Daily tips for June 28

AFL (R14) for June 28

Sydney v Carlton, SCG, Friday, June 28, 7.50pm

John Longmire doesn’t strike you as the cheeriest bloke and his mood wouldn’t have been too chipper this week as the Swans picked through the detritus of a disastrous trip to AAMI Stadium, which included injury to Adam Goodes. Sydney looked all at sea in the wet and windy conditions, and they’ll face another quagmire here after record-breaking rainfall in the Harbour City over recent days and weeks.

The jury’s out on Carlton – while they’ve been competitive in each of their 12 starts this season (no losing margin of more than 17 points), they’re also yet to reach the heights of a top-four outfit and will be without skipper Marc Murphy. Having just been dislodged from the four, expect the Swans to respond emphatically here but the weather and state of the ground should help the Blues keep the margin within the three goals on offer.

Suggested bet: Carlton +18.5 LOSE, game total -162.5 WIN (65-43)

MLB for June 28

New York Mets (31-43, 17-20 away) @ Colorado Rockies (39-40, 23-17 home), Coors Field, Denver CO, Friday, June 28, 8.10am

Very little went right for the Colorado Rockies over their nine-game road trip. Michael Cuddyer, however, managed to get a hit in each of those contests. Cuddyer will try to establish a franchise record by hitting safely in 24 consecutive games Thursday when the Rockies host the New York Mets in this makeup game. The Rockies (39-40) are back home after a 2-7 trip that dropped them from one-half game out of first place in the NL West to three games back of division-leading Arizona. Cuddyer is 4 for 7 in two games against the Mets this year, but has never faced scheduled starter Jeremy Hefner (2-6, 3.89 ERA). The Mets (31-43) arrive in Denver to conclude an 11-game trip after going 6-4 with stops in Atlanta, Philadelphia and Chicago.

With the heavy travel, manager Terry Collins is expected to rest David Wright, holding him out of the starting line-up for just the second time. Former Met Tyler Chatwood (4-1, 2.22) is 3-1 with a 1.93 ERA in six starts since being recalled from the minors. The right-hander gave up one run and four hits in six innings in a 2-1 loss to Washington on Friday, but didn't get a decision. In two career starts against the Mets, Chatwood has allowed seven hits and seven walks over 10 scoreless innings, going 1-0. Hefner permitted a season-high 10 hits Friday, but limited Philadelphia to three runs over six innings in a 4-3 victory. The right-hander has a 2.50 ERA over his last six starts.

Suggested bet: Rockies -1.5 (1.5 units @ $2.10) LOSE, game total -10.5 (2.5 units @ $1.95) WIN (3-2)

Other tips

AL: Rangers WIN $1.81 @ Yankees WIN (2-0)
AL: Angels WIN $2.35 @ Tigers WIN (3-1)
AL: Indians WIN $2.25 LOSE @ Orioles -9.5 $1.85 LOSE (3-7)
AL: Blue Jays WIN $2.55 @ Red Sox LOSE (4-7)
AL: Royals @ Twins WIN $1.75 WIN (1-3)
NL: Cubs @ Brewers WIN $1.83 LOSE (7-2)
NL: Phillies @ Dodgers +7.5 $1.95 WIN (4-6)

CFL (week 1) for June 28

Montreal Alouettes @ Winnipeg Blue Bombers, Investors Group Field, Winnipeg, MB, Friday, June 28, 11.10am

Seven months after the Grey Cup was handed out for the 100th time, the quest for Canadian Football's ultimate prize begins when the Winnipeg Blue Bombers host the Montreal Alouettes at brand new Investors Group Field. After a year of waiting, the Bombers will finally open their new stadium and do so with Buck Pierce under centre. The club needs Pierce to stay healthy to return to the CFL playoffs. Backing him up are former No. 3 passer Justin Goltz and newcomers Chase Clement and Max Hall. There's strength at the skill positions with running backs Chad Simpson and Chris Garrett along with receivers Terrence Edwards and sophomore Chris Matthews. Two years ago, a rugged defence helped lead the Bombers to the Grey Cup. Head coach Tim Burke was the defensive coordinator then and a return to that form would also be paramount for Winnipeg to return to the CFL title game.

