THURSDAY BASEBALL

[Lumi]

Preview: Royals (58-87) at Tigers (78-67)


Game: 3
Venue: Comerica Park
Date: September 17, 2009 1:05 PM EDT

The Detroit Tigers wouldn't mind building some momentum heading into a key weekend road series with their closest competitor in the AL Central. Doing so might not be easy with one of the majors' top pitchers standing in their way.

Facing Kansas City ace Zack Greinke, the first-place Tigers look for a second straight victory Thursday afternoon against the visiting Royals.

Adam Everett had two RBIs and Placido Polanco drove in the game-winner in the sixth inning as Detroit (78-67) rallied from a three-run deficit to win 4-3 on Wednesday to even this three-game series and snap a five-game losing streak to Kansas City.

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"That's just the way we've played games all year,' Everett said. "I don't know how to explain it. They've been beating us up pretty good and to get a win, and win in that fashion, was big for us.'

Though the last-place Royals (58-87) have played well against the Tigers of late, Detroit leads 9-8 in the season series which concludes with this contest.

More importantly for the Tigers, they remain 4 1/2 games ahead of second-place Minnesota, which hosts Detroit in a three-game set starting Friday. The Tigers and Twins face each other seven more times.

Polanco is batting .349 with 10 RBIs in his last 16 games for the Tigers, who've won three of four after losing five in a row.

The veteran second baseman is hitting .300 with 12 RBIs against the Royals and .342 lifetime versus Greinke (13-8, 2.19 ERA), who has the lowest ERA in the majors and remains a Cy Young Award candidate despite pitching for a last-place team.

Greinke is 9-5 with a 2.74 ERA in 18 starts against Detroit and 2-1 with a 1.16 ERA in four this season. He allowed three hits over seven scoreless innings in a 1-0 loss at Detroit on Aug. 14.

The right-hander gave up one run and four hits in seven innings of a 2-1, 12-inning victory at Cleveland on Friday. Greinke is 2-0 with a 0.84 ERA in his last four starts and has received 29 runs in his combined 15 starts of losses and outings he's not received a decision.

"I try to pitch,' Greinke said of his win total preventing him from winning postseason awards. "Hopefully, it works out. I can't focus on that.'

Detroit counters with Edwin Jackson (12-6, 3.22), who's 2-1 with a 5.47 ERA in his last four starts.

Though he didn't receive a decision in his last outing, Jackson looks for a better effort after giving up five runs in seven innings of an 8-6 loss to Toronto on Saturday.

The right-hander is 3-2 with a 4.40 ERA in five starts against Kansas City and 1-1 with a 3.65 ERA versus the Royals this season.

Royals outfielder David DeJesus is 4 for 11 with two doubles against Jackson and batting .338 during a 16-game hitting streak.

 

[Lumi]

Royals vs Tigers

Royals vs Tigers

Royals vs Tigers

Game Time: 1:05 p.m. ET

Stadium: Comerica Park Surface: Grass






Kansas City
Date at Opp SC Time
/Sur Home
Open Home
Close Total
Open Total
Close Starter Dec O/U
9/06/09 Laa 2-7 D/g +145 +155 9.5-110 9.5-115 Hochevar,lu L U
9/07/09 Laa 6-3 D/g +148 +150 9.5+105 9.5-105 Davies,ky W U
9/08/09 Det 7-5 N/g +165 +145 9.5+100 9.5-105 Chen,br W O
9/09/09 Det 5-1 N/g +185 +175 8.0-130 8.0-105 Tejeda,ro W U
9/10/09 Det 7-4 D/g +150 +158 9.5+100 9.5+100 Dinardo,le W O
9/11/09 At Cle 2-1 N/g +130 +130 8.0+110 7.5-105 Greinke,za W U
9/12/09 At Cle 6-13 N/g -140 -145 9.5-110 9.5+100 Hochevar,lu L O
9/13/09 At Cle 7-0 D/g -115 -110 10.0-110 9.5-120 Davies,ky W U
9/15/09 At Det 11-1 N/g -170 -160 9.0-120 9.0+100 Tejeda,ro W O
9/16/09 At Det 3-4 N/g -160 -170 10.0-110 10.0+100 Dinardo,le L U
Detroit
Date at Opp SC Time
/Sur Home
Open Home
Close Total
Open Total
Close Starter Dec O/U
9/06/09 At Tb 5-3 D/t +105 -113 9.0-120 9.5+100 Jackson,ed W U
9/08/09 At Kc 5-7 N/g +165 +145 9.5+100 9.5-105 Porcello,ri L O
9/09/09 At Kc 1-5 N/g +185 +175 8.0-130 8.0-105 Verlander,ju L U
9/10/09 At Kc 4-7 D/g +150 +158 9.5+100 9.5+100 Washburn,ja L O
9/11/09 Tor 4-6 N/g -155 -157 9.5-110 9.5-110 Robertson,na L O
9/12/09 Tor 6-8 N/g -180 -200 9.0+100 8.5-125 Jackson,ed L O
9/13/09 Tor 7-2 D/g -160 -150 9.0+100 8.5-120 Porcello,ri W O
9/14/09 Tor 6-5 N/g -260 -270 8.5+100 8.5-125 Verlander,ju W O
9/15/09 Kc 1-11 N/g -170 -160 9.0-120 9.0+100 Washburn,ja L O
9/16/09 Kc 4-3 N/g -160 -170 10.0-110 10.0+100 Bonine,ed 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
7/07/09 Kc 8-5 N/g -220 -210 8.5-120 8.5-115 Verlander,ju W O
7/08/09 Kc 3-1 N/g +110 +125 8.0-110 8.5-110 French,lu W U
8/14/09 Kc 1-0 N/g -120 -120 8.0-120 8.0-105 Lyon,br W U
8/15/09 Kc 10-3 N/g -250 -240 8.5-125 8.5-115 Jackson,ed W O
8/16/09 Kc 2-3 D/g -200 -200 9.5+100 9.5-110 Soria,jo L U
9/08/09 Det 7-5 N/g +165 +145 9.5+100 9.5-105 Yabuta,ya W O
9/09/09 Det 5-1 N/g +185 +175 8.0-130 8.0-105 Tejeda,ro W U
9/10/09 Det 7-4 D/g +150 +158 9.5+100 9.5+100 Colon,ro W O
9/15/09 Kc 1-11 N/g -170 -160 9.0-120 9.0+100 Tejeda,ro L O
9/16/09 Kc 4-3 N/g -160 -170 10.0-110 10.0+100 Miner,za W U



W/L Record Comparison

Kansas City
Home Units Away Units Total Units
2009 30-44 -1657 28-43 -808 58-87 -2465
Last 10 4-1 +528 3-2 +150 7-3 +678
Detroit
Home Units Away Units Total Units
2009 48-25 +1247 30-42 -1202 78-67 +45
Last 10 3-3 -217 1-3 -405 4-6 -622
RECORDS
Day Night Grass Turf Fav Dog
Kansas City 19-31 39-56 52-77 6-10 22-24 33-59
Detroit 31-20 47-47 73-59 5-8 53-33 21-31



Over/Under Comparison
(Based on taking the Over)

Kansas City
Home Units Away Units Total Units
2009 38-31 +450 27-40 -1690 65-71 -1240
Last 10 2-3 -125 2-3 -125 4-6 -250
Detroit
Home Units Away Units Total Units
2009 34-37 -700 27-43 -1975 61-80 -2675
Last 10 5-1 +400 2-2 -5 7-3 +395



