Cnotes MLB 2019 Thru the World Series News, Notes, Trends Best Bets and Opinions !

[Cnotes53]

MLB
Armadillo's Write-Up

Saturday, September 28

National League
Marlins (56-104) @ Phillies (80-80)
Smith is 2-2, 4.50 in his last four starts; he is 1-0, 0.75 in two starts vs Philly this year. Team in his starts: 13-14
5-inning record: 11-12-4 Allowed run in 1st inning: 10-27 Over/under: over 9-2 last 11

Eflin is 1-2, 5.17 in his last three starts; he is 2-1, 2.52 in four starts vs Miami this year. Team in his starts: 10-17
5-inning record: 10-16-1 Allowed run in 1st inning: 11-27 Over/under: under 3-1-1 last five

Miami split its last six games; over is 5-2-1 in their last eight games. Over/under 1st 5 innings: under 4-2-1 last seven games.

Philly lost six of its last seven games; under is 7-4-3 in their last 14 games. Over/under 1st 5 innings: over 6-3-1 last ten games.

Reds (73-87) @ Pirates (69-91)
Sims is 1-1, 6.14 in his three starts. Team in his starts: 1-2
5-inning record: 1-2 Allowed run in 1st inning: 1-3 Over/under: 1-3

Marvel is 0-3, 10.22 in three starts. Team in his starts: 0-3
5-inning record: 0-3 Allowed run in 1st inning: 1-3 Over/under: 2-1

Cincinnati lost six of last seven games; under is 5-2 in their last seven road games. Over/under 1st 5 innings: over 5-0 last five games.

Pirates won their last four games; over is 4-1 in their last five home games. Over/under 1st 5 innings: under 5-3 last eight home games.

Braves (97-63) @ Mets (84-76)
Foltynewicz is 4-0, 0.69 in his last four starts; he is starts vs NYM. Team in his starts: won last 12
5-inning record: 8-7-5 Allowed run in 1st inning: 6-20 Over/under: over 8-4 last 12

Matz is 0-2, 13.00 in his last two starts; he is 1-2, 3.96 in five starts vs Atlanta this year. Team in his starts: 15-14
5-inning record: 10-13-6 Allowed run in 1st inning: 10-29 Over/under: over 6-3-1 last ten

Atlanta won four of last seven games; over is 7-4 in their last 11 road games. Over/under 1st 5 innings: under 4-3-1 last eight road games.

Mets won seven of last ten games; over is 4-2 in their last six games. Over/under 1st 5 innings: under 6-3-1 last ten games.

Brewers (89-71) @ Rockies (69-91)
Gonzalez is 0-0, 2.25 in his last three starts; he is starts vs Colorado. Team in his starts: 11-5
5-inning record: 6-9-1 Allowed run in 1st inning: 7-16 Over/under: 6-10

Gonzalez is 1-0, 2.20 in his last three starts. Team in his starts: 2-9
5-inning record: 5-6 Allowed run in 1st inning: 2-11 Over/under: 4-7

Brewers won seven of their last eight games; under is 6-4-1 in their last 11 games. Over/under 1st 5 innings: over 4-2 last six games.

Colorado lost six of last nine games; over is 7-2 in their last nine home games. Over/under 1st 5 innings: over 10-4 last 14 games.

Cubs (83-77) @ Cardinals (90-70)
Hamels is 0-3, 5.29 in his last four starts; he is 1-1, 0.60 in two starts vs StL this year. Team in his starts: 15-11
5-inning record: 14-10-2 Allowed run in 1st inning: 6-26 Over/under: 12-13-1

Wainwright is 5-0, 1.97 in his last five starts; he is 1-2, 3.91 in four starts vs Chicago this year. Team in his starts: 13-2 last 15
5-inning record: 15-12-3 Allowed run in 1st inning: 8-30 Over/under: 12-17-1

Cubs lost nine of their last ten games; over is 9-5 in their last 14 games. Over/under 1st 5 innings: under 7-2 last nine games.

St Louis won six of last nine games; under is 3-2-1 in their last six home games. Over/under 1st 5 innings: under 9-3 last 12 games.

Padres (70-90) @ Diamondbacks (83-77)
Richards is 0-1, 11.82 in two starts; he is starts vs Arizona. Team in his starts: 1-1
5-inning record: 0-2 Allowed run in 1st inning: 0-2 Over/under: 1-1

Ray is 0-1, 7.16 in his last four starts; he is 0-1, 5.91 in two starts vs SD this year. Team in his starts: 19-13
5-inning record: 15-12-5 Allowed run in 1st inning: 10-32 Over/under: last five over

Padres lost 13 of last 15 games; under is 4-0-1 in their last five road games. Over/under 1st 5 innings: over 3-2 last five games.

Arizona won six of last eight games; over is 6-2-2 in their last ten games. Over/under 1st 5 innings: over 3-2 last five games.

Dodgers (104-56) @ Giants (77-83)
Ryu is 1-0, 1.93 in his last two starts; he is 1-0, 1.80 in two starts vs SF this year. Team in his starts: 19-9
5-inning record: 18-6-4 Allowed run in 1st inning: 8-28 Over/under: over 4-1 last five

Webb is 1-1, 4.60 in his last three starts. Team in his starts: 4-3
5-inning record: 3-3-1 Allowed run in 1st inning: 2-7 Over/under: 4-3

Dodgers won their last five games; over is 6-2-1 in their last nine games. Over/under 1st 5 innings: over 7-1 last eight games.

Giants won three of last five games; under is 5-3 in their last eight home games. Over/under 1st 5 innings: under 5-3 last eight home games.

American League
Rays (96-64) @ Blue Jays (65-95)
Yarbrough is 0-2, 7.24 in his last five starts; he is games (x starts) vs Toronto. Team in his starts: 7-6
5-inning record: 4-5-4 Allowed run in 1st inning: 4-13 Over/under: over 4-1 last five

Thornton is 1-0, 3.00 in his last three games; they might use an opener. He is 0-1, 9.56 in four starts vs TB this year. Team in his starts: 9-19
5-inning record: 5-13-10 Allowed run in 1st inning: 5-28 Over/under: over 11-3 last 14

Rays won seven of last eight games; over is 7-3 in their last ten games. Over/under 1st 5 innings: under 5-2 last seven games.

Toronto is 9-7 in its last 16 games; over is 9-5 in their last 14 games. Over/under 1st 5 innings: under 5-2-1 last eight games.

Orioles (53-107) @ Red Sox (83-77)
Means is 1-1, 3.79 in his last three starts; he is 2-1, 2.35 in four starts vs Boston this year. Team in his starts: 12-14
5-inning record: 13-11-2 Allowed run in 1st inning: 7-26 Over/under: under 5-1-1 last seven

Chacin is 0-1, 6.55 in four starts this year. Team in his starts: 2-2
5-inning record: 2-2 Allowed run in 1st inning: 1-4 Over/under: 3-1

Orioles split their last 16 games; under is 7-3 in their last ten road games. Over/under 1st 5 innings: under 10-4-2 last 16 games.

Boston is 4-7 in its last 11 games; over is 7-1 in their last eight games. Over/under 1st 5 innings: over 5-1 last six games.

New York (103-57) @ Rangers (76-84)
Severino is 1-0, 0.00 in two starts (9 IP); he is starts vs Texas. Team in his starts: 2-0
5-inning record: 2-0 Allowed run in 1st inning: 0-2 Over/under: 1-1

Team in his starts: 0-0
5-inning record: 0-0 Allowed run in 1st inning: 0-0 Over/under: 0-0

New York is 8-7 in its last 15 games; under is 7-3 in their last ten games. Over/under 1st 5 innings: under 5-1-2 last eight games.

Texas lost 10 of last 12 games; over is 6-0 in their last six games. Over/under 1st 5 innings: over 6-0-1 last seven games.

Tigers (46-112) @ White Sox (70-88)
Boyd is 3-1, 6.05 in his last four starts; he is 2-1, 4.96 in three starts vs Chicago this year. Team in his starts: 11-20
5-inning record: 15-12-4 Allowed run in 1st inning: 9-31 Over/under: over 7-0-1 last 8

Alexander is 1-4, 6.20 in his last five starts; he is 0-2, 6.59 in three starts vs Chicago. Team in his starts: 2-5
5-inning record: 3-4 Allowed run in 1st inning: 4-7 Over/under: 1-4-2

Nova is 2-0, 5.63 in his last four starts; he is 2-0, 3.72 in three starts vs Detroit this year. Team in his starts: 16-17
5-inning record: 15-12-6 Allowed run in 1st inning: 9-33 Over/under: 17-13-3

Team in his starts: 0-0
5-inning record: 0-0 Allowed run in 1st inning: 0-0 Over/under: 0-0

Detroit lost eight of last nine games; they?re 10-15 in road series openers- under is 7-3-1 in their last 11 games. Over/under 1st 5 innings: under 4-1-1 last six games.

White Sox won five of last seven games; they?re 15-10 in home series openers- over is 5-1 in their last six home games. Over/under 1st 5 innings: over 4-0 last four games.

Twins (100-60) @ Royals (58-102)
Perez is 0-1, 9.75 in his last three starts; he is 0-1, 9.95 in four starts vs KC this year. Team in his starts: 17-11
5-inning record: 17-9-2 Allowed run in 1st inning: 7-28 Over/under: 17-11

Sparkman is 1-1, 8.31 in his last four starts; he is 1-1, 7.40 in four starts vs Minnesota this year. Team in his starts: 7-15
5-inning record: 6-13-3 Allowed run in 1st inning: 12-22 Over/under: last five over

Twins won seven of last eight games; over is 9-5 in their last 14 road games. Over/under 1st 5 innings: under 6-3 last nine road games.

Kansas City lost seven of last nine games; over is 4-0 in their last four games. Over/under 1st 5 innings: over 5-2 last seven games.

Astros (105-55) @ Angels (72-88)
Verlander is 5-1, 1.41 in his last six starts; he is 2-1, 4.91 in three starts vs. LAA this year. Team in his starts: 23-10
5-inning record: 20-12-1 Allowed run in 1st inning: 10-33 Over/under: under 6-2 last eight

Suarez is 0-2, 9.15 in his last five games; they may use an opener. Team in his starts: 0-0
5-inning record: 0-0 Allowed run in 1st inning: 0-0 Over/under: 0-0

Astros won 11 of last 12 games; under is 4-0 in their last four games. Over/under 1st 5 innings: under 4-0 last four games.

Angels lost 12 of last 16 games; over is 4-3 in their last seven games. Over/under 1st 5 innings: over 6-4 last ten games.

A?s (96-64) @ Mariners (67-92)
Anderson is 2-0, 4.29 in his last four starts; he is 2-1, 3.50 inn three starts vs Seattle this year. Team in his starts: 20-10
5-inning record: 14-14-2 Allowed run in 1st inning: 8-30 Over/under: under 6-1 last seven

Gonzales is 2-1, 1.71 in his last four starts; he is 3-1, 4.67 in four starts vs Oakland this year.. Team in his starts: 17-16
5-inning record: 18-12-3 Allowed run in 1st inning: 12-33 Over/under: under 7-2-1 last ten

Oakland won 12 of last 16 games; under is 15-8 in their last 23 road games. Over/under 1st 5 innings: under 7-2 last nine games.

Seattle lost four of its last five games; under is 12-4 in their last 16 games. Over/under 1st 5 innings: under 5-3 last eight games.

Interleague
Indians (93-67) @ Nationals (91-69)
Plutko is 2-0, 3.05 in his last four starts. Team in his starts: 14-5
5-inning record: 10-8-1 Allowed run in 1st inning: 6-19 Over/under: 8-10-1

Corbin is 3-0, 3.00 in his last three starts. Team in his starts: 20-12
5-inning record: 17-12-3 Allowed run in 1st inning: 8-32 Over/under: under 10-4-2 last 16

Indians lost four of last six games; over is 5-1 in their last six games. Over/under 1st 5 innings: over 6-2 last eight games.

Washington won its last six games; under is 3-2-2 in their last seven games. Over/under 1st 5 innings: under 10-4-2 last 16 home games.

Umpires
Mia-Phil: Under is 9-4 in last 13 Whitson games.
Cin-Pitt: Five of last six Iassogna games went over.
Atl-NY: Seven of last nine Scheurwater games stayed under.
Mil-Colo: Over is 7-2-2 in last 11 Carlson games.
Chi-StL: Under is 7-3-1 in first 5 innings of last 11 Culbreth games.
SD-Az: Six of last eight Additon games went over.
LA-SF: Five of last seven Ortiz games went over.

TB-Tor: Over is 5-3 in last eight Randazzo games.

Balt-Bos: Under is 6-2 in first 5 innings of last eight O?Nora games.
NYY-Tex: Over is 8-2 in last ten Johnson games.
Min-KC: Home side won 12 of last 15 Nauert games.
Hst-LAA: Over is 9-3-1 in last 13 Vanover games.
A?s-Sea: Last three Blakney games went over the total.

Clev-Wsh: Under is 11-2 in last 13 Dreckman games.

%age of times teams score in first inning (road/home/total)
Team (road-home-total)- thru 9/5
Ariz 21-71??18-68??39
Atl 21-69?..25-71??46
Cubs 18-67??25-70?..43
Reds 24-67??27-73?..51
Colo 17-72??26-66??43
LA 20-67??25-73??45
Mia 13-66??20-70?..33
Milw 21-67?..25-71?..46
Mets 26-64??21-66?..47
Philly 17-66?..21-70??38
Pitt 25-71?..18-67??43
StL 17-68?..20-70??37
SD 19-68??21-68?..40
SF 10-71??15-66??25
Wash 22-69?..21-67??43

Orioles 20-71??.23-69..?.43
Boston 20-69??.24-69??44
W Sox 16-71??.18-68??.34
Clev 20-69?..21-71??..41
Det 21-71??18-65??..39
Astros 26-70?..17-69??..43
KC 19-68?..24-72??..43
Angels 26-72??15-67??.41
Twins 28-71??18-68??46
NYY 21-66??27-75??48
A?s 17-66?..19-71??.36
Sea 19-71?..17-69??.36
TB 24-70?..22-70??46
Texas 17-73?..24-67??.41
Toronto 18-71?..19-71??.37

Interleague play- 2019
NL @ AL? 83-63 NL, favorites -$1,467 over 68-67-5
AL @ NL? 67-66 NL, favorites -$2,000 over 72-58-8
Total: 150-129 NL, favorites -$3,467 Over 140-125-13

 

[Cnotes53]

MLB

Saturday, September 28

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Trend Report
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Boston Red Sox
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Boston's last 6 games
Boston is 0-5 ATS in its last 5 games at home
Boston is 1-6 SU in its last 7 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Boston's last 6 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 12 of Boston's last 17 games at home
Boston is 7-3 ATS in its last 10 games when playing Baltimore
Boston is 9-3 SU in its last 12 games when playing Baltimore
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Boston's last 5 games when playing Baltimore
Boston is 13-5 ATS in its last 18 games when playing at home against Baltimore
Boston is 13-5 SU in its last 18 games when playing at home against Baltimore
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Boston's last 6 games when playing at home against Baltimore
Baltimore Orioles
Baltimore is 6-1 ATS in its last 7 games
Baltimore is 8-17 SU in its last 25 games
Baltimore is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games on the road
Baltimore is 7-16 SU in its last 23 games on the road
Baltimore is 3-7 ATS in its last 10 games when playing Boston
Baltimore is 3-9 SU in its last 12 games when playing Boston
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Baltimore's last 5 games when playing Boston
Baltimore is 5-13 ATS in its last 18 games when playing on the road against Boston
Baltimore is 5-13 SU in its last 18 games when playing on the road against Boston
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Baltimore's last 6 games when playing on the road against Boston

Kansas City Royals
Kansas City is 2-7 SU in its last 9 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Kansas City's last 5 games
Kansas City is 1-8 ATS in its last 9 games at home
Kansas City is 1-6 SU in its last 7 games at home
Kansas City is 2-6 ATS in its last 8 games when playing Minnesota
Kansas City is 1-7 SU in its last 8 games when playing Minnesota
Kansas City is 13-3 ATS in its last 16 games when playing at home against Minnesota
Kansas City is 2-6 SU in its last 8 games when playing at home against Minnesota
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Kansas City's last 5 games when playing at home against Minnesota
Minnesota Twins
Minnesota is 5-0 ATS in its last 5 games
Minnesota is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games
The total has gone UNDER in 16 of Minnesota's last 24 games
Minnesota is 7-1 ATS in its last 8 games on the road
Minnesota is 7-1 SU in its last 8 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 8 of Minnesota's last 11 games on the road
Minnesota is 6-2 ATS in its last 8 games when playing Kansas City
Minnesota is 7-1 SU in its last 8 games when playing Kansas City
Minnesota is 3-13 ATS in its last 16 games when playing on the road against Kansas City
Minnesota is 6-2 SU in its last 8 games when playing on the road against Kansas City
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Minnesota's last 5 games when playing on the road against Kansas City

Toronto Blue Jays
Toronto is 0-5 ATS in its last 5 games
Toronto is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games
Toronto is 1-5 ATS in its last 6 games at home
Toronto is 0-5 ATS in its last 5 games when playing Tampa Bay
Toronto is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games when playing Tampa Bay
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Toronto's last 6 games when playing Tampa Bay
Toronto is 8-15 ATS in its last 23 games when playing at home against Tampa Bay
Toronto is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Tampa Bay
Tampa Bay Rays
Tampa Bay is 7-1 SU in its last 8 games
Tampa Bay is 4-2 ATS in its last 6 games on the road
Tampa Bay is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 9 of Tampa Bay's last 13 games on the road
Tampa Bay is 5-0 ATS in its last 5 games when playing Toronto
Tampa Bay is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing Toronto
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Tampa Bay's last 6 games when playing Toronto
Tampa Bay is 15-8 ATS in its last 23 games when playing on the road against Toronto
Tampa Bay is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Toronto

