MLB Series Wagering- Cardinals at Reds

This is the time of the year when baseball really starts to get fun because there is attractive matchups like this one that has meaningful significance to the pennant races. Almost the entire season, the echoes have reverberated San Diego and Cincinnati (64-48, +13.7 units) were a great baseball story, but eventually they would come back to earth and be the mediocre teams most expected back in March. With eight weeks to go in the regular season, barring a Sands hotel-like collapse, the first place Reds aren’t going anywhere.

Cincinnati’s unemployment rate is hovering at 10 percent, but for the first time in years, the baseball team is providing a positive distraction, in a town known as a great baseball community. The Reds return home off a 5-1 divisional road trip and lead St. Louis (61- 49, -6.1) by one game in the loss column and are 11-4 since July 23, including winning nine of last 11, in which they’ve outscored the opposition 70-33. “It’s time,” manager Dusty Baker said. “They (the players) had been wanting us to focus on it but we had to focus on the Cubs. To come in here and get a sweep in Chicago (first time in five years) is big for us.”

The Cardinals are top heavy and manager Tony LaRussa knows it. If St. Louis is going to repeat as division champions, they have to play better on the road (23-31) and get more out of the back end of the rotation. For this series in the Queen City, St. Louis come fully prepared with Chris Carpenter, Jamie Garcia and Adam Wainwright as the scheduled pitchers for the Redbirds. This terrific trio is 45-24 in games they’ve started, the best in baseball.

Carpenter (12-3, 2.91 ERA) will look to get St. Louis off to a good start in the series and he has been on top of his game. The right-hander is 3-0 in last five starts (all Cardinals’ wins), with undersized ERA of 1.64. Carpenter has three wins already this season against the Reds and is 10-3 with 1.96 ERA lifetime against Cincy. Sportsbooks have St. Louis as -133 money line favorites with total Ov7.5 for this ESPN 7:10 Eastern telecast and Carpenter and the Cards are is 9-1 OVER as a favorite of -125 to -175 this season, winning by two runs per contest.

The Reds counter with their rookie Mike Leake (7-3, 3.86), who after a sensational start, might be tiring, having lost last two starts and been hit hard. His earned run average in those defeats is 7.94 and Cincinnati is 6-15 at home after a win by win six runs or more, like yesterday’s 11-4 crushing of the Cubs. That number overlaps Baker teams that frankly were not very good and this Reds bunch is 24-11 after allowing four runs or less three straight games this year.

Game 1 Edge: St. Louis

The second game of the series brings elements relating to both clubs. St. Louis knows it can leave town atop the NL Central with a sweep and might not have to look back in doing so. The task is fundamentally difficult since Cincinnati has not been swept at Great American Ball Park in more than a year, falling to Colorado over three days in late July over early August.

Granted, Albert Pujols hits against everybody, but coming into this series he’s hot even by his own standards, having gone 16 for 32 with five homers and 11 RBIs in the last seven contests. Against Cincy this campaign he’s hitting .381 with three homers and 12 RBIs. Left-hander Jamie Garcia (9-5, 2.53) got two extra days off between starts after his worst outing of the season (8 runs and 10 hits over five innings) and manager LaRussa hopes that is the right tonic to get the young pitcher back to form. The Cards are 5-1 in Garcia’s last six starts against winning squads.

Cincinnati has been battering lefties of late with 16-5 mark. Reds starter Johnny Cueto (11-2, 3.24) has been devastating with 5-1 record and 1.55 ERA over his past nine starts. Don’t expect St. Louis to load up with LH hitters, as they are only batting .221 against Cueto, compared to RH batters who hitting .274. The Reds are 6-1 in previous seven Game 2’s outings and have won all five in that exact same situation in which Cueto was the starting pitcher.

Game 2 Edge: Cincinnati

The final contest of the series is a day time affair, with Adam Wainwright trading pitches with Bronson Arroyo. Wainwright (16-6, 2.07) often is the second fiddle of the St. Louis staff, but know this, he’s only the second hurler in the Cardinals storied history to have 16 victories and an ERA that low in 24 starts to begin a season. The other is Hall of Fame great Bob Gibson. The Redbirds are 21-18 in day games and if they are favored by -200 or less with Wainwright the pitcher, the Cards are 8-0.

Arroyo (12-6. 3.83) is in the Top 20 of units won at +6.4 in baseball. His career shows a pitcher who runs like a Moet faucet, hot or cold. He’s being scalding with 2.62 ERA in previous 10 starts and has not given up a run in consecutive starts. His changing speeds on his curveball has been wicked, with batters hitting a meek .177 against him. He and the Reds are 6-2 as underdogs and 22-18 under natural light.

Game 3 Edge: Cincinnati

Had my string of five series wins in a row snapped last week; however I feel I get back on track here. The Cardinals have the pitching edge with their exceptional starters, yet they 2-7 in road series since May and are 9-17 in traveling gray uniforms. The play here is the excited home underdog with a lot to prove and Cincinnati builds on lead by Wednesday evening.

Sportsbooks series odds: St. Louis -135, Cincinnati +105

3Daily Winners Pick: Cincinnati

Positive Mojo Monday

Another 2-1 takes our record to outstanding 127-68 in past 195 baseball plays! Today we have Run Line system that is 46-4 and perfect this season. The Top Trend is flat-out perfect and Mr. Buck joins us with his Best Free Play. Good Luck

What I letting you know today – From Elias Sports: Sean O'Sullivan was the Royals starting pitcher at Yankee Stadium on Sunday, after starting there for the Angels on Tuesday. O'Sullivan became the first pitcher to start for different teams against the same opponent within a six-day span since Cory Lidle did it versus Colorado in 2004 for the Reds (Aug. 8) and Phillies (Aug. 12). O'Sullivan is the only pitcher ever to start against the Yankees for two different teams during one homestand.

The GUARANTEED Play promised an easy winner yesterday and Milwaukee delivered 8-3 over Washington. Today we expect a similar outcome, as we have a pitcher in a 100 percent situation that is Guaranteed to deliver tonight.

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Free Baseball System -1) Play On all underdogs against a 1.5 run line like Seattle, (Money Line =-190 to -135) with a poor bullpen whose ERA is 4.50 or worse on the season, with a sterling starting pitcher whose WHIP is 1.100 or less over his last 10 games. This RL system is special at 46-4, 92 percent since 2006. (9-0 this year)

Free Baseball Trend -2) The Toronto Blue Jays are 16-0 vs. AL teams scoring 3.7 or less runs a game in the second half of the season since 1997.