Dan Hawkins begins his first season as a CFL head coach having the unenviable task of following Marc Trestman, who led Montreal to a 59-31 regular-season record and two Grey Cup wins over five seasons before being hired as the Chicago Bears' head coach. One factor working in Hawkins' favour is veteran quarterback Anthony Calvillo. Pro football's all-time passing leader returns for a 20th CFL season and surpassed the 5000-yard plateau three times under Trestman. Newcomer Arland Bruce III should bolster a solid receiving corps already featuring 1000-yard veterans S.J. Green and Jamel Richardson. Questions exist at running back with incumbent Brandon Whitaker and newcomer Jerome Messam both returning from injury. Linebackers Shea Emery and Chip Cox, Montreal's 2012 tackling leaders, and defensive lineman leader John Bowman, who had a team-high seven sacks, are all back while free-agent cornerback Byron Parker should improve the secondary.

Suggested bet: Winnipeg +4 (one unit @ $1.91) LOSE, game total +51 (two units @ $1.91) WIN (38-33)

* Prices with thanks to Centrebet, correct at time of publication – for most people gambling is an exciting and fun recreational pursuit. For others it can become a problem with devastating consequences for them, their families and friends. We want you to enjoy your gambling experience. We want you to stay in control of your gambling and not allow your gambling to control you.

Daily tips for June 27

Racing for June 27

Horse racing: Bendigo (Vic), Hawkesbury (NSW – abandoned), Port Augusta (SA), Toowoomba (Qld), Northam (WA). Harness racing: Gold Coast (Qld), Narrogin (WA), Penrith (NSW), Stawell (Vic), Swan Hill (Vic), Tamworth (NSW). Greyhound racing: Albion Park (Qld), Dapto (NSW), Angle Park (SA), Geelong (Vic), Grafton (NSW), Hobart (Tas), Maitland (NSW), Mandurah (WA), Sandown Park (Vic), Warragul (Vic).

Today’s meeting at Hawkesbury has been abandoned leaving a slate of four programs around the country. We’ve had a good look at the Bendigo program where the dead (5) looks to offer plenty of value. The track is out eight metres today so we’ll generally be favouring horses who can make up ground along the fence or from inside barriers with the exception of #10 Longeron. Trained by Team Hawkes at Flemington, this 3yo gelding will jump from barrier 11 with Stephen Baster aboard in the last of the day, the 125 days to Jayco Bendigo Showcase BM72 over 1600 metres. He’s won his last two starts at Sale and Seymour over 1424m and 1612m respectively. Just two weeks ago, he smashed the field at Seymour by seven lengths.

Suggested bet: Bendigo R10 #10 Longeron WIN (three units) 1st ($2.40)

Other tips

Bendigo R3 #6 Inkjet Sprinter (E/W) 3rd ($1.80)

Bendigo R4 #6 Gemset (place) 2nd ($5.40)

Bendigo R6 #8 Dark Sun (E/W) LOSE (U/P)

Bendigo R7 #2 Desert Jeuney (E/W) 2nd ($2.40)
Bendigo R9 #15 Treasury Notes (E/W) LOSE (U/P)

Toowoomba R3 #3 Somnambulist (E/W) LOSE (U/P)

Toowoomba R7 #1 Strike Order (win) 1st ($1.50)

Port Augusta R4 #2 The Shaman (E/W) LOSE (U/P)

Harness racing tip: Nyah @ Swan Hill R8 #1 Jodies Icon (win) 1st ($1.10)

Greyhound racing tip: Dapto R6 #1 Amazon Lizard (win) LOSE (3rd)

AFL (R14) for June 27

West Coast v Essendon, Patersons Stadium, Thursday, June 27, 8.10pm AEST

Round 14, the first full slate of nine games after three bye weeks, kicks-off with a spicy encounter at Patersons Stadium. The Bombers are coming off a week’s rest but the scandal surrounding the club’s supplement program was re-ignited with skipper Jobe Watson admission of guilt on Fox Footy earlier this week. At this time, Watson is listed to play while the Bombers have recalled Courtenay Dempsey and Tom Bellchambers.

