Sunday Tips

Lumi

LOKI
Forum Member
Aug 30, 2002
21,104
58
0
58
In the shadows
Sunday Tips

The Sunday card in Major League Baseball involves plenty of important matchups, especially in the American League. All three division leaders in the AL have an arms-length lead in their respective divisions, but could use a little more breathing room. Three key games inside the Junior Circuit give bettors good opportunities to wager and win.

Rays at Tigers (1:05 PM EST)

Tampa Bay and Detroit play the rubber match of their three-game set at Comerica Park, with the Rays trying to scratch and claw their way into the postseason. The Tigers continue to lead the AL Central race, looking for a return to the playoffs for the first time since winning the pennant in 2006.

Justin Verlander (14-7, 3.38 ERA) has been exceptional in two roles this season - at home, and during the day. Those two factors should bode well for Detroit backers, as Verlander is 7-2 at Comerica, and 6-2 when the sun is out. These two situations have also benefited 'under' players, as Verlander has nailed the 'under' in eight of 12 home contests, and seven of ten day games.





Jeff Niemann (12-5, 3.87 ERA) has received some of the best run support of any pitcher in baseball, as the Rays are plating an average of 6.46 runs in his 23 starts. Niemann is coming off a win over the Blue Jays his last time out, despite allowing six runs and eight hits in 6.1 innings of work. Niemann does own an impressive 7-3 mark away from Tropicana Field, but his ERA is 4.62 on the road.

Las Vegas Sports Consultants has opened the Tigers as a $1.50 home favorite, with the total set at 8 ? (Bet $1.25 to win $1.00 on the 'under').

Blue Jays at Red Sox (1:35 PM EST)

This was expected to be a pitcher's duel with Roy Halladay and Jon Lester taking the hill at Fenway Park. Halladay is still set to start, but Lester was scratched, as his start is getting pushed back to Tuesday at Tampa Bay. Nothing is wrong with Lester, but Tim Wakefield was set to take the hill Tuesday, and the knuckleballer's back is putting him on the shelf. With the changes, veteran right-hander Paul Byrd will get the start in the series finale.

Halladay (13-7, 3.03 ERA) is coming off his worst start of the season, allowing seven earned runs in six innings in a 12-7 loss to Tampa Bay. Halladay has not been particularly sharp since coming off the disabled list in late June. The Jays ace is 3-6 in 11 starts since June 29, including a 1-1 mark against Boston. Halladay pitched a gem against the Sox at Rogers Centre right after the All-Star Break, a complete-game six-hitter in a 3-1 victory. The former Cy Young Award winner was touched up by the Sox eleven days ago at home, allowing five runs and eight hits in five innings of a 6-1 loss.

Byrd will be making his first start since last September, but Boston did go 6-2 in eight starts as a member of the Sox over the final two months of 2008. Byrd compiled two less-than-stellar home starts against the Jays last season, giving up 20 hits and nine earned runs in 12.1 innings of work, losing twice.

Rangers at Twins (2:05 PM EST)

Texas will not go away in the AL Wild Card race, as the Rangers shut out the Twins Saturday night, 3-0. Minnesota remains 4 ? games behind Detroit in the AL Central, as Ron Gardenhire's club has won eight of their past 11. The Twins are finding ways to win close contests in this stretch, claiming six victories by a run.

Kevin Millwood (10-8, 3.63 ERA) takes the Metrodome hill, going for just his fourth road win on the season. The Rangers veteran righty has dropped six of his last seven starts against the Twins dating back to 2005. Millwood was knocked around by Minnesota in Arlington less than two weeks ago. He allowed seven hits and five earned runs in 5.2 innings of a 5-4 loss to the Twins.

Scott Baker (12-7, 4.47 ERA) has won four straight home starts, while the Twins are 7-2 his last nine outings overall. Baker's control has always been outstanding, as the Minnesota righty has walked just four batters his last six starts. The 'over' has turned into a solid play in Baker's home outings, hitting in nine of 13 starts at the Metrodome.

The Twins are listed as a $1.40 home favorite according to LVSC, with the totals set at 8 ? (Bet $1.25 to win $1.00 on the 'over').
 

Lumi

LOKI
Forum Member
Aug 30, 2002
21,104
58
0
58
In the shadows
Sunday's best MLB bets

Sunday's best MLB bets

Sunday's best MLB bets

Toronto Blue Jays at Boston Red Sox (-165, 8)

The Red Sox are not what the Doctor ordered.

Blue Jays ace Roy Halladay has not been himself in recent games and another date with the BoSox won?t help matters. Halladay is coming off back-to-back losses with one of those defeats credited to Boston.

The Red Sox got to Halladay for four runs on five hits in a 6-1 victory August 19. The crafty right-hander managed to strikeout seven batters but allowed two dingers in his worst showing against the AL East rival since the beginning of last season.

In his last starts, Halladay was hit hard by the Tampa Bay Rays. He allowed seven earned runs in six innings of work. Those two starts pretty much nixed any shot Halladay had of winning the AL Cy Young.

"I was trying to make quality pitches and I just didn't do it," Halladay told the press of his most recent starts. "I just did a bad job of pitching ahead, aggressively."

Heading into Saturday?s game, Boston has won four in a row against Toronto.

Pick: Boston -165

Chicago White Sox at New York Yankees (-230, 10.5)

Total bettors are looking at the ChiSox for a little help this weekend. Anyone betting the over has cursed Chicago?s feeble offense, which has accounted for just two runs in the first two games of their series with the New York Yankees.

The Bronx Bombers even hung 10 runs on the board Saturday, leaving the White Sox to score just one run to push with 11-run total. However, Chicago registered just one hit and struck out six times in a 10-0 shutout loss. The White Sox didn?t let the score keepers take the night off ? they did commit three errors Saturday.

"When you've got more errors than hits, you better look yourself in the mirror and start second-guessing yourself,? manager Ozzie Guillen told reporters. ?But I'm second-guessing myself right now, making the wrong lineup every day. I second-guess myself bringing in the wrong guys to pitch, second-guess myself [in that] we work so hard to put this team together, all the way from Spring Training, and when I look on the field ... It gets to the point where [if] you are a veteran player -- and I have a lot of respect for them -- you appreciate what they [have done] for you in the past, but this is not Major League Baseball, sorry."

The Yankees pitching a defense has done a good job nullifying opponents? bat, staying below the total in their past three games. For Chicago, this was the ninth time in the last 11 games the final score has been under the number.

Pick: Under 10.5
 

Lumi

LOKI
Forum Member
Aug 30, 2002
21,104
58
0
58
In the shadows
Sunday's streaking and slumping starting pitchers

Sunday's streaking and slumping starting pitchers

Sunday's streaking and slumping starting pitchers
Streaking

Bronson Arroyo, Cincinnati Reds

Maybe it?s that Rock Star attitude or all the ?legal? substances coursing through his veins. Whatever it is, Reds starter Bronson Arroyo is red hot.

Since the All-Star break, the right-hander is one of the best arms in the National League. He?s posting a 2.54 ERA with a WHIP of 1.15 during that span. But, due to poor run protection and bad bullpen, Arroyo has only two wins since the break.

In his most recent start, Arroyo went seven innings and allowed just one earned run on six hits for a no-decision.

Ross Ohlendorf, Pittsburgh Pirates

Ohlendorf apparently missed the memo on the Pirates packing it in for 2009. The righty is pitching like a postseason ace in his recent starts. He?s allowed more than two runs in just three of his past 10 starts and owns a 2.74 ERA since the All-Star break.

"He's fun to watch - the way he has developed, the way he has taken to everything," manager John Russell told reporters. "He has really grown as a pitcher, and it's been enjoyable to watch him grow. He just keeps taking it every outing and continuing to make great strides forward."

In his last three appearances, the Bucs are 3-0 with Ohlendorf pitching more than 19 innings in those wins. He went just over six innings against the heavy-hitting Philadelphia Phillies in his last starts, giving up just two earned runs (both home runs) for a no-decision.

Adam Wainwright, St. Louis Cardinals

If the Cardinals are going to make noise this postseason, Adam Wainwright will be playing the crash symbols. The righty is 7-2 in his last 10 starts and owns a 1.27 ERA since the break.

In his last three starts, Wainwright has bookended a two-run, no-decision with shutout efforts. His most recent appearance was a eight-inning clean sheet against the Houston Astros in which he allowed only three hits and struck out five batters.

Slumping

Jeff Suppan, Milwaukee Brewers

Ah, what a difference a year makes. Around this time last season, C.C. Sabathia was pushing the Brew Crew into the Wild Card spot. Fast forward to 2009 and Jeff Suppan is toeing the rubber in Milwaukee ? going winless since the middle of June.