Chicago White Sox
Chi White Sox is 6-2 ATS in its last 8 games
Chi White Sox is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games
Chi White Sox is 4-8 SU in its last 12 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Chi White Sox's last 6 games at home
Chi White Sox is 8-3 ATS in its last 11 games when playing Detroit
Chi White Sox is 9-3 SU in its last 12 games when playing Detroit
The total has gone OVER in 15 of Chi White Sox's last 23 games when playing Detroit
Chi White Sox is 4-10 ATS in its last 14 games when playing at home against Detroit
Chi White Sox is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Detroit
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Chi White Sox's last 7 games when playing at home against Detroit
Detroit Tigers
Detroit is 1-6 ATS in its last 7 games
Detroit is 1-8 SU in its last 9 games
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Detroit's last 10 games
Detroit is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games on the road
Detroit is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Detroit's last 5 games on the road
Detroit is 3-8 ATS in its last 11 games when playing Chi White Sox
Detroit is 3-9 SU in its last 12 games when playing Chi White Sox
The total has gone OVER in 15 of Detroit's last 23 games when playing Chi White Sox
Detroit is 10-4 ATS in its last 14 games when playing on the road against Chi White Sox
Detroit is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Chi White Sox
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Detroit's last 7 games when playing on the road against Chi White Sox

San Francisco Giants
San Francisco is 5-13 ATS in its last 18 games
The total has gone OVER in 7 of San Francisco's last 10 games
San Francisco is 1-12 ATS in its last 13 games at home
San Francisco is 6-12 SU in its last 18 games at home
San Francisco is 2-5 SU in its last 7 games when playing LA Dodgers
The total has gone OVER in 5 of San Francisco's last 7 games when playing LA Dodgers
San Francisco is 3-7 SU in its last 10 games when playing at home against LA Dodgers
Los Angeles Dodgers
LA Dodgers is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games
LA Dodgers is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games
The total has gone OVER in 6 of LA Dodgers's last 9 games
LA Dodgers is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games on the road
LA Dodgers is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games when playing San Francisco
The total has gone OVER in 5 of LA Dodgers's last 7 games when playing San Francisco
LA Dodgers is 7-3 SU in its last 10 games when playing on the road against San Francisco

Washington Nationals
Washington is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games
Washington is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games
Washington is 6-1 ATS in its last 7 games at home
Washington is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home
Washington is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games when playing Cleveland
Washington is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games when playing at home against Cleveland
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Washington's last 6 games when playing at home against Cleveland
Cleveland Indians
Cleveland is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games
Cleveland is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Cleveland's last 6 games
Cleveland is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Cleveland's last 10 games on the road
Cleveland is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games when playing Washington
Cleveland is 2-5 SU in its last 7 games when playing on the road against Washington
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Cleveland's last 6 games when playing on the road against Washington

Philadelphia Phillies
Philadelphia is 1-6 ATS in its last 7 games
Philadelphia is 1-6 SU in its last 7 games
Philadelphia is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games at home
Philadelphia is 2-8 ATS in its last 10 games when playing Miami
Philadelphia is 3-7 SU in its last 10 games when playing Miami
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Philadelphia's last 6 games when playing Miami
Philadelphia is 15-8 ATS in its last 23 games when playing at home against Miami
Philadelphia is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games when playing at home against Miami
Philadelphia is 15-6 SU in its last 21 games when playing at home against Miami
Miami Marlins
Miami is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games
Miami is 5-13 SU in its last 18 games
Miami is 6-1 ATS in its last 7 games on the road
Miami is 6-19 SU in its last 25 games on the road
Miami is 8-2 ATS in its last 10 games when playing Philadelphia
Miami is 7-3 SU in its last 10 games when playing Philadelphia
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Miami's last 6 games when playing Philadelphia
Miami is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Philadelphia
Miami is 8-15 ATS in its last 23 games when playing on the road against Philadelphia
Miami is 6-15 SU in its last 21 games when playing on the road against Philadelphia

Pittsburgh Pirates
Pittsburgh is 5-0 ATS in its last 5 games
Pittsburgh is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games
Pittsburgh is 4-9 SU in its last 13 games
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Pittsburgh's last 8 games
Pittsburgh is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games at home
Pittsburgh is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Pittsburgh's last 5 games at home
Pittsburgh is 4-2 ATS in its last 6 games when playing Cincinnati
Pittsburgh is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing Cincinnati
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Pittsburgh's last 7 games when playing Cincinnati
Pittsburgh is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games when playing at home against Cincinnati
Pittsburgh is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Cincinnati
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Pittsburgh's last 6 games when playing at home against Cincinnati
Cincinnati Reds
Cincinnati is 0-5 ATS in its last 5 games
Cincinnati is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games
Cincinnati is 4-2 ATS in its last 6 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Cincinnati's last 7 games on the road
Cincinnati is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games when playing Pittsburgh
Cincinnati is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games when playing Pittsburgh
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Cincinnati's last 7 games when playing Pittsburgh
Cincinnati is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Pittsburgh
Cincinnati is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Pittsburgh
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Cincinnati's last 6 games when playing on the road against Pittsburgh

New York Mets
NY Mets is 7-3 SU in its last 10 games
NY Mets is 7-14 ATS in its last 21 games at home
NY Mets is 8-4 SU in its last 12 games at home
NY Mets is 2-5 ATS in its last 7 games when playing Atlanta
NY Mets is 4-11 SU in its last 15 games when playing Atlanta
NY Mets is 2-5 SU in its last 7 games when playing at home against Atlanta
The total has gone UNDER in 14 of NY Mets's last 20 games when playing at home against Atlanta
Atlanta Braves
Atlanta is 3-7 ATS in its last 10 games
Atlanta is 5-2 ATS in its last 7 games when playing NY Mets
Atlanta is 11-4 SU in its last 15 games when playing NY Mets
Atlanta is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games when playing on the road against NY Mets
The total has gone UNDER in 14 of Atlanta's last 20 games when playing on the road against NY Mets

St. Louis Cardinals
St. Louis is 6-3 SU in its last 9 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of St. Louis's last 6 games
St. Louis is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games at home
St. Louis is 18-7 SU in its last 25 games at home
St. Louis is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games at home
St. Louis is 4-2 ATS in its last 6 games when playing Chi Cubs
St. Louis is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing Chi Cubs
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of St. Louis's last 9 games when playing Chi Cubs
St. Louis is 4-2 ATS in its last 6 games when playing at home against Chi Cubs
St. Louis is 8-3 SU in its last 11 games when playing at home against Chi Cubs
The total has gone UNDER in 9 of St. Louis's last 11 games when playing at home against Chi Cubs
Chicago Cubs
Chi Cubs is 1-6 ATS in its last 7 games
Chi Cubs is 1-9 SU in its last 10 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Chi Cubs's last 6 games
Chi Cubs is 3-8 ATS in its last 11 games on the road
Chi Cubs is 3-8 SU in its last 11 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Chi Cubs's last 9 games on the road
Chi Cubs is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games when playing St. Louis
Chi Cubs is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games when playing St. Louis
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Chi Cubs's last 9 games when playing St. Louis
Chi Cubs is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games when playing on the road against St. Louis
Chi Cubs is 3-8 SU in its last 11 games when playing on the road against St. Louis
The total has gone UNDER in 9 of Chi Cubs's last 11 games when playing on the road against St. Louis

Texas Rangers
Texas is 3-9 ATS in its last 12 games
Texas is 2-10 SU in its last 12 games
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Texas's last 5 games
Texas is 1-6 ATS in its last 7 games at home
Texas is 1-6 SU in its last 7 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Texas's last 7 games at home
Texas is 1-5 ATS in its last 6 games when playing NY Yankees
Texas is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games when playing NY Yankees
Texas is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games when playing at home against NY Yankees
Texas is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games when playing at home against NY Yankees
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Texas's last 5 games when playing at home against NY Yankees
New York Yankees
NY Yankees is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of NY Yankees's last 6 games
NY Yankees is 13-6 ATS in its last 19 games on the road
NY Yankees is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games on the road
NY Yankees is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games when playing Texas
NY Yankees is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing Texas
NY Yankees is 4-2 ATS in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Texas
NY Yankees is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Texas
The total has gone OVER in 4 of NY Yankees's last 5 games when playing on the road against Texas

Arizona Diamondbacks
Arizona is 5-2 ATS in its last 7 games
Arizona is 6-2 SU in its last 8 games
Arizona is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games at home
Arizona is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games when playing San Diego
Arizona is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games when playing San Diego
Arizona is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games when playing at home against San Diego
Arizona is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against San Diego
San Diego Padres
San Diego is 3-12 ATS in its last 15 games
San Diego is 1-7 SU in its last 8 games
San Diego is 1-8 ATS in its last 9 games on the road
San Diego is 1-10 SU in its last 11 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of San Diego's last 5 games on the road
San Diego is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games when playing Arizona
San Diego is 1-6 SU in its last 7 games when playing Arizona
San Diego is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Arizona
San Diego is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Arizona

Colorado Rockies
Colorado is 4-2 ATS in its last 6 games
Colorado is 3-6 SU in its last 9 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Colorado's last 5 games
Colorado is 5-2 ATS in its last 7 games at home
Colorado is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games at home
Colorado is 5-12 SU in its last 17 games when playing Milwaukee
The total has gone UNDER in 14 of Colorado's last 20 games when playing Milwaukee
Colorado is 2-6 ATS in its last 8 games when playing at home against Milwaukee
Colorado is 2-6 SU in its last 8 games when playing at home against Milwaukee
The total has gone UNDER in 10 of Colorado's last 12 games when playing at home against Milwaukee
Milwaukee Brewers
Milwaukee is 10-3 ATS in its last 13 games
Milwaukee is 7-1 SU in its last 8 games
Milwaukee is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games on the road
Milwaukee is 11-2 SU in its last 13 games on the road
Milwaukee is 12-5 SU in its last 17 games when playing Colorado
The total has gone UNDER in 14 of Milwaukee's last 20 games when playing Colorado
Milwaukee is 6-2 ATS in its last 8 games when playing on the road against Colorado
Milwaukee is 6-2 SU in its last 8 games when playing on the road against Colorado
The total has gone UNDER in 10 of Milwaukee's last 12 games when playing on the road against Colorado

Los Angeles Angels
LA Angels is 4-2 ATS in its last 6 games
LA Angels is 5-12 SU in its last 17 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of LA Angels's last 5 games
LA Angels is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games at home
LA Angels is 3-8 SU in its last 11 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of LA Angels's last 6 games at home
LA Angels is 2-5 ATS in its last 7 games when playing Houston
LA Angels is 2-8 SU in its last 10 games when playing Houston
The total has gone OVER in 4 of LA Angels's last 6 games when playing Houston
LA Angels is 4-12 ATS in its last 16 games when playing at home against Houston
LA Angels is 4-12 SU in its last 16 games when playing at home against Houston
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of LA Angels's last 5 games when playing at home against Houston
Houston Astros
Houston is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games
Houston is 10-2 SU in its last 12 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Houston's last 5 games
Houston is 6-1 ATS in its last 7 games on the road
Houston is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 10 of Houston's last 11 games on the road
Houston is 5-2 ATS in its last 7 games when playing LA Angels
Houston is 8-2 SU in its last 10 games when playing LA Angels
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Houston's last 6 games when playing LA Angels
Houston is 12-4 ATS in its last 16 games when playing on the road against LA Angels
Houston is 12-4 SU in its last 16 games when playing on the road against LA Angels
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Houston's last 5 games when playing on the road against LA Angels

Seattle Mariners
Seattle is 2-5 ATS in its last 7 games
Seattle is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Seattle's last 5 games
Seattle is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Seattle's last 6 games at home
Seattle is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games when playing Oakland
Seattle is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing Oakland
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Seattle's last 6 games when playing at home against Oakland
Oakland Athletics
Oakland is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games
Oakland is 12-4 SU in its last 16 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Oakland's last 5 games
Oakland is 10-4 ATS in its last 14 games on the road
Oakland is 8-2 SU in its last 10 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Oakland's last 5 games on the road
Oakland is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games when playing Seattle
Oakland is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing Seattle
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Oakland's last 6 games when playing on the road against Seattle

 

[Cnotes53]

MLB
Dunkel

Saturday, September 28


Baltimore @ Boston

Game 915-916
September 28, 2019 @ 1:05 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Baltimore
(Means) 16.377
Boston
(Chacin) 15.206
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Baltimore
by 1
11
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Boston
-170
10 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Baltimore
(+150); Over

Minnesota @ Kansas City

Game 921-922
September 28, 2019 @ 2:15 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Minnesota
(Stashak) 16.605
Kansas City
(Sparkman) 14.154
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Minnesota
by 2 1/2
12
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Minnesota
-180
10 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Minnesota
(-180); Over

Tampa Bay @ Toronto

Game 917-918
September 28, 2019 @ 3:07 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Tampa Bay
(Yarbrough) 17.458
Toronto
(Thornton) 13.772
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Tampa Bay
by 3 1/2
7
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Tampa Bay
No Line
N/A
Dunkel Pick:
Tampa Bay
N/A

Detroit @ Chicago White Sox

Game 931-932
September 28, 2019 @ 3:40 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Detroit
(Boyd) 14.976
Chicago White Sox
(Lopez) 13.315
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Detroit
by 1 1/2
9
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Detroit
No Line
N/A
Dunkel Pick:
Detroit
N/A

LA Dodgers @ San Francisco

Game 901-902
September 28, 2019 @ 4:05 pm

Dunkel Rating:
LA Dodgers
(Ryu) 17.361
San Francisco
(Webb) 14.742
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
LA Dodgers
by 2 1/2
9
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
LA Dodgers
No Line
N/A
Dunkel Pick:
LA Dodgers
N/A

Cleveland @ Washington

Game 929-930
September 28, 2019 @ 4:05 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Cleveland
(Plutko) 14.596
Washington
(Corbin) 18.239
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Washington
by 3 1/2
9
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Washington
No Line
N/A
Dunkel Pick:
Washington
N/A

Miami @ Philadelphia

Game 903-904
September 28, 2019 @ 6:05 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Miami
(Smith) 14.331
Philadelphia
(Eflin) 16.278
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Philadelphia
by 2
8
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Philadelphia
-165
9
Dunkel Pick:
Philadelphia
(-165); Under

Cincinnati @ Pittsburgh

Game 905-906
September 28, 2019 @ 7:05 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Cincinnati
(Sims) 15.369
Pittsburgh
(Marvel) 14.331
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Cincinnati
by 1
11
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Cincinnati
No Line
N/A
Dunkel Pick:
Cincinnati
N/A

Detroit @ Chicago White Sox

Game 919-920
September 28, 2019 @ 7:10 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Detroit
(Alexnder) 15.102
Chicago White Sox
(Nova) 14.251
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Detroit
by 1
9
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Chicago White Sox
-150
9 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Detroit
(+130); Under

Atlanta @ NY Mets

Game 907-908
September 28, 2019 @ 7:15 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Atlanta
(Fltynwcz) 17.246
NY Mets
(Matz) 16.124
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Atlanta
by 1
7
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
NY Mets
-115
8 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Atlanta
(-105); Under

Chicago Cubs @ St. Louis

Game 909-910
September 28, 2019 @ 7:15 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Chicago Cubs
(Hamels) 16.009
St. Louis
(Wnwrght) 14.573
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Chicago Cubs
by 1 1/2
10
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
St. Louis
-200
8 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Chicago Cubs
(+170); Over

NY Yankees @ Texas

Game 923-924
September 28, 2019 @ 8:05 pm

Dunkel Rating:
NY Yankees
(Severino) 17.693
Texas
(Farrell) 14.013
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
NY Yankees
by 3 1/2
9
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
NY Yankees
No Line
N/A
Dunkel Pick:
NY Yankees
N/A

San Diego @ Arizona

Game 911-912
September 28, 2019 @ 8:10 pm

Dunkel Rating:
San Diego
(Richards) 13.138
Arizona
(Ray) 16.512
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Arizona
by 3 1/2
10
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Arizona
-160
9
Dunkel Pick:
Arizona
(-160); Over

Milwaukee @ Colorado

Game 913-914
September 28, 2019 @ 8:10 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Milwaukee
(Gonzalez) 16.028
Colorado
(Gonzalez) 15.102
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Milwaukee
by 1
11
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Milwaukee
-185
12 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Milwaukee
(-185); Under

Houston @ LA Angels

Game 925-926
September 28, 2019 @ 9:07 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Houston
(Verlander) 17.604
LA Angels
(Suarez) 14.814
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Houston
by 3
7
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Houston
No Line
N/A
Dunkel Pick:
Houston
N/A



Oakland @ Seattle

Game 927-928
September 28, 2019 @ 9:10 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Oakland
(Anderson) 14.234
Seattle
(Gonzales) 15.817
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Seattle
by 1 1/2
6
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Seattle
No Line
N/A
Dunkel Pick:
Seattle
N/A

 

[Cnotes53]

MLB
Long Sheet

Saturday, September 28

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LA DODGERS (104 - 56) at SAN FRANCISCO (77 - 83) - 4:05 PM
HYUN-JIN RYU (L) vs. LOGAN WEBB (R)
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
SAN FRANCISCO is 7-10 (+3.2 Units) against LA DODGERS this season
9 of 17 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+0.3 Units)

HYUN-JIN RYU vs. SAN FRANCISCO since 1997
RYU is 6-6 when starting against SAN FRANCISCO with an ERA of 2.79 and a WHIP of 1.148.
His team's record is 9-8 (-0.8 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 10-5. (+4.0 units)