The Eagles covered the 32-point line last week but never looked a serious chance of knocking over the Hawks, and lost Andrew Embley (suspension) and Shannon Hurn (injury) for this game. It’s brutally hard for sides to climb into the eight after the mid-point of the season and for the Eagles, with games coming up against Adelaide, Fremantle and Sydney, the task looks mighty tough.

It’s an equally pivotal game for Essendon. They were 8-3 at the bye in 2012, only to lose eight of their last nine and miss the finals. The Bombers have won their past two matches in WA, both against Fremantle, but have not beaten the Eagles in Perth for 12 years. This one is too close to call but, despite the cool and calm conditions on offer, the ‘under’ game total (which we expect to open at 180.5) appeals with some strong indicators in play.

Suggested bet: West Coast WIN (one unit @ $1.87), game total -180.5 (one unit @ $1.91)

MLB for June 27

Chicago Cubs (31-44, 14-22 away) @ Milwaukee Brewers (32-43, 19-21 home), Miller Park, Milwaukee, WI, Thursday, June 27, 10.10am

The Brewers punished the Cubs at Miller Park last night, powered by a five run outburst in the fifth inning, chasing the embattled Edwin Jackson from the game. Milwaukee went on to win by a score of 9-3, and Rickie Weeks had a pair of home runs. These teams meet again in Game 2 of this series, and the Brewers will get an added boost at the plate in this one.

Who's the slugger coming in with the big bat? Starting pitcher Yovani Gallardo, who’s proven to be very handy with the bat in his career. He’s hitting .250 with a pair of home runs in just 17 games this season, which is pretty impressive when you consider he’s only had 32 at bats in those 17 games, and he's been asked to bunt on more than a few occasions.

Gallardo (6-6, 4.09 ERA) has been pitching well in recent outings, including a solid performance his last time out. He allowed three runs (all unearned) on just five hits over seven innings in a no decision versus the Astros. He hasn't faced them yet this year, but considering he's 6-1 with a 2.05 ERA in his last 10 starts versus Chicago, he's probably been looking forward to a meeting with the Cubbies.

The Cubs hand the ball to Scott Feldman, who's already lost once at Miller Park this season. Feldman (6-6, 3.39 ERA) has pitched reasonably well this season, but he hasn't had as much success on the road as he's had at home. He's 2-4 with a 4.11 ERA in eight starts away from Wrigley. He was really beaten up by the Cardinals his last time out, allowing five runs on six hits over 5 1/3 innings. His only two wins on the road come against the Nats and the Mets, two of the worst offensive teams in the National League.

Suggested bet: Brewers WIN (2.5 units @ $1.71) LOSE, game total +8.5 (1.5 units @ $1.91) WIN (5-4)

Other tips

IL: Twins @ Marlins WIN $1.98 WIN (3-5)

IL: Reds @ Athletics WIN $1.75 WIN (0-5)

IL: Rockies @ Red Sox -1.5 $2.00 WIN (3-5)

IL: Cardinals WIN $1.63 @ Astros LOSE (3-4)

AL: Rangers @ Yankees WIN $1.78 LOSE (8-5)

AL: Indians WIN $2.30 @ Orioles WIN (4-3)

AL: Angels @ Tigers WIN $1.70 LOSE +10 $1.93 WIN (7-4)

AL: Blue Jays WIN $1.93 @ Rays WIN (3-0)

NL: Diamondbacks @ Nationals WIN $1.68 WIN (2-3)

NL: Giants @ Dodgers -6.5 $2.05 WIN (2-4)

NL: Phillies WIN $1.88 @ Padres WIN (7-5)

* Prices with thanks to Centrebet, correct at time of publication – for most people gambling is an exciting and fun recreational pursuit. For others it can become a problem with devastating consequences for them, their families and friends. We want you to enjoy your gambling experience. We want you to stay in control of your gambling and not allow your gambling to control you.

