Jeff Benton
Tough free-play loss with the Tigers against Minnesota on Thursday, as Detroit blew a 5-0, seventh-inning lead. For Friday’s freebie, we’ll actually back the Twins as they send Francisco Liriano to the mound as an underdog at new Yankee Stadium.
Minnesota swept the three-game series from the Tigers and finished off a six-game homestand with a 5-1 record. Tonight, the Twins turn to Liriano, who is coming off a rough outing against Seattle, but before that, the southpaw was rock-solid against the Rays and Tigers, allowing a combined four runs in 14 innings. The Twins are 3-0 in Liriano’s last three trips to the mound after losing his first four starts this season.
As much as I like Liriano’s chances to neutralize New York’s bats tonight – this is the first time he’s faced the Yanks – I’m more excited about the Twins’ red-hot offense getting its licks in against Phil Hughes, the young right-hander for whom the Yankees are still waiting to fulfill his promise.
Hughes is 1-2 with an 8.49 ERA in his first three starts, including a horrific outing at Baltimore on Saturday when he lasted just 1 2/3 innings, giving up eight runs in a 12-5 loss. He’s also never been comfortable pitching in the Bronx, going 1-4 with a 5.98 ERA in 11 career home starts. Tonight, Hughes faces a Twins lineup that’s pounded out 49 runs in its last six games. Throw in the fact that the Yanks have dropped five straight at home and are 4-7 in their last 11, and I’ll ride Liriano and the visitors at a nice plus price.
3♦ MINNESOTA
Tough free-play loss with the Tigers against Minnesota on Thursday, as Detroit blew a 5-0, seventh-inning lead. For Friday’s freebie, we’ll actually back the Twins as they send Francisco Liriano to the mound as an underdog at new Yankee Stadium.
Minnesota swept the three-game series from the Tigers and finished off a six-game homestand with a 5-1 record. Tonight, the Twins turn to Liriano, who is coming off a rough outing against Seattle, but before that, the southpaw was rock-solid against the Rays and Tigers, allowing a combined four runs in 14 innings. The Twins are 3-0 in Liriano’s last three trips to the mound after losing his first four starts this season.
As much as I like Liriano’s chances to neutralize New York’s bats tonight – this is the first time he’s faced the Yanks – I’m more excited about the Twins’ red-hot offense getting its licks in against Phil Hughes, the young right-hander for whom the Yankees are still waiting to fulfill his promise.
Hughes is 1-2 with an 8.49 ERA in his first three starts, including a horrific outing at Baltimore on Saturday when he lasted just 1 2/3 innings, giving up eight runs in a 12-5 loss. He’s also never been comfortable pitching in the Bronx, going 1-4 with a 5.98 ERA in 11 career home starts. Tonight, Hughes faces a Twins lineup that’s pounded out 49 runs in its last six games. Throw in the fact that the Yanks have dropped five straight at home and are 4-7 in their last 11, and I’ll ride Liriano and the visitors at a nice plus price.
3♦ MINNESOTA
Scott Delaney
Yovani Gallardo is our pitcher of choice tonight in this pick’em game, as the battle of beer-towns goes to Milwaukee in this series-opener. Makes no sense to back Kyle Lohse, as the Redbirds are 3-9 in the last dozen he’s been installed as the chalk, and since Milwaukee has won seven of the last eight meetings overall.
Also, the Brewers are on a solid 16-5 run overall, and that makes things much easier on Gallardo, who is 2-0 on the highway with a 2.20 ERA. As for Lohse, he’s 0-2 in his last two starts – one at home and one on the road – and has given up a total of 13 earned runs in 10 innings in those outings.
The Cardinals may have snapped a two-game skid last night with a 5-1 win at Pittsburgh, but they’ve still lost seven of their last 11. I’ll play Gallardo and the Brewers in this one.
