Red Sox-Rays Lines Preview

If familiarity breeds contempt, there should be animosity aplenty on Saturday when the Boston Red Sox and the Tampa Bay Rays meet at Tropicana Field.
The Red Sox will trot Tim Wakefield out to the mound in this one. Righthander Wakefield has a 2-1 record and a 1.86 ERA this season.
The Rays will counter Wakefield with Jeff Niemann. Righthander Niemann has a 4.43 ERA to go along with a 2-2 record this season.
Oddsmakers currently have the Red Sox listed as 120-moneyline favorites versus the Rays, while the game’s total has not yet been posted.
The Rays won their second straight over the Red Sox with a 6-2 victory on Friday, as +100 underdogs. That game’s eight runs went UNDER the posted total of 9.
Evan Longoria led the Rays with a grand slam home run. Andy Sonnanstine allowed just eight hits and two runs over 5 2-3 innings in the loss.
Justin Masterson had six hits and six runs over six innings for the Red Sox, who were favored at -120.
Current streak:
Boston has lost 2 straight games.
Tampa Bay has won 2 straight games.
Team records:
Boston: 14-9 SU
Tampa Bay: 10-14 SU
Boston most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 8-2
Before playing Tampa Bay are 5-5
After playing Tampa Bay are 2-8
After a loss are 4-6

Tampa Bay most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 5-5
Before playing Boston are 5-5
After playing Boston are 6-4
After a win are 3-7

A few trends to consider:
Boston is 12-3 SU in its last 15 games
Boston is 3-6 SU in its last 9 games on the road
Boston is 3-13 SU in its last 16 games when playing on the road against Tampa Bay
Boston is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games when playing Tampa Bay
Tampa Bay is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing Boston
Tampa Bay is 13-3 SU in its last 16 games when playing at home against Boston
Next up:
Tampa Bay home to Boston, Sunday, May 3

 

Reds-Pirates Odds Preview

The Pittsburgh Pirates will be fighting to snap a losing streak on Saturday when they take on the Cincinnati Reds at PNC Park.
Micah Owings will be the starting pitcher for the Reds on this day. Righthander Owings is 1-2 this season with a 3.78 ERA.
Starting this game for the Pirates will be Ross Ohlendorf. The righthander has a 3.24 ERA to go along with a 2-2 record this season.
Oddsmakers currently have the Pirates listed as 105-moneyline favorites versus the Reds, while the game’s total has not yet been posted.
Bronson Arroyo tossed a four-hit shutout through eight innings on Friday, as the Reds defeated the Pirates 4-0. The Reds won the game as +115 underdogs, while the four runs went UNDER the posted over/under (8.5).
Brandon Phillips belted a solo home run and drove in two runs for the Reds. Arroyo improved to 4-1 with the win.
Zach Duke surrendered one run off six hits over seven innings in the loss. Oddsmakers had the Pirates as -135 favorites in that contest.
Current streak:
Cincinnati has won 2 straight games.
Pittsburgh has lost 4 straight games.
Team records:
Cincinnati: 12-10 SU
Pittsburgh: 11-11 SU
Cincinnati most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 1-9
Before playing Pittsburgh are 4-6
After playing Pittsburgh are 6-4
After a win are 5-5

Pittsburgh most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 6-4
Before playing Cincinnati are 6-4
After playing Cincinnati are 5-5
After a loss are 6-4

A few trends to consider:
Cincinnati is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games on the road
Pittsburgh is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games at home
Pittsburgh is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games
Next up:
Pittsburgh home to Cincinnati, Sunday, May 3

 

Diamondbacks-Brewers Odds Preview

The fans at Miller Park will be treated to a game between the Arizona Diamondbacks and the Milwaukee Brewers when they take their seats on Saturday.
Righthander Dan Haren will take the mound for the Diamondbacks to start this game. Haren is 2-3 this season with a 1.54 ERA.
It’ll be Braden Looper toeing the rubber for the Brewers in this contest. Righthander Looper is 2-0 with a 2.45 ERA so far this season.
Oddsmakers currently have the Diamondbacks listed as 123-moneyline favorites versus the Brewers, while the game’s total has not yet been posted.
The Diamondbacks charged back with four runs in the eighth inning on Friday as they defeated the Brewers 5-2. The Diamondbacks won the game as +135 underdogs, while the seven runs went UNDER the posted over/under (9.5).
Tony Clark drove in two runs to lead the Diamondbacks. Tony Pena won his third straight on the mound, and Chad Qualls collected his fifth save.
Carlos Villanueva surrendered two runs in relief and was saddled with the loss for the Brewers, who were favored at -155.
Team records:
Arizona: 10-13 SU
Milwaukee: 12-11 SU
Arizona most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 0-10
Before playing Milwaukee are 3-7
After playing Milwaukee are 4-6
After a win are 2-8