LOGAN WEBB vs. LA DODGERS since 1997
No recent starts.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

MIAMI (56 - 104) at PHILADELPHIA (80 - 80) - 6:05 PM
CALEB SMITH (L) vs. ZACH EFLIN (R)
Top Trends for this game.
MIAMI is 21-50 (-18.5 Units) against the money line as a road underdog of +125 to +175 over the last 2 seasons.
MIAMI is 32-82 (-32.4 Units) against the money line in road games against division opponents over the last 3 seasons.
PHILADELPHIA is 80-80 (-8.1 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
PHILADELPHIA is 19-35 (-17.1 Units) against the money line in September games over the last 2 seasons.
PHILADELPHIA is 69-81 (-24.6 Units) against the money line against division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
PHILADELPHIA is 17-25 (-10.0 Units) against the money line against left-handed starters this season.
PHILADELPHIA is 36-43 (-14.2 Units) against the money line after a win this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
MIAMI is 9-8 (+6.9 Units) against PHILADELPHIA this season
8 of 15 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+0.5 Units)

CALEB SMITH vs. PHILADELPHIA since 1997
SMITH is 1-1 when starting against PHILADELPHIA with an ERA of 2.40 and a WHIP of 1.067.
His team's record is 2-1 (+2.4 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-2. (-1.0 units)

ZACH EFLIN vs. MIAMI since 1997
EFLIN is 4-2 when starting against MIAMI with an ERA of 4.29 and a WHIP of 1.152.
His team's record is 4-4 (-1.1 units) in these starts. The OVER is 6-2. (+4.1 units)

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

CINCINNATI (73 - 87) at PITTSBURGH (69 - 91) - 7:05 PM
LUCAS SIMS (R) vs. JAMES MARVEL (R)
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
PITTSBURGH is 12-5 (+9.2 Units) against CINCINNATI this season
9 of 16 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+1.5 Units)

LUCAS SIMS vs. PITTSBURGH since 1997
SIMS is 1-0 when starting against PITTSBURGH with an ERA of 4.91 and a WHIP of 0.955.
His team's record is 1-0 (+1.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-0. (+1.0 units)

JAMES MARVEL vs. CINCINNATI since 1997
No recent starts.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

ATLANTA (97 - 63) at NY METS (84 - 76) - 7:10 PM
MIKE FOLTYNEWICZ (R) vs. STEVEN MATZ (L)
Top Trends for this game.
ATLANTA is 97-63 (+19.5 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
ATLANTA is 43-32 (+10.6 Units) against the money line on the road when the money line is +125 to -125 over the last 2 seasons.
ATLANTA is 47-32 (+12.9 Units) against the money line in road games this season.
ATLANTA is 46-28 (+11.5 Units) against the money line against division opponents this season.
ATLANTA is 74-48 (+15.2 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
ATLANTA is 21-12 (+9.9 Units) against the money line in road games after a loss this season.
ATLANTA is 45-31 (+13.7 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
FOLTYNEWICZ is 8-2 (+7.7 Units) against the money line in road games this season. (Team's Record)
FOLTYNEWICZ is 16-6 (+11.4 Units) against the money line against division opponents over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
FOLTYNEWICZ is 13-8 (+11.0 Units) against the money line in road games when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)
NY METS are 84-76 (-8.4 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
NY METS are 83-77 (-18.1 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 2 seasons.
NY METS are 148-156 (-56.2 Units) against the money line in home games in September games since 1997.
NY METS are 400-409 (-120.9 Units) against the money line in home games against division opponents since 1997.
NY METS are 39-49 (-14.9 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
NY METS are 222-272 (-73.2 Units) against the money line in home games when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season since 1997.

Head-to-Head Series History
ATLANTA is 11-6 (+5.7 Units) against NY METS this season
8 of 15 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+0.2 Units)

MIKE FOLTYNEWICZ vs. NY METS since 1997
FOLTYNEWICZ is 1-1 when starting against NY METS with an ERA of 4.15 and a WHIP of 1.231.
His team's record is 3-2 (+1.7 units) in these starts. The OVER is 2-3. (-1.2 units)

STEVEN MATZ vs. ATLANTA since 1997
MATZ is 5-2 when starting against ATLANTA with an ERA of 3.22 and a WHIP of 1.042.
His team's record is 6-6 (-1.5 units) in these starts. The OVER is 4-6. (-2.6 units)

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

CHICAGO CUBS (83 - 77) at ST LOUIS (90 - 70) - 7:15 PM
COLE HAMELS (L) vs. ADAM WAINWRIGHT (R)
Top Trends for this game.
CHICAGO CUBS are 83-77 (-12.2 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
CHICAGO CUBS are 89-87 (-26.0 Units) against the money line when the total is 8 to 8.5 over the last 3 seasons.
CHICAGO CUBS are 31-47 (-20.0 Units) against the money line in road games this season.
CHICAGO CUBS are 10-15 (-9.6 Units) against the money line in September games this season.
CHICAGO CUBS are 36-38 (-10.5 Units) against the money line against division opponents this season.
CHICAGO CUBS are 42-51 (-17.5 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
CHICAGO CUBS are 27-36 (-12.0 Units) against the money line in road games against right-handed starters this season.
CHICAGO CUBS are 32-41 (-17.3 Units) against the money line in road games after a win over the last 2 seasons.
CHICAGO CUBS are 15-21 (-9.0 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season this season.
ST LOUIS is 90-70 (+5.1 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
ST LOUIS is 45-29 (+11.0 Units) against the money line against division opponents this season.
ST LOUIS is 18-9 (+10.5 Units) against the money line after 3 or more consecutive losses over the last 2 seasons.
ST LOUIS is 527-377 (+59.1 Units) against the money line in home games when playing against a team with a winning record since 1997.
ST LOUIS is 279-185 (+64.5 Units) against the money line in home games when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season since 1997.
WAINWRIGHT is 38-23 (+13.1 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)
WAINWRIGHT is 68-35 (+22.3 Units) against the money line when the total is 8 to 8.5 since 1997. (Team's Record)
WAINWRIGHT is 38-13 (+22.3 Units) against the money line in September games since 1997. (Team's Record)
WAINWRIGHT is 100-54 (+26.3 Units) against the money line against division opponents since 1997. (Team's Record)
WAINWRIGHT is 100-52 (+34.5 Units) against the money line after a loss since 1997. (Team's Record)

Head-to-Head Series History
ST LOUIS is 9-8 (+0.7 Units) against CHICAGO CUBS this season
9 of 16 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+1.0 Units)

COLE HAMELS vs. ST LOUIS since 1997
HAMELS is 6-6 when starting against ST LOUIS with an ERA of 2.17 and a WHIP of 0.955.
His team's record is 10-7 (+1.7 units) in these starts. The OVER is 3-13. (-11.4 units)

ADAM WAINWRIGHT vs. CHICAGO CUBS since 1997
WAINWRIGHT is 16-12 when starting against CHICAGO CUBS with an ERA of 3.96 and a WHIP of 1.295.
His team's record is 24-16 (+3.9 units) in these starts. The OVER is 17-20. (-4.6 units)

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

SAN DIEGO (70 - 90) at ARIZONA (83 - 77) - 8:10 PM
GARRETT RICHARDS (R) vs. ROBBIE RAY (L)
Top Trends for this game.
SAN DIEGO is 70-90 (-23.5 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
SAN DIEGO is 31-43 (-14.3 Units) against the money line against division opponents this season.
SAN DIEGO is 45-60 (-17.8 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
SAN DIEGO is 3-13 (-10.7 Units) against the money line in road games against left-handed starters this season.
SAN DIEGO is 37-52 (-17.2 Units) against the money line after a loss this season.
SAN DIEGO is 15-32 (-13.5 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season this season.
RICHARDS is 1-14 (-12.5 Units) against the money line as a road underdog of +125 to +175 since 1997. (Team's Record)
ARIZONA is 83-77 (+6.1 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
ARIZONA is 57-49 (+7.9 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
ARIZONA is 47-35 (+10.4 Units) against the money line after a win this season.
RAY is 15-6 (+10.3 Units) against the money line in night games this season. (Team's Record)
ARIZONA is 40-43 (-22.9 Units) against the money line as a home favorite of -125 to -175 over the last 2 seasons.
ARIZONA is 948-850 (-109.1 Units) against the money line in home games since 1997.
ARIZONA is 666-615 (-89.9 Units) against the money line in home games against right-handed starters since 1997.
RAY is 2-8 (-10.0 Units) against the money line as a home favorite of -125 to -175 over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)

Head-to-Head Series History
ARIZONA is 9-8 (+1.1 Units) against SAN DIEGO this season
9 of 16 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+1.0 Units)

GARRETT RICHARDS vs. ARIZONA since 1997
RICHARDS is 2-0 when starting against ARIZONA with an ERA of 2.16 and a WHIP of 1.260.
His team's record is 3-0 (+3.1 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-2. (-1.1 units)

ROBBIE RAY vs. SAN DIEGO since 1997
RAY is 5-5 when starting against SAN DIEGO with an ERA of 4.15 and a WHIP of 1.251.
His team's record is 8-7 (-0.4 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 7-8. (-2.0 units)

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

MILWAUKEE (89 - 71) at COLORADO (69 - 91) - 8:10 PM
GIO GONZALEZ (L) vs. CHI CHI GONZALEZ (R)
Top Trends for this game.
MILWAUKEE is 22-33 (-15.5 Units) against the money line in road games when playing against a team with a losing record in the second half of the season over the last 3 seasons.
COLORADO is 161-166 (+4.9 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
COLORADO is 29-22 (+12.3 Units) against the money line in September games over the last 2 seasons.
COLORADO is 111-108 (+12.1 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.
COLORADO is 87-74 (+18.8 Units) against the money line after a win over the last 2 seasons.
COLORADO is 92-94 (+16.2 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
COLORADO is 55-54 (+14.9 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
MILWAUKEE is 89-71 (+7.5 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
MILWAUKEE is 87-78 (+12.6 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 2 seasons.
MILWAUKEE is 20-5 (+15.7 Units) against the money line in September games this season.
MILWAUKEE is 19-7 (+13.8 Units) against the money line when playing on Saturday this season.
MILWAUKEE is 125-85 (+29.6 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.
MILWAUKEE is 64-47 (+8.5 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
MILWAUKEE is 80-60 (+18.0 Units) against the money line after a loss over the last 2 seasons.
COLORADO is 7-19 (-11.0 Units) against the money line when playing on Saturday this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
COLORADO is 3-2 (+1.9 Units) against MILWAUKEE this season
3 of 5 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+0.8 Units)

GIO GONZALEZ vs. COLORADO since 1997
GONZALEZ is 4-1 when starting against COLORADO with an ERA of 3.58 and a WHIP of 1.286.
His team's record is 4-2 (+0.8 units) in these starts. The OVER is 3-3. (-0.5 units)

CHI CHI GONZALEZ vs. MILWAUKEE since 1997
No recent starts.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

BALTIMORE (53 - 107) at BOSTON (83 - 77) - 1:05 PM
JOHN MEANS (L) vs. JHOULYS CHACIN (R)
Top Trends for this game.
BALTIMORE is 100-222 (-73.7 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
BALTIMORE is 17-43 (-16.6 Units) against the money line as a road underdog of +125 to +175 over the last 2 seasons.
BALTIMORE is 47-113 (-32.0 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 2 seasons.
BALTIMORE is 22-57 (-27.3 Units) against the money line in September games over the last 3 seasons.
BALTIMORE is 58-149 (-63.3 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
BALTIMORE is 28-72 (-32.5 Units) against the money line after a win over the last 2 seasons.
BALTIMORE is 47-122 (-36.6 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
CHACIN is 29-18 (+14.2 Units) against the money line after a loss over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)
BOSTON is 83-77 (-27.9 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
BOSTON is 37-40 (-27.2 Units) against the money line in home games this season.
BOSTON is 163-152 (-58.3 Units) against the money line in home games in September games since 1997.
BOSTON is 11-17 (-10.5 Units) against the money line when playing on Saturday this season.
BOSTON is 34-40 (-22.0 Units) against the money line against division opponents this season.
BOSTON is 25-26 (-13.4 Units) against the money line in day games this season.
BOSTON is 24-29 (-14.7 Units) against the money line against left-handed starters this season.
BOSTON is 39-37 (-7.2 Units) against the money line after a loss this season.
CHACIN is 8-15 (-9.4 Units) against the money line in all games this season. (Team's Record)

Head-to-Head Series History
BALTIMORE is 6-11 (+0.8 Units) against BOSTON this season
9 of 16 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+1.4 Units)

JOHN MEANS vs. BOSTON since 1997
MEANS is 2-1 when starting against BOSTON with an ERA of 2.35 and a WHIP of 1.000.
His team's record is 2-2 (+1.4 units) in these starts. The OVER is 2-2. (-0.2 units)

JHOULYS CHACIN vs. BALTIMORE since 1997
CHACIN is 0-1 when starting against BALTIMORE with an ERA of 5.07 and a WHIP of 2.064.
His team's record is 0-1 (-1.0 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 0-1. (-1.2 units)

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

TAMPA BAY (96 - 64) at TORONTO (65 - 95) - 3:07 PM
RYAN YARBROUGH (L) vs. TRENT THORNTON (R)
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
TAMPA BAY is 13-4 (+4.9 Units) against TORONTO this season
8 of 16 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=-0.7 Units, Under=-0.8 Units)

RYAN YARBROUGH vs. TORONTO since 1997
YARBROUGH is 1-0 when starting against TORONTO with an ERA of 6.00 and a WHIP of 1.333.
His team's record is 1-0 (+1.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-0. (+1.1 units)

TRENT THORNTON vs. TAMPA BAY since 1997
THORNTON is 0-1 when starting against TAMPA BAY with an ERA of 8.43 and a WHIP of 2.249.
His team's record is 0-4 (-4.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 3-1. (+2.0 units)

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

DETROIT (46 - 112) at CHI WHITE SOX (70 - 87) - 7:10 PM
TYLER ALEXANDER (L) vs. IVAN NOVA (R)
Top Trends for this game.
DETROIT is 46-111 (-41.7 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
DETROIT is 22-58 (-29.1 Units) against the money line when the total is 9 to 9.5 this season.
DETROIT is 21-51 (-25.7 Units) against the money line against division opponents this season.
DETROIT is 24-67 (-26.1 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
DETROIT is 33-88 (-38.0 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
DETROIT is 27-44 (-13.5 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
DETROIT is 42-72 (-27.5 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record in the second half of the season over the last 3 seasons.
CHI WHITE SOX are 70-88 (+8.2 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
CHI WHITE SOX are 35-39 (+8.9 Units) against the money line when the total is 9 to 9.5 this season.
CHI WHITE SOX are 37-40 (+6.5 Units) against the money line in home games this season.
CHI WHITE SOX are 15-11 (+9.4 Units) against the money line when playing with a day off this season.
CHI WHITE SOX are 36-36 (+11.1 Units) against the money line against division opponents this season.
CHI WHITE SOX are 46-49 (+17.0 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
CHI WHITE SOX are 27-26 (+10.9 Units) against the money line against left-handed starters this season.
NOVA is 32-30 (+12.9 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
NOVA is 16-9 (+11.3 Units) against the money line when the total is 9 to 9.5 over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
NOVA is 13-8 (+13.9 Units) against the money line in night games this season. (Team's Record)
CHI WHITE SOX are 5-20 (-14.8 Units) against the money line in home games when playing on Saturday over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
CHI WHITE SOX is 10-5 (+4.9 Units) against DETROIT this season
9 of 13 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+4.5 Units)

TYLER ALEXANDER vs. CHI WHITE SOX since 1997
ALEXANDER is 0-2 when starting against CHI WHITE SOX with an ERA of 5.93 and a WHIP of 1.830.
His team's record is 0-3 (-3.0 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 1-1. (-0.2 units)

IVAN NOVA vs. DETROIT since 1997
NOVA is 2-4 when starting against DETROIT with an ERA of 5.14 and a WHIP of 1.572.
His team's record is 6-5 (+0.4 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 4-6. (-2.9 units)

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

MINNESOTA (100 - 60) at KANSAS CITY (58 - 102) - 7:15 PM
CODY STASHAK (R) vs. GLENN SPARKMAN (R)
Top Trends for this game.
KANSAS CITY is 40-34 (+10.3 Units) against the money line in home games against division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 100-60 (+23.0 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
MINNESOTA is 54-25 (+29.0 Units) against the money line in road games this season.
MINNESOTA is 14-2 (+11.5 Units) against the money line on the road when the total is 10 to 10.5 this season.
MINNESOTA is 404-404 (+56.6 Units) against the money line in road games against division opponents since 1997.
MINNESOTA is 66-37 (+18.4 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
MINNESOTA is 78-43 (+21.9 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
MINNESOTA is 413-451 (+32.4 Units) against the money line in road games after a win since 1997.
MINNESOTA is 61-25 (+16.8 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
MINNESOTA is 18-3 (+13.5 Units) against the money line in road games when playing against a team with a losing record in the second half of the season this season.
KANSAS CITY is 58-102 (-23.0 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
KANSAS CITY is 29-49 (-16.1 Units) against the money line in home games this season.
KANSAS CITY is 4-20 (-16.4 Units) against the money line at home when the total is 10 to 10.5 this season.
KANSAS CITY is 82-149 (-36.2 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
KANSAS CITY is 13-35 (-16.1 Units) against the money line in home games when playing against a team with a winning record this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
MINNESOTA is 13-4 (+4.6 Units) against KANSAS CITY this season
9 of 16 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+1.3 Units)

CODY STASHAK vs. KANSAS CITY since 1997
No recent starts.

