MLB Friday: Mets vs Braves

Braves Look to Rebound After Stellar Matz Performance

The New York Mets and the Atlanta Braves will meet on Friday at SunTrust Park. They will partake in the second game of their four-game series. It should be another close one with the pitching and defense both these National League East contenders play.

TV: 7:20 p.m. ET, MLB Network, SNY (New York), FS South (Atlanta); LINE: Braves -113; O/U: 9.5 Over -113.

PITCHING MATCHUP: Mets RH Zack Wheeler (0-1, 10.24 ERA) vs. Braves RH Kyle Wright (0-1, 4.35)

The Braves enter Friday's home contest against the Mets after a 6-3 loss in Thursday's series opener. It was just their second defeat in the past nine games. The day was not a total loss. Earlier in the afternoon it produced a long-term victory for the franchise. Only nine days after locking up star outfielder Ronald Acuna Jr. to an eight-year contract extension, Atlanta inked second baseman Ozzie Albies. They signed the All-Star to a seven-year deal. The new contract will keep Albies with the Braves through at least 2026.

Albies finished 0-for-5 in the series opener, but is off to a solid start in his second full big-league season. He is hitting .327 with an .838 OPS and handling the leadoff spot against left-handed starters. It was an opposing infielder who stood out Thursday night. New York shortstop Amed Rosario drove in a career-high four runs, by belting a three-run homer in the second and adding an RBI single in the sixth inning. Rosario hit .302 in his final 48 games last season. He has been hot and is 6-for-15 in his past four games. The talented youngster is hitting .283 on the season with four extra-base hits and 10 RBI's in 46 at-bats. Rookie first baseman Pete Alonso came came into Thursday tied for second in the National League in RBI's and tied for third in homers. He slugged his sixth "creature" of the season in the seventh inning. Alonso finished with two RBI's, giving him 17 in 12 games.

This, That, and a Dart Throw

The Mets starter, Zack Wheeler, faced Washington in his first two starts and struggled in both. He gave up four runs on six hits in five innings on March 31. Then he walked seven hitters while allowing seven runs over 4 2/3 innings this past Sunday. Wheeler has walked eight hitters over 9 2/3 innings so far this young season. That is shocking as he only issued 55 walks in 182 1/3 innings last season. That put him en route to a 12-7 record and 3.31 ERA. Wheeler went 1-1 with a 4.26 ERA and 1.26 WHIP against the Braves in 2018. In 10 career starts he is 5-3 with a 3.21 ERA. Second baseman, Robinson Cano finished 0-for-5 in the series opener, and is 3-for-21 with five strikeouts in his past six games to drop his average to .180.

The Braves starter, Kyle Wright, struggled in cold conditions in his first start of the season in Philadelphia. He pitched much better last Saturday at home against Miami. The kid only gave up two runs on five hits with four strikeouts and one walk over six innings. Wheeler had walked five while allowing three runs in his season debut. He did throw 46 of his 77 pitches for strikes Saturday while allowing a pair of solo homers. Wright surrendered two runs in one inning of relief against the Mets as a rookie last season. Acuna slammed a 462-foot homer in the eighth Thursday. He finished a double shy of the cycle. Acuna is 7-for-11 with five runs scored and five RBIs in his last three games.

The Dart Throw: Braves 7, Mets 3

MLB Betting Odds & Trends

New York Mets
NY Mets is 8-4 ATS in its last 12 games
NY Mets is 10-4 SU in its last 14 games
The total has gone OVER in 9 of NY Mets's last 11 games
NY Mets is 7-1 ATS in its last 8 games on the road
NY Mets is 7-1 SU in its last 8 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 5 of NY Mets's last 6 games on the road
NY Mets is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games when playing Atlanta
NY Mets is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games when playing Atlanta
NY Mets is 6-12 SU in its last 18 games when playing Atlanta
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of NY Mets's last 9 games when playing Atlanta
NY Mets is 11-5 ATS in its last 16 games when playing on the road against Atlanta

Atlanta Braves
Atlanta is 6-3 ATS in its last 9 games
Atlanta is 7-2 SU in its last 9 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Atlanta's last 6 games
Atlanta is 11-3 SU in its last 14 games at home
Atlanta is 1-5 ATS in its last 6 games when playing NY Mets
Atlanta is 12-6 SU in its last 18 games when playing NY Mets
Atlanta is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games when playing NY Mets
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Atlanta's last 9 games when playing NY Mets
Atlanta is 5-11 ATS in its last 16 games when playing at home against NY Mets

