Mets-Nationals Pointspread Pointers

The division rival New York Mets and Washington Nationals are set to renew hostilities on Thursday when they meet at Nationals Park.
The Mets will trot Oliver Perez out to the mound in this one. Lefthander Perez has a 8-7 record and a 3.90 ERA this season.
Starting this game for the Nationals will be Collin Balester. The righthander has a 4.66 ERA to go along with a 2-4 record this season.
NewBodog oddsmakers currently have the Mets listed as 155-moneyline favorites versus the Nationals, while the game’s total has not yet been posted.
The Mets scored eight times in the third inning of Wednesday’s 12-0 trashing of the Nationals, as -145 favorites. The 12 runs sailed OVER the posted over/under (8).
Daniel Murphy belted a two-run homer and finished with three RBIs, while Carlos Beltran and Fernando Tatis had two RBIs for the Mets. John Maine tossed five shutout innings, allowing just one hit in earning the win.
Jason Bergmann was rocked for 10 runs over three innings in suffering the loss.
Current streak:
New York has won 2 straight games.
Washington has lost 6 straight games.
Team records:
New York: 64-56 SU
Washington: 44-77 SU
New York most recently:
When playing on Thursday are 5-5
Before playing Pittsburgh are 8-2
After playing Washington are 6-4
After a win are 5-5

Washington most recently:
When playing on Thursday are 5-5
Before playing Colorado are 6-4
After playing NY Mets are 5-5
After a loss are 2-8

A few trends to consider:
NY Mets are 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Washington
NY Mets are 5-2 SU in its last 7 games
NY Mets are 2-4 SU in its last 6 games on the road
Washington is 3-7 SU in its last 10 games at home
Washington is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against NY Mets
Washington is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games
Next up:
NY Mets at Pittsburgh, Friday, August 15
Washington home to Colorado, Friday, August 15

 

Cardinals-Marlins Pointers

The fans at Dolphin Stadium will be treated to a game between the St. Louis Cardinals and the Florida Marlins when they take their seats on Thursday.
The Cardinals will give the ball to starter Brad Thompson in this one. Righthander Thompson is 1-1 this season with a 2.87 ERA.
It’ll be ace Scott Olsen toeing the rubber for the Marlins in this contest. Lefthander Olsen is 6-7 with a 4.04 ERA so far this season.
NewBodog oddsmakers currently have the Marlins listed as 120-moneyline favorites versus the Cardinals, while the game’s total has not yet been posted.
The Cardinals held off a late rally to defeat the Marlins 6-4 as +125 underdogs on Wednesday. The Cardinals won the game as +125 underdogs, while the 10 runs made it OVER the posted over/under (8.5).
Troy Glaus went 4-for-4 at the plate with one RBI, while Jason LaRue and Adam Kennedy drove in two runs apiece for the Cardinals. Braden Looper threw seven innings for the win, allowing two runs off five hits.
Mike Jacobs went 2-for-4 at the plate with two RBIs for the Marlins, who were favored at -138. Renyel Pinto gave up two runs in relief of starter Ricky Nolasco and was tagged with the loss.
Team records:
St. Louis: 67-56 SU
Florida: 63-58 SU
St. Louis most recently:
When playing on Thursday are 6-4
Before playing Cincinnati are 6-4
After playing Florida are 5-5
After a win are 3-7

Florida most recently:
When playing on Thursday are 5-5
Before playing Chi Cubs are 6-4
After playing St. Louis are 4-6
After a loss are 8-2

A few trends to consider:
St. Louis is 8-2 SU in its last 10 games when playing on the road against Florida
St. Louis is 12-4 SU in its last 16 games when playing Florida
Florida is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games at home
Florida is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games
Florida is 4-12 SU in its last 16 games when playing St. Louis
Florida is 2-8 SU in its last 10 games when playing at home against St. Louis
Next up:
St. Louis at Cincinnati, Friday, August 15
Florida home to Chi Cubs, Friday, August 15

 

 

Cubs-Braves Preview

A winning streak will be on the line for the Chicago Cubs on Thursday when they battle the Atlanta Braves at Turner Field.
Lefthander Ted Lilly will take the mound for the Cubs to start this game. Lilly is 11-6 this season with a 4.26 ERA.
It’ll be Tom Glavine toeing the rubber for the Braves in this contest. Lefthander Glavine is 2-3 with a 4.85 ERA so far this season.
NewBodog oddsmakers currently have the Cubs listed as 137-moneyline favorites versus the Braves, while the game’s total has not yet been posted.
The Cubs completed a sweep of their doubleheader with an 8-0 pasting of the Braves in Game 2 as -130 favorites on Wednesday. The eight runs made it OVER the posted over/under (7.5).
Aramis Ramirez had two hits and two RBIs in four trips to the plate for the Cubs. Rich Harden combined on a three-hit shutout to earn the victory.
Jorge Campillo gave up five runs off seven hits over five innings in suffering the loss.
The Braves were +120 underdogs in that game.
Current streak:
Chicago has won 3 straight games.
Atlanta has lost 3 straight games.
Team records:
Chicago: 73-47 SU
Atlanta: 55-65 SU
Chicago most recently:
When playing on Thursday are 8-2
Before playing Florida are 3-7
After playing Atlanta are 7-3
After a win are 7-3

