Cubs win pitchers' duel to take series with Dodgers

Baseball Betting Lines

05/27/2010 - Chicago, IL (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - Tyler Colvin's run-scoring double in the bottom of the eighth inning proved to be the only offense, as the Chicago Cubs edged the Los Angeles Dodgers, 1-0, in the rubber match of a three-game series at Wrigley Field.

Mike Fontenot, who replaced injured third baseman Jeff Baker (right eye), tripled to start the eighth and scored on Colvin's two-bagger for Chicago, which has won four of its last five and has lost only three times in the last 11 games overall.

Colvin had only one plate appearance, as he came in the game in the top of the eighth as part of a double switch

Ted Lilly worked seven solid innings but did not factor in the decision. The veteran left-hander scattered three hits, issued three walks and fanned five. Sean Marshall (5-1) picked up the win with a scoreless eighth. Carlos Marmol locked the game down in the ninth to record his 11th save of the season.

Casey Blake had two of the five hits for the Dodgers, who have dropped three of their last four but have still won 15 of the last 20 contests overall.

John Ely (3-2) was the hard-luck loser for allowing one run on four hits in 7 1/3 innings of work. The rookie righty, who was making his first career start against the Cubs, struck out four and walked a pair.

Starting pitching dominated from the outset, with both starters combining to allow only five hits over the first seven innings.

Marshall replaced Lilly in the top of the eighth and surrendered a pair of singles, leaving runners on first and second with one out. The left-hander settled down to retire Blake on a soft liner to second and got James Loney on a ground ball to second to end the threat.

In the bottom of the eighth, Fontenot tripled down the right field line, and two batters later Colvin hit a double just inside the first base bag that scored Fontenot, with Colvin taking third on an error by right fielder Xavier Paul.

Ely was then lifted in favor of Jeff Weaver, who set down Ryan Theriot on a pop up and fanned Starlin Castro.

Marmol took the hill for the ninth and issued a one-out walk to Blake DeWitt before striking out pinch-hitters Manny Ramirez and Garret Anderson to preserve the win.

Game Notes

Los Angeles took five of eight matchups with the Cubs a year ago and despite the loss has won eight of the past 14 meetings between the storied franchises...The Dodgers recalled right-handed pitcher Justin Miller from Triple-A Albuquerque prior to the game and designated veteran pitcher Ramon Ortiz for assignment.

Loteryamerica Baseball Betting News

<< Weeks' walk gives Milwaukee win in 10th
Milwaukee, WI (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - Rickie Weeks drew a game-winning walk with the bases loaded and two outs in the 10th, helping the Milwaukee Brewers rally for a 4-3 win over the Houston Astros in the rubber match of a three-game series

<< Tillman, Howard headline 2010 College Football Hall of Fame class
New York, NY (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - Pat Tillman and Heisman Trophy winner Desmond Howard highlight the 2010 class for induction into the College Football Hall of Fame. A total of 12 players and two coaches from the Football Bowl Subdivi

<< Dodgers purchase contract of P Miller, designate Ortiz
Chicago, IL (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - The Los Angeles Dodgers purchased the contract of right-handed relief pitcher Justin Miller from Triple-A Albuquerque and designated veteran pitcher Ramon Ortiz for assignment Thursday. The 32-year-old Mil

<< New York fillies stakes gain sponsor
Elmont, NY (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - The NYRA stakes series, known as the Triple Tiara, for three-year-old fillies has gained the sponsorship of Betfair TVG. The series is comprised of the Acorn Stakes, Coaching Club American Oaks, and Alabama

<< Murray, Roddick win second-rounders in rainy Paris
Paris, France (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - Australian Open runner-up Andy Murray and last year's Wimbledon runner-up Andy Roddick each managed to reach the third round on a day when rain was the big winner at the 2010 French Open. The fourth-seeded

Dave in Dixie headed to Belmont Stakes >>
Elmont, NY (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - California based colt Dave in Dixie will start in this year's 142nd edition of the $1 million Belmont Stakes on June 5. The addition of Ike and Dawn Thrash's three-year-old means that 11 will likely start i

Giants option Downs, call up Joaquin >>
San Francisco, CA (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - The San Francisco Giants optioned infielder Matt Downs to Fresno and recalled pitcher Waldis Joaquin from its Triple-A affiliate. Joaquin made four relief appearances for the Giants in Apr