MILWAUKEE BREWERS
Yovani Gallardo is our pitcher of choice tonight in this pick’em game, as the battle of beer-towns goes to Milwaukee in this series-opener. Makes no sense to back Kyle Lohse, as the Redbirds are 3-9 in the last dozen he’s been installed as the chalk, and since Milwaukee has won seven of the last eight meetings overall.
Also, the Brewers are on a solid 16-5 run overall, and that makes things much easier on Gallardo, who is 2-0 on the highway with a 2.20 ERA. As for Lohse, he’s 0-2 in his last two starts – one at home and one on the road – and has given up a total of 13 earned runs in 10 innings in those outings.
The Cardinals may have snapped a two-game skid last night with a 5-1 win at Pittsburgh, but they’ve still lost seven of their last 11. I’ll play Gallardo and the Brewers in this one.
MILWAUKEE BREWERS
Sports Gambling Hotline
Milwaukee at ST. LOUIS
Big weekend showdown series in St. Louis, and we are on the surging Brewers to open this series with the win.
Milwaukee comes to town having won 3 in a row, and 9 of their last 11, while St. Louis comes back home having just avoided a 3-game sweep at the hands of the Pirates.
The Redbirds are just 2-4 their last 6 games, and they did not fare so well against their division rival last season, dropping 10 of the 15 meetings, including 6 of the 9 played at Busch.
Yovani Gallardo is off to a 4-1 start, and is a perfect 2-0 on the road this season with a 2.20 ERA. His counterpart Kyle Lohse has now lost his last pair of starts, allowing an alarming 13 runs in just 10 innings of work.
Gallardo did not make a start against St. Louis last season, while Lohse started 3 times against the Brewers allowing 9 runs in 19 innings of work for 3 no-decisions.
We say stick with Milwaukee to continue their hot May run.
Play on the Brew-Crew.
4♦ MILWAUKEE
Milwaukee at ST. LOUIS
Big weekend showdown series in St. Louis, and we are on the surging Brewers to open this series with the win.
Milwaukee comes to town having won 3 in a row, and 9 of their last 11, while St. Louis comes back home having just avoided a 3-game sweep at the hands of the Pirates.
The Redbirds are just 2-4 their last 6 games, and they did not fare so well against their division rival last season, dropping 10 of the 15 meetings, including 6 of the 9 played at Busch.
Yovani Gallardo is off to a 4-1 start, and is a perfect 2-0 on the road this season with a 2.20 ERA. His counterpart Kyle Lohse has now lost his last pair of starts, allowing an alarming 13 runs in just 10 innings of work.
Gallardo did not make a start against St. Louis last season, while Lohse started 3 times against the Brewers allowing 9 runs in 19 innings of work for 3 no-decisions.
We say stick with Milwaukee to continue their hot May run.
Play on the Brew-Crew.
4♦ MILWAUKEE
Matt Rivers
For Friday lay a little bit on the road with Aaron Harang and the Reds.
I certainly am not a huge fan of backing the road chalk and also do not at all fully believe in the fairly light hitting Cincinnati Reds but let's face it the Padres are a total joke, save Adrian Hernandez, and just should not prevail today.
Aaron Harang has been pitching very well this season and is much better than Kevin Correia. Meanwhile Correia's offense is as atrocious as ever as these Friars have been pathetic after the shocking and quality first few weeks to the season. But we see now how that solid early play was more of a mirage than reality and now San Diego has regressed to the point where they were pretty much all of last season, atrocious.
I do not think the Reds are going very far themselves but Dusty Baker does have his team playing very well right now and with some power in Jay Bruce, Brandon Philips and possibly the injured Joey Votto I just don't see the visitors not walking off the field as the victor today.
In PETCO you have to expect a guy like Harang to give you at least seven quality innings and in the end this thing has 5-2 Reds written all over it!
For Friday lay a little bit on the road with Aaron Harang and the Reds.