Away 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 14 5 5 96.2 80 30 28 19 90 2.61 2 2 3 3 5 3 0 2
Home 15 8 3 108.2 97 29 22 23 126 1.82 0 0 8 3 8 3 0 0
Total 29 13 8 205.1 177 59 50 42 216 2.19 2 2 11 6 13 6 0 2
2009 BULLPEN FOR GREINKE,ZACK
GMS IP R ER ERA H BB SO HR W L SV BS
23 54.0 40 38 6.33 59 33 52 5 1 7 5 3
Last Five Starts
Date Opp SC Dec IP R ER H BB SO HR H/Open H/Close Tot Op Tot Cl
8/19/09 at CWS 2-4 L 7.0 4 4 6 1 8 3 +100 +120 8.5-110 8.5-115
8/25/09 CLE 6-2 W 8.0 2 2 5 1 15 1 -180 -152 8.0-105 8.0-115
8/30/09 at SEA 3-0 W 9.0 0 0 1 1 5 0 +125 +125 7.5-110 7.0-115
9/05/09 LAA 1-2 8.0 1 0 8 2 8 0 -105 +100 8.0-110 7.5+100
9/11/09 at CLE 2-1 7.0 1 1 4 0 6 0 +130 +130 8.0+110 7.5-105
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
9/23/08 at DET 5-0 W 7.0 0 0 4 2 4 0 -120 +113 9.0-130 9.5+105
4/24/09 DET 6-1 W 9.0 1 0 3 1 10 0 -160 -163 8.5+105 8.5+100
5/26/09 DET 6-1 W 9.0 1 1 6 0 8 0 -175 -155 8.0-105 7.5-105
7/08/09 at DET 1-3 L 6.0 3 3 7 2 9 0 +110 +125 8.0-110 8.5-110
8/14/09 at DET 0-1 7.0 0 0 3 4 7 0 -120 -120 8.0-120 8.0-105
Bullpen ( Last 5 Games )
Date Opp IP R ER ERA H BB SO HR W L SV BS
9/11/09 at CLE 5.0 0 0 0.00 4 3 7 0 1 0 1 0
9/12/09 at CLE 3.0 8 7 21.00 10 3 3 0 0 0 0 0
9/13/09 at CLE 3.0 0 0 0.00 1 1 2 0 0 0 0 0
9/15/09 at DET 4.0 0 0 0.00 2 1 5 0 0 0 0 0
9/16/09 at DET 2.2 0 0 0.00 1 2 3 0 0 0 0 0



Home Pitcher

DETROIT TIGERS -- JACKSON,EDWIN (R)

GS W L IP H R ER BB SO ERA Day Ngt Grs Trf
W L W L W L W L
Away 16 5 5 101.0 94 41 34 33 78 3.03 2 2 3 3 4 5 1 0
Home 13 7 1 89.0 78 34 34 29 67 3.44 1 0 6 1 7 1 0 0
Total 29 12 6 190.0 172 75 68 62 145 3.22 3 2 9 4 11 6 1 0
2009 BULLPEN FOR JACKSON,EDWIN
GMS IP R ER ERA H BB SO HR W L SV BS
28 66.2 37 34 4.59 61 35 48 9 4 7 9 4
Last Five Starts
Date Opp SC Dec IP R ER H BB SO HR H/Open H/Close Tot Op Tot Cl
8/21/09 at OAK 3-2 W 6.0 2 2 6 1 5 0 +128 +125 8.5-110 8.0-110
8/26/09 at LAA 2-4 L 6.1 4 4 8 4 3 1 -113 -124 9.5+100 10.0-115
9/01/09 CLE 8-5 W 5.0 4 4 9 2 6 0 -220 -200 9.0+110 8.5-115
9/06/09 at TB 5-3 W 8.0 3 3 6 3 4 1 +105 -113 9.0-120 9.5+100
9/12/09 TOR 6-8 7.0 5 5 8 1 4 3 -180 -200 9.0+100 8.5-125
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
7/04/08 KC 11-2 W 8.0 2 1 4 1 2 1 -160 -160 9.0-110 9.0+105
7/25/08 at KC 5-3 W 5.0 2 2 2 2 2 2 +105 +100 9.0-130 9.5-120
5/26/09 at KC 1-6 L 6.1 4 2 7 1 2 0 -175 -155 8.0-105 7.5-105
8/15/09 KC 10-3 W 6.0 3 3 9 2 3 2 -250 -240 8.5-125 8.5-115
Bullpen ( Last 5 Games )
Date Opp IP R ER ERA H BB SO HR W L SV BS
9/12/09 TOR 2.0 3 3 13.50 3 2 1 1 0 0 0 1
9/13/09 TOR 3.0 0 0 0.00 1 1 2 0 0 0 0 0
9/14/09 TOR 3.0 0 0 0.00 2 0 1 0 1 0 0 0
9/15/09 KC 8.0 7 7 7.88 7 3 2 2 0 0 0 0
9/16/09 KC 4.0 0 0 0.00 4 0 3 0 1 0 1 0

 

[Lumi]

Kansas City Royals (58-87) at Detroit Tigers (78-67), 1:05 p.m.

Kansas City Royals (58-87) at Detroit Tigers (78-67), 1:05 p.m.

Kansas City Royals (58-87) at Detroit Tigers (78-67), 1:05 p.m.

Probable Starting Pitchers: Kansas City - Zack Greinke (13-8, 2.19) Detroit - Edwin Jackson (12-6, 3.22)

The Detroit Tigers will play the final tuneup before one of their biggest series of the season this afternoon, when the current American League Central leaders wrap up a three-game set with the visiting Kansas City Royals at Comerica Park.

Detroit enters today's play owning a 4 1/2-game lead on second-place Minnesota in the division standings with 17 remaining in the regular season. The Tigers and Twins will face one another three times at the Metrodome this coming weekend.

But first the Tigers will have to deal with Royals ace Zack Greinke in today's finale. The AL Cy Young Award candidate has yielded two runs or less in each of his past four starts to lower his major league-best earned run average to 2.19 for the season, and has given Detroit plenty of trouble in previous encounters this year.

Greinke is 2-1 in four starts against the Tigers in 2009, but has allowed a mere five runs (4 earned) and 19 hits over 31 innings in those outings. In his most recent trip to the Comerica Park mound, the standout right-hander gave up only three hits through seven shutout frames in a tough-luck no-decision during a contest Detroit won by a 1-0 score.

The 25-year-old has also been plenty good against the rest of the AL as of late. Greinke held Cleveland to one run and four hits in a seven-inning no- decision this past Friday, six days after surrendering only one unearned run and fanning eight through eight frames in the Royals' 2-1 loss to the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim.

In 21 career games (18 starts) versus Detroit, Greinke has built an impressive 10-5 record with a 2.62 ERA.

The Tigers counter with an All-Star of their own in Edwin Jackson, who's won five of his last six decisions to up his 2009 record to 12-6 and has been tough to beat at home this season. In 13 starts at Comerica Park, the offseason acquisition is 7-1 with a 3.44 ERA.

Jackson wasn't at his best in a home appearance against Toronto on Sunday, however, as the right-hander was reached for five runs and served up three homers in a seven-inning stint while getting a no-decision in his team's 8-6 loss. He has permitted four runs or more in three of his past four starts.

The 26-year-old is 1-1 with a 3.65 ERA in two matchups with Kansas City earlier this year, with the win coming at Comerica Park back on August 15. Jackson owns a 3-2 record with a 4.34 ERA over six lifetime games against the Royals, five of which have been starts.

Detroit rebounded from a humbling 11-1 defeat to Kansas City in Tuesday's series opener with last night's 4-3 victory, in which Adam Everett and Placido Polanco delivered RBI singles in the bottom of the sixth inning to bring the Tigers back from a 3-2 deficit.

Everett finished 2-for-4 and knocked in a pair of runs on the evening, while four Detroit relievers combined for four shutout innings. Zach Miner picked up the win after working a scoreless top of the sixth, with Fernando Rodney protecting the one-run edge in the ninth to notch his 33rd save.

The Tigers had lost six times in an eight-game span before coming through on Wednesday, and halted a string of five straight defeats to the last-place Royals.

"It's been a long time," said Everett of the win. "[The Royals] have been beating us up pretty good. To get a win and to win in that fashion is big for us,"

Mitch Maier went 3-for-4 with an RBI single for Kansas City, while David DeJesus collected a base hit in his final at-bat to extend his hitting streak to 16 games. The outfielder is batting .338 (23-for-68) over that span.

Detroit has won nine of the 17 overall meetings between the divisional foes this season, including five of the eight tests held at Comerica Park.

