Toronto Blue Jays (42-40) at New York Yankees (47-33), 1:05 p.m.

[Lumi]

New York Mets (39-41) at Philadelphia Phillies (41-37), 1:35 p.m.

New York Mets (39-41) at Philadelphia Phillies (41-37), 1:35 p.m.

New York Mets (39-41) at Philadelphia Phillies (41-37), 1:35 p.m.

Probable Starting Pitchers: New York - Johan Santana (9-6, 3.34) Philadelphia - Joe Blanton (4-4, 5.08)

Johan Santana goes for the New York Mets this afternoon, as they try and avoid a three-game sweep at the hands of the NL East-leading Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Bank Park.

With wins in just three of its last 15 games heading into this series, Philadelphia has relied on solid starting pitching to claim the first two tests of this set.

After Rodrigo Lopez baffled New York's lineup on Friday, Jamie Moyer pitched into the seventh inning on Saturday and the Phillies bullpen did the rest, helping them to a 4-1 win over their division rivals.

Moyer (7-6), in his 600th career start, picked up win No. 253, tying him with Carl Hubbell for 10th all-time among left-handers. The veteran gave up a run on five hits and a walk in 6 1/3 innings of work.

"I'm just happy that I'm here and able to contribute," Moyer said. "The biggest thing is us playing well and winning games regardless of who we're playing."

Jimmy Rollins had a two-run double and Shane Victorino went 3-for-5 with an RBI for the Phillies, who hold a one-game lead in the East on the Florida Marlins and have pushed their advantage to three games on the Mets.

Following a brutal 0-for-28 slide, Rollins is 5-for-his-last-11 with three doubles.

Fernando Nieve (3-2) lasted 5 2/3 frames for New York, giving up four runs -- three earned -- on six hits and six walks. The starter also had the Mets' only RBI in the club's seventh loss in nine games.

Santana, meanwhile, has dropped three of his last four starts and was roughed up by the Milwaukee Brewers on Tuesday, as he was charged with the loss after allowing six runs (five earned) and nine hits in six innings, dropping him to 9-6 to go along with a 3.34 ERA.

The 30-year-old left-hander has beaten the Phillies twice already this season and is a perfect 4-0 lifetime against them with a 2.95 ERA in eight starts.

Philadelphia will counter with righty Joe Blanton, who is 4-4 with a 5.08 ERA. Blanton did not get a decision on Tuesday in Atlanta, as he yielded three runs and eight hits in five innings of his team's 5-4 loss.

Blanton has faced the Mets three times and is 1-0 in those outings with a 2.14 ERA.

New York, which was last swept in Philly back in 2007, has dropped five of its nine meetings with the Phillies this season after winning 11 of the 18 matchups a year ago.

 

[Lumi]

NL Matchup -- New York Mets at Philadelphia

NL Matchup -- New York Mets at Philadelphia

NL Matchup -- New York Mets at Philadelphia

New York Mets (39-41) at Philadelphia Phillies (41-37)
Game One Philadelphia 7, New York 2
Game Two Philadelphia 4, New York 1
Game Three Sunday, July 5th, 1:35 p.m.
Records
2009 Head-to-Head Record Philadelphia 5-4 (2-3 at NY; 3-1 at Phi)
2008 Head-to-Head Record New York 11-7 (5-4 at NY; 6-3 at Phi)
2007 Head-to-Head Record Philadelphia 12-6 (7-2 at NY; 5-4 at Phi)
2006 Head-to-Head Record New York 11-8 (6-3 at NY; 5-5 at Phi)
Home Record New York 22-17; Philadelphia 15-22
Away Record New York 17-24; Philadelphia 26-15
Current Streak New York (L2); Philadelphia (W2)
Record vs. Eastern Division New York 18-14; Philadelphia 21-15
2009 Meetings
5/01 - New York, 7-4 (at Phi - WP: Pelfrey; LP: Park)
5/02 - Philadelphia, 6-5 (10) (at Phi - WP: Taschner; LP: S.Green)
5/03 - Postponed at Philadelphia (To be made-up September 13th)
5/06 - New York, 1-0 (at NY - WP: J.Santana; LP: S.Eyre)
5/07 - New York, 7-5 (at NY - WP: Pelfrey; LP: Moyer)
6/09 - New York, 6-5 (at NY - WP: J.Santana; LP: Condrey)
6/10 - Philadelphia, 5-4 (11) (at NY - WP: Park; LP: Parnell)
6/11 - Philadelphia, 6-3 (10) (at NY - WP: S.Eyre; LP: Parnell)
7/03 - Philadelphia, 7-2 (at Phi - WP: R.Lopez; LP: L.Hernandez)
7/04 - Philadelphia, 4-1 (at Phi - WP: Moyer; LP: Nieve)
2008 Meetings
4/08 - Philadelphia, 5-2 (at NY - WP: Moyer; LP: Schoeneweis)
4/09 - New York, 8-2 (at NY - WP: Pelfrey; LP: Kendrick)
4/10 - New York, 4-3 (12) (at NY - WP: J.Sosa; LP: Gordon)
4/18 - New York, 6-4 (at Phi - WP: J.Santana; LP: Hamels)
4/19 - New York, 4-2 (at Phi - WP: Ol.Perez; LP: Moyer)
4/20 - Philadelphia, 5-4 (at Phi - WP: JC.Romero; LP: Feliciano)
7/04 - Philadelphia, 3-2 (at Phi - WP: Lidge; LP: D.Sanchez)
7/05 - New York, 9-4 (at Phi - WP: Feliciano; LP: JC.Romero)
7/06 - New York, 4-2 (12) (at Phi - WP: J.Smith; LP: C.Durbin)
7/07 - New York, 10-9 (at Phi - WP: P.Martinez; LP: Eaton)
7/22 - Philadelphia, 8-6 (at NY - WP: C.Durbin; LP: J.Smith)
7/23 - New York, 6-3 (at NY - WP: Maine; LP: Madson)
7/24 - New York, 3-1 (at NY - WP: Heilman; LP: JC.Romero)
8/26 - Philadelphia, 8-7 (13) (at Phi - WP: Seanez; LP: Schoeneweis)
8/27 - New York, 6-3 (at Phi - WP: Stokes; LP: Seanez)
9/05 - Philadelphia, 3-0 (at NY - WP: B.Myers; LP: Pelfrey)
9/06 - Postponed at New York (Made-up September 7th)
9/07 - Philadelphia, 6-2 (at NY - WP: Moyer; LP: P.Martinez)
9/07 - New York, 6-3 (at NY - WP: J.Santana; LP: Hamels)
2007 Meetings
4/09 - New York, 11-5 (at NY - WP: Feliciano; LP: Geary)
4/11 - Philadelphia, 5-2 (at NY - WP: Eaton; LP: Ol.Perez)
4/12 - New York, 5-3 (at NY - WP: Glavine; LP: Moyer)
4/16 - Postponed at Philadelphia (Made-up June 29th)
4/17 - New York, 8-1 (at Phi - WP: Glavine; LP: F.Garcia)
6/05 - Philadelphia, 4-2 (11) (at NY - WP: Geary; LP: Feliciano)
6/06 - Philadelphia, 4-2 (at NY - WP: Eaton; LP: Heilman)
6/07 - Philadelphia, 6-3 (10) (at NY - WP: Zagurski; LP: Schoeneweis)
6/29 - New York, 6-5 (at Phi - WP: O.Hernandez; LP: JD.Durbin)
6/29 - New York, 5-2 (at Phi - WP: Maine; LP: Hamels)
6/30 - New York, 8-3 (at Phi - WP: Sosa; LP: Happ)
7/01 - Philadelphia, 5-3 (at Phi - WP: Kendrick; LP: Pelfrey)
8/27 - Philadelphia, 9-2 (at Phi - WP: JD.Durbin; LP: Lawrence)
8/28 - Philadelphia, 4-2 (10) (at Phi - WP: B.Myers; LP: Mota)
8/29 - Philadelphia, 3-2 (at Phi - WP: Moyer; LP: Ol.Perez)
8/30 - Philadelphia, 11-10 (at Phi - WP: Gordon; LP: B.Wagner)
9/14 - Philadelphia, 3-2 (10) (at NY - WP: Gordon; LP: Heilman)
9/15 - Philadelphia, 5-3 (at NY - WP: Alfonseca; LP: Sosa)
9/16 - Philadelphia, 10-6 (at NY - WP: Geary; LP: Mota)
2006 Meetings
5/09 - Philadelphia, 5-4 (at Phi - WP: Gordon; LP: Heilman)
5/10 - New York, 13-4 (at Phi - WP: Glavine; LP: Lidle)
5/11 - Philadelphia, 2-0 (4 1/2) (at Phi - WP: Floyd; LP: Trachsel)
5/23 - New York, 9-8 (16) (at NY - WP: Oliver; LP: Madson)
5/24 - New York, 5-4 (at NY - WP: Feliciano; LP: R.Cormier)
5/25 - Philadelphia, 5-3 (at NY - WP: B.Myers; LP: Feliciano)
6/13 - New York, 9-7 (at Phi - WP: Bradford; LP: Madson)
6/14 - New York, 9-3 (at Phi - WP: Oliver; LP: B.Myers)
6/15 - New York, 5-4 (at Phi - WP: Trachsel; LP: Lidle)
8/04 - Philadelphia, 5-3 (at NY - WP: Madson; LP: Oliver)
8/05 - New York, 4-3 (at NY - WP: Glavine; LP: Lieber)
8/06 - New York, 8-1 (at NY - WP: Maine; LP: Mathieson)
8/14 - Philadelphia, 13-0 (at Phi - WP: Hamels; LP: P.Martinez)
8/15 - Philadelphia, 11-4 (at Phi - WP: Wolf; LP: O.Hernandez)
8/16 - Philadelphia, 3-0 (at Phi - WP: Lieber; LP: Glavine)
8/17 - New York, 7-2 (at Phi - WP: Maine; LP: Mathieson)
8/25 - Philadelphia, 4-3 (at NY - WP: Wolf; LP: Bannister)
8/26 - New York, 11-5 (at NY - WP: Feliciano; LP: White)
8/27 - Postponed at New York (Made-up August 28th)
8/28 - New York, 8-3 (at NY - WP: Maine; LP: Moyer)
New York last five games Philadelphia last five games
6/30 - L at Milwaukee, 3-6 6/30 - L at Atlanta, 4-5 (10)
7/01 - W at Milwaukee, 1-0 7/01 - L at Atlanta, 1-11
7/02 - W at Pittsburgh, 9-8 (10) 7/02 - L at Atlanta, 2-5
7/03 - L at Philadelphia, 2-7 7/03 - W vs. NY Mets, 7-2
7/04 - L at Philadelphia, 1-4 7/04 - W vs. NY Mets, 4-1

 

[Lumi]

Preview: Mets (39-41) at Phillies (41-37)

Preview: Mets (39-41) at Phillies (41-37)

Preview: Mets (39-41) at Phillies (41-37)
Game: 3
Venue: Citizens Bank Park
Date: July 05, 2009 1:35 PM EDT

Philadelphia Phillies leadoff hitter Jimmy Rollins is showing signs of breaking out after a long slump. His recent success, however, can easily come to a quick end versus New York Mets ace Johan Santana.

With a chance to sweep a home series for just the second time this season, Rollins and the Phillies look to end their struggles against Santana in the finale of a three-game set with the Mets on Sunday.

Rollins hit a two-run double as Philadelphia (41-37) won the middle game of this series 4-1 on Saturday. The 2007 NL MVP is 5 for 11 with three doubles after an 0-for-28 skid.






Rollins, who was benched four games during a recent road trip, is hitting just .213.

He has helped put the NL-East leading Phillies in position to win their fifth straight against the rival Mets (39-41) and sweep a series at home for the first time since a three-game set with Washington from May 29-31.

"It's good to have a winning streak at home," Phillies manager Charlie Manuel said.

The Phillies, who had gone 1-8 on their previous homestand, are 15-22 at home. Philadelphia may have a tough time continuing its momentum as Santana (9-6, 3.34 ERA) takes his turn in New York's rotation.

Santana has won three straight starts against the Phillies, posting a 2.95 ERA during that stretch. He's 4-0 with a 2.95 ERA in eight career starts against them.

Rollins is batting .174 (4 for 23) against Santana and Philadelphia center fielder Shane Victorino, coming off a 3-for-5 effort, is hitting .167 (4 for 24) versus the left-hander.

Santana, however, has lost three of his last four starts and was particularly shaky in his last outing. He gave up six runs, nine hits and walked four in six innings of New York's 6-3 loss at Milwaukee on Tuesday night.