I certainly am not a huge fan of backing the road chalk and also do not at all fully believe in the fairly light hitting Cincinnati Reds but let's face it the Padres are a total joke, save Adrian Hernandez, and just should not prevail today.
Aaron Harang has been pitching very well this season and is much better than Kevin Correia. Meanwhile Correia's offense is as atrocious as ever as these Friars have been pathetic after the shocking and quality first few weeks to the season. But we see now how that solid early play was more of a mirage than reality and now San Diego has regressed to the point where they were pretty much all of last season, atrocious.
I do not think the Reds are going very far themselves but Dusty Baker does have his team playing very well right now and with some power in Jay Bruce, Brandon Philips and possibly the injured Joey Votto I just don't see the visitors not walking off the field as the victor today.
In PETCO you have to expect a guy like Harang to give you at least seven quality innings and in the end this thing has 5-2 Reds written all over it!
Karl Garrett
Minnesota at NY YANKEES -115
For Friday night on the diamond, I like the Yankees to continue their winning ways back home in the Bronx.
New York just recorded series wins at Baltimore, and at Toronto, winning a tight 3-2 game last night over the AL East front-runners.
Minnesota comes to the Big Apple off a 3-game sweep over Detroit, but they have had their struggles in the Bronx in the past, losing 6 of the last 7 meetings at the old Yankee Stadium.
I doubt the change of venue will improve their lot, as Minny is just 4-8 on the road this year, and starter Francisco Liriano is just 1-2 away from the Dome, with an ERA of 7.88.
New York starter Phil Hughes hasn't been much better, but with his team starting to show signs of life, and Minnesota struggling so mightily in the Bronx in the past, the G-Man will take a shot with the Yankees minus the cheap chalk.
1♦ NY YANKEES
Minnesota at NY YANKEES -115
For Friday night on the diamond, I like the Yankees to continue their winning ways back home in the Bronx.
New York just recorded series wins at Baltimore, and at Toronto, winning a tight 3-2 game last night over the AL East front-runners.
Minnesota comes to the Big Apple off a 3-game sweep over Detroit, but they have had their struggles in the Bronx in the past, losing 6 of the last 7 meetings at the old Yankee Stadium.
I doubt the change of venue will improve their lot, as Minny is just 4-8 on the road this year, and starter Francisco Liriano is just 1-2 away from the Dome, with an ERA of 7.88.
New York starter Phil Hughes hasn't been much better, but with his team starting to show signs of life, and Minnesota struggling so mightily in the Bronx in the past, the G-Man will take a shot with the Yankees minus the cheap chalk.
1♦ NY YANKEES
Bobby Maxwell
Boston at SEATTLE +145
We're in the Pacific Northwest for a Bonus Play winner on the Mariners tonight as they host the Red Sox.
Sure, the Mariners have been struggling mightily lately, but a packed house to see the Red Sox might just be what gets them out of their funk. Look for them to bring their best tonight as the popular BoSox pack Safeco Field.
Seattle lost a tough one on Thursday, falling 3-2 in Texas after ace Felix Hernandez threw seven shutout innings. Today, the Mariners have Chris Jakubauskas (1-4, 7.67 ERA) on the mound, coming off a lousy outing a week ago, giving up nine runs in 4 1/3 innings of an 11-0 loss tot he Twins.
Good news for Seattle is it faces a starter in Boston's Jon Lester (2-3, 6.31 ERA) that has struggled lately. He gave up a career-high eight runs in 4 1/3 innings on Saturday against the Rays as Boston got slammed 14-5. The opposition is hitting .310 against Lester and the Mariners need some of that because they have scored two or less runs in six of their last nine outings.
Boston lost in extra innings in Anaheim on Thursday and the Red Sox offense has struggled since team leader Kevin Youkilis went to the DL with an oblique strain.
Look for the Mariners to have a big game in front of the big crowd. Play Seattle.