GLENN SPARKMAN vs. MINNESOTA since 1997
SPARKMAN is 1-1 when starting against MINNESOTA with an ERA of 6.53 and a WHIP of 1.500.
His team's record is 2-2 (+2.5 units) in these starts. The OVER is 2-1. (+0.9 units)

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

NY YANKEES (103 - 57) at TEXAS (76 - 84) - 8:05 PM
LUIS SEVERINO (R) vs. LUKE FARRELL (R)
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
NY YANKEES is 3-1 (+1.0 Units) against TEXAS this season
2 of 4 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=-0.2 Units, Under=-0.4 Units)

LUIS SEVERINO vs. TEXAS since 1997
SEVERINO is 0-1 when starting against TEXAS with an ERA of 6.30 and a WHIP of 1.300.
His team's record is 1-1 (-0.2 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-1. (-0.1 units)

LUKE FARRELL vs. NY YANKEES since 1997
No recent starts.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

HOUSTON (105 - 55) at LA ANGELS (72 - 88) - 9:07 PM
JUSTIN VERLANDER (R) vs. JOSE SUAREZ (L)
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
HOUSTON is 12-5 (+2.2 Units) against LA ANGELS this season
9 of 15 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+2.2 Units)

JUSTIN VERLANDER vs. LA ANGELS since 1997
VERLANDER is 14-10 when starting against LA ANGELS with an ERA of 3.19 and a WHIP of 1.032.
His team's record is 16-12 (-1.4 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 17-8. (+8.2 units)

JOSE SUAREZ vs. HOUSTON since 1997
SUAREZ is 0-1 when starting against HOUSTON with an ERA of 5.63 and a WHIP of 2.000.
His team's record is 0-2 (-2.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-0. (+1.0 units)

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

OAKLAND (96 - 64) at SEATTLE (67 - 93) - 9:10 PM
BRETT ANDERSON (L) vs. MARCO GONZALES (L)
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
SEATTLE is 8-9 (+1.8 Units) against OAKLAND this season
9 of 17 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+0.4 Units)

BRETT ANDERSON vs. SEATTLE since 1997
ANDERSON is 10-5 when starting against SEATTLE with an ERA of 2.31 and a WHIP of 1.135.
His team's record is 11-10 (-1.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 7-12. (-5.6 units)

MARCO GONZALES vs. OAKLAND since 1997
GONZALES is 4-2 when starting against OAKLAND with an ERA of 4.25 and a WHIP of 1.228.
His team's record is 5-2 (+4.4 units) in these starts. The OVER is 5-2. (+2.9 units)

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

CLEVELAND (93 - 67) at WASHINGTON (91 - 69) - 4:05 PM
ADAM PLUTKO (R) vs. PAT CORBIN (L)
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
WASHINGTON is 1-0 (+1.0 Units) against CLEVELAND this season
1 of 1 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+1.0 Units)

ADAM PLUTKO vs. WASHINGTON since 1997
No recent starts.

PAT CORBIN vs. CLEVELAND since 1997
CORBIN is 1-0 when starting against CLEVELAND with an ERA of 0.00 and a WHIP of 1.000.
His team's record is 1-0 (+1.7 units) in these starts. The OVER is 0-1. (-1.0 units)

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

DETROIT (46 - 112) at CHI WHITE SOX (70 - 87) - 3:40 PM
MATT BOYD (L) vs. REYNALDO LOPEZ (R)
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
CHI WHITE SOX is 10-5 (+4.9 Units) against DETROIT this season
9 of 13 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+4.5 Units)

MATT BOYD vs. CHI WHITE SOX since 1997
BOYD is 4-5 when starting against CHI WHITE SOX with an ERA of 4.56 and a WHIP of 1.451.
His team's record is 5-8 (-4.1 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 5-7. (-3.0 units)

REYNALDO LOPEZ vs. DETROIT since 1997
LOPEZ is 2-4 when starting against DETROIT with an ERA of 3.95 and a WHIP of 1.258.
His team's record is 4-7 (-4.0 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 5-4. (+0.6 units)

 

[Cnotes53]

Nats beat Indians, will host NL wild-card
September 28, 2019
By The Associated Press

WASHINGTON (AP) The Washington Nationals assured themselves of hosting the NL wild-card game by holding on to beat the already-eliminated Cleveland Indians 10-7 Saturday with the help of a grand slam in a nine-run second inning from Gerardo Parra.

Nationals Park will be the site of a win-or-go-home game Tuesday night between Washington, which will send three-time Cy Young Award winner Max Scherzer to the mound, and either the St. Louis Cardinals or Milwaukee Brewers. One of those clubs will be the NL Central champion; the other will be the league's second wild-card entry.

Washington starter Patrick Corbin got hit around, giving up six runs in 4 1/3 innings - on three homers. Daniel Hudson (3-0), the fifth of six Washington pitchers, struck out two in a perfect eighth.

Cleveland's Adam Plutko (7-5) lasted 1 1/3 innings and was charged with eight runs and seven hits.

Jordan Luplow hit a solo homer, Franmil Reyes had a two-run drive and Eric Haase added a three-run shot for the Indians, who have lost four in a row. Luplow added another drive to left off Sean Doolittle with two outs in the ninth that allowed Cleveland to break the franchise record for homers in a season with 222.

DODGERS 2, GIANTS 0

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) - Hyun-Jin Ryu pitched seven sharp innings and Los Angeles posted its 105th win to match the highest total in franchise history.

The NL West champions won their sixth straight and tied the win mark of the 1953 ''Boys of Summer'' team based in Brooklyn that included Jackie Robinson, Duke Snider and other Hall of Famers.

The Dodgers began the day one game behind Houston for the best record in baseball and one game ahead of the Yankees. Los Angeles will begin the Division Series next Thursday at home against the NL wild-card winner.

Ryu (14-5) allowed five hits, struck out seven and didn't walk a batter. He also hit an RBI single. Kenta Maeda pitched the eighth. Kenley Jansen struck out three for his 33rd save.

Max Muncy hit his 35th homer in the sixth off rookie Logan Webb (2-3), who allowed two runs on six hits in six innings, struck out five and walked one.

CUBS 8, CARDINALS 6

ST. LOUIS (AP) -St. Louis' push for a division title will go down to the final day of the regular season following a loss to Chicago.

Adam Wainwright (14-10) allowed four homers for the first time in his career, but the Cardinals maintained a one-game lead over Milwaukee for the NL Central lead when the Brewers lost 3-2 in 10 innings at Colorado. If the teams are tied after Sunday's regular season finales, they will play a tiebreaking Game 163 in St. Louis on Monday.

Steve Cishek (4-6) and four other relievers turned a lead over to Brandon Kintzler, who pitched a scoreless ninth for his first save.

Wainwright (14-10) allowed six runs on a career high-tying 12 hits.

ROCKIES 3, BREWERS 2, 10 innings

DENVER (AP) - Milwaukee closer Josh Hader gave up a tying home run with two outs in the ninth inning and the Brewers lost to Colorado in 10 innings, preventing them from catching St. Louis atop the NL Central.

The Brewers will go into Sunday's regular-season finale one game behind the Cardinals, who lost 8-6 to the Chicago Cubs. If the Cards and Brewers wind up tied, there would be a one-game tiebreaker Monday in St. Louis for the division title.

If the Brewers don't overtake the Cardinals, they will play at Washington on Tuesday night in the NL wild-card game.

With a chance to tie for the division lead, Hader quickly retired the first two batters in the ninth. But rookie Sam Hilliard then stepped up as a pinch-hitter and launched an opposite-field drive to left field that made it 2-all.

Trevor Story led off the Colorado 10th with his 35th home run, connecting against Matt Albers (8-6).

Jairo Diaz (6-4) got the win.

ATHLETICS 1, MARINERS 0

SEATTLE (AP) - Ramon Laureano hit a solo home run in the third inning and Oakland beat Seattle to clinch home-field advantage for the American League wild-card game.

The A's will host the Tampa Bay Rays on Wednesday night. Tampa Bay lost 4-1 at Toronto earlier Saturday. Oakland has won three of its last four games and is 18-7 in September.

Oakland used Anderson (13-9) and three relievers for the victory. Anderson gave up three hits, struck out three and walked one in five innings, extending his career high for wins. Jesus Luzardo struck out three in the eighth and ninth for his second save.

Seattle's Marco Gonzales (16-13) took the loss.

ASTROS 6, ANGELS 3

ANAHEIM, Calif. (AP) - Justin Verlander recorded two strikeout milestones, getting his 3,000th in the majors and career-high 300th of the season, and Houston clinched home-field advantage throughout the postseason.

Jose Altuve and Josh Reddick homered to back Verlander (21-6), who became the 18th pitcher to reach 3,000 career punchouts and the 19th since 1900 to reach 300 in a season.

Verlander struck out 12 in six innings while allowing three runs and four hits.

Verlander and teammate Gerrit Cole are the first teammates to record at least 300 strikeouts in the same season since Curt Schilling and Randy Johnson for the Arizona Diamondbacks in 2002. Cole has 316 this year.

Houston rallied with a five-run sixth.

Luke Bard (3-3) took the loss.

Houston will face either Tampa Bay or Oakland, who play Wednesday night in the AL wild-card game, starting Friday in the Division Series. The Yankees and Minnesota will meet in the other ALDS, which starts the same day.

BLUE JAYS 4, RAYS 1

TORONTO (AP) - Tampa Bay managed just three hits and lost to Toronto, damaging the Rays' chances of hosting the AL Wild Card Game.

Matt Duffy homered in the seventh inning for Tampa Bay. Duffy finished with two hits and Tommy Pham singled for the team's other hit.

The Rays (96-65) secured a postseason berth Friday and began the day tied with Oakland in the wild-card race. The A's shut out Seattle 1-0 on Saturday night to clinch home field for the wild-card matchup.

Teoscar Hernandez hit his 25th homer for Toronto, and Trent Thornton (6-9) pitched five effective innings. Rowdy Tellez had two hits and drove in a run.

Ryan Yarbrough (11-6) allowed three runs before he recorded his first out of the game. He allowed three runs and five hits in five innings.

METS 3, BRAVES 0

NEW YORK (AP) - Pete Alonso hit his 53rd home run to break the rookie record Yankees star Aaron Judge set in 2017, and New York beat playoff-bound Atlanta.

Alonso has already set franchise records for homers, total bases (347) and extra-base hits (85). He has 120 RBIs and 102 runs, becoming the first Mets rookie to reach triple digits in both categories. The home run was his 11th of September.

Steven Matz (11-10) allowed two hits and five walks in six innings, finishing with a winning record for the first time since his first full season in 2016. Jeurys Familia, Brad Brach and Edwin Diaz finished the three-hitter. Diaz struck out two in a perfect ninth for his 26th save in 33 chances.

Mike Foltynewicz (8-6) gave up three runs and three hits in his final start for the NL East champions before the Division Series against St. Louis or Milwaukee.

TWINS 4, ROYALS 3

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) -Minnesota lost third baseman Luis Arraez to an apparent right leg injury in the seventh inning of a win over Kansas City.

Arraez collided with first baseman Willians Astudillo while chasing Hunter Dozier's pop fly at the mound. Astudillo caught the ball and Arraez grabbed the back of his right leg as he tumbled to the ground. Arraez had to be carted off the field.

Nelson Cruz hit a tiebreaking homer in the eighth for Minnesota, which has won six in a row and eight of nine overall. Mitch Garver had two doubles and scored twice, and Astudillo had two hits and two RBIs.

Kansas City slugger Jorge Soler went deep twice to move into the AL lead with 47 homers. Soler snapped a tie with the Angels' Mike Trout, who is out with an injury.

ORIOLES 9, RED SOX 4

BOSTON (AP) - Renato Nunez homered in his second straight game and was one of four Baltimore players to go deep in a win over Boston.

DJ Stewart, Richie Martin and Trey Mancini also homered for Baltimore, which won its 54th game of the season and has a chance to close out a dismal year with a three-game sweep of the defending World Series champion Red Sox.

Xander Bogaerts and J.D. Martinez homered for the Red Sox, who lost their third straight.

John Means (12-11) pitched five solid innings for the Orioles, allowing three runs on five hits. He walked two and struck out five.

Jhoulys Chacin (3-12) lasted just 2 2/3 innings for Boston. He allowed four runs on five hits, struck out three and walked one.

WHITE SOX 7, TIGERS 1, 1st GAME

TIGERS 4, WHITE SOX 3, 2ND GAME

CHICAGO (AP) - Pinch-hitter John Hicks connected for a three-run homer in the ninth inning, and Detroit beat Chicago for a doubleheader split.

Detroit was down 2-1 when Ronny Rodriguez reached on an error on shortstop Tim Anderson leading off the ninth. One out later, Travis Demeritte singled to put runners on the corners.

Hicks, batting for catcher Jake Rogers, then drove a 1-2 pitch from Alex Colome (4-5) deep to left for his 13th homer.

Buck Farmer (6-6) pitched a scoreless eighth and Joe Jimenez got three outs - giving up a pinch-hit solo homer to Yoan Moncada - for his ninth save.

Anderson, who is looking to become the third White Sox player to win a batting title, went 0 for 2 with two walks after sitting out the opener. He is batting .337.

In the first game, Reynaldo Lopez tossed five-hit ball into the ninth inning to lead Chicago.

Eloy Jimenez and Danny Mendick went deep for the White Sox.

Miguel Cabrera homered for Detroit, which has 113 losses on the season, the second-most in franchise history.

Lopez (10-15) allowed one run and five hits with nine strikeouts.

Matthew Boyd (9-12) allowed four runs, two earned, and six hits in four innings.

PHILLIES 9, MARLINS 3

PHILADELPHIA (AP) - Bryce Harper hit one of three Philadelphia home runs, and Zach Eflin pitched 7 2/3 strong innings in a win over Miami.

Cesar Hernandez and Maikel Franco also went deep for Philadelphia, which evened its season record against the Marlins at 9-9. The Phillies (81-80) will need to complete a three-game series sweep in Sunday's season finale to clinch their first winning record since going 102-60 in 2011.

Philadelphia tied a club record for homers in a month with 44. Harper has 114 RBIs.

Eflin (10-13) gave up three runs on six hits with six strikeouts and two walks.

Caleb Smith (10-11) allowed six runs, five earned, on five hits in three innings.

DIAMONDBACKS 6, PADRES 5

PHOENIX (AP) - Christian Walker hit his first career grand slam and added a solo shot to lead Arizona over San Diego.

Walker continued a breakout season with his 28th and 29th homers.

The Padres lost for the 14th time in 16 games. They had a 5-1 lead in the seventh inning, but Arizona rallied with five runs, including Walker's grand slam deep into the left-center seats off David Bednar (0-2).

San Diego hit three homers, including solo shots by Luis Urias and Eric Hosmer and a two-run blast by Manny Machado.

Arizona's Robbie Ray (12-9) gave up four runs over six innings in his career-high 33rd start of the season. He struck out 10. Jimmie Sherfy (1-0) earned the win after giving up one run in one inning of relief.

Kevin Ginkel earned his second save.

RANGERS 9, YANKEES 4

ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) - Luis Severino was erratic in his third and final start of the regular season, with four walks and a throwing error over three innings, and the AL East champion New York Yankees lost to Texas.

Rougned Odor had a career-high six RBIs for the Rangers, including his 30th homer that was a grand slam in the sixth to make it 8-1.

Severino (1-1) will go into the playoffs having pitched only 12 innings for the Yankees this season after recovering from a lat injury that had sidelined him since spring training.

The Rangers played the final night game at their ballpark before moving across the street to a new stadium next season. A day game Sunday wraps up the 26th and final season at the stadium that opened in 1994 as The Ballpark in Arlington.

Jonathan Hernandez (2-1), the second of six Texas pitchers, threw two scoreless innings.

REDS 4, PIRATES 2, 12 INNINGS

PITTSBURGH (AP) - Jose Iglesias doubled home the winning run in the 12th inning, relief pitcher R.J. Alaniz got his first career hit and victory, and Cincinnati outlasted Pittsburgh.

Iglesias' two-out liner to center snapped a 2-2 tie and came after the Pirates turned a double play. The hit scored Kyle Farmer, who led off with a single against Alex McRae (0-4).

Alaniz (1-0) singled in Iglesias with an insurance run in his first major league plate appearance and also pitched two scoreless innings.

Iglesias had three hits and two RBIs for the Reds, and Tucker Barnhart homered. The Pirates were held to five hits by seven pitchers and were shut out over the final 10 innings.

Cincinnati snapped a five-game losing streak. Pittsburgh's four-game winning streak ended.

 

[Cnotes53]

SCHEDULE FOR SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 29, 2019
Time (ET) Away Home Site
3:05 PM Baltimore Orioles Boston Red Sox Fenway Park
3:05 PM Cincinnati Reds Pittsburgh Pirates PNC Park
3:05 PM Cleveland Indians Washington Nationals Nationals Park
3:05 PM Los Angeles Dodgers San Francisco Giants Oracle Park
3:05 PM Miami Marlins Philadelphia Phillies Citizens Bank Park
3:05 PM New York Yankees Texas Rangers Globe Life Park in Arlington
3:07 PM Houston Astros Los Angeles Angels Angel Stadium of Anaheim
3:07 PM Tampa Bay Rays Toronto Blue Jays Rogers Centre
3:10 PM Atlanta Braves New York Mets Citi Field
3:10 PM Detroit Tigers Chicago White Sox Guaranteed Rate Field
3:10 PM Milwaukee Brewers Colorado Rockies Coors Field
3:10 PM Oakland Athletics Seattle Mariners T-Mobile Park
3:10 PM San Diego Padres Arizona Diamondbacks Chase Field
3:15 PM Chicago Cubs St. Louis Cardinals Busch Stadium
3:15 PM Minnesota Twins Kansas City Royals Ewing M. Kauffman Stadium


**************************



MLB SEPT. OPINIONS AND BEST BETS: ALL BASED ON 5 UNITS

DATE W-L-T % UNITS RECORD.


