Betting Odds - Graffiti - Podcast

Saturday, June 9th (All times eastern)

PITTSBURGH PIRATES (26-34) AT NEW YORK YANKEES (27-31), 1:05 P.M.

Probable Starting Pitchers: Pittsburgh - Paul Maholm (2-8, 5.35) NY Yankees - Roger Clemens (0-0, 0.00)

Roger Clemens makes his return to the big leagues this afternoon when the New York Yankees play the middle contest of their three- game series with the Pittsburgh Pirates at Yankee Stadium.

The future Hall of Famer was supposed to pitch last Monday in Chicago, but a groin injury pushed him back to today. Clemens, who the Yankees signed to a prorated $28 million contract on May 6, made three minor league starts, most recently on Memorial Day for Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre. It was in that outing against Toledo that Clemens is believed to have suffered his injury.

Clemens spent the past three seasons with the Houston Astros after his first “retirement” following the 2003 campaign with New York. He pitched with the Yankees from 1999 through 2003, winning one of his seven Cy Young awards, and a pair of World Series titles during his five years with the club. He was 77-36 in his time in pinstripes.

An 11-time All-Star, Clemens’ 348 victories rank eighth in big league history. He is also one of just four pitchers with more than 4,000 strikeouts, as his 4,604 trail only Nolan Ryan on the all-time list.

Clemens has faced the Pirates eight times in his illustrious career and is 5-1 against them with a 2.92 earned run average.

Pittsburgh will counter with Paul Maholm, who has lost his last four decisions. Malholm’s latest setback came on Monday against the Los Angeles Dodgers, as he allowed five runs (four earned) on eight hits in 6 2/3 innings to fall to 2-8 on the season to go along with a 5.35 ERA.

Malholm has never faced the Yankees.

In the opener of this series on Friday, Derek Jeter’s infield single scored Robinson Cano for the winning run in the 10th inning to lift the Yankees to a 5-4 win. Hideki Matsui hit a two-run homer, as New York won its season-high fourth straight game despite leaving 14 men on base.

Jeter, who drove in two runs, was one of five Yankees with a pair of hits.

Andy Pettitte allowed nine hits and four runs over eight innings, and Mariano Rivera (2-3) struck out three batters over the final two innings to get the win.

Chris Duffy legged out an inside-the-park two-run homer, mostly due to Melky Cabrera’s misjudgment in the seventh inning. Xavier Nady added a solo homer for the Pirates, who lost for the seventh time in 10 games.

Matt Capps (3-3) absorbed the loss, giving up a run on three hits in 1 1/3 innings. .

Pittsburgh is playing its first interleague series this season and is a dismal 52-85 all-time versus the AL. The Yankees, meanwhile, dropped two of three to the Mets earlier in the season, but own the best overall interleague mark in the league at 105-73.

The Yankees swept a three-game set in the Bronx from the Pirates in their only other regular season meeting back in 2005.

NEW YORK METS (36-23) AT DETROIT TIGERS (34-26), 3:55 P.M. Probable Starting Pitchers: New York - Oliver Perez (6-4, 2.80) Detroit - Jeremy Bonderman (5-0, 3.27)

Jeremy Bonderman goes for his sixth straight win this afternoon when the Detroit Tigers continue their three-game interleague series with the New York Mets at Comerica Park.

After failing to pick up a decision in his first five starts, Bonderman has won his last four outings. His most recent victory came on Sunday against Cleveland, as he allowed two runs and four hits in 6 2/3 innings to lower his earned run average to 3.27 on the season.

Bonderman lost his only other start to the Mets back in 2004, as he surrendered four runs and three hits in five innings.

New York will counter with lefty Oliver Perez, who is 6-4 with a 2.80 ERA. Perez was tagged with the loss in his last start on Sunday against Arizona, as he allowed three runs and four hits in seven innings.

Perez has never faced the Tigers.

In the opener of this set on Friday, Jorge Sosa allowed only four hits over eight innings and Carlos Delgado homered and drove in two runs, as New York ended a four-game losing streak with a 3-0 win.

Sosa (6-1) won his third straight start, striking out five and walking two for New York, which began a nine-game road trip by winning for only the third time in nine contests. The right-hander combined with closer Billy Wagner on the four-hit shutout.

Wagner, who blew his first save in 32 chances dating back to last season on Thursday night, picked up his 14th save of the season by working a 1-2-3 ninth.

David Wright also homered and Paul Lo Duca went 2-for-4 for New York, which is coming off a 3-6 homestand.

Chad Durbin (5-2) suffered the tough-luck loss for the defending American League champion Tigers, who had a two-game win streak halted and lost for only the second time in six outings. The right-hander pitched into the ninth and allowed just three runs on six hits, striking out four and walking one, as his win streak ended at five straight decisions.

Detroit and New York are meeting for the first time since the Mets swept a three-game series at Shea Stadium from June 18 - 20 of the 2004 campaign. New York is 86-84 all-time in interleague play, while the Tigers are 89-90 against the Senior Circuit.

OAKLAND ATHLETICS (32-28) AT SAN FRANCISCO GIANTS (28-32), 3:55 P.M.

Probable Starting Pitchers: Oakland - Dan Haren (6-2, 1.70) San Francisco - Barry Zito (6-5, 3.87)

One of the American League’s hottest pitchers will take the mound this afternoon when the Oakland Athletics and San Francisco Giants collide in the second game of a three-game set from AT&T Park.

Dan Haren, who has been brilliant throughout the season, will take the ball looking for his fourth win in five games. Haren has been one of the most dominant pitchers in baseball this year and heads into this matchup with a 6-2 record and a stellar 1.70 ERA.

The last time Haren was on the hill the 26-year-old had another terrific performance. In a 5-4 win over Boston, Haren tossed 7 2/3 innings, allowing just two runs on four hits, while striking out nine batters. Despite another outstanding showing, the right-hander did not figure in the decision.

Barry Zito will take the mound for the Giants against his former team. In seven seasons with the A’s, Zito posted an outstanding 102-63 mark with an impressive 3.57 ERA. In the offseason Zito went across the bridge and signed a seven-year, $126 million dollar deal with San Francisco.

In his first year with San Fran, the southpaw had a tough time adjusting, but he has finally hit his groove winning three straight games. During this recent stretch Zito has surrendered just two runs in 20 innings of work.

The last time the 29-year-old was on the hill he surrendered just one unearned run against Phillies en route to an 8-1 win. Zito lasted six innings, striking out five players while walking four.

Last night, Shannon Stewart’s two-run single in the 10th inning boosted Oakland to a 5-3 win over San Francisco.Travis Buck had four hits and two RBI for the Athletics, who won for the sixth time in seven games.

Kiko Calero (1-4) escaped a one-out bases-loaded jam in the ninth inning to get the win and Alan Embree threw the final frame for his sixth save, as the A’s took the opener of the three-game series.

San Francisco slugger Barry Bonds didn’t homer for a 10th straight game, leaving him at 746 for his career, nine behind Hank Aaron for first on the all-time list.

Brad Hennessey (1-2) started the 10th inning on the mound for the Giants and gave up a double to Dan Johnson, who was removed in favor of Murphy as a pinch-runner. Then came the play at the plate.

Randy Winn had three hits and an RBI for the Giants, who lost for the fifth time in seven games.

Oakland took two of three games from the Giants last month and has claimed 12 of the last 18 encounters between the Bay Area rivals. The A’s also won two of three from San Francisco in last year’s visit to AT&T Park.

TAMPA BAY DEVIL RAYS (26-33) AT FLORIDA MARLINS (31-31), 7:05 P.M.

Probable Starting Pitchers: Tampa Bay - James Shields (5-0, 3.08) Florida - Dontrelle Willis (3-2, 4.40)

Second-year man James Shields looks for a sixth straight victory tonight when the Tampa Bay Devil Rays visit Dolphin Stadium for the second game of a three-game All-Florida interleague series with the Marlins.

Shields, a 16th-round draft pick in 2000, reached the majors last season and when 6-8 in 21 starts with a 4.84 earned run average. This season, he’s allowed 70 hits and 31 earned runs in 90 2/3 innings.

In his last start, on June 4 against Kansas City, Shields allowed four hits and two runs in 7 1/3 innings of a 4-2 victory. Previously, he tossed nine full innings and allowed seven hits and three runs in a 5-3 defeat of Detroit.

He faced the Marlins in an interleague game on May 20 and got a no-decision in Florida’s 4-3 win. In two career starts against the Marlins, Shields is 0-1 with a 6.00 ERA in 12 innings.

Florida ace Dontrelle Willis looks for a third win in four decisions both overall and against the Devil Rays.

Willis, a left-hander who won a career-best 22 games in 2005, defeated the Devil Rays on May 19 while allowing five hits and two runs in seven innings.

Since, he’s defeated the Chicago Cubs and got a no-decision against Philadelphia, while also losing, 3-0, to Milwaukee.

On Friday, Jeremy Hermida belted a grand slam, Hanley Ramirez had four hits and the Marlins rallied from a six-run deficit to defeat the Devil Rays, 14-8.

Florida trailed 8-2 after the fourth, then scored 12 unanswered runs over a three-inning span en route to the win, which put the team back at .500 (31-31) for the first time since May 4.

Josh Willingham had a bases-loaded triple, while Miguel Cabrera and Dan Uggla each had two hits and drove in two runs for Florida, which has won three straight and five of its last seven games.

Justin Miller (2-0) got the win for the Marlins after tossing a scoreless sixth, while starter Byung-Hung Kim gave up seven runs - six earned - in 2 2/3 innings.

Ty Wigginton had three hits, including his 11th home run, for the Devil Rays, who had a brief two-game winning streak halted. Brendan Harris added three RBI for Tampa Bay, which also got three hits from Delmon Young.

A scary situation unfolded in the sixth, as Tampa Bay catcher Dioner Navarro was taken off the field on a stretcher after being hit in the throat by a wild pitch from right-hander Brian Stokes (2-6).

Florida swept a three-game series against the Devil Rays this season from May 18 - 20 at Tropicana Field. The Marlins are 100-72 all-time in interleague play, while Tampa bay is 67-97 against the National League.

COLORADO ROCKIES (29-32) AT BALTIMORE ORIOLES (29-32), 7:05 P.M. Probable Starting Pitchers: Colorado - Rodrigo Lopez (2-0, 2.96) Baltimore - Jeremy Guthrie (3-1, 2.76)

The Colorado Rockies will collide with the Baltimore Orioles this evening in the second installment of a three-game set from Camden Yards.

Rodrigo Lopez will take the hill, as he faces his former team for the first time. In five years with the Orioles the right-hander collected a 60-58 ledger. Last year was his worst season by far, posting a terrible 9-18 mark with an atrocious 5.90 ERA.

Lopez, once considered the ace of the Orioles’ staff, was then dealt this winter to Colorado for a couple of fledgling minor league prospects.

This will be the third start for Lopez since returning from the disabled list. The last time the he was on the mound, Lopez lasted just 4 1/3 innings against the Reds. In the contest, the 31-year-old surrendered three runs on eight hits and three walks. Despite the lackluster effort, Lopez did not figure in the decision.

As for the Orioles, they will place Jeremy Guthrie on the mound tonight. Guthrie has pulled double duty this season, pitching from the bullpen and as a starter.