Free Baseball Pick -3) Paul Buck has corralled seven winners in nine MLB plays and likes the Reds to rout Milwaukee.

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3Daily Winners Line Moves

The weekend is almost here and so are additional sports betting opportunities. Baseball bettors today have returned to a couple of the same matchups as yesterday as well as placing bets on what they see as winnable wagers. Let’s delve into what they are doing.

Minnesota at Baltimore 7:05 EDT

Enough sports bettors yesterday believed they had reasonable value on Baltimore and changed the odds on the Orioles as underdogs. Baltimore was shutout 5-0 and the focus has in turn changed to totals. This matchup started today at 9 and has been bumped up to 9.5.The reasons are plentiful with Jeremy Guthrie (3-10, 4.58 ERA) mostly ineffective and 9-29 in night games the last two seasons. (O’s Record) Minnesota has finally taken Nick Blackburn out of the rotation and replaced with Steve Duensing (3-1, 1.67), who has made 39 relief appearances this year. Duensing went 5-1 with a 2.73 ERA in nine starts as a rookie in 2009 and it is forecasted he will be held to a pitch count of 60-80. The Twins have pitched well lately with its spotty offense and are 15-4 UNDER in road games after three or more consecutive Under’s, while Guthrie’s is 19-8 UNDER when the total is 9 to 9.5. The action might be moving the wrong direction.

Atlanta at Florida 7:05 EDT

The Marlins were a -119 money line favorite on the overnight line and have dropped precipitously to a short fave or even an underdog at some locations. Florida sends rookie Alex Sanabia (1-1, 2.12) to stride the rubber and he’s been sharp in a couple of outings for team that is 12-3 after batting .250 or worse over a 20-game span. Atlanta has a built a seven-game lead in the NL East, thanks to their stellar play at home. They will look to continue to improve on the road (22-26) and are 23-9 as visitors vs. teams averaging 2.75 or less extra base hits per game in the second half of the season. Derek Lowe (10-8, 4.39) needs more run support not being the same ground-ball pitcher of years past, yet he and the Braves are 8-0 away from home against clubs that strike out seven or more times after playing half their schedule. Watch this line closely as the Fish are 0-10 as a home underdog of +100 to +125.

Cincinnati at Houston 8:05 EDT

The Reds Travis Wood (0-1, 2.02) has pitched well enough in his three starts to at least pick up a couple of victories, unfortunately for him; he’s been on the wrong side of a pair of 1-0 shutouts. Wood will seek elusive first “W” without the support of those betting on sports. Cincinnati was a -170 ML pick and has toppled to -150 or less. The Reds have matched up well against impatient teams like Houston and are 6-0 in visiting uniforms vs. opposing squads’ hitters who draw three walks or less a contest. With Astros starter Bud Norris 0-4, with 7.36 ERA at “Juice” Park and Cincy 13-3 facing NL teams scoring 3.8 or less runs a game, the lower ML offers greater value.

San Francisco at Arizona 7:05 EDT

Matt Cain blanked the Snakes 3-0 last night, lowering the team ERA to 2.80 in previous 17 outings (San Fran 13-4). Giants’ starter Jonathan Sanchez (7-6, 3.42) will attempt to keep pace with pitching brethren having shown glimpses of dominance lately, yet still far too inconsistent. The lefty’s up and down efforts concern sports bettors, moving San Francisco from -124 on the ML to -110 or less. Arizona’s Edwin Jackson isn’t exactly Mr. Stability, with 1-2 mark and a 7.16 ERA in three outings since his no-hitter. The D-Backs are 2-11 revenging four or more straight losses versus opponent, while Sanchez and the Giants are beleaguered 1-12 in road battles after a triumph since last season.

Chic. White Sox at Oakland 10:05 EDT

The Oakland A’s are playing their best baseball of the season having won seven of eight and moving ever closer to second place Los Angeles. The A’s are averaging almost 10 hits per game in this stretch and are 10-1 after scoring five or runs like they did against Boston in 6-4 triumph Wednesday. Terrific Trevor Cahill (9-3, 3.19) is the Oakland starter and he is 5-1 at home and the A’s are 12-4 in all his starts. The Athletics began as -124 ML play and have been bet down to -110 or lower, which is surprising. The A’s hitters have solved Mark Buehrle (8-8, 4.18) almost his entire career, with the lefty just 3-12 against Oakland. The Pale Hose and Buehrle are 4-14 in his last 18 starts against winning teams, making this look like the wagering public is backing the wrong side.

3DW Bonus Info

Money Line Nugget
Tampa Bay has lost 17 in a row at Cleveland.

Totals Nugget
Kansas City is 17-3 OVER vs. teams who strand 7.5 or more runners on base per game this season; with average total score 11.4 RPG.

Run Line Nugget
Pittsburgh is 9-26 (-26.1 Units) against the run line vs. an NL team with a batting average of .255 or worse in the second half of the season over the last two years, losing by 2.5 RPG.

A Monday with a tale of a broken heart

Our first losing day in some time on Sunday, still leaves us with impressive 115-61 record. Today we have two Top Trends from the same NL contest. The Best System is at 81 percent and the Free play is from a hot baseball bettor. Good Luck

What I noticed yesterday – I’ve been bothered all year with extra inning losses, 6-16 for the season, accounting for almost 15 units lost. However, as bad as that is, yesterday’s White Sox loss was the toughest of the season. Chicago held a 6-3 and closer Bobby Jenks was 20-0 in save situations. He went to the mound as defenseless as a Democrat at a Tea Party rally and he and another Sox pitcher gave up four runs in the bottom of the ninth at Minnesota and never registered an out. A very difficult defeat.

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Free Baseball System -1) Play Against road underdogs with a money line of +150 or more like Cleveland, an AL team with .260 or less BA, against a team with a good bullpen (ERA <=3.75), with a starting pitcher whose gives up 0.5 or less HR's a start. Since 1997, 81-19, 81 percent.

Free Baseball Trends -2) Washington is 2-15 in road games revenging a one run loss to opponent and Cincinnati is 9-1 at home games after a loss by two runs or less this season.

Free Baseball Pick -3) Steve of the LCC is 12-5 in last 17 MLB bets and has Detroit breaking out of slump.