Milwaukee most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 6-4
Before playing Arizona are 8-2
After playing Arizona are 5-5
After a loss are 6-4

A few trends to consider:
Arizona is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games
Arizona is 5-12 SU in its last 17 games when playing Milwaukee
Arizona is 5-17 SU in its last 22 games on the road
Arizona is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Milwaukee
Milwaukee is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing at home against Arizona
Milwaukee is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games at home
Milwaukee is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games
Milwaukee is 12-5 SU in its last 17 games when playing Arizona
Next up:
Milwaukee home to Arizona, Sunday, May 3

 

Rockies-Giants Odds Preview

A winning streak will be on the line for the San Francisco Giants on Saturday when they battle the Colorado Rockies at AT&T Park.
Jason Marquis will be the starting pitcher for the Rockies on this day. Righthander Marquis is 3-1 this season with a 4.10 ERA.
The Giants will counter Marquis with Matt Cain. Righthander Cain has a 2.08 ERA to go along with a 2-0 record this season.
Oddsmakers currently have the Giants listed as 135-moneyline favorites versus the Rockies, while the game’s total has not yet been posted.
The Giants foiled a late rally and held on to defeat the Rockies 3-2 on Friday, as a -110 pick’em. That game’s five runs fell UNDER the posted over/under (8.5).
Travis Ishikawa drove in one run and went 2-for-3 at the plate for the Giants. Randy Johnson tossed seven shutout innings to post his second victory, and Brian Wilson notched his sixth save.
Chris Iannetta smacked a solo home run for the Rockies. Ubaldo Jimenez gave up five hits and three runs over seven innings in the loss.
Current streak:
San Francisco has won 2 straight games.
Team records:
Colorado: 8-13 SU
San Francisco: 11-10 SU
Colorado most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 6-4
Before playing San Francisco are 8-2
After playing San Francisco are 6-4
After a loss are 4-6

San Francisco most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 5-5
Before playing Colorado are 3-7
After playing Colorado are 3-7
After a win are 5-5

A few trends to consider:
Colorado is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games when playing on the road against San Francisco
Colorado is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games when playing San Francisco
Colorado is 5-12 SU in its last 17 games
Colorado is 1-6 SU in its last 7 games on the road
San Francisco is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games at home
San Francisco is 8-2 SU in its last 10 games
San Francisco is 2-5 SU in its last 7 games when playing at home against Colorado
San Francisco is 2-5 SU in its last 7 games when playing Colorado
Next up:
San Francisco home to Colorado, Sunday, May 3

 

Indians-Tigers Odds Preview

The Cleveland Indians and the Detroit Tigers will meet on the field at Comerica Park on Saturday in a battle of division rivals.
Aaron Laffey will be the starting pitcher for the Indians on this day. Lefthander Laffey is 2-0 this season with a 2.41 ERA.
It’ll be Zach Miner toeing the rubber for the Tigers in this contest. Righthander Miner is 2-1 with a 6.43 ERA so far this season.
Oddsmakers currently have the Tigers listed as 110-moneyline favorites versus the Indians, while the game’s total has not yet been posted.
Jhonny Peralta drove in two runs and the Indians held off a late charge to defeat the Tigers 6-5 on Friday, as +155 underdogs. That game’s 11 runs made it OVER the posted over/under (10).
Carl Pavano tossed 7 1-3 innings for the win, and Kerry Wood closed out the ninth for his fifth save.
Miguel Cabrera hit a three-run homer for the Tigers, who were -175 favorites. Armando Galarraga surrendered eight hits and five runs in the loss.
Current streak:
Detroit has lost 3 straight games.
Team records:
Cleveland: 9-14 SU
Detroit: 11-11 SU
Cleveland most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 7-3
Before playing Detroit are 7-3
After playing Detroit are 6-4
After a win are 2-8

Detroit most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 2-8
Before playing Cleveland are 3-7
After playing Cleveland are 3-7
After a loss are 6-4

A few trends to consider:
Cleveland is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing Detroit
Cleveland is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Detroit
Cleveland is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games on the road
Cleveland is 4-8 SU in its last 12 games on the road
Detroit is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games at home
Detroit is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Cleveland
Detroit is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games when playing Cleveland
Next up:
Detroit home to Cleveland, Sunday, May 3

 