Daily tips for June 26

Racing for June 26

Horse racing: Sandown Hillside (Vic), Canterbury (NSW), Eagle Farm (Qld), Morphettville (SA), Belmont (WA). Harness racing: Bathurst (NSW), Redcliffe (Qld), Cobram (Vic), Bendigo (Vic). Greyhound racing: The Meadows (Vic), Angle Park (SA), Richmond (NSW), Shepparton (Vic), Albion Park (Qld), Dapto (NSW), Warrnambool (Vic), Rockhampton (Qld), Ballarat (Vic), Cannington (WA).

An early start for our best of the day, which comes up in the opening race at Sportingbet Park where they’ll be racing on the Hillside track and a heavy (8) today. Out of Peter Moody’s Caulfield HQ and ridden by Luke Nolen, #5 Il Diamante won her first start on heavy going two weeks ago at Cranbourne by an impressive 3.5 lengths. This 2yo fillies scamper over 1000m at set weights doesn’t look much harder. Scratchings bring her into barrier 7, from where she’ll get a good look at the field.

Suggested bet: Sandown R1 #5 Il Diamante WIN (two units) LOSE (2nd)

Other tips

Sandown R3 #4 Twin Soul (E/W) LOSE (U/P)
Sandown R5 #1 Lonhruge (E/W) 1st ($6.20/$2.50)

Sandown R6 #1 Legcut (E/W) 1st ($8.30/$2.70)Sandown R7 #14 Walloon Region (E/W 1x4) LOSE (2nd)

Sandown R8 #2 Loot 'N' Run (E/W) 2nd ($2.10)

Canterbury R1 #1 Benedire (win) LOSE (U/P)

Eagle Farm R7 #1 Amalfi Dreams (win) LOSE (U/P)

Morphettville R3 #7 Edriguez (win) 1st ($1.40)

Morphettville R5 #1 Big Pond (E/W) LOSE (U/P)

Harness racing tip: Bendigo R5 #1 Lord Liam (E/W) LOSE (U/P)

Greyhound racing tip: Dapto R7 #3 Exhaustible (E/W) LOSE (U/P)

State of Origin game II for June 26

Queensland v NSW, Suncorp Stadium, Wednesday, June 26, 8pm

If Billy Slater or Josh Dugan score a TRY, Centrebet will refund your first bet on any market up to $100 (this refund was paid out in Game 1)

Has there ever been a more eventful few weeks between Origin games than what we’ve witnessed since the series opener on June 5? It all began with that punch landed by Paul Gallen on Nate Myles that had the rugby league world talking and has quickly led to swift and harsh action being taken from now onwards on anyone that decides to use their fists in the future. Injuries to Blues duo Jarryd Hayne and Robbie Farah had coach Laurie Daley scratching around for replacements while the pair raced the clock to be fit for Game Two. Farah succeeded, Hayne didn’t. NSW prop James Tamou then found himself banned from the return clash after being caught drink-driving in Townsville, while the redemption of Hayne’s replacement Josh Dugan quickly lost its lustre after he and Blake Ferguson decided to celebrate at a Cronulla bar the night before the Blues went into camp. Ferguson’s subsequent actions made him the second man banned from taking part at Suncorp. So much for the perfect preparation they enjoyed before taking a 1-0 series lead.

Meanwhile, in Queensland, all the discussion has centred around whether or not the Maroons would stay loyal to the 17 that took the park in Sydney after they were largely dominated by the big NSW pack. In that respect, they have sprung somewhat of a surprise for Game Two with prop David Shillington and back-rower Ashley Harrison dumped for rookies Josh Papalii and Daly Cherry-Evans. If anything, that makes them even smaller for this game, with Broncos prop Ben Hannant a shock omission after coming through last Monday’s NRL return unscathed. That’s not to suggest the two newcomers won’t get the job done. Queensland coach Mal Meninga has been weighing up the perfect time to blood Cherry-Evans for more than 12 months now and believes the time has come, while Papalii has been exceptional for Canberra in 2013 and will provide plenty of aggressive impact.