Next up:
New York at Atlanta Saturday, April 13

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Bruins and Maple Leafs Open Stanley Cup Playoffs

Original Six Members Clash Again in NHL Playoffs

Thursday night the Toronto Maple Leafs and Boston Bruins will open their best-of-seven playoff series at TD Garden. This series will add yet another chapter to a long history of playoff battles between Toronto and Boston. The
Maple Leafs look to prevent history from repeating itself in their Eastern Conference first-round series. Toronto lost in seven games to their Original Six rivals in a spirited first-round set in 2018. That is five years removed from a demoralizing Game 7 loss in which they squandered a three-goal lead in the third period

The Atlantic Division foes were heading in opposite directions during the last two weeks of the season. The Bruins going 7-3-0 in their last 10 games, and the Leafs limping to the finish line by losing 7 of their last 10 games.

TV: 7 p.m. ET, NBC Sports Network, TVAS, CBC, Sportsnet (Toronto), NESN (Boston) LINE: Bruins -136; O/U: 6 Under -105.

Just one season ago, the Boston Bruins entered the playoffs as the second seed in the East. They ousted the Leafs in seven games. They’ll hope to repeat that tonight on home ice. The Bruins are excited to have their talented winger, David Pastrnak, back to health to face the Leafs. Pastrnak has an incredible 24 points in 18 career playoff games. He will be key to the Bruins’ success in Round 1. On the Leafs side, they’ll be looking to shake the hex that the Bruins have over them in the playoffs. They’ll need their offensive stars, particularly John Tavares and Auston Matthews, to perform if they hope to advance

This, That, and a Dart Throw

Boston won three of the four encounters against Toronto this season. They enter the playoffs on a 22-7-4 run. That run is highlighted by a 19-game point streak (15-0-4) from Jan. 29-March 9. It that allowed the Bruins to pull away from the Maple Leafs in the standings. Toronto's key offseason acquisition, John Tavares, posted career-best totals in goals (47) and points (88). He had just one and two, respectively, in the season series against Boston. Auston Matthews recorded just two in last year's playoff series.

Toronto's Frederik Andersen will be under the microscope in the hockey hotbed that is Toronto. All eyes will be watching as he recorded a 3.76 goals-against average and .896 save percentage in last year's playoff series. The Dane posted uneven performances in a pair of meetings in 2018-19. He turned aside 38 shots in a 4-2 win on Nov. 26th, then got shredded for a season high-tying amount of goals in a 6-3 setback on Dec. 8th. Garret Sparks returned to practice on Wednesday and likely will serve in a backup role with Michael Hutchinson and his wife expecting a baby. C Mitch Marner collected four of his 68 assists, and five of his 94 points, against Boston.

Boston's top line has been golden all season. Brad Marchand has a team-leading 64 assists and 100 points, David Pastrnak has a club-best 38 goals and has 81 points, while Patrice Bergeron had a career-high 79 points. The trio enjoyed stellar seasons and are no strangers to lighting up the scoreboard against Toronto. The group combined for 30 points (nine goals, 21 assists) in last year's seven-game series. Marchand had seven assists, and Pastrnak chipped in six goals and three assists. That duo played significant roles in the four meetings in 2018-19. David Krejci matched his career high with 73 points. He ended up with multi-point performances coming in four of his last five games.

Dart Throw: Bruins 3, Maple Leafs 2

Stanley Cup Playoffs Betting Odds & Trends

Toronto Maple Leafs
Toronto is 1-5 ATS in its last 6 games
Toronto is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Toronto's last 5 games
Toronto is 2-7 ATS in its last 9 games on the road
Toronto is 2-5 SU in its last 7 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Toronto's last 6 games on the road
Toronto is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games when playing Boston
Toronto is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing Boston
Toronto is 1-6 ATS in its last 7 games when playing on the road against Boston
Toronto is 1-6 SU in its last 7 games when playing on the road against Boston
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Toronto's last 5 games when playing on the road against Boston

Boston Bruins
Boston is 7-3 ATS in its last 10 games
Boston is 17-8 SU in its last 25 games
The total has gone OVER in 7 of Boston's last 9 games
Boston is 1-7 ATS in its last 8 games at home
Boston is 12-2 SU in its last 14 games at home
Boston is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games when playing Toronto
Boston is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing Toronto
Boston is 6-1 ATS in its last 7 games when playing at home against Toronto
Boston is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games when playing at home against Toronto
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Boston's last 5 games when playing at home against Toronto

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NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs begin in Tampa Bay

Blue Jackets Have Tall Order in the Lightning

Wednesday night’s contest between the Tampa Bay Lightning and the Columbus Blue Jackets officially kicks off the Stanley Cup Playoffs. Tampa Bay has earned home ice advantage throughout the playoffs. They finished atop the league standings during the regular season. Columbus, meanwhile, has been playing must-win games for the last two weeks of the regular season. They had their backs against the wall just to qualify for the postseason. Regardless of how they got here, both the Lightning and Blue Jackets have an opportunity to capture Lord Stanley, beginning with Wednesday’s Game 1 matchup.