Santana has a 10.20 ERA in losing his last three road starts.

Joe Blanton (4-4, 5.08), who will take the mound for Philadelphia, is 1-2 with a 6.05 ERA in seven starts at home. He's seeking his first win since June 1, at San Diego.

The Phillies have lost the last five games Blanton has started, including a 5-4 defeat in 10 innings against Atlanta on Tuesday night. He gave up three runs and eight hits in five innings.

The right-hander is 1-0 with a 2.14 ERA in three career starts against the Mets.

New York second baseman Luis Castillo is batting .500 (7 for 14) against Blanton, but he went 0 for 4 in the leadoff spot Saturday as the Mets were held to two runs or fewer for the third time in four games.

"I think they're trying," manager Jerry Manuel said. "They're just not playing the best baseball at this point. We're struggling right now. It's tough."

Manuel desperately needs David Wright to provide consistent hitting in the middle of the lineup, but he's 5 for 37 (.135) over his last nine games, dropping his average from .356 to .329. Wright was hitting .542 (13 for 24) in his last seven games versus the Phillies prior to going 0 for 8 in this series.

With Castillo and Wright two of the few regulars remaining in a banged-up lineup, New York has lost seven of its last nine. Still, the Mets are only three games behind the Phillies.

 

[Lumi]

Trends - NY Mets at Philadelphia

Trends - NY Mets at Philadelphia

Trends - NY Mets at Philadelphia

W/L Trends

NY Mets

Mets are 44-20 in their last 64 games with the total set at 7.0-8.5.
Mets are 15-7 in their last 22 road games with the total set at 7.0-8.5.
Mets are 2-5 in their last 7 games as a road underdog.
Mets are 7-19 in their last 26 during game 3 of a series.
Mets are 2-6 in their last 8 games as an underdog.
Mets are 2-6 in their last 8 road games.
Mets are 2-7 in their last 9 games on grass.
Mets are 2-7 in their last 9 overall.
Mets are 3-11 in their last 14 Sunday games.
Mets are 1-4 in their last 5 when their opponent allows 2 runs or less in their previous game.
Mets are 1-4 in their last 5 after scoring 2 runs or less in their previous game.
Mets are 1-4 in their last 5 games after losing the first 2 games of a series.
Mets are 1-5 in their last 6 games vs. a right-handed starter.
Mets are 1-5 in their last 6 road games vs. a right-handed starter.
Mets are 1-5 in their last 6 games following a loss.
Mets are 1-5 in their last 6 games vs. a starter with a WHIP greater than 1.30.
Mets are 1-5 in their last 6 road games vs. a team with a winning record.
Mets are 1-7 in their last 8 vs. a team with a winning record.
Mets are 0-4 in their last 4 vs. National League East.
Mets are 4-0 in Santanas last 4 starts after scoring 2 runs or less in their previous game.
Mets are 7-1 in Santanas last 8 starts when their opponent allows 2 runs or less in their previous game.
Mets are 9-3 in Santanas last 12 starts following a team loss in their previous game.
Mets are 12-4 in Santanas last 16 starts with 4 days of rest.
Mets are 20-8 in Santanas last 28 starts with the total set at 7.0-8.5.
Mets are 5-2 in Santanas last 7 Sunday starts.
Mets are 12-5 in Santanas last 17 starts vs. a team with a winning record.
Mets are 19-8 in Santanas last 27 starts.
Mets are 19-8 in Santanas last 27 starts on grass.
Mets are 7-3 in Santanas last 10 road starts with the total set at 7.0-8.5.
Mets are 9-4 in Santanas last 13 starts vs. National League East.


Philadelphia

Phillies are 41-19 in their last 60 after allowing 2 runs or less in their previous game.
Phillies are 66-31 in their last 97 Sunday games.
Phillies are 23-11 in their last 34 games vs. a left-handed starter.
Phillies are 5-12 in their last 17 overall.
Phillies are 4-10 in their last 14 games on grass.
Phillies are 2-6 in their last 8 home games.
Phillies are 3-9 in their last 12 games as a favorite.
Phillies are 2-6 in their last 8 games as a favorite of -110 to -150.
Phillies are 2-7 in their last 9 games as a home favorite.
Phillies are 2-7 in their last 9 home games vs. a team with a losing road record.
Phillies are 1-4 in their last 5 during game 3 of a series.
Phillies are 1-4 in their last 5 games as a home favorite of -110 to -150.
Phillies are 1-5 in their last 6 home games with the total set at 7.0-8.5.
Phillies are 1-6 in their last 7 vs. a team with a losing record.
Phillies are 0-4 in their last 4 home games vs. a left-handed starter.
Phillies are 5-0 in Blantons last 5 Sunday starts.
Phillies are 9-2 in Blantons last 11 starts following a team loss in their previous game.
Phillies are 4-1 in Blantons last 5 starts as a home favorite of -110 to -150.
Phillies are 4-1 in Blantons last 5 starts as a favorite.
Phillies are 7-2 in Blantons last 9 starts as a favorite of -110 to -150.
Phillies are 10-4 in Blantons last 14 starts vs. National League East.
Phillies are 7-3 in Blantons last 10 starts as a home favorite.
Phillies are 9-4 in Blantons last 13 home starts.
Phillies are 0-5 in Blantons last 5 starts.
Phillies are 0-4 in Blantons last 4 starts on grass.


OU Trends

NY Mets

Under is 6-0 in Mets last 6 road games vs. a team with a losing home record.
Under is 7-2 in Mets last 9 vs. National League East.
Under is 5-2 in Mets last 7 games as an underdog.
Under is 5-2 in Mets last 7 vs. a team with a winning record.
Under is 5-2 in Mets last 7 games vs. a right-handed starter.
Over is 14-6-1 in Mets last 21 games with the total set at 7.0-8.5.
Over is 38-18-4 in Mets last 60 road games with the total set at 7.0-8.5.
Under is 6-1 in Santanas last 7 starts following a team loss in their previous game.
Over is 5-1 in Santanas last 6 starts with 4 days of rest.


Philadelphia

Over is 6-1 in Phillies last 7 games with the total set at 7.0-8.5.
Under is 6-1-2 in Phillies last 9 on grass.
Under is 5-1-1 in Phillies last 7 games following a win.
Under is 5-1-2 in Phillies last 8 overall.
Under is 10-2 in Phillies last 12 home games vs. a team with a losing record.
Under is 4-1-1 in Phillies last 6 vs. National League East.
Under is 4-1 in Phillies last 5 home games vs. a team with a losing road record.
Under is 4-1 in Phillies last 5 games as a home favorite.
Under is 4-1 in Phillies last 5 home games.
Under is 4-1-1 in Phillies last 6 games as a favorite.
Under is 8-2-1 in Phillies last 11 games as a home favorite of -110 to -150.
Under is 9-3 in Phillies last 12 during game 3 of a series.
Under is 16-6-1 in Phillies last 23 after allowing 2 runs or less in their previous game.
Under is 5-2 in Phillies last 7 home games vs. a left-handed starter.
Under is 10-4-1 in Phillies last 15 vs. a team with a losing record.
Under is 7-3-2 in Phillies last 12 games as a favorite of -110 to -150.
Under is 11-5-1 in Phillies last 17 games vs. a left-handed starter.
Under is 35-16-3 in Phillies last 54 when their opponent scores 2 runs or less in their previous game.
Over is 5-1 in Blantons last 6 starts during game 3 of a series.
Under is 4-1-2 in Blantons last 7 starts overall.
Over is 8-3-3 in Blantons last 14 starts vs. National League East.
Over is 5-2 in Blantons last 7 starts following a team loss in their previous game.


Head to Head

Mets are 4-0 in Santanas last 4 starts vs. Phillies.
Over is 4-1 in Santanas last 5 starts vs. Phillies.
Mets are 0-4 in the last 4 meetings.


Umpire Trends - Ed Rapuano

Phillies are 10-2 in their last 12 games with Rapuano behind home plate.
Home team is 4-1 in Rapuanos last 5 games behind home plate vs. Philadelphia.
Under is 4-1 in Rapuanos last 5 games behind home plate vs. Philadelphia.
Home team is 4-1 in Rapuanos last 5 Sunday games behind home plate vs. New York.
Mets are 8-3 in their last 11 games with Rapuano behind home plate.
Over is 5-2-1 in Rapuanos last 8 games behind home plate.
Home team is 5-2 in Rapuanos last 7 Sunday games behind home plate.
Home team is 14-6 in Rapuanos last 20 games behind home plate.

 

[Lumi]

Atlanta Braves (39-41) at Washington Nationals (23-55), 1:35 p.m.

Atlanta Braves (39-41) at Washington Nationals (23-55), 1:35 p.m.

Atlanta Braves (39-41) at Washington Nationals (23-55), 1:35 p.m.

Probable Starting Pitchers: Atlanta - Derek Lowe (7-6, 4.44) Washington - Scott Olsen (1-4, 6.56)

Atlanta veteran Derek Lowe tries to end a personal drought and restart the Braves' win streak today when they head to Nationals Park for the finale of a three-game holiday weekend series against the host Washington Nationals.

The Braves entered Saturday's game having won five straight, but lost a lead and eventually dropped a 5-3 verdict to Washington, which got the 300th career home run from slugging outfielder Adam Dunn.

Lowe, who signed a free-agent contract in the offseason after most recently pitching for the Los Angeles Dodgers, was 7-3 after downing Pittsburgh, 4-3, on June 9.

He was winless for his subsequent four starts in June, however, going 0-3 while being tagged for 33 hits and 20 runs in 17 2/3 innings.

The Dearborn, Michigan native faced the Nationals on April 10 and got a no- decision, but has a career's worth of success against them, going 5-2 with three saves in 14 appearances - eight starts - and a 2.97 earned run average in 57 2/3 innings.

For Washington, lefty Scott Olsen tries to snap a skid of his own.

A first-year member of the Nationals after beginning his big-league career with the Florida Marlins, Olsen picked up his lone win of the season on April 29 at Philadelphia, allowing six hits and a run in 5 2/3 innings.

He was 0-1 with a pair of no-decisions in three subsequent starts, then missed more than a month with shoulder problems.

His return came June 29 against the Marlins and ended in a no-decision, in which he pitched seven innings and gave up six hits and two runs in a 4-2 Washington loss.

Olsen last faced the Braves April 12 and took an 8-5 loss after allowing six hits and five runs in five innings.

He is 2-5 against them in his career, posting a 6.91 ERA over 12 appearances - 11 starts.

On Saturday, John Lannan (6-5) was sharp in posting his fourth straight victory. The lefty tossed eight innings and yielded three runs on nine hits and a walk. Mike MacDougal earned his fourth save of the year with a scoreless ninth.

Ryan Zimmerman had a two-run single and Josh Willingham added an RBI single in the pivotal eighth frame. The Nationals snapped a four-game slide and won for just the second time in eight games.

Tommy Hanson, searching for a fifth straight victory, was superb on the hill for Atlanta. The rookie right-hander limited the Nats to a single run and three hits, walking one and fanning five in seven innings.

However, the Braves bullpen wasted the effort and was tagged for four runs on four hits and two walks in the eighth. Nate McLouth, Chipper Jones and Garret Anderson knocked in the runs for Atlanta.

Atlanta has won five of its seven matchups with the Nats this season after Washington took 12 of the 18 meetings a year ago.