The last time the right-hander was on the hill, he surrendered just two runs — one earned — on just three hits in eight innings of work. Despite the outstanding performance Guthrie did not figure in the 4-3 setback to Anaheim.

Tonight’s game will be the first appearance for the 28-year-old against the Rockies.

Yesterday, Nick Markakis belted a two-run home run, as the Orioles downed Colorado, 4-2.

Steve Trachsel (5-4) allowed two runs on seven hits, while walking one and striking out a season-high five over six innings. Chris Ray, the fourth Baltimore reliever, got four outs for his 13th save in 17 chances, as the Orioles won for a second straight time after a five-game losing streak.

Yorvit Torrealba homered for the Rockies, who had won four of five coming into the series.

Jeff Francis (5-5) went seven frames, surrendering four runs on seven hits, while walking one and striking out six. It was the first time since May 2 that Francis allowed as many as four runs in a game. He had won his last three starts and was 4-0 in his previous five.

Colorado and Baltimore are meeting for the first time since the Orioles won two of three games against the Rockies at Camden Yards from June 17 - 19 of the 2005 season.

The Orioles are 76-103 all-time in interleague play, while Colorado owns a 67-82 mark against the American League.

PHILADELPHIA PHILLIES (31-30) AT KANSAS CITY ROYALS (23-39), 7:10 P.M.

Probable Starting Pitchers: Philadelphia - Jon Lieber (2-4, 4.30) Kansas City - Gil Meche (3-5, 3.00)

Kansas City right-hander Gil Meche looks for his third win in three starts against Philadelphia tonight when the Royals host the Phillies in game two of a three-game interleague series at Kauffman Stadium.

Meche has allowed eight hits and three runs in 14 innings against the Phillies, posting a 1.93 earned run average while striking out seven and walking six.

In 2007, Meche has dropped four straight starts and is winless in six since a 3-1 start. He’s seen his ERA swell from 1.91 to 3.00 in the stretch, in which he’s yielded 37 hits and 16 earned runs in 35 2/3 innings.

The Royals have scored a combined 13 runs in Meche’s last six starts.

Philadelphia’s Jon Lieber has won just once since April 25, going 1-4 with two no-decisions in seven starts. He’s 2-2 in four lifetime outings against the Royals with a 4.32 ERA.

In his last start, on June 4 against San Francisco, he allowed 10 hits and five runs in five innings while dropping an 8-1 verdict to the Giants.

His last win was May 18 against Toronto.

On Friday, Mark Grudzielanek and Mike Sweeney both homered in a six-run second inning, lifting the Royals over the Phillies, 8-4.

This series marks the first time that Philadelphia has visited Kansas City since the teams met in the 1980 World Series, which the Phillies won in six games for the only title in team history.

Tony Pena went 3-for-4 with an RBI, while David Dejesus also had three hits and knocked in a run for Kansas City, which has won two of its last three games. Jason LaRue also added three hits, as the offense pounded out 16 hits in the contest. Alex Gordon was the only Royals’ starter to not record a hit in the contest.

Scott Elarton (2-2) allowed four runs on six hits, walked one and fanned three over five innings in the victory. Octavio Dotel recorded his third save in as many chances.

Freddy Garcia (1-5) lasted only 1 2/3 innings for the Phillies, yielding six runs on seven hits, with a pair of walks and one strikeout. It was then reported after the game that Garcia’s shoulder was hurting prior to the start, but he failed to notify manager Charlie Manuel.

Garcia is scheduled to have an MRI on Saturday, and will likely be officially put on the DL shortly thereafter.

The Phillies took two of three from the Royals in Philadelphia in 2004.

WASHINGTON NATIONALS (25-36) AT MINNESOTA TWINS (29-30), 7:10 P.M.

Probable Starting Pitchers: Washington - Levale Speigner (1-2, 9.10) Minnesota - Johan Santana (6-5, 3.30)

The Minnesota Twins will try to push their record to .500 when they clash with the Washington Nationals this evening in the second game of a three-game set from the Metrodome.

Getting to the break-even mark may not be all that hard for the Twins considering the fact that their ace will be on the hill tonight in Johan Santana. However, the two- time Cy Young winner has had some trouble recently, going just 2-3 in his last five starts.

Santana tossed one of his worst contests of the season his last time on the mound. In a 4-2 setback to Oakland, the 28-year-old surrendered four runs on five hits and four walks in just six innings of work.

This will be the second ever start for Santana against the Nationals. In his lone appearance against Washington the southpaw was in dominant form, tossing eight innings, while surrendering just two runs on three hits. He also struck out seven batters and walked none in that one.

Levale Speigner will take the hill tonight for Washington hoping to keep his spot in the Nationals’ shaky rotation. Speigner opened the season in the Nationals bullpen, but due to certain injuries and bad play the 26-year-old has landed in the rotation.

However, the right-hander has not proven he is worthy of the spot. In four starts, Speigner has done terrible, not lasting past the fourth inning. The last time he took the hill he surrendered six runs on seven hits in only four innings of duty. The result was a rough 11-3 loss to San Diego.

This will be the first ever appearance for Speigner against the Twins.

Last night, Cristian Guzman had four hits with an RBI and scored three times, as Washington beat the Twins, 8-5. Dmitri Young had three hits and three RBI and Ryan Zimmerman had two hits and drove in a pair of runs for the Nationals, who have won two of their last three.

Jason Simontacchi (3-4) went a season-high 7 2/3 innings, allowing four runs on six hits, while walking one and striking out two. Saul Rivera recorded the final four outs for his second save in three opportunities.

Jason Kubel hit a three-run homer in the seventh and Torii Hunter had two hits and an RBI for the Twins, who have lost five of their last six.

Carlos Silva (3-7) lasted a season-low three-plus innings, allowing seven runs on nine hits, while walking two and striking out one. Silva fell to 1-6 in his last seven starts.

Joe Mauer, who was activated from the disabled list earlier in the day after missing 29 games with a strained left quadriceps, went 1-for-4 with a triple.

These two franchises last met in 2004, when the Twins swept a three-game set at Montreal against the Expos. Minnesota is 97-81 all-time in interleague play, while the Nationals/Expos are 90-89.

CLEVELAND INDIANS (36-23) AT CINCINNATI REDS (24-38), 7:10 P.M.

Probable Starting Pitchers: Cleveland - Jeremy Sowers (1-6, 6.63) Cincinnati - Matt Belisle (5-4, 4.48)

Jeremy Sowers tries to snap a two-start losing streak this evening when the Cleveland Indians play the middle contest of their three-game series with the Cincinnati Reds at the Great American Ball Park.

Sowers, who won seven games as a rookie last season, has been a bit of a disappointment this season for the Indians, going just 1-6 with a 6.63 earned run average. His latest setback came on Sunday against Detroit, as he surrendered five runs and seven hits in four innings.

The 24-year-old left-hander has lost both of his starts to the Reds - including one earlier this season - and is pitching to a 9.00 ERA in those outings.

Sowers, though, could have an advantage tonight, as the Reds are just 2-9 this season at home against left-handed starters.

Cincinnati will pin its hopes on right-hander Matt Belisle, who is 5-4 with a 4.48 ERA on the season. Belisle did not get a decision against the Colorado Rockies on Sunday, as he allowed five runs and 10 hits in 6 2/3 innings of his team’s 10-9 loss.

Belisle defeated the Indians earlier this season and is 1-0 lifetime against them with an 8.22 ERA in three games - one start.

In the opener of this set on Friday Homer Bailey won his much anticipated major league debut to lead Cincinnati to a 4-3 victory. Jeff Conine, Brandon Phillips and Ken Griffey Jr. all homered for the Reds, who won their second straight.

Bailey (1-0), who is considered one of the top pitching prospects in all of baseball and was the Reds’ seventh overall pick in the 2004 draft, gave up two runs on five hits with four walks and three strikeouts over five frames. David Weathers tossed the final 1 1/3 innings for his 12th save of the season.

Ryan Garko homered for the Indians, who have split their last four. Victor Martinez went 2-for-4 with an RBI and scored a run in the loss. Left-hander Cliff Lee (2-4), who has dropped his last four starts, allowed four runs on four hits with three strikeouts and three walks over six innings for the Indians.

Cleveland took two of three from the Reds earlier in the year and is 15-10 in the series since the start of the 2003 campaign. The Tribe has also won four of their last seven in the Queen City.

LA ANGELS OF ANAHEIM (38-23) AT ST. LOUIS CARDINALS (26-30), 7:15 P.M.

Probable Starting Pitchers: Los Angeles - Ervin Santana (4-6, 5.32) St. Louis - Braden Looper (6-4, 3.72)

Right-hander Ervin Santana makes his seventh attempt at a first win away from home this season when the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim visit Busch Stadium for game two of a three-game set with the St. Louis Cardinals.

Santana, who’s 4-1 at home, is 0-5 in six road starts with a 9.30 earned run average. In those starts, he’s allowed 45 hits and 31 earned runs in 30 innings.

In his last road outing, on May 24 at Detroit, he gave up seven hits and eight runs in 3 2/3 innings, dropping a 12-0 decision to the Tigers.

He’s 1-0 with a no-decision since, allowing 11 hits and four runs in 14 innings while defeating Seattle and getting a no-decision against Baltimore.

Santana has never faced the Cardinals.

St. Louis right-hander Braden Looper starts for the first time against the Angels.

He’s winless in two starts since defeating Pittsburgh on May 24. He suffered an 8-3 loss to Colorado on May 29 and got a no-decision against Houston on June 3 after allowing seven hits and three runs in six innings.

Looper has made three relief appearances against the Angels, allowing three hits and no earned runs in three innings.

On Friday, Casey Kotchman and Mike Napoli each drove in two runs and scored once during a six-run seventh inning, as the Angels defeated the Cardinals, 10-6.

Kotchman ended 2-for-3 with three RBI and Vladimir Guerrero went 2-for-6 with two RBI for the Angels, who have won six of seven. Garret Anderson added three hits and an RBI and Howie Kendrick also had three hits for Los Angeles, which improved to 22-7 over its last 29 contests.

Albert Pujols went 2-for-5 with a homer and two RBI for the Cardinals, who have lost two straight. Kelly Stinnett also homered and drove in a pair and Chris Duncan went yard for St. Louis, which fell to 2-2 on its current six- game homestand.

Tyler Johnson (1-1) suffered the loss, allowing four runs on four hits. He faced four batters, not recording an out. He wasted a decent outing for the struggling Kip Wells. The right-hander surrendered just three runs on seven hits, striking out six and walking five over five innings. Wells entered the game having lost two straight and nine of his last 10 starts.

Angels reliever Hector Carrasco (1-1) benefited from the big inning, getting the win after working a 1-2-3 sixth. Starter Bartolo Colon last just four innings and allowed four runs on seven hits. The right-hander has allowed 18 earned runs in 14 2/3 innings over his last three starts.

St. Louis, which took two of three from the Angels back in 2002, has dropped 13 of its last 16 regular-season games against the AL. The Angels, meanwhile, have won six straight against the Senior Circuit, including a three-game sweep of the Los Angeles Dodgers May 18-20.

HOUSTON ASTROS (25-35) AT CHICAGO WHITE SOX (26-31), 8:11 P.M.