Suppan has watched his ERA balloon to 9.00 in his four starts since the All-Star break. He spent a month on the injured list, making his return this past Tuesday. He went just over four innings and watched his pitch count pile up with five walks to his one strikeout. Suppan gave up nine hits which turned into four runs for a no-decision.
 

Lumi

LOKI
Forum Member
Aug 30, 2002
21,104
58
0
58
In the shadows
The San Diego Padres are aiming for their first sweep since late May this afternoon, when they close out a three-game series versus the homestanding Florida Marlins at Land Shark Stadium.

San Diego has won the first two portions of this Miami series and hasn't recorded a sweep since taking nine straight games versus the Reds, Giants and Cubs from May 15-24. In Saturday's 7-4 victory, Will Venable homered and Oscar Salazar went 3-for-4 with an RBI for the Padres, who have won four of their last five games. Tony Gwynn drove in a pair of runs in a winning cause.

Wade LeBlanc started for the Friars and was reached for four runs in six innings for the no-decision. Adam Russell threw a scoreless seventh inning for the win and Heath Bell struck out three in the ninth for his 31st save.

First-year righty Mat Latos gets the call for the Padres today and he is 0-2 in three trips to the hill since a personal four-game winning streak. Latos did not record a decision the last time out in a 2-1 win over Atlanta on August 25, as he gave up only two hits in seven shutout innings.

Latos, who is 4-3 with a 4.06 ERA in eight starts, has never faced Florida.

The Marlins have dropped three in a row and seven of their last 10 games to fall eight games off the mark in the National League East standings. They are also 4 1/2 games behind in the Wild Card race.

Ronny Paulino belted a two-run homer and finished with three RBI in last night's loss. Ricky Nolasco started for the Marlins and allowed three runs in 5 1/3 innings of work. Luis Ayala was saddled with the loss for giving up an additional three runs in relief.

Rookie Sean West gets the nod for the Marlins today and he is 5-5 with a 4.44 earned run average in 14 starts this season. He has won two of his last three starts, including an August 25 encounter with the New York Mets at home.

West held the Mets to one run over six innings of a 2-1 victory. He is 4-2 in eight starts at home this season and has never faced San Diego.

Florida swept a three-game series against San Diego from July 20-22 at Petco Park and has won six of the previous nine matchups between the clubs.
 

Lumi

LOKI
Forum Member
Aug 30, 2002
21,104
58
0
58
In the shadows
San Diego Padres (56-75) at Florida Marlins (67-62)
Game One San Diego 9, Florida 5
Game Two San Diego 7, Florida 4
Game Three Sunday, August 30th, 1:10 p.m.
Records
2009 Head-to-Head Record Florida 3-2 (3-0 at SD; 0-2 at Fla)
2008 Head-to-Head Record Florida 4-2 (2-1 at SD; 2-1 at Fla)
2007 Head-to-Head Record San Diego 4-3 (2-2 at SD; 2-1 at Fla)
2006 Head-to-Head Record Tied 3-3 (Fla 2-1 at SD; 1-2 at Home)
Home Record San Diego 33-34; Florida 36-31
Away Record San Diego 23-41; Florida 31-31
Current Streak San Diego (W2); Florida (L3)
Record vs. Eastern Division San Diego 13-15
Record vs. Western Division Florida 16-16
2009 Meetings
7/20 - Florida, 3-2 (at SD - WP: VandenHurk; LP: Burke)
7/21 - Florida, 3-2 (at SD - WP: Volstad; LP: Gaudin)
7/22 - Florida, 5-0 (at SD - WP: Nolasco; LP: Geer)
8/28 - San Diego, 9-5 (at Fla - WP: Correia; LP: Volstad)
8/29 - San Diego, 7-4 (at Fla - WP: Russell; LP: Ayala)
2008 Meetings
5/02 - Florida, 6-4 (at Fla - WP: M.Hendrickson; LP: Germano)
5/03 - San Diego, 7-2 (at Fla - WP: Peavy; LP: Nolasco)
5/04 - Florida, 10-3 (at Fla - WP: An.Miller; LP: Maddux)
7/07 - Florida, 3-1 (at SD - WP: Nolasco; LP: Maddux)
7/08 - San Diego, 10-1 (at SD - WP: Ra.Wolf; LP: An.Miller)
7/09 - Florida, 5-2 (at SD - WP: Olsen; LP: Baek)
2007 Meetings
5/04 - Florida, 5-4 (at Fla - WP: Tankersley; LP: Linebrink)
5/05 - San Diego, 7-6 (12) (at Fla - WP: Hampson; LP: Gardner)
5/06 - San Diego, 3-1 (at Fla - WP: Peavy; LP: Olsen)
7/02 - San Diego, 3-1 (at SD - WP: D.Wells; LP: Mitre)
7/03 - Florida, 6-4 (at SD - WP: Ju.Miller; LP: Maddux)
7/04 - San Diego, 1-0 (at SD - WP: H.Bell; LP: Lindstrom)
7/05 - Florida, 3-2 (at SD - WP: B-H.Kim; LP: Peavy)
2006 Meetings
4/11 - San Diego, 9-3 (at Fla - WP: W.Williams; LP: Mitre)
4/12 - San Diego, 7-2 (at Fla - WP: Young; LP: Moehler)
4/13 - Florida, 9-2 (at Fla - WP: J.Vargas; LP: Brazelton)
6/09 - San Diego, 3-2 (at SD - WP: Young; LP: Nolasco)
6/10 - Florida, 2-1 (at SD - WP: Olsen; LP: Hensley)
6/11 - Florida, 7-3 (at SD - WP: Moehler; LP: Peavy)
San Diego last five games Florida last five games
8/25 - W at Atlanta, 2-1 (12) 8/25 - W vs. NY Mets, 2-1
8/26 - W at Atlanta, 12-5 8/26 - W vs. NY Mets, 5-3
8/27 - L at Atlanta, 1-9 8/27 - L vs. NY Mets, 3-10
8/28 - W at Florida, 9-5 8/28 - L vs. San Diego, 5-9
8/29 - W at Florida, 7-4 8/29 - L vs. San Diego, 4-7
 

Lumi

LOKI
Forum Member
Aug 30, 2002
21,104
58
0
58
In the shadows
Starting Lineup: San Diego at Florida

Starting Lineup: San Diego at Florida

Starting Lineup: San Diego at Florida


San Diego
Pos Player HR RBI AVG
SS Cabrera, Everth 2 26 .271
2B Rodriguez, Luis 2 16 .215
1B Salazar, Oscar 1 6 .314
3B Kouzmanoff, Kevin 16 75 .257
LF Headley, Chase 9 47 .258
RF Venable, Will 9 29 .269
C Blanco, Henry 5 13 .236
CF Gwynn, Tony 1 13 .273
P Latos, Mat (4-3, 4.06)
Florida
Pos Player HR RBI AVG
LF Coghlan, Chris 9 37 .296
1B Gload, Ross 4 25 .258
SS Ramirez, Hanley 19 86 .362
3B Cantu, Jorge 13 71 .276
C Baker, John 8 40 .268
2B Uggla, Dan 23 67 .239
CF Ross, Cody 20 70 .271
RF Hermida, Jeremy 13 47 .266
P West, Sean (5-5, 4.44)
 

Lumi

LOKI
Forum Member
Aug 30, 2002
21,104
58
0
58
In the shadows
Chicago White Sox (64-66) at New York Yankees (81-48), 1:05 p.m.

Chicago White Sox (64-66) at New York Yankees (81-48), 1:05 p.m.

Chicago White Sox (64-66) at New York Yankees (81-48), 1:05 p.m.

Probable Starting Pitchers: Chicago - Freddy Garcia (0-1, 6.75) New York - Joba Chamberlain (8-4, 4.34)

The latest version of the 'Joba Rules' take effect this afternoon when the New York Yankees and Chicago White Sox conclude their three-game series at Yankee Stadium.

New York stated on Friday that Joba Chamberlain will pitch on regular rest, but with less innings pitched for the remainder of the regular season.

The team had been tinkering with the right-hander's days off between starts in an effort to keep him fresh and hold him to around 160 innings. That plan didn't work out so well, as Chamberlain struggled in his last start against Texas on Tuesday following eight days rest. He was touched for seven runs and nine hits in four innings.

After surrendering two runs in 21 2/3 innings in his three starts (3-0) after the All-Star break, Chamberlain has surrendered 19 in his four subsequent outings (1-2), spanning 20 frames. He is 8-4 on the year with a 4.34 earned run average.