 

[Lumi]

NL Matchup -- Atlanta at Washington

NL Matchup -- Atlanta at Washington

NL Matchup -- Atlanta at Washington

Atlanta Braves (39-41) at Washington Nationals (23-55)
Game One Atlanta 9, Washington 8
Game Two Washington 5, Atlanta 3
Game Three Sunday, July 5th, 1:35 p.m.
Records
2009 Head-to-Head Record Atlanta 5-3 (3-0 at Atl; 2-3 at Was)
2008 Head-to-Head Record Washington 12-6 (5-4 at Atl; 7-2 at Was)
2007 Head-to-Head Record Atlanta 11-7 (7-2 at Atl; 4-5 at Was)
2006 Head-to-Head Record Atlanta 10-8 (5-4 at Atl; 5-4 at Was)
Home Record Atlanta 21-21; Washington 14-26
Away Record Atlanta 18-20; Washington 9-29
Current Streak Atlanta (L1); Washington (W1)
Record vs. Eastern Division Atlanta 16-11; Washington 7-31
2009 Meetings
4/10 - Atlanta, 6-5 (10) (at Atl - WP: Campillo; LP: Beimel)
4/11 - Atlanta, 5-3 (at Atl - WP: Kawakami; LP: Lannan)
4/12 - Atlanta, 8-5 (at Atl - WP: Jurrjens; LP: Olsen)
4/20 - Washington, 3-2 (at Was - WP: Zimmermann; LP: D.Lowe)
4/21 - Washington, 4-3 (at Was - WP: Martis; LP: Kawakami)
4/22 - Atlanta, 1-0 (at Was - WP: Mik.Gonzalez; LP: Mock)
7/03 - Atlanta, 9-8 (at Was - WP: Logan; LP: Colome)
7/04 - Washington, 5-3 (at Was - WP: Lannan; LP: Mik.Gonzalez)
2008 Meetings
3/30 - Washington, 3-2 (at Was - WP: Rauch; LP: Moylan)
4/11 - Atlanta, 3-0 (at Was - WP: T.Hudson; LP: Chico)
4/12 - Atlanta, 10-2 (at Was - WP: Smoltz; LP: Lannan)
4/13 - Washington, 5-4 (at Was - WP: Redding; LP: Glavine)
4/21 - Atlanta, 7-3 (at Atl - WP: T.Hudson; LP: Chico)
4/22 - Washington, 6-0 (at Atl - WP: Lannan; LP: Smoltz)
4/29 - Washington, 6-3 (at Was - WP: S.Rivera; LP: Boyer)
4/30 - Washington, 3-2 (12) (at Was - WP: S.Rivera; LP: Acosta)
7/18 - Atlanta, 7-6 (at Atl - WP: T.Hudson; LP: Redding)
7/19 - Washington, 8-2 (at Atl - WP: Lannan; LP: Jurrjens)
7/20 - Washington, 15-6 (at Atl - WP: Od.Perez; LP: J-J.Reyes)
8/29 - Washington, 7-3 (at Was - WP: Od.Perez; LP: Campillo)
8/30 - Washington, 9-8 (10) (at Was - WP: Shell; LP: V.Nunez)
8/31 - Washington, 8-4 (at Was - WP: Mock; LP: Dessens)
9/04 - Atlanta, 2-0 (at Atl - WP: Parr; LP: Martis)
9/05 - Atlanta, 10-5 (at Atl - WP: Jurrjens; LP: Bergmann)
9/06 - Washington, 8-5 (10) (at Atl - WP: Hanrahan; LP: Mik.Gonzalez)
9/07 - Washington, 7-4 (14) (at Atl - WP: Shell; LP: Bennett)
2007 Meetings
4/10 - Atlanta, 8-0 (at Atl - WP: T.Hudson; LP: Chico)
4/11 - Atlanta, 8-3 (at Atl - WP: James; LP: J.Williams)
4/12 - Washington, 2-0 (at Atl - WP: Colome; LP: Smoltz)
4/16 - Washington, 5-1 (at Was - WP: Chico; LP: James)
4/17 - Atlanta, 6-4 (at Was - WP: Smoltz; LP: J.Williams)
5/14 - Washington, 2-1 (at Was - WP: Bergmann; LP: Smoltz)
5/15 - Atlanta, 6-2 (at Was - WP: T.Hudson; LP: J.Williams)
5/16 - Washington, 6-4 (at Was - WP: Traber; LP: Davies)
5/17 - Washington, 4-3 (at Was - WP: Chico; LP: Paronto)
6/25 - Atlanta, 4-1 (at Atl - WP: T.Hudson; LP: Bergmann)
6/26 - Atlanta, 6-2 (at Atl - WP: Carlyle; LP: Bacsik)
6/27 - Atlanta, 13-0 (at Atl - WP: Smoltz; LP: Bowie)
9/07 - Atlanta, 7-1 (at Atl - WP: Smoltz; LP: Hanrahan)
9/08 - Atlanta, 9-2 (at Atl - WP: James; LP: Chico)
9/09 - Washington, 7-4 (at Atl - WP: Bergmann; LP: L.Cormier)
9/14 - Atlanta, 8-5 (13) (at Was - WP: Ascanio; LP: Colome)
9/15 - Washington, 7-4 (at Was - WP: Bergmann; LP: L.Cormier)
9/16 - Atlanta, 3-0 (at Was - WP: T.Hudson; LP: S.Hill)
2006 Meetings
4/21 - Washington, 7-3 (at Was - WP: Stanton; LP: L.Cormier)
4/22 - Postponed at Washington (Made-up September 18th)
4/23 - Atlanta, 3-1 (at Was - WP: L.Cormier; LP: Majewski)
5/12 - Atlanta, 6-2 (at Atl - WP: Smoltz; LP: Ra.Ortiz)
5/13 - Atlanta, 8-5 (at Atl - WP: Reitsma; LP: C.Cordero)
5/14 - Washington, 8-1 (at Atl - WP: Armas; LP: Thomson)
6/05 - Washington, 5-4 (at Atl - WP: L.Hernandez; LP: T.Hudson)
6/06 - Atlanta, 5-3 (at Atl - WP: H.Ramirez; LP: S.Hill)
6/07 - Washington, 5-2 (at Atl - WP: Ru.Ortiz; LP: Smoltz)
8/14 - Atlanta, 10-4 (at Was - WP: James; LP: Ra.Ortiz)
8/15 - Washington, 5-0 (at Was - WP: P.Astacio; LP: L.Cormier)
8/16 - Washington, 9-6 (at Was - WP: Traber; LP: Smoltz)
8/17 - Atlanta, 5-0 (at Was - WP: Villarreal; LP: Bergmann)
8/25 - Washington, 7-6 (at Atl - WP: R.Wagner; LP: Paronto)
8/26 - Atlanta, 10-1 (at Atl - WP: Smoltz; LP: P.Astacio)
8/27 - Atlanta, 13-6 (at Atl - WP: McBride; LP: Traber)
9/18 - Atlanta, 6-1 (at Was - WP: Davies; LP: Armas)
9/19 - Washington, 9-2 (at Was - WP: B.Perez; LP: James)
9/20 - Atlanta, 7-3 (at Was - WP: L.Cormier; LP: Ra.Ortiz)
Atlanta last five games Washington last five games
6/30 - W vs. Philadelphia, 5-4 (10) 6/29 - L at Florida, 2-4
7/01 - W vs. Philadelphia, 11-1 6/30 - L at Florida, 5-7 (6 2/3)
7/02 - W vs. Philadelphia, 5-2 7/01 - L at Florida, 3-5
7/03 - W at Washington, 9-8 7/03 - L vs. Atlanta, 8-9
7/04 - L at Washington, 3-5 7/04 - W vs. Atlanta, 5-3

 

[Lumi]

Preview: Braves (39-41) at Nationals (23-55)

Preview: Braves (39-41) at Nationals (23-55)

Preview: Braves (39-41) at Nationals (23-55)
Game: 3
Venue: Nationals Park
Date: July 05, 2009 1:35 PM EDT

The Atlanta Braves hope their latest defeat doesn't hurt the collective confidence they've gained over the last week.

On Sunday, the visiting Braves look to bounce back from having their season-high, five-game winning streak snapped while concluding a three-game set with the Washington Nationals.

Looking to get back to .500, Atlanta's bullpen couldn't hold a two-run lead and gave up four runs in the eighth inning of a 5-3 loss Saturday. Prior to the defeat, Braves relievers had a 3.98 ERA, but they wasted another strong outing from rookie Tommy Hanson.

Atlanta (39-41) hopes Saturday's meltdown won't be the beginning of another streak that's headed in the wrong direction. The Braves' stretch of five consecutive wins followed a four-game skid.






"We're playing really good ball," reliever Mike Gonzalez said. "Hopefully this doesn't put a chink in what we're doing right now."

Adam Dunn snapped a 3-all tie in the eighth with an RBI single for the Nationals (23-55), one inning after he hit his 300th career homer and second in as many games.

The 29-year-old Dunn is the fifth player in major league history to reach that total in less than 4,200 at_bats, succeeding in his 4,145th. He joins Babe Ruth (3,830), Mark McGwire (3,837), Ralph Kiner (3,883) and Harmon Killebrew (3,928).

"That 300th home run would have been hard to talk about. It would have been a useless home run if we hadn't won the game," said Dunn, who has 22 homers, including four with eight RBIs during a six-game hitting streak.

Though Dunn has homered in three of his last four games versus Atlanta, he's 1 for 16 against scheduled starter Derek Lowe (7-6, 4.44 ERA).

After going 0-3 with a 12.34 ERA in his previous three starts, Lowe allowed two runs and seven hits in six innings of a 5-4, 10-inning victory over Philadelphia on Tuesday.

The right-hander is 5-2 with a 2.70 ERA in eight starts versus the Nationals but went 0-1 with a 4.00 ERA in two April outings against them.

After snapping a four-game losing streak by winning for the third time in 12 contests, Washington counters with Scott Olsen (1-4, 6.56).

In his first start since missing more than a month with shoulder tendinitis, the left-hander gave up two runs and six hits while striking out seven without a walk in seven innings, but didn't factor in the decision of a 4-2 loss at Florida on Monday.

"It was encouraging to see Olsen pitch that well," manager Manny Acta told the Nationals' official Web site. "It was a tremendous outing. You couldn't ask for anything better."

Olsen gave up five runs in five innings of an 8-5 loss to the Braves on April 12. He's 2-5 with a 6.75 ERA in 11 starts versus them.

Garrett Anderson had two hits and an RBI on Saturday for the Braves, who scored 32 runs while batting .318 during their five-game winning streak. Anderson is hitting .370 (10 for 27) with four RBIs in his last eight contests.

 

[Lumi]

Trends - Atlanta at Washington

Trends - Atlanta at Washington

Trends - Atlanta at Washington


W/L Trends

Atlanta

Braves are 5-1 in their last 6 vs. National League East.
Braves are 5-1 in their last 6 games on grass.
Braves are 5-1 in their last 6 overall.
Braves are 4-1 in their last 5 games vs. a starter with a WHIP greater than 1.30.
Braves are 9-3 in their last 12 games as a favorite of -110 to -150.
Braves are 5-2 in their last 7 Sunday games.
Braves are 15-7 in their last 22 games with the total set at 9.0-10.5.
Braves are 14-30 in their last 44 games as a road favorite.
Braves are 3-7 in their last 10 games following a loss.
Braves are 3-7 in their last 10 road games.
Braves are 10-24 in their last 34 games as a road favorite of -110 to -150.
Braves are 2-5 in their last 7 road games vs. a left-handed starter.
Braves are 3-8 in their last 11 road games vs. a team with a home winning % of less than .400.
Braves are 1-6 in their last 7 after allowing 5 runs or more in their previous game.
Braves are 5-2 in Lowes last 7 starts vs. National League East.
Braves are 2-5 in Lowes last 7 starts.
Braves are 2-5 in Lowes last 7 starts on grass.
Braves are 1-4 in Lowes last 5 starts following a Quality Start in his last appearance.
Braves are 1-5 in Lowes last 6 starts after allowing 5 runs or more in their previous game.


Washington

Nationals are 12-25 in their last 37 home games vs. a right-handed starter.
Nationals are 15-32 in their last 47 home games.
Nationals are 3-7 in their last 10 games as a home underdog of +110 to +150.
Nationals are 19-45 in their last 64 games vs. a starter with a WHIP greater than 1.30.
Nationals are 19-45 in their last 64 games with the total set at 9.0-10.5.
Nationals are 4-10 in their last 14 vs. a team with a losing record.
Nationals are 15-38 in their last 53 after scoring 5 runs or more in their previous game.
Nationals are 24-61 in their last 85 games on grass.
Nationals are 15-39 in their last 54 when their opponent allows 5 runs or more in their previous game.
Nationals are 5-13 in their last 18 games as a home underdog.
Nationals are 24-64 in their last 88 overall.
Nationals are 17-46 in their last 63 games vs. a right-handed starter.
Nationals are 4-11 in their last 15 games as an underdog of +110 to +150.
Nationals are 19-56 in their last 75 games as an underdog.
Nationals are 3-10 in their last 13 games following a win.
Nationals are 1-4 in their last 5 Sunday games.
Nationals are 10-42 in their last 52 vs. National League East.
Nationals are 1-5 in Olsens last 6 starts with the total set at 9.0-10.5.
Nationals are 1-5 in Olsens last 6 starts following a team loss in their previous game.
Nationals are 1-6 in Olsens last 7 starts vs. National League East.
Nationals are 1-7 in Olsens last 8 starts as an underdog.
Nationals are 1-7 in Olsens last 8 starts.
Nationals are 1-7 in Olsens last 8 starts on grass.
Nationals are 0-4 in Olsens last 4 starts when their opponent allows 5 runs or more in their previous game.