Mets-Phillies Odds Preview

The New York Mets and the Philadelphia Phillies will both be trying to pick up a win on Saturday when they battle at Citizens Bank Park.
The Mets will pin their hopes on the pitching of lefthander Oliver Perez in this game. Perez has a 1-2 record and a 9.31 ERA this season.
It’ll be Jamie Moyer toeing the rubber for the Phillies in this contest. Lefthander Moyer is 3-1 with a 5.09 ERA so far this season.
Oddsmakers currently have the Phillies listed as 125-moneyline favorites versus the Mets, while the game’s total has not yet been posted.
The Mets got out to an early lead and never looked back in a 7-4 win over the Phillies on Friday, as a -110 pick’em. That game’s 11 runs went as a PUSH against the posted over/under (11).
Daniel Murphy belted a two-run homer to lead the Mets. Mike Pelfrey improved to 3-0 with the win, and Francisco Rodriguez earned his fifth save.
Chase Utley went deep for the Phillies, while Chan Ho Park gave up eight hits and seven runs over 4 2-3 innings in the loss.
Current streak:
Philadelphia has lost 2 straight games.
Team records:
New York: 10-12 SU
Philadelphia: 11-10 SU
New York most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 6-4
Before playing Philadelphia are 5-5
After playing Philadelphia are 9-1
After a win are 3-7

Philadelphia most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 7-3
Before playing NY Mets are 5-5
After playing NY Mets are 2-8
After a loss are 5-5

A few trends to consider:
NY Mets are 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Philadelphia
NY Mets are 8-4 SU in its last 12 games when playing Philadelphia
NY Mets are 1-4 SU in its last 5 games on the road
Philadelphia is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games
Philadelphia is 15-8 SU in its last 23 games at home
Philadelphia is 4-8 SU in its last 12 games when playing NY Mets
Philadelphia is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games at home
Next up:
Philadelphia home to NY Mets, Sunday, May 3

 

Astros-Braves Odds Preview

The Houston Astros and the Atlanta Braves will both be trying to pick up a win on Saturday when they battle at Turner Field.
The Astros will give the ball to ace starter Roy Oswalt in this one. Righthander Oswalt is 0-2 this season with a 3.94 ERA.
Starting this game for the Braves will be Jair Jurrjens. The righthander has a 1.72 ERA to go along with a 2-2 record this season.
Oddsmakers currently have the Braves listed as 130-moneyline favorites versus the Astros, while the game’s total has not yet been posted.
Jeff Francoeur drove in three runs to lead the Braves to a 7-2 victory over the Astros, as -170 favorites last time out. That game’s nine runs made it OVER the posted over/under (8).
Omar Infante and Yunel Escobar drove in two runs apiece for the Braves. Derek Lowe allowed eight hits and two runs over 6 2-3 innings in picking up the win.
Lance Berkman and Mike Hampton drove in the runs for the Astros, who were +150 underdogs. Hampton gave up five hits and six runs in just over four innings of work in the loss.
Current streak:
Houston has lost 2 straight games.
Team records:
Houston: 9-14 SU
Atlanta: 11-11 SU
Houston most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 8-2
Before playing Atlanta are 5-5
After playing Atlanta are 6-4
After a loss are 4-6

Atlanta most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 5-5
Before playing Houston are 4-6
After playing Houston are 3-7
After a win are 5-5

A few trends to consider:
Houston is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games on the road
Houston is 2-6 SU in its last 8 games when playing on the road against Atlanta
Atlanta is 6-2 SU in its last 8 games when playing at home against Houston
Atlanta is 2-5 SU in its last 7 games at home
Next up:
Atlanta home to Houston, Sunday, May 3

 

Orioles-Blue Jays Odds Preview

The Baltimore Orioles and the Toronto Blue Jays will meet on the field at Rogers Centre on Saturday in a battle of division rivals.
Brad Bergesen will be the starting pitcher for the Orioles on this day. Righthander Bergesen is 1-0 this season with a 5.58 ERA.
Bergesen’s opponent in this one will be David Purcey. The Blue Jays lefthander has a 7.01 ERA to go along with a 0-2 record this season.
Oddsmakers currently have the Blue Jays listed as 130-moneyline favorites versus the Orioles, while the game’s total has not yet been posted.
The Blue Jays scored four runs in the fourth inning and went on to defeat the Orioles 8-4 on Friday, as -240 favorites. That game’s 12 runs made it OVER the posted over/under (9).
Rod Brajas had three hits and drove in two runs for the Blue Jays. Roy Halladay improved to 5-1 with the win, allowing 10 hits and four runs.
Nick Markakis hit a two-run homer for the Orioles, who were +210 underdogs. Mark Hendrickson gave up nine hits and four runs in suffering the loss.
Current streak:
Baltimore has lost 4 straight games.
Team records:
Baltimore: 9-14 SU
Toronto: 16-9 SU
Baltimore most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 6-4
Before playing Toronto are 4-6
After playing Toronto are 2-8
After a loss are 3-7

