Brandon Lang
SATURDAY
15 Dime Brewers Run Line - It’s over, now let’s move on. That would be that treacherous series with the Cubs, at Miller Park, where the NL Central frontrunners ran roughshod through Milwaukee’s alleged daunting rotation and put a staple on the division – for now. CC Sabathia was not happy with his selection of pitches, and I suspect we’re going to see him back to true form tonight at Turner Field, as the Brewers need to get back into a groove ASAP. They did just that with last night’s 9-0 win over Atlanta in the series opener – and the opener of a six-game road trip – but they’re still four back of the Cubs. And remember, this team was tied for first place one week ago today.
The good news is Milwaukee has felt right at home on the road since the break, as it is 8-0 on the highway since the Midsummer Classic, outscoring its opponents 50-19. Sabathia, now 4-0 with a 1.82 ERA in a Brewers uniform, has been instrumental in Milwaukee’s jump in the division and it too competitive to let his last outing affect him. And since he has been nearly untouchable in winning two road starts for the Brew Crew, allowing one run and seven hits with 17 strikeouts over 18 frames.
He should have the run support he’ll need, as Atlanta sends rookie Charlie Morton to the slab, and he’s coming in off an awfully disappointing start and has been back and forth from Triple-A Richmond since last Saturday because of his trying efforts. He’s back in an Atlanta uniform because staff ace Tim Hudson is now on the disabled list – along with star Chipper Jones – and the right-hander is 1-3 with a 9.53 ERA in his last five starts. Atlanta is simply not playing well, as it’s lost six of seven. The Braves are in trouble today, as the Brew Crew get it done big time.
5 Dime Twins Run Line - We’re banking on a big-time win here, as the AL Central-surging Twins continue their quest toward first place in the division, and have a very good chance against the hapless Indians, who have lost 13 of 16 on the road over the past six weeks. That certainly does not bode well in facing the majors’ best home team in the same time frame, as Minnesota is 19-4 inside the Metrodome since June 17, while the team is on a 5-0 run against Cleveland in the Homer Domer. We’ll likely get Kevin Slowey in the listing of this one, which I have no problem with, as he’s 5-1 with his last six decisions, and comes in off an impressive showing against the first-place White Sox last Monday. Lay the run line with the much better team here, as the Twins roll to an easy win.
5 Dime Tigers - While the strength of Tampa Bay has been the pitching rotation, the exception has been Andy Sonnanstine, who has the worst ERA of any regular starter in Tampa’s roatation this season, and much of that is due to his recent struggles. The right-hander, who has never faced this team, has lost his last three starts and comes in with a 6.63 ERA in that span. I’d much rather side with veteran Kenny Rogers, who has a 9-4 record and 3.10 ERA in 14 career starts against Tampa Bay. Since the Rays are hitting a paltry .241 against southpaws this season, I’ll count on the boys from Motown to reign supreme in this one.
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