OU Trends

Atlanta

Over is 5-1 in Braves last 6 Sunday games.
Under is 4-1-1 in Braves last 6 when their opponent scores 5 runs or more in their previous game.
Under is 4-1 in Braves last 5 games following a loss.
Under is 4-1 in Braves last 5 after allowing 5 runs or more in their previous game.
Under is 11-3-1 in Braves last 15 games as a favorite.
Over is 8-3 in Braves last 11 road games vs. a left-handed starter.
Under is 5-2-1 in Braves last 8 games as a favorite of -110 to -150.
Under is 5-2-1 in Braves last 8 overall.
Under is 5-2 in Braves last 7 games as a road favorite.
Under is 5-2-1 in Braves last 8 on grass.
Under is 7-3-1 in Braves last 11 games vs. a team with a winning % below .400.
Over is 15-7 in Braves last 22 games vs. a left-handed starter.
Under is 4-1-1 in Lowes last 6 starts as a favorite.
Over is 4-1-1 in Lowes last 6 starts vs. National League East.
Under is 6-2-1 in Lowes last 9 starts overall.
Under is 6-2-1 in Lowes last 9 starts on grass.
Over is 5-2-1 in Lowes last 8 starts with 4 days of rest.
Under is 5-2 in Lowes last 7 starts following a Quality Start in his last appearance.


Washington

Over is 4-0 in Nationals last 4 games a home underdog of +110 to +150.
Over is 5-1 in Nationals last 6 games as an underdog of +110 to +150.
Over is 5-1 in Nationals last 6 home games.
Over is 5-1 in Nationals last 6 games a home underdog.
Under is 9-2 in Nationals last 11 games following a win.
Under is 12-3-1 in Nationals last 16 when their opponent allows 5 runs or more in their previous game.
Over is 4-1 in Nationals last 5 home games with the total set at 9.0-10.5.
Under is 8-2 in Nationals last 10 home games vs. a team with a losing road record.
Under is 8-2-1 in Nationals last 11 after scoring 5 runs or more in their previous game.
Under is 4-1 in Nationals last 5 Sunday games.
Under is 4-1 in Nationals last 5 vs. a team with a losing record.
Under is 7-2-1 in Nationals last 10 during game 3 of a series.
Under is 6-2-1 in Nationals last 9 vs. National League East.
Under is 20-7 in Nationals last 27 games vs. a starter with a WHIP greater than 1.30.
Under is 19-7-1 in Nationals last 27 games vs. a right-handed starter.
Under is 8-3 in Nationals last 11 home games vs. a right-handed starter.
Under is 5-2 in Nationals last 7 home games vs. a team with a losing record.
Under is 22-9 in Nationals last 31 games with the total set at 9.0-10.5.
Under is 17-7-1 in Nationals last 25 on grass.
Under is 19-8-1 in Nationals last 28 overall.


Head to Head

Under is 4-1 in the last 5 meetings.
Under is 4-1 in the last 5 meetings in Washington.
Braves are 2-9 in the last 11 meetings in Washington.


Umpire Trends - Tony Randazzo

Road team is 4-0 in Randazzos last 4 Sunday games behind home plate.
Road team is 5-0 in Randazzos last 5 games behind home plate vs. Washington.
Over is 4-1 in Randazzos last 5 Sunday games behind home plate.
Road team is 4-1 in Randazzos last 5 games behind home plate vs. Atlanta.
Over is 10-3-1 in Randazzos last 14 games behind home plate vs. Atlanta.
Nationals are 6-2 in their last 8 games with Randazzo behind home plate.
Home team is 7-3 in Randazzos last 10 games behind home plate.

 

[Lumi]

Chicago White Sox (42-39) at Kansas City Royals (34-46), 2:10 p.m.

Chicago White Sox (42-39) at Kansas City Royals (34-46), 2:10 p.m.

Chicago White Sox (42-39) at Kansas City Royals (34-46), 2:10 p.m.

Probable Starting Pitchers: Chicago - Clayton Richard (3-1, 4.48) Kansas City - Brian Bannister (5-6, 3.93)

Brian Bannister will try to get back on the winning side of things when he takes the hill this afternoon for the Kansas City Royals in the finale of a four-game stint against the Chicago White Sox at Kauffman Stadium.

Bannister has dropped his last three outings, but in his last start he tossed a solid game, holding Minnesota to just two runs -- one earned -- on six hits in seven innings. The right-hander also struck out six batters, but fell to the Twins by a 2-1 margin.

Earlier this season Bannister was pounded by the Pale Hose, allowing seven runs on 10 hits in five innings. In 10 career starts against Chicago, Bannister is just 2-4 with an embarrassing 8.15 earned run average.

As for the White Sox they will turn to Clayton Richard, who was victorious over the Cleveland Indians in his last start. It was the first victory for Richard in his last six outings, as he held the Indians to just four runs on four hits in six innings. He finished with six strikeouts and only walked one.

Back in May Richard put forth a strong performance against KC, limiting the Royals to just two runs on five hits in seven innings. In that matchup the crafty lefty struck out seven and walked only one.

Yesterday, Alberto Callaspo went 2-for-3 and hit the go-ahead two-run single in the sixth inning, as the Royals came back to top the White Sox, 6-4.

Callaspo tripled, walked and finished with three total runs batted in for Kansas City, which had dropped the first two contests of this four-game set, in addition to its last four games overall. Brayan Pena hit a solo homer for the Royals.

Kansas City starter Luke Hochevar (4-3) took the win, though he gave up four runs on nine hits and two walks in six innings. He also struck out three. Joakim Soria notched his 11th save of the season with a perfect ninth.

"We've been playing hard. We just finally got some hits to fall at the right times," Hochevar said. "We've been playing great defense and we played great defense today. That was a good team win."

Chicago's Gavin Floyd (6-6) did not allow a hit through four innings, but fell apart over the remainder of his 5 1/3-inning start. Floyd allowed five runs on four hits and three walks, with four strikeouts.

Jermaine Dye had a two-run homer and Gordon Beckham belted a solo shot for the White Sox, who hadn't dropped a game since a 5-4 loss to the Cubs on June 26.

"It's obviously upsetting we lost today, because we felt like we had a good grasp of the game," Beckham said.

Chicago has won five of eight matchups with the Royals held in Kansas City so far this season and swept a three-game set at Kauffman Stadium from May 29-31. Additionally, the White Sox enter this evening's tilt having won 13 of their last 17 overall road games.

 

[Lumi]

AL Matchup -- Chicago White Sox at Kansas City

AL Matchup -- Chicago White Sox at Kansas City

AL Matchup -- Chicago White Sox at Kansas City

Chicago White Sox (42-39) at Kansas City Royals (34-46)
Game One Chicago 4, Kansas City 1
Game Two Chicago 5, Kansas City 0
Game Three Kansas City 6, Chicago 4
Game Four Sunday, July 5th, 2:10 p.m.
Records
2009 Head-to-Head Record Chicago 6-5 (1-2 at Chi; 5-3 at KC)
2008 Head-to-Head Record Chicago 12-6 (7-2 at Chi; 5-4 at KC)
2007 Head-to-Head Record Chicago 12-6 (6-3 at Chi; 6-3 at KC)
2006 Head-to-Head Record Chicago 11-8 (7-3 at Chi; 4-5 at KC)
Home Record Chicago 20-20; Kansas City 21-24
Away Record Chicago 22-19; Kansas City 13-22
Current Streak Chicago (L1); Kansas City (W1)
Record vs. Central Division Chicago 19-15; Kansas City 15-20
2009 Meetings
4/06 - Postponed at Chicago (Made-up April 7th)
4/07 - Chicago, 4-2 (at Chi - WP: Dotel; LP: Farnsworth)
4/08 - Kansas City, 2-0 (at Chi - WP: Greinke; LP: Floyd)
4/09 - Kansas City, 2-1 (at Chi - WP: Mahay; LP: Jenks)
5/04 - Kansas City, 3-0 (at KC - WP: Greinke; LP: B.Colon)
5/05 - Kansas City, 8-7 (11) (at KC - WP: J.Cruz; LP: Broadway)
5/29 - Chicago, 11-2 (at KC - WP: Richard; LP: Bannister)
5/30 - Chicago, 5-3 (at KC - WP: Linebrink; LP: J.Cruz)
5/31 - Chicago, 7-4 (at KC - WP: Thornton; LP: Bale)
7/02 - Chicago, 4-1 (at KC - WP: Buehrle; LP: Chen)
7/03 - Chicago, 5-0 (at KC - WP: Danks; LP: Greinke)
7/04 - Kansas City, 6-4 (at KC - WP: Hochevar; LP: Floyd)
2008 Meetings
6/03 - Chicago, 9-5 (at Chi - WP: Floyd; LP: Greinke)
6/04 - Chicago, 6-4 (15) (at Chi - WP: Dotel; LP: Gobble)
6/05 - Chicago, 6-2 (at Chi - WP: Contreras; LP: Meche)
7/08 - Chicago, 8-7 (13) (at KC - WP: Masset; LP: Tejeda)
7/09 - Chicago, 7-6 (at KC - WP: Russell; LP: Tejeda)
7/10 - Kansas City, 4-1 (at KC - WP: Mahay; LP: Buehrle)
7/18 - Chicago, 9-5 (at Chi - WP: Buehrle; LP: Greinke)
7/19 - Kansas City, 9-1 (at Chi - WP: Meche; LP: Floyd)
7/20 - Kansas City, 8-7 (at Chi - WP: R.Ramirez; LP: Thornton)
8/01 - Chicago, 4-2 (at KC - WP: Vazquez; LP: Hochevar)
8/02 - Kansas City, 9-7 (at KC - WP: Davies; LP: Buehrle)
8/03 - Kansas City, 14-3 (at KC - WP: Greinke; LP: Richard)
8/12 - Chicago, 9-0 (at Chi - WP: Vazquez; LP: Bannister)
8/13 - Chicago, 4-0 (at Chi - WP: Buehrle; LP: Hochevar)
8/14 - Chicago, 9-2 (at Chi - WP: Broadway; LP: Davies)
9/19 - Chicago, 9-4 (at KC - WP: Buehrle; LP: Bannister)
9/20 - Kansas City, 5-2 (at KC - WP: Davies; LP: Floyd)
9/21 - Chicago, 3-0 (at KC - WP: Danks; LP: Duckworth)
2007 Meetings
4/23 - Chicago, 7-4 (at KC - WP: Buehrle; LP: Gobble)
4/24 - Chicago, 9-7 (at KC - WP: Logan; LP: Soria)
5/11 - Chicago, 2-1 (at Chi - WP: Garland; LP: Od.Perez)
5/12 - Chicago, 5-4 (10) (at Chi - WP: MacDougal; LP: Duckworth)
5/13 - Kansas City, 11-1 (at Chi - WP: De La Rosa; LP: Vazquez)
6/29 - Kansas City, 8-1 (at KC - WP: Bannister; LP: Contreras)
6/30 - Chicago, 3-1 (10) (at KC - WP: Bukvich; LP: Dotel)
7/01 - Chicago, 3-1 (at KC - WP: Garland; LP: Thomson)
8/20 - Chicago, 4-3 (at Chi - WP: Thornton; LP: Riske)
8/21 - Chicago, 5-2 (at Chi - WP: Vazquez; LP: Nunez)
8/22 - Kansas City, 7-6 (at Chi - WP: Bannister; LP: Contreras)
9/17 - Chicago, 11-3 (at KC - WP: Vazquez; LP: Davies)
9/18 - Kansas City, 3-2 (at KC - WP: Meche; LP: Floyd)
9/19 - Chicago, 7-0 (at KC - WP: Contreras; LP: Bannister)
9/20 - Kansas City, 3-0 (at KC - WP: Greinke; LP: Garland)
9/25 - Kansas City, 9-5 (at Chi - WP: Duckworth; LP: Wassermann)
9/26 - Chicago, 3-0 (at Chi - WP: Garland; LP: Greinke)
9/27 - Chicago, 10-0 (at Chi - WP: Broadway; LP: Buckner)
2006 Meetings
4/07 - Kansas City, 11-7 (at KC - WP: M.Wood; LP: Garland)
4/08 - Kansas City, 4-3 (at KC - WP: Dessens; LP: Politte)
4/09 - Chicago, 3-1 (at KC - WP: Buehrle; LP: Elarton)
4/17 - Chicago, 9-0 (at Chi - WP: Contreras; LP: Mays)
4/18 - Chicago, 4-1 (at Chi - WP: Garland; LP: Affeldt)
4/19 - Chicago, 4-0 (at Chi - WP: Vazquez; LP: Elarton)
5/05 - Kansas City, 5-4 (at Chi - WP: Dessens; LP: Jenks)
5/06 - Chicago, 9-2 (at Chi - WP: Vazquez; LP: Ru.Hernandez)
5/07 - Chicago, 3-2 (at Chi - WP: McCarthy; LP: Dessens)
7/31 - Chicago, 8-4 (at KC - WP: Contreras; LP: Ru.Hernandez)
8/01 - Chicago, 7-5 (10) (at KC - WP: Riske; LP: Burgos)
8/02 - Kansas City, 7-3 (at KC - WP: L.Hudson; LP: Garcia)
8/14 - Chicago, 12-2 (at Chi - WP: Garland; LP: Redman)
8/15 - Kansas City, 4-2 (at Chi - WP: Ru.Hernandez; LP: Vazquez)
8/16 - Kansas City, 10-4 (at Chi - WP: Bernero; LP: Contreras)
8/17 - Chicago, 5-4 (at Chi - WP: Buehrle; LP: Od.Perez)
9/01 - Kansas City, 7-5 (at KC - WP: Ru.Hernandez; LP: Contreras)
9/02 - Chicago, 5-3 (at KC - WP: Buehrle; LP: Od.Perez)
9/03 - Kansas City, 7-3 (at KC - WP: Redman; LP: Garcia)
Chicago last five games Kansas City last five games
6/30 - W at Cleveland, 11-4 (6 1/3) 6/30 - L vs. Minnesota, 1-2
7/01 - W at Cleveland, 6-2 7/01 - L vs. Minnesota, 1-5
7/02 - W at Kansas City, 4-1 7/02 - L vs. Chicago WSox, 1-4
7/03 - W at Kansas City, 5-0 7/03 - L vs. Chicago WSox, 0-5
7/04 - L at Kansas City, 4-6 7/04 - W vs. Chicago WSox, 6-4