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Late Tuesday Plays

With Sunday’s winning record, we moved to 89-50 in plays here at 3Daily Winners. Tonight we have a Best System at 82.4 percent. Our Top Trend is nearly perfect and Ron of the LCC is hotter than a mouthful of jalapeño peppers and has his Free Play. We are in 7th place the last 10 days in units won in MLB at the Cappers Monitor. Good Luck

What I thought yesterday – Just how bad the Cubs stink that they lose at home to Pittsburgh who almost never wins on the road.

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Free Baseball System -1) Play On home favorites with a money line of -175 to -250 like the Braves, averaging 0.9 or less home runs a game on the season, after a win by four runs or more. This winning system is 98-21 the previous 13 seasons.

Free Baseball Trend -2) Cincinnati is 13-1 with a hot bullpen who’s WHIP is under 1.000 the last five games this season, winning by 2.4 runs per game.

Free Baseball Pick -3) Ron of the LLC continues to sizzle with on 18-5 run and both White Sox to cover against Kansas City.

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Baseball Pitching Disasters – circa 2010

You know when the news comes on TV or you are on checking your favorite news websites and it has videos of train wrecks, tornadoes, a tiger gnawing on a human being or some other calamity and you just have to watch no matter how graphic or shocking it is? For those that are sports betting baseball participants, the same is also true.

Every year we get dialed in to the best pitchers in baseball thru the media and are own wagering habits. It’s great to have MLB.tv and turn on Ubaldo Jimenez, Tim Lincecum and even Stephen Strasburg, as they mow down one batter after another.

While this is good entertainment, it doesn’t necessarily help our wagering accounts unless you prefer relatively high risk, low reward options. Yes it is fantastic being all over Jimenez at 13-1 (up +12 units at most locations), however he’s been a freak this far into the season.
But what about the car wrecks, the pitchers that give away money like Pac Man Jones, whether it is thru their own incompetence or their jock gives them more support than their teammates. Here are noteworthy pitchers this season that are losing at alarming rates and have growing deficits just like the United States.

Zack Greinke – Kansas City

Many considered Greinke’s Cy Young season nothing short of remarkable a year ago. It’s very mentally difficult to pitch extremely well on a bad team and block out all the distractions that go along with this. Greinke’s had his own demons in the past, but he had appeared to put that all behind him and his tremendous ability would be good enough to overcome everything.

That has not been the case in 2010. Greinke is 2-8 with 3.94 ERA and could certainly have a better record on a better club. In four of his five no-decisions, he permitted five total earned runs, more than good enough to pick up a couple wins at least. He’s also been on the wrong side of a pair of 1-0 contests Kansas City has been involved in.

Maybe it’s not fair to compare a pitcher to the best year of his career, but facts are facts. Location has been an issue for the Royals right-hander. Last year he had 242 strikeouts, this year as he nears the midpoint of the season, Greinke’s at 83 punchouts. For the entire 2009 campaign, Greinke was taken over the fence 13 times, this season he’s had the head-jerker 11 times in 15 starts. Last year he allowed 0.85 hits per inning, this season 1.01 for every three outs.

“It's not perfect. It's not awful," Greinke said about this year. "Just not finishing off innings. ... Just not making perfect pitches when you need to and getting beat." With Kansas City 3-12 and sports bettors out a baseball worst -11.2 units, the guess is they would chime in and say it is really awful.

Ryan Dempster – Chicago Cubs

It’s a good thing baseball is a team game or Dempster and his agent might think of suing the Cubs for lack of support. Dempster’s 5-6 record isn’t terrible and his and his 3.56 ERA is quite good, however baseball bettors have dropped -9.2 units when he’s pitched. In 10 of Dempster’s 15 starts, he’s pitched into the seventh inning and allowed three runs or less, yet the Cubs are a mere 4-6. Opponents are only hitting .221 against him, but his chief flaw is missing his location at the wrong time, being tagged for 14 home runs, which is the same figure he permitted for the 2008 season when he won 17 games.

Brian Matusz and Jeremy Guthrie – Baltimore Orioles

This is like a combined entry in horse racing by a single owner. These are two mediocre pitchers on an odious baseball team. This less than dynamic duo is 5-17 and the O’s are 6 -24 when they take the mound. Guthrie isn’t really pitching any worse than he has in his career with 4.28 ERA compared to 4.27 since making his first major league roster in 2004. Nonetheless, he’s not been able to step up and really help his team and left-handed hitters are batting .50 points higher (.275) than right-hand hitters.

Right now the best aspect of Brian Matusz is the fact he’s 23 years old and throws from the left side. Matusz is mostly inconsistent, one good outing is followed by getting ripped the next and opposing clubs are batting a healthy .281 against him (conversely Baltimore has two hitters batting higher than .281) and surprising he’s been hit hardest by those he should have the most success against. Lefty hitters are a robust .311 against the Colorado native and in day games, his ERA jumps to 6.32.

Aaron Harang – Cincinnati Reds

There are 14 pitchers this season that are -5.2 units or worse than Harang of the Reds, but the 6’7 right-hander is carving out a niche of his own. In 2007, Harang was 16-6 and Cincinnati was 24-10, making him the best bet in baseball at +13.1 units. Since then, Harang has been like a port-a-john, he gives off an odor. In the past three seasons, Harang is 17-38 and cost Reds backers 16.9 units. Manager Dusty Baker prefers veteran players to youngsters and he sends Harang out there in his regular turn as the No. 3 starter despite information to the contrary.

In the past three years, batters are striping Harang for .289 BA and in this timeframe he’s been taken yard 71 times or once every six innings pitched. Baker, being old school, looks at the strikeouts to walk ratio and sees better than 3-1, yet this stuff has become slightly better than batting practice, permitting 493 hits in 433 2/3 innings. The Reds are 5-10 in his 15 outings this year and he taxes the bullpen more often than not. Let’s be honest, even though Harang is relatively young at 32, unless he finds a way to start missing more bats, he will be out of the league sooner than later.

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Tuesday's Top Info

I’ll put down a 0-2 record, though the system play winner could have qualified based on recent years being over 80 percent. We’re still 83-45 and Ken looks to continue his simmering ways with M and M matchup in the Midwest sponsored by Sesame Street. The Top Trend follows what the Pirates do after a low scoring affair and the Best System is of the run line variety, but a non-qualifier, at 78.3 percent. Good Luck

Going to Yankees and Snakes game tonight, should be fun with full house.

