BS
4 15.2 6 6 3.45 13 13 9 0 0 0 2 0
Last Five Starts
Date Opp SC Dec IP R ER H BB SO HR H/Open H/Close Tot Op Tot Cl
4/08/09 NYM 7-9 L 4.1 5 4 6 4 4 1 -125 -115 8.5-110 8.0-130
4/13/09 at MLW 7-6 W 5.0 6 6 7 4 4 2 -157 -150 8.0-110 8.0+100
4/19/09 at HOU 4-2 W 6.0 1 1 4 5 7 0 +115 +105 9.0+100 9.0+100
4/24/09 ATL 3-4 L 5.0 3 3 1 7 7 1 -115 -110 8.5-120 8.5-105
VS. Opponent ( Last 5 Starts - Since 1997)
Date Opp SC Dec IP R ER H BB SO HR H/Open H/Close Tot Op Tot Cl
7/30/08 at HOU 9-5 W 6.1 5 1 6 1 5 2 -110 -125 8.5-110 8.5-110
9/23/08 at HOU 2-1 W 7.1 1 1 6 1 9 1 -125 -115 8.5-120 8.5-110
4/19/09 at HOU 4-2 W 6.0 1 1 4 5 7 0 +115 +105 9.0+100 9.0+100

Bullpen ( Last 5 Games )
Date Opp IP R ER ERA H BB SO HR W L SV BS
4/24/09 ATL 4.0 1 1 2.25 3 3 2 0 0 0 0 0
4/25/09 ATL 3.1 1 1 2.70 3 1 1 0 0 0 0 0
4/26/09 ATL 2.0 1 1 4.50 4 0 1 0 0 0 0 0
4/27/09 HOU 2.0 3 2 9.00 3 0 2 0 0 0 0 0
4/28/09 HOU 4.0 2 2 4.50 4 3 2 0 0 0 0 0

 

[Lumi]

Preview: Athletics (7-11) at Rangers (10-10)

Preview: Athletics (7-11) at Rangers (10-10)

Preview: Athletics (7-11) at Rangers (10-10)

Date: April 29, 2009 8:05 PM EDT

Vicente Padilla may not be pitching well so far, but he has been a thorn in the side of the Oakland Athletics through the years.

Padilla tries to win his sixth straight decision over the Athletics when the Texas Rangers continue a three-game home series Wednesday night.

The veteran right-hander has allowed opponents to bat .333 against him this season through four starts, and that will likely put his place in the rotation in jeopardy if it continues. Padilla (1-1, 8.27 ERA), though, could start to turn around his season Wednesday based on his past results versus the Athletics.


He is 5-0 with a 3.67 ERA in his last nine starts against Oakland (7-11). Padilla has yielded only two homers in that stretch - a span of 49 innings.

Opponents have already taken him deep four times in 20 2-3 innings this season. Padilla turned in his longest outing of the season Friday at Baltimore, allowing four runs in 6 2-3 innings and did not receive a decision in a 5-4 victory.

Texas (10-10) is playing without center fielder Josh Hamilton, who has a strained muscle in his left rib cage. Hamilton is trying to avoid the disabled list with medication and rest.

Without his top slugger, Texas manager Ron Washington has shifted Marlon Byrd to center field and used Andruw Jones in left. Washington expects Byrd to be the center fielder with Hamilton out.

"I think Marlon, right now, is best for that," Washington said. "Marlon has been playing center field for us the past three years and I think he had been doing a great job. ... This is my call. I don't have any explanation otherwise."

Texas made the most of five hits to post a 5-4 victory Tuesday. Nelson Cruz hit a tiebreaking single in the eighth inning as the Rangers won for the fourth time in five games.

Byrd went 0-for-4, but is still hitting .328 for the year.

For Oakland, Nomar Garciaparra and Mark Ellis could both be headed to the disabled list after leaving Tuesday's game with calf injuries after running out ground balls. Bobby Crosby replaced Garciaparra at third base in the bottom of the second inning, and after Ellis exited, Crosby moved to second base and Jack Hannahan entered at third.

The A's also lost rookie starter Brett Anderson to a blistered finger and reliever Santiago Casilla to a sore ankle.

"A rough night. Not only the loss, but losing four guys," Crosby said.

The A's will give Josh Outman (0-0, 5.23) his seventh career start and third this season. Outman has thrown two scoreless innings out of the bullpen since his last start on April 17 when he gave up five runs over four innings in an 8-5 win at Toronto.

The 24-year-old left-hander had his turn skipped in the rotation since his last start due to a postponed game and a scheduled off day for Oakland.

Outman is 1-0 with a 3.27 ERA in two career starts against Texas.

 

[Lumi]

Athletics vs Rangers

Game Time: 8:05 p.m. ET

Stadium: Ameriquest Field Surface: Grass






Oakland
Date at Opp SC Time
/Sur Home
Open Home
Close Total
Open Total
Close Starter Dec O/U
4/15/09 Bos 2-8 D/g +105 -105 9.0-110 8.5-115 Anderson,br L O
4/17/09 At Tor 8-5 N/t -120 -135 9.5+100 9.0-120 Outman,jo W O
4/18/09 At Tor 2-4 D/t -105 -123 9.5-110 9.0-110 Cahill,tr L U
4/19/09 At Tor 0-1 D/t -115 -125 9.0-120 9.0-120 Braden,da L U
4/21/09 At Nyy 3-5 N/g -185 -200 9.5-110 9.5+100 Eveland,da L U
4/22/09 At Nyy 7-9 D/g -260 -240 9.0-120 9.0+100 Anderson,br L O
4/24/09 Tb 2-8 N/g +115 +120 8.5+105 8.0-105 Cahill,tr L O
4/25/09 Tb 5-2 D/g +105 +105 8.5+100 8.5-110 Braden,da W U
4/26/09 Tb 7-1 D/g +105 -105 9.0-125 9.0-105 Eveland,da W U
4/28/09 At Tex 4-5 N/g -145 -142 10.0-120 10.0-110 Anderson,br L U
Texas
Date at Opp SC Time
/Sur Home
Open Home
Close Total
Open Total
Close Starter Dec O/U
4/18/09 Kc 0-2 N/g -120 -115 10.0-120 9.5+115 Millwood,ke L U
4/19/09 Kc 6-5 D/g -120 -137 10.5-110 10.0-125 Padilla,vi W O
4/21/09 At Tor 5-4 N/t -210 -210 8.5+105 8.5-115 Mccarthy,br W O
4/22/09 At Tor 7-8 N/t -145 -143 10.5-110 10.0-125 Harrison,ma L O
4/23/09 At Tor 2-5 N/t +105 -105 9.5+100 9.0-130 Millwood,ke L U
4/24/09 At Bal 5-4 N/g -130 -135 11.0-110 11.0-110 Padilla,vi W U
4/25/09 At Bal 6-5 N/g -130 -120 11.5-110 11.5-110 Feldman,sc W U
4/26/09 At Bal 5-8 D/g -115 -110 11.5-110 11.0-105 Mccarthy,br L O
4/27/09 At Bal 6-4 N/g -150 -150 10.5-120 11.0+100 Harrison,ma W U
4/28/09 Oak 5-4 N/g -145 -142 10.0-120 10.0-110 Millwood,ke W U