Probable Starting Pitchers: Houston - Jason Jennings (0-1, 3.13) Chicago White Sox - Jon Garland (4-3, 3.61)

Jason Jennings takes aim at his first win of the season this evening when the Houston Astros continue their three-game series with the Chicago White Sox at U.S. Cellular Field.

Jennings, who missed nearly two months with elbow tendinitis, received a no-decision in his most recent start on Sunday against the St. Louis Cardinals, as he allowed four runs and seven hits in six innings of his team’s 8-6 loss.

Acquired this winter from the Colorado Rockies to help offset the losses of Andy Pettitte and Roger Clemens, Jennings is 0-1 on the year with a 3.13 earned run average in four starts.

Jennings has never faced the White Sox.

Chicago will counter with right-hander Jon Garland, who is 4-3 on the season with a 3.61 ERA. Garland was brilliant in picking up the win in his last start on Monday against the New York Yankees, as he surrendered two runs (one earned) on seven hits in 8 1/3 innings.

Garland did not receive a decision against the Astros last season, giving up five runs and eight hits in five innings.

In the opener of this set on Friday Luke Scott singled in the go-ahead run in the fifth inning to boost the Astros to a 5-2 win in a game that saw the ejections of Houston manager Phil Garner and right fielder Lance Berkman.

Chris Sampson (6-5) allowed six hits and two runs over 6 2/3 innings to get the win, as the Astros rebounded from consecutive one-run losses at Colorado.

Craig Biggio led off the game with a homer for the 52nd time in his career, extending a National League record.

Tadahito Iguchi homered for Chicago, which suffered its fourth consecutive defeat. John Danks (3-6) was charged with seven hits and four runs — three earned — over 5 2/3 innings, as the White Sox lost for the 11th time in 13 games.

Berkman was suspended earlier Friday for two games and fined an undisclosed amount for having returned to the field after being ejected in Tuesday’s game with the Colorado Rockies. He appealed the suspension, but was ejected from Friday’s game by home plate umpire Sam Holbrook after being called out on strikes to start the fourth inning. Berkman was on his way back to the dugout when he was ejected, and Garner was also thrown out for coming to Berkman’s defense.

Chicago won its first World Series title since 1917 in 2005 by sweeping the Astros. The White Sox then took two of three from Houston last season.

Houston is 80-73 all-time in interleague play, while the White Sox are 101-78 versus the NL.

MILWAUKEE BREWERS (33-28) AT TEXAS RANGERS (22-39), 8:35 P.M.

Probable Starting Pitchers: Milwaukee - Ben Sheets (6-3, 3.51) Texas - Brandon McCarthy (4-4, 6.35)

In the second contest of a three-game set the Milwaukee Brewers will clash with the Texas Rangers at Rangers Ballpark in Arlington.

The first place Brewers will send ace pitcher Ben Sheets to the hill this evening. Sheets has been on a roll, winning four of his last five games, including two straight contests. Overall Sheets is a solid 6-3 on the season and has an impressive 3.51 ERA. The right-hander has tossed at least six innings in seven consecutive starts.

The last time Sheets was on the hill, he was brilliant. In a 3-0 victory over Florida, the 28-year-old tossed six scoreless innings, allowing just seven hits, while striking out seven batters.

This will be Sheets’ first-ever appearance against Texas.

Brandon McCarthy is currently dealing with a callous on his pitching hand, but despite the sore, the right-hander will take the rubber for the Rangers tonight.

The 23-year-old opened the season with a terrible stretch, but since the beginning of May the he is 3-0 in his last five starts. The last time McCarthy was on the hill, the youngster lasted only two innings due to the callous he is currently dealing with.

In just limited action, McCarthy surrendered four runs on one hit and four walks. Despite the lackluster showing, McCarthy did not factor in the setback.

This will be the first-ever appearance for McCarthy against Milwaukee.

Yesterday, Mark Teixeira drove in three runs before leaving in the seventh inning due to an injured left quadriceps, as the Rangers pounded out 16 hits in a 9-6 win.

Ian Kinsler homered for the Rangers, who won for just the third time in nine games. Sammy Sosa, who failed to homer for the 14th straight game in his pursuit of becoming the fifth player to hit 600, did finish 3-for-5 with an RBI in the win. He remains stuck at 598 homers.

Robinson Tejeda (5-6) snapped a three-start losing streak, by allowing six runs on eight hits with three walks and seven strikeouts over 6 2/3 innings. Eric Gagne tossed a perfect ninth for his sixth save of the season.

Milwaukee starter Chris Capuano (5-5), who is riding a five-decision losing streak, gave up six runs on eight hits with five strikeouts and four walks over four frames.

Prince Fielder belted his National League-leading 22nd homer, while Corey Hart and Ryan Braun each hit two-run homers for the Brewers, who have lost three of four. Craig Counsell ended 2-for-4 and scored a run in the loss.

The game marked the return of Brewers closer Francisco Cordero to Texas. Cordero was dealt to Milwaukee by the Rangers in July of last season in the deal that sent Carlos Lee to the Lone Star state.

The Rangers and Brewers used to meet regularly when Milwaukee occupied the American League East and eventually the AL Central. However, the Brewers shifted to the National League following the 1997 campaign.

These two clubs last met in 1997, with the Brewers winning seven of 11 encounters. That includes three wins in five matchups at Texas.

The Brewers are 65-78 all-time in interleague play, while the Rangers are 85-95.

BOSTON RED SOX (39-21) AT ARIZONA DIAMONDBACKS (36-26), 9:40 P.M.

Probable Starting Pitchers: Boston - Julian Tavarez (3-4, 5.33) Arizona - Micah Owings (4-1, 3.86)

Boston will try for its third consecutive win when they battle the Arizona Diamondbacks in the second contest of a three-game set from Chase Field.

Julian Tavarez has done a solid job for the Red Sox while holding down the fifth spot in the rotation and now the right-hander will take the hill this evening against the Diamondbacks looking for his fourth victory.

Since opening the season with a 1-4 record, the 34-year-old has gone 2-0 in his last four starts. The last time Tavarez was on the hill, he lasted just 5 2/3 innings against Oakland. In the 5-4 setback to the A’s, Tavarez surrendered three runs on nine hits and two walks. Despite the mediocre performance, he did not factor in the decision.

The majority of work Tavarez has had against the Diamondbacks has come from the bullpen. Overall he has faced Arizona 14 times, with two of those appearances being starts. Tavarez has struggled mightily against D-Backs, going 0-1 with a terrible 11.78 ERA.

As for the Diamondbacks, they will send rookie sensation Micah Owings to the mound. Owings has been a pleasant surprise for Arizona, as the 24-year-old is 4-1 with a 3.86 ERA.

Owings is 3-0 in his last five starts and has won two consecutive games. The last time the right-hander was on the hill, he defeated the Phillies 11-5. In the victory over Philadelphia, the youngster tossed five strong innings, surrendering just one run on seven hits, while striking out three batters.

This will be Owings first-ever appearance against the Red Sox.

Last night, Josh Beckett won his ninth straight decision to start the season, thanks in part to J. D. Drew’s career-high seven RBI performance, as the Red Sox rolled to a 10-3 win.

Beckett (9-0) lasted eight innings and allowed three runs — two earned — on five hits with eight strikeouts and no walks.

The last major league pitcher to start 9-0 was the White Sox’s Jose Contreras in 2006. Beckett is now tied with Sonny Siebert for fifth place on Boston’s all-time list for most straight decisions won to start a season. Roger Clemens holds the top mark with 14 back in 1986.

The last Boston pitcher to win nine straight decisions at any point in the season was Pedro Martinez in 2002.

Drew hit a pair of three-run homers and finished 3-for-5 for Boston, which has won two in a row since its four-game slide. Julio Lugo also homered while Manny Ramirez finished with an RBI and two runs scored.

Doug Davis (4-7) allowed five runs on six hits over four frames for the Diamondbacks, who have dropped two in a row. Miguel Montero had a homer and Eric Byrnes knocked in a run in defeat.

Arizona and Boston last met in 2002, when the Diamondbacks swept a three-game set at Fenway Park. Schilling won the second game of that set for Arizona, besting Pedro Martinez.

The Red Sox are 96-83 all-time in interleague play, while the Diamondbacks are 65-78.

SEATTLE MARINERS (31-26) AT SAN DIEGO PADRES (36-24), 10:05 P.M.

Probable Starting Pitchers: Seattle - Jeff Weaver (0-6, 4.32) San Diego - David Wells (3-3, 4.79)

The San Diego Padres will try to hold on to their slim lead in the NL West Division when they take on the Seattle Mariners in the second of a three-game set from Petco Park.

The Padres will send David Wells to the hill this evening. Wells has won two of his last three games and is now 3-3 on the year with a 4.79 ERA. The last time the hefty lefty was on the hill he defeated the Nationals, 7-3. In the victory, Wells surrendered just three runs on five hits in five innings of work.

Wells has made 43 appearances against the Mariners in his career and out of those appearances 28 have been starts. Overall, the 44-year-old is an even 11-11 against Seattle and has a 4.47 ERA.

Jeff Weaver will make his first start for the Mariners since going on the disabled list back on May 11th. Before hitting the DL Weaver was having a horrible time on the mound, losing all six of his starts.

The last time the right-hander took the rubber, he surrendered six runs on 10 hits in five innings of work. The outcome was a 7-3 setback to Detroit, and dropped Weaver’s ledger to 0-6 to go along with an dismal 14.32 ERA.

In nine starts against the Padres, Weaver is just 3-4 with a 3.64 ERA.

Yesterday, Raul Ibanez had four hits, including a leadoff homer in the top of the 11th that lifted the Mariners over the Padres, 6-5.

Jose Lopez and Kenji Johjima had three hits apiece for the Mariners, who have won five of six and 12 of their last 17 games. Yuniesky Betancourt added an RBI single in the second inning to extend his career-best hitting streak to 19 games, the longest active streak in the majors.

Eric O’Flaherty (2-0) got the final out in the 10th for the win, while J.J. Putz pitched a perfect 11th for his 16th save in as many chances. Starter Miguel Batista allowed five runs on five hits, walked three and fanned six over 6 2/3 innings.

Ibanez homered on a 2-1 pitch from Clay Meredith (2-4), while Justin Germano got a no-decision after winning his previous four starts. He allowed five runs and eight hits in five innings, struck out three and walked two.

It was Ibanez’s first homer since April 19.

Kevin Kouzmanoff knocked in a pair of runs for San Diego, which had its five- game winning streak halted and lost for just the fourth time in 17 games.

Padres centerfielder Mike Cameron left the game with a wrist contusion in the eighth inning. X-rays were negative and Cameron is day-to day.

San Diego took two of three games from Seattle at Safeco Field last month, but the Mariners won six of the seven encounters between the clubs in 2006. Seattle captured two of three from the Padres in its visit to Petco Park last season.

The Mariners have compiled an impressive 100-80 overall record in interleague play, while San Diego is 76-89 all-time against the American League.

TORONTO BLUE JAYS (28-32) AT LOS ANGELES DODGERS (35-26), 10:10 P.M.