What I saw yesterday – I played Oakland last night and the Cincinnati Reds hit a trio of home runs in the tenth inning Monday night to give me a loser. The last time any major league team hit three home runs in one extra inning was the Royals, who hit three in the 11th inning against Detroit on September 29, 2006. (Thanks Elias Sports Bureau)

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Free Baseball System -1) Play Against all teams like Toronto against a run line (+1.5, -130) to (-1.5, +160), batting .240 or worse over their last 20 games, with a with a hot starting pitcher with a WHIP 1.100 or less over his last 10 games. This run line system is 36-10, 78.3 percent since 2006.

Free Baseball Trend -2) Pittsburgh is 1-15 in road games after one or more consecutive Unders this season, losing by gargantuan 3.4 runs per game.

Free Baseball Pick -3) Ken of the LCC is +10.7 units since last week and backs the Twins in Brew Town.

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Monday Mania

Took a slight misstep at 1-2 and will attempt to correct that immediately starting with a perfect trend in one of the AL West battles. The Best System is 82.7 percent and Mike of the LCC has what he believes is NL winner! Good Luck

What I thought today – The referees are ruining the NBA playoffs while enhancing those in the NHL. (See tomorrow’s article for more details)

On Twitter at: http://twitter.com/3Dailywinners

Free Baseball System -1) Play Against home underdogs with a money line of +100 or higher like Cleveland, averaging less than a home run per game, against a starting pitcher who gives up 0.5 or less HR's/start, with an AL starting pitcher whose WHIP is 1.300 to 1.400 on the season. Boston certainly appears the play backed with system that is 43-9, 82.7 percent.

Free Baseball Trend -2) The Angels are 11-0 after accumulating 17 or more base hits.

Free Baseball Pick -3) Mike went 9-3 over the weekend in all sports and has the Reds as his top play tonight.

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Gentlemen, start your engines

Another perfect day takes us to 62-26, 70.4 percent! It’s not as good as some handicappers that consistently hit 80 percent (wink-wink), but not too shabby. We’ll see if our luck can continue with the LCC having another Free play in the NL. The Top Trend is about a pitcher who is almost unbeatable at home and the Best System is far down the Left Coast and is 46-10. Good Luck

What I’ll thought today – With Kendry Morales having one of the most freak accidents you can have on the diamond, the Halos could well be in the heap of trouble. Without him they only have two players (Torii Hunter and Bobby Abreu) hitting over .260.

Remember when you couldn't watch the Indy 500 live and had to listen to it on the radio and it was cool?

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Free Baseball System -1) Play Against road underdogs with a money line of +125 to +175 like the Nationals with a NL starting pitcher whose ERA is 3.00 or better on the season, against opponent with a starting pitcher whose WHIP is 1.250 to 1.350. Dating back 13 years, this MLB system is 46-10, 82.1 percent.

Free Baseball Trend -2) James Shields and Tampa Bay are 17-2 as a home favorite of -150 to -175.

Free Baseball Pick -3) The LCC consensus plays have been awesome and they are 7-0 on Cincy today with a mixture of ML or RL action. For our purposes, it’s just the Reds.

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Thursday's Top Material

We’re back after a 1-1 Tuesday and have three plays on tap to supports 56-26 record. The Best System and Best Bet are from the same game and have extremely impressive figures. Talk about impressive one AL team has an 18-0 angle going tonight. Good Luck

What I’ll learned today – Dwight Howard registered 21 points, 10 rebounds and five blocked shots to help Orlando avoid playoff elimination in Game Five on Wednesday night. Howard had 32 points, 16 rebounds and four blocked shots to help Orlando avoid a series sweep in Game Four. Only one other player has recorded 20-or-more points, 10-or-more rebounds and at least four blocked shots in consecutive games with his team facing elimination in both games: Elvin Hayes in 1979. (Thanks Elias)

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Free Baseball System -1) Play On home favorites with a money line of -125 to -175 like Cincy, batting .290 or better over their last 20 games, in May. Over the past three seasons this system is electrifying 27-6.

Free Baseball Trend -2) Tampa Bay is 18-0 in home tilts after scoring four runs or less three straight games over the last three seasons.

Free Baseball Pick -3) The LCC consensus plays continue to deliver wins and profits and are backing the Reds 14-0 this evening. WOW!

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MLB Systems that hit all bases

The weather is heating up across most of the country, which makes going a baseball a very comfortable experience. On the topic of hot, this Wednesday we have four smokin’ systems in the big leagues that begging to be considered for online sports betting.

Oakland at Baltimore 7:05E MASN

After smacking the ball around the yard for 31 hits in two games early last week, the Athletics offense has gone nearly dormant with more than seven base hits once in last six outings. Oakland is 12th in runs scored in the American League at 3.8 per game and will face Baltimore’s Brian Matusz (2-4, 5.26 ERA), whose last three outings have been like the stock market. (3 2/3, six runs allowed -seven shutout innings – 2 1/3, seven runs allowed)

Sportsbooks have total on this tilt of Ov8.5, but history shows AL teams that score 4.5 or less runs a contest after three consecutive games of seven hits or fewer, against a starting pitcher with ERA in 4.70 to 5.70 range, have a strong tendency to play UNDER with 39-13 record since 1997.

Boston at Tampa Bay 7:10 E NESN

For the last several years the Red Sox have scuffled in Tampa Bay with 6-16 record coming into the series. They are starting to turn that around with a pair of wins to begin three-game set. Boston will go for the sweep of the AL East division leaders having won four in a row and eight of nine.

The Red Sox have been swinging hot bats and are now second to Toronto in home runs in the big leagues with 62 and they’ve received excellent pitching, holding the Rays to one run in the first two games. John Lackey (4-3, 5.07) continues to struggle with his new club and will take on Matt Garza (5-2, 2.37) who is 8-2 against the BoSox.

Oddsmakers have made Boston +144 road underdogs and teams averaging 1.25 or more home runs game after allowing two runs or less and are visiting dogs of +125 to +175, are 26-86 the last five seasons.

Pittsburgh at Cincinnati 7:10E

While San Diego and Tampa Bay have garnered most of the attention for their early season exploits, one team has quietly gone about their business, yet is surprisingly tied for a division lead. The Cincinnati Reds are 26-20 (+6.5), with seven wins in their last 11 contests. The Reds strength has been their offense, averaging 5.6 RPG since May 4.