09/28/2019.......6-6-0.......50.00%.......+0.55
09/27/2019.....10-8-1.......55.56%.......+13.35
09/26/2019.......5-6-1......45.45%........-0.60
09/25/2019.....9-10-0.......47.37%.......-7.65
09/24/2019.....15-6-1.......71.43%......+48.85
09/23/2019.......1-7-1.......12.50%.......-32.00
09/22/2019....10-11-2.......47.62%.......+3.50
09/21/2019......8-15-0.......34.78%........-27.50
09/20/2019....11-13-0.......45.83%........-12.65
09/19/2019......3-11-0.......21.43%........-41.50
09/18/2019......12-8-1.......60.00%.......+25.30
09/17/2019......6-10-1.......37.50%........-20.85
09/16/2019........4-8-0.......33.33%........-19.90
09/15/2019...... 12-8-2..... 60.00%........+19.70
09/14/2019.......12-5-0......70.58%........+37.95
09/13/2019.......5-10-0......33.33%.........-29.00
09/12/2019.....11-11-0.......50.00%........+7.20
09/11/2019......7-10-2.......41.18%.........-13.10
09/10/2019........9-8-2.......52.94%.........+7.25
09/09/2019........8-7-0.......53.33%.........+4.75
09/08/2019...... 9-15-0..... 37.50% .........-33.60
09/07/2019.......15-7-0......68.18%.........+48.00
09/06/2019.......13-7-1 .....65.00% ........+40.20
09/05/2019.......11-9-0..... 55.00%........ +13.90
09/04/2019.......6-11-0......35.29%........ -26.50
09/03/2019.......8-10-0..... 44.44%........ -17.25
09/02/2019...... 9-8-1........52.94%......... +4.30
09/01/2019.... 13-14-1......48.15%......... -6.65

Totals.........232-241-7...... 49.04%..........-62.80


*****************************


BEST BETS:

DATE........................ATS.............UNITS. ............O/U...............UNITS.............TOTALS



09/28/2019............1 - 1............+3.05..............4 - 4..............-2.00..............+1.05
09/27/2019............2 - 3............+0.85..............8 - 5..............+12.50...........+13.35
09/26/2019............1 - 0............+11.45............4 - 6..............-13.00.............-1.55
09/25/2019............0 - 5............-25.00.............7 - 6..............+2.00..............-23.00
09/24/2019............2 - 3............-1.55...............10 - 2............+40.00............+38.45
09/23/2019............0 - 4............-20.00..............1 - 3.............-11.50.............-31.50
09/22/2019............4 - 4............+8.00..............4 - 7..............-18.50.............-10.50
09/21/2019............3 - 5............+2.50..............5 - 10.............-30.00............-27.50
09/20/2019............3 - 6............-14.15..............9 - 6 .............+12.00...........-2.15
09/19/2019............1 - 5............-18.50..............2 - 5..............-17.50............-36.00
09/18/2019............4 - 3............+12.80.............8 - 5..............+12.50...........+25.30
09/17/2019............2 - 2............+3.15...............4 - 8..............-24.00.............-20.85
09/16/2019............2 - 2............+3.10...............2 - 6..............-23.00.............-19.90
09/15/2019............2 - 5............-13.80.............10 - 3..............+33.50...........+19.70
09/14/2019............2 - 3............+4.45..............11 - 3.............+38.50............+42.95
09/13/2019............0 - 2............-10.00..............5 - 8..............-19.00..............-29.00
09/12/2019............3 - 5............+0.20...............7 - 6.............+2.00...............+2.20
09/11/2019............3 - 3............+5.40...............5 - 6..............-8.00...............-2.60
09/10/2019............3 - 2............+11.65.............6 - 5..............+2.50..............+14.15
09/09/2019............1 - 4.............-13.75.............5 - 3..............+8.50...............-5.25
09/08/2019............2 - 7.............-24.60.............7 - 8...............-9.00...............-33.60
09/07/2019............5 - 2............+26.15............10 - 4.............+28.00............+54.15
09/06/2019............7 - 0............+49.55.............7 - 6..............+2.00..............+51.55
09/05/2019............5 - 3............+17.40.............6 - 6..............-3.00...............+14.40
09/04/2019............2 - 5.............-13.50.............3 - 7...............-23.50..............-37.00
09/03/2019............2 - 2.............+4.00..............6 - 7...............-8.50...............-4.50
09/02/2019............1 - 4.............-13.70.............5 - 3...............+13.50.............-0.20
09/01/2019............4 - 6.............-6.35...............9 - 7...............+7.00..............+0.65

Totals..................65 - 91............-11.20........160 - 155..............+4.00..............-7.20

 

[Cnotes53]

Armadillo: Sunday's six-pack

Top six picks for Week 4 in Westgate Super Contest:

6) Texans -4.5 (752)

5) Saints +2.5 (812)

4) Cowboys -2.5 (845)

3) Vikings +1.5 (861)

2) Patriots -7 (930)

1) Chiefs -6.5 (1,463)

2019 record: 12-6


**********

Armadillo: Sunday's List of 13: Wrapping up a college football Saturday

13) Clemson 21, North Carolina 20? Tar Heels scored a TD with 1:17 left, then went for 2 points and the lead- they didn?t get it. Here is why I think that was a terrible idea:

? Recruiting is the lifeblood of all college football programs; for an underdog team like UNC, this was free advertising on national TV. You want the game to last as long as possible.
? Even if they lost in overtime, it would be a great headline: ?Tar Heels take Clemson to OT?
? All the pressure, 100% of it, is on Clemson. Play as long as you can; maybe they?ll screw it up.

? The game was televised on ESPN; Mack Brown spent the last five years working for ESPN, so all the announcers did was talk him up. The more of this, the better.
? The more recruits see of your stadium and enthusiastic fans, the better for you.
? Even if they get the 2-point conversion, Clemson had 1:17 left to try and beat them.

12) Oklahoma 55, Texas Tech 16? Jalen Hurts was 16-23/413 passing; how long can Oklahoma keep coach Lincoln Riley from jumping to the NFL?

Hurts is now 30-2 as a starting QB in college; in a perfect world, Alabama-Oklahoma would hook up in a January bowl game, Hurts against his old team. Good theater.

11) Alabama 59, Ole Miss 31? Tua Tagovailoa was 26-36/418 and six TD?s; Devonta Smith caught 11 balls for 274 yards and five TD?s. Thats a full day.

10) Baylor 23, Iowa State 21? Bears blew a 20-0 4th quarter lead on a hot day in Waco, then drove 49 yards on 14 plays and kicked the winning FG with 0:34 left. ISU had taken the lead on an 88-yard TD pass with 3:52 left.

9) Michigan 52, Rutgers 0? Why is Rutgers in the Big 14? What do they bring to the league?

Scarlet Knights are now 3-26 SU in conference play since joining the league; they?ve been outscored 82-0 in two league games this season.

In three years of Big 14 basketball, Rutgers is 13-43 in conference games; they haven?t been to the NCAA tournament since 1991. i won?t even bring up that the Big 14 is a midwestern league and Rutgers is in freakin? New Jersey.

It makes no sense; UConn would?ve been a better add, if they were so insistent on having an eastern team in the league. At least the Huskies are strong in basketball.

8) Arizona 20, UCLA 17? Arizona?s senior QB Tate sat this one out with an injury, but UCLA missed a short FG in last minute and falls to 1-4, and they trailed 49-17 in the game they won. Freshman QB Gunnell was 29-44/352 passing for Arizona.

7) Upsets:
? Houston (+7.5) 46, North Texas 25
? UMass (+7) 37, Akron 29
? Arkansas State (+7) 50, Troy 43
? Arizona State (+4) 24, California 17

6) SMU 48, South Florida 21? Mustangs are 5-0, averaging 44.4 ppg and they?ve beaten TCU.

5) Duke 45, Virginia Tech 10? This was the Hokies? worst home loss since 1974; they haven?t had back/back losing seasons since 1991-92, but appear headed that way this year.

4) Utah 38, Washington State 13? Last week the Coogs led UCLA 49-17 late in the 3rd quarter; in their last 79:00 of play, Wazzu has been outscored 105-27. Not good. Tough coaching job for Mike Leach now, restoring his players? confidence.

3) Houston 46, North Texas 25? Cougars? new QB Tune was 16-20/124 passing, and ran for 100 yards; line moved 10 points towards North Texas after Houston QB King red-shirted, so this was a good result for the bookmakers.

AAC teams were 4-0 out of conference this week, 3-0 vs C-USA teams.

2) Wisconsin 24, Northwestern 15? Two of Badgers? three TD?s were scored by their defense. Northwestern has now covered 15 of last 19 games as a road underdog.

1) Wyoming 53, UNLV 17? Wyoming ran the ball for 374 yards, and also averaged 10.2 yards per pass attempt. Ugly numbers. The new dome in Las Vegas opens next year; it is becoming less clear if Tony Sanchez will still be UNLV?s coach when next year gets here.

 

[Cnotes53]

MLB
Armadillo's Write-Up

Sunday, September 29

National League

Last day of the regular season; lot of bullpen games.

Marlins (56-105) @ Phillies (81-80)
Alcantara is 0-2, 3.66 in his last three starts; he is 1-1, 4.97 in two starts vs Philly this year. Team in his starts: 10-21
5-inning record: 13-15-3 Allowed run in 1st inning: 9-31 Over/under: 8-15-8

Team in his starts: 0-0
5-inning record: 0-0 Allowed run in 1st inning: 0-0 Over/under: 0-0

Miami is 3-4 in its last seven games; over is 5-3-1 in their last nine games. Over/under 1st 5 innings: under 4-3-1 last eight games.

Philly lost six of its last eight games; under is 8-4-3 in their last 16 games. Over/under 1st 5 innings: over 7-3-1 last 11 games.

Reds (74-87) @ Pirates (69-92)
Bauer is 1-0, 3.32 in his last three starts. Team in his starts: 3-7
5-inning record: 3-6-1 Allowed run in 1st inning: 5-10 Over/under: 5-4-1

Williams is 0-2, 7.86 in his last four starts; he is 2-0, 2.00 in three starts vs Cincy this year. Team in his starts: 14-11
5-inning record: 07-13-5 Allowed run in 1st inning: 11-25 Over/under: over 12-2 last 14

Cincinnati lost six of last eight games; under is 6-2 in their last eight road games. Over/under 1st 5 innings: over 5-1 last six games.

Pirates won four of their last five games; over is 4-2 in their last six home games. Over/under 1st 5 innings: under 6-3 last nine home games.

Braves (97-64) @ Mets (85-76)
Soroka is 2-0, 1.64 in his last two starts; he is 2-0, 3.65 in two starts vs NYM this year. Team in his starts: 19-9
5-inning record: 18-7-3 Allowed run in 1st inning: 6-28 Over/under: under 4-1-1 last six

Syndergaard is 0-1, 6.97 in his last four starts; he is starts vs Atlanta this year. Team in his starts: 18-13
5-inning record: 14-11-6 Allowed run in 1st inning: 8-31 Over/under: over 6-0 last six

Atlanta lost four of last five games; over is 7-5 in their last 12 road games. Over/under 1st 5 innings: under 5-3-1 last nine road games.

Mets won eight of last 11 games; over is 4-3 in their last seven games. Over/under 1st 5 innings: under 7-3-1 last 11 games.

Brewers (89-72) @ Rockies (70-91)
Woodruff is is 0-0, 0.00 in two opens (4 IP) since coming off the IL; he is starts vs Colorado. Team in his starts: 18-4
5-inning record: 15-6-1 Allowed run in 1st inning: 7-22 Over/under: 13-9

Hoffman is 1-1, 5.49 in his last four starts. Team in his starts: 6-8
5-inning record: 5-7-2 Allowed run in 1st inning: 6-14 Over/under: last three over

Brewers won seven of their last nine games; under is 7-4-1 in their last 12 games. Over/under 1st 5 innings: over 4-3 last seven games.

Colorado lost six of last ten games; over is 7-3 in their last ten home games. Over/under 1st 5 innings: over 10-5 last 15 games.

Cubs (84-77) @ Cardinals (90-71)
Team in his starts: 0-0
5-inning record: 0-0 Allowed run in 1st inning: 0-0 Over/under: 0-0

Flaherty is 5-2, 1.18 in his last nine starts; he is 1-1, 3.07 n five starts vs Chicago this year. Team in his starts: 16-16
5-inning record: 14-9-9 Allowed run in 1st inning: 5-32 Over/under: under 13-2 last 15

Cubs lost nine of their last 11 games; over is 10-5 in their last 15 games. Over/under 1st 5 innings: under 7-3 last ten games.

St Louis won six of last ten games; under is 3-3-1 in their last seven home games. Over/under 1st 5 innings: under 9-4 last 13 games.

Padres (70-91) @ Diamondbacks (84-77)
Team in his starts: 0-0
5-inning record: 0-0 Allowed run in 1st inning: 0-0 Over/under: 0-0

Team in his starts: 0-0
5-inning record: 0-0 Allowed run in 1st inning: 0-0 Over/under: 0-0

Padres lost 14 of last 16 games; under is 4-1-1 in their last six road games. Over/under 1st 5 innings: over 4-2 last six games.

Arizona won seven of last nine games; over is 7-2-2 in their last 11 games. Over/under 1st 5 innings: over 3-3 last six games.

Dodgers (105-56) @ Giants (77-84)
Hill is 0-0, 2.45 in his last three starts (3.2 IP); he is 1-0, 3.00 in two starts vs SF this year. Team in his starts: 9-3
5-inning record: 4-4-4 Allowed run in 1st inning: 5-12 Over/under: 6-4-2

Bumgarner is 0-1, 5.52 in his last five starts; he is 0-3, 4.37 in four starts vs LA this year. Team in his starts: 19-15
5-inning record: 14-13-7 Allowed run in 1st inning: 13-34 Over/under: over 5-1-1 last seven

Dodgers won their last six games; over is 6-3-1 in their last ten games. Over/under 1st 5 innings: over 7-2 last nine games.

Giants split their last six games; under is 6-3 in their last nine home games. Over/under 1st 5 innings: under 6-3 last nine home games. This is Bochy?s last game as SF?s manager.

American League
Rays (96-65) @ Blue Jays (66-95)
Snell is 1-0, 1.37 in his last five starts (19.2 IP); he is 0-1, 3.75 in two starts vs Toronto this. Team in his starts: 12-10
5-inning record: 9-10-3 Allowed run in 1st inning: 5-22 Over/under: over 6-2-1 last nine

Buchholz is 0-2, 10.70 in his last four starts; 0-1, 3.75 in two starts vs TB this year. Team in his starts: 5-6
5-inning record: 2-8-1 Allowed run in 1st inning: 3-11 Over/under: over 3-0 last three

Rays won seven of last nine games; over is 7-4 in their last 11 games. Over/under 1st 5 innings: under 6-2 last eight games.

Toronto is 10-7 in its last 17 games; over is 9-6 in their last 15 games. Over/under 1st 5 innings: under 6-2-1 last nine games.

Orioles (54-107) @ Red Sox (83-78)
Bundy is 1-1, 3.57 in his last three starts; he is starts vs Boston. Team in his starts: 10-20
5-inning record: 16-12-2 Allowed run in 1st inning: 10-30 Over/under: over 5-1 last six

Rodriguez is 2-0, 4.58 in his last three starts; he is 3-0, 1.29 in three starts vs Baltimore this year. Team in his starts: 25-8
5-inning record: 22-9-2 Allowed run in 1st inning: 10-33 Over/under: under 4-1-1 last six

Orioles are 9-8 in their last 17 games; under is 7-4 in their last 11 road games. Over/under 1st 5 innings: under 10-5-2 last 17 games.

Boston is 4-8 in its last 12 games; over is 8-1 in their last nine games. Over/under 1st 5 innings: over 6-1 last seven games.

New York (103-58) @ Rangers (77-84)
Tanaka is 1-1, 4.50 in his last four starts; he is starts vs Texas. Team in his starts: 20-11
5-inning record: 19-9-3 Allowed run in 1st inning: 5-31 Over/under: last three over

Lynn is 1-1, 3.26 in his last three starts; he is starts vs NY. Team in his starts: 1-8 last nine
5-inning record: 15-13-3 Allowed run in 1st inning: 12-31 Over/under: under 7-3 last ten

New York split its last 16 games; under is 7-4 in their last 11 games. Over/under 1st 5 innings: under 6-1-2 last nine games.

Texas lost 10 of last 13 games; over is 7-0 in their last seven games. Over/under 1st 5 innings: over 6-1-1 last eight games.

Tigers (47-113) @ White Sox (71-89)
Turnbull is 0-2, 3.94 in his last three starts. Team in his starts: 1-16 last 17
5-inning record: 6-22-2 Allowed run in 1st inning: 10-30 Over/under: under 5-2-1 last 8

Detwiler is 0-2, 10.80 in his last three starts. Team in his starts: 4-6
5-inning record: 3-7 Allowed run in 1st inning: 3-10 Over/under: 4-4-2

Detroit lost nine of last 11 games; under is 9-3-1 in their last 13 games. Over/under 1st 5 innings: under 5-1-2 last eight games.

White Sox won six of last nine games; over is 5-3 in their last eight home games. Over/under 1st 5 innings: over 4-1-1 last six games.

