Wunderdog
Houston Astros vs. Texas Rangers
Play: Texas Rangers -1½
The Texas Rangers are a vastly improved team, and it has shown up at home where they are now 22-13. That mark includes going 16-7 against teams with a losing record on the season, with 11 of the 16 wins coming by two runs or more. The Astros have done a decent job on the road, but not against the good teams. The Astros are just 3-10 on the road against teams that are .500 or better, and all 10 of the losses have been by two runs or more. They are also one of the poorest interleague underdogs in MLB at just 22-54 in that role. Brandon Backe has not led them as a road dog with a relatively high total, meaning they are playing an offensive team, as the Astros are just 4-17 in his last 21 road starts with a total of 9-10.5. The Rangers meanwhile, are reaping the harvest at 42-13 in their last 55 as a favorite of -151 to -200. All signs point to the Rangers on the runline here, and that's the call.
Freddy Wills
Pittsburgh Pirates vs. Minnesota Twins
Play: Minnesota Twins
Despite Joe Mauer being out of the lineup here today (rest) we will be on the Twins at home. The Twins are a home team all the way this year night and day from home to away. They have a 22-13 home record and they have been hitting LHP all year long. .351 avg last 5 and they are 23-4 their last 27 home games vs. LHP starter. 10-1 in inter league play. Blackburn is coming off three road starts in a row where he posted a 1.14 WHIP and a 2.57ERA. In his previous 3 home starts he posted 21IP 3 ER. He pitches well both home and away. Look for him to throw a gem here today as the Twins are 45-16 in their last 61 games at home.
pirates will have Zach Duke going and he has been solid on the road, but better at home. He's got a 3.51 ERA vs. 2.77 home ERA. His day ERA 3.72 vs. 2.82 night. Pit is 14-37 in Dukes starts where he is the dog. With the line rising late here I'm still going with the Twins on the money line.
Matt Fargo
Detroit Tigers @ St. Louis Cardinals
PICK: St. Louis Cardinals
The Cardinals have gotten the better of Detroit in the first two games of this series and that should roll right into tonight. The Tigers have now dropped four straight games and are now 17-20 on the road. St. Louis has improved to 21-15 at home and remains a game behind the Brewers in the National League Central. The Cardinals send Joel Pineiro to the hill and despite some good efforts, he is not getting the wins. The public player will ride that but the contrarian style is to play on him since that is where all the value is. Run support has been the main issue but the offense is hitting the ball more consistent. Pineiro has a 25.52 ERA at home in five starts with four of those being quality outings. Rick Porcello counters for the Tigers and his rookie season has been very solid. He has a 3.71 ERA on the year and that actually improves on the road. However, the opposition has had a lot to do with that as his last five road starts have come against the Pirates, Royals and Indians (twice) and Mariners, all of which are teams below .500. The Tigers are 16-37 in their last 53 road games against a team with a winning record while the Cardinals are 20-7 in their last 27 home games against a team with a losing road record. Also, the Tigers have now dropped six straight meetings in St. Louis. 3* St. Louis Cardinals
EZWINNER'S FREE SELECTION
Game: Houston Astros @ Texas Rangers
(970) Texas Rangers -$160
(Listing Padilla and Backe)
Right back on the Rangers again today as Brandon Backe takes the mound for Houston. Since returning from injury, Backe has been knocked around this season and sports a 12.00 ERA in relief. I don't expect his first start to go much better. Lay the juice as the Rangers win again.
2009 Free Selections Record 87-76 (53.4%)
Look at the Cajun Sports write up on the Twins game today
and compare it with Robbie Gainous. One of them is copying
the other and that is not kosher. Anyone care to venture a
guess on who is copying who? Just look at them and you
will see what I mean. 😡
8)
Frank Jordan
Florida Marlins vs. Boston Red Sox T
Play: Florida Marlins
Florida has been overmatched in the first two games up in Boston as they have scored just 3 runs while allowing 14. Things don't get any easier as they have to face Boston's good young left Jon Lester who is just 5-5 with a 4+ era, but is a good pitcher and can dominate any start. Florida has Ricky Nolasco going to counter who is 2-6 with an era over 7, but has pitched well of late going 13 innings over his last two starts allowing just 4 total earned runs. In this one look for a surprising show out of the Marlins as they get a good outing from Nolasco and scratch enough runs off of Lest to avoid the sweep. Play Florida
Look at the Cajun Sports write up on the Twins game today
and compare it with Robbie Gainous. One of them is copying
the other and that is not kosher. Anyone care to venture a
guess on who is copying who? Just look at them and you
will see what I mean. 😡8)
They are probably one in the same Undefeated Just like ASA and Leo Kostroski are one in the same.