Tonight, Cincy is a -166 ML choice and home favorites of -125 to -175, batting .290 or better over their last 20 games, in May, are 45-13 since 2006.

Arizona at Colorado 8:40E

On the baseball card for Hump Day, one of the biggest presumed mismatches is this NL West battle. The reason is simplistic, National League Cy Young Award candidate, Ubaldo Jimenez (8-1, 0.99) is pitching, leading baseball in wins and earned run average.

How dominant has Jimenez been; he’s the second major league starter in the past 90 years to begin a season with nine starts of six or more innings while giving up three or fewer runs.
The Rockies are -240 ML faves against Arizona’s up and down offense and road underdogs of +175 to +250, batting .250 or worse over their last 20 games, against opponent with a hot starting pitcher whose WHIP is 1.000 or less over his last five starts are beggarly 3-47. Ouch!

All systems from the Foxsheets.

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Let's follow MLB Trendy Talk

Baseball like any sport is about how teams matchup. Often, little secrets emerge when two teams face off and they can be frequently found in baseball trends. Those participating in sports betting can grab an edge they might otherwise not have with a couple of key points about any given contest on a typical slate of 15 games. Take the time to peruse baseball’s top trends for tonight.

In the National League the Cincinnati Reds host Pittsburgh being tied with the St. Louis atop the Central Division. The Reds are a -170 money line favorite at sportsbooks and have feasted on rotten teams. Cincy is 12-2 playing against a bad club with 38-46 win percentage and is 11-2 if a NL team has an on-base percentage .315 or worse this season.

Philadelphia visits the New York Mets and is 10-2 on the road after seven or more consecutive home games the last three seasons. Tonight, the Phillies starter is Jamie Moyer and he and the Phils are 14-3 in road encounters against division opponents since 2008.

Atlanta heads to south Florida with the total at nine. This might be setting up as Under play since the Braves are 14-3 UNDER in road games when playing with a day off over the last three years and Florida starter Anibal Sanchez is 11-1 UNDER when the ML is +125 to -125.

The Houston at Milwaukee matchup is like picking your own poison. The Brewers are 4-14 at Miller Park and 2-7 as a home favorite of -110 or higher this season. The Astros on the other hand are 15-29 and 7-21 coming of a loss. Houston will start Felipe Paulino who is 0-6 this year and he and the ‘Stros are 2-15 as an underdog of +100 or higher over the last two seasons.

Over in the American League, two scuffling Central Division partners do battle in Cleveland. The Chicago White Sox are underachieving 19-25 and cannot formulate any momentum with 4-14 record after a win in 2010. The Indians have hitting and pitching woes are 4-17 after scoring four runs or less in five straight games since 2008. The Pale Hose are -132 ML favorites because of starter Jake Peavy.

Oakland has won three in a row and five of seven to climb back over .500 at 23-22 and has owned Baltimore with 13-2 mark. The A’s are -111 ML road faves behind Dallas “Mr. Perfect” Braden; however an inkling of doubt arises. The Athletics are feeble 0-13 in road games vs. an AL starting pitcher whose WHIP is 1.100 or better.

Minnesota like a lot of AL clubs has problems with the New York Yankees. The Twins are 5-18 vs. New York and 4-7 at home the last couple of years. The simplest explanation is 16-32 record vs. an AL team with an on-base percentage of .345 or better. Minnesota will try to change their luck in new Target Field against the Bronx Bombers, but are 12-30 versus AL squads scoring 5.2 or more runs a game.

The Toronto Blue Jays continue to mash, leading baseball with 76 dingers and are 12-4 in road encounters when playing against a team with a losing record after last night’s impressive 6-0 white-washing of the L.A. Angels. The Halos are presently listed as a Pick with a great deal of line movement. This evening they give the ball to Ervin Santana who is 22-8 throwing at the Big A vs. teams outscoring opponents by 0.5 or more runs game. (Team's Record)

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Wednesday's material of note

Goodness, another 3-0 day makes our record 51-23, 68.9 percent for last 74 choices. The Top Trend is in the heart of Texas and the LCC consensus plays have been saucier than Megan Fox’s language in recent interview. We have systems article about baseball, check out the Phillies one at 82.5 percent. Good Luck

What I noticed today - Online sports betting oddsmakers were impressed with how easily the Lakers scored against Phoenix in totaling 128 points on 58 percent shooting. Los Angeles wasn’t exactly a defensive juggernaut with the Suns shooting 49.8 percent; however don’t you wonder just a little bit about the total moving SIX points from Game 1 to Game 2 to 216?

How bad are things in Brew Town? Milwaukee has lost eight straight and despite their history of dominating Pittsburgh, they have fallen from -170 opening money line road favorite and to -147 or less at most sportsbooks.

The Atlanta Braves began the day as -150 home favorites, but have sunk to -130 or lower against Cincinnati. The first place Reds are 12-4 playing against a team with a losing record this season and finding all kinds of different ways to win. Braves starter Kenshin Kawakami is 0-6 with 5.79 and he and Atlanta are 4-15 vs. teams averaging 2.75 or less extra base hits per game.

Scuffling Seattle was supposed to be an AL West contender and are if you hold the newspaper upside down. The Mariners are -120 choice down from -140 and just can’t get out of their own way with 6-18 record after a loss this season.

The Giants and Diamondbacks division matchup started at nine and at last look is up to Un10. Plenty of reasons for sports bettors to believe this will come true since San Fran starter Todd Wellemeyer has 9.49 road ERA and though Ian Kennedy has been more effective (3.58 ERA) for Arizona, unless he’s able to pitch complete game, the Snakes bullpen will enter the contest with outrageous 7.97 earned run average this season.

MLB Betting Nuggets

Play on teams like Philadelphia against a -1.5 run line, who are good NL offensive team scoring 5.0 or more runs a game against a quality starting pitcher (ERA<=3.70), after allowing two runs or less two straight games. (40-13 L5Y)

Toronto is 9-1 against the money line in road games when playing against a team with a losing record this season, winning by 1.8 runs per game.

Tom Gorzelanny of the Cubs is 12-0 OVER as a road underdog of +100 or higher over the last three seasons, with average total score of 10.9 RPG.

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Free Baseball System -1) See system article below.