We were quite happy to see the line move out to six, which offers much greater value than the 5.5 on offer at most books. NSW goes into this game on the back of a fantastic showing in Origin I, and we expect their dominance, particularly in the middle third, to continue here. The scoreboard flattered Queensland in Origin I, with NSW making crucial errors in attack when they were dominating large parts of the game. Any team that contains Slater, Cronk, Thurston, Inglis, Hodges and Smith and is playing at home is always going to be hard to beat, but based on what we witnessed last year and the improvement in the NSW team, it’s hard to justify the gap in the market. I would normally allow 2.5 points for the home team advantage and given that this is an Origin and NSW have only won one penalty count in the last nine games at Suncorp, you could make a case that the proper line should be 4.5. That’s still a good price for us. – Additional reporting with thanks to Ben Blaschke, NRL.com

Suggested bet: NSW +6 (three units @ $1.91) LOSE, NSW WIN (one unit @ $2.85) LOSE (26-6)

MLB for June 26

Texas Rangers (44-32, 22-17 away) @ New York Yankees (41-34, 22-16 home), Yankee Stadium, New York, NY, Wednesday, June 26, 9.10am

Yu Darvish (7-3, 2.84 ERA) will vie for his first victory in nearly six weeks when the Texas Rangers open a three-game series against the host New York Yankees. The major-league leader in strikeouts fanned 10 batters in his lone career outing against the Yankees on April 24. Darvish, who last won on May 16, was originally slated to pitch on Sunday against St Louis, but saw his start pushed back to make room for Martin Perez. The young fireballer yielded five runs on six hits in as many innings to take the loss against Oakland in his last turn. Darvish has pitched well on the road, winning three of four decisions while brandishing a 0.76 WHIP and limiting the opposition to a .155 batting average. The Rangers are just 1-5 in Darvish’ past six starts while the ‘under’ is 7-0 in his past seven starts against AL rivals.

Darvish will be opposed by Japanese countryman Hiroki Kuroda (7-5, 2.78), who recorded his first victory since May 17 when he blanked his former team, the Los Angeles Dodgers, in his last trip to the mound. That victory was just the fourth in 12 games for the Yankees, who have mustered three runs or fewer in seven of those contests. Texas enjoyed a well-deserved day off after going 20 without one – capped by a fifth straight victory with a 2-1 triumph over St. Louis on Sunday. Prior to defeating the Dodgers, Kuroda posted an 0-3 mark in his previous five starts despite permitting just 14 runs. The 38-year-old is just 1-2 in his career versus Texas, despite striking out 16 batters and registering a 2.57 ERA. Kuroda is 5-2 with a 2.08 ERA at Yankee Stadium this season. The Yankees are 5-1 in Kuroda’s last six home starts and have won 15 of their last 20 home games versus the Rangers.

Suggested bet: Yankees WIN (1.5 units @ $2.10) WIN, game total -7.5 (2.5 units @ $1.91) WIN (3-4)

Other tips

IL: Twins @ Marlins WIN $1.79 WIN (2-4)

IL: Rockies @ Red Sox +9.5 $1.87 WIN (4-11)

IL: Mets @ White Sox WIN $1.60 WIN (4-5)

IL: Braves @ Royals WIN $1.92 LOSE (4-3)

IL: Cardinals @ Astros +9 $2.00 WIN (13-5)

IL: Pirates WIN $1.91 WIN @ Mariners -7 $1.87 LOSE (9-4)

AL: Angels @ Tigers WIN $1.76 LOSE (14-8)

AL: Blue Jays @ Rays WIN $1.75 WIN (1-5)

NL: Giants @ Dodgers WIN $1.78 WIN (5-6)

NL: Phillies WIN $2.10 @ Padres WIN (6-2)

* Prices with thanks to Centrebet, correct at time of publication – for most people gambling is an exciting and fun recreational pursuit. For others it can become a problem with devastating consequences for them, their families and friends. We want you to enjoy your gambling experience. We want you to stay in control of your gambling and not allow your gambling to control you.