 

[Lumi]

Matchup -- Kansas City at Detroit

Matchup -- Kansas City at Detroit

Matchup -- Kansas City at Detroit

Kansas City Royals (58-87) at Detroit Tigers (78-67)
Game One Kansas City 11, Detroit 1
Game Two Detroit 4, Kansas City 3
Game Three Thursday, September 17th, 1:05 p.m.
Records
2009 Head-to-Head Record Detroit 9-8 (4-5 at KC; 5-3 at Det)
2008 Head-to-Head Record Kansas City 11-7 (4-5 at KC; 7-2 at Det)
2007 Head-to-Head Record Detroit 11-7 (6-3 at KC; 5-4 at Det)
2006 Head-to-Head Record Detroit 14-4 (9-0 at KC; 5-4 at Det)
Home Record Kansas City 30-44; Detroit 48-25
Away Record Kansas City 28-43; Detroit 30-42
Current Streak Kansas City (L1); Detroit (W1)
Record vs. Central Division Kansas City 28-34; Detroit 31-24
2009 Meetings
4/24 - Kansas City, 6-1 (at KC - WP: Greinke; LP: Porcello)
4/25 - Detroit, 9-1 (at KC - WP: Miner; LP: Davies)
4/26 - Detroit, 3-2 (at KC - WP: Galarraga; LP: Ponson)
5/25 - Detroit, 13-1 (at KC - WP: Verlander; LP: Meche)
5/26 - Kansas City, 6-1 (at KC - WP: Greinke; LP: E.Jackson)
5/27 - Detroit, 8-3 (at KC - WP: Porcello; LP: Davies)
7/06 - Kansas City, 4-3 (at Det - WP: R.Colon; LP: Rodney)
7/07 - Detroit, 8-5 (at Det - WP: Verlander; LP: Chen)
7/08 - Detroit, 3-1 (at Det - WP: French; LP: Greinke)
8/14 - Detroit, 1-0 (at Det - WP: Lyon; LP: R.Colon)
8/15 - Detroit, 10-3 (at Det - WP: E.Jackson; LP: Hochevar)
8/16 - Kansas City, 3-2 (10) (at Det - WP: Soria; LP: Rodney)
9/08 - Kansas City, 7-5 (at KC - WP: Yabuta; LP: Seay)
9/09 - Kansas City, 5-1 (at KC - WP: Tejeda; LP: Verlander)
9/10 - Kansas City, 7-4 (at KC - WP: R.Colon; LP: Miner)
9/15 - Kansas City, 11-1 (at Det - WP: Tejeda; LP: Washburn)
9/16 - Detroit, 4-3 (at Det - WP: Miner; LP: DiNardo)
2008 Meetings
3/31 - Kansas City, 5-4 (11) (at Det - WP: L.Nunez; LP: Bautista)
4/02 - Kansas City, 4-0 (at Det - WP: Bannister; LP: K.Rogers)
4/03 - Kansas City, 4-1 (at Det - WP: Greinke; LP: Bonderman)
5/13 - Kansas City, 3-2 (at KC - WP: L.Nunez; LP: Cruceta)
5/14 - Kansas City, 2-0 (at KC - WP: Hochevar; LP: Verlander)
5/15 - Kansas City, 8-4 (at KC - WP: Meche; LP: K.Rogers)
7/21 - Detroit, 19-4 (at KC - WP: Miner; LP: Hochevar)
7/22 - Detroit, 7-1 (at KC - WP: K.Rogers; LP: Davies)
7/23 - Detroit, 7-1 (at KC - WP: Galarraga; LP: Greinke)
8/22 - Detroit, 4-3 (at KC - WP: Verlander; LP: Bannister)
8/23 - Detroit, 4-0 (at KC - WP: Miner; LP: Davies)
8/24 - Kansas City, 7-3 (at KC - WP: Duckworth; LP: K.Rogers)
8/29 - Detroit, 6-3 (at Det - WP: Miner; LP: Davies)
8/30 - Kansas City, 13-3 (at Det - WP: Duckworth; LP: K.Rogers)
8/31 - Detroit, 4-2 (at Det - WP: Glover; LP: K.Wells)
9/22 - Kansas City, 6-2 (at Det - WP: Meche; LP: Miner)
9/23 - Kansas City, 5-0 (at Det - WP: Greinke; LP: F.Garcia)
9/24 - Kansas City, 10-4 (at Det - WP: Bannister; LP: N.Robertson)
2007 Meetings
4/06 - Kansas City, 3-1 (at KC - WP: De La Rosa; LP: Mesa)
4/07 - Detroit, 6-5 (at KC - WP: Maroth; LP: Meche)
4/08 - Detroit, 3-2 (at KC - WP: Rodney; LP: Riske)
4/16 - Detroit, 12-5 (at Det - WP: Verlander; LP: Greinke)
4/17 - Detroit, 7-6 (at Det - WP: Ledezma; LP: Riske)
4/18 - Kansas City, 4-3 (10) (at Det - WP: Soria; LP: Rodney)
5/04 - Detroit, 6-3 (at KC - WP: Verlander; LP: Bannister)
5/05 - Detroit, 7-5 (at KC - WP: Mesa; LP: Duckworth)
5/06 - Detroit, 13-4 (at KC - WP: C.Durbin; LP: Greinke)
7/20 - Kansas City, 10-2 (at Det - WP: Meche; LP: K.Rogers)
7/21 - Detroit, 10-8 (10) (at Det - WP: C.Durbin; LP: Soria)
7/22 - Kansas City, 5-2 (at Det - WP: Bannister; LP: N.Robertson)
8/28 - Kansas City, 6-3 (at KC - WP: Bannister; LP: N.Robertson)
8/29 - Kansas City, 5-0 (at KC - WP: Braun; LP: A.Miller)
8/30 - Detroit, 6-1 (at KC - WP: Bonderman; LP: Nunez)
9/21 - Detroit, 5-4 (at Det - WP: Byrdak; LP: Nunez)
9/22 - Kansas City, 7-4 (at Det - WP: Davies; LP: K.Rogers)
9/23 - Detroit, 7-2 (at Det - WP: Verlander; LP: De La Rosa)
2006 Meetings
4/03 - Detroit, 3-1 (at KC - WP: K.Rogers; LP: Elarton)
4/05 - Detroit, 14-3 (at KC - WP: Bonderman; LP: Mays)
5/01 - Detroit, 3-2 (at Det - WP: Bonderman; LP: Ru.Hernandez)
5/02 - Detroit, 4-1 (at Det - WP: Maroth; LP: Redman)
5/22 - Detroit, 8-0 (at KC - WP: Verlander; LP: Affeldt)
5/23 - Detroit, 8-5 (at KC - WP: Zumaya; LP: Dessens)
5/24 - Detroit, 6-3 (at KC - WP: Bonderman; LP: Gobble)
5/25 - Detroit, 13-8 (at KC - WP: Zumaya; LP: Dessens)
7/13 - Detroit, 6-4 (at Det - WP: Bonderman; LP: Duckworth)
7/14 - Detroit, 10-9 (at Det - WP: T.Jones; LP: Affeldt)
7/15 - Detroit, 6-0 (at Det - WP: Verlander; LP: Gobble)
7/16 - Kansas City, 9-6 (at Det - WP: Elarton; LP: Miner)
9/22 - Detroit, 7-3 (at KC - WP: Ledezma; LP: L.Hudson)
9/23 - Detroit, 15-4 (at KC - WP: K.Rogers; LP: Redman)
9/24 - Detroit, 11-4 (at KC - WP: Verlander; LP: Ru.Hernandez)
9/29 - Kansas City, 9-7 (11) (at Det - WP: Greinke; LP: J.Walker)
9/30 - Kansas City, 9-6 (at Det - WP: Wellemeyer; LP: Miner)
10/01 - Kansas City, 10-8 (12) (at Det - WP: Gobble; LP: K.Rogers)
Kansas City last five games Detroit last five games
9/11 - W at Cleveland, 2-1 (12) 9/12 - L vs. Toronto, 6-8
9/12 - L at Cleveland, 6-13 9/13 - W vs. Toronto, 7-2
9/13 - W at Cleveland, 7-0 9/14 - W vs. Toronto, 6-5 (10)
9/15 - W at Detroit, 11-1 9/15 - L vs. Kansas City, 1-11
9/16 - L at Detroit, 3-4 9/16 - W vs. Kansas City, 4-3

 

[Lumi]

Preview: Brewers (70-75) at Cubs (75-69)

Preview: Brewers (70-75) at Cubs (75-69)

Preview: Brewers (70-75) at Cubs (75-69)


Game: 4
Venue: Wrigley Field
Date: September 17, 2009 2:20 PM EDT

The Milwaukee Brewers have already secured their first winning road trip in four months. Now, they'll try to accomplish something else that's eluded them for some time.

The Brewers look to win two in a row at Wrigley Field for the first time in more than a year while trying to split their four-game set with the Chicago Cubs on Thursday.

Rookie shortstop Alcides Escobar went 4 for 5 with three RBIs in Milwaukee's 9-5 victory over Chicago on Wednesday.

