Angels take on Seattle's Vargas in series finale
Baseball Betting Lines
09/01/2010 - (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - The Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim have had plenty of difficulty producing runs as of late, and recent history says the team could be in for a tough time again in tonight's matchup with Jason Vargas and the Seattle Mariners from Safeco Field.
After mustering a mere one run in being swept in three games at home by lowly Baltimore over the weekend, the Angels had a temporary breakout in Monday's 5-3 besting of the Mariners. That mild offensive surge was short-lived, however, as Seattle evened this three-game series with a 3-1 triumph last night behind strong pitching and some clutch late hitting.
The game featured a terrific pitcher's duel between Mariners ace Felix Hernandez and Anaheim's Dan Haren, with neither hurler giving up a run over the first seven innings. The Angels finally broke through in the top of the eighth to grab a 1-0 lead, but Seattle put up a three-spot in its half of the frame to prevail.
The Mariners loaded the bases with one out against Kevin Jepsen (2-4), who took over for Haren to try to protect the one-run edge, before Michael Saunders delivered a sacrifice fly to tie the score. Adam Moore followed with a go-ahead single before Josh Wilson greeted reliever Francisco Rodriguez with a base hit that extended the margin to 3-1.
"We did our job a little later than we would've liked, but a win's a win," said Saunders afterward.
Brandon League (1-1) was credited with the win despite allowing Anaheim's only run in the top of the eighth, when Alberto Callaspo and Howie Kendrick smacked back-to-back doubles to break the scoreless deadlock.
Hernandez yielded just three hits and struck out eight in his seven-inning stint, with Haren scattering eight hits and also fanning eight hitters before leaving after seven frames.
"We had [Hernandez] on the ropes a couple times and couldn't get some early runs, which definitely could've made a difference in that game," said Angels manager Mike Scioscia. "He made some pitches to get out of jams and got some double play balls."
The Angels' bats have also been silenced pretty well in the team's previous encounters with Vargas this season. The Seattle lefty has posted a 1.71 earned run average in three 2010 starts against the Halos, earning a win in one and a no-decision in the two others.
Vargas hasn't been on top of his game lately, however. After winning three straight starts to begin the month of August, the California native was tagged for seven runs in 6 1/3 innings in a road loss to the New York Yankees on August 21. He struggled again in Friday's home assignment against Minnesota, with the Twins putting up five runs (four earned) in Vargas' six innings of work to pin a second straight defeat on the hurler.
The 27-year-old has still had more good than bad starts at Safeco Field this year, as he brings an impressive 7-3 mark with a 2.48 ERA in 14 home outings into tonight's tilt.
Rookie Trevor Bell gets the call for Anaheim for this evening's rubber match and comes in off an encouraging showing on Friday, albeit in a losing cause. The right-hander held Baltimore to two runs and six hits over a career-best seven innings, but was victimized by his team's sputtering offense in a 3-1 setback.
Bell has pitched primarily out of the bullpen this season and has amassed a 1-4 record with a 5.07 ERA in 23 total appearances. In his five games as a starter, the 23-year-old is 0-3 with a 5.33 ERA.
This will be Bell's sixth career meeting with Seattle, with the first five all coming in relief. He's allowed just one run and four hits while striking out seven Mariners over a combined 7 1/3 innings.
The Angels had taken nine of their last 10 bouts with the Mariners prior to last night's result and are 11-4 against Seattle this season. Anaheim has prevailed in five of the seven games played in Safeco Field between the teams in 2010.
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Problem with Bears?
Chicago, IL - New Chicago Bears quarterback Jay Cutler and star linebacker Brian Urlacher shot down reports of a rift, saying they're simply not true.
"There's nothing between us," Cutler said Thursday, when he reported to training camp. "I just want to put that to rest. There never has been anything between us."
Urlacher added: "I never said what I was quoted as saying and that's it. I have a lot of respect for Jay. I think Jay knows that."
