SPORTS WAGERS
Washington +1.32 over SAN DIEGO
Both these pitchers are very similar in that they’re both having good years when they’re really just two very average hurlers. Livan Hernandez possesses smooth mechanics and plenty of durability. He changes speeds and mixes his pitches very well and he eats innings. Hernandez has allowed just 47 hits in 60 innings and induces a ton of ground balls. That should bode well here. Jon Garland is also an innings eater. He gets ahead in the count and challenges batters repeatedly with his sinking fastball. He’s always around the plate, so he doesn't give up many walks. However, he doesn't overpower anyone and despite his solid command, he surrenders way too many hits and a few too many homers. Also, Garland’s 86% strand is helping him sustain an ERA far below his 4.53 xERA. There’s a good chance one or both of these guys gets beat up today and while the Padres are having a better season than the Nats, one can’t argue that the visitor’s offense is far more dangerous. Now you throw in a tag of +1.32 and it’s also hard to argue where the value lies. The Nats are playing decent ball and rarely do they lose two in a row, as it’s happened only five times this season. Play: Washington +1.32 (Risking 2 units).
Pittsburgh +1.61 over ATLANTA
The Cardinals and the Braves continue to be the most overvalued teams in the majors and no matter how you break this one down the Pirates have a great chance to win. Kenshin Kawakami has surrendered six jacks in 28 IP this month. Kawakami has also allowed 55 hits in 49 innings for a BAA of .284. He almost always allows three, four or five runs every game out, which makes the Braves a huge risk laying lumber like this. The Braves are hot with nine wins in 10 games but that’s not going to continue much longer, as its offense leaves plenty to be desired and you can double that against southpaws. They’ll face a southpaw here in Paul Maholm. Current Braves batters are hitting just .194 against Maholm in 62 career AB’s and he’s been getting progressively sharper lately. He’s coming off a beauty in Cincinnati in which he did not allow a single run in seven full innings. He’s also been better on the road this season with an impressive 3.09 ERA. There’s also a good chance the Braves will rest some starters, as they await the Phillies for a matinee game tomorrow. Overlay. Play: Pittsburgh +1.61 (Risking 2 units).