Hoping to salvage something positive at the end of a disappointing season, the Brewers (70-75) are 4-2 on this seven-game road trip that started with a sweep at Arizona. It's Milwaukee's first winning road swing since going 5-4 at St. Louis, Houston and Minnesota from May 16-24.



Milwaukee is 2-5 at Wrigley in 2009, and hasn't won two in a row at Chicago since opening the 2008 season with consecutive victories.

The Brewers pounded out 13 hits Wednesday and were paced by Escobar, who set career highs for hits and RBIs. He's 8 for 16 on the road trip, and batting .312 with 11 RBIs in 25 games since being called up from Triple-A Nashville.

"I'm getting better and better every day,' said Escobar, who doesn't turn 23 until December. "I'm trying to work on my offense every day, trying to put the ball in play and make some contact. I'm looking for line drives in every at-bat.'

After Braden Looper recorded his career-high 13th win Wednesday, Milwaukee hopes Dave Bush (4-7, 5.85 ERA) can build off his first victory in almost four months when he takes the ball in this contest.

Bush allowed one run and struck out a season-high 11 in a 9-2 win at Arizona for his first victory since beating Houston on May 19.

"It was mostly throwing strikes and being unpredictable. That's what I have to do,' said Bush, who went 0-7 with a 9.21 ERA in nine starts between victories and also spent more than two months on the disabled list due to arm fatigue.

The right-hander is 1-7 with a 4.78 ERA in 13 career starts against the Cubs, and has a 3.38 ERA with no record in two outings versus Chicago this season.

Three of Aramis Ramirez's eight hits against Bush have been home runs. The veteran third baseman hit a two-run homer Wednesday for the Cubs (75-69), who lost for the second time in nine games.

Chicago's playoff chances are remote, as it's 8 1/2 games behind first-place St. Louis in the NL Central and 6 1/2 behind wild-card leader Colorado.

"Right now, we're still trying to win as many games and finish as strong as we can," manager Lou Piniella told the Cubs' official Web site.

Ramirez is batting .419 with nine RBIs in his last eight contests.

Randy Wells (10-8, 2.96) takes the ball for the Cubs. The right-hander allowed three earned runs in 3 2-3 innings Saturday, but didn't receive a decision in a 7-5 loss to Cincinnati.

The right-hander's first career start - and season debut - came against the Brewers on May 8, when he allowed five hits over five scoreless innings of a 3-2 loss at Milwaukee.

 

[Lumi]

Brewers vs Cubs

Brewers vs Cubs

Brewers vs Cubs

Game Time: 2:20 p.m. ET

Stadium: Wrigley Field Surface: Grass






Milwaukee
Date at Opp SC Time
/Sur Home
Open Home
Close Total
Open Total
Close Starter Dec O/U
9/06/09 Sf 2-1 D/g -115 -115 9.0+100 8.5-125 Looper,br W U
9/07/09 Stl 0-3 D/g +220 +185 8.0+110 8.0-115 Bush,da L U
9/08/09 Stl 3-4 N/g +135 +115 9.0-105 9.0-105 Parra,ma L U
9/09/09 Stl 1-5 D/g +180 +175 8.0-120 8.5-120 Suppan,je L U
9/11/09 At Arz 6-3 N/g -125 -130 9.0-120 9.0-125 Looper,br W P
9/12/09 At Arz 9-2 T/g -110 -102 10.0-120 10.5-110 Bush,da W O
9/13/09 At Arz 5-3 D/g -180 -163 10.0-110 9.5-115 Narveson,ch W U
9/14/09 At Chc 0-2 N/g -170 -160 9.5+100 9.5+105 Suppan,je L U
9/15/09 At Chc 7-13 N/g -130 -115 7.5-110 7.0-120 Gallardo,yo L O
9/16/09 At Chc 9-5 N/g -165 -170 7.5-110 7.5-105 Looper,br W O
Chicago C
Date at Opp SC Time
/Sur Home
Open Home
Close Total
Open Total
Close Starter Dec O/U
9/06/09 At Nym 2-4 D/g +140 +135 9.0-110 8.0-120 Wells,ra L U
9/07/09 At Pit 4-2 D/g +160 +130 8.5-105 8.0+100 Lilly,te W U
9/08/09 At Pit 9-4 N/g +115 +107 8.0-115 8.0-110 Dempster,ry W O
9/09/09 At Pit 8-5 D/g +128 +143 8.5-110 8.0-115 Zambrano,ca W O
9/11/09 Cin 6-4 D/g -230 -260 8.0-110 8.5-105 Harden,ri W O
9/12/09 Cin 5-7 D/g -190 -185 8.5-110 8.0+100 Wells,ra L O
9/1309 Cin 5-2 D/g -200 -180 8.5+105 8.0-110 Lilly,te W U
9/14/09 Mlw 2-0 N/g -170 -160 9.5+100 9.5+105 Dempster,ry W U
9/15/09 Mlw 13-7 N/g -130 -115 7.5-110 7.0-120 Zambrano,ca W O
9/16/09 Mlw 5-9 N/g -165 -170 7.5-110 7.5-105 Harden,ri 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
5/08/09 Chc 3-2 N/g -130 -125 9.5+100 9.5+105 Stetter,mi W U
5/09/09 Chc 12-6 N/g -130 -147 8.0-120 8.0-130 Gallardo,yo W O
5/10/09 Chc 2-4 D/g -123 -110 9.0-130 9.5-125 Marshall,se L U
7/02/09 Mlw 9-5 N/g -145 -145 9.0-115 9.0-115 Dempster,ry W O
7/03/09 Mlw 2-1 D/g -160 -170 8.5-120 9.0-120 Gregg,ke W U
7/04/09 Mlw 2-11 D/g -165 -160 9.0-120 9.0-120 Looper,br L O
7/05/09 Mlw 8-2 D/g -163 -148 9.5-120 9.5-115 Lilly,te W O
9/14/09 Mlw 2-0 N/g -170 -160 9.5+100 9.5+105 Dempster,ry W U
9/15/09 Mlw 13-7 N/g -130 -115 7.5-110 7.0-120 Heilman,aa W O
9/16/09 Mlw 5-9 N/g -165 -170 7.5-110 7.5-105 Looper,br L O



W/L Record Comparison

Milwaukee
Home Units Away Units Total Units
2009 34-37 -1465 36-38 +335 70-75 -1130
Last 10 1-3 -200 4-2 +333 5-5 +133
Chicago C
Home Units Away Units Total Units
2009 44-29 -94 31-40 -1379 75-69 -1473
Last 10 4-2 +45 3-1 +155 7-3 +200
RECORDS
Day Night Grass Turf Fav Dog
Milwaukee 18-29 52-46 65-68 5-7 39-35 29-36
Chicago 42-27 33-42 70-65 5-4 67-41 5-23



Over/Under Comparison
(Based on taking the Over)

Milwaukee
Home Units Away Units Total Units
2009 34-35 -525 40-30 +670 74-65 +145
Last 10 0-4 -465 3-2 +80 3-6 -385
Chicago C
Home Units Away Units Total Units
2009 35-37 -545 28-38 -1375 63-75 -1920
Last 10 4-2 +185 2-2 -20 6-4 +165



Away Pitcher

MILWAUKEE BREWERS -- BUSH,DAVID (R)