TV: 7 p.m. ET, USA, Sportsnet360, TVA; FS Ohio (Columbus), FS Sun (Tampa Bay) LINE: Lightning -240; O/U: 6.5 Under -115.

One may think that the Tampa Bay Lightning have been coasting after securing top spot in the NHL standings back in mid-March. They didn’t slow down one bit. They finished the regular season winning 7 of 10 and didn’t rest any regulars. While they avoided injuries, which was the key thing. We’ll have to wait and see if the Lightning experience any fatigue in the postseason.

If any team is at risk of fatigue it may be the Blue Jackets. They were playing desperation hockey all the way up to Game 81 of the regular season. They defeated the New York Rangers in a shootout to punch their postseason ticket. They’re running into the best team in the NHL and have a monumental task on their hands if they hope to advance to Round 2.

This, That and a Dart Throw

Tampa Bay made history in the regular season with an NHL record-matching 62 wins. The team hopes to continue their dominance in Game 1 of their Eastern Conference first-round series. The Lightning have won all six games against the Blue Jackets the last two seasons. They have outscored them 17-3 in three victories in 2018-19, but they know little of that matters come playoff time.

The Lightning boast three 40-goal scorers. The NHL's leading point producer is right wing Nikita Kucherov, with 128. They are expecting to have Norris Trophy winner Victor Hedman back in the lineup after he missed the last four games with an upper-body injury. C Anthony Cirelli led all forwards in the league in short-handed playing time (222:39). He was tied for second with five short-handed goals.

Tampa's Andrei Vasilevskiy led the league with 39 wins despite missing a month with an injury. He has performed well in the playoffs, going 15-11 with a 2.68 goals-against average and .919 save percentage. Captain Steven Stamkos led the team with 45 goals. This season was his most since scoring 60 in 2011-12. Center Brayden Point and Kucherov added 41 apiece as Tampa Bay tallied 30 more times than any other team in the league. Hedman practiced the last two days while fellow defenseman Anton Stralman sat out both and is questionable.

The Blue Jackets have yet to win a playoff series in their history. Coach John Tortorella took Tampa Bay to the Stanley Cup in 2004. The Blue Jackets went 7-1-0 in their last eight games to make the postseason for the third straight year. G Sergei Bobrovsky has won at least 37 games in three straight seasons. He is 5-14 with an .891 save percentage in 24 career playoff games.

Blue Jackets Center Matt Duchene and left wing Ryan Dzingel did not make major impacts on the scoresheet with 12 points each since being acquired at the trade deadline. They supported a capable offense. Left wing Artemi Panarin may be leaving as an unrestricted free agent after the playoffs. He provided Columbus with a career-high 87 points this season. Right wing Cam Atkinson finished with a career-best 41 goals. The Blue Jackets are without two top-seven defensemen. Ryan Murray and Adam McQuaid both have upper-body injuries. Seth Jones and Zach Werenski led the blue line with 90 points combined. RW Oliver Bjorkstrand finished the regular season by scoring nine goals and setting up two others in his last 10 contests.

Dart Throw: Lightning 4, Blue Jackets 1

NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs Betting Odds & Trends

Columbus Blue Jackets
Columbus is 6-2 ATS in its last 8 games
Columbus is 7-1 SU in its last 8 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Columbus's last 6 games
The total has gone UNDER in 12 of Columbus's last 17 games
Columbus is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games on the road
Columbus is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 11 of Columbus's last 13 games on the road
Columbus is 1-5 ATS in its last 6 games when playing Tampa Bay
Columbus is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games when playing Tampa Bay
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Columbus's last 7 games when playing Tampa Bay
Columbus is 3-10 SU in its last 13 games when playing on the road against Tampa Bay
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Columbus's last 6 games when playing on the road against Tampa Bay

Tampa Bay Lightning
Tampa Bay is 20-5 SU in its last 25 games
The total has gone OVER in 7 of Tampa Bay's last 9 games
Tampa Bay is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games at home
Tampa Bay is 12-2 SU in its last 14 games at home
Tampa Bay is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games when playing Columbus
Tampa Bay is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing Columbus
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Tampa Bay's last 7 games when playing Columbus
Tampa Bay is 10-3 SU in its last 13 games when playing at home against Columbus
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Tampa Bay's last 6 games when playing at home against Columbus

Get your NHL odds at Bovada today.