2? SEATTLE
Boston at SEATTLE +145
We're in the Pacific Northwest for a Bonus Play winner on the Mariners tonight as they host the Red Sox.
Sure, the Mariners have been struggling mightily lately, but a packed house to see the Red Sox might just be what gets them out of their funk. Look for them to bring their best tonight as the popular BoSox pack Safeco Field.
Seattle lost a tough one on Thursday, falling 3-2 in Texas after ace Felix Hernandez threw seven shutout innings. Today, the Mariners have Chris Jakubauskas (1-4, 7.67 ERA) on the mound, coming off a lousy outing a week ago, giving up nine runs in 4 1/3 innings of an 11-0 loss tot he Twins.
Good news for Seattle is it faces a starter in Boston's Jon Lester (2-3, 6.31 ERA) that has struggled lately. He gave up a career-high eight runs in 4 1/3 innings on Saturday against the Rays as Boston got slammed 14-5. The opposition is hitting .310 against Lester and the Mariners need some of that because they have scored two or less runs in six of their last nine outings.
Boston lost in extra innings in Anaheim on Thursday and the Red Sox offense has struggled since team leader Kevin Youkilis went to the DL with an oblique strain.
Look for the Mariners to have a big game in front of the big crowd. Play Seattle.
2? SEATTLE
Nick Parsons
Baltimore Orioles @ Kansas City Royals OVER 8.5
On Saturday, Greinke (6-1, 0.51 ERA) had his nine-game winning streak snapped as he lost for the first time since Sept. 7. The majors' ERA leader gave up one run and four hits over eight innings of 1-0 loss against the Los Angeles Angels and it's that will compound this evening as I expect this total go over the posted number. Adam Eaton (2-3, 7.18) will get the call for Baltimore, and he'll be trying to win consecutive starts for the first time since May 28-June 3 with Philadelphia. The right-hander gave up four runs and four hits - including two home runs - over five innings of a 12-5 win over the New York Yankees on Saturday; play on the OVER!
Baltimore Orioles @ Kansas City Royals OVER 8.5
On Saturday, Greinke (6-1, 0.51 ERA) had his nine-game winning streak snapped as he lost for the first time since Sept. 7. The majors' ERA leader gave up one run and four hits over eight innings of 1-0 loss against the Los Angeles Angels and it's that will compound this evening as I expect this total go over the posted number. Adam Eaton (2-3, 7.18) will get the call for Baltimore, and he'll be trying to win consecutive starts for the first time since May 28-June 3 with Philadelphia. The right-hander gave up four runs and four hits - including two home runs - over five innings of a 12-5 win over the New York Yankees on Saturday; play on the OVER!
LT Profits
Chicago White Sox @ Toronto Blue Jays
John Danks has pitched very well on the road ever since coming to the White Sox and Brett Cecil has had an impressive start to his Major League career, so look for both offenses to struggle this evening.
Danks has good overall numbers this season, and he has continued his uncanny knack of pitching well on the road, going 2-1 with a nice 3.44 ERA and 1.15 WHIP away from Chicago. He has also allowed one run or less in four of his six starts, including his last outing vs. the Texas Rangers when he allowed one run and just four hits with 10 strikeouts in six innings. Danks has allowed two earned runs or less in each of his two career starts vs. Toronto.
Cecil was a first-round draft pick just two years ago, but the young southpaw is making a strong case to stay with the big club even after Jesse Litsch comes off the Disabled List. Cecil has made two starts since being recalled, and after allowing one earned run in six innings in his Major League debut, he then hurled eight shutout innings while allowing only five hits vs. the Oakland Athletics last Friday.
Cecil should continue to be tough on teams that have never faced him before like the White Sox, so look for a safe Under tonight, given the success Danks has had both on the road and vs. the Blue Jays.
Pick: White Sox/Blue Jays Under 8.5
Chicago White Sox @ Toronto Blue Jays
John Danks has pitched very well on the road ever since coming to the White Sox and Brett Cecil has had an impressive start to his Major League career, so look for both offenses to struggle this evening.
