Monday’s MLB Picks
Our team of writers and handicappers hand out their MLB picks and predictions for Monday, April 20.
Atlanta Braves at Washington Nationals, 7:05PM ET
The Atlanta Braves’ offense is coming off an inconsistent weekend, but they believe there’s reason for optimism – especially if they can get into Washington’s beleaguered bullpen.
Having broken out of their slump, the Braves visit a team they had little trouble scoring against less than two weeks ago when they open a three-game series against the struggling Nationals on Monday night.
After averaging 6.3 runs in their first six game, the Braves (6-6) struggled at the plate, dropping their next five straight. Beginning with Thursday’s 6-2 loss to Florida, Atlanta went 22 innings without scoring, losing the first two games of its weekend series with Pittsburgh 3-0 and 10-0.
The Braves salvaged the set with an 11-1 victory Sunday, as Martin Prado and David Ross each hit three-run homers to support Javier Vazquez’s six scoreless innings.
Third baseman Chipper Jones returned to Atlanta’s lineup Sunday after missing four games with a bruised thumb, and second baseman Yunel Escobar, who strained an abdominal muscle Thursday, is expected back Monday.
MLB Free Pick: Atlanta – View Game Matchup | Best Line: -145 SBG Global
Florida Marlins at Pittsburgh Pirates, 7:05PM ET
The Pittsburgh Pirates had an outstanding stretch on the mound before a poor finish to a weekend series. Their pitchers certainly won’t get a break against the Florida Marlins.
The Marlins, who boast the majors’ best record thanks partly to their outstanding production at the plate, look to push their winning streak to eight in the opener of a three-game set with the Pirates on Monday night.
Pittsburgh (6-6) had posted two straight shutouts and three in five contests before losing 11-1 to Atlanta on Sunday. Now, the Pirates will try to slow down a Marlins lineup that is averaging 6.41 runs.
Florida (11-1) has scored 16 runs over its last two games, including a 7-4 victory over Washington on Sunday in the finale of a three-game series.
Cody Ross was the hitting star for the Marlins in that contest, tying the game with a homer in the eighth and connecting for a three-run double in the ninth en route to finishing with five RBIs.
Florida is now 6-0 on the road following its fourth comeback victory.
MLB Free Pick: Florida – View Game Matchup | Best Line: -110 SBG Global
San Diego Padres at Philadelphia Phillies, 1:05PM ET
New left fielder Raul Ibanez is fitting in perfectly with the Philadelphia Phillies’ home run-powered offense.
After leading the team to a comeback win, Ibanez and the Phillies look for a split in their four-game series against the San Diego Padres in Monday’s finale at Citizens Bank Ballpark.
Philadelphia (5-6) lost the first two games of its series against San Diego (9-4) and appeared to be on the verge of dropping another Sunday before rallying to win 5-4.
Trailing 4-0 after five innings, Chase Utley hit a two-run homer in the sixth, Jimmy Rollins had a solo shot in the eighth and Ibanez won the game with a two-run home run in the ninth off Edwin Moreno.
Padres manager Bud Black had to use Moreno in the ninth because closer Heath Bell had worked three consecutive days.
MLB Free Pick: San Diego – View Game Matchup | Best Line: +140 SBG Global
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Posted: 4/20/09 12:00 AM ET