MLB Tuesday: Braves vs Rockies

Braves Look for Second Straight Over Rockies

The Atlanta Braves and the Colorado Rockies meet on Tuesday at Coors Field. The will be playing game two of a three game series. The Braves have turned it around after being swept by the Phillies to open the season. The Rockies not so much.

TV: 8:40 p.m. ET, FS South (Atlanta), AT&T SportsNet-Rocky Mountain (Colorado); LINE: Rockies -110; O/U: 10.5 Under -115.

PITCHING MATCHUP: Braves LH Max Fried (1-0, 0.00 ERA) vs. Rockies RH German Marquez (1-0, 0.69)

The Colorado Rockies are struggling, there is no question about that. No matter if it is hitting or pitching, on the road or at home, they are struggling. If they get pitching they don't get hitting and vice-versa. They were outscored 29-14 while being swept in a three-game set against the Los Angeles Dodgers over the weekend to open their home schedule. Atlanta came to town and administered an 8-6 beating last night. A game they trailed 7-0, but could not get any closer than 7-6. The Rockies have lost eight of the team's last nine contests since starting the season 2-0.

Colorado's starters have a 6.19 ERA, which is second-worst in the National League to Chicago, who has a 6.49 mark. Ace Kyle Freeland was lit up for seven runs in five innings on Monday. The Braves have four regulars hitting better than .300 after Nick Markakis went 3-for-4 with two RBIs and a run scored on Monday. The output raised his average to .324 for the season. He joins Freddie Freeman (.389), Ozzie Albies (.346) and Dansby Swanson (.333) above the mark. Ronald Acuna Jr., the 2018 National League Rookie of the Year, could be ready to join them in the near future after he shrugged off a 4-for-31 start to the season. He went 2-for-3 with a two-run homer and three runs scored on Monday. Acuna had been hitting the ball hard, but nothing was falling.

Colorado's German Marquez has started quickly. He has one run allowed in 13 innings this season. He makes his first start since signing a five-year, $43 million contract. He opposes Max Fried, who took a perfect game into the sixth inning of his first start of 2019.

This, That, and a Dart Throw

The Braves, Max Fried allowed one hit and struck out five in six scoreless innings in a 9-4 victory over the Chicago Cubs on Thursday. The 25-year-old told reporters he learned to "just trust my stuff". Atlanta manager Brian Snitker said: "When a kid figures something out with all that assortment, then you've really got something." Fried began the season in the bullpen and had issued a pair of walks in 1 2/3 scoreless and hitless innings over two appearances versus Philadelphia on March 28 and 31. 3B Josh Donaldson raised his average to .182 by going 1-for-3 with a double and a walk on Monday.

The Rockies, German Marquez permitted three hits and three walks in seven innings last time out. It was a 1-0 victory at Tampa Bay on Wednesday. He allowed one run and two hits in six frames of a 6-1 win at Miami on March 29th. He has struck out seven in each outing. Marquez is 1-1 with a 6.94 ERA in two starts versus Atlanta. That includes an 8-3 loss in Colorado's 2018 home opener in which he yielded seven runs over 4 2/3 innings. The game-time temperature was at 28 degrees in that game. That is some 45 less than is forecast for Tuesday's first pitch. The Rockies have scored a season-high six runs five times but are 2-3 in those games.

Dart Throw: Braves 8, Rockies 4

MLB Betting Odds & Trends

Atlanta Braves
Atlanta is 5-2 ATS in its last 7 games
Atlanta is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games
Atlanta is 1-7 ATS in its last 8 games on the road
Atlanta is 1-7 SU in its last 8 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 10 of Atlanta's last 15 games on the road
Atlanta is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games when playing Colorado
Atlanta is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing Colorado
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Atlanta's last 7 games when playing Colorado
Atlanta is 5-0 ATS in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Colorado
Atlanta is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Colorado
Atlanta is 5-13 SU in its last 18 games when playing on the road against Colorado
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Atlanta's last 6 games when playing on the road against Colorado