GS W L IP H R ER BB SO ERA Day Ngt Grs Trf
W L W L W L W L
Away 9 3 4 49.0 57 36 36 17 33 6.61 1 1 2 3 2 3 1 1
Home 9 1 3 53.0 50 31 29 14 44 4.92 1 2 0 1 1 3 0 0
Total 18 4 7 102.0 107 67 65 31 77 5.74 2 3 2 4 3 6 1 1
2009 BULLPEN FOR BUSH,DAVID
GMS IP R ER ERA H BB SO HR W L SV BS
18 55.2 23 23 3.72 48 20 45 9 5 2 6 3
Last Five Starts
Date Opp SC Dec IP R ER H BB SO HR H/Open H/Close Tot Op Tot Cl
6/20/09 at DET 5-9 L 3.0 5 5 7 0 1 1 -105 -105 10.0-120 10.5-120
8/27/09 CIN 5-8 L 4.2 5 5 4 3 3 0 -160 -163 9.5-110 9.0-115
9/02/09 at STL 3-10 L 3.1 8 8 11 2 2 0 -270 -270 7.5-110 7.5-120
9/07/09 STL 0-3 L 7.0 2 2 7 0 3 0 +220 +185 8.0+110 8.0-115
9/12/09 at ARZ 9-2 W 7.0 1 1 5 0 11 0 -110 -102 10.0-120 10.5-110
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
4/03/08 at CHC 3-6 L 5.1 6 6 6 5 4 1 -130 -130 9.0-120 9.0-110
7/31/08 CHC 4-11 L 7.1 7 6 5 1 3 3 +125 +135 8.0+100 7.5+110
9/18/08 at CHC 6-7 5.0 2 2 2 2 3 2 -250 -230 7.5-110 7.5-120
4/11/09 CHC 5-6 6.1 3 3 6 2 5 1 +125 +120 8.5-110 8.5-115
5/08/09 CHC 3-2 7.0 2 2 4 0 4 1 -130 -125 9.5+100 9.5+105
Bullpen ( Last 5 Games )
Date Opp IP R ER ERA H BB SO HR W L SV BS
9/12/09 at ARZ 2.0 1 1 4.50 2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0
9/13/09 at ARZ 6.0 1 1 1.50 4 3 3 0 1 0 1 0
9/14/09 at CHC 1.0 1 1 9.00 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
9/15/09 at CHC 2.2 6 5 16.88 4 7 3 0 0 0 0 0
9/16/09 at CHC 4.0 0 0 0.00 4 0 2 0 0 0 0 0



Home Pitcher

CHICAGO CUBS -- WELLS,RANDY (R)

GS W L IP H R ER BB SO ERA Day Ngt Grs Trf
W L W L W L W L
Away 11 4 4 70.0 65 26 20 14 44 2.57 1 2 3 2 3 4 1 0
Home 12 6 4 73.0 76 30 27 24 40 3.33 4 2 2 2 6 4 0 0
Total 23 10 8 143.0 141 56 47 38 84 2.96 5 4 5 4 9 8 1 0
2009 BULLPEN FOR WELLS,RANDY
GMS IP R ER ERA H BB SO HR W L SV BS
23 66.1 29 29 3.93 55 43 60 6 2 3 8 4
Last Five Starts
Date Opp SC Dec IP R ER H BB SO HR H/Open H/Close Tot Op Tot Cl
8/21/09 at LA 1-2 L 6.2 2 0 7 2 3 0 -150 -145 8.5+110 8.0-115
8/27/09 WAS 4-5 L 6.1 5 5 5 4 4 2 -230 -210 9.5-110 9.5-105
9/01/09 HOU 4-1 W 6.2 1 0 7 2 4 0 -175 -190 9.5+100 9.0-105
9/06/09 at NYM 2-4 L 6.0 2 1 7 0 2 1 +140 +135 9.0-110 8.0-120
9/12/09 CIN 5-7 3.2 5 3 6 3 0 0 -190 -185 8.5-110 8.0+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
5/08/09 at MLW 2-3 5.0 0 0 5 2 5 0 -130 -125 9.5+100 9.5+105

Bullpen ( Last 5 Games )
Date Opp IP R ER ERA H BB SO HR W L SV BS
9/12/09 CIN 5.1 2 2 3.38 4 5 5 0 0 0 0 0
9/13/09 CIN 3.0 2 2 6.00 4 0 3 0 0 0 0 0
9/14/09 MLW 1.0 0 0 0.00 0 1 1 0 0 0 1 0
9/15/09 MLW 4.0 2 2 4.50 2 2 2 0 1 0 0 0
9/16/09 MLW 6.0 4 4 6.00 8 2 3 0 0 0 0 0

 

[Lumi]

Milwaukee Brewers (70-75) at Chicago Cubs (75-69), 2:20 p.m.

Milwaukee Brewers (70-75) at Chicago Cubs (75-69), 2:20 p.m.

Milwaukee Brewers (70-75) at Chicago Cubs (75-69), 2:20 p.m.

Probable Starting Pitchers: Milwaukee - Dave Bush (4-7, 5.85) Chicago - Randy Wells (10-8, 2.96)

The Chicago Cubs have plenty of games left this season. Problem is, they can't afford to lose too many of them if they want to take a run at a playoff spot.

After having a three-game winning streak halted, the Cubs conclude a four-game series versus the Milwaukee Brewers this afternoon at Wrigley Field.

A disappointing second half seemed to knock the Cubs out of playoff contention, but the club recently showed a sparkle of hope by winning six of seven prior to last night's 9-5 setback. The loss was costly, as the National League Wild Card-leading Colorado Rockies defeated the San Francisco Giants on Wednesday, pushing Chicago's deficit in the race to 6 1/2 games.

However, Chicago has 18 games left to play, the most of any club within seven games of Colorado, which has 15 games remaining.

Derrek Lee extended his hitting streak to nine games in last night's loss and Aramis Ramirez hit a two-run homer, but starter Rich Harden was tagged for five runs -- two earned -- over just three innings.

Lee is hitting .455 (15-for-33) with four homers and nine RBI over his hitting streak, but has struggled in his career against today's starter for the Brewers, Dave Bush. Lee is just 4-for-27 lifetime versus Bush with no homers and only one RBI.

The right-handed Bush snapped a seven-decision losing streak and won for the first time since May 19 Saturday in Arizona, as he allowed just a run on five hits over seven innings without a walk. He also notched a season-high 11 strikeouts while improving to 4-7 with a 5.85 earned run average this year.

Bush has a 3.38 ERA without a decision in two starts versus the Cubs this season, but is just 1-7 with a 4.62 ERA lifetime versus the club.

Randy Wells starts for Chicago and is 10-8 with a 2.96 ERA. The rookie got a no-decision versus the Reds on Saturday, yielding five runs (3 earned) on six hits and three walks over just 3 2/3 innings. It was his shortest outing since also going just 3 2/3 frames on June 12.

After facing the Brewers twice in relief, the 27-year-old righty made his first career start versus them on May 8 and got a no-decision despite throwing five scoreless innings. It was also the first start of Wells' career.

He'll try to keep Prince Fielder without an RBI for a fourth straight game. The slugging Milwaukee first baseman hasn't driven in a run since Sunday, when he matched Cecil Cooper's single-season club record of 126 RBI, set in 1983.

Fielder now trails Albert Pujols by one RBI for the major-league lead and is hitting just .250 in 13 games versus the Cubs with three homers, six RBI, 17 walks and 12 strikeouts.

With Fielder struggling, Alcides Escobar had a career-high four hits, drove in three runs and scored twice in last night's win.

"Young man had a great game out there," said Brewers manager Ken Macha of Escobar. "He had just a fantastic game."

Felipe Lopez had two hits, scored twice and drove in a run, while Corey Hart had a pair of RBI for the Brewers, who had dropped the first two games of this set after sweeping Arizona in three games.

Braden Looper was the benefactor, winning his 13th game despite surrendering five runs on nine hits over five frames.

The Cubs have won six of their last eight games versus the Brewers, and lead the season series, 8-5.

 

[Lumi]

Matchup -- Milwaukee at Chicago Cubs

Matchup -- Milwaukee at Chicago Cubs

Matchup -- Milwaukee at Chicago Cubs

Milwaukee Brewers (70-75) at Chicago Cubs (75-69)
Game One Chicago 2, Milwaukee 0
Game Two Chicago 13, Milwaukee 7
Game Three Milwaukee 9, Chicago 5
Game Four Thursday, September 17th, 2:20 p.m.
Records
2009 Head-to-Head Record Chicago 8-5 (3-3 at Mil; 5-2 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 34-37; Chicago 44-29
Away Record Milwaukee 36-38; Chicago 31-40
Current Streak Milwaukee (W1); Chicago (L1)
Record vs. Central Division Milwaukee 34-35; Chicago 43-26
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)
7/05 - Chicago, 8-2 (at Chi - WP: Lilly; LP: Burns)
9/14 - Chicago, 2-0 (at Chi - WP: Dempster; LP: Suppan)
9/15 - Chicago, 13-7 (at Chi - WP: Heilman; LP: Gallardo)
9/16 - Milwaukee, 9-5 (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
9/12 - W at Arizona, 9-2 9/12 - L vs. Cincinnati, 5-7
9/13 - W at Arizona, 5-3 9/13 - W vs. Cincinnati, 5-2
9/14 - L at Chicago Cubs, 0-2 9/14 - W vs. Milwaukee, 2-0
9/15 - L at Chicago Cubs, 7-13 9/15 - W vs. Milwaukee, 13-7
9/16 - W at Chicago Cubs, 9-5 9/16 - L vs. Milwaukee, 5-9

 

[Lumi]

Thursday's best MLB bets

Thursday's best MLB bets

Thursday's best MLB bets
Los Angles Angels at Boston Red Sox (-162, 9.5)

It won?t be goodbye. More like, ?See you later?.