Chamberlain will be making his first-ever start against the White Sox, but has faced them four times out of the bullpen and is 0-1 in those outings with a 1.80 ERA.

Chicago, meanwhile, will hand the ball to righty Freddy Garcia, who is 0-1 with 6.75 ERA. After losing his season debut, Garcia picked up a no-decision in Boston on Tuesday, as he allowed three runs and five hits in 6 1/3 innings of his team's 6-3 loss. He had surrendered five runs and seven hits in 4 1/3 innings to the Kansas City Royals in his first start,

Garcia has faced the Yankees nine times in his career and is 4-3 against them with a 4.19 ERA.

On Saturday, Sergio Mitre gave up just one hit to help the Yankees take a 10-0 win.

Mitre (3-1) also walked one through 6 1/3 innings but had to leave early after taking a line drive off his right arm. He has a right arm contusion and had X- rays taken at the stadium that came back negative.

"I just attacked the strike zone all game long," said Mitre. "When my mechanics are right and I'm finishing my pitches those are the type of results I will get."

Robinson Cano had three hits, drove in two and scored once while Alex Rodriguez had a solo home run, two RBI and two runs scored for the Yankees, who have won three of four.

New York maintained its six-game lead over Boston, which defeated Toronto on Saturday, for first place in the AL East.

Jim Thome's double was the lone hit for the White Sox, who have dropped two straight and six of seven. Jose Contreras (5-13) was clubbed for eight runs -- six earned -- on nine hits with two walks and three strikeouts over just 3 1/3 innings.

"I'm the one you should be blaming and I will take the blame 100 percent," said Chicago manager Ozzie Guillen. "But give me some ammunition to fight with. Today's game was just embarrassing."

Though the Yankees are 22-8 versus the AL Central this year, they lost three of four in Chicago from July 30-August 2. They will shoot for a three- game sweep in the Bronx this afternoon.
 

Lumi

LOKI
Forum Member
Aug 30, 2002
21,104
58
0
58
In the shadows
Chicago White Sox at New York Yankees

Chicago White Sox at New York Yankees

Chicago White Sox at New York Yankees

Chicago White Sox (64-66) at New York Yankees (81-48)
Game One New York 5, Chicago 2 (10 innings)
Game Two New York 10, Chicago 0
Game Three Sunday, August 30th, 1:05 p.m.
Records
2009 Head-to-Head Record Tied 3-3 (NY 1-3 at Chi; 2-0 at Home)
2008 Head-to-Head Record New York 5-2 (2-1 at Chi; 3-1 at NY)
2007 Head-to-Head Record New York 6-4 (4-3 at Chi; 2-1 at NY)
2006 Head-to-Head Record New York 4-2 (1-2 at Chi; 3-0 at NY)
Home Record Chicago 36-30; New York 44-20
Away Record Chicago 28-36; New York 37-28
Current Streak Chicago (L2); New York (W2)
Record vs. Eastern Division Chicago 15-19
Record vs. Central Division New York 22-8
2009 Meetings
7/30 - Chicago, 3-2 (at Chi - WP: Thornton; LP: P.Hughes)
7/31 - Chicago, 10-5 (at Chi - WP: T.Pena; LP: D.Robertson)
8/01 - Chicago, 14-4 (at Chi - WP: Danks; LP: AJ.Burnett)
8/02 - New York, 8-5 (at Chi - WP: Sabathia; LP: Buehrle)
8/28 - New York, 5-2 (10) (at NY - WP: Bruney; LP: Williams)
8/29 - New York, 10-0 (at NY - WP: Mitre; LP: Contreras)
2008 Meetings
4/22 - New York, 9-5 (at Chi - WP: Wang; LP: Contreras)
4/23 - New York, 6-4 (at Chi - WP: Mussina; LP: Vazquez)
4/24 - Chicago, 7-6 (at Chi - WP: Jenks; LP: Chamberlain)
9/15 - New York, 4-2 (at NY - WP: Coke; LP: Wassermann)
9/16 - Chicago, 6-2 (at NY - WP: Floyd; LP: Pettitte)
9/17 - New York, 5-1 (at NY - WP: Bruney; LP: Richard)
9/18 - New York, 9-2 (at NY - WP: Mussina; LP: Vazquez)
2007 Meetings
5/15 - Postponed at Chicago (Made-up May 16th)
5/16 - Chicago, 5-3 (at Chi - WP: Danks; LP: Mussina)
5/16 - New York, 8-1 (at Chi - WP: Wang; LP: Contreras)
5/17 - Chicago, 4-1 (at Chi - WP: Garland; LP: DeSalvo)
6/04 - Chicago, 6-4 (at Chi - WP: Garland; LP: DeSalvo)
6/05 - New York, 7-3 (at Chi - WP: Clippard; LP: Buehrle)
6/06 - New York, 5-1 (at Chi - WP: Wang; LP: Vazquez)
6/07 - New York, 10-3 (at Chi - WP: Proctor; LP: Contreras)
7/31 - New York, 16-3 (at NY - WP: Mussina; LP: Contreras)
8/01 - New York, 8-1 (at NY - WP: Pettitte; LP: Danks)
8/02 - Chicago, 13-9 (at NY - WP: Logan; LP: Karstens)
2006 Meetings
7/14 - New York, 6-5 (at NY - WP: Farnsworth; LP: Contreras)
7/15 - New York, 14-3 (at NY - WP: Mussina; LP: Buehrle)
7/16 - New York, 6-4 (at NY - WP: Jar.Wright; LP: F.Garcia)
8/08 - Chicago, 6-5 (11) (at Chi - WP: Jenks; LP: Proctor)
8/09 - New York, 7-6 (at Chi - WP: R.Johnson; LP: Garland)
8/10 - Chicago, 5-4 (at Chi - WP: Vazquez; LP: Mussina)
Chicago last five games New York last five games
8/25 - L at Boston, 3-6 8/25 - L vs. Texas, 9-10
8/26 - L at Boston, 2-3 8/26 - W vs. Texas, 9-2
8/27 - W at Boston, 9-5 8/27 - L vs. Texas, 2-7
8/28 - L at NY Yankees, 2-5 (10) 8/28 - W vs. Chicago WSox, 5-2 (10)
8/29 - L at NY Yankees, 0-10 8/29 - W vs. Chicago WSox, 10-0


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

Lumi

LOKI
Forum Member
Aug 30, 2002
21,104
58
0
58
In the shadows
Tampa Bay Rays (70-58) at Detroit Tigers (68-60), 1:05 p.m.

Tampa Bay Rays (70-58) at Detroit Tigers (68-60), 1:05 p.m.

Tampa Bay Rays (70-58) at Detroit Tigers (68-60), 1:05 p.m.

Probable Starting Pitchers: Tampa Bay - Jeff Niemann (12-5, 3.87) Detroit - Justin Verlander (14-7, 3.38)

Justin Verlander goes after win No. 15 this afternoon when the Detroit Tigers continue their four-game series with the Tampa Bay Rays at Comerica Park.

Verlander earned the win on Monday in Los Angeles, as he held the Angels to four runs and 10 hits in 5 2/3 innings, upping his record to 14-7 to go along with a 3.38 earned run average.

The 26-year-old righty is 2-0 lifetime against the Rays with a 4.50 ERA in four starts.

Tampa, meanwhile, will hand the ball to impressive rookie Jeff Niemann, who has won his last three decisions. Niemann won his second straight start on Monday in Toronto, despite surrendering six runs (five earned) in 6 1/3 innings. He is 12-5 on the year with a 3.87 ERA.

Niemann will be making his first-ever start against the Tigers, but lost to them in a relief appearance last September.

On Saturday, Carl Crawford knocked in an insurance run in the ninth and David Price turned in 7 1/3 strong innings as Tampa Bay eked out a 3-1 victory.

Price (7-6) scattered five hits and one run for the win, fanning four with one walk for his fourth positive decision in six starts. J.P. Howell recorded the final three outs for his 16th save.

Ben Zobrist and Carlos Pena also drove in a run each for the Rays, who had dropped their previous two games. Tampa Bay remained 4 1/2 games behind Boston and 2 1/2 games behind Texas in the AL wild card chase after both clubs won later Saturday.

"Everything counts right now. We don't have time to lose any games, really," said Crawford. "We know we can't win them all but we want to try and win as many as we can to keep the race close."

Magglio Ordonez collected a pair of hits and knocked in the lone run for the Tigers, who won three of four coming in.