Colorado Rockies
Colorado is 1-8 ATS in its last 9 games
Colorado is 1-8 SU in its last 9 games
Colorado is 0-5 ATS in its last 5 games at home
Colorado is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Colorado's last 7 games at home
Colorado is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games when playing Atlanta
Colorado is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing Atlanta
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Colorado's last 7 games when playing Atlanta
Colorado is 0-5 ATS in its last 5 games when playing at home against Atlanta
Colorado is 13-5 SU in its last 18 games when playing at home against Atlanta
Colorado is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Atlanta
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Colorado's last 6 games when playing at home against Atlanta

Next up:
Atlanta at Colorado Wednesday, April 10

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Sports Betting Basketball: Virginia Wins First NCAA Basketball Title

NCAA history was going to happen no matter who wins between Texas Tech and Virginia. In fact, it is the first time for both teams to be in the NCAA finals. However, in the end, there can only be one winner. When the buzzer sounded, Virginia won its first NCAA basketball title.

In 2018, Virginia made sports news headlines last year when the team became the first top seed to lost to the 16th seed in the tournament. Forward to the future and now the Cavaliers are the NCAA champions. They defeated 3rd seed Texas Tech in overtime with a score of 85-77.

Leading the Cavaliers to victory is Kyle Guy with 24 points. Also, he received the most outstanding player award. De’Andre Hunter led all scorers with 27 points. Winning its first NCAA basketball title is a fitting ending after what happened to them last year.

First NCAA Basketball Title

Losing to 16th seed UMBC last year put the team in a dark place. Players and the coaching staff felt embarrassed for being the laughing stock of the tournament last year. In fact, winning their first NCAA basketball title is a redemption story for the Cavaliers. Also, it was the third time Virginia reached the Final Four since 1984. Betting software experts didn't expect them to win the title this year.

It was the first appearance for the Texas Tech in the Final Four. In its history, the school only won one national championship in any sport. It was its 93 women’s basketball team led by Sheryl Swoopes.

Leading Texas Tech in scoring is Brandone Francis with 17 points coming off the bench. Also, Davide Moretti and Jarrett Culver both scored 15 points. According to the sports betting software, the Final Four game was the first time the two teams met each other.

As a matter of fact, this year’s Final Four had a different feel. It is the first time for years since it didn’t have North Carolina, Duke, Kentucky, UCLA, Louisville, or Kansas.

NBA Tuesday Free Betting Pick- Celtics at Wizards

Celtics Have Already Clinched 4th Seed in the East

The first half of Tuesday’s NBA doubleheader of betting action on TNT features the season finale for the Boston Celtics and the Washington Wizards. They battle in a 7 p.m. tip at Capital One Arena. Look for BetAnySports online sportsbook opened Boston as a 5 point favorite. The total opened at 226.5.

Boston has already clinched the No. 4 seed in the Eastern Conference playoffs. Their opening round matchup is against the Indiana Pacers. With Sunday’s 116-108 loss to Orlando as four-point home favorites, the Celtics slipped to 5-2 straight-up in their last seven games. They have a 3-4 record against the spread on BetAnySports’ closing line. The total has gone OVER in five of those last seven contests. Boston is an even 20-20- SU on the road this season with a 4-2 record ATS in its last six road games.

Both Marcus Smart and Jayson Tatum left Sunday’s game with injuries. Their playing status for Tuesday night is up in the air. Kyrie Irving put up a team high 23 points in the losing cause. The Celtics are ranked 14^th in the NBA in scoring with an average of 112.3 points per game. They move to eighth on defense when it comes to points allowed at 107.9 ppg.

Wizards Looking for Nightmare Season to End

Washington will look to avoid the season sweep on Tuesday night. They lost its first two games to Boston both SU and ATS. They come into this game with a three-game losing streak both SU and ATS. This is after coming up short in Sunday’s 113-110 loss to New York as a four-point road favorite. The Wizards are 2-9 SU over their last 11 games with a 4-7 record ATS. They have failed to cover in four of their last five home games on BetAnySports’ closing line.

The Wizards have the slight edge in scoring against Boston with an average of 114.1 PPG. Bradley Beal has led the way all season long with a 25.7 PPG average. He was held to just 13 points in Sunday’s loss after shooting 29 percent from the field. Most of Washington’s issues this season have been at the other end of the court. They have a defense that is ranked 29^th in the league in points allowed (116.9).

With nothing on the line for either side of this matchup, I am going to lean towards the better overall team by going with Boston SU and ATS.