The Boston Red Sox and Los Angeles Angels wrap their three-game series Thursday but have a sinking feeling they?ll be seeing each other very soon ? like in October.

The Angels hold the AL West lead and the Red Sox are the frontrunners to land the AL Wild Card, setting up a divisional series between these two clubs for the third straight year. Last season, Boston knocked off Los Angeles 3-1. In 2007, the BoSox rolled the Halos in three straight en route to a World Series title.

The one common theme in those postseason meetings was the Red Sox's ability to shut down L.A.?s lineup. They?ve held the Angels to under 2.5 runs per game in the past two playoff series.

Boston was in postseason form against the Angels in Monday?s series opener. They limited Los Angeles to just one run on six hits, getting a great start from the returning Daisuke Matsuzaka. It was the third time in the past four meeting these teams have played under the total, heading into Wednesday Game 2.

Pick: Under 9.5

Kansas City Royals at Detroit Tigers (-110, 7.5)

Kansas City wishes every month could be September.

The Royals are rolling into the offseason with another red-hot late-season run, winning seven of their last eight games heading into Wednesday?s Game 2. Fresh of a four-game sweep of the Tigers last week, Kansas City is in Motown sticking it to the AL Central leaders for 11 runs in Tuesday?s series opener.

This current stretch has improved the Royals? September record to 8-5 this season (as of Tuesday?s win) and gives K.C. a 26-13 count in the final month of the season over the past two years. The Royals have earned 8.55 units over the last eight contests.

?You?re seeing a team that ain?t going to give up,? right fielder Willie Bloomquist told the Kansas City Star. ?It?s our obligation to win as many games as we can. That being said, we?re starting to get a few breaks here and there and come out on top.?

This current streak has been fueled by the Royals offense. On top of that 11-run explosion Tuesday, Kansas City is hitting a collective .304 and scoring more than 5.5 runs per contests over the past week.

Pick: Kansas City +102

 

[Lumi]

Thursday's streaking and slumping starting pitchers

Thursday's streaking and slumping starting pitchers

Thursday's streaking and slumping starting pitchers

Streaking

John Danks (12-9, 3.71 ERA), Chicago White Sox

This lefty is as dependable as they come. Danks has delivered quality starts in seven straight outings. The Sox have only won four of those games, but they were dogged or short faves each time.

Danks solid performances could be tied in with his giving up chewing tobacco. He complained of not being able to grip the ball as well early in the year and trainers believed his tobacco intake was affecting his blood circulation.

?I think it?s something that it probably didn?t help, but I?m over a month now without a dip and it was something I wanted to do even before the finger problem,? Danks told MLB.com. ?But definitely it?s a battle for me to quit, but I fell like I?m past the worst, and it really is a big accomplishment for me to be able to quit.?

Zack Greinke (13-8, 2.19), Kansas City Royals

The Royals are finally starting to take advantage of Greinke?s brilliance. Kansas City has won three of his last four starts and, because of his long winless streak before, his odds have been much more reasonable. He hasn?t been priced higher than -142 since the first week of August.

He owns a sparkling 0.38 ERA over his last three starts and he?s pitched at least seven innings in each of his last seven trips to the mound.

The under is also 5-0-1 in his last six appearances.

Slumping

Edwin Jackson (12-6, 3.22), Detroit Tigers

It?s not that Jackson is pitching awful, it?s just bettors expect much more from him because of how well he?s pitched this season.

The fireball righty has just one quality start in his last four appearances, but the Tigers are still 2-2 those games.

The Jays knocked him around for five runs and three dingers in his last trip to the bump.

?They were ready for the fastball all night,? Jackson said following the 8-6 loss.

 

[Lumi]

Recent Trends
Kansas City: Under is 12-3-2 in KC last 17 games as a favorite.
Over is 7-2 in KC last 9 games as a road underdog.
KC are 7-2 in their last 9 games on grass.

Detroit: DET are 6-2 in their last 8 games following a win.
DET are 41-20 in their last 61 home games.
DET are 9-1 in Jacksons last 10 home starts.

Head to Head: Under is 9-0 in Greinkes last 9 starts vs. DET.
Under is 11-5 in the last 16 meetings in Detroit.

 

[Lumi]

Preview: Royals at Tigers

Preview: Royals at Tigers

Preview: Royals at Tigers
Current Conditions - Detroit
M/SUNNY 65 ?F
Wind: NNE 12
5-Day Forecast GAME: Kansas City Royals (58-87) at Detroit Tigers (78-67)
DATE/TIME: Thursday, September 17 - 1:05 PM EST
WHERE: Comerica Park, Detroit, Michigan

LINE: -105, -105 TOTAL: 7.5

Quick Hits

Batting

The Detroit Tigers are ranked 19 in hitting, with a batting average of .259. The Tigers are averaging 4.6 runs per game this season with an OPS of .748.
The Kansas City Royals are ranked 22 in hitting, with a batting average of .258. The Royals are averaging 4.1 runs per game this season with an OPS of .721.

Pitching

The Detroit Tigers are ranked 13 in pitching, with an earned run average of 4.33. Opponents are hitting .261 for average, and have a .334 on base percentage and .261 OPS against the Tigers this season.

The Kansas City Royals are ranked 26 in pitching, with an earned run average of 4.71. Opponents are hitting .267 for average, and have a .339 on base percentage and .267 OPS against the Royals this season.

 

[Lumi]

Trends - Kansas City at Detroit

Trends - Kansas City at Detroit

Trends - Kansas City at Detroit


W/L Trends

Kansas City

Royals are 4-0 in their last 4 Thursday games.
Royals are 5-1 in their last 6 games vs. a right-handed starter.
Royals are 5-1 in their last 6 vs. a team with a winning record.
Royals are 7-2 in their last 9 games on grass.
Royals are 7-2 in their last 9 overall.
Royals are 6-2 in their last 8 vs. American League Central.
Royals are 5-2 in their last 7 games as an underdog.
Royals are 6-13 in their last 19 road games vs. a team with a winning record.
Royals are 16-36 in their last 52 games with the total set at 7.0-8.5.
Royals are 10-25 in their last 35 during game 3 of a series.
Royals are 5-13 in their last 18 road games with the total set at 7.0-8.5.
Royals are 2-6 in their last 8 games as a road underdog.
Royals are 3-9 in their last 12 road games vs. a team with a home winning % of greater than .600.
Royals are 4-1 in Greinkes last 5 starts as a favorite.
Royals are 20-43 in Greinkes last 63 starts vs. a team with a winning record.
Royals are 20-45 in Greinkes last 65 starts as an underdog.
Royals are 4-9 in Greinkes last 13 starts with the total set at 7.0-8.5.
Royals are 4-9 in Greinkes last 13 starts.
Royals are 2-5 in Greinkes last 7 road starts with the total set at 7.0-8.5.
Royals are 2-5 in Greinkes last 7 road starts.
Royals are 13-34 in Greinkes last 47 starts as a road underdog.
Royals are 9-25 in Greinkes last 34 road starts vs. a team with a winning record.
Royals are 2-6 in Greinkes last 8 starts vs. American League Central.
Royals are 2-9 in Greinkes last 11 starts following a Quality Start in his last appearance.
Royals are 1-6 in Greinkes last 7 starts during game 3 of a series.