Daily tips for June 25

Tennis for June 25

Wimbledon men’s singles round 1: Bernard Tomic (Australia) v Sam Querrey (USA)

Although his recent form has been patchy, Bernard Tomic will be happy to find grass under foot as he takes on big serving American Sam Querrey to open his 2013 Wimbledon campaign. They will be meeting for the second time in their careers with Tomic winning a four-setter at the Australian Open last year. Querrey has not been in the best form. In the warm up tournament at Eastbourne, he defeated Aljaz Bedene 7-6 5-7 7-6 as a $1.23 favourite, only after Bedene threw away the match. He then lost to Lleyton Hewitt. Tomic is currently ranked as #59 on the ATP Ranking list. He has a 16-12 win-loss record this season. Querrey is ranked #19 on the ATP Ranking list. He has a 18-13 win-loss record for 2013. Both players have very good serves and they are tough to break. Each should be able to win at least one set with a high likelihood of tie-breaks.

Suggested bet: Tomic WIN (two units @ $2.00) WIN, game total +42.5 (two units @ $1.87) WIN (52)

Other tips

Aljaz Bedene WIN v Leonardo Mayer LOSE

Feliciano Lopez v Gilles Simon +39.5 LOSE (31)

Go Soeda 3-0 v Andreas Haider-Maurer WIN

Denis Istomin WIN v Andreas Seppi LOSE

Gilles Simon v Feliciano Lopez WIN WIN

Racing for June 25

Horse racing: Werribee (Vic), Warwick Farm (NSW – abandoned), Mackay (Qld), Tamworth (NSW). Harness racing: Menangle (NSW), Albion Park (Qld), Canberra (ACT), Harvey (WA), Kilmore (Vic). Greyhound racing: Bendigo (Vic), Devonport (Tas), Gawler (SA), Gosford (NSW), Goulburn (NSW), Horsham (Vic), Ipswich (Qld), Lismore (NSW), Mandurah (WA), Warragul (Vic).

The lousy weather battering the east coast has forced the postponement of today’s meeting at Warwick Farm, leaving a big 11-card program at Werribee and country meetings at Tamworth and Mackay on the program. Our best of the day comes up early in race 2, the TAB BM120 Hurdle over 3390m. #4 Success Dostta and #5 Viking Tiger are legitimate contenders but we liked the look of #3 Redevelop. Trained at Mornington by Fran Houlahan and Brian Johnston, Brad McLean stays aboard after riding this 6yo gelding to victory at Bendigo just over a week ago and there’s no reason to expect he won’t be challenging again here. The dead (5) also looks his best surface.

Suggested bet: Werribee R2 #3 Redevelop E/W (two units) LOSE (U/P)

Other tips

Werribee R4 #11 Del Prado (win) LOSE (3rd)
Werribee R8 #4 Severn Road (E/W) LOSE (4th)

Tamworth R1 #8 Snip of Magic (place) 2nd ($3.60)
Tamworth R3 #5 Ice Chiller (E/W) 1st ($3.30/$1.50)
Mackay R1 #3 Midnight Hustler (E/W 1x4) 2nd ($1.90)
Mackay R4 #2 Pygmy Hunter (E/W) 1st ($2.70/$1.20)

NHL Stanley Cup Finals for June 25

Game 6: Chicago Blackhawks @ Boston Bruins, TD Garden, Boston, MA, Tuesday, June 25, 10.10am (Blackhawks lead 3-2)

The Boston Bruins have been here before – facing elimination prior to hosting Game 6 of the Stanley Cup final against the reigning Presidents' Trophy winner. After responding admirably with a pair of wins against Vancouver in 2011, the Bruins will look to take the first step in that regard here when they host the Chicago Blackhawks. Adding to Boston's uphill climb is the uncertain status of two-way center Patrice Bergeron, who is listed as day-to-day with what coach Claude Julien referred to as a “body” injury. He actually left the United Center via ambulance after Game 5. Should Bergeron be a spectator, Julien can take solace in knowing that rookie Carl Soderberg stepped up in his absence on Saturday.

Chicago has its own injury issue to address as captain Jonathan Toews sat out the entire third period of the team's 3-1 triumph in Game 5 after a knock to his head. Toews was tied with Patrick Kane for the Blackhawks' team lead with 23 goals during the regular season. Since being reunited with Kane on Chicago's top line in Game 4, Chicago has rallied to take the lead in the best-of-seven series. Before he was knocked out of the Game 5, Toews assisted on both of Kane's goals. With or without Toews and Bergeron, the Blackhawks have a chance to clinch their second Stanley Cup title in four seasons on Monday night in Boston. If they lose, the series returns to Chicago for Game 7 on Wednesday.