Dolphins cut ties with LB Torbor >>
Davie, FL (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - The Miami Dolphins terminated the contract of linebacker Reggie Torbor on Thursday. Torbor, 29, appeared in all 16 games for the Dolphins last season -- his second with the club -- and compiled

Golf Course Review - Aronimink Golf Club >>
Newtown Square, PA (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - FACTS AND STATS: Course Architects: Donald Ross (1928), Ron Prichard, McDonald & Sons (2000-01). Year Opened: 1928. Location: Newtown Square, Pennsylvania. Slope: 130. Rating: 74.4. Par: 70. Yardage: 7

Patriots bring back LB Burgess >>
Foxboro, MA (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - The New England Patriots re-signed linebacker Derrick Burgess to an undisclosed contract on Thursday. The upcoming 2010 season will be Burgess' 10th in the NFL after stints with the Philadelphia Eagles (20

Pacific-10 Conference odds

Teams that should be in: Stanford

Oregon and USC get their tickets punched after taking care of business this weekend. Yes, the Trojans' computer numbers aren't great, but there's no way the third-place team in this league is getting nixed. Grudgingly, I added Arizona after consultation with our Bracketologist. I don't know that Arizona will lose its last three (including a Pac-10 quarterfinal game), and even if the Cats do, I still can't see how they'd be left out, given the overall profile. That said, it bears watching, as three more L's would leave them at 18-12 (9-9) and on a 6-11 skid entering the Dance. It would be nice to see the Wildcats get at least one W in the Bay Area next week, as Cincinnati (albeit without Armein Kirkland and with a worse profile) was axed after a similar slide last season. I just couldn't rationalize having some of the other teams as locks and not having Arizona in that category -- there just aren't enough good teams behind the Cats to threaten their spot, it seems. Stanford has its fate in its own hands with the Arizona schools coming to the Farm to close out the regular season next weekend.

Should be in:

Stanford [17-10 (9-7), RPI: 40, SOS: 21] No shame in not getting a win in L.A., but that makes the home game against Arizona State a must-win ahead of what could be an intriguing meeting with Arizona should the Cats lose at Cal. Getting to 11 Pac-10 wins would make Selection Sunday much more comfortable, but 10's probably more than enough this season. The Cardinal have nonconference wins over Texas Tech and at Virginia to lean on, although they also lost badly to Air Force and Santa Clara at home.

Southeastern Conference odds
Work left to do: Alabama, Georgia, Mississippi, Mississippi State

It looks more and more possible that no one from the SEC West will make the NCAAs. How weird is that? Tennessee and Vandy move into the locks category after more good work this weekend. Kentucky stays there, although it would be smart for the Cats to handle Georgia at home Wednesday ahead of a trip to the Swamp. Could a disaster scenario (two more L's and a first-round SEC tourney exit) somehow dislodge the Cats despite their incredible computer numbers? Still unlikely, but not worth chancing it.

Work left to do:

Alabama [19-9 (6-8), RPI: 43, SOS: 47] The tough L at Tennessee was understandable, and even created some hope. Unfortunately, that hope was dashed by a home loss to Auburn, which leaves the Tide in some real trouble. There's still no signature win on the profile (no, Kentucky doesn't count), and the computer profile is weakening rapidly. The Tide conceivably could beat Ole Miss and win at Miss. State to get to 8-8 and clinch at least a share of the West crown, but that's probably not enough right now. The Tide will need to do some work in the SEC tourney.

Georgia [16-10 (8-6), RPI: 52, SOS: 23] This is the team with the best chance to make it from this section right now. The Bulldogs rebounded from a terrible performance at Ole Miss to beat down Miss. State. Now they are at Kentucky (king of the RPI 51-100 win) and home to Tennessee. That would be worth a lot of computer points to get both (which is doable), as both teams are in the top 11 in RPI. Finishing at least 9-7 is an absolute must, and I would feel much better about the Dawgs' chances if they got both to get to 10 SEC wins. They also beat Gonzaga, but lost to ACC bubblers Georgia Tech and Clemson.

Mississippi [18-10 (7-7), RPI: 63, SOS: 79] Like everyone else in this division, Ole Miss gacked up a chance to stake a claim, losing by double figures at South Carolina. Even 9-7 likely is not nearly enough with a nonconference profile devoid of anything notable.