Nate Robertson (1-1) took the loss, as he was charged with four hits and two runs -- one earned -- over just four frames.

The Rays won four of seven over the Tigers last year, but lost three of the four games played in Detroit.
 

Lumi

LOKI
Forum Member
Aug 30, 2002
21,104
58
0
58
In the shadows
AL Matchup -- Tampa Bay at Detroit

Tampa Bay Rays (70-58) at Detroit Tigers (68-60)
Game One Detroit 6, Tampa Bay 2
Game Two Tampa Bay 3, Detroit 1
Game Three Sunday, August 30th, 1:05 p.m.
Game Four Monday, August 31st, 1:05 p.m.
Records
2009 Head-to-Head Record Tied 1-1 (0-0 at TB; 1-1 at Det)
2008 Head-to-Head Record Tampa Bay 4-3 (3-0 at TB; 1-3 at Det)
2007 Head-to-Head Record Tampa Bay 4-3 (2-1 at TB; 2-2 at Det)
2006 Head-to-Head Record Detroit 5-3 (2-2 at TB; 3-1 at Det)
Home Record Tampa Bay 42-21; Detroit 41-21
Away Record Tampa Bay 28-37; Detroit 27-39
Current Streak Tampa Bay (W1); Detroit (L1)
Record vs. Central Division Tampa Bay 18-16
Record vs. Eastern Division Detroit 9-18
2009 Meetings
8/28 - Detroit, 6-2 (at Det - WP: Porcello; LP: Garza)
8/29 - Tampa Bay, 3-1 (at Det - WP: Price; LP: N.Robertson)
2008 Meetings
8/01 - Tampa Bay, 5-2 (at TB - WP: Balfour; LP: Miner)
8/02 - Tampa Bay, 9-3 (at TB - WP: Sonnanstine; LP: K.Rogers)
8/03 - Tampa Bay, 6-5 (10) (at TB - WP: T.Miller; LP: Rodney)
9/25 - Detroit, 7-5 (at Det - WP: Galarraga; LP: Kazmir)
9/26 - Detroit, 6-4 (at Det - WP: Verlander; LP: Sonnanstine)
9/27 - Detroit, 4-3 (at Det - WP: Aq.Lopez; LP: Niemann)
9/28 - Tampa Bay, 8-7 (11) (at Det - WP: E.Jackson; LP: Lambert)
2007 Meetings
5/28 - Tampa Bay, 6-5 (at TB - WP: Glover; LP: T.Jones)
5/29 - Detroit, 14-2 (at TB - WP: Bonderman; LP: Fossum)
5/30 - Tampa Bay, 5-3 (at TB - WP: J.Shields; LP: N.Robertson)
8/06 - Detroit, 6-4 (at Det - WP: Miner; LP: Glover)
8/07 - Detroit, 9-6 (at Det - WP: Byrdak; LP: Wheeler)
8/08 - Tampa Bay, 7-1 (at Det - WP: J.Shields; LP: C.Durbin)
8/09 - Tampa Bay, 8-1 (at Det - WP: Kazmir; LP: Bonderman)
2006 Meetings
6/12 - Detroit, 4-3 (13) (at Det - WP: T.Jones; LP: Meadows)
6/13 - Detroit, 7-1 (at Det - WP: K.Rogers; LP: McClung)
6/14 - Tampa Bay, 5-1 (12) (at Det - WP: Meadows; LP: T.Jones)
6/15 - Detroit, 6-2 (at Det - WP: Miner; LP: Fossum)
7/31 - Tampa Bay, 7-3 (at TB - WP: Fossum; LP: K.Rogers)
8/01 - Detroit, 10-4 (at TB - WP: Verlander; LP: Howell)
8/02 - Detroit, 8-3 (at TB - WP: Grilli; LP: Switzer)
8/03 - Tampa Bay, 2-1 (at TB - WP: McClung; LP: Robertson)
Tampa Bay last five games Detroit last five games
8/24 - W at Toronto, 12-7 8/24 - W at LA Angels, 10-7
8/25 - W at Toronto, 7-3 8/25 - W at LA Angels, 5-3
8/26 - L at Toronto, 2-3 8/26 - L at LA Angels, 2-4
8/28 - L at Detroit, 2-6 8/28 - W vs. Tampa Bay, 6-2
8/29 - W at Detroit, 3-1 8/29 - L vs. Tampa Bay, 1-3
 

Lumi

LOKI
Forum Member
Aug 30, 2002
21,104
58
0
58
In the shadows
Los Angeles Dodgers (77-53) at Cincinnati Reds (56-72), 1:10 p.m.

Probable Starting Pitchers: Los Angeles - Clayton Kershaw (8-7, 2.96) Cincinnati - Bronson Arroyo (11-12, 4.43)

The Los Angeles Dodgers have lost Clayton Kershaw's last seven starts, with the left-hander going 0-2 with a 2.97 earned run average over that stretch. This afternoon Kershaw will shoot for a win in the finale of a three-game set against the Cincinnati Reds at Great American Ball Park.

Kershaw has posted consecutive no-decisions and previously took center stage in a 5-4 loss at Colorado on August 25. He was reached for a pair of runs and four hits in 6 1/3 innings of the no-decision. Kershaw, whose last win came on July 18 versus Houston, is 8-7 with a 2.96 ERA in 26 starts this season.

The young southpaw has never faced Cincinnati.

Los Angeles will need Kershaw's best stuff in order to maintain a comfortable lead atop the National League West standings. It posted an 11-4 victory over the Reds last night and pushed the NL West lead to five games ahead of Colorado, which lost to San Francisco.

Matt Kemp hit a three-run homer and Manny Ramirez clubbed a two-run shot, while Rafael Furcal and Orlando Hudson each contributed a solo home run for the Dodgers, who have won three of four and six of their last nine games.

LA starter Charlie Haeger lasted 2 1/3 innings and gave up four runs on as many hits. Jeff Weaver got the win after tossing 3 1/3 innings of scoreless relief. He fanned four batters, walked one and gave up six hits.

Cincinnati had its season high five-game winning streak stopped Saturday night. Paul Janish cracked a two-run homer and Craig Tatum swatted a solo shot for the Reds, who got a mediocre outing from losing pitcher Matt Maloney. Maloney allowed five runs and eight hits in six innings and Carlos Fisher surrendered five runs without getting an out in the seventh inning.

"Honestly I felt like I threw the ball pretty well today," said Maloney. "I don't think there were too many balls hit hard. For the most part I felt pretty good out there."

Bronson Arroyo gets the call for the Reds today and is 1-4 in his last seven starts, with the club going 2-5 in that span. Arroyo last pitched in an 8-6 win at Milwaukee on August 25, and did not record a decision after holding the Brewers to a run in seven innings of work.

Arroyo, who is 11-2 with a 4.43 ERA in 26 starts, didn't pitch too well against Los Angeles in the previous matchup on July 22 at Chavez Ravine. The righty was reached for five runs over 5 1/3 frames, falling to 1-4 with a 4.91 earned run average in nine career games (8 starts) against the Dodgers.

Los Angeles swept a three-game set versus Cincinnati from July 20-22 and entered Friday's series opener having won nine straight and 20 of the past 23 meetings between the teams.
 

Lumi

LOKI
Forum Member
Aug 30, 2002
21,104
58
0
58
In the shadows
NL Matchup -- Los Angeles at Cincinnati