Free Baseball Trend -2) The Texas Rangers are 13-2 vs. an AL starting pitcher whose WHIP is 1.100 or better over the last two seasons.

Free Baseball Pick -3) The Left Coast Connection consensus is 8-0 behind the Phillies tonight and FYI -14-3 on the Suns with the points.

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Top Wednesday Baseball Systems

The second part of swing week continues with all 30 MLB teams moving on to play new opponents for the next two days. Upon doing research we find different teams in advantageous positions this Wednesday on the money line and online sports betting enthusiasts also will have an outstanding totals play to consider.

Chic. Cubs at Philadelphia 7:05E

The Phillies might not have had Chase Utley in the lineup the last few days, but they still lead the National League in runs scored at 5.6 per game and maintain a .278 team batting average. Philadelphia will face the Cubs this evening and their hard luck starter Tom Gorzelanny (1-4, 3.60 ERA), who had permitted three or less runs in his first six starts of 2010, before having his worst outing the last time out against his old team Pittsburgh and was cuffed around for five runs, nine hits in five innings of work.

The Phillies are -145 money line home favorites and teams that bat last with the ML between -100 to -150, with a team batting average of .275 or higher, taking on NL starting pitcher with ERA of 3.70 or less in the first half of the season are 33-7 since 2006.

Cincinnati at Atlanta 7:10 E

The Reds continue to be in first place in the NL Central with yesterday’s dramatic 5-4 come from behind win over Milwaukee in which they tallied three runs in the bottom of the ninth inning to pull it out.

“Down 4-2 in the last inning against arguably the greatest closer of all-time, and to come back to win?” Joey Votto said after driving in the game winner off of Trevor Hoffman. “I think that says a lot. I think the guys always feel like we have a good shot.”

Cincinnati has won four straight and eight of nine, even though they have bullpen ERA of 4.82. Aaron Harang (2-5, 6.02) and his pitching foe Kenshin Kawakami (0-6, 5.79) have struggled mightily in 2010. Harang has at least notched a couple of wins but Kawakami has not registered a victory since August 31, 2009. He’s allowed 43 hits in 37.1 innings and been tagged for six home runs.

Nonetheless, the Reds are +125 dogs and road teams with the between money line +125 to -125, with a mediocre bullpen whose WHIP is 1.450 to 1.550 on the season, against opponent with a starting pitcher who is winless after five or more starts are 10-39.

L.A. Angels at Chic. White Sox 8:10E

The White Sox have not won back to back games since sweeping home series against Seattle back on April 23-25, will have eighth attempt to change their luck. Chicago will have their best and most consistent hurler John Danks (3-2, 2.25, 1.125 WHIP) on the mound.

They will face Joe Saunders (2-5, 4.96, 1.566) who was having a terrible year before putting it all together in complete game four-hit shutout over Oakland in his previous start. The Pale Hose are a -150 money line wager and home teams with an AL starting pitcher whose WHIP is 1.200 or better on the season facing his mound counterpart whose WHIP is 1.500 to 1.600, are 47-14 the last 13 seasons, including 19-2 the last five years.

Toronto at Seattle 10:10E

The Blue Jays concluded a 4-1 homestand in impressive fashion trouncing the Twins 11-2 yesterday, behind four home runs taking their Major League total to 65. The long ball is what is keeping the Blue Jays on the positive side of .500, since they have a mediocre team batting average of .244.

Toronto makes a West Coast swing beginning in Seattle at spacious Safeco Field. Online sports betting patrons should look at the total of Un7.5, as AL road clubs with BA of .255 or worse on the season after a win by six runs or more are 44-15 UNDER the last five years.

All systems from the Foxsheets.

Monday's Wave

Another quality day of 2-1 takes us 35-16, 68.6 percent in past 51 picks. Sal has a NL East play for Free today. A Cincy pitcher isn’t at his best into today’s trend situation and we have a 80 percent totals system ready to fire. Good Luck

What I thought today- (11:07 am PDT) Orlando and the L.A. Lakers go for the sweep today of their respective opponents, with NBA bettors liking the Magic’s chances the most. Orlando opened as -5.5 point road favorites, but the majority of books have moved them up to -6.5.

The interest in the Lakers and Utah is more along the lines of scoring, which has escalated each contest and produced three Over’s. The opening number of 205.5 was not good enough for totals players, who have bet it up to 207.

In baseball, numbers moving up and down on favorites.

The Washington Nationals might be tied in the standing with the New York Mets at 17-14, but MLB bettors are not sold at least tonight on the Nats. New York opened as -140 home favorites and has gone up at least 15 cents at most wagering outlets. With the Mets John Maine sporting 2.30 ERA in last three starts and 10-0 record at home vs. teams outscored by 0.5 or more runs a game on the season over the last three seasons (Mets Record), this could be a factor.

Boston is receiving the same treatment, getting ready to face division rival Toronto. This line movement is bit more perplexing as the Red Sox have gone from -171 to at least -185 and higher at sportsbooks. The Blue Jays are 12-4 on the road this season and have won nine of last 11. Boston does own 3-0 record over Toronto in 2010 and is 16-3 after seven or more consecutive Fenway Park contests however.

The Chicago Cubs just finished 1-5 road trip and subtract their lone victory and this dead ball club scored 10 total runs in the other five contests. The Cubs have gone from -165 favorites at Wrigley Field to -151 or less. Possibly 6-13 record against losing teams doesn’t instill much confidence.

On Twitter at: http://twitter.com/3Dailywinners

Free Baseball System -1) Play Under when the total is 7 to 8.5 and a team like Tampa Bay is batting a frigid .225 or worse over their last 10 games, against opponent with a ice cold starting pitcher with ERA over 7.00 in his last three starts. This system is 40-10, including 4-0 this season.

Free Baseball Trend -2) The Reds Bronson Arroyo is is 4-17 on the road with a money line of -100 to -125 in his pitching career. (Team’s record)

Free Baseball Pick -3) Sal is 10-3 in MLB since Thursday and has the Mets, though he bought it much lower price.

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Top Totals System in NL Central Matchup

After a 0-8 start to 2010, the Astros finally got off the launching pad and won eight of their next 10 to have a respectable record for April. Unfortunately the next opponent after the hot stretch was Cincinnati, their kryptonite when they start to play like Superman.