Head-To-Head

Head-To-Head
Date Opp SC Time
/Sur Home
Open Home
Close Total
Open Total
Close Winner Dec O/U
7/26/08 Tex 4-9 D/g -200 -200 8.0-120 8.5-115 Harrison,ma L O
7/27/08 Tex 6-5 D/g -135 -118 9.0+100 9.0-115 Blevins,je W O
9/11/08 Tex 1-6 N/g -145 -117 8.5-120 9.0+100 Nippert,du L U
9/12/08 Tex 0-7 N/g -125 -135 9.0-110 9.0-110 Harrison,ma L U
9/13/08 Tex 7-1 D/g -105 +105 9.0-125 9.0-115 Outman,jo W U
9/14/08 Tex 7-4 D/g -115 -110 9.0+105 9.0+105 Devine,jo W O
9/22/08 Oak 3-4 N/g -145 -135 10.5-110 10.5-115 Embree,al L U
9/23/08 Oak 6-4 N/g -138 -130 11.0-115 11.0-115 Wright,ja W U
9/24/08 Oak 14-4 D/g -118 -115 11.0-105 10.5-120 Harrison,ma W O
4/28/09 Oak 5-4 N/g -145 -142 10.0-120 10.0-110 Millwood,ke W U



W/L Record Comparison

Oakland
Home Units Away Units Total Units
2009 4-5 -87 3-6 -275 7-11 -362
Last 10 2-2 0 1-5 -375 3-7 -375
Texas
Home Units Away Units Total Units
2009 6-4 +115 4-6 -40 10-10 +75
Last 10 2-1 +85 4-3 +260 6-4 +345
RECORDS
Day Night Grass Turf Fav Dog
Oakland 2-6 5-5 6-9 1-2 0-2 6-8
Texas 3-4 7-6 9-8 1-2 4-3 6-5



Over/Under Comparison
(Based on taking the Over)

Oakland
Home Units Away Units Total Units
2009 6-3 +285 4-5 -145 10-8 +140
Last 10 2-2 -15 2-4 -240 4-6 -255
Texas
Home Units Away Units Total Units
2009 7-2 +475 5-5 -55 12-7 +420
Last 10 1-2 -125 3-4 -150 4-6 -275



Value Index

LV MONEY LINE
OPEN CURRENT VALUE INDEX VI LINE VI EDGE
(OUTMAN,JO) - OAK -180
(PADILLA,VI) - TEX -125 -180 -105 105

LV OVER/UNDER
OPEN CURRENT VALUE INDEX VI EDGE
OVER/UNDER 11.0 0.0 8.0 3.0 UN




Away Pitcher

OAKLAND ATHLETICS -- OUTMAN,JOSH (L)

GS W L IP H R ER BB SO ERA Day Ngt Grs Trf
W L W L W L W L
Away 1 0 0 4.0 5 5 3 4 5 6.75 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Home 1 0 0 4.1 6 3 3 2 3 6.23 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Total 2 0 0 8.1 11 8 6 6 8 6.48 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
2009 BULLPEN FOR OUTMAN,JOSH
GMS IP R ER ERA H BB SO HR W L SV BS
2 9.2 5 4 3.72 7 3 8 0 1 1 1 1
Last Five Starts
Date Opp SC Dec IP R ER H BB SO HR H/Open H/Close Tot Op Tot Cl
4/11/09 SEA 5-8 4.1 3 3 6 2 3 1 -105 +100 8.0-110 8.0+100
4/17/09 at TOR 8-5 4.0 5 3 5 4 5 2 -120 -135 9.5+100 9.0-120


VS. Opponent ( Last 5 Starts - Since 1997)
Date Opp SC Dec IP R ER H BB SO HR H/Open H/Close Tot Op Tot Cl
9/13/08 TEX 7-1 W 5.0 1 1 4 2 3 0 -105 +105 9.0-125 9.0-115
9/23/08 at TEX 4-6 6.0 3 3 10 2 4 0 -138 -130 11.0-115 11.0-115

Bullpen ( Last 5 Games )
Date Opp IP R ER ERA H BB SO HR W L SV BS
4/22/09 at NYY 8.0 4 4 4.50 8 6 5 1 0 0 0 0
4/24/09 TB 6.1 1 1 1.42 5 6 4 1 0 0 0 0
4/25/09 TB 3.1 1 1 2.70 3 1 4 0 0 0 1 0
4/26/09 TB 4.0 0 0 0.00 0 0 3 0 0 0 0 0
4/28/09 at TEX 3.0 2 1 3.00 2 2 2 0 0 0 0 1



Home Pitcher

TEXAS RANGERS -- PADILLA,VICENTE (R)

