09/05/2008 - Minneapolis, MN (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - Justin Morneau hit a grand slam and Francisco Liriano ran his unbeaten streak to seven games since being called up from Triple-A, as the Minnesota Twins easily disposed of the Detroit Tigers, 10-2, in the opener of a three-game set from the Metrodome.
Liriano (5-3) yielded just two runs on five hits while fanning nine and walking only one batter over seven-plus frames. Delmon Young and Brian Buscher both drove in a pair of runs for the Twins, who saw their three-game slide come to an end.
"I'm just trying to keep it simple and use the whole field," Morneau said. "And I end up getting extended on a ball and hit it just enough to go (over the fence)."
The Twins, who were playing at home for the first time since August 20 following a grueling 14-game road trip, are 1 1/2 games behind the Chicago White Sox for the lead in the AL Central. The White Sox beat the Angels 10-2 on Friday.
Marcus Thames clubbed two home runs for Detroit, which has dropped four of its last five. Armando Galarraga (12-5) took the loss, as he was tagged for six runs on three hits with four strikeouts and six walks in six innings of work.
"They got six hits and we got five, but we walked eight guys and they didn't walk people," Tigers manager Jim Leyland. "I wouldn't take anything away from Liriano, he pitched extremely well. Like I said, it was simple: they pitched better than we did."
The Twins jumped on top in the first inning as Galarraga walked Denard Span, Alexi Casilla and Morneau to load the bases. A Jason Kubel sacrifice fly put the Twins on the board.
With one gone in the fourth, Young deposited a 1-2 Galarraga slider over the fence in center, the first hit of the game for Minnesota, to put the Twins up 2-0.
Thames launched a 3-1 fastball over the fence in center in the fifth to pull the Tigers within a run at 2-1.
Minnesota grabbed a 6-1 lead in the fifth inning. Carlos Gomez led off the frame with a double to left before Span lined out to Placido Polanco at second base. Casilla and Mauer were both walked, which set the stage for Morneau's grand slam to deep right.
Freddy Dolsi took over for Detroit in the seventh and walked lead-off man Span. Casilla then grounded into a force, stole second base and scored as Joe Mauer slapped a single to left. Casey Fossum was then summoned from the bullpen.
Morneau popped up for the second out, but Kubel worked a walk to keep the inning going. Young added an RBI double and Buscher closed out the scoring with a two-run single, making it 10-1.
Thames opened the eighth with his second homer of the game.
Game Notes
The team's combined for 11 hits and nine walks...The Tigers stranded three runners and the Twins four...Minnesota has won 11 of its 16 matchups with the Tigers this season, including six of the seven games played at the Metrodome...Time of game was 2:33.
<< Big inning helps Indians blow out Royals
Kansas City, MO (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - Victor Martinez had two hits and two walks,
as the Cleveland Indians used a six-run fifth to defeat Kansas City, 9-3, in
the first of three games with the Royals.
Jamey Carroll and Asdrubal Cabrera each
<< White Sox thump Halos to keep pace in AL Central
Chicago, IL (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - Juan Uribe belted a pair of two-run homers to
carry the Chicago White Sox to a 10-2 rout of the Angels in a battle of
division leaders.
Paul Konerko had three hits, including a solo homer, and Ken Grif
<< Lowell, Beckett highlight BoSox rout of Rangers
Arlington, TX (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - Mike Lowell finished 3-for-5 with four runs
batted in, and Josh Beckett threw five shutout innings, as the Boston Red Sox
beat Texas, 8-1, in the first of three games with the Rangers.
Beckett (12-9) and
<< A's crush O's
Baltimore, MD (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - Dallas Braden and the Oakland bullpen held
down the Baltimore offense, while the Athletics finally took advantage of
suspect pitching in an 11-2 rout over the Orioles in a rain-soaked opener of a
three-g
Uggla, Fish top Cardinals in extras >>
St. Louis, MO (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - Dan Uggla singled in the go-ahead run in the
top of the 11th inning and the Florida Marlins went on to defeat the St. Louis
Cardinals, 4-1, in the opener of a three-game series at Busch Stadium.
Mike Jacobs
Hardy gives Brewers a critical win over Padres in 11 >>
Milwaukee, WI (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - J.J. Hardy drove in the game-winning run in
the 11th inning and the Milwaukee Brewers pulled out a 3-2 victory over the
San Diego Padres, in the second contest of a four-game set from Miller Park.
Brian
Morrow falls short in no-hit attempt; M's top Yanks >>
Seattle, WA (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - Brandon Morrow's first big league start was
surely one to remember, as the right-hander came within four outs of a no-
hitter, leading the Mariners to a 3-1 victory over the New York Yankees.
Morrow, a
Indians' Westbrook has hip surgery >>
Kansas City, MO (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - Indians pitcher Jake Westbrook, who had
season-ending Tommy John surgery in June, underwent successful arthroscopic
hip surgery Friday in Nashville.
The injury was not necessarily baseball-relate
BILLS (+10) at Steelers SPORTSBOOK LINES
It's impossible to gauge how a team will react after something like the Steve Everett situation, and it probably doesn't matter. That being said, the Bills are going to lose several games this year where they keep things close but fall short in the end to superior teams. Ben Roethlisberger and company could have a field day against Buffalo's decimated defense, but I like the Bills to cover.
BENGALS (-7) at Browns SPORTSBOOK LINES
All you can ask out of your NFL team is that it has a plan. You may not always agree with it as a fan, but as long as it appears the organization is going in some sort of direction, you have to go with it. Which brings us to the Cleveland Browns. You flip a coin to determine whether Chuck Frye or Derek Anderson should start the preseason opener. You start Frye in Week 1, but pull him in the first half. And then you deal him to the Seahawks for a sixth-round pick? Hmm... the Bengals could get six turnovers again this week.