 

[Lumi]

Preview: White Sox (42-39) at Royals (34-46)

Preview: White Sox (42-39) at Royals (34-46)

Preview: White Sox (42-39) at Royals (34-46)
Game: 4
Venue: Ewing M. Kauffman Stadium
Date: July 05, 2009 2:10 PM EDT

Jose Contreras has made the most of his second chance with the Chicago White Sox this season.

The White Sox hope the veteran right-hander can help them bounce back from their first loss in a week when they conclude a four-game road series with the Kansas City Royals on Sunday.

It's been almost a month since the 37-year-old Contreras (3-7, 4.84 ERA) was recalled from Triple-A Charlotte after going 0-5 with an 8.19 ERA in his first six starts. Since returning June 8, Contreras is 3-2 with a 2.17 ERA, and he allowed two runs and five hits while striking out eight in eight innings of a 6-2 victory at Cleveland on Wednesday.






"We've seen it before," White Sox manager Ozzie Guillen said of Contreras, who went 41-25 from 2004-06. "That time in the minor leagues was great. He's in a groove right now."

Contreras looks to continue his resurgence as he faces Kansas City (34-46), which snapped Chicago's season-high seven-game winning streak with a 6-4 comeback victory Saturday. He's 9-4 with a 3.51 ERA in 17 starts versus the Royals.

The starting pitchers of the White Sox (42-39) allowed 10 earned runs during the previous seven games before Gavin Floyd gave up five in 5 1-3 innings Saturday, when the Royals doubled their run total from their previous four contests.

Alberto Callaspo had two hits with three RBIs as Kansas City erased a 3-0 deficit to snap a four-game losing streak overall, and five-game skid against Chicago.

"Two really big hits," Royals manager Trey Hillman said of the versatile Callaspo, who committed a costly error in Friday's 5-0 loss to the White Sox. "We finally got some key hits and bunched some key at_bats together."

Seeing the first extensive playing time of his four-year career, Callaspo is batting .301 on the season and is 9 for 25 (.360) with four RBIs during a seven-game hitting streak. He's hit .423 (11 for 26) with five RBIs in eight games versus the White Sox in 2009.

Brian Bannister (5-6, 3.93) looks to avoid a third straight loss though he pitched well Tuesday, giving up one earned run and six hits while striking out six in seven innings of a 2-1 loss to Minnesota.

"Bannister was great," Hillman said of the right-hander, who's 1-3 with a 2.38 ERA in his last five starts. "Very efficient, for the most part."

Chicago, however, roughed up Bannister for seven runs in five innings of an 11-2 victory over the Royals on May 29. Bannister has lost his last three outings versus the White Sox and is 2-4 with an 8.15 ERA in 10 starts against them.

Alexei Ramirez is 5 for 11 (.455) against Bannister, and had two hits Saturday after missing two straight games with a finger injury. The second-year shortstop is batting .478 (11 for 23) with a homer and four RBIs in his last six contests.

Jermaine Dye hit his team-leading 19th homer and rookie Gordon Beckham added his third for the White Sox, who are 5-1 on a seven-game road trip.

Prior to Saturday, Chicago had won 11 of 13 games overall and a season-high seven straight on the road.

 

[Lumi]

Trends - Chi. White Sox at Kansas City

Trends - Chi. White Sox at Kansas City

Trends - Chi. White Sox at Kansas City

W/L Trends

Chi. White Sox

White Sox are 4-0 in their last 4 road games with the total set at 9.0-10.5.
White Sox are 6-0 in their last 6 games as a road underdog.
White Sox are 5-0 in their last 5 games as an underdog.
White Sox are 5-0 in their last 5 games with the total set at 9.0-10.5.
White Sox are 7-1 in their last 8 road games.
White Sox are 7-1 in their last 8 games on grass.
White Sox are 7-1 in their last 8 overall.
White Sox are 6-1 in their last 7 vs. American League Central.
White Sox are 6-1 in their last 7 vs. a team with a losing record.
White Sox are 5-1 in their last 6 road games vs. a team with a losing record.
White Sox are 5-1 in their last 6 after allowing 5 runs or more in their previous game.
White Sox are 5-1 in their last 6 games following a loss.
White Sox are 5-1 in their last 6 road games vs. a team with a losing home record.
White Sox are 4-1 in their last 5 games vs. a right-handed starter.
White Sox are 4-1 in their last 5 Sunday games.
White Sox are 4-1 in their last 5 road games vs. a right-handed starter.
White Sox are 4-1 in their last 5 when their opponent scores 5 runs or more in their previous game.
White Sox are 5-16 in their last 21 during game 4 of a series.
White Sox are 4-1 in Richards last 5 road starts vs. a team with a losing record.
White Sox are 4-1 in Richards last 5 starts vs. a team with a losing record.
White Sox are 2-6 in Richards last 8 road starts with the total set at 9.0-10.5.


Kansas City


Royals are 15-3 in their last 18 during game 4 of a series.
Royals are 13-5 in their last 18 games as a home favorite of -110 to -150.
Royals are 16-35 in their last 51 overall.
Royals are 2-5 in their last 7 home games with the total set at 9.0-10.5.
Royals are 8-20 in their last 28 games vs. a starter with a WHIP greater than 1.30.
Royals are 2-5 in their last 7 games as a favorite.
Royals are 2-6 in their last 8 vs. a team with a winning record.
Royals are 2-6 in their last 8 home games vs. a left-handed starter.
Royals are 2-6 in their last 8 home games vs. a team with a winning record.
Royals are 3-10 in their last 13 games with the total set at 9.0-10.5.
Royals are 1-4 in their last 5 vs. American League Central.
Royals are 1-4 in their last 5 games on grass.
Royals are 1-4 in their last 5 home games vs. a team with a winning road record.
Royals are 1-4 in their last 5 after scoring 5 runs or more in their previous game.
Royals are 3-13 in their last 16 games vs. a left-handed starter.
Royals are 2-9 in their last 11 home games.
Royals are 0-4 in their last 4 games as a home favorite.
Royals are 0-4 in their last 4 when their opponent allows 5 runs or more in their previous game.
Royals are 6-1 in Bannisters last 7 starts after scoring 5 runs or more in their previous game.
Royals are 6-1 in Bannisters last 7 starts when their opponent allows 5 runs or more in their previous game.
Royals are 5-1 in Bannisters last 6 starts vs. a team with a winning record.
Royals are 8-2 in Bannisters last 10 Sunday starts.
Royals are 5-2 in Bannisters last 7 starts as a home favorite.
Royals are 5-2 in Bannisters last 7 starts as a favorite.
Royals are 1-4 in Bannisters last 5 starts with 4 days of rest.
Royals are 1-5 in Bannisters last 6 starts on grass.
Royals are 1-6 in Bannisters last 7 starts.
Royals are 0-4 in Bannisters last 4 starts following a Quality Start in his last appearance.
Royals are 0-4 in Bannisters last 4 starts following a team loss in their previous game.


OU Trends

Chi. White Sox
Under is 4-0 in White Sox last 4 road games with the total set at 9.0-10.5.
Under is 5-1 in White Sox last 6 games as an underdog.
Under is 4-1 in White Sox last 5 games as a road underdog.
Under is 4-1 in White Sox last 5 during game 4 of a series.
Under is 10-3 in White Sox last 13 games following a loss.
Under is 6-2 in White Sox last 8 vs. American League Central.
Under is 12-4 in White Sox last 16 vs. a team with a losing record.
Under is 19-7 in White Sox last 26 when their opponent scores 5 runs or more in their previous game.
Under is 13-5 in White Sox last 18 Sunday games.
Under is 20-8-1 in White Sox last 29 games with the total set at 9.0-10.5.
Under is 15-6-1 in White Sox last 22 games vs. a right-handed starter.
Under is 5-2 in White Sox last 7 road games vs. a team with a losing home record.
Under is 5-2 in White Sox last 7 overall.
Under is 5-2 in White Sox last 7 on grass.
Under is 5-2 in White Sox last 7 road games.
Under is 39-18-1 in White Sox last 58 after allowing 5 runs or more in their previous game.
Over is 4-1-1 in Richards last 6 starts as a road underdog.
Over is 4-1-1 in Richards last 6 road starts.
Over is 4-1-1 in Richards last 6 starts as an underdog.
Under is 5-2 in Richards last 7 starts after allowing 5 runs or more in their previous game.
Under is 5-2 in Richards last 7 starts when their opponent scores 5 runs or more in their previous game.
Over is 5-2 in Richards last 7 starts vs. American League Central.


Kansas City

Under is 5-0 in Royals last 5 home games vs. a left-handed starter.
Under is 7-0 in Royals last 7 games vs. a left-handed starter.
Under is 5-0 in Royals last 5 games as a favorite.
Over is 4-0 in Royals last 4 during game 4 of a series.
Under is 10-1-1 in Royals last 12 overall.
Under is 10-1-1 in Royals last 12 on grass.
Under is 6-1 in Royals last 7 vs. American League Central.
Under is 5-1-1 in Royals last 7 games following a win.
Under is 5-1-2 in Royals last 8 games with the total set at 9.0-10.5.
Under is 5-1 in Royals last 6 home games.
Under is 4-1 in Royals last 5 games as a favorite of -110 to -150.
Under is 4-1-1 in Royals last 6 games vs. a starter with a WHIP greater than 1.30.
Under is 4-1 in Royals last 5 vs. a team with a winning record.
Under is 4-1 in Royals last 5 home games vs. a team with a winning record.
Under is 7-3 in Royals last 10 home games vs. a team with a winning road record.
Under is 4-0 in Bannisters last 4 starts vs. a team with a winning record.
Under is 4-0 in Bannisters last 4 home starts vs. a team with a winning record.
Over is 5-1 in Bannisters last 6 starts as a home favorite.
Over is 5-1 in Bannisters last 6 starts as a favorite.
Over is 4-1 in Bannisters last 5 starts as a favorite of -110 to -150.
Under is 4-1-2 in Bannisters last 7 starts with 4 days of rest.
Over is 4-1 in Bannisters last 5 starts as a home favorite of -110 to -150.
Over is 4-1 in Bannisters last 5 starts vs. American League Central.
Over is 11-3-2 in Bannisters last 16 starts following a Quality Start in his last appearance.
Under is 12-4-1 in Bannisters last 17 home starts with the total set at 9.0-10.5.
Under is 5-2 in Bannisters last 7 home starts.


Head to Head

White Sox are 5-1 in the last 6 meetings in Kansas City.
White Sox are 5-1 in the last 6 meetings.
Over is 5-1 in Bannisters last 6 starts vs. White Sox.
Over is 4-1-1 in Bannisters last 6 home starts vs. White Sox.
Under is 9-4 in the last 13 meetings.
Royals are 1-4 in Bannisters last 5 starts vs. White Sox.
Royals are 0-4 in Bannisters last 4 home starts vs. White Sox.