Los Angeles Dodgers (77-53) at Cincinnati Reds (56-72)
Game One Cincinnati 4, Los Angeles 2
Game Two Los Angeles 11, Cincinnati 4
Game Three Sunday, August 30th, 1:10 p.m.
Records
2009 Head-to-Head Record Los Angeles 4-1 (3-0 at LA; 1-1 at Cin)
2008 Head-to-Head Record Los Angeles 7-1 (3-0 at LA; 4-1 at Cin)
2007 Head-to-Head Record Los Angeles 4-2 (3-0 at LA; 1-2 at Cin)
2006 Head-to-Head Record Los Angeles 6-0 (3-0 at LA; 3-0 at Cin)
Home Record Los Angeles 40-25; Cincinnati 27-36
Away Record Los Angeles 37-28; Cincinnati 29-36
Current Streak Los Angeles (W1); Cincinnati (L1)
Record vs. Central Division Los Angeles 17-16
Record vs. Western Division Cincinnati 10-17
2009 Meetings
7/20 - Los Angeles, 7-5 (at LA - WP: Ja.Schmidt; LP: Owings)
7/21 - Los Angeles, 12-3 (at LA - WP: Ra.Wolf; LP: H.Bailey)
7/22 - Los Angeles, 6-2 (at LA - WP: Billingsley; LP: Arroyo)
8/28 - Cincinnati, 4-2 (at Cin - WP: H.Bailey; LP: Billingsley)
8/29 - Los Angeles, 11-4 (at Cin - WP: Jef.Weaver; LP: Maloney)
2008 Meetings
4/21 - Los Angeles, 9-3 (at Cin - WP: Penny; LP: Belisle)
4/22 - Cincinnati, 8-1 (at Cin - WP: Volquez; LP: Kuo)
5/19 - Los Angeles, 6-5 (at LA - WP: Saito; LP: D.Weathers)
5/20 - Los Angeles, 4-1 (at LA - WP: Billingsley; LP: Belisle)
5/21 - Los Angeles, 5-2 (at LA - WP: Kuroda; LP: Cueto)
6/17 - Los Angeles, 3-1 (at Cin - WP: Billingsley; LP: Cueto)
6/18 - Los Angeles, 6-1 (at Cin - WP: D.Lowe; LP: Arroyo)
6/19 - Los Angeles, 7-4 (at Cin - WP: Stults; LP: Harang)
2007 Meetings
5/11 - Los Angeles, 2-0 (at LA - WP: Wolf; LP: Arroyo)
5/12 - Los Angeles, 7-3 (at LA - WP: Penny; LP: Lohse)
5/13 - Los Angeles, 10-5 (at LA - WP: Broxton; LP: Saarloos)
8/07 - Cincinnati, 4-0 (at Cin - WP: Arroyo; LP: M.Hendrickson)
8/08 - Cincinnati, 1-0 (at Cin - WP: Harang; LP: Billingsley)
8/09 - Los Angeles, 5-4 (11) (at Cin - WP: Proctor; LP: Santos)
2006 Meetings
8/01 - Los Angeles, 10-4 (at Cin - WP: Sele; LP: Bray)
8/02 - Los Angeles, 5-3 (at Cin - WP: Penny; LP: El.Ramirez)
8/03 - Los Angeles, 3-0 (at Cin - WP: Maddux; LP: Milton)
8/28 - Los Angeles, 6-5 (at LA - WP: Penny; LP: Michalak)
8/29 - Los Angeles, 6-5 (16) (at LA - WP: D.Lowe; LP: R.Franklin)
8/30 - Los Angeles, 7-3 (at LA - WP: Maddux; LP: Harang)
Los Angeles last five games Cincinnati last five games
8/25 - L at Colorado, 4-5 (10) 8/25 - W at Milwaukee, 8-6 (13)
8/26 - W at Colorado, 6-1 8/26 - W at Milwaukee, 4-3 (10)
8/27 - W at Colorado, 3-2 8/27 - W at Milwaukee, 8-5
8/28 - L at Cincinnati, 2-4 8/28 - W vs. Los Angeles, 4-2
8/29 - W at Cincinnati, 11-4 8/29 - L vs. Los Angeles, 4-11
 

Lumi

LOKI
Forum Member
Aug 30, 2002
21,104
58
0
58
In the shadows
San Diego Padres (56-75) at Florida Marlins (67-62), 1:10 p.m.

Probable Starting Pitchers: San Diego - Mat Latos (4-3, 4.06) Florida - Sean West (5-5, 4.44)

The San Diego Padres are aiming for their first sweep since late May this afternoon, when they close out a three-game series versus the homestanding Florida Marlins at Land Shark Stadium.

San Diego has won the first two portions of this Miami series and hasn't recorded a sweep since taking nine straight games versus the Reds, Giants and Cubs from May 15-24. In Saturday's 7-4 victory, Will Venable homered and Oscar Salazar went 3-for-4 with an RBI for the Padres, who have won four of their last five games. Tony Gwynn drove in a pair of runs in a winning cause.

Wade LeBlanc started for the Friars and was reached for four runs in six innings for the no-decision. Adam Russell threw a scoreless seventh inning for the win and Heath Bell struck out three in the ninth for his 31st save.

First-year righty Mat Latos gets the call for the Padres today and he is 0-2 in three trips to the hill since a personal four-game winning streak. Latos did not record a decision the last time out in a 2-1 win over Atlanta on August 25, as he gave up only two hits in seven shutout innings.

Latos, who is 4-3 with a 4.06 ERA in eight starts, has never faced Florida.

The Marlins have dropped three in a row and seven of their last 10 games to fall eight games off the mark in the National League East standings. They are also 4 1/2 games behind in the Wild Card race.

Ronny Paulino belted a two-run homer and finished with three RBI in last night's loss. Ricky Nolasco started for the Marlins and allowed three runs in 5 1/3 innings of work. Luis Ayala was saddled with the loss for giving up an additional three runs in relief.

Rookie Sean West gets the nod for the Marlins today and he is 5-5 with a 4.44 earned run average in 14 starts this season. He has won two of his last three starts, including an August 25 encounter with the New York Mets at home.

West held the Mets to one run over six innings of a 2-1 victory. He is 4-2 in eight starts at home this season and has never faced San Diego.

Florida swept a three-game series against San Diego from July 20-22 at Petco Park and has won six of the previous nine matchups between the clubs.
 

Lumi

LOKI
Forum Member
Aug 30, 2002
21,104
58
0
58
In the shadows
NL Matchup -- San Diego at Florida

San Diego Padres (56-75) at Florida Marlins (67-62)
Game One San Diego 9, Florida 5
Game Two San Diego 7, Florida 4
Game Three Sunday, August 30th, 1:10 p.m.
Records
2009 Head-to-Head Record Florida 3-2 (3-0 at SD; 0-2 at Fla)
2008 Head-to-Head Record Florida 4-2 (2-1 at SD; 2-1 at Fla)
2007 Head-to-Head Record San Diego 4-3 (2-2 at SD; 2-1 at Fla)
2006 Head-to-Head Record Tied 3-3 (Fla 2-1 at SD; 1-2 at Home)
Home Record San Diego 33-34; Florida 36-31
Away Record San Diego 23-41; Florida 31-31
Current Streak San Diego (W2); Florida (L3)
Record vs. Eastern Division San Diego 13-15
Record vs. Western Division Florida 16-16
2009 Meetings
7/20 - Florida, 3-2 (at SD - WP: VandenHurk; LP: Burke)
7/21 - Florida, 3-2 (at SD - WP: Volstad; LP: Gaudin)
7/22 - Florida, 5-0 (at SD - WP: Nolasco; LP: Geer)
8/28 - San Diego, 9-5 (at Fla - WP: Correia; LP: Volstad)
8/29 - San Diego, 7-4 (at Fla - WP: Russell; LP: Ayala)
2008 Meetings
5/02 - Florida, 6-4 (at Fla - WP: M.Hendrickson; LP: Germano)
5/03 - San Diego, 7-2 (at Fla - WP: Peavy; LP: Nolasco)
5/04 - Florida, 10-3 (at Fla - WP: An.Miller; LP: Maddux)
7/07 - Florida, 3-1 (at SD - WP: Nolasco; LP: Maddux)
7/08 - San Diego, 10-1 (at SD - WP: Ra.Wolf; LP: An.Miller)
7/09 - Florida, 5-2 (at SD - WP: Olsen; LP: Baek)
2007 Meetings
5/04 - Florida, 5-4 (at Fla - WP: Tankersley; LP: Linebrink)
5/05 - San Diego, 7-6 (12) (at Fla - WP: Hampson; LP: Gardner)
5/06 - San Diego, 3-1 (at Fla - WP: Peavy; LP: Olsen)
7/02 - San Diego, 3-1 (at SD - WP: D.Wells; LP: Mitre)
7/03 - Florida, 6-4 (at SD - WP: Ju.Miller; LP: Maddux)
7/04 - San Diego, 1-0 (at SD - WP: H.Bell; LP: Lindstrom)
7/05 - Florida, 3-2 (at SD - WP: B-H.Kim; LP: Peavy)
2006 Meetings
4/11 - San Diego, 9-3 (at Fla - WP: W.Williams; LP: Mitre)
4/12 - San Diego, 7-2 (at Fla - WP: Young; LP: Moehler)
4/13 - Florida, 9-2 (at Fla - WP: J.Vargas; LP: Brazelton)
6/09 - San Diego, 3-2 (at SD - WP: Young; LP: Nolasco)
6/10 - Florida, 2-1 (at SD - WP: Olsen; LP: Hensley)
6/11 - Florida, 7-3 (at SD - WP: Moehler; LP: Peavy)
San Diego last five games Florida last five games
8/25 - W at Atlanta, 2-1 (12) 8/25 - W vs. NY Mets, 2-1
8/26 - W at Atlanta, 12-5 8/26 - W vs. NY Mets, 5-3
8/27 - L at Atlanta, 1-9 8/27 - L vs. NY Mets, 3-10
8/28 - W at Florida, 9-5 8/28 - L vs. San Diego, 5-9
8/29 - W at Florida, 7-4 8/29 - L vs. San Diego, 4-7
 

Lumi

LOKI
Forum Member
Aug 30, 2002
21,104
58
0
58
In the shadows
Cleveland Indians (58-71) at Baltimore Orioles (53-77), 1:35 p.m.

