Dennis Macklin
Atlanta Braves at Washington Nationals
Prediction: Atlanta Braves
Many of the MLB preview magazines predicted a breakout year for the Braves Jair Jurjjens. Through three starts, 2-1 and 2.55, he's done nothing to prove them wrong. The nasty Nats have won two straight after 1-10 start but can't recommend with (0-2, 6.44) John Lannan who was drilled by the Bravos on the 11th giving up five earned on nine hits/three walks effort at Hotlanta. Look for Braves to get to Lannan early and often in easy Atlanta win.
Rob Homyak
5 UNITS on Chicago Cubs
The Reds will pin their hopes on the pitching of righthander Johnny Cueto in this game. Cueto has a 0-1 record and a 4.22 ERA this season.
Meanwhile, it'll be Ted Lilly who starts for the Cubs. Lefthander Lilly is 2-0 with a 3.86 ERA so far this season.
Aramis Ramirez went 3-for-5 with three runs batted in, as the Cubs handled the Reds 7-2 on Tuesday night.
Chicago cashed as -230 home favorites as the game played over the 8-run total posted by oddsmakers.
Micah Hoffpauir smacked a solo shot and had two RBIs for the Cubs, while Rich Harden gave up two runs over six innings to get the win for Chicago.
Jay Bruce was 2-for-4 with a homer and two RBIs for Cincinnati, as Micah Owings allowed two earned runs over 4 2-3 innings to take the loss for the Reds.
After two days off because of a rainout and a scheduled off day, Chicago returned to the field Tuesday and pounded out a 7-2 victory, its third consecutive win. The Cubs carry hot streaks of 6-2 overall (all as a favorite), 58-27 at home (4-2 this year), 5-1 against the N.L. Central and 12-5 on Wednesday.
The Reds have lost six of their last seven on Wednesday. The home team has won 12 of the last 17 clashes.
Cueto faced the Cubs four times in his rookie season last year, going 1-3 with a 4.68 ERA, including 0-2 with a 3.29 ERA in two games at Wrigley Field. The Reds have lost 12 of Cueto?s last 17 road starts and eight of his last 11 against Central division rivals.
Chicago is unbeaten in Lilly?s last six starts overall, and with Ted Lilly the Cubs are of 22-8 overall, 20-8 at home, 12-2 against winning teams, 5-0 as a favorite and 5-0 versus the N.L. Central.
LILLY is 12-2 (+10.8 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
Chicago Cubs are 6-2 SU in their last 8 games
Umpire Trends - Lance Barksdale
Home team is 5-0 in Barksdales last 5 games behind home plate.
Cubs are 5-0 in their last 5 games with Barksdale behind home plate.
Tommy the Swami
Orlando - 10 -120
Since the 1999-00 season, Playoff teams Off a SU Dog Win are 25-48 ..66% play against for 20 seasons Play Against away dogs of 6(+) points in the first roundif they won Game 1 as dogs of 5 (+) points. 67% Play AGAINST - Any NBA Round 1 Game 2 team with the Bulss WL% that beat the pointspread by 10(+) pts in Gm1.Record since 1990-91 - 34-17 ATS 67% When a team was upset as a favorite in an opening round game and is at home in the game immediately thereafter.they are 41-22-1. If they were upset at home and return home they improve to 33-14-1.