The Sharp Report – July 11, 2014

The Dodgers’ Clayton Kershaw took the mound with an incredible 36 shut out inning streak on Thursday night. Kershaw entered the game 23 shy of the record held by Orel Hershiser.

Just think about this for a minute, Clayton Kershaw has not allowed a run in four straight games, what an amazing accomplishment. Kershaw and the Dodgers came into their game Thursday night as heavy favorites (-300 at some books) against the San Diego Padres, and the odds were actually in favor of him pitching another shut out.

Please refer to my first post in this series for a list of recommended sites to aid you in your handicapping.

7/11 Early Moves:

Here are some lines that were hit by sharp groups early enough this morning to make this report. I have not had time to research games myself, so I am not recommending that you try to find these numbers and tail the plays at this time. These are listed to show you what has happened so far this morning, always do your own research on these before following along.

Arizona Diamondbacks vs San Francisco Giants (Under 7.5)
Key Line Move @ 8:22 am EST

Chicago White Sox vs Cleveland Indians (CWS ML)
Key Line Move @ 8:25 am EST

7/10 Recap:

Early Moves:

New York Yankees vs Cleveland Indians (Under 8.5) – Loss
Key Line Move @ 8:33 am EST

The Yankees have won two of the first three games of the series against the Indians and have one of the few bullpens around the league who are actually performing well. The Yankees received 7 1/3 scoreless innings from the bullpen in Wednesday’s win.

The Yankees’ starter, David Phelps, hasn’t lost since June 7 and gave up one run and three hits in seven innings against Minnesota in his last outing. Phelps is 1-1 with a 0.71 ERA in two career starts versus Cleveland. The Indians’ starter, T.J. House, allowed three runs and nine hits in 6 2/3 innings against Kansas City his last time out, earning his first major league victory. It was the fourth time in seven career starts that he worked six or more frames. House hasn’t walked more than two hitters in any of his starts.

I was all over this move, but am weary of any under play given recent bullpen blow ups around the league.

Los Angeles Angels vs Texas Rangers (Under 10) – Loss
Key Line Move @ 8:40 am EST

This move was a no play for me, the Angels are just too hot coming in to take an under on one of their games. I understand that Lewis has held the Angels in check in the past, but I wouldn’t bet on it to happen again.

The Angels’ send Hector Santiago to the mound on Thursday night who was knocked around for five runs on six hits while striking out seven over five innings versus Houston on Saturday. He has faced the Rangers before, and was charged with five runs and seven hits in a loss in that game. The Rangers’ starter, Colby Lewis has put together consecutive quality starts for the first time this season, beating the New York Mets by permitting three runs over six innings on Saturday. He won against the Angels on May 2 with 5 2/3 innings of two-run ball.

Late Moves:

Minnesota Twins vs Seattle Mariners (Under 8) – Win
Key Line Move @ 4:35 pm EST

A little weary of this move as well, the Twins scoring eight runs on Wednesday night just didn’t sit well with me, but who the heck am I. Several respected groups and the popular public were on this under at a good clip (60%).

The Twins’ starter, Yohan Pino, was coming off the best of his four major-league starts where he allowed one run and three hits in six strong innings against the New York Yankees. Pino lasted just three innings in his only road start last month, allowing five runs and seven hits in a loss to the Los Angeles Angels. The Mariners’ starter, Tom Wilhelmsen, has made 190 major-league relief appearances but never a start. He is 1-2 with a 4.66 ERA in 13 career appearances against Minnesota. I couldn’t back an under featuring a first time starter and this game was a pass for me.

Chris Sharp is a professional sports handicapper and daily contributor to BettingSports.com. He can be found on Twitter @CSharp_Picks and on his web site IvyLeaguePicks.com.