Danks has good overall numbers this season, and he has continued his uncanny knack of pitching well on the road, going 2-1 with a nice 3.44 ERA and 1.15 WHIP away from Chicago. He has also allowed one run or less in four of his six starts, including his last outing vs. the Texas Rangers when he allowed one run and just four hits with 10 strikeouts in six innings. Danks has allowed two earned runs or less in each of his two career starts vs. Toronto.
Cecil was a first-round draft pick just two years ago, but the young southpaw is making a strong case to stay with the big club even after Jesse Litsch comes off the Disabled List. Cecil has made two starts since being recalled, and after allowing one earned run in six innings in his Major League debut, he then hurled eight shutout innings while allowing only five hits vs. the Oakland Athletics last Friday.
Cecil should continue to be tough on teams that have never faced him before like the White Sox, so look for a safe Under tonight, given the success Danks has had both on the road and vs. the Blue Jays.
Pick: White Sox/Blue Jays Under 8.5
EZWINNER'S FREE SELECTION
(972) Detroit Tigers -$140
(Listing Jackson and Anderson)
Oakland's starting pitcher Brett Anderson is yet to earn a Major
League win and has given up five runs in three of his five starts
this year. The Tigers should be able to put some runs on the
board against him and Oakland will have a hard time winning
a slugfest as their offense is one of the worst in the Majors.
Lay the juice with the Tigers.
2009 Free Selections Record 70-61 (53.4%)
(972) Detroit Tigers -$140
(Listing Jackson and Anderson)
Oakland's starting pitcher Brett Anderson is yet to earn a Major
League win and has given up five runs in three of his five starts
this year. The Tigers should be able to put some runs on the
board against him and Oakland will have a hard time winning
a slugfest as their offense is one of the worst in the Majors.
Lay the juice with the Tigers.
2009 Free Selections Record 70-61 (53.4%)
JIMMY BOYD
1 Unit on Pittsburgh Pirates -118
Pittsburgh ended a long losing streak with a nice series win over the Cards. Now it takes some momentum into this series with lowly Colorado. I expect a win out of the Bucs in Game 1 behind Maholm, who is 2-0 at home with an ERA of 2.66 this season. You also like the fact that Maholm is 9-1 against the money line vs. NL teams scoring 4.8 or more runs/game on the season over the last 2 seasons and 13-2 against the money line at home when the total is 9 to 9.5 over the last 3 seasons. Colorado has struggled on the road (6-10), against southpaw starters (4-7), and in night games (6-12). Also, it is just 6-22 against the money line in road games after having lost 4 or 5 of their last 6 games over the last 2 seasons. The Pirates are 10-1 in Maholm's last 11 starts as a home favorite while the Rockies are 0-5 in De La Rosa's last 5 starts as an underdog. Bet the Bucs.
1 Unit on Pittsburgh Pirates -118
Pittsburgh ended a long losing streak with a nice series win over the Cards. Now it takes some momentum into this series with lowly Colorado. I expect a win out of the Bucs in Game 1 behind Maholm, who is 2-0 at home with an ERA of 2.66 this season. You also like the fact that Maholm is 9-1 against the money line vs. NL teams scoring 4.8 or more runs/game on the season over the last 2 seasons and 13-2 against the money line at home when the total is 9 to 9.5 over the last 3 seasons. Colorado has struggled on the road (6-10), against southpaw starters (4-7), and in night games (6-12). Also, it is just 6-22 against the money line in road games after having lost 4 or 5 of their last 6 games over the last 2 seasons. The Pirates are 10-1 in Maholm's last 11 starts as a home favorite while the Rockies are 0-5 in De La Rosa's last 5 starts as an underdog. Bet the Bucs.