Suggested bet: Bruins WIN (two units @ $1.72) LOSE, game total +4.5 (two units @ $1.71) WIN (3-2)

MLB for June 25

Philadelphia Phillies (36-40, 17-22 away) @ San Diego Padres (38-38, 24-16 home), Petco Park, San Diego, CA, Tuesday, June 25, 12.10pm

After maximum cards in recent days, just four games are scheduled in Major League Baseball today with plenty of value across the board. Our focus will be on the visit of the Phillies to San Diego. Where Cliff Lee will pursue an eighth consecutive win while the Padres’ Eric Stults goes for his third straight victory. Philadelphia (36-40) has dropped 10 of 15 since moving above .500 for the only time this season June 6, and a controversial call didn't help in an 8-0 loss to the Mets on Sunday. Lee, though, has been a steady performer for his club with a 1.97 ERA and 64 strikeouts to 10 walks during his win streak, which has spanned nine starts. He gave up two solo homers and struck out nine in a 4-2 win over Washington on Tuesday.

The Padres (38-38) missed their chance to win a four-game series over the Los Angeles Dodgers this weekend. They produced just two runs in back-to-back losses to their NL West rivals, including a 3-1 defeat Sunday. Closer Huston Street gave up back-to-back homers in the ninth inning of that loss. Stults (6-5, 3.25) has allowed two runs or fewer and pitched at least seven innings in each of his last five outings. He’s also 3-0 in his past four home starts, allowing one run in each. The left-hander, though, didn’t get enough run support or help from the Padres’ bullpen to extend his win streak Wednesday in San Francisco. San Diego couldn't hold on to a one-run lead in a 4-2 defeat.

Suggested bet: San Diego Padres WIN (2.5 units @ $1.94) WIN, game total +6.5 (1.5 units @ $2.00) WIN (3-4)

Other tips

AL: Indians @ Orioles +9.5 $1.87 LOSE (5-2)

AL: Blue Jays @ Rays WIN $1.82 WIN (1-4)

NL: Giants WIN $1.93 @ Dodgers LOSE (1-3)

* Prices with thanks to Centrebet, correct at time of publication – for most people gambling is an exciting and fun recreational pursuit. For others it can become a problem with devastating consequences for them, their families and friends. We want you to enjoy your gambling experience. We want you to stay in control of your gambling and not allow your gambling to control you.

Daily tips for June 24

Tennis for June 24

Wimbledon men’s singles round 1: Lleyton Hewitt v Stanislas Wawrinka

More than a decade has passed since Lleyton Hewitt’s ultimate triumph at Wimbledon, and the little Aussie battler continues to front up year after year. While Hewitt would undoubtedly have preferred an easier first round draw, these are the kind of matches which keep him going these days – a showstopper on a stadium court. Wawrinka would have groaned when he saw this draw, especially after the tennis Hewitt produced at Queen's just over a week ago. The 32-year-old made a mockery of his current ranking of 70, schooling Grigor Dimitrov, Sam Querrey and, most impressively of all, Juan Martin Del Potro, before losing to Marin Cilic in three sets in the last four.

Wawrinka reached the Madrid Masters final last month and he's a new man under the guidance of Magnus Norman, winning an epic five setter against Richard Gasquet from two sets down to make the quarter-finals of the French Open. With his sharp serve and sweetly struck single-hander, he has a fine game for grass and a few years ago he reached the fourth round at Wimbledon, giving Andy Murray quite a scare before losing in five sets. In their previous three meetings, all have cleared their respective game lines. Most recently, they met at Miami, with Wawrinka winning a tight two-setter 6-4 7-5. Their one previous best of five-set match came at Davis Cup in 2011 on grass, with Wawrinka winning 4-6 6-4 6-7 6-4 6-3 (52 games).

