MLB Picks and Predictions for Saturday April 11
Our team of writers and handicappers hand out their MLB picks and predictions for Saturday April 11.
New York Mets at Florida Marlins, 6:10PM ET
The Florida Marlins continue to get big performances from newcomer Emilio Bonifacio.
Bonifacio looks for his fifth multihit effort in as many starts Saturday night when the Marlins try to remain the lone unbeaten team in the majors as they continue a three-game home set with the New York Mets.
Florida is off to the first 4-0 start in franchise history after a 5-4 victory over New York (2-2) on Friday, when Jorge Cantu's single with two outs in the ninth inning scored Bonifacio with the winning run.
"Man, there's a lot of excitement out there,'' Cantu said. "We're having fun. We're off to a great start, and hopefully it will set the tone for the rest of the season."
Bonifacio scored his third run of the game after getting aboard on an infield hit with one out. Florida's new leadoff man is batting .579 (11-for-19) with nine runs scored to his point.
"If he doesn't get better, we're going to send him to Albuquerque," Marlins manager Fredi Gonzalez said.
Bonifacio easily outshone Mets leadoff hitter Jose Reyes on Friday, as the shortstop went 0-for-3 with two walks. New York stranded 14 runners, leaving at least one aboard in every inning.
MLB Free Pick: Florida | Best Line: -140 SBG Global
Chicago Cubs at Milwaukee Brewers, 7:05PM ET
The last time Carlos Zambrano pitched at Miller Park, he recorded the Cubs' first no-hitter in 36 years. The emotional pitcher dropped to his knees after the final out, Cubs fans cheered wildly and the Milwaukee Brewers were more than 800 miles away.
Zambrano looks to build off a solid opening-day outing and help Chicago get back in the win column when he returns to the site of his no-hitter Saturday, this time against the Brewers.
Last September in the thick of the playoff race, Hurricane Ike forced the Astros to move two games against the Cubs (2-2) from Houston to Miller Park, while the Brewers (2-2) were in Philadelphia. Although the Astros were the designated home team, thousands of Cubs fans made the short trip from Chicago to watch history Sept. 14.
Zambrano allowed one walk and struck out 10 in a 5-0 win over the Astros, recording the first no-hitter for the Cubs since Milt Pappas against San Diego in 1972.
Although that performance came against Houston, Zambrano has always seemed to enjoy pitching at Miller Park, posting a 2.08 ERA while winning his last three starts there against the Brewers. The right-hander was very sharp against Milwaukee last season, going 1-0 with a 0.43 ERA in three starts overall, allowing one run in 21 innings.
MLB Free Pick: Chicago | Best Line: -130 SBG Global
Philadelphia Phillies at Colorado Rockies, 8:10PM ET
The 2009 season is less than a week old, but the Colorado Rockies' offense is already in midseason form.
The same cannot be said about the Philadelphia Phillies'.
The Rockies look to keep up their surge and win their fourth straight game Saturday night when they continue their three-game series against the punchless Phillies.
After taking two of three from Arizona in its first series this season, Colorado (3-1) defeated the defending World Series champions 10-3 in Friday's home opener.
The Rockies knocked around Cole Hamels for seven runs and 11 hits in 3 2-3 innings, including a five-run third in which the reigning World Series and NLCS MVP gave up six extra-base hits.
Colorado's offense has been clicking, scoring at least eight runs in three of four games.
MLB Free Pick: Philadelphia | Best Line: +100 SBG Global