Probable Starting Pitchers: Toronto - Shaun Marcum (2-2, 4.06) Los Angeles - Derek Lowe (6-5, 3.44)

The reeling Los Angeles Dodgers will try for their second consecutive victory when they battle the Toronto Blue Jays in the second matchup of a three-game set from Dodger Stadium.

The Dodgers will send Derek Lowe to the rubber tonight. Lowe comes into this matchup with two consecutive victories and is now 6-5 on the year with a 3.44 ERA.

The last time the right-hander took the hill he defeated Pittsburgh 6-5. In the win over the Pirates, the 34-year-old allowed four runs on three hits and one walk in 7 2/3 innings.

Lowe has not had much success against the Blue Jays in his career and heads into this meeting against Toronto with a lackluster 5-8 ledger with a 5.31 ERA.

Shaun Marcum has done a mediocre job for the Blue Jays while filling in the rotation and will try for his third victory of the season this evening against Los Angeles.

The last time Marcum was on the hill, the right-hander lasted just three innings, allowing three runs of four hits and three walks. Despite the poor outing the Blue Jays were able to collect a 4-3 win.

This will be Marcum’s first-ever appearance against Los Angeles.

On Friday, Olmedo Saenz belted a pinch-hit two-run home run in the 10th inning, as Los Angeles beat Toronto, 4-3.

With the score knotted at two, Toronto got a run in the 10th when John McDonald doubled and scored on pinch-hitter Gregg Zaun’s single.

But, LA got the game-winner in the home half off Jeremy Accardo (1-2). Tony Abreu walked, and Saenz followed with a two-run blast to left field on a 0-1 pitch for his fourth-career game-ending homer.

Luis Gonzalez also homered for Los Angeles, which came in having ended a 10- game road trip by losing all three matchups with division rival San Diego. Brad Penny allowed one run on five hits with seven strikeouts over 7 2/3 innings for LA before Rudy Seanez (3-1) got the final out in the 10th for the win.

Matt Stairs homered for the Blue Jays, who lost their third straight.

Los Angeles snapped a string of five straight losses to the American League, which included three defeats to the rival Angels last month.

The Dodgers are a strong 18-10 at home so far this season, while the Blue Jays are just 10-17 on the road.

Girl Power: Rags to Riches wins Belmont

Elmont, NY - The 139th running of the Belmont Stakes proved to be a historical affair as the filly Rags to Riches defeated even-money favorite Curlin by a head to win the final leg of racing’s Triple Crown. The win by the filly also gives trainer Todd Pletcher his first win in a Triple Crown race.

Ridden by John Velazquez, Rags to Riches finished in a time of two minutes, 28.74 seconds for the 1 1/2 miles. Tiago finished in third and Hard Spun fourth.

Rags to Riches becomes the first filly since 1905 to capture the Belmont Stakes and the third overall. She joins Ruthless, who won in 1867, and Tanya, who won 102 years ago.

She denied the Preakness Stakes winner from joining, among others, Point Given and Afleet Alex as winners of the last two races of the Triple Crown. Curlin should now move past Kentucky Derby champ Street Sense as the leading three- year-old colt.

In winning the Belmont Stakes, Rags to Riches overcame a poor start to capture the 1 1/2 mile event. She quickly recovered and was never far off the lead as the field of seven entered the clubhouse turn.

The pace was set by C P West followed closely by Slew’s Tizzy and Hard Spun. Hard Spun, ridden by Garrett Gomez, found himself in a similar position as in the Preakness. He was racing third on the outside of the top two runners.

Running in fourth position was Curlin with Rags to Riches in fifth. Entering the far turn Hard Spun moved from the outside to join C P West on lead as Rags to Riches and Curlin also moved closer.

Coming off the final turn it was Hard Spun, C P West, Curlin and Rags to Riches across the track. At the top of the stretch Hard Spun and C P West started to tire as Curlin and Rags to Riches began their battle to the wire.

Curlin, ridden by Robby Albarado, had a slight lead with a furlong to run. Velazquez kept Rags to Riches right with Curlin and never gave an inch.

At the wire Rags to Riches made history with a bob of the head. C P West, Imawildandcrazyguy and Slew’s Tizzy finished the result field on a fast track under overcast skies.

Rags to Riches, who was sired by 1992 Belmont winner A.P. Indy, is owned by Michael Tabor and Derrick Smith, and is undefeated this year in five starts. She won the Kentucky Oaks in her last start at Churchill Downs. Earlier this year Rags to Riches won the Santa Anita Oaks and the Las Virgenes Stakes.

The Belmont victory was worth $600,000 to bring the filly’s career earnings to $1.3 million. Rags to Riches has not lost since her first start last year when she finished fourth.

Rags to Riches had the benefit of carrying five pounds less than the six other three-year-olds. The five colts and one gelding carried 126 pounds and the filly toted 121 pounds.

Along with Pletcher gaining his first Triple Crown race win, Velazquez recorded his first Belmont Stakes victory.

Rags to Riches returned $10.60, $4.40 and $3.20. Curlin paid $3.00 and $2.30, and Tiago paid $3.70 to show.

Curlin and Hard Spun top Belmont Stakes field

Elmont, NY - Preakness Stakes winner Curlin has been made the 6-5 morning-line favorite for Saturday’s 139th running of the Belmont Stakes at Belmont Park. The $1 million race is the final event in racing’s Triple Crown.

A total of seven three-year-olds have been entered for the 1 1/2-mile marathon, including filly Rags to Riches. Missing from the field is Kentucky Derby winner Street Sense. He is being rested with the Travers Stakes the goal in August.

Curlin comes into the Belmont Stakes with four wins in five career starts, all this year. The colt, trained by Steve Asmussen, will start from post three with Robby Albarado again in the saddle.

“It’s a great opportunity at a classic. It’s a very grand stage,” said Asmussen. “It’s very exciting, especially coming off the Preakness and that victory so fresh in our minds.”

Curlin is owned by Stonestreet Stables, Padua Stables, George Bolton and Midnight Cry Stables. He has earnings of better than $1.6 million, which includes a win in the Arkansas Derby and a third-place finish in the Kentucky Derby.

“He’s a special horse to be around,” said assistant trainer Scott Blasi. “Anytime you grow up in racing, this is the level you want to get to. With each race he’s gotten stronger and better.”

Hard Spun, second in the Kentucky Derby and third in the Preakness, is the 5-2 second choice in the morning line with a new rider set for Saturday. This year’s leading jockey, Garrett Gomez, has picked up the mount from Mario Pino. Gomez and Hard Spun will break from post six.

“We’ve got a guy on him who should know what it takes to get it done,” said trainer Larry Jones. “I hated to change from Mario, but we felt that we needed to do something, so we did — good, bad or indifferent.”

Owned by Rick Porter, Hard Spun has earned almost $1 million in his career. Undefeated as a two-year-old, Hard Spun has won two of five starts this year, capturing the Lane’s End and Lecomte Stakes, for $882,500.

Hard Spun set the pace in the Kentucky Derby and had the lead in the Preakness coming off the final turn. Jones is looking for something different in the Belmont.

“It’s a different distance and there’s going to be a different pace scenario,” Jones said. “We can’t keep going out there the way we’ve been going. We’ve got to catch a little softer pace, but you expect that here. Nobody’s going to want to be rolling out there in a 1 1/2 mile race.”

Leading filly Rags to Riches becomes the first female to start in the Belmont Stakes since Silverbulletday in 1999. She will attempt to become the third filly to win the Belmont, following Ruthless in 1867 and Tanya in 1905.

Trained by Todd Pletcher, Rags to Riches is 3-1 in the program and will start from the outside post with John Velazquez riding.

“What we have to gain is, it hasn’t really been done in modern times,” Pletcher said. “She’s sort of accomplished everything a three-year-old filly could accomplish. From a historical perspective, it would place her at the highest level. Arguably, she’s got the best pedigree for this race and for any horse you could ever have. She’s by a Belmont winner out of a Belmont producer and this isn’t a 20-horse field like the Derby.”

Rags to Riches, who was sired by 1992 Belmont winner A.P. Indy, is owned by Michael Tabor and Derrick Smith, and is undefeated this year in four starts. She won the Kentucky Oaks in her last start at Churchill Downs. Earlier this year Rags to Riches won the Santa Anita Oaks and the Las Virgenes Stakes. In five career starts she has earned $692,528.

Imawildandcrazyguy, fourth in the Kentucky Derby, will start from the inside post. Mark Guidry is back to ride the gelding at odds of 20-1 in the morning line.

Santa Anita Derby winner Tiago will break from the two-hole with Mike Smith in the saddle. Tiago, a half-brother to 2005 Kentucky Derby winner Giacomo, is 10-1 in the program.

C P West, fourth in the Preakness, is 12-1 in the program and will ridden by Edgar Prado from post four.

Lone Star Derby winner Slew’s Tizzy will be ridden by Rafael Bejarano from post five. Slew’s Tizzy is 20-1 in the morning line.

The Belmont Stakes will be televised on ABC with post-time scheduled for 6:25 p.m. (et).

The post-time temperature will be around 80 degrees with sunny skies.

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2007 BELMONT STAKES Line From: Jun 09 - 09:23 AM Cut Off # Description Odds 2007 BELMONT STAKES - Jun 09 Jun 09 - 5:00 PM ODDS TO WIN THE 2007 BELMONT STAKES 1001 CURLIN +115 1002 STEET SENSE 1003 RAGS TO RICHES +305 1004 HARD SPUN +405 1005 IMAWILDANDCRAZYGUY +1015 1006 SLEWS TIZZY +2550 1007 GREATER HUNTER 1008 CHELOKEE 1009 CIRCULAR QUAY 1010 TIAGO +1015 1011 C P WEST +975 Jun 09 - 5:00 PM HORSE TO WIN THE 2007 BELMONT STAKES 821 CURLIN +120 822 HARD SPUN +405 823 RAGS TO RICHES +305 824 ANY OTHER RUNNER +245 Jun 09 - 5:00 PM WINNING HORSE NUMBER WILL BE 901 ODD NUMBER -305 902 EVEN NUMBER +225

2007 BELMONT STAKES - *MATCHUPS* Line From: Jun 09 - 09:23 AM Date # Team M Line Total Spread 2007 BELMONT STAKES - *MATCHUPS* - Jun 09 SATURDAY @ BELMONT RACE TRACK, ELMONT, NY TV ABC Jun 09 781 RAGS TO RICHES +170 6:25 PM 782 CURLIN -225 Jun 09 783 HARD SPUN -130 6:25 PM 784 RAGS TO RICHES EV Jun 09 785 CP WEST +110 6:25 PM 786 TIAGO -140 Jun 09 787 SLEWS TIZZY +135 6:25 PM 788 IMAWILDANDCRAZYG -165 Jun 09 789 CURLIN -215 6:25 PM 790 HARD SPUN +170 Jun 09 951 Imawildandcrazyguy +115 6:25 PM 952 Tiago -145 Jun 09 955 Imawildandcrazyguy +180 6:25 PM 956 Hard Spun -220 Jun 09 957 Imawildandcrazyguy -125 6:25 PM 958 C P West -105 Jun 09 959 C P West -190 6:25 PM 960 Slew’s Tizzy +155 Jun 09 961 Tiago -210 6:25 PM 962 Slew’s Tizzy +175

Tighten Up 8:50 a.m

Horses are being led into Barn 26 on the backstretch at Belmont Park. Barn 26, and Barn 8, are walled off by a high chain-link fence. They are the monitoring barns here at Belmont. Horses running on today’s program will have to be here six hours prior to post time for security reasons.