The Reds were off a .500 homestand but just the thought of those Houston uniforms gave the Astros a feeling of superiority. Cincinnati has won the first two games of this series taking their record to 11-1 against the Stros, with six wins in seven tries at Minute Maid Park.

Tonight’s situation doesn’t set up nearly as well for the Reds, facing their greatest nemesis.

Houston’s offense is laughable, ranked last in runs scored at 3.3 per game and on-base percentage of .285, but that hardly matters with Roy Oswalt (2-2, 2.42 ERA) pitching. The right-hander is 23-1 lifetime against Cincinnati with a 2.58 ERA. When dressed in the home whites, Oswalt is perfect 12-0 in 16 starts with even lower earned run average of 2.26.

Oswalt will be opposed by Bronson Arroyo (0-2, 7.43), who is like a Moen faucet, he runs hot and cold. Presently he is in the near frozen category, but his manager has seen this before.

“We’ve covered this before,” Dusty Baker said. “He’ll go through a few starts where he struggles, then he’ll reel off seven or eight in a row. I hope this is the end of the bad streak.”

Arroyo is 4-0 in last four starts against Houston, with razor-sharp 1.69 ERA and two complete games.

Houston is a -170 money line favorite; however the important number is the total which is 7.5 for this super situation.

Play Under on home teams when the total is 7 to 8.5, with a repugnant offensive scoring less than 4.1 runs per game, with an on-base percentage of .310 or worse over their last 20 games, facing a NL pitcher with ERA of 5.70 or higher.

Since the Dow Jones Industrial Average first climbed above 8,000 (1997), this totals system is 38-13. For additional reinforcement, Arroyo is 13-2 UNDER vs. teams averaging 2.75 or less extra base hits per game and Houston is 27-12 UNDER the first month of the season the last two years.

Take a long look at this highly profitable baseball system.

Hump Day plays and rapid fire thoughts

Got back on winning track with 2-1 Tuesday, taking recent record to 16-6. This evening let’s look at 80.3 percent system in the Lone Star State on the base paths. The Top Trend in on the ice for the last first round contest of the playoffs and Steve of the Left Coast Connection tries to serve up yet another winner. Good Luck

What I thought today- My God does the Kansas City bullpen stink. The Washington Nationals are 12-10 and are off to their best start in D.C. since they arrived in town and finished up April 13-11 in 2005.

Olympic Committee takes back medal of 2000 Chinese female gymnast for being 14, not 16 as China reported. Underhanded dealings in the Olympics, purely shocking.

DeMarcus Russell could get cut any time by the Oakland Raiders and walk away with three million this year. My sources tell me however he already has a spokesperson job lined up with Rio Suites Hotel in Las Vegas for their Carnival World Buffet.

On Twitter at: http://twitter.com/3Dailywinners

Free Baseball System -1) Play Against road teams when the money line is +125 to -125 like the White Sox, with a cold starting pitcher whose ERA is 7.50 or higher his last three starts and the team has on-base percentage of .310 or worse over their last 20 games. In the previous five years this system is 49-12.

Free Hockey Trend -2) The Washington Capitals are 11-1 revenging a blowout loss of three goals or more this season.

Free Baseball Pick -3) Steve of the LCC continues to roll with five straight winners and plugs Cincinnati for a winner tonight.

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Hump Day Stuff after 3-0 day

Pulled out the old Devo album (Whip it, whip it good) for a 3-0 Tuesday. We can actually improve on that number today with two plays from system that over 90 percent. The Top Trend takes place on the South Side of Chicago and the Free Play is in the Queen City. Good Luck

What I learned yesterday- The Reds rallied for two runs in the bottom of the eighth to defeat the Dodgers, 11-9. Cincinnati has six wins this season, and all have come in their last at-bat, tying a modern major-league record. Since 1900, only one other team posted each of its first six wins in its final turn at the plate: the 1970 Giants.

On Twitter at: http://twitter.com/3Dailywinners

Free Baseball System -1) Play Against all underdogs with a money line of +175 to +250, with AL batting average of .265 or less, against decent starting pitcher (ERA of 4.20 or less), who are batting .225 or worse over their last five games. This system is incredible 44-4 and says to go against the Orioles and Rangers.

Free Baseball Trend -2) Mark Buehrle and the Pale Hose are 15-2 when the money line is -100 to -150 over the last two seasons.

Free Baseball Pick -3) Steve got us a winner and is banking on the Dodgers to do the same.

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Now to Baseball's Real Opening Day

The made for TV part of the beginning of the baseball season was last night, today we move ahead to the 13 parks stuffed with fans, the aroma of people grilling a collection of wonder foods and everyone is in good mood because baseball is back. This is yet another sign that warmer weather and outdoor activities are on the way and the local nine has yet to disappoint one person, plus the activity of watching scores from out-of-town ads to the experience. Let the romance begin with five nationally televised games.

St. Louis at Cincinnati 1:10E ESPN

No better place to start baseball than in Cincinnati, the first professional baseball team that started way back in 1869, then known as Red Stockings. While no one expects this Cincinnati team to start the way their predecessor did (the Red Stockings won 130 consecutive games from 1969-70), the Reds have good young talent with the likes of Brandon Phillips, Joey Votto and Jay Bruce.

Aaron Harang makes his fifth consecutive Opening Day start and believes he’s made enough mechanical tweaks to fix what has caused him to lose 31 total games the two years. Harang is 7-10 with 4.54 ERA against St. Louis.

The Cardinals are favorites to win the NL Central, with the best hitter in baseball in Albert Pujols, now backed with coverage for the entire season by Matt Holiday. St. Louis also has arguably the best pitcher in the National League in Cris Carpenter who gets the start. The Cy Young runner-up last year is also making his fifth start in an opener and is 7-3 with low 2.11 ERA against the Reds.

DiamondSportsbook.com has the Cards as -150 money line favorites, with total Un7.5. Carpenter is 39-22 in road games in the first half of the season in his career. This is the first time these two teams have squared off in game one of a new season since 1994.