Umpire Trends - Andy Fletcher

Road team is 6-0 in Fletchers last 6 games behind home plate vs. Kansas City.
Under is 5-1 in Fletchers last 6 games behind home plate vs. Chicago.
Under is 4-1 in Fletchers last 5 Sunday games behind home plate.
Home team is 4-1 in Fletchers last 5 Sunday games behind home plate vs. Chicago.
Road team is 6-2 in Fletchers last 8 games behind home plate vs. Chicago.
Under is 39-15-5 in Fletchers last 59 games behind home plate.
Over is 5-2 in Fletchers last 7 games behind home plate vs. Kansas City.
Royals are 6-13 in their last 19 games with Fletcher behind home plate.
White Sox are 2-5 in their last 7 games with Fletcher behind home plate.
White Sox are 1-4 in their last 5 Sunday games with Fletcher behind home plate.

 

[Lumi]

Detroit Tigers (44-36) at Minnesota Twins (42-40), 2:10 p.m.

Detroit Tigers (44-36) at Minnesota Twins (42-40), 2:10 p.m.

Detroit Tigers (44-36) at Minnesota Twins (42-40), 2:10 p.m.

Probable Starting Pitchers: Detroit - Rick Porcello (8-5, 3.90) Minnesota - Nick Blackburn (6-4, 3.10)

The Minnesota Twins will try to keep pace with the Detroit Tigers in the AL Central when the two teams collide this afternoon in the finale of a three-game set at the Metrodome.

Nick Blackburn will try to return to the win column when he takes the hill for Minnesota. Blackburn has lost his last two starts and has just one victory in his last five outings.

The last time the right-hander was on the hill he suffered a 4-2 setback to KC. In that loss, the Oklahoma native allowed three runs -- two earned -- on 10 hits in six innings.

Earlier this season Blackburn was hammered by Detroit, allowing nine runs -- six earned -- on eight hits with three walks. He has struggled in his career against the Tigers, posting a 1-3 ledger with a 5.76 earned run average.

Just like his counterpart, Rick Porcello is coming off a tough loss to Oakland. The young hurler was pounded by the A's in his last start, surrendering five runs on nine hits in 4 1/3 innings of work.

Porcello made his first career start against Minnesota earlier this year and it was a memorable one, as the right-hander tossed seven shutout innings, scattering four hits, while striking out three batters.

On Saturday, Nick Punto's RBI single in the eighth inning helped the Twins take a 4-3 win over the Tigers.

Justin Morneau went 4-for-4 with a solo home run and two RBI, and Michael Cuddyer added a solo shot for the Twins, who have won three of their last four.

Francisco Liriano had a solid start as he gave up three runs and five hits with two walks and eight strikeouts over seven innings of work. Matt Guerrier (4-0) got the win for throwing a perfect eighth inning.

Magglio Ordonez clubbed a three-run homer to provide the offense for the Tigers, who have dropped five of their last eight.

Edwin Jackson threw 6 1/3 innings and was charged with three runs and six hits with four walks and nine strikeouts. Brandon Lyon (3-4) suffered the loss after working 1 1/3 innings.

"It was just one of those days where things didn't go our way," said Jackson. "I didn't have my best stuff. I'm a competitor and always compete, but this was just one of those days where it didn't work out."

With the score tied at 3-3 in the eighth inning, Minnesota grabbed the lead. Brian Buscher led off with a single and moved to second on a groundout from Jose Morales. Matt Tolbert then came in to pinch-run for Buscher and Punto singled to left, allowing Tolbert to score for a 4-3 lead.

"I saw the ball off the bat and knew I would have a chance to score," said Tolbert. "Once I took off if he would have caught it I would have been doubled off, but I knew it had enough on it to get into the outfield."

Joe Nathan came on in the ninth and shut things down with a 1-2-3 inning to pick up his 22nd save of the season.

The Twins swept a three-game series from Detroit at the Metrodome between May 12-14 and is 5-2 against the Tigers this season. Minnesota has also taken 11 of the past 16 overall meetings between the divisional foes.

 

[Lumi]

AL Matchup -- Detroit at Minnesota

AL Matchup -- Detroit at Minnesota

AL Matchup -- Detroit at Minnesota

Detroit Tigers (44-36) at Minnesota Twins (42-40)
Game One Detroit 11, Minnesota 9 (16 innings)
Game Two Minnesota 4, Detroit 3
Game Three Sunday, July 5th, 2:10 p.m.
Records
2009 Head-to-Head Record Minnesota 5-2 (1-1 at Det; 4-1 at Min)
2008 Head-to-Head Record Minnesota 11-7 (5-4 at Det; 6-3 at Min)
2007 Head-to-Head Record Detroit 12-6 (4-5 at Det; 8-1 at Min)
2006 Head-to-Head Record Detroit 11-8 (7-2 at Det; 4-6 at Min)
Home Record Detroit 23-11; Minnesota 25-16
Away Record Detroit 21-25; Minnesota 17-24
Current Streak Detroit (L1); Minnesota (W1)
Record vs. Central Division Detroit 15-12; Minnesota 14-11
2009 Meetings
5/04 - Minnesota, 7-2 (at Det - WP: Liriano; LP: E.Jackson)
5/05 - Detroit, 9-0 (at Det - WP: Porcello; LP: Blackburn)
5/12 - Minnesota, 6-2 (at Min - WP: Slowey; LP: Galarraga)
5/13 - Minnesota, 14-10 (13) (at Min - WP: Crain; LP: Lyon)
5/14 - Minnesota, 6-5 (at Min - WP: Breslow; LP: Seay)
7/03 - Detroit, 11-9 (16) (at Min - WP: Dolsi; LP: Dickey)
7/04 - Minnesota, 4-3 (at Min - WP: Guerrier; LP: Lyon)
2008 Meetings
4/14 - Detroit, 11-9 (at Det - WP: Beltran; LP: Neshek)
4/15 - Detroit, 6-5 (at Det - WP: Rapada; LP: Crain)
5/02 - Minnesota, 11-1 (at Min - WP: L.Hernandez; LP: Galarraga)
5/03 - Minnesota, 4-1 (at Min - WP: Bass; LP: Verlander)
5/04 - Minnesota, 7-6 (at Min - WP: Guerrier; LP: Miner)
5/23 - Minnesota, 9-4 (at Det - WP: Slowey; LP: Galarraga)
5/24 - Detroit, 19-3 (at Det - WP: N.Robertson; LP: Bonser)
5/25 - Minnesota, 6-1 (at Det - WP: Perkins; LP: Cruceta)
6/30 - Detroit, 5-4 (at Min - WP: Fossum; LP: Guerrier)
7/01 - Minnesota, 6-4 (at Min - WP: Baker; LP: N.Robertson)
7/02 - Minnesota, 7-0 (at Min - WP: Blackburn; LP: Bonine)
7/10 - Minnesota, 7-6 (11) (at Det - WP: Guerrier; LP: Dolsi)
7/11 - Minnesota, 3-2 (at Det - WP: Perkins; LP: Galarraga)
7/12 - Minnesota, 6-5 (at Det - WP: Baker; LP: N.Robertson)
7/13 - Detroit, 4-2 (at Det - WP: Verlander; LP: Blackburn)
9/05 - Minnesota, 10-2 (at Min - WP: Liriano; LP: Galarraga)
9/06 - Detroit, 6-4 (at Min - WP: Rapada; LP: Guerrier)
9/07 - Detroit, 7-5 (at Min - WP: Lambert; LP: Perkins)
2007 Meetings
4/27 - Minnesota, 5-3 (at Det - WP: Crain; LP: Zumaya)
4/28 - Minnesota, 11-3 (at Det - WP: Silva; LP: Verlander)
4/29 - Detroit, 4-3 (at Det - WP: T.Jones; LP: Crain)
5/11 - Detroit, 7-3 (at Min - WP: Maroth; LP: Jo.Santana)
5/12 - Detroit, 8-2 (at Min - WP: C.Durbin; LP: Ponson)
5/13 - Minnesota, 16-4 (at Min - WP: Bonser; LP: V.Vasquez)
6/29 - Minnesota, 11-1 (at Det - WP: Jo.Santana; LP: Verlander)
6/30 - Minnesota, 8-5 (at Det - WP: Slowey; LP: A.Miller)
7/01 - Detroit, 1-0 (at Det - WP: Bonderman; LP: Baker)
7/17 - Detroit, 1-0 (at Min - WP: N.Robertson; LP: Garza)
7/18 - Detroit, 3-2 (at Min - WP: A.Miller; LP: Jo.Santana)
7/19 - Detroit, 4-3 (10) (at Min - WP: Miner; LP: Nathan)
9/14 - Detroit, 4-2 (at Min - WP: N.Robertson; LP: Garza)
9/15 - Detroit, 4-3 (at Min - WP: Zumaya; LP: Jo.Santana)
9/16 - Detroit, 6-4 (at Min - WP: Jurrjens; LP: Baker)
9/24 - Minnesota, 2-0 (at Det - WP: Silva; LP: N.Robertson)
9/25 - Detroit, 8-0 (at Det - WP: Bazardo; LP: Garza)
9/26 - Detroit, 9-4 (5 1/3) (at Det - WP: Byrdak; LP: Blackburn)
2006 Meetings
4/28 - Detroit, 9-0 (at Det - WP: Robertson; LP: Radke)
4/29 - Detroit, 18-1 (at Det - WP: Verlander; LP: Silva)
4/30 - Detroit, 6-0 (at Det - WP: K.Rogers; LP: Lohse)
5/05 - Detroit, 9-6 (at Min - WP: K.Rogers; LP: Lohse)
5/06 - Minnesota, 7-6 (at Min - WP: J.Rincon; LP: T.Jones)
5/07 - Minnesota, 4-2 (at Min - WP: Jo.Santana; LP: Maroth)
5/16 - Detroit, 7-4 (at Det - WP: Robertson; LP: Lohse)
5/17 - Detroit, 2-0 (at Det - WP: Verlander; LP: Jo.Santana)
5/18 - Detroit, 5-3 (at Det - WP: K.Rogers; LP: Radke)
7/28 - Detroit, 3-2 (10) (at Min - WP: Rodney; LP: J.Rincon)
7/29 - Detroit, 8-6 (at Min - WP: Robertson; LP: Radke)
7/30 - Minnesota, 6-4 (at Min - WP: Neshek; LP: Bonderman)
8/07 - Detroit, 9-3 (at Det - WP: Miner; LP: Liriano)
8/08 - Minnesota, 4-2 (at Det - WP: Radke; LP: Robertson)
8/09 - Minnesota, 4-3 (at Det - WP: Jo.Santana; LP: Zumaya)
9/07 - Detroit, 7-2 (at Min - WP: Verlander; LP: Baker)
9/08 - Minnesota, 9-5 (at Min - WP: Neshek; LP: Ledezma)
9/09 - Minnesota, 2-1 (at Min - WP: Bonser; LP: Robertson)
9/10 - Minnesota, 12-1 (at Min - WP: Jo.Santana; LP: Bonderman)
Detroit last five games Minnesota last five games
6/29 - L at Oakland, 1-7 6/29 - L at Kansas City, 2-4
6/30 - W at Oakland, 5-3 6/30 - W at Kansas City, 2-1
7/01 - L at Oakland, 1-5 7/01 - W at Kansas City, 5-1
7/03 - W at Minnesota, 11-9 (16) 7/03 - L vs. Detroit, 9-11 (16)
7/04 - L at Minnesota, 3-4 7/04 - W vs. Detroit, 4-3

 

[Lumi]

Preview: Tigers (44-36) at Twins (42-40)

Preview: Tigers (44-36) at Twins (42-40)

Preview: Tigers (44-36) at Twins (42-40)
Game: 3
Venue: Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome
Date: July 05, 2009 2:10 PM EDT

The Detroit Tigers' Rick Porcello has been spectacular at times during his rookie season. The 20-year-old right-hander, though, isn't getting ahead of himself.

Porcello tries to lead the AL Central-leading Tigers to their first road series win in nearly a month as they close out a nine-game trip against the Minnesota Twins on Sunday.

Porcello (8-5, 3.90 ERA) came into his last start 7-1 with a 2.53 ERA over his previous 10 outings, but struggled in a 7-1 loss to Oakland on Monday. He lasted just 4 1-3 innings, yielding five runs and a season-high nine hits.

"There's a lot for me to learn,' said Porcello, who had won his previous four road starts. "I'll take what I can out of it and move on. The biggest thing is to keep working at it and be better next time."


Porcello will be making his second start against the Twins. He dominated them in the first matchup, giving up four hits over seven innings of a 9-0 win May 5 at Comerica Park.