GS W L IP H R ER BB SO ERA Day Ngt Grs Trf
W L W L W L W L
Away 1 0 0 6.2 7 4 4 3 4 5.40 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Home 3 1 1 14.0 23 15 15 5 11 9.64 0 0 1 1 1 1 0 0
Total 4 1 1 20.2 30 19 19 8 15 8.27 0 0 1 1 1 1 0 0
2009 BULLPEN FOR PADILLA,VICENTE
GMS IP R ER ERA H BB SO HR W L SV BS
4 15.1 5 4 2.35 10 5 15 1 2 0 2 0
Last Five Starts
Date Opp SC Dec IP R ER H BB SO HR H/Open H/Close Tot Op Tot Cl
4/08/09 CLE 8-5 W 5.2 3 3 4 3 5 0 -115 +103 10.0-120 10.5+100
4/13/09 BAL 9-10 L 3.1 7 7 11 1 1 0 -130 -123 11.0-105 10.5+100
4/19/09 KC 6-5 5.0 5 5 8 1 5 2 -120 -137 10.5-110 10.0-125
4/24/09 at BAL 5-4 6.2 4 4 7 3 4 1 -130 -135 11.0-110 11.0-110
VS. Opponent ( Last 5 Starts - Since 1997)
Date Opp SC Dec IP R ER H BB SO HR H/Open H/Close Tot Op Tot Cl
5/02/08 at OAK 4-3 W 5.2 3 1 5 4 6 1 -143 -145 8.5-110 8.5-115
7/25/08 at OAK 14-6 W 6.0 5 5 7 4 9 0 -125 -115 8.5-110 8.5+100
9/14/08 at OAK 4-7 5.0 2 2 5 3 4 0 -115 -110 9.0+105 9.0+105

Bullpen ( Last 5 Games )
Date Opp IP R ER ERA H BB SO HR W L SV BS
4/24/09 at BAL 2.1 0 0 0.00 1 2 0 0 1 0 1 0
4/25/09 at BAL 4.0 4 3 6.75 4 2 3 1 0 0 1 0
4/26/09 at BAL 3.0 4 4 12.00 5 2 1 1 0 0 0 1
4/27/09 at BAL 2.0 0 0 0.00 1 0 1 0 0 0 1 0
4/28/09 OAK 1.0 0 0 0.00 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0

 

[Lumi]

Preview: Blue Jays (15-7) at Royals (10-10)

Preview: Blue Jays (15-7) at Royals (10-10)

Preview: Blue Jays (15-7) at Royals (10-10)

Date: April 29, 2009 8:10 PM EDT

Zack Greinke finally gave up a run, but that hardly seems cause for concern.

Coming off consecutive complete-game efforts, the Kansas City right-hander looks to become the major leagues' first five-game winner Wednesday night when the Royals continue a four-game home set with the Toronto Blue Jays.

Greinke (4-0, 0.00 ERA) continued his dominance that began late last season after giving up an unearned run and three hits while striking out 10 for the second straight contest in a 6-1 win over Detroit at home on Friday. The 25-year-old pitched a seven-hitter in a 2-0 victory at Texas on April 18 in his previous start.



"When Greinke pitches, the Royals are as good as any team in baseball," Tigers manager Jim Leyland said.

The Tigers' unearned run in the fifth inning snapped Greinke's scoreless innings streak at 38 dating to last season, but he still leads the majors in ERA and is among the leaders with 36 strikeouts.

"It's fun to watch Zack on the mound,' teammate Mark Teahen said. "I'm just glad he's on our team."

Greinke, who won a career-high 13 games in 2008, could face a bit of a challenge, though, against the AL East-leading Blue Jays (15-7), whose 133 runs are the most in the majors.

He is 1-3 with a 5.40 ERA in five starts against Toronto, which bounced back from a 7-1 series-opening loss by winning 8-1 on Tuesday.

Vernon Wells had three hits with three RBIs and Aaron Hill added three hits and drove in two runs for Toronto, which has yet to lose a series this season.

"We got the key hits at the right time,' Hill said. "It's something we haven't done in a while.'

Hill is batting .371 and hit safely in all but two games. He is 1-for-10, however, against Greinke.

Moved from the bullpen into the rotation due to injuries, Brian Tallet (1-0, 2.95) makes his third straight start for Toronto.

He allowed four hits and struck out five in 5 2-3 innings of a 14-0 win over the Chicago White Sox on Friday for his first victory as a starter since 2002. Tallet has allowed one earned run and eight hits in 11 innings over his two starts.

While facing Greinke won't make things easy for the Blue Jays' potent offense, Tallet appreciates the support, especially as he continues to get comfortable as a starter.

"It makes our jobs as pitchers a lot easier," Tallet told the Blue Jays' official Web site. "You can go out there and challenge guys with your best stuff, knowing that (your offense) is going to go out there and score some runs."

The left-hander has allowed three runs in six relief outings against Kansas City, but will face the Royals as a starter for the first time.

David DeJesus went 2-for-4 and drove in the lone run Tuesday for the Royals (10-10), who have lost six of their last nine games and allowed a season-high 14 hits in their last contest.

Jose Guillen went 0-for-4 with two strikeouts Tuesday for Kansas City after hitting his first two homers of the season Monday.

 

[Lumi]

Blue Jays vs Royals

Game Time: 8:10 p.m. ET

Stadium: Kauffman Stadium Surface: Grass






Toronto
Date at Opp SC Time
/Sur Home
Open Home
Close Total
Open Total
Close Starter Dec O/U
4/18/09 Oak 4-2 D/t -105 -123 9.5-110 9.0-110 Tallet,br W U
4/19/09 Oak 1-0 D/t -115 -125 9.0-120 9.0-120 Romero,ri W U
4/21/09 Tex 4-5 N/t -210 -210 8.5+105 8.5-115 Halladay,ro L O
4/22/09 Tex 8-7 N/t -145 -143 10.5-110 10.0-125 Purcey,da W O
4/23/09 Tex 5-2 N/t +105 -105 9.5+100 9.0-130 Richmond,sc W U
4/24/09 At Cws 14-0 N/g -135 -127 9.5+100 9.5-110 Tallet,br W O
4/25/09 At Cws 2-10 N/g -165 -165 9.0-120 9.5-120 Burres,br L O
4/26/09 At Cws 4-3 D/g +153 +145 8.5-110 9.0-115 Halladay,ro W U
4/27/09 At Kc 1-7 N/g -117 -105 9.0-125 9.0+105 Purcey,da L U
4/28/09 At Kc 8-1 N/g -135 -132 8.5-120 8.5+100 Richmond,sc W O
Kansas City
Date at Opp SC Time
/Sur Home
Open Home
Close Total
Open Total
Close Starter Dec O/U
4/18/09 At Tex 2-0 N/g -120 -115 10.0-120 9.5+115 Greinke,za W U
4/19/09 At Tex 5-6 D/g -120 -137 10.5-110 10.0-125 Davies,ky L O
4/21/09 At Cle 7-8 N/g -165 -190 9.5-120 10.0-105 Ponson,si L O
4/22/09 At Cle 2-0 N/g -180 -190 9.5+100 9.5-105 Bannister,br W U
4/23/09 At Cle 2-5 D/g -125 -112 9.5-110 8.5+100 Meche,gi L U
4/24/09 Det 6-1 N/g -160 -163 8.5+105 8.5+100 Greinke,za W U
4/25/09 Det 1-9 N/g -125 -113 9.0-130 9.5-105 Davies,ky L O
4/26/09 Det 2-3 D/g +147 +140 9.5+100 9.5+110 Ponson,si L U
4/27/09 Tor 7-1 N/g -117 -105 9.0-125 9.0+105 Bannister,br W U
4/28/09 Tor 1-8 N/g -135 -132 8.5-120 8.5+100 Meche,gi L O