Alatex
Los Angeles at Florida Under 9
Florida starter Chris Volstad has failed to allow more than three earned runs in a start and officially, has posted five quality starts in seven tries. His 2-to-1 strikeout-to-walk ratio and 32 hits in 42.1 innings suggest the future is extremely bright for the big righty. He’ll face a Dodgers lineup that thus far has shown some dramatic home/road splits with .253 BA and .725 OPS numbers on the road and .315 BA/.869 OPS at home. Overall, the Dodgers are averaging exactly two runs less per contest on the highway. LA’s Eric Stults is a guy we are going to keep a close eye on. With 32.2 innings pitched this season, he is six away from matching his MLB season-high. Up until this point, the lefty has been very effective, changing speeds and keeping batters off-balance. As mentioned, we are leery of his long term shelf life being a guy that tends to pitch to contact, but in this spot, against a Florida team that shows well below average numbers against lefties (.230 BA/.288 OBP/.680 OPS) we feel his success should continue. The loss of Manny Ramirez is not something we are going to overreact to, but he is still one less powerful stick Volstad must face. Let’s play this one under the total.
Los Angeles at Florida Under 9
Florida starter Chris Volstad has failed to allow more than three earned runs in a start and officially, has posted five quality starts in seven tries. His 2-to-1 strikeout-to-walk ratio and 32 hits in 42.1 innings suggest the future is extremely bright for the big righty. He’ll face a Dodgers lineup that thus far has shown some dramatic home/road splits with .253 BA and .725 OPS numbers on the road and .315 BA/.869 OPS at home. Overall, the Dodgers are averaging exactly two runs less per contest on the highway. LA’s Eric Stults is a guy we are going to keep a close eye on. With 32.2 innings pitched this season, he is six away from matching his MLB season-high. Up until this point, the lefty has been very effective, changing speeds and keeping batters off-balance. As mentioned, we are leery of his long term shelf life being a guy that tends to pitch to contact, but in this spot, against a Florida team that shows well below average numbers against lefties (.230 BA/.288 OBP/.680 OPS) we feel his success should continue. The loss of Manny Ramirez is not something we are going to overreact to, but he is still one less powerful stick Volstad must face. Let’s play this one under the total.
Big Al McMordie
LAA Angels vs. Texas Rangers
Play: LAA Angels
At 8:05pm our complimentary selection is on the Los Angeles Angels over the Texas Rangers. Rangers righthanded pitcher Kevin Millwood has an amazing ERA of only 2.92, but his record is only 3-3 which means that the 13-year veteran is probably not getting much run support. In fact, in Millwood's three losses, Texas has only scored a total of four runs and one of those games was a 2-0 shutout at the hands of the Royals at home in Arlington. Angels lefthander Joe Saunders is in All-Star form right now, having won his last three starts and pitching a complete game shutout in his last outing on May 9 against the Royals. That game was significant as Saunders finally broke the scoreless pitching streak of KC's Zack Greinke. The really good news for the Angels is that despite the loss of outfielder Vladimir Guerrero, out since early May with a pectoral muscle injury, Los Angeles has won nine of their last 11 games heading into tonight. Even without Guerrero, this is a pretty potent offense, and the pitching performances of guys like Matt Palmer and Shane Loux have served them well while they're waiting for the return of Ervin Santana, John Lackey, and Kelvim Escobar. No matter who returns to the rotation for this team, Saunders isn't going anywhere and this talented southpaw should be a fixture on this starting staff for some time to come. Take the Angels.
