The run continues. We turned in another 9-6 effort on Hump Day (thank you 2 Live Crew) and now are hard pressed to remember a day that our winners didn't outpace our losers. The stats continue to improve (as you can see on the right). We're a season high 38 games over .500 and even better, hitting our UMLs at a 74% clip. Things are good. More importantly, there are a number of games that we really like today and had a difficult time separating out just a few UMLs. As such, we're going to up the ante and give you four instead of the standard three. Do with that what you'd like but beware, we're feeling a 4-0 day.
Unpickable Master Locks:
LAA @ Cleveland - We're beginning to feel like a broken record. The Angels are a UML more often than not in the last two weeks. That is what happens when you are a streaking team playing inferior opponents. The Indians have made it somewhat interesting in this series but the results have continued to be the same (Halos victories). Tonight should be much of the same as John Lackey gets to face Justin Masterson. Masterson finds himself on a pretty strict pitch count which means the Cleveland bullpen will also play a prominent role in this game. While they have not been nearly as atrocious recently, the relievers remain a liability. Lackey should move through this lineup with relative ease and the Angels, with nearly every starter hitting .300 or better, should provide plenty of cushion. Take LAA (-160) to win 7-4. LOCK IT UP
Boston @ Toronto - The Red Sox are not dead just yet. Don't be one of those fools that thinks this team is done. Far from it. They are too talented and too experienced not to be in this Wild Card race down to the season's end. They get to face another Toronto lefty (Brett Cecil) against whom they have significant success. Cecil has tallied 4 and 2/3 innings against Beantown this season and surrendered 5 HRs. That is unbelievably poor. The Sox counter with their own lefty, though a much more talented one in John Lester. While Lester has had his struggles at the Rogers Centre, the remainder of Boston's games are big and Lester is a big game pitcher. The bats will give have a wide margin for error tonight. This one is a lock. Take the Sox (-170) to win 8-2. LOCK IT UP
Florida @ Houston - We went back and forth on whether to include this game in the UMLs. After all, Wandy Rodriguez is pitching for the Stros and he has been pretty darn good this year. However, we just love Josh Johnson too much to stay away. That guys is an absolute beast and we wish we had more opportunity to see him live. He is going to be the most dominant NL starter for the next 5 years, write it down. This should be a tight, low-scoring game but in the end the Fish have more to play for and they have Johnson. Hanley, Hermedia and/or Cody Ross will provide some big hits. Take the Marlins (-130) to win 4-3. LOCK IT UP
St. Louis @ San Diego - We welcome another regular back to the UMLs. The Cardinals are just that good. They take 2 out of 3 in LA and just further cement in our minds that they will be playing longer than any other NL team. This match up is not terribly fair although the Padres are not necessarily pushovers these days. Regardless, the Cards are in another class and solid #3 starter Joel Pineiro gets a chance to notch win #12. This might be a late game time wise but we already know the outcome. Take St. Louis (-158) to win 6-4. LOCK IT UP
Remaining Games:
NY Pets (-120)
Phillies (-183)
Nationals (+122)
Rays minus 1.5 runs (-130)
Rangers (-210)
Cubs (+122)
D-League Softball Spotlight:
70s Style Bush @ Hit and Run - The Bush is back in action tonight as the summer league begins its stretch run toward the playoffs. 70s Style has knocked off some early season rust and managed to put together back-to-back victories to move to 3-2 on the season. However, things begin to get a bit tougher for the team with tonight's battle against Hit and Run, a team that shares its 3-2 record. Adding to the challenge, regular first baseman Kevin Fordon is out of action this evening and co-captain Matt Hussey is a major question mark. The blow of these absenses is somewhat offset by the return to action of original Bushman T-Roy Neves. Neves made his presence felt immediately during his first game back last week with a bases clearing triple (the first and last triple of his storied career). Neves added to the moment by Cadillacing his way between 1st and 2nd base as the shocked outfielders scrambled to retrieve his poke. The Bush will be looking for more of the same from T-Roy tonight. 70s Style looks to Kevin Pollack to pitch deep into tonight's game and put off the inevitable Brien Dirito relief appearance for as long as possible. Expect big hits from the suddenly resurgent James Charlesworth and always reliable Matt Scerri. Defensive standouts Tim Crvarich, Sean Grech and Burt Ritz will make all the right plays and John Yannuzzi will fill in admirably at first base. Heck, Joe Smith may even show up for this game. Take the Bush (-105) to win a seasaw affair with a late inning rally capped off by a two-out John Gilginas double. Final score is 11-9. LOCK IT UP
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