Sergeant Rafael Soto is running the detail for the NYRA security department. He says on this classic day, there will be about 100 horses checking in. On an average race day there are between 80-90.

Soto works at different posts for NYRA, but has been on detail at the monitoring barn for three years. He runs a tight ship.

“Everybody that comes through here has to have the proper credential and be licensed by the New York State Racing and Wagering Board, and a NYRA ID badge,” he says. “When they come in, they have to register the horses and their names and they go into the stalls.”

State vets—there are six on hand today– then indentify the horses by their lip tattoos.

Someone asks Soto where his gun is.

He points to the NYRA Security emblem on his sleeve. “I don’t carry a gun,” he says. “It says here ‘Peace Officer.’ I am a peace officer.”

Fighting Shape 8:40 a.m.

Trainer Nick Zito is holding court outside Barn 12 in a fine drizzle. The conditioner of Belmont Stakes (gr. I) contender C P West thinks back to the great filly Ruffian, the subject of an ABC TV movie airing Saturday night after the Belmont. Zito is reminiscing about Ruffian’s trainer, Frank Whiteley Jr., who he calls one of the greatest of all time.

“Fortunately, he liked me,” Zito says. “I remember I’d have to pass his barn on my way to the racetrack. You always knew when you were near his barn because you’d have to walk through these huge puddles of water. He was always out there with a hose running water over his horse’s legs. I remember one reporter who he didn’t know came over to talk to him, and Frank kept running the hose over the guy’s shoes. Finally Frank said, ‘Look at this guy, he doesn’t have the sense to come in out of the rain.’

“He was a real trainer, smart like a fox. He’d walk over with all his horses. I was fortunate to be able to talk with him and learn. Guys like him and Allen Jerkens and Hirsch Jacobs—those guys were real trainers. I mentioned them in my speech when I went into the Hall of Fame.”

As for his prospects with C P West, Zito was optimistic. “Listen, we trainers do what we can, but it all depends on what’s inside the horse. If he’s got it in here,” Zito says, pointing to his heart, “we’ll be in good shape.” –Lenny Shulman

Let’s Play 8:30 a.m.

Nestled between Barn 19 and Hempstead Turnpike you’ll find one of the most inspirational areas of the backstretch of Belmont Park. It’s Anna House, the daycare center for the children of backstretch workers run by the Belmont Child Care Association.

Attendance is a tad light today, but it’s a Saturday, when several kids can stay with other siblings or parents have the day off.

Running the show at Anna House is Donna Bell Chenkin, the executive director and chief fundraiser.

The facility, which has an enrollment of 50 children and a deep waiting list, is open from 5 a.m. to 1 p.m., seven days a week, 365 days a year. A staff of 40 run the show.

Chenkin says Anna House costs about $800,000 a year to operate, including insurance, upkeep, etc.

Later this morning, they’ll be plenty of activity at the Lemon Drop Kid Playground. Lemon Drop Kid won the Belmont in 1999. His owner, the late Jeanne Vance, made a healthy donation to help get the project under way.

Like many women, later today Chenkin will be rooting for Rags to Riches to win this year’s Belmont Stakes.

Breaking Curlin Friday evening

Dominic Brennan has worked at Johanne Everard’s Another Episode Farm since 1984. Breaking about 100 horses a year at the Ocala, Fla. Farm means he’s seen a lot. Last year, a young colt named Curlin was part of the crop.

“He was a good colt from day one,” the 43-year-old Brennan said over the phone from Ocala, Fla. “He showed a lot of class. He was very professional. Everything came easy to him, you know?”

Curlin, who arrived at the farm in October of his yearling year, was shipped off to trainer Helen Pitts last July as a 2-year-old. Pitts, a former assistant to Ken McPeek, has found success on her own of late, winning her first grade I race with Einstein. After breaking his maiden in February, a majority interest in him was sold by Midnight Cry Stable and he was switched to trainer Steve Asmussen.

Other horses of note that have received their early lessons at Another Episode Farm include McPeek-trained stars Take Charge Lady, Repent, and Tejano Run, who ran second in the 1995 Kentucky Derby (gr. I).

“I didn’t go to the Preakness, but I did go to the Derby,” Brennan said. “It was my first time there and it was an experience. There were a lot of people and a lot of action. He ran a good race.

I think the distance won’t be a problem,” he said when talking about Curlin’s chances in the Belmont. “At the Preakness, it looked like those tighter turns gave him a little problem. I think the big turns are going to help him; he should love the racetrack.”

Stakes Bonanza

Belmont Park offers a $1-million guaranteed Pick 6 with their major stakes races today, highlighted by the $1-million Belmont Stakes (gr. I). The third leg of the Triple Crown has a post time of around 6:20 p.m., but there is plenty of action to lead up to the “Test of the Champion” including two other grade I races, the Acorn and Manhattan.

The Pick 6 starts with the True North Handicap (gr. II) for older sprinters with the Todd Pletcher-trained Keyed Entry and California shipper Bordonaro appearing the strongest of the lot.

In the Just a Game (gr. IIT) for fillies and mares going a mile on the turf, Wait a While, last year’s champion 3-year-old filly seeks to rebound off an uncharacteristic fifth-place finish in the Jenny Wiley (gr. II) at Keeneland. In a mild upset, we’ll take Mauralankana, who blew away an allowance field on the grass at Churchill Downs May 23.

The Woody Stephens, a grade II affair at seven furlongs for 3-year-olds, brings us a pair of runners out of the Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (gr. I) in Stormello and Teuflesburg, but going one turn, our money will go on Sports Town, who won a minor stakes off the layoff under Go-Go Garrett Gomez over the Belmont strip May 16.

The Acorn could be a coronation for the Richard Violette-trained Dream Rush, who blew away her foes by nearly 10 lengths last time out in the Nassau County Breeders’ Cup. Any one of the other five in the field could fill out the exacta…maybe even Christmas Kid or Boca Grande.

Back on the turf, the Manhattan is the welcome home party for English Channel off a poor effort in Dubai, and a New York debut for Sky Conqueror, winner of the Woodford Reserve (gr. I) at Churchill Downs on the Derby undercard. Two who shouldn’t be dismissed lightly here are Better Talk Now, who finished fifth in the Woodford Reserve in his first start since last year’s John Deere Breeders’ Cup Turf (gr. IT) and Cosmonaut, who ran second in the Dixie (gr. IIT) at Pimlico after jumping over the fallen Einstein.

The final leg of the Pick Six is the Belmont. The class really boils down to three in our humble opinion: Curlin, Hard Spun, and the filly, Rags to Riches. If pressed for a single, we’d take the classic-winning Curlin to add a second jewel to his glittering resume.

MLB 06/09/2007 7:05 PM EDT 951 chicago cubs (r) marquis, j 8o20 8o20 8o15 952 atlanta braves (r) hudson, t -155 -155 / -150 -144 WGN

CHICAGO CUBS - 3B Aramis Ramirez (knee) is expected to be limited to pinch-hitting the rest of the Atlanta series. Ramirez joined the team in Atlanta and was in uniform Friday night, but, while his status was officially uncertain, his chances of appearing in this series weren’t good. “His knee is sore,” said manager Piniella. “He’s going to start getting his treatment and once the trainer gets a good look at him, we’ll get a better handle. He’s available to pinch-hit, but I don’t think he’ll play this series, and [he will be back] probably some time the middle part of next week.” While Ramirez was pronounced available to pinch-hit, Piniella declared it would only be in an “emergency-only” situation.

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1:05 PM EDT 953 pittsburgh pirates (l) maholm, p 9.5 / 9.5u15 9.5 954 new york yankees (r) clemens, r -260 -240

3:55 PM EDT 955 houston astros (r) jennings, j 9 / 9o15 9 956 chicago white sox (r) garland, j -125 / -130 / -126 -128 FOX

CHICAGO WHITE SOX - OF Jermaine Dye (knee) is “?” Saturday vs Houston.Dye missed his second straight game Friday, resting his right knee. Dye has no cartilage on the outside of his right knee, but had Synvisc shots in his knee four years ago, which inserts healthy fluid into the area. Those shots wore off recently, causing swelling in the knee and forcing Dye to go through a new round of shots after having the right knee drained. Dye, who said he would be back in the lineup Saturday, was trying to schedule those two remaining shots around off-days.

3:55 PM EDT 957 oakland athletics (r) haren, d -120/-115 / -112 / -113/-114 958 san francisco giants(l) zito, b 7.5u20 7.5u25 FOX

SAN FRANCISCO - OF Barry Bonds (rest) is not expected to be in the starting lineup Saturday vs Oakland. Bonds isn’t expected to be in the lineup today. Manager Bochy said the Giants don’t want to wear down Bonds to the point he was earlier in the week, when he had to miss two games because of shin splints and general soreness in his legs.

3:55 PM EDT 959 new york mets (l) perez, ol 9u20/8.5o15/9u20 960 detroit tigers (r) bonderman, j -150 / -140 -139 FOX

7:05 PM EDT 961 tampa bay devil rays(r) shields, j 8u15 8u20 962 florida marlins (l) willis, d -115 / -117 -118

7:05 PM EDT 963 philadelphia phillies(r) lopez, r 9u15 9u15 9 964 kansas city royals (r) guthrie, j -150 -142

7:10 PM EDT 965 colorado rockies (r) lieber, j -120 / -115 -113 966 baltimore orioles (r) meche, g 9.5u20 9.5u15

7:10 PM EDT 967 cleveland indians (l) sowers, j -120 / -116 -117 968 cincinnati reds (r) belisle, m 11 11u15 CLE-SS-Peralta-NOT in lineup

7:10 PM EDT 969 washington nationals (r) speigner, l 8o20 8 970 minnesota twins (l) santana, j -330/-320/-340/-360

7:15 PM EDT 971 los angeles angels (r) santana, e -110 9.5u20 972 st. louis cardinals (r) looper, b 9.5u20 -110/-109/-114

8:35 PM EDT 973 milwaukee brewers (r) sheets, b -165 / -155 -150 974 texas rangers (r) mccarthy, b 10u15 / 10u20 10u15 TEXAS - 1B Mark Teixeira (quad) is “?” Saturday vs Milwaukee. Teixeira left the game in the sixth inning Friday after straining his left quadriceps while trying to beat out a ground ball. The Rangers will re-evaluate him today to see if he can play.

9:40 PM EDT 975 boston red sox (r) tavarez, j -115/-113/-111 976 arizona diamondbacks(l) owings, m 10 / 10u15 10u20

10:05 PM EDT 977 seattle mariners (r) weaver, jf 8.5u20 8.5u15 978 san diego padres (l) wells, d -155/-150/-152

10:10 PM EDT 979 toronto blue jays (r) marcum, s 7.5 980 los angeles dodgers (r) lowe, d -165/-160/-158

ARENA FB 06/09/2007 7:00 PM EDT 103 orlando predators -106 +1 / -2 / -1.5 -2.5 104 new york dragons 2.5 2.5 / 106.5 / 105.5 105 N Y -QB-Garcia-OUT

NY DRAGONS - QB Aaron Garcia (ankle) has been placed on the IR.Garcia was placed on injured reserve Friday with a severely sprained ankle, and Rohan Davey will start in Garcia’s place.

