MLB Dodgers vs. Pirates Picks & Predictions for Thursday, August 16
By ATSSportsline.com
PITTSBURGH, PA (ATS Consultants) – This is the fourth game of a four-game series. The Pirates will try and avoid the four-game sweeps. Joe Blanton takes the mound for the Dodgers, while A.J. Burnett goes to the hill for the Pirates. The opening pitch starts at 4:05pmET from PNC Park in Pittsburgh.
ODDS: The oddsmakers have installed the Pirates as a -130 favorite over the Dodgers. The total is 7.5 in most books. The Dodgers come in with a 65-53 overall record and are 56-55 Over, while the Pittsburgh are 64-53 overall and are 51-59 Under.
LINE MOVEMENT: The Pirates opened as a -145 favorite and moved down to -130 at most books. The total started at 8 and moved down to 7.5 at most books.
PUBLIC BETTING: Of the wagers currently placed on tonight’s game, 73% of public bettors favor the Pirates. These numbers are subject to change, however, so make sure you click on the “Public Betting” link available in this paragraph to get the most up-to-date information.
MLB FREE PICK: Take the Pirates. According to the latest MLB trends, the Pirates are 20-7 in their last 27 home games vs. a right-handed starter, 5-0 in Burnett's last 5 starts as a home favorite of -110 to -150, 10-1 in Burnett's last 11 home starts and are 17-4 in Burnett's last 21 starts. This is a big one for the Pirates. A sweep at home to the Dodgers could tie them with the Cardinals for the second wild card spot. A.J. Burnett has been their best pitcher all year and he's been ever better in his last three starts, going 2-1 with a 2.31 ERA. The Pirates' pitching has failed them their first three games. It's time for Burnett to step up and become the stopper, halting their three-game losing streak.
THURSDAY MLB FREE PICK: PITTSBURGH PIRATES –130
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