NBA Betting Odds & Trends

Boston Celtics
Boston is 4-10 ATS in its last 14 games
Boston is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games
The total has gone OVER in 11 of Boston's last 15 games
Boston is 4-2 ATS in its last 6 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Boston's last 8 games on the road
Boston is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games when playing Washington
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Boston's last 7 games when playing Washington
Boston is 2-6 SU in its last 8 games when playing on the road against Washington
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Boston's last 5 games when playing on the road against Washington

Washington Wizards
Washington is 2-9 SU in its last 11 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Washington's last 6 games
Washington is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games at home
Washington is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Washington's last 6 games at home
Washington is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games when playing Boston
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Washington's last 7 games when playing Boston
Washington is 6-2 SU in its last 8 games when playing at home against Boston
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Washington's last 5 games when playing at home against Boston

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Monday MLB: Yankees vs Astros

Hot Yankees Offense Faces Astros Vaunted Pitching

The Houston Astros and the New York Yankees meet on Monday at Minute Maid Park. The Yankees put an emphatic end to their early-season offensive malaise over the weekend. They put on a power display for the ages. After scoring just five times in their previous three games, the Yankees belted 14 homers and plated 29 runs in their last three games. It helped to gain a bit of momentum entering Monday's opener of a three-game series with the host Astros

TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, ESPN, YES (New York), AT&T SportsNet-Southwest (Houston); LINE: Astros -155; O/U: 8 Under -115.

PITCHING MATCHUP: Yankees RH Masahiro Tanaka (1-0, 1.46 ERA) vs. Astros RH Justin Verlander (1-0, 4.09)

Gary Sanchez clubbed three of New York's seven homers on Sunday. The team moved above .500 for the first time since its Opening Day win with a 15-3 shellacking of Baltimore. Clint Frazier belted a three-run homer in Saturday's 6-4 victory. He had two more blasts to cap a four-hit performance in the series finale versus the Orioles. Houston rebounded from losses in five of its previous six by scoring 15 runs en route to a sweep of Oakland. Jose Altuve has seven hits in his last four games. He drew a four-pitch walk with the bases loaded in the ninth inning of Sunday's 9-8 win.

This, That, and a Dart Throw

Tanaka allowed just one earned run and did not walk a batter in his second straight start last time out for the Yankees. The Japanese star departed with a no-decision despite striking out seven in 6 2/3 innings against Detroit on Tuesday. Tanaka also left without a decision in his lone outing versus Houston last year despite registering a quality start. Carlos Correa (3-for-15, two homers, five RBIs) and George Springer (4-for-12, two homers, three RBIs) have enjoyed a little success against Tanaka. 2B Gleyber Torres is 8-for-15 with three homers, five RBIs and six runs scored during his four-game hitting streak.

Newly signed to a two-year contract extension worth $66 million, Verlander answered with a strong Opening Day start for the Astros. He then surrendered four runs on six hits in four innings of a no-decision at Texas last Tuesday. The 2011 American League MVP and Cy Young Award recipient will look to get back on track versus New York. He is 7-7 with a 3.49 ERA in 20 career starts against the "Evil Empire". Aaron Judge is 0-for-6 with three strikeouts versus Verlander. Sanchez is 1-for-6 with two strikeouts. 3B Alex Bregman is 11-for-20 during his six-game hitting streak. Springer has scored five runs during his six-game hitting streak.

Prediction: Astros 6, Yankees 2

MLB Betting Odds & Trends

New York Yankees
NY Yankees is 4-2 ATS in its last 6 games
NY Yankees is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games
The total has gone OVER in 14 of NY Yankees's last 20 games
NY Yankees is 5-0 ATS in its last 5 games on the road
NY Yankees is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 10 of NY Yankees's last 11 games on the road
NY Yankees is 6-1 ATS in its last 7 games when playing Houston
NY Yankees is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing Houston
NY Yankees is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Houston
NY Yankees is 3-7 SU in its last 10 games when playing on the road against Houston
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of NY Yankees's last 5 games when playing on the road against Houston

Houston Astros
Houston is 1-8 ATS in its last 9 games
Houston is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games
The total has gone UNDER in 9 of Houston's last 11 games
Houston is 1-5 ATS in its last 6 games at home
Houston is 8-3 SU in its last 11 games at home
Houston is 1-6 ATS in its last 7 games when playing NY Yankees
Houston is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games when playing NY Yankees
Houston is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games when playing at home against NY Yankees
Houston is 7-3 SU in its last 10 games when playing at home against NY Yankees
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Houston's last 5 games when playing at home against NY Yankees

Next up:
New York at Houston Tuesday, April 9

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NCAA Championship Game: Texas Tech vs Virginia

Defense is King as Cavaliers and Red Raiders Square Off in Championship Game

The Texas Tech Red Raiders and the Virginia Cavaliers will meet on Monday night at U.S. Bank Stadium. They are two of the best defensive teams in the country. They will be vying for their first national championship in the NCAA Tournament title game.