7:30 PM EDT 105 philadelphia soul -2.5 -2.5 / -3.5 -3 106 tampa bay storm 105.5 105.5 Tampa Bay (WR) Tolliver OUT

8:00 PM EDT 107 grand rapids rampage -109 109 108 108 chicago rush 109 -13/-11.5/-12/-12.5 Grand Rapids (QB) Salisbury Questionable

8:30 PM EDT 109 new orleans voodoo 10 10 109 110 dallas desperados -16 -16 -14.5 New Orleans (QB) Kelly Questionable; Dallas (WR) Nash OUT

8:30 PM EDT 111 georgia force -7.5 -7.5 / -6.5 / -5.5 -6 112 austin wranglers 116.5 116.5

9:00 PM EDT 113 san jose sabercats -6.5 -6.5 / -5.5 / -5 -4.5 114 utah blaze 123.5 123.5 122.5

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BET33.COM SAMPLE EARLY POSTED LINES FOR SATURDAY JAPAN - J LEAGUE Line From: Jun 09 - 08:31 AM Date # Team $ Line Total Goals JAPAN - J LEAGUE - Jun 10 GRADED AFTER REGULATION TIME (90 MINUTES) Jun 10 45 KOFU +140 o3-110 PK-115 1:00 AM 46 JUBILO IWATA +150 u3-120 PK-115 1:00 AM 47 DRAW +245 Jun 10 49 SHIMIZU S PULSE -120 o2½-105 -½-120 3:00 AM 50 FC TOKYO +300 u2½-125 +½-110 3:00 AM 51 DRAW +235

DENMARK - 1 DIVISION Line From: Jun 09 - 08:31 AM Date # Team $ Line Total Goals DENMARK - 1 DIVISION - Jun 09 GRADED AFTER REGULATION TIME (90 MINUTES) Jun 09 5 Brabrand +120 o2½-115 -½+107 9:00 AM 6 Herfolge +205 u2½-115 +½-145 9:00 AM 7 DRAW +230

MLS SOCCER Line From: Jun 09 - 08:31 AM Date # Team $ Line Total Goals MLS SOCCER - Jun 09 GRADED AFTER REGULATION TIME (90 MINUTES) Jun 09 309 CHIVAS USA +220 o2½-120 +½-125 8:30 PM 310 CHICAGO +105 u2½-110 -½-105 8:30 PM 311 DRAW +220 Jun 09 313 LOS ANGELES +335 o2½-115 +½EV 8:30 PM 314 FC DALLAS -140 u2½-115 -½-130 8:30 PM 315 DRAW +240 MLS SOCCER - Jun 10 GRADED AFTER REGULATION TIME (90 MINUTES) Jun 10 317 NEW YORK 1:00 PM 318 D.C. UNITED 1:00 PM 319 DRAW Jun 10 321 HOUSTON 5:00 PM 322 COLUMBUS 5:00 PM 323 DRAW

RUSSIA - PREMIER Line From: Jun 09 - 08:31 AM Date # Team $ Line Total Goals RUSSIA - PREMIER - Jun 09 GRADED AFTER REGULATION TIME (90 MINUTES) Jun 09 53 AMKAR +120 -½+107 9:00 AM 54 KHIMKI +245 +½-145 9:00 AM 55 DRAW +175 Jun 09 57 KRYLYA SOVETOV -140 -½-140 10:30 AM 58 KUBAN +430 +½+105 10:30 AM 59 DRAW +200

SPAIN - PRIMERA Line From: Jun 09 - 08:31 AM Date # Team $ Line Total Goals SPAIN - PRIMERA - Jun 09 GRADED AFTER REGULATION TIME (90 MINUTES) Jun 09 11 COMING SOON 3:00 PM 12 COMING SOON 3:00 PM 13 DRAW

WNBA Line From: Jun 09 - 08:31 AM Date # Team Spread Total M Line WNBA - Jun 09 WNBA - SATURDAY Jun 09 651 CHICAGO SKY +7-110 o150½-110 8:00 PM 652 SA SILVER STARS -7-110 u150½-110 Jun 09 653 PHOENIX MERCURY +5½-110 o157½-110 10:00 PM 654 SAC MONARCHS -5½-110 u157½-110 Jun 09 655 MIN LYNX +10-110 o155½-110 10:00 PM 656 SEATTLE STORM -10-110 u155½-110

SEATTLE - F Lauren Jackson (illness) upgraded to probable Saturday vs Minnesota. Storm forward Lauren Jackson spoke to the media Friday afternoon for the first time this week, after missing two practices and a game due to an undisclosed illness. The five-time All-Star is fully confident she’ll play against Minnesota on. Saturday at KeyArena.

MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL Line From: Jun 09 - 08:31 AM Date # Team Pitcher M Line Total Run Line MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL - Jun 09 NATIONAL LEAGUE - SATURDAY Jun 09 951 CUB J MARQUIS -R +135 o8½EV +1½-160 7:05 PM 952 ATL T HUDSON -R -155 u8½-120 -1½+140 INTERLEAGUE - SATURDAY Jun 09 953 PIT P MAHOLM -L +200 o9½-110 +1½+1265 1:05 PM 954 NYY R CLEMENS -R -240 u9½-110 -1½-1285 Jun 09 955 HOU J JENNINGS-R +105 o9-120 +1½-185 3:55 PM 956 CWS J GARLAND -R -125 u9EV -1½+165 Jun 09 957 OAK D HAREN -R -115 o7½+105 -1½+150 3:55 PM 958 SFO B ZITO -L -105 u7½-125 +1½-170 Jun 09 959 NYM OL PEREZ -L +120 o9+110 +1½-175 3:55 PM 960 DET BONDERMAN -R -140 u9-130 -1½+155 Jun 09 961 TAM J SHIELDS -R +105 o8+105 +1½-220 7:05 PM 962 FLA D WILLIS -L -125 u8-125 -1½+180 Jun 09 963 COL R LOPEZ -R +130 o9-115 +1½-160 7:05 PM 964 BAL J GUTHRIE -R -150 u9-105 -1½+140 Jun 09 965 PHI J LIEBER -R -120 o9½-105 -1½+140 7:10 PM 966 KAN G MECHE -R EV u9½-115 +1½-160 Jun 09 967 CLE J SOWERS -L -120 o11EV -1½+130 7:10 PM 968 CIN M BELISLE -R EV u11-120 +1½-150 Jun 09 969 WAS L SPEIGNER-R +290 o8-110 +1½+140 7:10 PM 970 MIN JO SANTANA-L -350 u8-110 -1½-160 Jun 09 971 LAA E SANTANA -R +105 o9-110 +1½-200 7:15 PM 972 STL B LOOPER -R -125 u9-110 -1½+170 Jun 09 973 MIL B SHEETS -R -165 o10+105 -1½-110 8:35 PM 974 TEX B MCCARTHY-R +145 u10-125 +1½-110 Jun 09 975 BOS J TAVAREZ -R -115 o10EV -1½+145 9:40 PM 976 ARI M OWINGS -R -105 u10-120 +1½-165 Jun 09 977 SEA JEF WEAVER-R +130 o8-120 +1½-165 10:05 PM 978 SDG D WELLS -L -150 u8EV -1½+145 Jun 09 979 TOR S MARCUM -R +140 o8EV +1½-150 10:10 PM 980 LOS D LOWE -R -160 u8-120 -1½+130 GRAND SALAMI NO LISTED PITCHERS - ALL GAMES MUST GO 8.5 INNINGS Jun 09 991 AWAY RUNS 1:05 PM 992 HOME RUNS Jun 09 993 OVER RUNS 1:05 PM 994 UNDER RUNS

COLLEGE BASEBALL Line From: Jun 09 - 08:31 AM Date # Team Pitcher M Line Total Run Line COLLEGE BASEBALL - Jun 09 COLLEGE BASEBALL - REGIONALS - SATURDAY Jun 09 209 UC IRVINE 12:00 PM 210 WICHITA STATE Jun 09 211 MICHIGAN 3:00 PM 212 OREGON STATE Jun 09 213 UCLA 7:00 PM 214 CS FULLERTON Jun 09 215 MISSISSIPPI 9:00 PM 216 ARIZONA STATE Jun 09 217 LOUISVILLE 12:00 PM 218 OKLAHOMA STATE Jun 09 219 MISSISSIPPI ST 12:00 PM 220 CLEMSON Jun 09 221 RICE 6:00 PM 222 TEXAS A&M Jun 09 223 NORTH CAROLINA 7:00 PM 224 SOUTH CAROLINA

US OPEN 2007 - *ODDS TO WIN* Line From: Jun 09 - 08:31 AM Cut Off # Description Odds US OPEN 2007 - *ODDS TO WIN* - Jun 14 Jun 14 - 9:00 AM ODDS TO WIN THE 2007 US OPEN 4001 TIGER WOODS +205 4002 PHIL MICKELSON +805 4003 ERNIE ELS +2000 4004 RETIEF GOOSEN +3300 4005 VIJAY SINGH +2000 4006 JIM FURYK +4000 4007 LUKE DONALD +5000 4008 GEOFF OGILVY +4000 4009 PADRIAG HARRINGTON +5000 4010 SERGIO GARCIA +5000 4011 ADAM SCOTT +4000 4012 HENRIK STENSEON +4000 4013 TREVOR IMMELMAN +6600 4014 ROBERT ALLENBY +10000 4015 STEPHEN AMES +10000 4016 STUART APPLEBY +10000 4017 KJ CHOI +12500 4018 STEWART CINK +10000 4019 DAVIS LOVE III +10000 4020 STEVE STRICKER 4021 COLIN MONTGOMERIE +12500 4022 DAVID TOMS +10000 4023 MIKE WEIR +10000 4024 BART BRYANT 4025 TIM CLARK +10000 4026 CHRIS DIMARCO +10000 4027 LUCAS GLOVER 4028 ARRON OBERHOLSER +12500 4029 SEAN OHAIR +12500 4030 IAN POULTER +12500 4031 AARON BADDELEY 4032 CHAD CAMPBELL +12500 4033 NICLAS FASTH 4034 DAVID HOWELL +12500 4035 MIGUEL ANGEL JIMENEZ +10000 4036 JERRY KELLY +12500 4037 NICK OHERN +12500 4038 JM OLAZABAL +10000 4039 ROD PAMPLING +12500 4040 KENNY PERRY 4041 RORY SABBATINI +8000 4042 ANGEL CABRERA +12500 4043 DARREN CLARKE +12500 4044 JOE DURANT 4045 PAUL GOYDOS 4046 JJ HENRY 4047 ROBERT KARLSSON 4048 CARL PETTERSSON 4049 JOHN ROLLINS 4050 SCOTT VERPLANK 4051 LEE WESTWOOD +8000 4052 BRETT WETTERICH 4053 THOMAS BJORN 4054 MICHAEL CAMPBELL 4055 SHINGO KATAYAMA 4056 CAMILO VILLEGAS