After an 11-9, 16-inning victory in the series opener Friday, Detroit (44-36) was on its way to another win Saturday when Magglio Ordonez hit a go-ahead three-run homer in the seventh. However, Justin Morneau hit a tying solo home run in the bottom of the inning and Nick Punto had the winning single in the eighth as the Twins (42-40) defeated the Tigers 4-3.

"You play that many innings (Friday), it's a great bounce back to come and win this ballgame,' Minnesota manager Ron Gardenhire said after his team snapped a three-game slide at home.

Detroit is 3-5 on its trip and has dropped four straight series on the road since taking three of five from the Chicago White Sox from June 8-11.

The Tigers will face Nick Blackburn (6-4, 3.10), who lost his last two starts. The right-hander didn't pitch badly in those outings, giving up five earned runs in 14 innings, but allowed 21 hits in the two games.

"I was a little off early, but made pretty good adjustments late,' Blackburn said after throwing six innings and giving up three runs - two earned - in a 4-2 defeat at Kansas City on Monday.

Blackburn makes just his second start at the Metrodome since May 26. He is 3-0 with a 2.61 ERA in six starts at home.

He yielded a career-high nine runs - six earned - over 3 1-3 innings of the May 5 loss in Detroit. Blackburn is 1-2 with a 4.70 ERA in four career starts versus the Tigers.

Ordonez is 3 for 6 in this series after going 2 for 20 in his previous five contests. He is batting .326 with 14 homers and 69 RBIs in 78 games at the Metrodome.

Twins catcher Joe Mauer has recorded at least a hit in 13 straight home games against the Tigers, batting .462 (24 for 52) with a homer and 14 RBIs during that stretch.

Morneau has hit .390 with three home runs and 17 RBIs as Minnesota has won 10 of 14 against Detroit at the Metrodome.

 

[Lumi]

Trends - Detroit at Minnesota

Trends - Detroit at Minnesota

Trends - Detroit at Minnesota

W/L Trends

Detroit

Tigers are 8-1 in their last 9 games vs. a right-handed starter.
Tigers are 7-1 in their last 8 vs. a team with a winning record.
Tigers are 10-2 in their last 12 Sunday games.
Tigers are 4-1 in their last 5 games following a loss.
Tigers are 4-1 in their last 5 during game 3 of a series.
Tigers are 10-4 in their last 14 games with the total set at 9.0-10.5.
Tigers are 27-55 in their last 82 games as an underdog.
Tigers are 18-38 in their last 56 road games vs. a team with a winning record.
Tigers are 12-26 in their last 38 road games vs. a team with a home winning % of greater than .600.
Tigers are 16-35 in their last 51 games as a road underdog of +110 to +150.
Tigers are 21-46 in their last 67 games as a road underdog.
Tigers are 4-9 in their last 13 road games.
Tigers are 15-36 in their last 51 games as an underdog of +110 to +150.
Tigers are 1-4 in their last 5 games on fieldturf.
Tigers are 4-0 in Porcellos last 4 starts during game 3 of a series.
Tigers are 4-0 in Porcellos last 4 starts following a team loss in their previous game.
Tigers are 5-1 in Porcellos last 6 starts with 5 days of rest.
Tigers are 9-2 in Porcellos last 11 starts.
Tigers are 4-1 in Porcellos last 5 road starts.
Tigers are 4-1 in Porcellos last 5 road starts with the total set at 9.0-10.5.
Tigers are 7-2 in Porcellos last 9 starts with the total set at 9.0-10.5.


Minnesota

Twins are 4-1 in their last 5 games vs. a right-handed starter.
Twins are 4-1 in their last 5 games vs. a starter with a WHIP greater than 1.30.
Twins are 4-1 in their last 5 during game 3 of a series.
Twins are 52-20 in their last 72 games as a home favorite.
Twins are 38-15 in their last 53 home games vs. a team with a winning record.
Twins are 10-4 in their last 14 home games vs. a right-handed starter.
Twins are 38-16 in their last 54 games as a home favorite of -110 to -150.
Twins are 44-20 in their last 64 home games with the total set at 9.0-10.5.
Twins are 11-5 in their last 16 vs. a team with a winning record.
Twins are 47-22 in their last 69 home games vs. a team with a losing road record.
Twins are 59-28 in their last 87 home games.
Twins are 3-7 in their last 10 Sunday games.
Twins are 2-5 in their last 7 games following a win.
Twins are 4-0 in Blackburns last 4 starts following a team loss in their previous game.
Twins are 10-1 in Blackburns last 11 starts as a home favorite.
Twins are 10-1 in Blackburns last 11 home starts with the total set at 9.0-10.5.
Twins are 9-1 in Blackburns last 10 home starts vs. a team with a winning record.
Twins are 7-1 in Blackburns last 8 starts on fieldturf.
Twins are 7-1 in Blackburns last 8 home starts.
Twins are 6-1 in Blackburns last 7 starts as a home favorite of -110 to -150.
Twins are 4-1 in Blackburns last 5 starts during game 3 of a series.
Twins are 3-10 in Blackburns last 13 starts vs. a team with a winning record.
Twins are 1-4 in Blackburns last 5 starts.
Twins are 1-4 in Blackburns last 5 starts as a favorite.
Twins are 0-5 in Blackburns last 5 starts with 5 days of rest.


OU Trends

Detroit

Under is 10-1 in Tigers last 11 games as a road underdog of +110 to +150.
Under is 7-1 in Tigers last 8 games as an underdog of +110 to +150.
Under is 6-1 in Tigers last 7 overall.
Under is 6-1 in Tigers last 7 road games.
Under is 10-2 in Tigers last 12 road games with the total set at 9.0-10.5.
Under is 5-1 in Tigers last 6 Sunday games.
Under is 5-1 in Tigers last 6 games vs. a starter with a WHIP greater than 1.30.
Over is 8-2 in Tigers last 10 on fieldturf.
Under is 8-3 in Tigers last 11 road games vs. a right-handed starter.
Under is 5-2 in Tigers last 7 vs. American League Central.
Under is 12-5 in Tigers last 17 games as a road underdog.
Under is 9-4 in Tigers last 13 games following a loss.
Under is 22-10 in Tigers last 32 games vs. a right-handed starter.
Over is 5-1 in Porcellos last 6 starts during game 3 of a series.


Minnesota

Under is 4-0 in Twins last 4 games as a favorite of -110 to -150.
Over is 5-0 in Twins last 5 home games with the total set at 9.0-10.5.
Under is 4-0 in Twins last 4 games vs. a starter with a WHIP greater than 1.30.
Under is 7-1 in Twins last 8 overall.
Under is 5-1 in Twins last 6 games following a win.
Under is 5-1 in Twins last 6 during game 3 of a series.
Under is 4-1 in Twins last 5 vs. American League Central.
Under is 4-1 in Twins last 5 vs. a team with a winning record.
Under is 4-1 in Twins last 5 games as a favorite.
Under is 4-1 in Twins last 5 home games vs. a team with a winning record.
Under is 4-1 in Twins last 5 games as a home favorite of -110 to -150.
Under is 46-16-5 in Twins last 67 Sunday games.
Under is 20-8-1 in Twins last 29 games vs. a right-handed starter.
Under is 7-0 in Blackburns last 7 starts overall.
Under is 4-0 in Blackburns last 4 starts as a favorite of -110 to -150.
Under is 7-0 in Blackburns last 7 Sunday starts.
Under is 4-0-1 in Blackburns last 5 starts with 5 days of rest.
Under is 4-0 in Blackburns last 4 starts with the total set at 9.0-10.5.
Under is 4-0 in Blackburns last 4 starts on fieldturf.
Under is 6-0 in Blackburns last 6 starts as a favorite.
Under is 7-0-1 in Blackburns last 8 starts following a Quality Start in his last appearance.
Under is 6-1-1 in Blackburns last 8 home starts with the total set at 9.0-10.5.
Under is 5-1-1 in Blackburns last 7 starts vs. a team with a winning record.
Under is 14-3-1 in Blackburns last 18 starts vs. American League Central.
Under is 4-1 in Blackburns last 5 starts as a home favorite of -110 to -150.
Under is 4-1-1 in Blackburns last 6 starts following a team loss in their previous game.
Under is 6-2-1 in Blackburns last 9 starts as a home favorite.
Under is 5-2 in Blackburns last 7 starts during game 3 of a series.


Head to Head

Over is 6-2 in the last 8 meetings in Minnesota.
Tigers are 27-58 in the last 85 meetings in Minnesota.
Tigers are 1-4 in the last 5 meetings.


Umpire Trends - Chuck Meriwether

Home team is 4-1 in Meriwethers last 5 Sunday games behind home plate.
Over is 4-1 in Meriwethers last 5 games behind home plate vs. Detroit.
Under is 24-9-3 in Meriwethers last 36 Sunday games behind home plate.
Over is 8-3 in Meriwethers last 11 games behind home plate.
Over is 17-7 in Meriwethers last 24 games behind home plate vs. Minnesota.
Home team is 17-7 in Meriwethers last 24 games behind home plate vs. Detroit.
Tigers are 6-13 in their last 19 games with Meriwether behind home plate.

 

[Lumi]

Milwaukee Brewers (43-38) at Chicago Cubs (39-39), 2:20 p.m.

Milwaukee Brewers (43-38) at Chicago Cubs (39-39), 2:20 p.m.

Milwaukee Brewers (43-38) at Chicago Cubs (39-39), 2:20 p.m.

Probable Starting Pitchers: Milwaukee - Mike Burns (1-1, 3.31) Chicago - Ted Lilly (7-6, 3.35)

Mike Burns hopes the Milwaukee Brewers have some runs left in them this afternoon when they close out a four-game series with the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field.

After being shutout twice in their last six games and managing just six runs through the first two tests of this series, the Brewers exploded on Saturday, as Casey McGehee finished a double short of a cycle with four hits, and drove in five to lead Milwaukee to an 11-2 win. Mike Cameron was 2-for-3 with a three-run homer and four total RBI for the Brewers, who snapped a three-game losing streak.

Ryan Braun extended his hitting streak to 11 games, while J.J. Hardy homered and finished with two of the Brewers' 14 hits.

Braden Looper (7-4) allowed two runs on six hits and three walks over six innings. Both his runs allowed came on Milton Bradley's two-run homer in the third inning.

"It was probably about as bad as I've felt on the mound in a while," Looper said. "I just was battling myself the whole time mechanically. I just was able to make a few good pitches when I needed to, and the guys made some plays behind me. They kept adding on [runs], too."

Aside from Bradley's homer, the Cubs had only six singles and hit into three double plays, as they had a three-game win streak broken, while losing for the first time in seven home tilts. Alfonso Soriano, dropped from the leadoff spot, finished 0-for-4 in the six hole and is hitless in his last 16 at-bats.

Chicago starter Rich Harden (5-5) surrendered seven runs on eight hits and a walk in two-plus innings, and took the loss.

"I was feeling pretty good, it was just getting that offspeed down. That's the key for me," Harden said. "Throwing my changeup for strikes, keeping it down in the zone. It was getting up, gave up a few hits off that. It was just ugly. It was embarrassing."

Burns is coming off of a win over the New York Mets on Tuesday, as he allowed two runs and five hits in 6 2/3 innings to improve to 1-1, while lowering his earned run average to 3.31.

The 30-year-old right-hander will be making his first-ever start against the Cubs, but has faced them four times out of the bullpen and has pitched to a 1.80 ERA in those outings.

Chicago, meanwhile, will counter with left-hander Ted Lilly, who is 7-6 with a 3.35 ERA. Lilly lost his second straight start on Tuesday in Pittsburgh, despite a decent effort that saw him surrender two earned runs and eight hits in seven innings.

Lilly, who is winless in his last four outings, is 2-2 lifetime against the Brewers with a 4.72 ERA in seven games (six starts).

Milwaukee has lost five of its nine meetings with the Cubs this season, but won in five of its nine visits to Wrigley a year ago.