Virginia has limited opponents to a national-best 55.5 points per game and 38.4 percent shooting. The Red Raiders advanced to the final by holding Michigan State to 31.9 percent from the field in Saturday's 61-51 victory.

TV: 9:20 p.m. ET, CBS LINE: Cavaliers -1.5; O/U: 118.5.

The Cavaliers and Red Raiders have never met. The over-under betting total of 118.5, is already down from the opening line of 119, marks the lowest number since Florida-UCLA (128) in 2006.

The Cavaliers became the first No. 1 seed in history to lose to a 16th seed in last season's tournament. They made up for it this year. The team needed three free throws from junior guard Kyle Guy with less than one second left to beat Auburn 63-62 in the semifinals. Texas Tech lost five of its top six scorers from last season's Elite Eight team. They leaned on its stifling defense that only gave up 58.8 points per game and 36.8 percent shooting. With the emergence of Big 12 Player of the Year Jarrett Culver, who chips in 18.6 ppg, it was just the right remedy for them to catapult into the National Championship game. Third-year coach Chris Beard molded the team into one capable of being something special. The team bought into the defense theory during the summer and look where it has taken them.

This, That, and a Dart Throw

Texas Tech is 31-6 heading into tonight's championship game. Mooney averages 11.3 points overall, drained 4-of-8 from 3-point range Saturday in the win. Culver finished with 10 points on 3-of-12 shooting. Guard Davide Moretti saw his streak of 11 straight double-figure games end with five in the semifinal. Guard Brandone Francis scored nine off the bench against Michigan State. Forward Tariq Owens, who averages 8.8 points and a team-high 2.5 blocks, suffered an ankle injury in the second half Saturday. He was able to return to the floor and should be fine tonight.

Virginia is 34-3 on the season. Guy struggled shooting in the first three games of the tournament, going 8-for-38 overall and 3-for-26 from 3-point range. He has warmed up the last two games going 13-for-30 with 7-for-18, while averaging 20 points. Guy leads the team overall with 15.2 ppg. Swingman De'Andre Hunter chips in 14.9 ppg. He missed last year's tournament with an injury. He scored 14 on 7-of-11 shooting from the field in Saturday's victory. Jerome averages 13.5 points and a team-high 5.4 assists per game. He scored 24 in the South Region final against Purdue. He then led the way with 21 points to go along with nine boards and six assists in the semifinals. Jerome drained four 3-pointers for the second straight game.

Prediction: Virginia 57, Texas Tech 53.

NCAA Basketball Trends

Virginia Trends

• Trend Over is 5-2 in Cavaliers last 7 NCAA Tournament games as a favorite of 7.0-12.5. Hit % 71.40% (7) O/U 5|2 Push 0 W/L
• Under is 5-1 in Cavaliers last 6 games as a favorite of 13.0 or greater. 83.30% (6) 1|5 0
• Under is 4-1 in Cavaliers last 5 neutral site games as a favorite. 80.00% (5) 1|4 0
• Under is 9-2 in Cavaliers last 11 games as an underdog of 13.0 or greater. 81.80% (11) 2|9 0

Texas Tech Trends

• Trend Under is 11-5 in Red Raiders last 16 games as a favorite of 13.0 or greater. Hit % 68.80% (16) O/U 1|5 Push 0 W/L
• Under is 11-4 in Red Raiders last 15 neutral site games as a favorite. 73.30% (15) 1|4 0
• Under is 6-1 in Red Raiders last 7 games as an underdog of 13.0 or greater. 85.70% (7) 2|9 0
• Under is 4-1 in Red Raiders last 5 games as a favorite of 7.0-12.5. 80.00% (5) 1|4 0

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MLB Friday: Dodgers vs Rockies

Dodgers Playing Well Heading into Colorado

The division rival Los Angeles Dodgers and Colorado Rockies will meet on Friday at Coors Field. Despite the absence of ace left-hander and three-time Cy Young Award winner Clayton Kershaw, the Los Angeles Dodgers are off to a fast start. They are sitting atop the National League West after going 5-2 on a season-opening seven-game homestand. the Dodgers will play their next seven on the road beginning this afternoon.

