2-Minute Warning Friday's Play Vegas Wise Guys
Colorado Run Line
112-89-4 Last 205 Picks
Brett Atkins Friday 25 Dime Interleague Grand Slam - BOSTON RED SOX (list Lackey as pitcher for the Red Sox)
This classic Interleague rivalry has been completely one-sided the last few years with the Red Sox dominating the Phillies. In fact, the Red Sox dominate any National league team they face, going 65-24 in Interleague play the last few years and 39-13 when they see N.L. East teams like the Phillies. John Lackey is on the hill for Boston tonight and he’s 4-1 at home and 2-0 in his last three games. The Red Sox beat the Phillies two of three in Philadelphia last month and they’ll pick up where they left off here tonight. Philadelphia is just 2-6 against A.L. East teams and 16-37 when they square off against A.L. right-handers. Go ahead and play the favorite in this one with Lackey and the Red Sox.
Jay McNeil Friday night winner ... 200 Dime Rockies (minus the Run Line vs. Toronto)
ROCKIES RUN LINE (With Jimenez) --- This is a great spot for Ubaldo Jimenez to keep his season-long domcnance going, as the Jays are in after a treacherous series with the Rays in Tampa Bay, and arrive in the Mile High City for a weekend set in the rarified air. This will be a tough stretch for Toronto, especiially tonight, as it will play its fourth straight road game in as many days, and now must face the best pitcher in baseball.
Through 12 starts, Jimenez has been better than any pitcher in nearly a century. Jimenez, who is 11-1 this season, has a 0.93 ERA – the second-lowest ever through 12 starts. Only left-hander Dutch Leonard’s 0.83 ERA through 12 starts with the Red Sox in 1914 was lower.
I realize Jimenez has is 2-4 with a 4.20 ERA in six career starts against the American League, but Colorado is an National League-best 13-5 in Interleague play since the start of 2009 and is in the right spot to shake a three-game skid.
True, the Blue Jays are one team that can hit Jimenez hard, as their 98 home runs through 61 games put them on pace to challtnge the single-season record, but with the Jays traveling overnight, and having to play in this altitude, I think there could be an issue with the Jays.
Play the Rockies tonight, and take them on the Run Line.
Joel Tyson Friday's Selections .... Interleague time, and I will ride the red-hot sticks of Texas to do some more rakcng in Milwaukee tonight. The pitching matchup of Harden and Narveson is pretty much a wash, as both hurlers have been getiting lit up on a regular basis, so you have to look at the bats in this one.
Milwaukee does have some pop in their lineup, but with the Brewers just 10-17 at home this year, I will put my 20 dime wager down on Texas and their 33-27 mark to keep pace in the AL West standings.
Up until last year, Rich Harden had been solid against Milwaukee in his past dealings against them, and 2 of Harden's 3 wins this year have indetd come on the road.
Narveson's last 16 innings have seen 13 runs score, so no way he holds down this potent Texas attack.
Rangers your 20 dime winner.
10 dime bonus baby on Washington over Cleveland.
Atilano has not lost on the road this year, and his road ERA is just a shade over 3. Westbrook has not won at home this year, and his home ERA is well over 5.
The Nats just swept 3 off the Pirates, and a win tonight evens their season ledger at .500.
The Indians used a dramatic 9th inning comeback to beat Boston last night, but remain a negative 10-16 at home for the year.
I am riding Washington to capture the weekend opener.
Keep in mind that both listed pitchers must start, or there is no action on the releases.
Matt Rivers Friday's Action 100,000♦ Winner on the WASHINGTON NATIONALS over the Cleveland Indians. This is an action play. The Nats are listed from +105 to +115 in Vegas and offshore, so make sure you shop around for the best possible price!
100,000♦–
NATIONALS
Take the Nats for the road win over the Tribe
Washington is in a groove right now. The Nats swept a three-game home set over the Pirates, highlighted by Stephen Strasburg’s dominating debut in the opener.
That mojo has carried over and the Nats have the look of a team that is ready to make some strides.
The Tribe is terrible and doesn’t seem to have any direction.
Cleveland has lost five straight interleague starts by Jake Westbrook, who allowed six runs in just 4 2-3 innings on Sunday in an 8-7 road loss to the woeful White Sox.
The Nats are swinging the bats well right now and should pound Westbrook.
Take Washington for the win.
Michael Cannon Friday's Plays...
20 Dime Winner on the MINNESOTA TWINS over the Atlanta Braves with Hudson and Liriano as the listed pitchers. If either pitcher does not start, this play is void.
10 Dime Winner on the TEXAS RANGERS over the Milwaukee Brewers. This is an action play.
20 Dime –
TWINS (With Hudson and Liriano as listed pitchers)
Take the Twins for the home win over the Braves.
Francisco Liriano will start for Minnesota and he’s owned the NL in interleague play. The left-hander is 7-1 with a 2.67 ERA in eight career interleague starts. NL opponents are hitting just .198 against him and he has 61 strikeouts in 54 innings during that span.
The same can’t be said for Atlanta’s Tim Hudson.
The right-hander is 1-11 with a 7.27 ERA in 14 interleague starts since he was traded to Atlanta before the 2005 season.
Take the Twins for the home win.
10 Dime –
RANGERS (Action)
Take the Rangers for the road win over the Brewers.
Texas is swinging the bats well right now and that spells trouble for the Brewers. The Rangers have scored 31 runs in winning their last three games and will be facing a struggling Chris Narveson.
Narveson is 1-3 with a 6.59 ERA over his last five starts. Milwaukee starters have a 5.48 ERA over the last four games.
Take the Rangers as they grab the road win.