Detroit

Tigers are 4-1 in their last 5 Thursday games.
Tigers are 4-1 in their last 5 during game 3 of a series.
Tigers are 6-2 in their last 8 games following a win.
Tigers are 21-8 in their last 29 home games with the total set at 7.0-8.5.
Tigers are 23-9 in their last 32 home games vs. a right-handed starter.
Tigers are 17-7 in their last 24 home games vs. a team with a losing record.
Tigers are 9-4 in their last 13 games vs. a right-handed starter.
Tigers are 36-16 in their last 52 games as a home favorite.
Tigers are 36-17 in their last 53 home games vs. a team with a road winning % of less than .400.
Tigers are 41-20 in their last 61 home games.
Tigers are 12-26 in their last 38 games as an underdog.
Tigers are 1-4 in their last 5 vs. American League Central.
Tigers are 9-1 in Jacksons last 10 home starts.
Tigers are 9-1 in Jacksons last 10 starts as a home favorite.
Tigers are 5-1 in Jacksons last 6 home starts vs. a team with a losing record.
Tigers are 5-1 in Jacksons last 6 home starts with the total set at 7.0-8.5.
Tigers are 4-1 in Jacksons last 5 starts with the total set at 7.0-8.5.
Tigers are 4-1 in Jacksons last 5 starts vs. American League Central.
Tigers are 4-1 in Jacksons last 5 starts vs. a team with a losing record.
Tigers are 8-2 in Jacksons last 10 starts as a favorite.
Tigers are 5-2 in Jacksons last 7 starts during game 3 of a series.
Tigers are 1-5 in Jacksons last 6 starts as an underdog.


OU Trends

Kansas City

Over is 5-0-1 in Royals last 6 Thursday games.
Under is 4-0 in Royals last 4 games vs. a right-handed starter.
Under is 6-0 in Royals last 6 games following a loss.
Under is 8-1 in Royals last 9 games as a road favorite.
Under is 12-3-2 in Royals last 17 games as a favorite.
Under is 4-1 in Royals last 5 road games vs. a right-handed starter.
Over is 7-2 in Royals last 9 games as a road underdog.
Over is 6-2 in Royals last 8 road games with the total set at 7.0-8.5.
Under is 19-8-1 in Royals last 28 road games vs. a team with a home winning % of greater than .600.
Over is 11-5 in Royals last 16 games as an underdog.
Under is 5-0-1 in Greinkes last 6 starts overall.
Under is 5-0-1 in Greinkes last 6 starts with the total set at 7.0-8.5.
Under is 5-0-1 in Greinkes last 6 starts with 5 days of rest.
Under is 4-0 in Greinkes last 4 road starts with the total set at 7.0-8.5.
Under is 3-0-1 in Greinkes last 4 starts as a favorite.
Under is 4-0 in Greinkes last 4 road starts.
Under is 4-0 in Greinkes last 4 starts vs. a team with a winning record.
Under is 5-0 in Greinkes last 5 starts following a Quality Start in his last appearance.
Under is 7-1 in Greinkes last 8 starts as a road favorite.
Under is 4-1 in Greinkes last 5 starts during game 3 of a series.
Under is 4-1 in Greinkes last 5 road starts vs. a team with a winning record.
Under is 8-3 in Greinkes last 11 Thursday starts.
Under is 18-7-1 in Greinkes last 26 starts as an underdog.
Under is 20-8-1 in Greinkes last 29 starts on grass.
Under is 13-6-1 in Greinkes last 20 starts as a road underdog.
Under is 33-16-2 in Greinkes last 51 starts vs. American League Central.


Detroit

Over is 5-0 in Tigers last 5 home games vs. a team with a road winning % of less than .400.
Over is 4-0 in Tigers last 4 games with the total set at 7.0-8.5.
Over is 6-1 in Tigers last 7 games as a favorite.
Over is 6-1 in Tigers last 7 overall.
Over is 6-1 in Tigers last 7 vs. a team with a losing record.
Over is 6-1 in Tigers last 7 on grass.
Over is 5-1 in Tigers last 6 games as a home favorite.
Over is 5-1 in Tigers last 6 home games.
Over is 5-1 in Tigers last 6 home games vs. a team with a losing record.
Over is 4-1 in Tigers last 5 games following a win.
Over is 4-1 in Tigers last 5 home games vs. a right-handed starter.
Over is 3-1-1 in Tigers last 5 games vs. a starter with a WHIP less than 1.15.
Under is 5-2 in Tigers last 7 games as an underdog.
Over is 41-20-3 in Tigers last 64 home games with the total set at 7.0-8.5.
Under is 7-0 in Jacksons last 7 starts during game 3 of a series.
Under is 8-1 in Jacksons last 9 starts as an underdog.
Under is 8-2 in Jacksons last 10 starts with 4 days of rest.
Over is 4-1 in Jacksons last 5 home starts with the total set at 7.0-8.5.
Under is 15-6 in Jacksons last 21 starts overall.
Under is 5-2 in Jacksons last 7 starts following a team loss in their previous game.
Over is 5-2-1 in Jacksons last 8 home starts vs. a team with a losing record.
Under is 9-4 in Jacksons last 13 starts with the total set at 7.0-8.5.
Under is 13-6 in Jacksons last 19 starts on grass.


Head to Head

Under is 4-0 in Greinkes last 4 road starts vs. Tigers.
Under is 9-0 in Greinkes last 9 starts vs. Tigers.
Royals are 5-1 in the last 6 meetings.
Under is 11-5 in the last 16 meetings in Detroit.
Royals are 2-5 in the last 7 meetings in Detroit.


Umpire Trends - Paul Emmel

Home team is 8-0 in Emmels last 8 games behind home plate.
Road team is 5-1 in Emmels last 6 Thursday games behind home plate.
Home team is 16-5 in Emmels last 21 games behind home plate vs. Detroit.
Over is 16-5 in Emmels last 21 games behind home plate vs. Detroit.
Under is 15-5-1 in Emmels last 21 games behind home plate.
Tigers are 6-2 in their last 8 games with Emmel behind home plate.
Over is 8-3 in Emmels last 11 games behind home plate vs. Kansas City.
Royals are 2-5 in their last 7 games with Emmel behind home plate.

 

[Lumi]

Recent Trends

Milwaukee: Under is 7-2 in MIL last 9 games as an underdog.
Under is 9-3 in MIL last 12 overall.
Under is 9-3 in MIL last 12 on grass.

Chi. Cubs:

CHC are 7-2 in their last 9 games on grass.
CHC are 7-2 in their last 9 overall.
CHC are 42-20 in their last 62 games as a favorite.

Head to Head:

MIL are 1-8 in Bushs last 9 starts vs. CHC.
MIL are 2-6 in the last 8 meetings in Chicago.

 

[Lumi]

Preview: Brewers at Cubs

Preview: Brewers at Cubs

Preview: Brewers at Cubs

Current Conditions - Chicago
P/SUNNY 66 ?F
Wind: ESE 9
5-Day Forecast GAME: Milwaukee Brewers (70-75) at Chicago Cubs (75-69)
DATE/TIME: Thursday, September 17 - 2:20 PM EST
WHERE: Wrigley Field, Chicago, Illinois

LINE: 145, -155 TOTAL: 9

Quick Hits

Batting

The Chicago Cubs are ranked 26 in hitting, with a batting average of .256. The Cubs are averaging 4.5 runs per game this season with an OPS of .745.
The Milwaukee Brewers are ranked 20 in hitting, with a batting average of .259. The Brewers are averaging 4.8 runs per game this season with an OPS of .760.

Pitching

The Chicago Cubs are ranked 5 in pitching, with an earned run average of 3.89. Opponents are hitting .247 for average, and have a .327 on base percentage and .247 OPS against the Cubs this season.

The Milwaukee Brewers are ranked 27 in pitching, with an earned run average of 4.81. Opponents are hitting .268 for average, and have a .345 on base percentage and .268 OPS against the Brewers this season.

 

[Lumi]

Trends - Milwaukee at Chi. Cubs

Trends - Milwaukee at Chi. Cubs

Trends - Milwaukee at Chi. Cubs


W/L Trends

Milwaukee

Brewers are 5-1 in their last 6 road games with the total set at 9.0-10.5.
Brewers are 5-1 in their last 6 after allowing 5 runs or more in their previous game.
Brewers are 4-1 in their last 5 Thursday games.
Brewers are 6-2 in their last 8 games with the total set at 9.0-10.5.
Brewers are 6-2 in their last 8 after scoring 5 runs or more in their previous game.
Brewers are 5-2 in their last 7 road games.
Brewers are 5-2 in their last 7 when their opponent allows 5 runs or more in their previous game.
Brewers are 9-19 in their last 28 games following a win.
Brewers are 5-13 in their last 18 road games vs. a team with a home winning % of greater than .600.
Brewers are 1-5 in their last 6 vs. National League Central.
Brewers are 1-5 in their last 6 vs. a team with a winning record.
Brewers are 6-1 in Bushs last 7 starts following a Quality Start in his last appearance.
Brewers are 5-2 in Bushs last 7 starts after scoring 5 runs or more in their previous game.
Brewers are 14-6 in Bushs last 20 starts with the total set at 9.0-10.5.
Brewers are 18-37 in Bushs last 55 road starts.
Brewers are 4-9 in Bushs last 13 Thursday starts.
Brewers are 5-13 in Bushs last 18 starts as a road underdog of +110 to +150.
Brewers are 7-24 in Bushs last 31 starts as a road underdog.
Brewers are 1-4 in Bushs last 5 starts after allowing 5 runs or more in their previous game.
Brewers are 1-4 in Bushs last 5 starts.
Brewers are 1-4 in Bushs last 5 starts on grass.
Brewers are 1-4 in Bushs last 5 starts as an underdog of +110 to +150.
Brewers are 1-5 in Bushs last 6 starts as an underdog.
Brewers are 0-5 in Bushs last 5 starts when their opponent scores 5 runs or more in their previous game.
Brewers are 0-4 in Bushs last 4 road starts vs. a team with a winning record.