Twins (101-60) @ Royals (58-103)
Perez is 0-1, 9.75 in his last three starts; he is 0-1, 9.95 in four starts vs KC this year. Team in his starts: 17-11
5-inning record: 17-9-2 Allowed run in 1st inning: 7-28 Over/under: 17-11

Lopez is 0-2, 9.72 in his last two starts. Team in his starts: 5-12
5-inning record: 4-12-1 Allowed run in 1st inning: 6-17 Over/under: 10-6-1

Twins won eight of last nine games; over is 9-6 in their last 15 road games. Over/under 1st 5 innings: under 7-3 last ten road games.

Kansas City lost eight of last ten games; over is 4-1 in their last five games. Over/under 1st 5 innings: over 5-3 last eight games.

Astros (106-55) @ Angels (72-89)
Cole is 4-0, 1.16 in his last four starts; he is starts vs. LAA. Team in his starts: won last 12
5-inning record: 20-6-5 Allowed run in 1st inning: 10-31 Over/under: under 4-1 last five

Peters is 1-1, 4.80 in his last three starts; they may use an opener. Team in his starts: 0-0
5-inning record: 0-0 Allowed run in 1st inning: 0-0 Over/under: 0-0

Astros won 12 of last 13 games; under is 4-1 in their last five games. Over/under 1st 5 innings: under 5-0 last five games.

Angels lost 13 of last 17 games; over is 5-3 in their last eight games. Over/under 1st 5 innings: over 6-5 last 11 games.

A?s (97-64) @ Mariners (67-93)
Roark is 1-1, 9.45 in his last three starts. Team in his starts: 5-4
5-inning record: 6-2-1 Allowed run in 1st inning: 3-9 Over/under: 4-5

Team in his starts: 0-0
5-inning record: 0-0 Allowed run in 1st inning: 0-0 Over/under: 0-0

Oakland won 12 of last 16 games; under is 15-8 in their last 23 road games. Over/under 1st 5 innings: under 7-2 last nine games.

Seattle lost four of its last five games; under is 12-4 in their last 16 games. Over/under 1st 5 innings: under 5-3 last eight games.

Interleague
Indians (93-68) @ Nationals (92-69)
Clevinger is 2-1, 0.86 in his last three starts. Team in his starts: 10-5
5-inning record: 10-4-1 Allowed run in 1st inning: 4-15 Over/under: over 6-2 last eight

Ross is 0-1, 6.94 in his last three starts. Team in his starts: 5-2
5-inning record: 4-2-1 Allowed run in 1st inning: 1-7 Over/under: 2-4-1

Indians lost five of last seven games; over is 6-1 in their last seven games. Over/under 1st 5 innings: over 7-2 last nine games.

Washington won its last seven games; under is 3-3-2 in their last eight games. Over/under 1st 5 innings: under 10-5-2 last 17 home games.

Umpires
Mia-Phil: Under is 8-2 in last 10 Miller games.
Cin-Pitt: Four of last five Visconti games went over.
Atl-NY: Under is 8-2-1 in last 11 Porter games.
Mil-Colo: Under is 5-2 in first 5 innings in last seven TGibson tilts.
Chi-StL: Under is 3-1-2 in last six Eddings games.
SD-Az: Under is 4-1-1 in last six Muchlinski games.
LA-SF: Under is 4-2-1 in last seven Gonzalez games.

TB-Tor: Six of last eight Nelson games went over.
Balt-Bos: Over is 6-1-1 in last eight Ripperger games.
NYY-Tex: Over is 6-1-1 in last eight Baker games.
Min-KC: Over is 5-1-2 in last eight Libka games.
Hst-LAA: Over is 14-2-1 in last 17 Marquez games.
A?s-Sea: Underdogs won last five Hudson games.

Clev-Wsh: Under is 6-3-1 in last ten Blaser games.

%age of times teams score in first inning (road/home/total)
Team (road-home-total)- thru 9/5
Ariz 21-71??18-68??39
Atl 21-69?..25-71??46
Cubs 18-67??25-70?..43
Reds 24-67??27-73?..51
Colo 17-72??26-66??43
LA 20-67??25-73??45
Mia 13-66??20-70?..33
Milw 21-67?..25-71?..46
Mets 26-64??21-66?..47
Philly 17-66?..21-70??38
Pitt 25-71?..18-67??43
StL 17-68?..20-70??37
SD 19-68??21-68?..40
SF 10-71??15-66??25
Wash 22-69?..21-67??43

Orioles 20-71??.23-69..?.43
Boston 20-69??.24-69??44
W Sox 16-71??.18-68??.34
Clev 20-69?..21-71??..41
Det 21-71??18-65??..39
Astros 26-70?..17-69??..43
KC 19-68?..24-72??..43
Angels 26-72??15-67??.41
Twins 28-71??18-68??46
NYY 21-66??27-75??48
A?s 17-66?..19-71??.36
Sea 19-71?..17-69??.36
TB 24-70?..22-70??46
Texas 17-73?..24-67??.41
Toronto 18-71?..19-71??.37

Interleague play- 2019
NL @ AL? 83-63 NL, favorites -$1,467 over 68-67-5
AL @ NL? 68-66 NL, favorites -$1,900 over 73-58-8
Total: 151-129 NL, favorites -$3,367 Over 141-125-13

 

[Cnotes53]

MLB

Sunday, September 29

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Trend Report
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

NY Yankees @ Texas
NY Yankees
The total has gone OVER in 5 of NY Yankees's last 6 games when playing on the road against Texas
NY Yankees is 5-2 ATS in its last 7 games when playing Texas
Texas
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Texas's last 5 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Texas's last 5 games

Baltimore @ Boston
Baltimore
Baltimore is 5-0 ATS in its last 5 games on the road
Baltimore is 5-0 ATS in its last 5 games
Boston
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Boston's last 7 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Boston's last 5 games at home

Miami @ Philadelphia
Miami
Miami is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Philadelphia
Miami is 12-3 ATS in its last 15 games on the road
Philadelphia
Philadelphia is 16-6 SU in its last 22 games when playing at home against Miami
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Philadelphia's last 7 games when playing Miami

Cincinnati @ Pittsburgh
Cincinnati
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Cincinnati's last 8 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Cincinnati's last 7 games when playing on the road against Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh is 11-1 SU in its last 12 games when playing at home against Cincinnati
Pittsburgh is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games

LA Dodgers @ San Francisco
LA Dodgers
LA Dodgers is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games on the road
LA Dodgers is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games
San Francisco
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of San Francisco's last 6 games when playing at home against LA Dodgers
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of San Francisco's last 9 games at home

Cleveland @ Washington
Cleveland
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Cleveland's last 7 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Cleveland's last 5 games on the road
Washington
Washington is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games
Washington is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home

Houston @ LA Angels
Houston
Houston is 7-1 ATS in its last 8 games on the road
Houston is 7-1 SU in its last 8 games on the road
LA Angels
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of LA Angels's last 5 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of LA Angels's last 5 games at home

Tampa Bay @ Toronto
Tampa Bay
Tampa Bay is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games when playing Toronto
Tampa Bay is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing Toronto
Toronto
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Toronto's last 5 games when playing Tampa Bay
Toronto is 8-4 SU in its last 12 games

Detroit @ Chi White Sox
Detroit
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Detroit's last 5 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Detroit's last 5 games
Chi White Sox
Chi White Sox is 10-4 SU in its last 14 games when playing Detroit
Chi White Sox is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games when playing at home against Detroit

San Diego @ Arizona
San Diego
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of San Diego's last 6 games on the road
San Diego is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games when playing Arizona
Arizona
Arizona is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against San Diego
Arizona is 7-1 SU in its last 8 games when playing San Diego

Milwaukee @ Colorado
Milwaukee
The total has gone UNDER in 11 of Milwaukee's last 13 games when playing on the road against Colorado
Milwaukee is 18-4 SU in its last 22 games
Colorado
The total has gone UNDER in 11 of Colorado's last 13 games when playing at home against Milwaukee
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Colorado's last 5 games at home

Atlanta @ NY Mets
Atlanta
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Atlanta's last 5 games when playing on the road against NY Mets
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Atlanta's last 5 games when playing NY Mets
NY Mets
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of NY Mets's last 5 games when playing Atlanta
NY Mets is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games

Oakland @ Seattle
Oakland
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Oakland's last 5 games
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Oakland's last 5 games on the road
Seattle
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Seattle's last 5 games
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Seattle's last 5 games at home

Minnesota @ Kansas City
Minnesota
Minnesota is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games on the road
Minnesota is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games
Kansas City
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Kansas City's last 6 games when playing at home against Minnesota
Kansas City is 14-3 ATS in its last 17 games when playing at home against Minnesota

Chi Cubs @ St. Louis
Chi Cubs
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Chi Cubs's last 5 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Chi Cubs's last 5 games on the road
St. Louis
The total has gone OVER in 4 of St. Louis's last 5 games
The total has gone UNDER in 9 of St. Louis's last 12 games when playing at home against Chi Cubs

 

[Cnotes53]

*Armadillo: Monday's six-pack*

Top six picks for Week 4 in Westgate Super Contest:

6) Texans -4.5 (752)- L

5) Saints +2.5 (812)- W

4) Cowboys -2.5 (845)- L

3) Vikings +1.5 (861)- L

2) Patriots -7 (930)- L

1) Chiefs -6.5 (1,463)- L

2019 record: 13-11


**********

*Armadillo: Monday's Den; Wrapping up an NFL Sunday?? *

*Patriots 16, Bills 10:*
? Patriots scored only one offensive TD; they also blocked a punt for a TD.
? NE on eight drives that started 75+ yards from end zone: 0 points, 7 first downs.
? NE is 5-11 ATS in last 16 games as a divisional road favorite.

? Buffalo outgained New England 375-224, but was -3 in turnovers.
? Bills scored the first offensive TD vs NE this year, on Patriots? 42nd defensive drive.
? Buffalo lost for 29th time in last 31 games against New England.

*Carolina 16, Texans 10:*
? Carolina won both of backup QB Kyle Allen?s starts, after an 0-2 start with Cam Newton.
? Panthers are now 24-11 ATS in last 35 games as a road underdog.
? There were only four plays of 20+ yards in this game, 2nd least in any game this year.

? Houston?s only TD came on an 18-yard drive after they recovered a fumble.
? Texans averaged only 3.2 yards/pass attempt.
? AFC South teams are 7-3 vs spread this year outside the division.

*Browns 40, Ravens 25: *

? Heard a saying the other day: ?Each week is a new season.? Fits the Browns in Week 4.
? Nick Chubb ran the ball 20 times for 165 yards and three TD?s.
? Browns in 2nd half: 25 plays, 292 yards, 30 points.

? Cleveland gained 530 yards, averaged 8.7 yards per play.
? Game was 10-7 at halftime; Ravens turned ball over three times in 2nd half.
? Last three games, Baltimore allowed 7.7/7.9/10.5 yards/pass attempt.

*Giants 24, Redskins 3:*
? Washington became 8th team to change QB?s this year when they benched Keenum after he missed a wide open WR for what would?ve been a long TD pass.
? Rookie QB Haskins was 9-17/107 passing, ran for 23 yards.
? Redskins have allowed 118 points in their 0-4 start.

? Daniel Jones is now 2-0 as an NFL starter.
? Janoris Jenkins caught two of Haskins? three INT?s.
? Both teams turned ball over four times; yardage was 389-176, Giants.

*Chargers 30, Dolphins 10:*
? Total yardage in 2nd half was 156-36, Chargers.
? Chargers converted 8-13 on third down, averaged 9.7 yards/pass attempt.
? Win breaks Bolts? 38-year, 8-game losing streak on South Beach.

? Dolphins in 2nd half: 18 plays, 45 yards, 3 first downs.
? Miami has been outscored 81-0 in second half of games.
? 2020 NFL Draft begins April 23rd in Las Vegas.

*Raiders 31, Colts 24:*
? Oakland?s first two drives: 11 plays, 135 yards, two touchdowns.
? Raiders are 4-13-1 ATS in last 18 games as a road underdog
? Oakland scored clinching pick-6 with 2:09 left.

? Colts were outrushed 188-81
? Indy was outgained 193-15 in first quarter, outgained Oakland 129-24 in second.
? Colts threw 46 passes, ran ball only 23 times, a bad ratio for them.

*Chiefs 34, Lions 30:*
? Game was 13-13 with 9:30 left in 3rd quarter; Lions had ball on 1-yard line, but fumbled and KC ran it back 99 yards for a TD.
? Chiefs scored winning TD with 0:20 left after a 79-yard drive.
? KC has now scored 15 touchdowns on 38 drives.

? There were five lost fumbles in this game, all in the third quarter.
? Detroit lost despite an 11-yard edge in field position.
? NFC North teams are 7-2-1 ATS outside the division.

*Titans 24, Falcons 10:*
? Tennessee had a 17-yard edge in field position, which is huge.
? Titans averaged 7.7/8.4 yds/pass attempt in their wins, 3.7/5.1 in their losses.
? Home team lost seven of the eight 1:00 games this week; only the Giants won.

? Falcons ran ball 17 times for 58 yards; in four games, they?ve got 281 rushing yards.
? Ryan was 35-53/397 passing in a losing cause.
? Atlanta is now 0-12 ATS in last dozen games vs AFC opponents

*Buccaneers 55, Rams 40:*
? Winston was very efficient: 28-41/385 yards, four TD?s.
? Bucs scored 55 points, had only three plays of 20+ yards.
? Tampa dedicated game to their GM Licht, whose father died Saturday.

? You cannot win NFL games when you turn the ball over four times.
? Goff threw for 517 yards; 164 yards to Woods, 121 to Kupp.
? Under McVay, LA is 7-9 ATS as a home favorite.

*Seahawks 27, Cardinals 10:*
? Seattle wins its sixth straight visit to the desert.
? This was first game this season Seahawks led at halftime.
? Seattle scored two TD?s in 0:44 span in 1st quarter, second one a defensive TD.

? Cardinals have been outscored 68-22 in first half of games.
? Murray has been sacked 20 times in his first four NFL games.
? Arizona is 0-3-1, and they?ve only played one road game.

*Bears 16, Vikings 6:*
? Vikings are 2-0 at home, scoring 28-34 points, 0-2 on road, scoring 16-6 points.
? Minnesota ran ball for 40 yards here, after running for 591 yards in Weeks 1-3.
? Vikings are 4-9 ATS in last 13 games as a road dog, 7-11 in last 18 games on natural grass.

? Trubisky hurt his left shoulder; Chase Daniel was 22-30/195 passing.
? Daniel has been in NFL for 10 years, started four games, made $34.3M in salary.
? Under Nagy, Chicago is 7-1 ATS as a home favorite.

*Jaguars 26, Broncos 24:*
? Fournette ran 29 times for 225 yards.
? Jaguars ran 76 plays, Denver only 54.
? In second half, Jax ran 47 plays for 315 yards, scored 20 points.

? Denver lost its two home games, both on last-second field goals.
? Broncos led 17-6 at halftime, took 24-23 lead with 1:32 left after a 75-yard drive.
? Denver still has zero takeaways, but they did get their first five sacks this year.

*Saints 12, Cowboys 10:*
? Dallas ran for only 45 yards, after running for 213-235 yards in Weeks 2-3.
? Teams who were minus-2 or worse in turnovers this week are 0-6.
? Cowboys scored 35-31-31 points in their first three games.


? New Orleans failed to score an offensive TD for second time in three weeks.
? Last time Saints won without scoring a TD was back in 1998.
? Four trips to the red zone, Saints kicked four field goals.

 

[Cnotes53]

Nats head to playoffs on 8-game streak
September 29, 2019

WASHINGTON (AP) It's been more than a century since a major league team went from 12 games under .500 to as many wins as the Washington Nationals accumulated this season.

And the Nationals are surging into the playoffs, running their winning streak to a year-high eight games with an 8-2 victory Sunday over the eliminated Cleveland Indians in a regular-season finale that meant nothing to either club.

''Getting everything ready, everything set. Just keep it rolling,'' said left fielder Juan Soto, who's been struggling at the plate but delivered an RBI double in the first. ''I can tell you we're ready for the playoffs.''

Washington, which finished 93-69 after starting 19-31, will host the NL wild-card game Tuesday night against the Milwaukee Brewers.

''No matter how you start, the objective is to get to the postseason. The boys did that,'' Washington manager Dave Martinez said. ''We can all sit here and say, `Hey, it was ugly in the beginning.' But they stepped up and endured a lot and we're going to the postseason.''

He juggled his lineup a bit, resting a handful of regulars and allowing others to depart after two or three plate appearances. Catcher Kurt Suzuki - who missed most of September with a bad right elbow - hit his 17th homer, a two-run shot in the third inning. Brian Dozier and Gerardo Parra each drove in two runs in the sixth, and Parra tacked on a run-scoring hit in the eighth.

Parra, whose spot on the postseason roster has been in doubt, is 7 for 9 with 11 RBIs over the last three days.

''Suzuki was the big question mark, whether he could catch. The last two days, he proved he was good to go, and he's swinging the bat well,'' Martinez said. ''Everybody's healthy and we're ready to go.''

Joe Ross (4-4) went six innings for Washington, allowing four hits, including Francisco Lindor's 32nd homer leading off the third inning, and striking out eight batters.

Mike Clevinger (13-4) was charged with six runs over 5 2/3 innings and failed to collect what would have been a career-best 14th win.

''I went into it trying to have some fun,'' Clevinger said, ''and it wasn't a whole lot of fun.''

The Nationals finished second to Atlanta in the NL East with an 11-win improvement over 2018, when they missed the playoffs in Martinez's rookie year as a skipper. They did it without a winning streak longer than five games until now. According to the Elias Sports Bureau, via the Nationals, Washington's 93 wins are the most for a team that was 12 games below .500 since the 1914 Boston Braves went from 28-40 to 94 wins.