Head-To-Head

Head-To-Head
Date Opp SC Time
/Sur Home
Open Home
Close Total
Open Total
Close Winner Dec O/U
4/25/08 Tor 8-4 N/g -117 -105 8.5+110 8.0+100 Nunez,le W O
4/26/08 Tor 2-1 N/g +115 +112 9.0-125 8.5-115 Hochevar,lu W U
4/27/08 Tor 2-5 D/g -120 -110 9.0-115 9.0-105 Litsch,je L U
5/23/08 Kc 7-1 N/t -150 -145 7.5-110 7.5+110 Halladay,ro W O
5/24/08 Kc 6-0 D/t -140 -140 8.5+100 8.0-110 Litsch,je W U
5/25/08 Kc 3-1 D/t -140 -140 8.5+100 7.5-125 Mcgowan,du W U
5/26/08 Kc 7-2 D/t -165 -170 8.5+105 8.5+100 Marcum,sh W O
4/27/09 Tor 7-1 N/g -117 -105 9.0-125 9.0+105 Bannister,br W U
4/28/09 Tor 1-8 N/g -135 -132 8.5-120 8.5+100 Richmond,sc L O



W/L Record Comparison

Toronto
Home Units Away Units Total Units
2009 7-3 +225 8-4 +522 15-7 +747
Last 10 4-1 +190 3-2 +134 7-3 +324
Kansas City
Home Units Away Units Total Units
2009 5-6 -130 5-4 +225 10-10 +95
Last 10 2-3 -145 2-3 -15 4-6 -160
RECORDS
Day Night Grass Turf Fav Dog
Toronto 6-1 9-6 5-3 10-4 8-3 5-3
Kansas City 2-6 8-4 10-10 0-0 3-2 5-8



Over/Under Comparison
(Based on taking the Over)

Toronto
Home Units Away Units Total Units
2009 4-6 -290 9-3 +575 13-9 +285
Last 10 2-3 -160 3-2 +80 5-5 -80
Kansas City
Home Units Away Units Total Units
2009 4-7 -330 3-6 -385 7-13 -715
Last 10 2-3 -115 2-3 -120 4-6 -235



Value Index

LV MONEY LINE
OPEN CURRENT VALUE INDEX VI LINE VI EDGE
(TALLET,BR) - TOR -180 65
(GREINKE,ZA) - KC -170 -170 -180 -105

LV OVER/UNDER
OPEN CURRENT VALUE INDEX VI EDGE
OVER/UNDER 8.0 8.0 8.0 PK




Away Pitcher

TORONTO BLUE JAYS -- TALLET,BRIAN (L)

GS W L IP H R ER BB SO ERA Day Ngt Grs Trf
W L W L W L W L
Away 1 1 0 5.2 4 0 0 3 5 0.00 0 0 1 0 1 0 0 0
Home 1 0 0 5.1 4 2 1 1 1 1.69 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Total 2 1 0 11.0 8 2 1 4 6 0.82 0 0 1 0 1 0 0 0
2009 BULLPEN FOR TALLET,BRIAN
GMS IP R ER ERA H BB SO HR W L SV BS
2 10.0 0 0 0.00 3 6 9 0 1 0 0 0
Last Five Starts
Date Opp SC Dec IP R ER H BB SO HR H/Open H/Close Tot Op Tot Cl
4/18/09 OAK 4-2 5.1 2 1 4 1 1 0 -105 -123 9.5-110 9.0-110
4/24/09 at CWS 14-0 W 5.2 0 0 4 3 5 0 -135 -127 9.5+100 9.5-110


VS. Opponent ( Last 5 Starts - Since 1997)
Date Opp SC Dec IP R ER H BB SO HR H/Open H/Close Tot Op Tot Cl

Bullpen ( Last 5 Games )
Date Opp IP R ER ERA H BB SO HR W L SV BS
4/24/09 at CWS 3.1 0 0 0.00 2 4 4 0 0 0 0 0
4/25/09 at CWS 3.2 4 3 7.36 6 2 4 2 0 0 0 0
4/26/09 at CWS 2.0 0 0 0.00 1 0 1 0 0 0 1 0
4/27/09 at KC 3.0 1 1 3.00 0 5 0 0 0 0 0 0
4/28/09 at KC 2.0 0 0 0.00 1 0 2 0 0 0 0 0



Home Pitcher

KANSAS CITY ROYALS -- GREINKE,ZACK (R)

GS W L IP H R ER BB SO ERA Day Ngt Grs Trf
W L W L W L W L
Away 2 2 0 15.0 10 0 0 3 17 0.00 0 0 2 0 2 0 0 0
Home 2 2 0 14.0 9 1 0 3 19 0.00 0 0 2 0 2 0 0 0
Total 4 4 0 29.0 19 1 0 6 36 0.00 0 0 4 0 4 0 0 0
2009 BULLPEN FOR GREINKE,ZACK
GMS IP R ER ERA H BB SO HR W L SV BS
2 7.0 2 2 2.57 4 2 3 0 0 0 2 0
Last Five Starts
Date Opp SC Dec IP R ER H BB SO HR H/Open H/Close Tot Op Tot Cl
4/08/09 at CWS 2-0 W 6.0 0 0 3 3 7 0 -125 -110 8.0-120 8.5-115
4/13/09 CLE 4-2 W 5.0 0 0 6 2 9 0 -128 -123 8.0-125 8.0-110
4/18/09 at TEX 2-0 W 9.0 0 0 7 0 10 0 -120 -115 10.0-120 9.5+115
4/24/09 DET 6-1 W 9.0 1 0 3 1 10 0 -160 -163 8.5+105 8.5+100
VS. Opponent ( Last 5 Starts - Since 1997)
Date Opp SC Dec IP R ER H BB SO HR H/Open H/Close Tot Op Tot Cl
4/25/08 TOR 8-4 7.0 1 1 5 1 4 1 -117 -105 8.5+110 8.0+100
5/23/08 at TOR 1-7 L 5.0 6 6 9 2 2 0 -150 -145 7.5-110 7.5+110