Probable Starting Pitchers: Cleveland - Justin Masterson (4-5, 4.47) Baltimore - Brian Matusz (2-2, 6.46)

Right-hander Justin Masterson faces the Baltimore Orioles for the second time this season and the first as a member of the Cleveland Indians when the two teams square off today in the finale of a four-game series at Camden Yards.

Masterson, a second-round draft choice of the Red Sox in 2006, began the season with the Red Sox and faced the Orioles July 26, tossing two innings of scoreless relief with two strikeouts in a game Boston lost, 6-2.

He headed from Massachusetts to Ohio at the late-July trade deadline as part of a deal that sent slugging catcher Victor Martinez to Beantown.

The 24-year-old has made five appearances -- four starts -- since, including a 6-2 loss at Kansas City on August 25 in which he allowed seven hits and four runs in six innings.

He had scored his first win as an Indian five days earlier, downing the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim, 11-3, while allowing just three hits and an unearned run in 6 1/3 innings.

Masterson is 2-0 lifetime against Baltimore with a 4.05 earned run average in 13 1/3 innings.

For the Orioles, lefty Brian Matusz makes the sixth start of his rookie season.

A first-round draft pick in 2008, fourth overall, Matusz reached the majors on August 4 and defeated Detroit in his first start, allowing six hits and a run in five innings of an 8-2 triumph.

He lost consecutive decisions over the subsequent 11 days before bouncing back August 20 with an 8-7 win at Tampa Bay.

In his most recent start, on August 25 at Minnesota, he allowed seven hits and three runs in five innings, getting a no-decision in a game the Orioles lost, 7-6.

On Saturday, Matt LaPorta had a career-high four hits and Andy Marte hit a three-run homer, as the Indians downed Baltimore, 5-3.

Marte finished with two hits, while Jhonny Peralta hit a solo shot for the Indians, who have won two of the three games so far in the series. Cleveland has won three of four overall.

Indians starter Jeremy Sowers allowed two runs in 4 2/3 innings before a 97- minute rain delay shorted his outing. Rafael Perez (4-2) took the win for tossing 1 1/3 scoreless innings of relief.

Orioles rookie Chris Tillman gave up just one run in five innings, but the delay also curtailed his start. Chris Ray (0-2) gave up three runs in a pivotal sixth inning to take the loss.

Chad Moeller had two hits, including a homer, for Baltimore, which has lost four of six.
 

Lumi

LOKI
Forum Member
Aug 30, 2002
21,104
58
0
58
In the shadows
AL Matchup -- Cleveland at Baltimore

Cleveland Indians (58-71) at Baltimore Orioles (53-77)
Game One Cleveland 5, Baltimore 4
Game Two Baltimore 13, Cleveland 4
Game Three Cleveland 5, Baltimore 3
Game Four Sunday, August 30th, 1:35 p.m.
Records
2009 Head-to-Head Record Cleveland 2-1 (0-0 at Cle; 2-1 at Bal)
2008 Head-to-Head Record Tied 4-4 (2-2 at Cle; 2-2 at Bal)
2007 Head-to-Head Record Cleveland 4-3 (2-1 at Cle; 2-2 at Bal)
2006 Head-to-Head Record Baltimore 4-2 (2-1 at Cle; 2-1 at Bal)
Home Record Cleveland 28-35; Baltimore 31-33
Away Record Cleveland 30-36; Baltimore 22-44
Current Streak Cleveland (W1); Baltimore (L1)
Record vs. Eastern Division Cleveland 16-16
Record vs. Central Division Baltimore 16-17
2009 Meetings
8/27 - Cleveland, 5-4 (at Bal - WP: R.Perez; LP: Ji.Johnson)
8/28 - Baltimore, 13-4 (at Bal - WP: Berken; LP: Carmona)
8/29 - Cleveland, 5-3 (at Bal - WP: R.Perez; LP: C.Ray)
2008 Meetings
8/11 - Cleveland, 13-8 (at Cle - WP: Mujica; LP: Cherry)
8/12 - Cleveland, 7-5 (at Cle - WP: R.Perez; LP: Ji.Johnson)
8/13 - Baltimore, 6-1 (at Cle - WP: Guthrie; LP: An.Reyes)
8/14 - Baltimore, 11-6 (at Cle - WP: F.Cabrera; LP: R.Perez)
9/08 - Baltimore, 14-3 (at Bal - WP: Olson; LP: Carmona)
9/09 - Cleveland, 6-1 (at Bal - WP: Sowers; LP: Liz)
9/10 - Cleveland, 7-1 (at Bal - WP: S.Lewis; LP: Waters)
9/11 - Baltimore, 6-3 (at Bal - WP: L.Cormier; LP: Z.Jackson)
2007 Meetings
4/27 - Cleveland, 5-4 (at Cle - WP: Westbrook; LP: Trachsel)
4/28 - Baltimore, 7-4 (at Cle - WP: J.Walker; LP: F.Cabrera)
4/29 - Cleveland, 6-1 (at Cle - WP: Carmona; LP: Jar.Wright)
5/04 - Baltimore, 3-2 (10) (at Bal - WP: C.Ray; LP: Mastny)
5/05 - Baltimore, 8-2 (at Bal - WP: D.Cabrera; LP: Sowers)
5/06 - Cleveland, 9-6 (at Bal - WP: Sabathia; LP: Burres)
5/07 - Cleveland, 10-1 (at Bal - WP: Carmona; LP: Bradford)
2006 Meetings
4/18 - Cleveland, 15-1 (at Bal - WP: Jas.Johnson; LP: Chen)
4/19 - Baltimore, 18-9 (at Bal - WP: Halama; LP: Westbrook)
4/20 - Baltimore, 9-4 (at Bal - WP: Bedard; LP: Carmona)
7/07 - Cleveland, 9-0 (at Cle - WP: Sabathia; LP: Benson)
7/08 - Baltimore, 7-4 (at Cle - WP: Bedard; LP: Sowers)
7/09 - Baltimore, 5-4 (at Cle - WP: Birkins; LP: Carmona)
Cleveland last five games Baltimore last five games
8/25 - L at Kansas City, 2-6 8/25 - L at Minnesota, 6-7
8/26 - W at Kansas City, 4-2 8/26 - W at Minnesota, 5-1
8/27 - W at Baltimore, 5-4 8/27 - L vs. Cleveland, 4-5
8/28 - L at Baltimore, 4-13 8/28 - W vs. Cleveland, 13-4
8/29 - W at Baltimore, 5-3 8/29 - L vs. Cleveland, 3-5
 

Lumi

LOKI
Forum Member
Aug 30, 2002
21,104
58
0
58
In the shadows
Pittsburgh Pirates (53-74) at Milwaukee Brewers (63-66), 2:05 p.m.

Probable Starting Pitchers: Pittsburgh - Ross Ohlendorf (11-8, 4.10) Milwaukee - Jeff Suppan (5-8, 5.38)

Right-hander Ross Ohlendorf can extend a positive streak and halt a negative one for the Pittsburgh Pirates today, when they enter Miller Park for the third and final test of a three-game series with the Milwaukee Brewers.

On the short end of a 7-3 verdict on Saturday, the Pirates have dropped 20 straight games at Miller Park in a streak that stretches back to May 3, 2007.

Milwaukee won Friday's opener as well, 8-6.

Ohlendorf, meanwhile, enters today's tilt on a roll, having won three straight decisions and four of five overall after a July 5 loss at Florida dropped him to 7-7 on the season.

He downed the Brewers, 8-5, on July 20 to start the good fortune, allowing seven hits and two runs in five innings, then repeated the feat on August 18 by giving up five hits and a run in seven innings of a 5-2 win.

In his last start, on August 25 against Philadelphia, the 27-year-old Princeton product allowed five hits and two runs in 6 1/3 innings of a game the Pirates eventually won, 6-4.

He is 3-6 in 11 road starts in 2009.