Cleveland at Chicago White Sox 2:05E ESPN2

The Indians are being picked last in the AL Central by many baseball experts. That doesn’t mean the Indians are devoid of talent with CF Grady Sizemore, DH Travis Hafner, Shin-Soo Choo, SS Asdrubal Cabrera and players dripping with potential in Matt LaPorta and outfielder Michael Brantley. Pitching is the big concern in Cleveland and Jake Westbrook is the game one starter for the first time is five seasons. The Tribe is +160 money line road underdog with total at Un9 and Westbrook is 11-28 on the road when the total is 9 to 9.5. (Team's Record)

The White Sox open 2010 more athletic and presumably better defensively. They also have four very good starting pitchers which is why they should be competing for the division title. One of them is Mark Buehrle, making his franchise-record eighth Opening Day start, previously shared with Billy Pierce. The left-hander threw a perfect game last season and set a Major League record of 45 straight batters retired. Beuhrle is 76-46 all-time at U.S. Cellular Field and is 82-41 as a favorite of -125 to -175. (White Sox Record)

Chicago Cubs at Atlanta 4:10E ESPN

The Cubs and Braves enter 2010 with buoyed enthusiasm. Chicago got rid of clubhouse cancer Milton Bradley and added Marlon Byrd and Xavier Nady to their outfield mix, looking for more production. Manager Lou Pinella is hoping the injury bug stays away and that a 15 pounds lighter Carlos Zambrano can rebound from off year. Chicago is a +120 road dog and was undesirable 8-27 as an underdog of +100 to +150 last season, however Cubs fans could be mildly optimistic since Big Z is 41-20 as visitor when the total is 8.5 to 10. (Cubs Record)

Atlanta made bullpen modifications they believe will lead to more victories in skipper Bobby Cox swan song season. The venerable Cox likes his starting pitching and is excited about 20-year-old phenom Jason Heyward who brings power and speed to the Braves. Atlanta is 93-57 UNDER in the first half of the season over the last two seasons and Derek Lowe will be the Braves first hurler to toe the rubber.

San Francisco at Houston 7:05E ESPN2

The Giants look to take the next step after startling 88-win campaign and be in the hunt for division crown. Having back to back Cy Young winner Tim Lincecum is a wonderful place to start and the front office thinks Mark DeRosa and Aubrey Huff will help the offense generate more runs, after averaging only 4.1 per game in 2009.

The best news out of Houston is new manager Brad Mills is earning glowing praise with his positive energy, however not one game has mattered yet. The pitching staff has been bolstered with Brandon Lyon, Brett Myers and Matt Lindstrom. Unfortunately, Lance Berkman begins the year on the DL. The Astros will have Roy Oswalt making his eighth consecutive Opening Day start, but his club is 2-5 in those contests despite a solid 3.35 from the right-hander, whose been nursing a sore left hamstring.

Houston is a +120 money line home underdog with total Un7, nonetheless the ‘Stros won all eight of Oswalt’s assignments against the NL West last season. San Francisco has to be considered dangerous anyways, with 40-22 mark when a -150 favorite or less and Lincecum is 2-0 with 1.67 ERA vs. Houston.

Minnesota at L.A. Angels 10:05E ESPN2

Only one game features division champions on Opening Day and that is in Anaheim with Minnesota beginning with the Angels. These two squads are different than a season ago, one presumably for the better and the other to be determined.

The Twins have a new combination up the middle with shortstop J.J. Hardy and 2B Orlando Hudson and Jim Thome returns to the AL Central as DH for Minnesota. Scott Baker is off a 15-win season, reestablishing himself as the masthead of the staff and he earns the Twins opening start. Baker is 0-4 in six starts in Anaheim with 5.59 ERA. The late innings will look a lot different for Minnesota fans with Joe Nathan gone for the year, setting up bullpen by committee with Matt Guerrier, Jose Mijares, Jon Rauch and Jesse Crain.

The Angels suffered some real blows in losing John Lackey, Vladimir Guerrero and Chone Figgins to other American League clubs and look to pick up the prices adding Joel Pineiro, Hideki Matsui and Brandon Wood in their places. The new lead-dog for the Halos is Jered Weaver, who is a laid-back Cali type, a far cry from Lackey’s bulldog tendencies. Nevertheless, Weaver is 27-12 at the Big A and big reason why the Angles are -130 money line choice with total listed at Ov7. The Twins were 27-11 UNDER in the in the first half of the last season.

Totals System in Baseball Ready to Unload

No pennant race talk in this article, instead we’re on the hunt for a baseball betting winner and the potential is there to cash winning ticket. The Cincinnati Reds were spotted as frauds at the All-Star break hovering around .500, despite having the 14th rated runs scored and runs allowed figures in the National League. The baseball gods finally caught up with the Reds and they lost 14 out of 15 after the break.

Fortunately for Cincinnati (66-79, -2.9 units), they play in the same division as Pittsburgh, so finishing last is usually taken care of by the Pirates. The Reds have had their share of injuries, which might have contributed to better offensive numbers, yet the facts state what the Reds are, not very good offensively, ranked 28th in baseball.

It hasn’t been a marquee season in Houston (70-75, -0.9 units) either, trying to squeeze one more pennant chase out of the oldest team in the big leagues, with a pitching staff being held together with yarn and duct tape beyond Roy Oswalt and Wandy Rodriguez. The Astros don’t swing the bats a whole lot better than Cincinnati, ranked 25th in runs scored at 4.1 runs per game.

September baseball is a real challenge to wager on, with so many unexpected occurrences. Take this series, Houston had won seven out of ten and came to play on the banks of the Ohio River, having beaten the Reds 16 out of last 21 in their own ballpark. Cincinnati returned home after losing five of last six on extended road trip and they were set to be underdogs against the Astros best starters Rodriguez and Oswalt, in the first two meetings.

So what happens, Cincy wins the first two games as home underdogs and goes for the sweep today. The Reds are -120 money line favorites at DiamondSportsbook.com, with a total of Ov9 (remember that number).

Today’s pitching matchup won’t make this the game of the day, with Justin Lehr (4-2, 4.93 ERA) facing Yorman Bazardo (0-1, 9.00). What these pitchers lack in name brand recognition, they are expected to contribute to a top notch Totals system today.

Play Over on all teams when the total is 9 to 9.5, with a winning percentage between 38 and 46 percent, off two straight upset wins over division rivals as a home underdog.

Since 1997, this Total system is 35-11, 76.1 percent, with the average total score being 11.1 runs per game. This system is further aided by Cincinnati sporting a 9-1 OVER record off an upset win over a division rival as a home underdog (note the similarity) over the last two seasons and Houston is 29-15 OVER vs. an NL starting pitcher whose ERA is 4.70 to 5.20 since 2007. September baseball, the strangeness never stops, yet winners can still be uncovered.