Bullpen ( Last 5 Games )
Date Opp IP R ER ERA H BB SO HR W L SV BS
4/23/09 at CLE 0.2 1 1 13.50 2 0 0 1 0 0 0 0
4/25/09 DET 3.2 2 2 4.91 3 2 3 1 0 0 0 0
4/26/09 DET 1.0 0 0 0.00 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0
4/27/09 TOR 2.0 0 0 0.00 1 0 2 0 0 0 0 0
4/28/09 TOR 5.1 3 3 5.06 7 1 6 0 0 0 0 0

 

[Lumi]

Preview: Rays (8-13) at Twins (10-11)

Preview: Rays (8-13) at Twins (10-11)

Preview: Rays (8-13) at Twins (10-11)

Date: April 29, 2009 8:10 PM EDT

It's been a frustrating road trip for the Tampa Bay Rays.

They'll try to avoid losing all three series on the trip when they play the finale of a three-game set Wednesday night against the Minnesota Twins.

Tampa Bay (8-13) is 3-5 on this nine-game road swing, dropping two of three in Seattle and Oakland before splitting the first two games in Minnesota (10-11). Its problems are due mostly to a struggling lineup that managed three runs or fewer in the five losses.

"We just have to get beyond that. It will start balancing out," manager Joe Maddon said.

Part of the problem for the Rays is that leadoff batter B.J. Upton is barely hitting. He's 3-for-30 with three runs on the trip and his average has sunk to .151.


Tampa Bay has been susceptible to left-handed starters, losing eight of nine games in which it's faced one. The most recent came Tuesday night, a 4-3 defeat in which Justin Morneau beat out a potential double play grounder in the ninth to score Jose Morales with the winning run.

"I had confidence he was going to get me in, no matter what," Morales said.

The Rays went 2-for-11 with runners in scoring position and stranded eight. Upton and Carl Crawford went 0-for-6, although they combined for four walks and three stolen bases.

Tampa Bay is 7-5 against right-handed starters, and will face one in Nick Blackburn on Wednesday.

The Rays also should have Pat Burrell back in the lineup after he missed a second straight game with a stiff neck. Burrell has started 18 games at designated hitter.

One of the Rays' victories on this trip was recorded by Scott Kazmir (3-1, 3.97), who's won both road outings this year. The left-hander yielded two hits over six scoreless innings of an 8-2 win over Oakland on Friday.

Kazmir lost his first three career starts against Minnesota, posting a 4.50 ERA in those outings. He's bounced back to win the last two with a 1.29 ERA.

Twins right fielder Michael Cuddyer is 0-for-10 with five strikeouts and a walk versus Kazmir.

Blackburn (1-1, 4.44) will be trying for a second straight victory. He allowed one run over seven innings of a 5-1 win at Cleveland on Friday.

"He got a nice groove going," manager Ron Gardenhire told the Twins' official Web site. "A nice performance by him, and that always gives you an opportunity to win a game."

This will be Blackburn's second career start versus Tampa Bay. He gave up six runs over 1 1-3 innings of an 11-1 loss Sept. 18.

 

[Lumi]

Rays vs Twins

Game Time: 8:10 p.m. ET

Stadium: Metrodome Surface: Turf






Tampa Bay
Date at Opp SC Time
/Sur Home
Open Home
Close Total
Open Total
Close Starter Dec O/U
4/18/09 Cws 3-8 N/t -160 -165 8.0-120 8.0-130 Kazmir,sc L O
4/19/09 Cws 2-12 D/t -160 -170 9.0+100 9.0-110 Garza,ma L O
4/21/09 At Sea 2-4 N/g -117 +100 8.5-115 8.5+100 Sonnanstine L U
4/22/09 At Sea 9-3 N/g +110 +102 9.0-120 9.0-110 Niemann,je W O
4/23/09 At Sea 0-1 D/g -120 +100 7.5-110 7.5-110 Shields,ja L U
4/24/09 At Oak 8-2 N/g +115 +120 8.5+105 8.0-105 Kazmir,sc W O
4/25/09 At Oak 2-5 D/g +105 +105 8.5+100 8.5-110 Garza,ma L U
4/26/09 At Oak 1-7 D/g +105 -105 9.0-125 9.0-105 Sonnanstine L U
4/27/09 At Min 7-1 N/t -120 -115 9.5-105 9.5+105 Niemann,je W U
4/28/09 At Min 3-4 N/t -102 +110 8.0-110 8.0+100 Shields,ja L U
Minnesota
Date at Opp SC Time
/Sur Home
Open Home
Close Total
Open Total
Close Starter Dec O/U
4/17/09 Laa 11-9 N/t -125 -112 9.0-120 9.0+105 Blackburn,ni W O
4/18/09 Laa 9-2 N/t -130 -125 9.5+100 9.0-110 Slowey,ke W O
4/19/09 Laa 3-1 D/t -140 -140 9.0-110 9.0-110 Perkins,gl W U
4/22/09 At Bos 3-7 N/g -135 -130 9.0-130 9.5-120 Liriano,fr L O
4/22/09 At Bos 1-10 D/g -160 -150 9.5-110 9.5-105 Baker,sc L O
4/24/09 At Cle 5-1 N/g -135 -145 10.5-110 10.0-110 Blackburn,ni W U
4/25/09 At Cle 7-1 N/g -125 -125 10.0-130 10.5+100 Slowey,ke W U
4/26/09 At Cle 2-4 D/g -120 -133 9.0-125 9.0-135 Perkins,gl L U
4/27/09 Tb 1-7 N/t -120 -115 9.5-105 9.5+105 Baker,sc L U
4/28/09 Tb 4-3 N/t -102 +110 8.0-110 8.0+100 Liriano,fr W U



