Jimmy Boyd
1 Unit on UL Lafayette Ragin Cajuns +24
Odds makers are asking a lot of Oklahoma State with this line when you consider that the Cowboys have allowed an average of 33.7 ppg over their last 3. Plus, following a big win over Texas A&M, and with Texas Tech on deck, Oklahoma State will likely be overlooking the Ragin Cajuns this evening. That wouldn't be wise considering the Cajuns are 9-4 ATS in their last 13 vs. the Big 12. The Ragin' Cajuns have won two of their last three home games against Big 12 foes, which includes a 17-15 win over K-State last year. Many a teams have found out how tough it is to play in the Bayou, and we can't ignore the fact that this is Okie State's first road game of the season. The Cowboys win this one, but I expect it to be closer than the odds makers think. Take the points.
Info Plays
3* on Philadelphia Phillies -189
Reasons the Phillies win:
1.) System Play. We'll Play Against - Any team (CINCINNATI) - in a playoff game, when trailing in a playoff series. This is a 56-23 ML System hitting 70.9% over the last 5 seasons. So far, the teams that have won Game 1 have went on to win Game 2 as well with the Yankees and Rangers both 2-0. The Reds do not have what it takes to turn this series around, they are just happy to be in the postseason for the first time since 1995.
2.) Roy Oswalt. Acquired from Houston on July 29, the three-time All-Star went 7-1 with a 1.74 ERA in 13 games with the Phillies. Oswalt was 7-0 with a 1.17 ERA in his last 10 starts. Bet the Phillies at home.
Frank Jordan
Oklahoma State vs. UL Lafayette
Play: Oklahoma State -23.5
Oklahoma State is number 22 in the country with a 4-0 record so far in the season. UL Lafayette is 2-2 on the year and in their only other game against a ranked opponent they got smacked around by Georgia 55-7. Oklahoma State has scored at least 38 points in every game, but has a pattern of blow out 3 point game blow out 3 point game so they are lined up for a blow out and to score in the 60's for points. Play Oklahoma State
Jack Jones
Reds/Phillies Over 7
With a total of just 7 runs, I see some nice value in the OVER tonight. Roy Oswalt is not going to throw a no-hitter, and I have a hard time believing the Phillies can hold down this potent Reds line-up two games in a row. That said, I could easily see the Phillies scoring 7 or more runs on their own against Bronson Arroyo and company. Oswalt is 0-2 with a 6.75 ERA in two starts against the Reds this season. Arroyo is 1-5 with a 5.84 ERA and 1.568 WHIP in 7 career starts vs. Philadelphia.
The Reds led the NL in batting average (.278), homers (188) and runs (790) this season. Philly finished the season hotter than any other team at the plate, scoring 5.6 RPG since the start of September. The OVER is 9-1-2 in Reds last 12 after scoring 2 runs or less in their previous game. The OVER is 4-0-1 in Arroyo's last 5 starts overall. The OVER is 6-1-1 in Phillies last 8 playoff home games. Roll with the OVER 7 runs Friday.
Jeff Alexander
1 Unit on San Francisco Giants -143
I'll back the Giants again tonight, considering their dominance over the Braves at home, and Cain's dominance down the stretch. With last night's win, the Giants have now won 7 of their last 8 home games against the Braves. We also can't ignore how successful San Francisco has been with Cain on the bump, the Giants are 7-1 in his last 8 starts overall and 9-1 in his last 10 starts as a favorite. The Braves are just 2-5 in Hanson's last 7 road starts and 1-6 in his last 7 starts as an underdog. It's also worth noting that the Braves are now 0-9 in their last 9 playoff games as an underdog of +110 to +150. Take the Giants at home tonight.
Black Widow
1* on Philadelphia Phillies -1.5 +110
We'll take the Phillies on the Run Line Friday as they continue their stellar play. Philly is now 50-19 in their last 69 games overall, and got a no-hitter from Roy Halladay in Game 1 en route to a 4-0 victory. Roy Oswalt is going to want to try and match Halladay's effort tonight. Oswalt, Halladay and Cole Hamels have all been feeding off each other, and that's why they've all pitched so well down the stretch. Since being traded from Houston, Oswalt is 7-1 with a 1.74 ERA in 13 starts for the Phillies, including 7-0 with a 1.17 ERA in his last 10 starts. This is a Phillies team that is finally healthy, and one that scored 5.6 runsg/game over the final month of the season. Oswalt should get plenty of run support tonight considering Bronson Arroyo is 1-5 with a 5.84 ERA and 1.568 WHIP in 7 career starts against Philly. Take the Phillies on the Run Line.
Wunderdog
Braves vs. Giants
Play: Under 6½
The first game in this series ended with one total run scored. That may be a sign of things to come. The Braves have now played seven of their last eight playoffs games to the UNDER, while the Giants have played to a 10-1 mark to the UNDER in their last 11 at home vs. a right-hander. Atlanta has averaged 3.3 runs per game over their last seven while the Giants have managed just 3.0 per game over that same span. Both teams have excellent bullpens and both teams start pitchers with sub 3.50 ERAs. I like the UNDER in this one.