Toronto most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 8-2
Before playing Baltimore are 5-5
After playing Baltimore are 8-2
After a win are 4-6

A few trends to consider:
Baltimore is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games when playing Toronto
Baltimore is 1-6 SU in its last 7 games
Baltimore is 1-7 SU in its last 8 games when playing on the road against Toronto
Baltimore is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games on the road
Toronto is 7-1 SU in its last 8 games when playing at home against Baltimore
Toronto is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing Baltimore
Toronto is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games at home
Next up:
Toronto home to Baltimore, Sunday, May 3

 

Angels-Yankees Odds Preview

A winning streak will be on the line for the New York Yankees on Saturday when they battle the Los Angeles Angels at Yankee Stadium.
The Angels will pin their hopes on the pitching of righthander Matt Palmer in this game. Palmer has a 1-0 record and a 6.00 ERA this season.
Starting this game for the Yankees will be ace CC Sabathia. The lefthander has a 4.73 ERA to go along with a 1-2 record this season.
Oddsmakers currently have the Yankees listed as 250-moneyline favorites versus the Angels, while the game’s total has not yet been posted.
Jorge Posada drove in the winning runs and had four RBIs on Friday, leading the Yankees to a 10-9 victory over the Angels. The Yankees won the game as -160 favorites, and the 19 runs sailed OVER the posted over/under (10).
Ramiro Pena had three hits and two RBIs, while Jonathan Albaladejo tossed the ninth and was credited with the victory.
Gary Matthews Jr. had three hits and drove in three runs to lead the Angels, who were +140 underdogs. Brian Fuentes gave up two runs in relief and suffered the loss.
Current streak:
Los Angeles has lost 2 straight games.
New York has won 4 straight games.
Team records:
Los Angeles: 9-13 SU
New York: 13-10 SU
Los Angeles most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 6-4
Before playing NY Yankees are 7-3
After playing NY Yankees are 6-4
After a loss are 5-5

New York most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 5-5
Before playing LA Angels are 5-5
After playing LA Angels are 4-6
After a win are 6-4

A few trends to consider:
LA Angels are 3-8 SU in their last 11 games on the road
LA Angels are 1-4 SU in their last 5 games when playing on the road against NY Yankees
NY Yankees are 5-0 SU in their last 5 games at home
NY Yankees are 4-1 SU in their last 5 games when playing at home against LA Angels
NY Yankees are 4-1 SU in their last 5 games
Next up:
NY Yankees home to LA Angels, Sunday, May 3

 

Cardinals-Nationals Odds Preview

The Washington Nationals will be fighting to snap a losing streak on Saturday when they take on the St. Louis Cardinals at Nationals Park.
The Cardinals will pin their hopes on the pitching of righthander Joel Pineiro in this game. Pineiro has a 4-0 record and a 3.76 ERA this season.
Pineiro’s opponent in this one will be Shairon Martis. The Nationals righthander has a 6.20 ERA to go along with a 2-0 record this season.
Oddsmakers currently have the Cardinals listed as 145-moneyline favorites versus the Nationals, while the game’s total has not yet been posted.
The Cardinals won their second straight with a 6-2 victory over the Nationals on Friday, as +105 underdogs. That game’s eight runs went UNDER the posted over/under (9.5).
Chris Duncan went 3-for-4 at the plate with a two-run homer for the Cardinals. Todd Wellemeyer earned the win in relief.
Willie Harris went deep for a two-run blast for the Nationals, who were -115 favorites. Jordan Zimmerman surrendered eight hits and five runs in the loss.
Current streak:
St. Louis has won 3 straight games.
Washington has lost 2 straight games.
Team records:
St. Louis: 17-7
SU
Washington
: 5-17 SU
St. Louis most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 6-4
Before playing Washington are 7-3
After playing Washington are 5-5
After a win are 7-3

Washington most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 4-6
Before playing St. Louis are 3-7
After playing St. Louis are 3-7
After a loss are 4-6

A few trends to consider:
St. Louis is 7-1 SU in its last 8 games when playing Washington
St. Louis is 9-2 SU in its last 11 games
St. Louis is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Washington
St. Louis is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games on the road
Washington is 4-13 SU in its last 17 games at home
Washington is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games
Washington is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against St. Louis
Washington is 1-7 SU in its last 8 games when playing St. Louis
Next up:
Washington home to St. Louis, Sunday, May 3

 

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