Suggested bet: +40.5 games (2.5 units @ $1.83) LOSE, Wawrinka 3-1 sets (one unit @ $4.00) LOSE, Wawrinka 3-2 sets (0.5 units @ $6.00) LOSE

Other tips

Fabio Fognini WIN v Jurgen Melzer LOSE

Fernando Verdasco v Xavier Malisse WIN LOSE

Ernests Gulbis 3-0 v Edouard Roger-Vasselin WIN

Simona Halep WIN v Olga Govortsova WIN

Garbine Muguruza -4.5 v Anne Keothavong WIN

NRL (R15) for June 24

Gold Coast Titans v Melbourne Storm, Skilled Park, Monday, June 24, 7pm

With Origin II looming, both sides have key players missing but it’s the Storm who’ll be behind the eight-ball on the Gold Coast tonight as fifth hosts second. Without Origin stars Billy Slater, Cameron Smith, Ryan Hoffman and Cooper Cronk – the half-back almost missed the Knights clash – coach Craig Bellamy has been forced to reshuffle his line-up. Regular #6 Gareth Widdop moves to full-back, Brett Finch once again takes over at #7, Slade Griffin dons the #9, Tohu Harris starts in the back row and Mahe Fonua gets a gig on the bench. The Storm seem to have bounced back after fans feared a three-game winless streak would bring down their 2013 season. Last week they produced a Houdini-like effort to escape with a two-point victory against the Knights.

Perhaps this season’s biggest surprise packets, the Gold Coast continue to prove the doubters wrong, with under-rated halves pairing Aidan Sezer and Albert Kelly leading their team to a very respectable seven wins from 13 matches. Along the way, they’ve accounted for some of the NRL’s top talent, defeating the likes of Manly, Canberra and North Queensland. In Cairns last week, Gold Coast even pushed the Rabbitohs to the brink, ultimately finishing six-point losers to the NRL leaders. Nate Myles has been replaced in the starting front row by Luke Douglas, Mark Minichiello returns in place of Greg Bird, Mark Ioane returns to the bench and utility Luke O’Dwyer has been named in jersey #18.

Suggested bet: Gold Coast -7.5 (four units @ $1.72) LOSE (18-12)

MLB for June 24

Texas Rangers (43-32, 21-17 away) @ St Louis Cardinals (47-28, 22-15 home), Busch Stadium, St Louis, MS, Monday, June 24, 10.10am

Two of the best records in Major League Baseball go on the line at Busch Stadium for Sunday night baseball as the Cardinals host the Rangers. Nick Tepesch’s rookie season for Texas has been a little rough as the righty is 3-6 with a 4.84 ERA. He is in an awful stretch right now giving up 17 runs and 19 hits over his last three starts against Oakland, Cleveland, and Toronto. Tepesch has had three road starts where he has allowed two earned runs or less, but he’s also allowed four earned runs or more in three other starts. The Texas starter has shown good control walking just five batters in his last five starts.

Adam Wainwright is 10-4 with a 2.37 ERA for the Cardinals this year. He uncharacteristically gave up four runs last time out against the weak-hitting Cubs. Wainwright had previously allowed just three total earned runs over three starts. The righty made one previous interleague start this season giving up three runs and 12 hits in eight innings pitched against the Royals. Wainwright’s control has been impeccable, going walk-free in three of his last five starts. He didn’t walk anyone in his first four starts of the season.

Suggested bet: Rangers WIN (2.5 units @ $2.35) WIN, game total +7.5 (1.5 units @ $1.95) LOSE (2-1)

Other tips

IL: Astros @ Cubs +9 $1.91 WIN (6-14)

IL: Pirates @ Angels +8 $2.05 WIN (10-9)

AL: Twins WIN $2.30 @ Indians WIN (5-3)

AL: Orioles @ Blue Jays WIN $1.65 WIN (5-13)

AL: Rays @ Yankees -9 $1.94 WIN (3-1)

AL: White Sox @ Royals +8 $1.91 WIN (6-7)

AL: Athletics WIN $1.67 @ Mariners LOSE (3-6)

NL: Rockies WIN $2.15 @ Nationals WIN (7-6)

NL: Reds @ Diamondbacks -9 $1.94 WIN (4-2)

NL: Marlins WIN $2.75 @ Giants WIN (7-2)

NL: Dodgers @ Padres WIN $1.60 LOSE (3-1)

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