Former Bears receiver Bobby Wade caused a stir when he told Minneapolis radio station KFAN-AM that Urlacher used a profanity while questioning Cutler's manhood during a conversation in Las Vegas last weekend. Wade, who now plays for the Vikings, said Urlacher used a profane version of the word "wimp" during the interview that had to be edited out.
go radio station WSCR-AM also reported that Urlacher had to be restrained from confronting Cutler during organized team activities.
"I wouldn't go face-to-face with Brian, anyway," Cutler said. "No, that's never happened. I've hung out with Brian away from the facility numerous times and we've always gotten along."
Urlacher, noting he was limited by a groin injury, denied the reports in an interview with the Chicago Tribune and did it again when he reported to camp.
"I didn't practice this summer, so I don't know how I would fight the guy if I didn't practice," Urlacher said. "We have no problems. I'm excited about football starting. I'm excited to have him as our quarterback."
Why would Wade say that?
"I don't know," Urlacher said. "Maybe he's jealous because we have a good quarterback now."
Cutler said the first he heard of any friction was when he got a call from Urlacher to clear the air. Urlacher, however, said he had already taken several calls from teammates wondering if the reports were true when Cutler phoned.
"He called me and I said, What's up (expletive), what are you doing?'" a grinning Urlacher said, uttering the same word he allegedly used with Wade. "It's so dumb to me that this even got to this point, but it did and then here we are."
better place after going 9-7 and missing the playoffs for the second straight year. They have a franchise quarterback for the first time in decades after acquiring Cutler in an offseason trade with Denver. But there are questions about his attitude following a fallout with Broncos management and new coach Josh McDaniels.
His critics include former Bears coach Mike Ditka and former Indianapolis and Tampa Bay coach Tony Dungy, one of Smith's mentors. Smith, however, said Cutler has been a model teammate so far while denying any animosity with Urlacher.
"There's no issue with Jay and Brian, except Brian and Jay are both excited about being teammates for our club this year," coach Lovie Smith said. "No more than that. We can't spend a whole lot of time on something that isn't true. I have talked to the players. Whenever something comes out, you have to address it, but it's a non-issue."
In some ways, Cutler is getting a second chance in Chicago, an opportunity to repair his reputation.
Smith said another quarterback - Michael Vick - deserves one, although he doesn't see it happening with the Bears, who lack an experienced backup. The former Atlanta Falcons star, who served a 23-month sentence for running a dogfighting ring, said Thursday he is getting close to signing with a pro football team.
"A second chance, like everyone in society who has paid their debt to society," Smith said. "He deserves a second chance. As far as we're concerned, we like this team that we have right now."
Particularly the new quarterback.
"Me and Brian have been on a good relationship since I've been here, and I expect it to continue that way," Cutler said.
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Chiefs' Treen Green out for Sunday's game
How long Trent Green will remain sidelined is unknown. Coach Herm Edwards said Monday he will miss a second straight start Sunday when the Chiefs host the San Francisco 49ers.
A two-time Pro Bowler, Green was going into a feet-first hook slide when he was knocked unconscious by a thunderous, head-snapping hit from Cincinnati's Robert Geathers.
Oddsmakers at online sportsbook MySportsbook.com currently have the Chiefs listed as 7-point favorites versus the 49ers.
The 49ers got beat by Philadelphia 38-24 as a 6.5-point underdog last week. The combined score went OVER the posted over/under total (42.5).
Alex Smith completed 27-of-46 passes for 293 yards with a touchdown. Michael Robinson rushed for 29 yards and a pair of touchdowns on five carries.
The Chiefs lost 9-6 to Denver last week as an 11-point underdog. The combined score was well UNDER the posted over/under total (38).
Larry Johnson rushed for 126 yards on 27 carries. Damon Huard completed 17-of-23 passes for 133 yards with no touchdowns and no interceptions.
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