Head-To-Head

Head-To-Head
Date Opp SC Time
/Sur Home
Open Home
Close Total
Open Total
Close Winner Dec O/U
4/16/08 Tb 6-5 N/t -115 +110 8.0-120 8.5+100 Rincon,ju W O
4/17/08 Tb 3-7 N/t -130 -120 9.0-110 9.0-120 Hammel,ja L O
9/18/08 Min 8-11 N/t -170 -160 8.0-120 8.5+100 Guardado,ed L O
9/19/08 Min 11-1 N/t +110 -121 9.0-120 9.0-135 Jackson,ed W O
9/20/08 Min 7-2 D/t -180 -155 8.0+100 8.0-110 Kazmir,sc W O
9/21/08 Min 1-4 D/t -105 -105 8.5+110 8.0-120 Liriano,fr L U
4/27/09 Tb 1-7 N/t -120 -115 9.5-105 9.5+105 Niemann,je L U
4/28/09 Tb 4-3 N/t -102 +110 8.0-110 8.0+100 Nathan,jo W U



W/L Record Comparison

Tampa Bay
Home Units Away Units Total Units
2009 2-5 -455 6-8 -208 8-13 -663
Last 10 0-2 -335 3-5 -255 3-7 -590
Minnesota
Home Units Away Units Total Units
2009 7-6 -40 3-5 -135 10-11 -175
Last 10 4-1 +295 2-3 -50 6-4 +245
RECORDS
Day Night Grass Turf Fav Dog
Tampa Bay 2-6 6-7 5-7 3-6 5-8 3-3
Minnesota 1-5 9-6 3-5 7-6 5-6 4-5



Over/Under Comparison
(Based on taking the Over)

Tampa Bay
Home Units Away Units Total Units
2009 5-2 +280 4-10 -655 9-12 -375
Last 10 2-0 +200 2-6 -430 4-6 -230
Minnesota
Home Units Away Units Total Units
2009 7-6 +50 3-5 -260 10-11 -210
Last 10 2-3 -115 2-3 -145 4-6 -260



Value Index

LV MONEY LINE
OPEN CURRENT VALUE INDEX VI LINE VI EDGE
(KAZMIR,SC) - TB -125 -125 -180
(BLACKBURN,NI) - MIN -180 -105 20

LV OVER/UNDER
OPEN CURRENT VALUE INDEX VI EDGE
OVER/UNDER 8.0 8.0 8.0 PK




Away Pitcher

TAMPA BAY RAYS -- KAZMIR,SCOTT (L)

GS W L IP H R ER BB SO ERA Day Ngt Grs Trf
W L W L W L W L
Away 2 2 0 12.0 7 1 1 6 6 0.75 0 0 2 0 2 0 0 0
Home 2 1 1 10.2 11 9 9 6 11 7.59 0 0 1 1 0 0 1 1
Total 4 3 1 22.2 18 10 10 12 17 3.97 0 0 3 1 2 0 1 1
2009 BULLPEN FOR KAZMIR,SCOTT
GMS IP R ER ERA H BB SO HR W L SV BS
4 13.1 7 7 4.73 12 7 11 1 0 0 1 0
Last Five Starts
Date Opp SC Dec IP R ER H BB SO HR H/Open H/Close Tot Op Tot Cl
4/08/09 at BOS 7-2 W 6.0 1 1 5 3 4 0 -140 -145 8.5-120 8.5-105
4/13/09 NYY 15-5 W 6.2 3 3 6 0 6 1 -125 -153 9.0-105 9.0+105
4/18/09 CWS 3-8 L 4.0 6 6 5 6 5 2 -160 -165 8.0-120 8.0-130
4/24/09 at OAK 8-2 W 6.0 0 0 2 3 2 0 +115 +120 8.5+105 8.0-105
VS. Opponent ( Last 5 Starts - Since 1997)
Date Opp SC Dec IP R ER H BB SO HR H/Open H/Close Tot Op Tot Cl
9/20/08 MIN 7-2 W 6.0 0 0 5 1 5 0 -180 -155 8.0+100 8.0-110

Bullpen ( Last 5 Games )
Date Opp IP R ER ERA H BB SO HR W L SV BS
4/24/09 at OAK 3.0 2 2 6.00 3 1 4 1 0 0 0 0
4/25/09 at OAK 2.1 1 1 3.86 2 1 1 1 0 0 0 0
4/26/09 at OAK 4.0 0 0 0.00 0 3 0 0 0 0 0 0
4/27/09 at MIN 3.1 0 0 0.00 2 0 5 0 0 0 0 0
4/28/09 at MIN 2.0 1 1 4.50 2 2 1 0 0 0 0 0



Home Pitcher

MINNESOTA TWINS -- BLACKBURN,NICK (R)

GS W L IP H R ER BB SO ERA Day Ngt Grs Trf
W L W L W L W L
Away 2 1 1 13.0 12 5 4 1 5 2.77 0 1 1 0 1 1 0 0
Home 2 0 0 11.1 16 8 8 5 4 6.35 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Total 4 1 1 24.1 28 13 12 6 9 4.44 0 1 1 0 1 1 0 0
2009 BULLPEN FOR BLACKBURN,NICK
GMS IP R ER ERA H BB SO HR W L SV BS
4 10.2 8 8 6.75 12 3 11 1 2 0 1 0
Last Five Starts
Date Opp SC Dec IP R ER H BB SO HR H/Open H/Close Tot Op Tot Cl
4/07/09 SEA 6-5 5.0 4 4 8 3 1 0 -120 -105 8.0-120 8.0-105
4/12/09 at CWS 1-6 L 6.0 4 3 6 1 1 1 -135 -145 8.5-115 9.0+100
4/17/09 LAA 11-9 6.1 4 4 8 2 3 0 -125 -112 9.0-120 9.0+105
4/24/09 at CLE 5-1 W 7.0 1 1 6 0 4 0 -135 -145 10.5-110 10.0-110
VS. Opponent ( Last 5 Starts - Since 1997)
Date Opp SC Dec IP R ER H BB SO HR H/Open H/Close Tot Op Tot Cl
9/19/08 at TB 1-11 L 1.1 6 6 6 3 0 0 +110 -121 9.0-120 9.0-135

Bullpen ( Last 5 Games )
Date Opp IP R ER ERA H BB SO HR W L SV BS
4/24/09 at CLE 2.0 0 0 0.00 2 0 3 0 0 0 0 0
4/25/09 at CLE 1.0 0 0 0.00 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 0
4/26/09 at CLE 3.0 0 0 0.00 2 2 2 0 0 0 0 0
4/27/09 TB 3.0 3 3 9.00 3 1 1 2 0 0 0 0
4/28/09 TB 2.1 1 1 3.86 2 2 3 1 1 0 0 1

 

[Lumi]

Preview: Dodgers (14-7) at Giants (9-10)

Preview: Dodgers (14-7) at Giants (9-10)

Preview: Dodgers (14-7) at Giants (9-10)

Date: April 29, 2009 10:15 PM EDT

There were some concerns about Tim Lincecum's health after his first two starts, neither of which were reminiscent of his Cy Young Award-winning performance of last year.