Mississippi State [16-11 (7-7), RPI: 66, SOS: 37] With a chance to get in the mix, these Bulldogs were leashed by their Georgia counterparts. Could they get to 9-7? I guess -- although winning at Arkansas, then beating Alabama is no lock -- but would that mean all that much for a team with this overall profile? Probably not. There's nothing of note (on the good side) in the nonconference profile.

For more College Basketball betting lines go to MySportsbook.com

Additional sports lines can be found at: www.Sportsbooks.com

To bet on March Madness games this online sportsbook accepts credit cards.


American Idol Betting Odds: Season 6  

The online gambling websites are in the process of deciphering each American Idol contestant and his or her chances of winning Season 6 to come up with the early American Idol betting lines.

Tim Dalton of MySportsbook.com has been locked away in a soundproof room coming up with all the latest tallies, we are told. "American Idol has become one of the most significant betting events of the year," claims Jack Black of MySportsbook.com.  "Last year, millions were bet during the season across the globe, not just in America.

It's tough early on since we really do not have a glimpse as to how well each of these individuals will perform solo on a week-to-week basis.  It's like Week 1 of the NFL.  Pre-season means nada!

We do know the 24 finalists however.

Sanjaya Malakar is the young man whose sister failed to make it into the Top 24.  He's very low key but - unless he totally flubs - will probably win over the young girlie vote for a few weeks anyway.  He's too young to go all the way, according to Payton O'Brien. 

Brandon Rogers - Who?

Phil Stacy is the military guy who missed his daughter's birth because of the Memphis audition.  He should go a good distance.

Chris Sligh - He's got the humor and in many ways he's the Anti-American Idol much like last year's winner Taylor Hicks was.  And this is why he'll probably get pretty far in this competition.  He's chubby, white with a big curly afro....but more importantly, a great voice!  People love "real", not "real cute" to go all the way. 

"Blake Lewis should go far because of his uniqueness and looks.  He's the boy next store with a twist - he beat boxes.  But on top of this, he's a great singer, and I adore him," Payton O'Brien relayed.

A talented beat-boxer Blake Lewis was a hit during the group sing in Hollywood but Simon explained that this is a singing contest just before he told him he was “in.”

Paul Kim has caught our own roving reporter, Jenny Woo's eyes. 

"I love the fact that there is a Korean American on the show and he is bound to get more Asians tuning into the show," Woo said from her Miami Beach estate.  "There has never been a major presence of Asian-Americans on American Idol in the past.  He's a hottie with a nice voice so that should help to take him far.  Expect heavy betting action from the Asian community."

Sundance Head - He's not perfect, but he's got the personality that will take him through a few weeks, plus he's got the lineage (son of Roy Head - whose 1965 single, "Treat Her Right," hit No. 5 in the charts) 

And the others:

Rudy Cardinas
AJ Tabaldo - the 5th time is the charm
Nicolas Pedro
Chris Richardson
Jared Cotter

The girls

"Melinda Doolittle has one of the best voices," says MySportsbook.com Reporter and an acclaimed dancer in her own right, Destiney Lewis.  "It is great to see a back up singer step out like she has.  The girl needs to gain more confidence but that can also be a positive.  I think she will go far."

Alena Alexander - Those tears (she never seems to stop bawling) should get her far.

"Single mom Lakisha Jones I suspect will be a pretty big favorite entering Week 1 of the competition," says Destiny Williams.  Jones is an excellent singer and down to earth.  "She'll have a wide appeal," echoed O'Brien.

Nicole Trellis - Seems to exert confidence.

Amy Krebs - a powerful singer.

Antonella Barba
Gina Glocksen
Hailey Scanardo
Jordan Sparks
Stephanie Edwards
Leslie Hunt
Sabrina Sloan

MySportsbook.com is offering a 20% signup bonus with an initial deposit (i.e. open your American Idol betting account with $300, receive another $60 in which to bet with). 

Last two contestants will be?

1 Male/1 Female +100 (a $10 bet pays $10 plus your initial $10)

2 Males +170 (a $10 bet pays $17 plus your initial $17)

2 Females +130 (a $10 bet pays $13 plus your initial $10)

MySportsbook.com is an online sportsbook accepts Visa Credit Cards and online sportsbook accepts Mastercard Credit Cards for easy American Idol betting lines.