For Milwaukee, veteran Jeff Suppan heads back to the mound for the second time since a stint on the disabled list with a strained oblique muscle.

The 34-year-old last won on June 12 against the Chicago White Sox, then went 0-4 in eight subsequent starts before going on the shelf following a July 27 outing against Washington.

He returned August 25 against Cincinnati and allowed nine hits and four runs in 4 1/3 innings of a game the Brewers lost, 8-6.

In 23 career starts against Pittsburgh, including a no-decision on July 22, Suppan is 13-3 with a 4.45 earned run average in 137 2/3 innings.

He pitched briefly for the Pirates in 2003, splitting the season between Pittsburgh and Boston.

Suppan is 1-6 in 10 home starts this season with a 7.39 ERA.

On Saturday, Jody Gerut's pinch-hit RBI double in the sixth put the Brewers ahead for good and Craig Counsell went 3-for-4 with a triple and scored for Milwaukee.

Alcides Escobar, Felipe Lopez, Prince Fielder and Ryan Braun also drove in a run for the Brewers.

Yovani Gallardo lasted five innings and gave up three runs on five hits with seven punchouts compared to three walks. Claudio Vargas (1-0) got the win after throwing a scoreless inning of relief.

Andy LaRoche had a two-run homer for the Pirates, who have lost three of four. Delwyn Young drove in the other run.

Kevin Hart (4-4) took the loss after giving up five runs -- four earned -- on six hits in six innings of work.

The Pirates have won five of their last eight versus the Brewers since dropping 17 straight to the club.
 

Lumi

LOKI
Forum Member
Aug 30, 2002
21,104
58
0
58
In the shadows
Matchup -- Pittsburgh at Milwaukee

Pittsburgh Pirates (53-74) at Milwaukee Brewers (63-66)
Game One Milwaukee 8, Pittsburgh 6
Game Two Milwaukee 7, Pittsburgh 3
Game Three Sunday, August 30th, 2:05 p.m.
Records
2009 Head-to-Head Record Milwaukee 8-5 (3-5 at Pit; 5-0 at Mil)
2008 Head-to-Head Record Milwaukee 14-1 (5-1 at Pit; 9-0 at Mil)
2007 Head-to-Head Record Milwaukee 10-6 (2-5 at Pit; 8-1 at Mil)
2006 Head-to-Head Record Pittsburgh 9-7 (7-3 at Pit; 2-4 at Mil)
Home Record Pittsburgh 35-29; Milwaukee 32-32
Away Record Pittsburgh 18-45; Milwaukee 31-34
Current Streak Pittsburgh (L2); Milwaukee (W2)
Record vs. Central Division Pittsburgh 19-34; Milwaukee 31-28
2009 Meetings
4/27 - Milwaukee, 10-5 (at Mil - WP: Coffey; LP: T.Yates)
4/28 - Milwaukee, 6-5 (at Mil - WP: Julio; LP: Chavez)
4/29 - Milwaukee, 1-0 (at Mil - WP: Gallardo; LP: Snell)
5/04 - Milwaukee, 7-4 (at Pit - WP: DiFelice; LP: Capps)
5/05 - Milwaukee, 8-5 (at Pit - WP: Suppan; LP: Snell)
7/20 - Pittsburgh, 8-5 (at Pit - WP: Ohlendorf; LP: Burns)
7/21 - Milwaukee, 2-0 (at Pit - WP: Looper; LP: V.Vasquez)
7/22 - Pittsburgh, 8-7 (at Pit - WP: Capps; LP: Stetter)
8/17 - Pittsburgh, 9-5 (at Pit - WP: Hart; LP: Villanueva)
8/18 - Pittsburgh, 5-2 (at Pit - WP: Ohlendorf; LP: Parra)
8/19 - Pittsburgh, 3-1 (at Pit - WP: Maholm; LP: Gallardo)
8/28 - Milwaukee, 8-6 (at Mil - WP: Parra; LP: Duke)
8/29 - Milwaukee, 7-3 (at Mil - WP: C.Vargas; LP: Hart)
2008 Meetings
5/20 - Milwaukee, 7-2 (at Pit - WP: Parra; LP: Maholm)
5/21 - Milwaukee, 4-1 (at Pit - WP: Sheets; LP: Snell)
5/22 - Pittsburgh, 8-4 (at Pit - WP: Gorzelanny; LP: Bush)
7/04 - Milwaukee, 9-1 (at Mil - WP: Sheets; LP: Gorzelanny)
7/05 - Milwaukee, 2-1 (at Mil - WP: Gagne; LP: T.Yates)
7/06 - Milwaukee, 11-6 (at Mil - WP: Stetter; LP: Bautista)
8/22 - Milwaukee, 10-4 (at Mil - WP: Bush; LP: Duke)
8/23 - Milwaukee, 6-3 (at Mil - WP: Suppan; LP: Gorzelanny)
8/24 - Milwaukee, 4-3 (12) (at Mil - WP: Mota; LP: J.Davis)
8/29 - Milwaukee, 3-1 (at Pit - WP: Bush; LP: Gorzelanny)
8/30 - Milwaukee, 11-3 (at Pit - WP: Suppan; LP: Maholm)
8/31 - Milwaukee, 7-0 (at Pit - WP: Sabathia; LP: Karstens)
9/23 - Milwaukee, 7-5 (at Mil - WP: S.Torres; LP: Beam)
9/24 - Milwaukee, 4-2 (at Mil - WP: Sabathia; LP: Maholm)
9/25 - Milwaukee, 5-1 (10) (at Mil - WP: Stetter; LP: Chavez)
2007 Meetings
4/18 - Milwaukee, 7-3 (at Mil - WP: C.Vargas; LP: Maholm)
4/19 - Milwaukee, 7-5 (at Mil - WP: Suppan; LP: Duke)
5/03 - Pittsburgh, 4-2 (at Mil - WP: Gorzelanny; LP: Bush)
5/04 - Milwaukee, 10-0 (at Mil - WP: C.Vargas; LP: Maholm)
5/05 - Milwaukee, 6-3 (at Mil - WP: Suppan; LP: Duke)
5/06 - Milwaukee, 6-4 (at Mil - WP: Villanueva; LP: Grabow)
7/02 - Milwaukee, 10-3 (at Pit - WP: Villanueva; LP: Kuwata)
7/03 - Pittsburgh, 6-2 (at Pit - WP: Youman; LP: Gallardo)
7/04 - Pittsburgh, 5-3 (at Pit - WP: Snell; LP: C.Vargas)
7/05 - Pittsburgh, 6-3 (at Pit - WP: Gorzelanny; LP: Sheets)
8/31 - Milwaukee, 3-2 (at Mil - WP: Gallardo; LP: Armas)
9/01 - Milwaukee, 12-3 (at Mil - WP: Bush; LP: Youman)
9/02 - Milwaukee, 7-4 (at Mil - WP: Suppan; LP: Osoria)
9/10 - Pittsburgh, 9-0 (at Pit - WP: Armas; LP: Villanueva)
9/11 - Milwaukee, 6-1 (at Pit - WP: Gallardo; LP: Bullington)
9/12 - Pittsburgh, 7-4 (at Pit - WP: Grabow; LP: Turnbow)
2006 Meetings
4/03 - Milwaukee, 5-2 (at Mil - WP: Lehr; LP: Torres)
4/04 - Milwaukee, 7-5 (at Mil - WP: Capuano; LP: Santos)
4/05 - Milwaukee, 3-2 (at Mil - WP: Wise; LP: Marte)
5/29 - Pittsburgh, 14-3 (at Pit - WP: Duke; LP: D.Davis)
5/30 - Pittsburgh, 12-1 (at Pit - WP: Santos; LP: De La Rosa)
5/31 - Pittsburgh, 6-1 (at Pit - WP: Snell; LP: Capuano)
6/01 - Pittsburgh, 4-3 (at Pit - WP: Grabow; LP: Turnbow)
7/24 - Milwaukee, 12-8 (at Mil - WP: D.Davis; LP: Duke)
7/25 - Pittsburgh, 6-1 (at Mil - WP: Snell; LP: Bush)
7/26 - Pittsburgh, 8-4 (at Mil - WP: Maholm; LP: Capuano)
8/14 - Pittsburgh, 4-2 (at Pit - WP: Santos; LP: Bush)
8/15 - Milwaukee, 6-3 (at Pit - WP: D.Davis; LP: Marte)
8/16 - Milwaukee, 5-2 (13) (at Pit - WP: G.Gonzalez; LP: Marte)
9/11 - Pittsburgh, 4-3 (at Pit - WP: Duke; LP: D.Davis)
9/12 - Postponed at Pittsburgh (Made-up September 13th)
9/13 - Pittsburgh, 6-3 (at Pit - WP: Snell; LP: Capuano)
9/13 - Milwaukee, 2-1 (at Pit - WP: Sheets; LP: Chacon)
Pittsburgh last five games Milwaukee last five games
8/25 - W vs. Philadelphia, 6-4 8/25 - L vs. Cincinnati, 6-8 (13)
8/26 - L vs. Philadelphia, 1-4 (10) 8/26 - L vs. Cincinnati, 3-4 (10)
8/27 - W vs. Philadelphia, 3-2 8/27 - L vs. Cincinnati, 5-8
8/28 - L at Milwaukee, 6-8 8/28 - W vs. Pittsburgh, 8-6
8/29 - L at Milwaukee, 3-7 8/29 - W vs. Pittsburgh, 7-3
 

Lumi

LOKI
Forum Member
Aug 30, 2002
21,104
58
0
58
In the shadows
Texas Rangers (72-56) at Minnesota Twins (64-65), 2:10 p.m.