Those questions have disappeared in his past two outings.

Lincecum has pitched every bit like an ace his last two times out, and he'll look to keep rolling Wednesday night as his San Francisco Giants play the decisive third game of their series against the visiting Los Angeles Dodgers.

Lincecum (1-1, 2.96 ERA) had a serious case of bronchitis during spring training, and he underwent a medical examination following a second straight ugly performance to start the season.

Doctors found nothing wrong with the right-hander, and he proved that to be true in his next two starts. Lincecum pitched eight scoreless innings and struck out 13 against Arizona on April 18, not factoring in the decision as the Giants (9-10) lost 2-0.

Facing the Diamondbacks again Friday, Lincecum finally got in the win column. He pitched eight innings, allowing a run while striking out 12 in a 5-1 victory.

"Those are back-to-back great outings for Lincecum. He had great stuff," manager Bruce Bochy told the Giants' official Web site. "We figured out a way to get some runs on the board, but it all starts with the kid on the mound."

Lincecum is 2-0 with a 1.59 ERA in three games - two starts - against Los Angeles (14-7). He struck out 13 over seven innings in his lone start versus the Dodgers last season, yielding a run and four hits in a 3-1 home win Sept. 28.

Los Angeles won 11 of 13 from April 11-25, but had lost back-to-back games heading into Tuesday's contest at AT&T Park. Manny Ramirez and Andre Ethier made sure the Dodgers wouldn't drop a third straight, going a combined 5-for-7 with five runs in a 5-3 victory.

Ramirez had three doubles after totaling three in his first 19 games.

"I'm a doubles maniac," Ramirez said. "I set the table now. I'm just trying to get a good pitch to hit."

Ramirez, who's never faced Lincecum, has been on a tear since a relatively slow start. He batted .258 with no homers and four RBIs through his first 10 games, but is hitting .450 (18-for-40) with four homers and 10 RBIs in his past nine contests.

Eric Stults (2-0, 3.52) will get the ball for the Dodgers on Wednesday, and the left-hander has done an admirable job filling Hiroki Kuroda's spot in the rotation since Kuroda was hurt on opening day.

Stults won his first two starts but struggled with his command in his latest outing. He didn't earn a decision Friday at Colorado after allowing seven hits, five walks and three runs over five innings of a 6-5 loss.

Manager Joe Torre told the Dodgers' official Web site that Stults' performances so far have been "gritty." One of them was a five-inning outing April 16 against San Francisco in which he gave up two runs in a 7-2 win.

Stults is 1-1 with a 5.50 ERA in four starts versus the Giants. San Francisco leadoff hitter Fred Lewis, who tops the NL with 26 strikeouts, is 5-for-6 against Stults.

 

[Lumi]

Dodgers vs Giants

Game Time: 10:15 p.m. ET

Stadium: AT&T Park Surface: Grass






Los Angeles D
Date at Opp SC Time
/Sur Home
Open Home
Close Total
Open Total
Close Starter Dec O/U
4/18/09 Col 9-5 D/g -165 -165 7.5-120 8.0-120 Billingsley W O
4/19/09 Col 14-2 D/g -120 -115 8.5-120 9.0-135 Mcdonald,ja W O
4/21/09 At Hou 5-8 N/g +130 +160 9.0+100 10.0-120 Kershaw,cl L O
4/22/09 At Hou 5-6 N/g -125 -118 8.5+100 9.0-110 Wolf,ra L O
4/23/09 At Hou 2-0 N/g +115 +120 8.5-110 8.5-110 Billingsley W U
4/24/09 At Col 6-5 N/g -110 -123 10.5-110 10.5-120 Stults,er W O
4/25/09 At Col 6-5 N/g -125 -135 10.5-110 10.5-120 Mcdonald,ja W O
4/26/09 At Col 4-10 D/g +130 -110 10.0-115 10.5+100 Kershaw,cl L O
4/27/09 At Sf 4-5 N/g +130 +128 8.5-130 8.5-135 Wolf,ra L O
4/28/09 At Sf 5-3 N/g +145 +150 8.0+105 8.0-105 Billingsley W P
San Francisco
Date at Opp SC Time
/Sur Home
Open Home
Close Total
Open Total
Close Starter Dec O/U
4/17/09 Arz 2-0 N/g +130 +135 8.0+100 7.5-125 Sanchez,jo W U
4/18/09 Arz 0-2 D/g -160 -155 7.5-120 7.5-120 Lincecum,ti L U
4/19/09 Arz 2-0 D/g -130 -105 8.5+100 8.0+100 Johnson,ra W U
4/21/09 Sd 8-3 N/g +100 +110 7.0-115 7.5-105 Cain,ma W O
4/22/09 Sd 1-0 D/g +105 +112 8.0-130 9.0+100 Zito,ba W U
4/24/09 At Arz 5-1 N/g +105 +115 8.5+100 8.5-115 Lincecum,ti W U
4/25/09 At Arz 5-3 T/g -115 -145 9.0+105 8.5-110 Johnson,ra W U
4/26/09 At Arz 4-5 D/g -113 -110 9.0-130 9.0-105 Cain,ma L P
4/27/09 La 5-4 N/g +130 +128 8.5-130 8.5-135 Zito,ba W O
4/28/09 La 3-5 N/g +145 +150 8.0+105 8.0-105 Sanchez,jo L P