POCONO 500 - *ODDS TO WIN* Line From: Jun 09 - 08:31 AM Cut Off # Description Odds POCONO 500 - *ODDS TO WIN* - Jun 10 Jun 10 - 1:10 PM DRIVER TO WIN THE POCONO 500 401 DENNY HAMLIN 402 JEFF GORDON 403 JIMMIE JOHNSON 404 TONY STEWART 405 KURT BUSCH 406 MATT KENSETH 407 KYLE BUSCH 408 KEVIN HARVICK 409 RYAN NEWMAN 410 DALE EARNHARDT JR 411 JEFF BURTON 412 CARL EDWARDS 413 CLINT BOWYER 414 KASEY KAHNE 415 MARK MARTIN 416 GREG BIFFLE 417 MARTIN TRUEX JR 418 JAMIE MCMURRAY 419 CASEY MEARS 420 JUAN MONTOYA 421 FIELD

POCONO 500 - *MATCHUPS* Line From: Jun 09 - 08:31 AM Date # Team M Line Total Spread POCONO 500 - *MATCHUPS* - Jun 10 Jun 10 5 COMING UP SOON 1:00 PM 6 COMING UP SOON

TENNIS FUTURES Line From: Jun 09 - 08:31 AM Cut Off # Description Odds TENNIS FUTURES - Sep 21 Sep 21 - 7:00 AM ODDS TO WIN THE 2007 DAVIS CUP 1201 ARGENTINA 1202 RUSSIA +275 1203 USA -120 1204 SPAIN 1205 CROATIA 1206 CHILE 1207 FRANCE 1208 SWEDEN +650 1209 SWISS 1210 BELGIUM 1211 CZECH 1212 AUSTRALIA 1213 GERMANY +650 1214 AUSTRIA 1215 BELARUS 1216 ROMANIA

TENNIS Line From: Jun 09 - 08:31 AM Date # Team M Line Total Spread TENNIS - Jun 09 FRENCH OPEN WOMENS FINALS SATURDAY @ ROLAND GARROS, PARIS Jun 09 379 A IVANOVIC +425 9:00 AM 380 J HENIN -625 TENNIS - Jun 10 FRENCH OPEN MENS FINALS SUNDAY @ ROLAND GARROS, PARIS Jun 10 381 R NADAL -230 9:00 AM 382 R FEDERER +190 Jun 10 383 Roger Federer +3½ games -120 9:00 AM 384 Rafael Nadal -3½ games -110 WHO WILL WIN THE 1ST SET Jun 10 385 Roger Federer WINS 1ST SET +160 9:00 AM 386 Rafael Nadal WINS 1ST SET -195

2007 BELMONT STAKES Line From: Jun 09 - 08:31 AM Cut Off # Description Odds 2007 BELMONT STAKES - Jun 09 Jun 09 - 5:00 PM ODDS TO WIN THE 2007 BELMONT STAKES 1001 CURLIN +115 1002 STEET SENSE 1003 RAGS TO RICHES +305 1004 HARD SPUN +405 1005 IMAWILDANDCRAZYGUY +1015 1006 SLEWS TIZZY +2550 1007 GREATER HUNTER 1008 CHELOKEE 1009 CIRCULAR QUAY 1010 TIAGO +1015 1011 C P WEST +975 Jun 09 - 5:00 PM HORSE TO WIN THE 2007 BELMONT STAKES 821 CURLIN +120 822 HARD SPUN +405 823 RAGS TO RICHES +305 824 ANY OTHER RUNNER +245 Jun 09 - 5:00 PM WINNING HORSE NUMBER WILL BE 901 ODD NUMBER -305 902 EVEN NUMBER +225

2007 BELMONT STAKES - *MATCHUPS* Line From: Jun 09 - 08:31 AM Date # Team M Line Total Spread 2007 BELMONT STAKES - *MATCHUPS* - Jun 09 SATURDAY @ BELMONT RACE TRACK, ELMONT, NY TV ABC Jun 09 781 RAGS TO RICHES +170 6:25 PM 782 CURLIN -225 Jun 09 783 HARD SPUN -130 6:25 PM 784 RAGS TO RICHES EV Jun 09 785 CP WEST +110 6:25 PM 786 TIAGO -140 Jun 09 787 SLEWS TIZZY +135 6:25 PM 788 IMAWILDANDCRAZYG -165 Jun 09 789 CURLIN -215 6:25 PM 790 HARD SPUN +170 Jun 09 951 Imawildandcrazyguy +115 6:25 PM 952 Tiago -145 Jun 09 955 Imawildandcrazyguy +180 6:25 PM 956 Hard Spun -220 Jun 09 957 Imawildandcrazyguy -125 6:25 PM 958 C P West -105 Jun 09 959 C P West -190 6:25 PM 960 Slew’s Tizzy +155 Jun 09 961 Tiago -210 6:25 PM 962 Slew’s Tizzy +175

MIXED MARTIAL ARTS Line From: Jun 09 - 08:31 AM Date # Team M Line Total Spread MIXED MARTIAL ARTS - Jun 16 ***UFC 72: VICTORY - ODYSSEY ARENA, NORTHERN IRELA SATURDAY Jun 16 911 Yushin Okami +155 3:00 PM 912 Rich Franklin -185 MIXED MARTIAL ARTS - Jun 22 ***ELITE XC/STRIKEFORCE MMA: - SAN JOSE, CA -*** FRIDAY Jun 22 913 Frank Shamrock -105 9:00 PM 914 Phil Baroni -125 MIXED MARTIAL ARTS - Jun 23 ***UFC: THE ULTIMATE FIGHTER-5 FINALE - LAS VEGAS* SATURDAY Jun 23 915 Jens Pulver +365 10:00 PM 916 BJ PENN -515 MIXED MARTIAL ARTS - Jul 07 ***UFC 73: STACKED - ARCO ARENA, CA*** SATURDAY Jul 07 917 Nate Marquardt +150 10:00 PM 918 Anderson Silva -180 Jul 07 919 Hermes Franca +200 10:00 PM 920 Sean Sherk -240 Jul 07 921 Rashad Evans -110 10:00 PM 922 Tito Ortiz -120

ARENA FOOTBALL Line From: Jun 09 - 08:31 AM Date # Team Spread Total M Line ARENA FOOTBALL - Jun 09 WEEK 15 - SATURDAY Jun 09 103 ORL PREDATORS PK-110 o107½-110 7:00 PM 104 NY DRAGONS PK-110 u107½-110 Jun 09 105 PHI SOUL -2½-110 o106½-110 7:30 PM 106 TAMPA BAY STORM +2½-110 u106½-110 Jun 09 107 GRA RAMPAGE +12½-110 o108-110 8:00 PM 108 CHI RUSH -12½-110 u108-110 Jun 09 109 NO VOODOO +14½-110 o109-110 8:30 PM 110 DAL DESPERADOS -14½-110 u109-110 Jun 09 111 GEORGIA FORCE -6-110 o115-110 8:30 PM 112 AUS WRANGLERS +6-110 u115-110 Jun 09 113 SAN SABERCATS -3½-110 o124-110 9:00 PM 114 UTAH BLAZE +3½-110 u124-110 ARENA FOOTBALL - Jun 10 WEEK 15 - SUNDAY Jun 10 115 NAS KATS -7½-110 o95-110 6:00 PM 116 LV GLADIATORS +7½-110 u95-110 ARENA FOOTBALL - Jun 11 WEEK 15 - MONDAY Jun 11 117 LA AVENGERS +1-120 o108-110 10:00 PM 118 ARI RATTLERS -1EV u108-110

NFL EUROPE Line From: Jun 09 - 08:31 AM Date # Team Spread Total M Line NFL EUROPE - Jun 09 WEEK 9 - SATURDAY Jun 09 133 AMSTERDAM +3½-110 o41½-110 12:00 PM 134 COLOGNE -3½-110 u41½-110 Jun 09 135 FRANKFURT -2-110 o39½-110 12:00 PM 136 HAMBURG +2-110 u39½-110

POLITICS Line From: Jun 09 - 08:31 AM Cut Off # Description Odds POLITICS - Jun 10 Jun 10 - 8:00 AM POLITICAL PARTY TO HAVE THE NEXT USA PRESIDENT 61 REPUBLICAN PARTY +145 62 DEMOCRATIC PARTY -175 63 ANY OTHER PARTY +4000

BOXING Line From: Jun 09 - 08:31 AM Date # Team M Line Total Spread BOXING - Jun 09 LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHT TITLE BOUT 12 ROUNDS - SATURDAY ***TARVER VS MURIQI*** Jun 09 701 Antonio Tarver -1100 10:00 PM 702 Elvir Muriqi +800 ANTONIO TARVER VS ELVIR MURIQI TOTAL ROUNDS Jun 09 703 Over 9½ rounds +175 10:00 PM 704 Under 9½ rounds -210 WBA WELTERWEIGHT TITLE BOUT 12 ROUNDS ***COTTO VS JUDAH*** Jun 09 711 Miguel Angel Cotto -300 11:59 PM 712 Zab Judah +250 MIGUEL ANGEL COTTO VS ZAB JUDAH TOTAL ROUNDS Jun 09 713 Over 9½ rounds -110 11:59 PM 714 Under 9½ rounds -120 BOXING - Jun 21 THURSDAY ***HOPKINS VS WRIGHT*** Jun 21 1001 Bernard Hopkins +110 11:00 PM 1002 Ronald Wright -140 BERNARD HOPKINS VS RONALD WRIGHT TOTAL ROUNDS Jun 21 1003 Over 11½ rounds -565 11:00 PM 1004 Under 11½ rounds +415 BOXING - Jun 23 SATURDAY ***HATTON VS CASTILLO*** Jun 23 901 Ricky Hatton -185 11:00 PM 902 Jose Luis Castillo +155 RICKY HATTON VS JOSE LUIS CASTILLO TOTAL ROUNDS Jun 23 903 Over 10½ rounds -170 11:00 PM 904 Under 10½ rounds +140

Inter-League Game Capsules

(Friday, June 8th)

Final Score: NY Yankees 5, Pittsburgh 4 (10 innings)

Bronx, NY - Derek Jeter’s infield single scored Robinson Cano for the winning run in the 10th inning, and the Yankees overcame a fielding blunder by Melky Cabrera for a 5-4 win over Pittsburgh. Hideki Matsui hit a two-run homer, as New York won its season-high fourth straight game despite leaving 14 men on base. Jeter, who drove in two runs, was one of five Yankees with a pair of hits. Andy Pettitte allowed nine hits and four runs over eight innings, and Mariano Rivera (2-3) struck out three batters over the final two innings to get the win. Chris Duffy legged out an inside-the-park two-run homer, mostly due to Cabrera’s misjudgment in the seventh inning. Xavier Nady added a solo homer for the Pirates, who lost for the seventh time in 10 games.