Probable Starting Pitchers: Texas - Kevin Millwood (10-8, 3.63) Minnesota - Scott Baker (12-7, 4.47)

The Minnesota Twins hope to continue their mastery of Kevin Millwood this afternoon when they wrap up their three-game set against the Texas Rangers at the Metrodome.

Millwood lost to the Twins two starts ago and is a miserable 0-7 lifetime against them with a 6.18 earned run average in 11 starts.

The 34-year-old righty bounced back from that loss to the Twins to defeat the New York Yankees on Tuesday, as he held them to five runs and seven hits in 5 2/3 innings. Despite walking five batters, Millwood improved to 10-8 to go along with a 3.63 ERA.

Minnesota will counter with righty Scott Baker, who has won his last three starts and previous six decisions. Baker's latest win came on Monday against Baltimore, as he surrendered a run and four hits in seven innings to run his record to 12-7 to go along with a 4.47 ERA.

Baker beat the Rangers the last time he faced them and is 2-2 against them with a 5.59 ERA in five starts.

On Saturday, Ian Kinsler went 2-for-3 with a run batted in and Scott Feldman tossed 5 2/3 scoreless innings, as Texas blanked the Twins, 3-0.

Feldman (14-4) gave up just four hits while walking four and fanning two to capture his fifth straight winning decision. The right-hander won his sixth consecutive road start, improving to 10-1 in 13 road games (12 starts) this season. Frank Francisco picked up his 19th save of the year.

"I was able to make key pitches when I needed to," Feldman said. "The bottom line is we won."

Ivan Rodriguez smacked a solo home run for the Rangers, who have won four of their last six games. Josh Hamilton added an RBI double, while Michael Young's single in the first frame extended his hitting streak to 16 games.

Carl Pavano (11-10) went six frames, allowing two runs on six hits with seven strikeouts and a walk to take the loss for the Twins, who won Friday's series opener. Pavano dropped to 2-2 in his five starts since being acquired from Cleveland.

Minnesota stranded six men on base and had just four hits in the contest.

"We're still in the thick of it [playoff race]. We still got a chance. By no means are we giving up or anything," Twins outfielder Michael Cuddyer said.

These teams split a four-game series in Texas from August 17-20. Minnesota won four of seven battles between these teams at the Metrodome last season.
 

Lumi

LOKI
Forum Member
Aug 30, 2002
21,104
58
0
58
In the shadows
Matchup -- Texas at Minnesota

Texas Rangers (72-56) at Minnesota Twins (64-65)
Game One Minnesota 3, Texas 2
Game Two Texas 3, Minnesota 0
Game Three Sunday, August 30th, 2:10 p.m.
Records
2009 Head-to-Head Record Minnesota 5-4 (4-3 at Tex; 1-1 at Min)
2008 Head-to-Head Record Tied 5-5 (Min 1-2 at Tex; 4-3 at Home)
2007 Head-to-Head Record Minnesota 7-2 (2-1 at Tex; 5-1 at Min)
2006 Head-to-Head Record Texas 5-4 (3-3 at Tex; 2-1 at Min)
Home Record Texas 41-24; Minnesota 36-29
Away Record Texas 31-32; Minnesota 28-36
Current Streak Texas (W1); Minnesota (L1)
Record vs. Central Division Texas 18-18
Record vs. Western Division Minnesota 17-19
2009 Meetings
7/17 - Minnesota, 5-3 (at Tex - WP: G.Perkins; LP: V.Padilla)
7/18 - Minnesota, 4-1 (at Tex - WP: S.Baker; LP: Feldman)
7/19 - Texas, 5-3 (12) (at Tex - WP: Nippert; LP: Duensing)
8/17 - Texas, 8-5 (at Tex - WP: Hunter; LP: Liriano)
8/18 - Minnesota, 9-6 (at Tex - WP: Crain; LP: Jennings)
8/19 - Minnesota, 5-4 (at Tex - WP: S.Baker; LP: Millwood)
8/20 - Texas, 11-1 (at Tex - WP: Holland; LP: Swarzak)
8/28 - Minnesota, 3-2 (at Min - WP: Duensing; LP: Hunter)
8/29 - Texas, 3-0 (at Min - WP: Feldman; LP: Pavano)
2008 Meetings
4/25 - Texas, 6-5 (10) (at Tex - WP: Benoit; LP: J.Rincon)
4/26 - Minnesota, 12-6 (at Tex - WP: D.Reyes; LP: Jam.Wright)
4/27 - Texas, 10-0 (at Tex - WP: V.Padilla; LP: L.Hernandez)
5/19 - Minnesota, 7-6 (12) (at Min - WP: Korecky; LP: German)
5/20 - Minnesota, 11-4 (at Min - WP: Perkins; LP: Mathis)
5/21 - Texas, 10-1 (at Min - WP: Ponson; LP: Blackburn)
5/22 - Texas, 8-7 (10) (at Min - WP: Benoit; LP: Bass)
7/18 - Minnesota, 6-0 (at Min - WP: Perkins; LP: Millwood)
7/19 - Minnesota, 14-2 (at Min - WP: L.Hernandez; LP: Harrison)
7/20 - Texas, 1-0 (at Min - WP: V.Padilla; LP: Baker)
2007 Meetings
5/21 - Texas, 14-4 (at Tex - WP: V.Padilla; LP: Silva)
5/22 - Minnesota, 7-1 (at Tex - WP: Jo.Santana; LP: Loe)
5/23 - Minnesota, 5-3 (at Tex - WP: Bonser; LP: Tejeda)
8/17 - Minnesota, 2-1 (10) (at Min - WP: Guerrier; LP: Jam.Wright)
8/18 - Texas, 5-0 (at Min - WP: Loe; LP: Bonser)
8/19 - Minnesota, 1-0 (at Min - WP: Jo.Santana; LP: Millwood)
9/17 - Minnesota, 5-4 (at Min - WP: Nathan; LP: Benoit)
9/18 - Minnesota, 4-2 (at Min - WP: Silva; LP: Millwood)
9/19 - Minnesota, 4-2 (at Min - WP: Garza; LP: V.Padilla)
2006 Meetings
5/08 - Texas, 6-4 (at Tex - WP: Koronka; LP: Radke)
5/09 - Minnesota, 15-5 (at Tex - WP: Silva; LP: Millwood)
5/10 - Minnesota, 4-3 (at Tex - WP: Lohse; LP: V.Padilla)
7/07 - Texas, 9-4 (at Tex - WP: Wasdin; LP: Silva)
7/08 - Minnesota, 4-0 (at Tex - WP: Liriano; LP: Rheinecker)
7/09 - Texas, 5-2 (at Tex - WP: Bauer; LP: Jo.Santana)
7/31 - Minnesota, 15-2 (at Min - WP: Silva; LP: Rheinecker)
8/01 - Texas, 9-0 (at Min - WP: Eaton; LP: Baker)
8/02 - Texas, 10-2 (at Min - WP: K.Wells; LP: Bonser)
Texas last five games Minnesota last five games
8/25 - W at NY Yankees, 10-9 8/24 - W vs. Baltimore, 2-1
8/26 - L at NY Yankees, 2-9 8/25 - W vs. Baltimore, 7-6
8/27 - W at NY Yankees, 7-2 8/26 - L vs. Baltimore, 1-5
8/28 - L at Minnesota, 2-3 8/28 - W vs. Texas, 3-2
8/29 - W at Minnesota, 3-0 8/29 - L vs. Texas, 0-3
 
Bet on MyBookie
Top