Before Sunday, Washington didn't know whether it would face Milwaukee or St. Louis on Tuesday. But St. Louis wrapped up the NL Central title by beating the Chicago Cubs 9-0, relegating Milwaukee to a wild-card spot.

The Indians, meanwhile, were officially knocked out of postseason contention Friday and closed with a five-game losing skid. Still, their 93-69 mark is better than the 91-71 record a year ago, when Terry Francona's team won its third consecutive AL Central title.

''Are we where we want to be? No,'' Francona said, ''but we're not going to quit until we get there.''

ATTENDANCE

The announced attendance of 36,764 gave the Nationals a season total of 2,259,781, an average of 27,899. Those numbers are down from 2018, when Washington had 2,529,604 spectators, an average of 31,230 - and represent the worst season figures since 2011, when the team drew fewer than 2 million fans.

BARRETT BACK AT HOME

Washington RHP Aaron Barrett entered in relief in the seventh, his first appearance at Nationals Park since August 2015. He had Tommy John reconstructive elbow surgery later that year, then broke his pitching arm in 2016 and missed all of 2017 and 2018. He was called up from the minors this month to make his return to the majors and pitched in two games for Washington - both on the road.

''Definitely a special moment, for sure,'' Barrett said.

 

[Cnotes53]

Manager Maddon won't be back with Cubs
September 29, 2019
By The Associated Press

From the moment Joe Maddon joined the Chicago Cubs, taking the reins in a Wrigleyville bar five years ago, he talked about winning.

He was the right manager at the right time for a franchise that had experienced mostly terrible timing for more than a century. Right until his time in Chicago ran out.

The Cubs will have a new manager next season after Maddon and president of baseball operations Theo Epstein announced Sunday it was time for a change after three years of declining results since the franchise's historic World Series championship in 2016.

The situation was finalized when Maddon and Epstein met in Epstein's hotel room after Saturday's 8-6 victory at St. Louis, sharing some wine and reminiscing about their wildly successful partnership.

Maddon's contract expired after Sunday's season-ending 9-0 loss to the NL Central champion Cardinals.

''Change can help you grow,'' Epstein said. ''And Joe said this change is going to help him grow and I feel it's going to help the Cubs grow, too.''

The move begins what could be an active offseason for Chicago, and the 65-year-old Maddon once again becomes one of baseball's top free agents.

''I want to continue to do this, whatever's next out there, I want to be able to be on top of that too,'' said Maddon, who has used everything from petting zoos to T-shirts with slogans like ''Embrace The Target'' and ''Do Simple Better'' to help his teams over the years.

''All of it's been positive, man, and it's been interesting, entertaining and quite frankly for this time of year, feeling pretty good, feeling pretty eager about everything, so it's been a good year.''

While Maddon is out after five seasons, he is tied to Chicago forever after managing the Cubs to the 2016 championship for the franchise's first title in 108 years.

Chicago also made it to the NL Championship Series in 2015 and 2017, but it lost in the wild-card round last October and tumbled out of the playoff race altogether this year. Weighed down by a puzzling discrepancy between their 51 wins at Wrigley Field and 33 road victories, the Cubs finished third in the NL Central.

''You look at the home and road splits and what we've done on the road ... I mean these are like some really crazy, hard-to-wrap-your-mind-around things,'' Maddon said this month. ''I don't know if somebody's going to dig deeply enough to really figure it out, but it's really, just to have your mind try to extrapolate what is going on here, it's hard to pinpoint anything.''

The Cubs were in position to make the playoffs for much of this season. They had a half-game lead in the NL Central on Aug. 22. They had control of an NL wild card into September.

But a nine-game slide, including five consecutive one-run losses for the first time since 1915, wiped out their postseason chances and sealed Maddon's fate.

''We just weren't able to get over the hump,'' he said.

Per the Cubs' request, Maddon employed a more hands-on approach this year, especially on the hitting side, but the lineup was still plagued by inconsistency. There also were surprising fielding and baserunning issues given the Cubs' strength in those areas since Maddon took over.

With Maddon gone, the focus turns to Epstein, and the club's continued inability to develop pitching help for the major league roster. Yu Darvish rediscovered his form after it looked as if the Japanese right-hander might have trouble living up to his $126 million, six-year contract, but reliever Brandon Morrow's $21 million, two-year deal was a costly mistake.

Even with the disappointing finish each of the past two years, Maddon likely will have plenty of suitors. And there will be a ton of interest in the Cubs' job.

''Oh yeah, I don't want to wait. I'm ready,'' Maddon said.

The last time Maddon was available, Epstein fired Rick Renteria after just one year to create an opening in Chicago.

Maddon's arrival in November 2014 coincided with the ascent of an impressive wave of prospects. A month after Maddon signed on, Jon Lester joined the Cubs in free agency, and the team took off from there.

Chicago won 103 games on its way to the NL Central title three years ago. After eliminating San Francisco and the Los Angeles Dodgers in the playoffs, the Cubs stopped their championship drought by beating the Cleveland Indians in a memorable Game 7 in the World Series.

''It's hard to express kind of how (it) feels. You kind of feel like it could be an end of an era,'' said veteran utilityman Ben Zobrist, who played for Maddon in Tampa Bay and Chicago. ''When I look at my career, he's at the top. ... Joe's a special person. Those kind of people, let alone managers, don't come along very often.''

 

[Cnotes53]

Pirates fire manager Hurdle after collapse
September 29, 2019
By The Associated Press

PITTSBURGH (AP) Clint Hurdle's booming voice and unrelenting optimism helped shake the Pittsburgh Pirates out of two decades of misery. His charisma gave the moribund franchise an identity, one that reconnected the club with a fan base worn down by a generation of losing.

Yet over the years, as the core that led the team to three straight playoff berths from 2013-15 vanished with trades, retirement and the pursuit of financial riches elsewhere, that optimism started to fly in the face of reality. Pittsburgh fell off the pace after winning 98 games in 2015, and as players shuffled in and out, the giddiness of those three intoxicating years of contention faded.

When Hurdle arrived for work Sunday for Pittsburgh's regular season finale against Cincinnati, the Pirates were assured of their worst record since 2011, his first year on the job. By the time Trevor Williams threw the first pitch to Jose Peraza, Hurdle already was headed home, his nine seasons in Pittsburgh over following a stunning second-half collapse marred by embarrassing off-the-field issues that indicated a clubhouse in disarray.

Calling it ''an extremely difficult decision,'' Pirates general manager Neal Huntington fired Hurdle in the final hours of a disappointing year, putting an abrupt end to a partnership that guided Pittsburgh back to relevance. The Pirates finished 69-93, including 25-48 since the All-Star break. Huntington stressed the front office wasn't making Hurdle a scapegoat for failings that stretched far beyond the manager's reach.

''There is no one thing that led us to this decision,'' Huntington said. ''It's easily summed in new voice, new leadership, new direction in the clubhouse but I'm not saying it's his fault. I'm sitting here wearing it. We are wearing it as an organization, and we're going to work our tails off to never be in this spot again.''

Hurdle went 735-720 in Pittsburgh, the fourth-winningest manager in the club's 132-year history in the National League. He took over a team coming off a 105-loss season the year before his arrival and with the help of a group that included star centerfielder Andrew McCutchen, orchestrated a revival that saw Pittsburgh become contenders in the NL Central.

Yet the Pirates never made it past the Division Series over the course of three consecutive playoff appearances. The team slid back to mediocrity as A.J. Burnett retired in 2015, McCutchen and pitcher Gerrit Cole were traded in January 2018, and catcher Russell Martin and pitcher J.A. Happ were among those who landed lucrative deals as free agents after playing pivotal roles in Pittsburgh's resurgence.

The Pirates averaged just 76 victories over Hurdle's final four seasons. He leaves with two years remaining on a contract extension he signed in 2017.

Bench coach Tom Prince filled in during a 3-1 loss after Hurdle declined the option of working one last day. Prince, who played for Pittsburgh from 1987-93 - his final year with the Pirates serving as the first of what would become a record 20 straight losing seasons for the franchise - called Hurdle ''an unbelievable man.''

''It's a tough time,'' Prince said. ''What he means to this organization. What he brought it back from? I was actually a player here. What he did to rebuild it and as a part of that? Tremendous.''

Huntington said he will explore both internal and external options for the team's 40th all-time manager. Prince and special assistant Jeff Banister - who took the Texas Rangers to the playoffs in 2013-14 before returning to Pittsburgh - both have deep ties to the team and Prince allowed he would be interested in the job.

Center fielder Starling Marte, the longest-tenured player on the roster, said he though Hurdle would be back in 2020.

''He's demonstrated to us that he's always been positive, always been a man with a plan and I really thought going into next year he was going to come in with a fresh plan, whole new energy, new perspective,'' Marte said through an interpreter. ''And when we received the news today, even though it was something out of our control, it was something that was surprising and shocking to us.''

While Hurdle is moving on, Huntington is not. Pirates chairman Bob Nutting said in a statement he ''strongly'' believes Huntington and his leadership team ''are the right people to continue to lead our baseball operations department.''

Hurdle is the fifth departing major league manager. San Francisco's Bruce Bochy and Kansas City's Ned Yost announced their retirements, San Diego's Andy Green was fired on Sept. 21, and the Cubs' Joe Maddon and Chicago announced Sunday he will not return.

Oakland's Bob Melvin, hired in June 2011, became the longest-tenured manager in the major leagues.

Shortly before his firing, Hurdle sounded upbeat about the direction of the team despite its post All-Star break funk. Pittsburgh entered the break at 44-45 but promptly lost 24 of its next 28 games. He told The Athletic last week he had received assurances he would return for a 10th season. Yet he also admitted part of a manager's job is to sell tickets by putting a winning team on the field.

Attendance at PNC Park has dropped in lock step with Pittsburgh's slide. The Pirates averaged 18,412 fans this season, down from 30,847 when Pittsburgh won 98 games in 2015.

''When you don't play well, the responsibility falls upon the manager of the team,'' Hurdle said. ''Then the people that make those decisions on whether the manager stays or the manager goes, coaching staff goes, coaching staff stays, players go, players stay, that's what front office does. . I've always felt I have a really good grasp on what my accountability and responsibility is. I've never shirked away from it or never not owned up to it. So, absolutely not winning enough games falls right here.''

Off the field, pitcher Felipe Vazquez was charged with statutory sexual assault, unlawful contact with a minor and corruption of minors, all felonies, and a misdemeanor count of indecent assault of a person under 16 years old. Reliever Keone Kela was suspended for an argument with a team official, and Vazquez and reliever Kyle Crick got into a fight that resulted in Crick needing season-ending surgery on his right index finger.

''(There are) players that have come through our system that talked about, `This is not what the Pirates do. This is not who we are,''' Huntington said. ''I'm not going to sit here and say that it's Clint Hurdle's fault. It's all of us. It's all of us in this.''

 

[Cnotes53]

LEADING OFF: Skippers on the hot seat, playoff teams ailing
September 29, 2019
By The Associated Press

A look at what's happening around the majors Monday:

HOT SEAT

The day after the regular season can be dicey for managers - a lot of teams like to make changes.

A couple of clubs got a head start on their winter plans Sunday, with the Cubs announcing Joe Maddon wouldn't be back and the Pirates firing Clint Hurdle. That makes five openings - San Francisco's Bruce Bochy and Kansas City's Ned Yost stepped away after previously saying they would retire, and San Diego's Andy Green was fired on Sept. 21.

Philadelphia's Gabe Kapler and the New York Mets' Mickey Callaway are thought to be in danger of losing their jobs this week.

Kapler's Phillies have gone 161-163 over two seasons, including 81-81 this year after signing Bryce Harper to a $330 million, 13-year contract, also adding Andrew McCutchen and David Robertson and trading for star catcher J.T. Realmuto and shortstop Jean Segura.

Callaway's Mets are 163-161, including 86-76 this year after first-year general manager Brodie Van Wagenen proclaimed New York the NL East favorite, telling rivals ''come get us.''

Hitting and pitching coaches across the majors could be in jeopardy, too, on teams that missed the playoffs.

HEALING UP

The Brewers hope outfielders Lorenzo Cain and Ryan Braun will be OK for Tuesday night's wild-card game at Washington. Cain sprained his left ankle sliding home Saturday, and while manager Craig Counsell was ''encouraged'' Sunday, he also didn't have a timeline for Cain's potential return. Counsell is more optimistic on Braun, who left a game Friday with a left calf strain but is expected to be ready for the Nationals.

Counsell, meanwhile, has yet to say who will start against Washington ace Max Scherzer.

HOW YOU DOIN'?

The Twins and Yankees have players in need of treatment before they open an AL Division Series in the Bronx on Friday. Minnesota rookie Luis Arraez sprained his right ankle Saturday, and head athletic trainer Tony Leo said it could be anywhere from a few days to a week before he's ready to return. Arraez hit .334 in 92 games.

New York third baseman Gio Urshela sprained his left ankle Sunday, but the Yankees say it was mild with no swelling. Urshela said he expects to be ready for the opener. The Yankees are less certain on slugger Edwin Encarnacion and his left oblique injury, although he's been adamant he'll be set.

WAIT AND SEE

The Astros are awaiting an update on shortstop Carlos Correa heading into their ALDS opener at home Friday against the winner of the Tampa Bay-Oakland wild-card game.

Correa sat out the final week of the regular season with a back injury and was expected to work out early this week to determine whether he can play in the first round. Correa has barely played since Aug. 19, making only 11 plate appearances since. He is batting .279 with 21 homers and 59 RBIs.

 

[Cnotes53]

Angels fire manager Ausmus after 72-90 record in only season
September 30, 2019
By The Associated Press

ANAHEIM, Calif. (AP) Manager Brad Ausmus has been fired by the Los Angeles Angels after just one season in charge.

Angels general manager Billy Eppler announced the decision to move on swiftly from Ausmus on Monday, a day after they finished 72-90 for the franchise's worst record since 1999.

The dismissal of Ausmus has sparked speculation that former bench coach Joe Maddon, who was let go by the Cubs this weekend, will take over as the Angels' manager.

Ausmus was the Angels' hand-picked replacement last October for Mike Scioscia, who spent 19 years on the Angels' bench and won their only World Series title in 2002.

After Ausmus was let go by the Detroit Tigers in late 2017 following four seasons as their manager, he spent the 2018 season as a special adviser to Eppler, gaining comprehensive insight into every level of the organization.

But that knowledge didn't translate to wins as the 17th manager in the franchise history of the Angels, who regressed in his sole season with a poor pitching staff and several underperforming position players. Ausmus' team struggled for nearly every month of the summer, except for a burst of inspired play through its grief over the midseason death of pitcher Tyler Skaggs in a hotel room in Texas.

The 50-year-old Ausmus was unable to stop the Angels' streak of five straight non-playoff seasons and four straight losing records during the prime of AL MVP favorite Mike Trout's career. Despite the majors' ninth-largest payroll this season at $164.4 million and the ideal franchise cornerstone in Trout, Los Angeles has made the playoffs just once in the past decade and hasn't won a postseason game since 2009.

Rumors began to swirl about Ausmus' job security last week while Maddon's future was being debated in Chicago. The Cubs' only World Series-winning manager of the past century decided to leave the club by mutual agreement last week.

The 65-year-old Maddon spent 31 years in the Angels organization, starting as a catcher and logging lengthy assignments as a minor league manager and a major league assistant coach, along with two stints as the Angels' interim manager. He was Scioscia's bench coach for six seasons, winning a World Series ring along the way, before he left to manage the Tampa Bay Rays.

Maddon was with the Angels when Arte Moreno bought the ballclub in 2003, and they have a cordial relationship. Ausmus on Sunday acknowledged he had heard the rumors linking Maddon to an Angels return.

''I have a contract,'' Ausmus said. ''That's the only thing I know. ... To be honest with you, I've learned to shrug those things off. There was a point in 2015 in Detroit, my second year there, it came out I was being fired, and (I) was there two more years. You learn to take it with a grain of salt. Those types of decisions are not in my control, so I don't worry too much about them.''

Ausmus was hired to provide a fresh voice to the Angels after nearly two decades under Scioscia while incorporating new-school strategies in analytics and player management. He did all of those things while maintaining an apparently strong relationship with Trout and his other players, but the results never showed up.

The Angels went 12-6 immediately after Skaggs' death on July 1, improving to 54-49 while rallying together in the wake of their well-liked starting pitcher's sudden death. But Los Angeles' AL wild card hopes abruptly fell apart in late July with a 2-5 homestand against AL cellar-dwellers Baltimore and Detroit, starting with a 16-inning loss to the Orioles that depleted their pitching staff.

The Angels went 7-18 in September and finished 37 games behind the AL West champion Houston Astros.

''The thing that's going to stand out the most obviously is Tyler,'' Ausmus said Sunday when asked to reflect on the season. ''There's no way around it. That's what I'll remember most about the season. There are some positives. ... There were definitely some bright spots. Despite the disappointing record, it wasn't all doom and gloom.''

Los Angeles was outscored by 99 runs this season despite a lineup including Trout, Albert Pujols, Justin Upton, All-Star infielder Tommy La Stella, Andrelton Simmons and designated hitter Shohei Ohtani, who couldn't pitch this season while recovering from Tommy John surgery. Several hitters struggled with injuries, and several more had underwhelming seasons, including high-priced veteran sluggers Pujols and Upton.

But the Angels' biggest problem was a subpar pitching staff assembled by Eppler, who has been fairly successful otherwise in his reconstruction of a depleted organization over the last four years. His top three free-agent pickups - Matt Harvey, Trevor Cahill and Cody Allen - all flopped mightily, wasting a combined $28.5 million. Only Cahill finished the season with the Angels, and he was banished from the rotation to the bullpen after being LA's opening day starter.