 

[Lumi]

NL Matchup -- Milwaukee at Chicago Cubs

NL Matchup -- Milwaukee at Chicago Cubs

NL Matchup -- Milwaukee at Chicago Cubs

Milwaukee Brewers (43-38) at Chicago Cubs (39-39)
Game One Chicago 9, Milwaukee 5
Game Two Chicago 2, Milwaukee 1 (10 innings)
Game Three Milwaukee 11, Chicago 2
Game Four Sunday, July 5th, 2:20 p.m.
Records
2009 Head-to-Head Record Chicago 5-4 (3-3 at Mil; 2-1 at Chi)
2008 Head-to-Head Record Chicago 9-7 (5-2 at Mil; 4-5 at Chi)
2007 Head-to-Head Record Chicago 9-6 (4-2 at Mil; 5-4 at Chi)
2006 Head-to-Head Record Tied 8-8 (Chi 4-3 at Mil; 4-5 at Home)
Home Record Milwaukee 22-18; Chicago 23-14
Away Record Milwaukee 21-20; Chicago 16-25
Current Streak Milwaukee (W1); Chicago (L1)
Record vs. Central Division Milwaukee 22-12; Chicago 21-19
2009 Meetings
4/10 - Milwaukee, 4-3 (at Mil - WP: Villanueva; LP: Gregg)
4/11 - Chicago, 6-5 (at Mil - WP: Heilman; LP: Villanueva)
4/12 - Chicago, 8-5 (at Mil - WP: Dempster; LP: Suppan)
5/08 - Milwaukee, 3-2 (at Mil - WP: Stetter; LP: Heilman)
5/09 - Milwaukee, 12-6 (at Mil - WP: Gallardo; LP: Dempster)
5/10 - Chicago, 4-2 (at Mil - WP: S.Marshall; LP: Suppan)
7/02 - Chicago, 9-5 (at Chi - WP: Dempster; LP: McClung)
7/03 - Chicago, 2-1 (10) (at Chi - WP: Gregg; LP: DiFelice)
7/04 - Milwaukee, 11-2 (at Chi - WP: Looper; LP: Harden)
2008 Meetings
3/31 - Milwaukee, 4-3 (10) (at Chi - WP: Gagne; LP: Howry)
4/02 - Milwaukee, 8-2 (at Chi - WP: Suppan; LP: Lilly)
4/03 - Chicago, 6-3 (at Chi - WP: Dempster; LP: Bush)
4/29 - Milwaukee, 10-7 (at Chi - WP: Sheets; LP: Marquis)
4/30 - Chicago, 19-5 (at Chi - WP: Dempster; LP: Suppan)
5/01 - Milwaukee, 4-3 (at Chi - WP: Shouse; LP: K.Wood)
7/28 - Chicago, 6-4 (at Mil - WP: Gaudin; LP: S.Torres)
7/29 - Chicago, 7-1 (at Mil - WP: C.Zambrano; LP: Sheets)
7/30 - Chicago, 7-2 (at Mil - WP: Dempster; LP: Parra)
7/31 - Chicago, 11-4 (at Mil - WP: Harden; LP: Bush)
9/16 - Chicago, 5-4 (at Chi - WP: Dempster; LP: Sabathia)
9/17 - Milwaukee, 6-2 (at Chi - WP: DiFelice; LP: Marquis)
9/18 - Chicago, 7-6 (12) (at Chi - WP: K.Wood; LP: Villanueva)
9/26 - Milwaukee, 5-1 (at Mil - WP: McClung; LP: S.Marshall)
9/27 - Chicago, 7-3 (at Mil - WP: Lilly; LP: Sheets)
9/28 - Milwaukee, 3-1 (at Mil - WP: Sabathia; LP: Howry)
2007 Meetings
4/06 - Chicago, 9-3 (at Mil - WP: R.Hill; LP: Bush)
4/07 - Chicago, 6-3 (at Mil - WP: C.Zambrano; LP: Sheets)
4/08 - Milwaukee, 9-4 (at Mil - WP: Capuano; LP: W.Miller)
4/23 - Milwaukee, 5-4 (12) (at Chi - WP: Villanueva; LP: Cherry)
4/24 - Milwaukee, 4-1 (at Chi - WP: Suppan; LP: R.Hill)
4/25 - Chicago, 9-3 (at Chi - WP: Lilly; LP: Dessens)
6/04 - Chicago, 7-2 (at Mil - WP: Marmol; LP: Bush)
6/05 - Milwaukee, 7-5 (at Mil - WP: C.Vargas; LP: Lilly)
6/06 - Chicago, 6-2 (at Mil - WP: C.Zambrano; LP: Suppan)
6/29 - Chicago, 6-5 (at Chi - WP: Howry; LP: F.Cordero)
6/30 - Milwaukee, 13-4 (at Chi - WP: Sheets; LP: S.Marshall)
7/01 - Chicago, 5-1 (at Chi - WP: Marquis; LP: Bush)
8/28 - Chicago, 5-3 (at Chi - WP: R.Hill; LP: Linebrink)
8/29 - Milwaukee, 6-1 (at Chi - WP: Sheets; LP: C.Zambrano)
8/30 - Chicago, 5-4 (at Chi - WP: Marmol; LP: Capuano)
2006 Meetings
4/28 - Chicago, 6-2 (at Chi - WP: Maddux; LP: Bush)
4/29 - Milwaukee, 16-2 (at Chi - WP: D.Davis; LP: Rusch)
4/30 - Milwaukee, 9-0 (at Chi - WP: Capuano; LP: C.Zambrano)
6/26 - Milwaukee, 6-0 (at Chi - WP: Capuano; LP: Maddux)
6/27 - Milwaukee, 8-5 (at Chi - WP: Shouse; LP: Dempster)
6/28 - Chicago, 6-3 (at Chi - WP: Howry; LP: Kolb)
6/29 - Milwaukee, 5-4 (at Chi - WP: G.Gonzalez; LP: Prior)
7/06 - Milwaukee, 2-0 (at Mil - WP: Capuano; LP: Maddux)
7/07 - Chicago, 7-2 (at Mil - WP: C.Zambrano; LP: Z.Jackson)
7/08 - Chicago, 3-1 (at Mil - WP: Marmol; LP: Bush)
7/09 - Chicago, 11-4 (at Mil - WP: Rusch; LP: D.Davis)
8/08 - Chicago, 6-3 (at Mil - WP: Marmol; LP: Ohka)
8/09 - Milwaukee, 6-3 (at Mil - WP: Bush; LP: C.Zambrano)
8/10 - Milwaukee, 8-6 (at Mil - WP: D.Davis; LP: Prior)
9/26 - Chicago, 14-6 (at Chi - WP: Marshall; LP: Villanueva)
9/27 - Chicago, 3-2 (at Chi - WP: Howry; LP: F.Cordero)
Milwaukee last five games Chicago last five games
6/30 - W vs. NY Mets, 6-3 6/30 - L at Pittsburgh, 0-3
7/01 - L vs. NY Mets, 0-1 7/01 - W at Pittsburgh, 4-1
7/02 - L at Chicago Cubs, 5-9 7/02 - W vs. Milwaukee, 9-5
7/03 - L at Chicago Cubs, 1-2 (10) 7/03 - W vs. Milwaukee, 2-1 (10)
7/04 - W at Chicago Cubs, 11-2 7/04 - L vs. Milwaukee, 2-11

 

[Lumi]

Preview: Brewers (43-38) at Cubs (39-39)

Preview: Brewers (43-38) at Cubs (39-39)

Preview: Brewers (43-38) at Cubs (39-39)
Game: 4
Venue: Wrigley Field
Date: July 05, 2009 2:20 PM EDT

The Chicago Cubs knew it would be tough to completely contain the Milwaukee Brewers' powerful lineup during this four-game series between the NL Central rivals.

After snapping a three-game losing streak with a big offensive effort in their last contest, the Brewers look to earn a split when the set concludes Sunday at Wrigley Field.

Milwaukee (43-38) scored five times in the first inning and cruised to an 11-2 victory Saturday after scoring six runs in its previous three games.

"They've got a dynamic offense," Cubs right fielder Milton Bradley told the Brewers' official Web site. "You can hold them down for a little while but eventually they'll break through."


Former Cubs prospect Casey McGehee had a career-high four hits with five RBIs, while Mike Cameron homered and drove in four. Ryan Braun added two hits to extend his hitting streak to 11 games for Milwaukee, which is among the NL leaders with 385 runs but was shut out twice in its previous six games.

"If we're able to punch across runs and continue the progress of the lineup, it makes us that more deep and dangerous," said Cameron, who's 5 for 12 with two homers and six RBIs in the series.

McGehee, acquired off waivers by Milwaukee after playing nine games for the Cubs last season, is batting .331 with six homers and 26 RBIs while splitting time between second and third base.

"I'm still trying to make my way with this organization and this club, be able to contribute and help these guys win," said McGehee, who's 7 for 16 (.438) in four games versus his former team.

After roughing up Rich Harden on Saturday, the Brewers face Ted Lilly (7-6, 3.35 ERA) for the first time in 2009.

Braun, batting .383 (18 for 47) during his hitting streak, is 6 for 13 with two homers against Lilly, who's 2-2 with a 4.81 ERA in six starts versus the Brewers.

Lilly has lost his last two starts - both on the road - but he's 4-1 with a 1.85 ERA in seven outings at Wrigley. The left-hander allowed two earned runs and eight hits while striking out seven in seven innings of a 3-0 loss to Pittsburgh on Tuesday.

Milwaukee counters with journeyman Mike Burns (1-1, 3.31), who's coming off the first win of his career. In his second major league start, Burns allowed a two-run homer in the first inning and five hits over 6 2-3 of a 6-3 victory over the New York Mets on Tuesday.

"It's important to have guys be able to step up and throw the ball well, like he has for us," Braun said of Burns, who was called up from the minors to help a rotation that's without the injured Dave Bush and demoted Manny Parra.

Burns, who has never started versus the Cubs, has a 1.80 ERA in four appearances against them. He'll face a lineup that won't have Alfonso Soriano leading off for the second straight game.

Batting .223, Soriano went 0 for 4 from the sixth spot Saturday and is hitless in his last 16 at_bats.

"I think you've got to give it more than one day to see how things work or don't work," manager Lou Piniella said of batting Soriano lower in the order. "I know you people want quick results, but that's too quick."

Bradley hit a two-run homer Saturday for Chicago (39-39), which had won three in a row overall and six straight at home.

 

[Lumi]

Arizona Diamondbacks (32-49) at Colorado Rockies (42-38), 3:10 p.m.

Arizona Diamondbacks (32-49) at Colorado Rockies (42-38), 3:10 p.m.

Arizona Diamondbacks (32-49) at Colorado Rockies (42-38), 3:10 p.m.

Probable Starting Pitchers: Arizona - Dan Haren (7-5, 2.19) Colorado - Ubaldo Jimenez (6-7, 3.75)

- Right-hander Dan Haren can continue a stretch of sterling mound work today and earn his Arizona Diamondbacks a series win when they visit Coors Field to wrap up a three-game weekend series with the Colorado Rockies.

Haren, a 28-year-old Californian, has allowed two runs or less in seven straight starts and none of his last 10, shrinking his season's earned run average to 2.19 in 115 innings of work.

He was 3-4 after giving up five runs at Oakland on May 23, but is 4-1 in the seven outings since, surrendering a total of 10 runs in 52 innings and pitching at least seven innings in each start.

He downed Cincinnati, 6-2, on June 30, allowing four hits and a run - while walking one and striking out nine - in seven innings.

Haren downed the Rockies, 2-0, with seven innings of scoreless six-hit ball on April 22, and is 4-3 lifetime against them in eight starts with an ERA of 3.00.

He will be faced this time by Ubaldo Jimenez, who was 3-1 in six June starts after beginning the season at 3-6.

Jimenez defeated St. Louis, Seattle and Tampa Bay in three consecutive starts between June 7 and 18, allowing 18 hits and seven runs over those 23 2/3 innings.

He got a no-decision against the Los Angeles Dodgers in his last start, allowing five hits and two runs in seven innings of the team's 4-2 defeat.

Jimenez defeated Haren and the Diamondbacks in the season debut for both he and his mound foe, scattering four hits in seven innings of a 3-0 triumph.

He is 1-1 against Arizona in five career starts with a 2.18 ERA.

On Saturday, Chris Young hit a pinch-hit, three-run double in Arizona's six- run eighth inning, as the Diamondbacks rallied for an 11-7 decision.

Stephen Drew belted a two-run homer in the pivotal frame and fell a single short of the cycle, while Gerardo Parra had three hits, three runs scored and an RBI in the win, Arizona's second in its past 10 games.

The rally made a winner of Scott Schoeneweis (1-0), who fanned Todd Helton with a runner on second to end the seventh.

Yusmiero Petit, activated from the 15-day disabled list before the game, lasted just three innings, getting touched for four runs on five hits and two walks in a no-decision.

Joel Peralta (0-2) was charged with five runs allowed on three hits and two walks, recording just one out in the eighth.

Aaron Cook, vying for his sixth straight win, surrendered three runs -- two earned -- on nine hits in five- plus innings of work. He exited in the sixth after getting the wind knocked out of him following a diving defensive stop.

Clint Barmes went 2-for-5 with a homer and two RBI, and Ian Stewart added a two-run double for Colorado, which has split its last six games.

The D-Backs went 15-3 against the Rockies last season, including a 7-2 mark in Denver.