COLTS (-7) at Titans SPORTSBOOK LINES
Tennessee signed ex-Colts cornerback Nick Harper in the offseason so that should help slow down Peyton Manning. Just ask Jason David and the Saints. Oh wait... One of these weeks, I'm going to learn to not pick against Tennessee, which has won seven of its last eight games. But it's not happening against Indy.
TEXANS (+6.5) at Panthers SPORTSBOOK LINES
Houston's Mario Williams, the first pick in the '06 draft, has more touchdowns than Reggie Bush after one week. Somehow I don't see that lasting. Meanwhile, Carolina bottled up what was expected to be a pretty high-octane offense in St. Louis in Week 1. Could this be the Panthers' defense everyone expected last year? Maybe. This feels like a 20-16 Carolina win.
RAMS (-3) vs. 49ers SPORTSBOOKS LINES
Absolutely love this game. Everyone's favorite pick for this year's surprise team -- the 49ers -- laid an egg on Monday night (not that anyone was watching with the game ending in the middle of the night for those of us on the East Coast). St. Louis wasn't much better, delivering a lackluster effort against the Panthers that included two Steven Jackson fumbles and panic from his fantasy owners. Jackson rebounds this week, and the Rams get their first win.
PACKERS (+1.5) at Giants SPORTSBOOKS LINES
Do you really trust this guy to win an NFL game if Eli Manning can't go? I say no. I'd feel alot better about this Packers team if it had any semblance of a running game, but I still think Green Bay's defense is good enough to give it a 2-0 start.
JAGUARS (-10) vs. Falcons SPORTSBOOKS LINES
Does it scare me to pick Jacksonville to cover a double-digit spread after it scored just 10 points last week against the Titans? Absolutely. But can I bring myself to pick Atlanta under any circumstances? No. Check out this poll on ajc.com. It asks what Atlanta's most urgent deficiency is: offense, defense, specials teams or all of the above. "All of the above" has 57 percent of the votes. Ouch.
SAINTS (-3) at Buccaneers SPORTSBOOKS LINES
I'm picking way too many road teams this week. Oh well. New Orleans has had some time to reflect on its lackluster showing in the opener, and the Buccanneers just aren't a very good football team. Anyone else surprised Tampa Bay hasn't made a move to sign Byron Leftwich? I thought that's what they do.
VIKINGS (+3) at Lions SPORTS BETTING LINES
Run the ball and stop the run. Minnesota can do both, and that will keep them in a lot of games this season. Even though it was only one week, Adrian Peterson looks like he was a steal at No. 7 in last year's draft. Not only will he produce, but Peterson delivers excitement to what otherwise would be one of the league's most boring teams.
DOLPHINS (+3.5) vs. Cowboys SPORTS BETTING LINES
Lost in the Tony Romo lovefest is just how bad the Cowboys' defense was last week. I know they're banged up, but Dallas' 'D' allowed 438 yards to the Giants' offense, and backup running back Derrick Ward averaged 6.8 yards per carry. Meanwhile, Cam Cameron's decision to split carries between Ronnie Brown and Jesse Chatman sounds about as can't-miss as Larry David's plan to show up to Marty Funkhouser's party a night late. Still, gotta go with Miami to cover at home.
SEAHAWKS (-2.5) at Cardinals SPORTS BETTING LINES
I'm probably missing something, but this game seems too easy. Arizona blew Monday night's game against the 49ers in typical Cardinals fashion, and the Seahawks beat Tampa Bay by two touchdowns. Love Seattle in this one.
BRONCOS (-9.5) vs. Raiders SPORTS BETTING LINES
Special teams was a major story line in Week 1. Take a look at the Broncos. They had to rush on to the field to get a Jason Elam field goal as time expired against the Bills. Denver drove into Buffalo territory on eight of 10 drives but came away with just a pair of field goals and a touchdown. Look for more scoring from the Broncos this week against an Oakland defense that gave up 36 points to Detroit in Week 1.
BEARS (-12) vs. Chiefs SPORTS BETTING LINES
Everyone talks about Rex Grossman when dissecting the Bears' offense, but Chicago's quarterback got no help in last week's loss to the Chargers. Meanwhile, Kansas City confirmed what we all thought while watching Hard Knocks: The Chiefs are going to stink this year. It could be a rough first month for Larry Johnson fantasy owners. Kansas City's RB was limited to 43 yards on 10 carries in Week 1, and the Chiefs face the Bears, Vikings and Chargers the next three weeks, all formidable run defenses.
RAVENS (-10) vs. Jets SPORTS BETTING LINES
A big dose of Willis McGahee and a usual sound defensive effort will give the Ravens their first win. According to Football Outsiders, no team in the NFL rushed only three defenders on pass plays last year more than the Jets. And according to my special Jets correspondent Ben Stauber, New York did the same in Week 1. Whoever starts at quarterback for the Ravens should have all day to throw.
PATRIOTS (-3) vs. Chargers SPORTS TRASH TALK
Friends and I were discussing how Bill Belichick goes about paying his $500,000 fine for cheating. Does he just write one check to the NFL? Do you need some sort of clearance to make such a monstrous financial transaction? I guess I shouldn't complain about the security deposit I have to put down on my new apartment. Anyway, two of the league's best teams square off in what should be a good one Sunday night. The Patriots always respond well just when you think they're in trouble. And their offensive attack was the story in Week 1.
Note: Monday night game will be picked Monday. Lines used are from football betting.
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.
Sports Betting News: NFL Team History | Football Betting | Baseball Betting | Basketball Betting | Hockey Betting | Golf Betting | Tennis Betting | Auto Racing Betting | Horse Racing Betting | Soccer Betting