LAA Angels vs. Texas Rangers
Play: LAA Angels
At 8:05pm our complimentary selection is on the Los Angeles Angels over the Texas Rangers. Rangers righthanded pitcher Kevin Millwood has an amazing ERA of only 2.92, but his record is only 3-3 which means that the 13-year veteran is probably not getting much run support. In fact, in Millwood's three losses, Texas has only scored a total of four runs and one of those games was a 2-0 shutout at the hands of the Royals at home in Arlington. Angels lefthander Joe Saunders is in All-Star form right now, having won his last three starts and pitching a complete game shutout in his last outing on May 9 against the Royals. That game was significant as Saunders finally broke the scoreless pitching streak of KC's Zack Greinke. The really good news for the Angels is that despite the loss of outfielder Vladimir Guerrero, out since early May with a pectoral muscle injury, Los Angeles has won nine of their last 11 games heading into tonight. Even without Guerrero, this is a pretty potent offense, and the pitching performances of guys like Matt Palmer and Shane Loux have served them well while they're waiting for the return of Ervin Santana, John Lackey, and Kelvim Escobar. No matter who returns to the rotation for this team, Saunders isn't going anywhere and this talented southpaw should be a fixture on this starting staff for some time to come. Take the Angels.
Jrtips
BOSTON vs. SEATTLE
The left-hander Lester will start for the Boston Red Sox and try to break out of his funk as opponents are hitting .310 against him. Lester (2-3, 6.31 ERA) allowed a career-high eight runs in a season-low 4 1/3 innings of the 14-5 loss. Lester is 1-0 with a 4.67 ERA in three career starts against the Mariners and Boston (21-14) needs a good start from Lester to give their bullpen a rest after Hideki Okajima, Ramon Ramirez and Jonathan Papelbon all pitched at least an inning in their 5-4, 12-inning loss to the Los Angeles Angels on Thursday. The Red Sox's starters are last in the AL with a 5.90 ERA. The Mariners (16-19) have scored two or fewer runs in six of their last nine games, including a 3-2 loss to Texas on Thursday and the Mariners finished their road trip at 1-7 after dropping the final two games being outscored 64-28 in their last 10 games. Boston's reigning AL MVP Dustin Pedroia had four hits in his return from a groin injury and Julio Lugo had five hits while slugger David Ortiz went 0 for 7 and stranded 12 runners as his average fell to .208. Boston's offense has slowed, scoring four runs in four straight games but should break out today facing struggling rookie right-hander Chris Jakubauskas (1-4, 7.67) who gave up nine runs and three homers in 4 1/3 innings of Seattle's 11-0 loss at Minnesota last Friday. Boston won its last five games against the Mariners last year, including a three-game sweep in Seattle.
TAKE BOSTON-151
BOSTON vs. SEATTLE
The left-hander Lester will start for the Boston Red Sox and try to break out of his funk as opponents are hitting .310 against him. Lester (2-3, 6.31 ERA) allowed a career-high eight runs in a season-low 4 1/3 innings of the 14-5 loss. Lester is 1-0 with a 4.67 ERA in three career starts against the Mariners and Boston (21-14) needs a good start from Lester to give their bullpen a rest after Hideki Okajima, Ramon Ramirez and Jonathan Papelbon all pitched at least an inning in their 5-4, 12-inning loss to the Los Angeles Angels on Thursday. The Red Sox's starters are last in the AL with a 5.90 ERA. The Mariners (16-19) have scored two or fewer runs in six of their last nine games, including a 3-2 loss to Texas on Thursday and the Mariners finished their road trip at 1-7 after dropping the final two games being outscored 64-28 in their last 10 games. Boston's reigning AL MVP Dustin Pedroia had four hits in his return from a groin injury and Julio Lugo had five hits while slugger David Ortiz went 0 for 7 and stranded 12 runners as his average fell to .208. Boston's offense has slowed, scoring four runs in four straight games but should break out today facing struggling rookie right-hander Chris Jakubauskas (1-4, 7.67) who gave up nine runs and three homers in 4 1/3 innings of Seattle's 11-0 loss at Minnesota last Friday. Boston won its last five games against the Mariners last year, including a three-game sweep in Seattle.