The Angels' 5.12 ERA was 25th among the 30 big league teams, and they finished in the bottom half of the league in most additional categories. The emergence of relievers Hansel Robles and Ty Buttrey in a fairly solid bullpen didn't make up for a rotation filled with underperforming veterans and rookies likely forced into the big leagues before their time.

Ausmus played 18 major league seasons as a cerebral, sure-handed catcher with four franchises, earning three Gold Gloves and an All-Star selection. He spent the first three years after his playing career working as a field executive for the San Diego Padres, who also don't have a manager after firing Andy Green on Sept. 21.

 

[Cnotes53]

Marlins begin another long offseason
September 30, 2019
By The Associated Press

MIAMI (AP) Derek Jeter watched the first pitch on opening day from the owner's box next to the dugout, but within a few innings he retreated to a more secluded location and rarely returned to his field-level seat during the season.

Alas, from whatever vantage point, Jeter's team looked bad.

Even by the Miami Marlins' modest standards, their 10th consecutive losing season was especially unsightly. They exceeded 100 losses for the first time since 1998 and only the second time in franchise history, finishing 57-105 and 40 games out of first place in the NL East, which they've never won.

Despite progress in the farm system that was much needed, at the big league level there was no sign of the turnaround Jeter has promised since his group bought the team two years ago.

''It has been frustrating, to say the least,'' Jeter said. ''We don't want to have just the best minor league system; we want to have the best major league team. We still have a long way to go.''

Translation: Don't expect dramatic improvement in 2020 from a franchise that played its most recent postseason game 16 years ago.

Here are things to know as the Marlins head into another long offseason:

FEEBLE OFFENSE

The Marlins finished last in the majors with an OPS of .673. Brian Anderson led them at .811, which was lower than the OPS for three teams.

As for pitching, Miami allowed 615 walks, most in the majors. The rotation to begin the season went 28-55, and only one pitcher won more than six games.

''It has been tough to watch at times,'' Jeter said. ''And I think the players will tell you it has been tough to play like this.''

COUNTING ON YOUTH

For the first time since 2012, the combined record of the franchise's minor league teams was above .500. The organization believes the pipeline of talent will soon help the major league team's record, too.

''With what's going on at Triple-A and Double-A, there are players coming up,'' manager Don Mattingly said. ''And that happens fast.''

The Marlins' $72 million payroll was the lowest in the National League, and they won't be big spenders this winter. Revenue constraints are always an issue, and Jeter doesn't want to clog the roster with free agents, figuring the Marlins will soon fill most positions by promoting prospects.

''You want to give them enough time to continue to develop,'' Jeter said. ''But you don't want to block their way.''

SET AT SHORTSTOP

Among those who will be back next season are Mattingly and shortstop Miguel Rojas, who recently signed a two-year contract for a guaranteed $10.25 million. Rojas had the best year of his career, batting .284 with 29 doubles.

''It makes me emotional, because I'm so proud of him and who he has become,'' Mattingly said. ''There is no better example of what kind of player we want.''

COSTLY TRADES

Jeter's trades of such All-Stars as Christian Yelich and Giancarlo Stanton drew more attention and derision, but the Marlins are also paying for former owner Jeffrey Loria's unsuccessful win-now approach in the middle of decade. He traded away pitching prospects Domingo German, Chris Paddack, Luis Castillo and Anthony DeSclafani, whose combined record for other major league teams in 2019 was 51-28.

The only player from those deals still with the Marlins is infielder Martin Prado, who hit .233 with 15 RBIs this year.

APATHY

Jeter wasn't the only one leaving a seat empty. The Marlins drew 811,302 fans, an average of 10,016 - about the same as 2018. They finished last in the NL in attendance for the 14th time in the past 15 years.

Small crowds are part of the franchise's vicious cycle, resulting in low revenue, which leads to low payroll, which leads to bad teams, which leads to small crowds.

''We need more fans to come out, right?'' Jeter said. ''We're still trying to develop that trust.''

 

[Cnotes53]

Wild Card Trends
September 30, 2019
By VI News

MLB Wild Card History & Trends (2012-2018)

-- Favorites have won seven of the last eight Wild Card games

-- The 'over' is on a 3-1 run the past two years

-- Road teams have gone 8-6 overall

-- Favorites have gone 10-4 overall

-- Two wild card games have gone into extra innings and the underdog won both contests

-- The 'over'/under' has gone 7-7 overall


2018 WILD CARD RESULTS
Game Matchup Score Favorite-Underdog Over-Under
AL Oakland at N.Y. Yankees (-200) 7-2 Favorite Over (8.5)
NL Colorado (+125) at Chicago 2-1 (13) Underdog Under (7.5)

2017 WILD CARD RESULTS
Game Matchup Score Favorite-Underdog Over-Under
AL Minnesota at N.Y. Yankees (-255) 8-4 Favorite Over (7.5)
NL Colorado at Arizona (-150) 11-8 Favorite Over (8.5)

2016 WILD CARD RESULTS
Game Matchup Score Favorite-Underdog Over-Under
AL Baltimore at Toronto (-165) 5-2 Favorite Under (8.5)
NL San Francisco (-120) at N.Y. Mets 2-0 Favorite Under (6)

2015 WILD CARD RESULTS
Game Matchup Score Favorite-Underdog Over-Under
AL Houston (-110) at N.Y. Yankees 3-0 Favorite Under (7)
NL Chicago (-125) at Pittsburgh 4-0 Favorite Under (5.5)

2014 WILD CARD RESULTS
Game Matchup Score Favorite-Underdog Over-Under
AL Oakland at Kansas City (+100) 9-8 (12) Underdog Over (6.5)
NL San Francisco (-110) at Pittsburgh 8-0 Favorite Over (6.5)

2013 WILD CARD RESULTS
Game Matchup Score Favorite-Underdog Over-Under
AL Tampa Bay (-110) at Cleveland 6-2 Favorite Over (6.5)
NL Cincinnati at Pittsburgh (-145) 4-0 Favorite Under (7)

2012 WILD CARD RESULTS
Game Matchup Score Favorite-Underdog Over-Under
AL Baltimore (+210) at Texas 5-2 Underdog Under 9
NL St. Louis (+155) at Atlanta 6-3 Underdog Over 6.5

 

[Cnotes53]

Tuesday?s 6-pack

Payrolls for the 10 playoff teams in baseball:

New York $203,897,446
Washington $197,203,691
LA Dodgers $196,279,677
St Louis $162,620,267
Houston $158,053,000
Milwaukee $122,530,400
Minnesota $119,651,933
Atlanta $115,247,089
A?s $92,178,833
Tampa Bay $60,084,133

Quote of the Day
?You know how I feel about Thursday night games ? I feel like they are the dumbest thing ever.?
Todd Gurley

Tuesday?s quiz
Where did Jets? QB Sam Darnold play his college football?

Monday?s quiz
Clint Hurdle managed the Colorado Rockies in their one World Series appearance.

Sunday?s quiz
Dan Marino threw 72 TD passes against the Jets, the most career TD passes by any QB against any one team.

*************************

Tuesday?s List of 13: Nobody asked me, but??

13) Three years ago, the Cubs won the World Series for the first time in 108 years; Sunday, they fired manager Joe Maddon, who led them to that title.

When he was in Boston, Cubs GM Theo Epstein fired manager Terry Francona after the 2011 season; Francona won two World Series in eight years with the Red Sox, Boston?s first World Series titles in 86 years.

Not a lot of loyalty in either case there.

Maddon is 65 years old and made $6M this year; his successor will be younger and a lot cheaper.

12) The analytics crowd in baseball doesn?t value the field manager as much as they should; teams live/travel together for 7+ months. Having the right manager makes all the difference.

If you read this site, you know I love numbers, but those guys aren?t playing fantasy baseball, managers have to deal with fragile egos and huge egos and convince guys to accept what is best for the team- they have to have real life people skills. You think major league players like to be platooned constantly?

My point is this; maybe it isn?t Joe Maddon?s fault the Cubs faded down the stretch; maybe the roster Theo Epstein gave him just wasn?t good enough.

11) Angels fired manager Brad Ausmus after only one season, a year where one of their starting pitchers was found dead in his hotel room on a road trip; not exactly an ideal scenario.

Popular wisdom is that the Angels will go after former Angel coach Maddon to be their next manager.

10) Pirates fired manager Clint Hurdle, who was 735-720 in nine years managing the Pirates, with three playoff appearances. From 2013-15, Pirates were 280-206, and made the playoffs all three years. He also led the Rockies to a World Series; pretty strong resume.

9) Cleveland Indians won 93 games this year, the most by any non-playoff team since 2000, when the Mets went 94-68 but missed the playoffs by a game.

8) Pete Alonso hit 53 homers for the Mets this year; 31 of them came with the bases empty.

7) Friday night against the Dodgers, San Francisco became the first team since the 1950 Cardinals to score 2 or less runs in a game, while stranding 17+ runners on base.

6) Monthly sports betting handle:
May: Nevada $317.3M, New Jersey $318.9M
June: Nevada $322.5M, New Jersey $317.3M
July: Nevada $235M, New Jersey $251M
August: Nevada $287.7M, New Jersey $293.5M (Pennsylvania $109M)

5) Early in his career, Dodger SS Corey Seager irritated LA officials with the number of swings he took before, during and after games; they thought he overdid it. Seager was obsessed with perfecting his swing; when he had to miss 2018 with elbow/hip injuries, he became more coachable this year and had a solid 2019, hitting .272 with 84 RBI.

4) 10 years ago, the under-18 U.S. national baseball team had Tony Wolters, Nick Castellanos, Bryce Harper and Manny Machado on it, as well as pitchers Kevin Gausman, Robbie Ray and Jameson Taillon. Pretty good team; half of the 20 players made the major leagues.

3) Rutgers fired football coach Chris Ash before baseball season ended, which is unusual. Not a lot of college football coaches get the boot before Columbus Day.

2) Steelers 27, Bengals 3:
? This was a bad football game; the Bengals? offensive line was terrible.
? Andy Dalton was sacked eight times; he averaged 2.3 yards/pass attempt.
? Two of Pittsburgh?s three TD?s were on drives of less than 50 yards.

1) I know he is just an actor and he isn?t the characters he portrays, but I would still be queasy if Robert DeNiro was mad at me.

 

[Cnotes53]

LEADING OFF: Scherzer, Nats open MLB playoffs vs Brewers
September 30, 2019
By The Associated Press

A look at what's happening around the majors Tuesday:

START `EM UP

Max Scherzer throws the first pitch of this year's playoffs when Washington takes on the Milwaukee Brewers in the NL wild-card game at Nationals Park (8:08 p.m. EDT).

Since a 2013 AL Division Series victory for Detroit, Scherzer has made seven postseason appearances, in a mix of starting and relieving roles, and his teams are 0-7. Scherzer himself is 0-4 in that stretch, lowering his career record in the postseason from 4-1 to 4-5.

The three-time Cy Young Award winner was 11-7 with a 2.92 ERA was slowed by back trouble this season. The Nats will have Stephen Strasburg (18-6, 3.32) ready in the bullpen.

Brandon Woodruff (11-3, 3.62) will start for the Brewers. He has pitched in only two games since returning from a strained left oblique that sidelined him for nearly two full months; he went two hitless innings each time.

The Nationals are 0-3 in winner-take-all postseason games, all at home. They've never advanced in four previous trips to the playoffs over the past eight years.

The Brewers made it to Game 7 of the NL Championship Series last year before falling to the Dodgers. Milwaukee surged to the playoffs this September despite losing NL MVP Christian Yelich to a broken kneecap.

Milwaukee outfielders Ryan Braun and Lorenzo Cain each missed time in the last week with ailments. Braun expects to play; there's no decision yet on Cain.

WRIGLEY WRANGLING

The field of candidates to be the next manager of the Cubs is beginning to take shape. President of baseball operations Theo Epstein says former catcher David Ross is on the broad list being assembled by the front office. He also said he wants to talk to at least one member of the coaching staff about the job, and at least one other candidate is working for a team in the playoffs.

''We're full speed ahead,'' Epstein said.

The Cubs announced Sunday that manager Joe Maddon will not be back next year. His contract expired after they missed the playoffs for the first time since 2014.

The 42-year-old Ross played on the 2016 Cubs team that won the World Series. He serves as a special assistant in the team's baseball operations department, and also works for ESPN.

''I think it's one of the best jobs in baseball,'' Ross said on the network Sunday. ''I've got a lot of close ties with those guys. I think the interest would be there. I think my heart is drawn to that dugout a little bit.''

HEY JOE

The Angels need a new skipper, and old friend Joe Maddon might be a fit. The dismissal of Brad Ausmus on Monday immediately sparked speculation that Maddon, a former Angels bench coach who parted ways with the Cubs one day earlier, could return to the franchise where he spent three decades of his career. The 65-year-old Maddon was a catcher, minor league manager and major league assistant with the Halos, and he has a cordial relationship with owner Arte Moreno. Rumors began to swirl about Ausmus' job security last week while Maddon's future was being debated in Chicago. The Cubs' only World Series-winning manager of the past century decided to leave the club by mutual agreement over the weekend.

WORK IT OUT

The Rays and A's will loosen up at the Coliseum, a day before they meet in the AL wild-card game Wednesday (8:09 p.m. EDT). The winner takes on the Astros, beginning Friday at Houston.

Charlie Morton (16-6, 3.05 ERA) pitches for Tampa Bay. He was 1-0 in two starts vs. Oakland this year, allowing one earned run in 13 1/3 innings and striking out 15. The 35-year-old is in his first season with the Rays - in 2017 with the Astros, he was the winning pitcher as a starter in Game 7 of the AL Championship Series against the Yankees and he won Game 7 of the World Series in relief against the Dodgers.

The A's have not yet announced a starter. They went with an opener - a strategy pioneered by the Rays - in the wild-card game at Yankee Stadium last year and it didn't work out too well. Liam Hendriks gave up a first-inning homer to Aaron Judge and New York won 7-2.

The Athletics went 4-3 against the Rays this year, with all the games in June.

 

[Cnotes53]

AL Wild Card Best Bet
September 30, 2019
By Matt Blunt

Wednesday's MLB Betting Preview
Tampa Bay at Oakland (ESPN, 8:09 p.m. ET)

Really meaningful baseball is back in all of our lives now with the playoffs set to go on Tuesday night, and Wild Card games can be a great way to kick off what should be a great October. Yet, generally speaking, since these Wild Card games were instituted in 2012, you generally don't want to close with a plus-sign beside your name in the ML prices.

Only three underdogs (outside of general pick'em range) have gone on to play in the Divisional round, so Rays backers have that working against them.

MLB Wild Card History & Trends (2012-2018)

The price seems to matter more than the site for these games, as road teams do own a 8-6 SU advantage overall, doing most of that damage in the National League with a 5-2 SU record.

Over on the other side, AL home teams have won three in a row ? all three as hefty -160 chalk or greater ? and only the first Wild Card game back in 2012 saw the underdog closing at plus-money win the game outright.

That was the great Baltimore Orioles team of 2012 that had a breaking-in Manny Machado, a Chris Davis that wouldn't strike out 80% of the time, Adam Jones and Nick Markakis, and even Jake Arrieta on the initial climb of winning a Cy Young.

This year, the Rays have that underdog role working against them as they visit an Oakland franchise that's 0-2 SU in Wildcard games in the past. But the A's are also the only MLB franchise to make at least two Wild Card games and not win at least once, so it's not like history's completely on their side either.

Opening Odds: Tampa Bay (+126) vs Oakland (-136); Total 7.5

Still some pitching decisions to be made in this one for the hosts in Oakland, as Tampa's already decided to go with Charlie Morton this year and hope that the 2019 version of Charlie Morton stays hot. Morton was a huge reason as to why Tampa Bay found themselves in this game this year, and the way he closed out the year with his Rays team winning each of his last five starts was quite impressive.

And while Morton is coming off an impressive start of one-hit ball in six innings pitched, as good as that has to make some feel about he and the Rays chances in this game, it's got me a bit queasy. With it coming at the end of a solid stretch of pitching performances for Morton and it being do-or-die, that queasy feeling gets a little worse when thinking about backing Tampa Bay.

2019 Meetings (Athletics 4-3, Under 5-2)
June 10 - Rays (-240) 6 vs. Athletics 2, Under 9
June 11 - Athletics (+140) at Rays 3, Under 9
June 12 - Athletics (+136) at Rays 2, Under 8.5

June 20 - Athletics (-110) 5 vs. Rays 4, Over 7.5
June 21 - Rays (-101) 5 at Athletics 3, Under 9
June 22 - Athletics (-105) 4 vs. Rays 2, Under 9
June 23 - Rays (+115) 8 at Athletics, Over 9

Oakland's Wild Card history without a win in multiple appearances can be a mental hurdle if the A's let it. Last year's trip to New York for this game ended poorly for the A's as they went the bullpen day route that Milwaukee's likely to use some variation this year and got burned for it.

But Oakland fans only have to look to the Colorado Rockies as an example of the most recent team to get back to the Wild Card game after losing it the year before, as a 2017 NL Wildcard road loss turned into a 2018 NL Wild Card win for them.

It will be interesting to see who the A's start (and for how long), but it is hard not to like them at home for this game. Moneyball deserves a shot in a full playoff series for the first time since 2013, and the A's just have consistently better offensive production from their big names like Chapman and Olson to trust they'll get the job done. Last year's loss in New York was a necessary experience for those guys to improve, and it pays off with a Wild Card win this year.

Besides if you root for chaos in the playoffs at times, who's got a better shot to take out Houston then a division rival in the A's right?

Best Bet: Oakland ML