Head-To-Head

Head-To-Head
Date Opp SC Time
/Sur Home
Open Home
Close Total
Open Total
Close Winner Dec O/U
9/20/08 Sf 10-7 N/g -200 -240 8.0-110 8.0-105 Saito,ta W O
9/21/08 Sf 0-1 D/g -185 -185 7.5-110 7.0-115 Romo,se L U
9/26/08 La 6-5 N/g -115 -103 7.5-110 7.5-110 Walker,ty W O
9/27/08 La 1-2 N/g -130 -145 8.0+105 8.0+100 Maddux,gr L U
9/28/08 La 3-1 D/g -170 -170 7.0-110 7.0-125 Lincecum,ti W U
4/13/09 Sf 11-1 D/g -155 -180 7.5-120 8.0+105 Billingsley W O
4/15/09 Sf 5-4 N/g -150 -155 7.5-110 7.5-110 Broxton,jo W O
4/16/09 Sf 7-2 N/g -145 -170 8.5+100 9.0-105 Stults,er W P
4/27/09 La 5-4 N/g +130 +128 8.5-130 8.5-135 Valdez,me W O
4/28/09 La 3-5 N/g +145 +150 8.0+105 8.0-105 Broxton,jo L P



W/L Record Comparison

Los Angeles D
Home Units Away Units Total Units
2009 6-0 +600 8-7 +28 14-7 +628
Last 10 2-0 +200 4-4 -70 6-4 +130
San Francisco
Home Units Away Units Total Units
2009 7-3 +430 2-7 -480 9-10 -50
Last 10 5-2 +330 2-1 +135 7-3 +465
RECORDS
Day Night Grass Turf Fav Dog
Los Angeles 5-2 9-5 14-7 0-0 9-4 5-3
San Francisco 4-4 5-6 9-10 0-0 3-2 5-8



Over/Under Comparison
(Based on taking the Over)

Los Angeles D
Home Units Away Units Total Units
2009 4-1 +290 8-6 +130 12-7 +420
Last 10 2-0 +200 6-1 +490 8-1 +690
San Francisco
Home Units Away Units Total Units
2009 4-5 -145 5-2 +275 9-7 +130
Last 10 2-4 -245 0-2 -225 2-6 -470



Value Index

LV MONEY LINE
OPEN CURRENT VALUE INDEX VI LINE VI EDGE
(STULTS,ER) - LA -180 45
(LINCECUM,TI) - SF -150 -150 -180 -105

LV OVER/UNDER
OPEN CURRENT VALUE INDEX VI EDGE
OVER/UNDER 7.5 7.5 8.0 0.5 OV




Away Pitcher

LOS ANGELES DODGERS -- STULTS,ERIC (L)

GS W L IP H R ER BB SO ERA Day Ngt Grs Trf
W L W L W L W L
Away 2 1 0 10.1 11 4 4 7 8 3.48 0 0 1 0 1 0 0 0
Home 1 1 0 5.0 5 2 2 3 2 3.60 0 0 1 0 1 0 0 0
Total 3 2 0 15.1 16 6 6 10 10 3.52 0 0 2 0 2 0 0 0
2009 BULLPEN FOR STULTS,ERIC
GMS IP R ER ERA H BB SO HR W L SV BS
3 11.2 3 3 2.31 8 4 7 1 1 0 1 1
Last Five Starts
Date Opp SC Dec IP R ER H BB SO HR H/Open H/Close Tot Op Tot Cl
4/11/09 at ARZ 11-2 W 5.1 1 1 4 2 5 0 -115 -115 10.5-110 10.5-115
4/16/09 SF 7-2 W 5.0 2 2 5 3 2 0 -145 -170 8.5+100 9.0-105
4/24/09 at COL 6-5 5.0 3 3 7 5 3 0 -110 -123 10.5-110 10.5-120

VS. Opponent ( Last 5 Starts - Since 1997)
Date Opp SC Dec IP R ER H BB SO HR H/Open H/Close Tot Op Tot Cl
7/06/08 at SF 5-3 4.0 2 1 7 2 4 1 -132 -115 8.0-110 7.5-110
4/16/09 SF 7-2 W 5.0 2 2 5 3 2 0 -145 -170 8.5+100 9.0-105

Bullpen ( Last 5 Games )
Date Opp IP R ER ERA H BB SO HR W L SV BS
4/24/09 at COL 4.0 2 2 4.50 2 3 3 1 1 0 1 1
4/25/09 at COL 4.0 0 0 0.00 1 0 1 0 0 0 1 0
4/26/09 at COL 3.1 1 1 2.70 3 0 2 0 0 0 0 0
4/27/09 at SF 2.0 2 2 9.00 2 1 3 0 0 0 0 1
4/28/09 at SF 1.2 0 0 0.00 0 2 2 0 1 0 1 1



Home Pitcher

SAN FRANCISCO GIANTS -- LINCECUM,TIM (R)

GS W L IP H R ER BB SO ERA Day Ngt Grs Trf
W L W L W L W L
Away 2 1 1 13.1 15 5 5 4 17 3.38 0 1 1 0 1 1 0 0
Home 2 0 0 11.0 9 3 3 3 18 2.45 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Total 4 1 1 24.1 24 8 8 7 35 2.96 0 1 1 0 1 1 0 0
2009 BULLPEN FOR LINCECUM,TIM
GMS IP R ER ERA H BB SO HR W L SV BS
4 10.2 7 6 5.06 12 7 13 0 1 1 0 0
Last Five Starts
Date Opp SC Dec IP R ER H BB SO HR H/Open H/Close Tot Op Tot Cl
4/07/09 MLW 10-6 3.0 3 3 4 3 5 0 -165 -160 7.5+110 7.0-130
4/12/09 at SD 1-6 L 5.1 4 4 10 3 5 1 +125 +105 6.5-110 6.5-110
4/18/09 ARZ 0-2 8.0 0 0 5 0 13 0 -160 -155 7.5-120 7.5-120
4/24/09 at ARZ 5-1 W 8.0 1 1 5 1 12 0 +105 +115 8.5+100 8.5-115
VS. Opponent ( Last 5 Starts - Since 1997)
Date Opp SC Dec IP R ER H BB SO HR H/Open H/Close Tot Op Tot Cl
9/28/08 LA 3-1 W 7.0 1 1 4 2 13 0 -170 -170 7.0-110 7.0-125

Bullpen ( Last 5 Games )
Date Opp IP R ER ERA H BB SO HR W L SV BS
4/24/09 at ARZ 1.0 0 0 0.00 1 0 2 0 0 0 0 0
4/25/09 at ARZ 5.2 1 1 1.59 4 0 4 1 1 0 1 0
4/26/09 at ARZ 4.1 4 4 8.31 5 3 3 1 0 0 0 1
4/27/09 LA 2.2 1 1 3.38 2 1 3 0 1 0 1 1
4/28/09 LA 4.0 3 3 6.75 6 6 4 0 0 0 0 0