Final Score: Florida 14, Tampa Bay 8

Miami, FL - Jeremy Hermida belted a grand slam, Hanley Ramirez had four hits and the Florida Marlins rallied from a six-run deficit to defeat the Tampa Bay Devil Rays, 14-8, at Dolphin Stadium. Florida trailed 8-2 after the fourth, then scored 12 unanswered runs over a three-inning span en route to the win, which put the team back at .500 (31-31) for the first time since May 4. Josh Willingham had a bases-loaded triple, while Miguel Cabrera and Dan Uggla each had two hits and drove in two runs for Florida, which has won three straight and five of its last seven games. Justin Miller (2-0) got the win for the Marlins after tossing a scoreless sixth, while starter Byung-Hung Kim gave up seven runs - six earned - in 2 2/3 innings. Ty Wigginton had three hits, including his 11th home run, for the Devil Rays, who had a brief two-game winning streak halted. Brendan Harris added three RBI for Tampa Bay, which also got three hits from Delmon Young. A scary situation unfolded in the sixth, as Tampa Bay catcher Dioner Navarro was taken off the field on a stretcher after being hit in the throat by a wild pitch from right-hander Brian Stokes (2-6).

Final Score: Texas 9, Milwaukee 6

Arlington, TX - Mark Teixeira drove in three runs before leaving in the seventh inning due to an injured left quadriceps, as the Rangers pounded out 16 hits in a 9-6 win over the Milwaukee Brewers to open a three-game interleague series. Ian Kinsler homered for the Rangers, who won for just the third time in nine games. Sammy Sosa, who failed to homer for the 14th straight game in his pursuit of becoming the fifth player to hit 600, did finish 3-for-5 with an RBI in the win. He remained stuck at 598 homers. Prince Fielder belted his National League-leading 22nd homer, while Corey Hart and Ryan Braun each hit two-run homers for the Brewers, who have lost three of four.

Final Score: NY Mets 3, Detroit 0

Detroit, MI - Jorge Sosa allowed only four hits over eight innings and Carlos Delgado homered and drove in two runs, as the New York Mets ended a four-game losing streak with a 3-0 win over the Detroit Tigers at Comerica Park. Sosa (6-1) won his third straight start, striking out five and walking two for New York, which began a nine-game road trip by winning for only the third time in nine contests. The right-hander combined with closer Billy Wagner on the four-hit shutout. David Wright also homered and Paul Lo Duca went 2-for-4 for New York, which is coming off a 3-6 homestand. Chad Durbin (5-2) suffered the tough-luck loss for the defending American League champion Tigers, who had a two-game win streak halted and lost for only the second time in six outings. The right-hander pitched into the ninth and allowed just three runs on six hits, striking out four and walking one, as his win streak ended at five straight decisions.

Final Score: Baltimore 4, Colorado 2

Baltimore, MD - Nick Markakis belted a two-run home run, as the Baltimore Orioles downed the Colorado Rockies, 4-2, in the opener of a three-game interleague series at Camden Yards. Steve Trachsel (5-4) allowed two runs on seven hits, while walking one and striking out a season-high five over six innings. Chris Ray, the fourth Baltimore reliever, got four outs for his 13th save in 17 chances, as the Orioles won for a second straight time after a five-game losing streak. Yorvit Torrealba homered for the Rockies, who had won four of five coming into the series.

Final Score: Cincinnati 4, Cleveland 3

Cincinnati, OH - Homer Bailey won his much anticipated major league debut as the Cincinnati Reds began a three-game interleague series against the Cleveland Indians at Great American Ball Park with a 4-3 victory. Bailey (1-0), who is considered one of the top pitching prospects in all of baseball as the Reds’ seventh overall pick in the 2004 draft, gave up two runs on five hits with four walks and three strikeouts over five frames. David Weathers tossed the final 1 1/3 innings for his 12th save of the season. Jeff Conine, Brandon Phillips and Ken Griffey Jr. all homered for the Reds, who won their second straight. Ryan Garko homered for the Indians, who have split their last four. Victor Martinez went 2-for-4 with an RBI and scored a run in the loss.

Final Score: Kansas City 8, Philadelphia 4

Kansas City, MO - Mark Grudzielanek and Mike Sweeney both homered in a six-run second inning, lifting the Kansas City Royals over the Philadelphia Phillies, 8-4, in the opener of a three-game interleague series at Kauffman Stadium. This series marks the first time that Philadelphia has visited Kansas City since the teams met in the 1980 World Series, which the Phillies won in six games for the only title in team history. Tony Pena went 3-for-4 with an RBI, while David Dejesus also had three hits and knocked in a run for Kansas City, which has won two of its last three games. Jason LaRue also added three hits, as the offense pounded out 16 hits in the contest. Alex Gordon was the only Royals’ starter to not record a hit in the contest. Ryan Howard, Greg Dobbs and Rod Barajas all homered for the Phillies, who were coming off a crucial three-game sweep of the New York Mets and had won six straight on the road.

Final Score: LA Angels of Anaheim 10, St. Louis 6

St. Louis, MO - Casey Kotchman and Mike Napoli each drove in two runs and scored once during a six-run seventh inning, as the Angels defeated the Cardinals, 10-6, in the opener of a three-game set at Busch Stadium. Kotchman ended 2-for-3 with three RBI and Vladimir Guerrero went 2- for-6 with two RBI for the Angels, who have won six of seven. Garret Anderson added three hits and an RBI and Howie Kendrick also had three hits for Los Angeles, which improved to 22-7 over its last 29 contests. Albert Pujols went 2-for-5 with a homer and two RBI for the Cardinals, who have lost two straight. Kelly Stinnett also homered and drove in a pair and Chris Duncan went yard for St. Louis, which fell to 2-2 on its current six- game homestand.

Final Score: Washington 8, Minnesota 5

Minneapolis, MN - Cristian Guzman had four hits with an RBI and scored three times, as the Washington Nationals beat the Minnesota Twins, 8-5, in the first of a three-game interleague series at the Metrodome. Dmitri Young had three hits and three RBI and Ryan Zimmerman had two hits and drove in a pair of runs for the Nationals, who have won two of their last three. Jason Kubel hit a three-run homer in the seventh and Torii Hunter had two hits and an RBI for the Twins, who have lost five of their last six.

Final Score: Houston 5, Chicago White Sox 2

Chicago, IL - Luke Scott singled in the go-ahead run in the fifth inning to boost the Astros over the White Sox, 5-2, in a game that saw the ejections of Houston manager Phil Garner and right fielder Lance Berkman. Chris Sampson (6-5) allowed six hits and two runs over 6 2/3 innings to get the win, as the Astros took the opener of the three-game interleague set and rebounded from consecutive one-run losses at Colorado. Craig Biggio led off the game with a homer for the 52nd time in his career, extending a National League record. Tadahito Iguchi homered for Chicago, which suffered its fourth consecutive defeat.

Final Score: Seattle 6, San Diego 5 (11 innings)

San Diego, CA - Raul Ibanez had four hits, including a leadoff homer in the top of the 11th that lifted the Seattle Mariners over the San Diego Padres, 6-5, in the opener of a three-game interleague series at Petco Park. Jose Lopez and Kenji Johjima had three hits apiece for the Mariners, who have won five of six and 12 of their last 17 games. Yuniesky Betancourt added an RBI single in the second inning to extend his career-best hitting streak to 19 games, the longest active streak in the majors. He also singled in the sixth. Eric O’Flaherty (2-0) got the final out of the 10th for the win, while J.J. Putz pitched a perfect 11th for his 16th save in as many chances. Starter Miguel Batista allowed five runs on five hits, walked three and fanned six over 6 2/3 innings. Ibanez homered on a 2-1 pitch from Cla Meredith (2-4), while Justin Germano got a no-decision after winning his previous four starts. He allowed five runs and eight hits in five innings, struck out three and walked two. Kevin Kouzmanoff knocked in a pair of runs for San Diego, which had its five- game winning streak halted and lost for just the fourth time in 17 games.

Final Score: LA Dodgers 4, Toronto 3 (10 innings)

Los Angeles, CA - Olmedo Saenz belted a pinch-hit two-run home run in the 10th inning, as Los Angeles beat Toronto, 4-3, in the opener of a three-game series at Dodger Stadium. With the score knotted at two, Toronto got a run in the 10th when John McDonald doubled and scored on pinch- hitter Gregg Zaun’s single. But, LA got the game-winner in the home half off Jeremy Accardo (1-2). Tony Abreu walked, and Saenz followed with a two-run blast to left field on a 0-1 pitch for his fourth-career game-ending homer. Luis Gonzalez also homered for Los Angeles, which came in having ended a 10- game road trip by losing all three matchups with division rival San Diego. Brad Penny allowed one run on five hits with seven strikeouts over 7 2/3 innings for LA before Rudy Seanez (3-1) got the final out in the 10th for the win. Matt Stairs homered for the Blue Jays, who lost their third straight. Dustin McGowan gave up two runs on four hits with four strikeouts in his first career start against the Dodgers.

Final Score: Boston 10, Arizona 3

Phoenix, AZ - Josh Beckett won his ninth straight decision to start the season, thanks in part to J.D. Drew’s career-high seven RBI performance, as the Boston Red Sox downed Arizona, 10-3, in the opener of a three-game interleague set at Chase Field. Beckett (9-0) lasted eight innings and allowed three runs — two earned — on five hits with eight strikeouts and no walks. The last major league pitcher to start 9-0 was the White Sox’s Jose Contreras in 2006. Beckett is now tied with Sonny Siebert for fifth place on Boston’s all-time list for most straight decisions won to start a season. Roger Clemens holds the top mark with 14 back in 1986. Drew hit a pair of three-run homers and finished 3-for-5 for Boston, which has won two in a row since its four-game slide. Julio Lugo also homered while Manny Ramirez finished with an RBI and two runs scored. Doug Davis (4-7) allowed five runs on six hits over four frames for the Diamondbacks, who have dropped two in a row. Miguel Montero had a homer and Eric Byrnes knocked in a run in defeat.

Final Score: Oakland 5, San Francisco 3 (10 innings)

San Francisco, CA - Shannon Stewart’s two-run single in the 10th inning boosted Oakland to a 5-3 win over San Francisco, on a night the Giants lost two players with injuries. Catcher Eliezer Alfonzo departed in the 10th inning after Donnie Murphy collided into him trying to score on a ground ball. Giants right fielder Fred Lewis left the game after the first inning with a right oblique strain. Mark Kotsay grounded a ball to first baseman Ryan Klesko, who threw home to nail Murphy at the plate. Murphy’s leg collided with Alfonzo’s knee, and Alfonzo was helped from the dugout to the clubhouse. The A’s though won it later in the 10th. San Francisco slugger Barry Bonds didn’t homer for a 10th straight game, leaving him at 746 for his career, nine behind Hank Aaron for first on the all-time list. Brad Hennessey (1-2) started the 10th inning on the mound for the Giants and gave up a double to Dan Johnson, who was removed in favor of Murphy as a pinch-runner. Then came the play at the plate. Jason Kendall singled to right field to put runners at the corners, and he stole second before Stewart slapped a pinch-hit single to left field. Travis Buck had four hits and two RBI for the Athletics, who won for the sixth time in seven games. Kiko Calero (1-4) escaped a one-out bases-loaded jam in the ninth inning to get the win and Alan Embree threw the final frame for his sixth save, as the A’s took the opener of the three-game series. Randy Winn had three hits and an RBI for the Giants, who lost for the fifth time in seven games. Chad Gaudin allowed six hits and two runs over 6 2/3 innings for Oakland, while Tim Lincecum gave up four hits and three runs over 4 1/3 frames for the Giants.