TAKE BOSTON-151
Tom Freese
Boston Red Sox at Seattle Mariners
Prediction: Boston Red Sox
Boston is 50-24 their lat 74 games vs. losing teams and they are 37-1 vs. a pitcher with a WHIP of over 1.30. The Red Sox are 10-3 on Friday and they are 28-10 with Jon Lester on the mound vs. losing teams. Seattle is 1-9 their last 10 games overall and they are 0-6 their last 6 games as underdogs. The Mariners are 1-7 off a loss and they are 0-5 their last 5 meetings with the Red Sox. PLAY ON BOSTON w/Lester
Boston Red Sox at Seattle Mariners
Prediction: Boston Red Sox
Boston is 50-24 their lat 74 games vs. losing teams and they are 37-1 vs. a pitcher with a WHIP of over 1.30. The Red Sox are 10-3 on Friday and they are 28-10 with Jon Lester on the mound vs. losing teams. Seattle is 1-9 their last 10 games overall and they are 0-6 their last 6 games as underdogs. The Mariners are 1-7 off a loss and they are 0-5 their last 5 meetings with the Red Sox. PLAY ON BOSTON w/Lester
Jeff Alexander Sports
1 Unit on St. Louis Cardinals +105
The Cards return home where they have been unbeatable this season, at 12-5, and I expect them to get back to their winning ways. The Brewers are rolling and Gallardo has been good, but his track record against the Cards is not in his favor tonight as the Brewers are 0-2 in his 2 starts against St. Louis with Gallardo posting an ERA of 9.28 and a WHIP of 1.500. The Cardinals are 21-8 in their last 29 home games and a perfect 7-0 in Lohse's last 7 starts as a home underdog. I'll back the Cards showing good value in the home dog role tonight.
1 Unit on St. Louis Cardinals +105
The Cards return home where they have been unbeatable this season, at 12-5, and I expect them to get back to their winning ways. The Brewers are rolling and Gallardo has been good, but his track record against the Cards is not in his favor tonight as the Brewers are 0-2 in his 2 starts against St. Louis with Gallardo posting an ERA of 9.28 and a WHIP of 1.500. The Cardinals are 21-8 in their last 29 home games and a perfect 7-0 in Lohse's last 7 starts as a home underdog. I'll back the Cards showing good value in the home dog role tonight.
Ben Burns
Oakland Athletics at Detroit Tigers
Prediction: Detroit Tigers
Jackson has a 2.60 ERA and 1.044 WHIP. He tossed seven shutout innings last time out. Anderson got rocked last time out (nine hits and five runs in five innings) and has a 5.79 ERA on the season. Consider laying the wood.
Oakland Athletics at Detroit Tigers
Prediction: Detroit Tigers
Jackson has a 2.60 ERA and 1.044 WHIP. He tossed seven shutout innings last time out. Anderson got rocked last time out (nine hits and five runs in five innings) and has a 5.79 ERA on the season. Consider laying the wood.
ROCKETMAN
Minnesota Twins at New York Yankees
Play: NY Yankees
NY Yankees are 209-144 at home since 1997 when the total is 10 to 10 1/2. Minnesota is scoring only 3.6 runs per game on the road this year. Minnesota bullpen has a 5.26 ERA overall this year. Liriano is 2-4 with a 5.75 ERA overall this year and only 1-2 with a whopping 7.87 ERA on the road this season. NY Yankees are 6-1 at home vs Minnesota the past 3 years. We'll recommend a small play on the NY Yankees tonight!
Minnesota Twins at New York Yankees
Play: NY Yankees
NY Yankees are 209-144 at home since 1997 when the total is 10 to 10 1/2. Minnesota is scoring only 3.6 runs per game on the road this year. Minnesota bullpen has a 5.26 ERA overall this year. Liriano is 2-4 with a 5.75 ERA overall this year and only 1-2 with a whopping 7.87 ERA on the road this season. NY Yankees are 6-1 at home vs Minnesota the past 3 years. We'll recommend a small play on the NY Yankees tonight!