TV: 4:10 ET, SportsNet Los Angeles, AT&T Sportsnet-Rocky Mountain (Colorado); LINE: Dodgers -130 O/U: 10 -110.

PITCHING MATCHUP: Dodgers RH Kenta Maeda (1-0, 4.05 ERA) vs. Rockies LH Tyler Anderson (0-1, 9.00)

Los Angeles has been relentless on offense. They have scored 49 runs in its five victories while leading the majors with 18 home runs through Wednesday's games. The Rockies are set to play their home opener after snapping a four-game slide in the finale of a seven-game road trip. They secured a 1-0 victory in 11 innings at Tampa Bay. Chris Iannetta hit an 11th-inning blast on Wednesday accounted for only Colorado's second run in four games.

This, That, and a Dart Throw

Los Angeles put up 18 runs in the season debut for Maeda. He worked 6 2/3 innings and allowed three runs on five hits. All the runs came via solo homers. He made eight appearances (three starts) against Colorado last season and posted a 1-1 mark with a 1.96 ERA. Iannetta is 5-for-14 with a pair of homers against Maeda. Maeda has limited Nolan Arenado to 3-for-24 with 13 strikeouts. He has not shown any signs of being fazed by pitching at Coors Field, going 4-1 with a 3.19 ERA. Enrique Hernandez has hit safely in all seven games and is batting .435 with three homers and six RBIs.

The Rockies, Anderson made a career-high 32 starts and finished 7-9 in 2018. He struggled in his 2019 debut at Miami, lasting five innings and gave up five runs on nine hits. He saw plenty of the Dodgers last season. He made five starts and compiled a 1-1 record and 3.58 ERA. The youngster held them to a collective .228 batting average. Anderson had few answers for Justin Turner, who is 13-for-28 against him. He also has fared well at Coors Field with a 3.73 lifetime ERA. Colorado is batting .197 as a team and has hit only two home runs.

Prediction: Rockies 6, Dodgers 4

MLB Betting Odds & Trends

Los Angeles Dodgers
LA Dodgers is 3-9 ATS in its last 12 games
LA Dodgers is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games
The total has gone OVER in 6 of LA Dodgers's last 7 games
LA Dodgers is 1-5 ATS in its last 6 games on the road
LA Dodgers is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games on the road
LA Dodgers is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games when playing Colorado
LA Dodgers is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing Colorado
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of LA Dodgers's last 10 games when playing Colorado
LA Dodgers is 8-4 ATS in its last 12 games when playing on the road against Colorado
LA Dodgers is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Colorado
LA Dodgers is 8-4 SU in its last 12 games when playing on the road against Colorado
LA Dodgers is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Colorado
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of LA Dodgers's last 6 games when playing on the road against Colorado

Colorado Rockies
Colorado is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games
Colorado is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Colorado's last 5 games
Colorado is 8-2 ATS in its last 10 games at home
Colorado is 8-2 SU in its last 10 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Colorado's last 9 games at home
Colorado is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games when playing LA Dodgers
Colorado is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games when playing LA Dodgers
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Colorado's last 10 games when playing LA Dodgers
Colorado is 4-2 ATS in its last 6 games when playing at home against LA Dodgers
Colorado is 4-8 ATS in its last 12 games when playing at home against LA Dodgers
Colorado is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games when playing at home against LA Dodgers
Colorado is 4-8 SU in its last 12 games when playing at home against LA Dodgers
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Colorado's last 6 games when playing at home against LA Dodgers

Next up:
Los Angeles at Colorado Saturday, April 6

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Date	GTD	Event #	Tournament Name	Buy-in	Time
Wednesday, April 17th, 2019	$6,000.00	#1	5 HR LR	$4.20 + $0.40	3:00:00 PM
Wednesday, April 17th, 2019	$80,000.00	#2	8 Max	$500 + $30	6:20:00 PM
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Thursday, April 18th, 2019	$10,000.00	#10	Regular	$10 + $1	8:00:00 PM
Friday, April 19th, 2019	$50,000.00	#11	Regular 5 HR LR	$150 + $10	3:30:00 PM
Friday, April 19th, 2019	$20,000.00	#12	8 Max	$80 + $8	5:20:00 PM
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Saturday, April 20th, 2019	$40,000.00	#18	6 Max	$200 + $15	6:45:00 PM
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