Chi. Cubs

Cubs are 4-1 in their last 5 games following a loss.
Cubs are 4-1 in their last 5 games with the total set at 9.0-10.5.
Cubs are 4-1 in their last 5 when their opponent scores 5 runs or more in their previous game.
Cubs are 21-6 in their last 27 vs. National League Central.
Cubs are 7-2 in their last 9 vs. a team with a losing record.
Cubs are 7-2 in their last 9 games on grass.
Cubs are 7-2 in their last 9 overall.
Cubs are 6-2 in their last 8 games vs. a right-handed starter.
Cubs are 6-2 in their last 8 after allowing 5 runs or more in their previous game.
Cubs are 63-26 in their last 89 home games vs. a team with a losing record.
Cubs are 41-17 in their last 58 games as a favorite of -151 to -200.
Cubs are 46-20 in their last 66 games as a home favorite of -151 to -200.
Cubs are 57-25 in their last 82 home games with the total set at 9.0-10.5.
Cubs are 78-37 in their last 115 home games vs. a team with a losing road record.
Cubs are 42-20 in their last 62 games as a favorite.
Cubs are 39-19 in their last 58 games as a home favorite.
Cubs are 0-4 in their last 4 Thursday games.
Cubs are 7-1 in Wells' last 8 starts with 4 days of rest.
Cubs are 6-1 in Wells' last 7 starts following a team loss in their previous game.
Cubs are 5-1 in Wells' last 6 starts vs. National League Central.
Cubs are 5-1 in Wells' last 6 home starts with the total set at 9.0-10.5.
Cubs are 10-3 in Wells' last 13 starts as a favorite.
Cubs are 6-2 in Wells' last 8 starts after allowing 5 runs or more in their previous game.
Cubs are 6-2 in Wells' last 8 starts with the total set at 9.0-10.5.
Cubs are 6-2 in Wells' last 8 starts as a home favorite.
Cubs are 9-3 in Wells' last 12 starts vs. a team with a losing record.
Cubs are 5-2 in Wells' last 7 home starts vs. a team with a losing record.
Cubs are 1-4 in Wells' last 5 starts.
Cubs are 1-4 in Wells' last 5 starts on grass.
Cubs are 1-4 in Wells' last 5 starts when their opponent allows 5 runs or more in their previous game.
Cubs are 0-4 in Wells' last 4 starts after scoring 5 runs or more in their previous game.


OU Trends

Milwaukee

Under is 6-1 in Brewers last 7 games with the total set at 9.0-10.5.
Under is 5-1 in Brewers last 6 road games with the total set at 9.0-10.5.
Over is 4-1 in Brewers last 5 Thursday games.
Over is 8-2 in Brewers last 10 road games vs. a team with a home winning % of greater than .600.
Under is 7-2 in Brewers last 9 games as an underdog.
Under is 7-2 in Brewers last 9 vs. a team with a winning record.
Under is 9-3 in Brewers last 12 overall.
Under is 9-3 in Brewers last 12 on grass.
Over is 11-4 in Brewers last 15 road games vs. a team with a winning record.
Under is 5-2 in Brewers last 7 vs. National League Central.
Under is 5-2-1 in Brewers last 8 during game 4 of a series.
Over is 12-5 in Brewers last 17 games as an underdog of +110 to +150.
Under is 7-3 in Brewers last 10 games vs. a right-handed starter.
Over is 18-8 in Brewers last 26 after scoring 5 runs or more in their previous game.
Over is 36-17-2 in Brewers last 55 games following a win.
Over is 4-0 in Bushs last 4 starts with the total set at 9.0-10.5.
Over is 4-0 in Bushs last 4 road starts.
Over is 4-0 in Bushs last 4 road starts vs. a team with a winning record.
Over is 5-1 in Bushs last 6 starts overall.
Over is 5-1 in Bushs last 6 starts on grass.
Over is 7-2-1 in Bushs last 10 Thursday starts.
Over is 19-7-2 in Bushs last 28 starts vs. National League Central.
Under is 5-2-1 in Bushs last 8 starts as a road underdog of +110 to +150.
Over is 12-5-1 in Bushs last 18 starts after scoring 5 runs or more in their previous game.
Over is 7-3 in Bushs last 10 starts vs. a team with a winning record.


Chi. Cubs

Over is 4-0 in Cubs last 4 when their opponent allows 5 runs or more in their previous game.
Under is 4-0 in Cubs last 4 home games with the total set at 9.0-10.5.
Under is 4-0 in Cubs last 4 games with the total set at 9.0-10.5.
Under is 3-0-1 in Cubs last 4 Thursday games.
Over is 6-1 in Cubs last 7 vs. National League Central.
Over is 6-1 in Cubs last 7 games as a favorite.
Over is 6-1 in Cubs last 7 overall.
Over is 6-1 in Cubs last 7 vs. a team with a losing record.
Over is 6-1 in Cubs last 7 on grass.
Under is 5-1 in Cubs last 6 when their opponent scores 5 runs or more in their previous game.
Over is 5-1 in Cubs last 6 games vs. a right-handed starter.
Over is 4-1 in Cubs last 5 home games vs. a team with a losing road record.
Over is 4-1 in Cubs last 5 games as a home favorite.
Over is 4-1 in Cubs last 5 after scoring 5 runs or more in their previous game.
Over is 4-1 in Cubs last 5 home games.
Over is 4-1 in Cubs last 5 games vs. a starter with a WHIP greater than 1.30.
Under is 4-1 in Cubs last 5 games following a loss.
Over is 4-1 in Cubs last 5 home games vs. a right-handed starter.
Over is 4-1 in Cubs last 5 home games vs. a team with a losing record.
Under is 5-2 in Cubs last 7 games as a home favorite of -151 to -200.
Under is 7-3 in Cubs last 10 games as a favorite of -151 to -200.
Over is 37-16-2 in Cubs last 55 during game 4 of a series.
Under is 4-1 in Wells' last 5 starts overall.
Under is 4-1 in Wells' last 5 starts on grass.
Under is 6-2 in Wells' last 8 starts with 4 days of rest.
Under is 5-2 in Wells' last 7 starts following a team loss in their previous game.
Under is 7-3 in Wells' last 10 starts when their opponent scores 5 runs or more in their previous game.
Under is 9-4 in Wells' last 13 starts after scoring 5 runs or more in their previous game.


Head to Head

Over is 4-1 in the last 5 meetings.
Over is 4-1 in the last 5 meetings in Chicago.
Over is 3-1-1 in Bushs last 5 starts vs. Cubs.
Brewers are 2-6 in the last 8 meetings in Chicago.
Brewers are 2-6 in the last 8 meetings.
Brewers are 1-8 in Bushs last 9 starts vs. Cubs.
Brewers are 0-6 in Bushs last 6 road starts vs. Cubs.


Umpire Trends - Name unavailable

No trends available.

 

[Lumi]

Top 5 Trends

Top 5 Trends

Top 5 Trends

CLE
OAK Under is 10-0-1 in OAK last 11 when their opponent allows 5 runs or more in their previous game.

COL
ARI COL are 9-0 in their last 9 road games vs. a team with a losing home record.

LAA
BOS Under is 8-0 in LAA last 8 when their opponent allows 5 runs or more in their previous game.

FLA
CIN CIN are 7-0 in their last 7 home games.

LAA
BOS Under is 7-0 in Kelloggs last 7 games behind home plate vs. Boston.