Atlanta most recently:
When playing on Thursday are 8-2
Before playing San Francisco are 6-4
After playing Chi Cubs are 3-7
After a loss are 4-6

A few trends to consider:
Chi Cubs are 5-0 SU in their last 5 games when playing Atlanta
Chi Cubs are 5-0 SU in their last 5 games on the road
Chi Cubs are 6-1 SU in their last 7 games
Chi Cubs are 5-2 SU in their last 7 games when playing on the road against Atlanta
Atlanta is 6-12 SU in its last 18 games
Atlanta is 2-5 SU in their last 7 games when playing at home against Chi Cubs
Atlanta is 2-9 SU in its last 11 games at home
Atlanta is 0-5 SU in their last 5 games when playing Chi Cubs
Next up:
Chi Cubs at Florida, Friday, August 15
Atlanta home to San Francisco, Friday, August 15

 

Reds-Pirates Pointers

The division rival Cincinnati Reds and Pittsburgh Pirates are set to renew hostilities on Thursday when they meet at PNC Park.
The Reds will trot Johnny Cueto out to the mound in this one. Righthander Cueto has a 7-11 record and a 5.01 ERA this season.
Starting this game for the Pirates will be ace Ian Snell. The righthander has a 6.06 ERA to go along with a 4-9 record this season.
NewBodog oddsmakers currently have the Pirates listed as 125-moneyline favorites versus the Reds, while the game’s total has not yet been posted.
Ryan Doumit and Jason Michaels drove in two runs apiece as the Pirates defeated the Reds 5-2 on Wednesday, as -160 favorites. The Pirates won the game as -160 favorites, while the seven runs went UNDER the posted over/under (9).
Michaels cracked a two-run dinger for the Pirates. Paul Maholm tossed eight innings for the win, allowing two runs off seven hits.
Corey Patterson and Jay Bruce hit solo home runs for the Reds, who were +145 underdogs. Josh Fogg surrendered four runs in 4 2-3 innings in the loss.
Team records:
Cincinnati: 53-68 SU
Pittsburgh: 55-65 SU
Cincinnati most recently:
When playing on Thursday are 4-6
Before playing St. Louis are 5-5
After playing Pittsburgh are 3-7
After a loss are 3-7

Pittsburgh most recently:
When playing on Thursday are 5-5
Before playing NY Mets are 2-8
After playing Cincinnati are 7-3
After a win are 5-5

A few trends to consider:
Cincinnati is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games when playing Pittsburgh
Cincinnati is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Pittsburgh
Cincinnati is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games on the road
Cincinnati is 1-7 SU in its last 8 games
Pittsburgh is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Cincinnati
Pittsburgh is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games when playing Cincinnati
Next up:
Cincinnati home to St. Louis, Friday, August 15
Pittsburgh home to NY Mets, Friday, August 15

 

Orioles-Indians Vegas Betting Odds

The Baltimore Orioles and the Cleveland Indians will both be trying to pick up a win on Thursday when they battle at Progressive Field.
Daniel Cabrera will be the starting pitcher for the Orioles on this day. Righthander Cabrera is 8-7 this season with a 4.87 ERA.
The Indians will counter Cabrera with Zach Jackson. Lefthander Jackson has a 4.91 ERA to go along with a 0-0 record this season.
Odds aren’t yet posted for this game, so check back later for the opening line and total.
The Orioles snapped a two-game losing skid to Cleveland with a 6-1 win on Wednesday, as -115 favorites. The seven runs fell UNDER the posted over/under (9.5).
Aubrey Huff homered and finished with two RBIs in leading the Orioles. Jeremy Guthrie allowed only one run off four hits over seven innings for the win.
Grady Sizemore drove in the lone run for the Indians, who were +105 underdogs in that game. Anthony Reyes gave up two runs off six hits over six innings in the loss.
Team records:
Baltimore: 57-62 SU
Cleveland: 54-65 SU
Baltimore most recently:
When playing on Thursday are 7-3
Before playing Detroit are 4-6
After playing Cleveland are 4-6
After a win are 4-6

Cleveland most recently:
When playing on Thursday are 4-6
Before playing LA Angels are 6-4
After playing Baltimore are 7-3
After a loss are 6-4

A few trends to consider:
Baltimore is 2-5 SU in its last 7 games on the road
Baltimore is 4-11 SU in its last 15 games when playing on the road against Cleveland
Baltimore is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing Cleveland
Cleveland is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games
Cleveland is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing Baltimore
Cleveland is 11-4 SU in its last 15 games when playing at home against Baltimore
Next up:
Baltimore at Detroit, Friday, August 15
Cleveland home to LA Angels, Friday, August 15

 

Rangers-Red Sox Who Will Cover?

The fans at Fenway Park will be treated to a game between the Texas Rangers and the Boston Red Sox when they take their seats on Thursday.
Righthander Vicente Padilla will take the mound for the Rangers to start this game. Padilla is 12-6 this season with a 4.85 ERA.
The Red Sox will counter Padilla with Daisuke Matsuzaka. Righthander Matsuzaka has a 2.90 ERA to go along with a 13-2 record this season.
NewBodog oddsmakers currently have the Red Sox listed as 280-moneyline favorites versus the Rangers, while the game’s total has not yet been posted.
The Red Sox doubled the Rangers 8-4 on Wednesday, as -240 favorites. The combined 12 runs made it OVER the posted over/under (10.5).
Kevin Youkilis went 3-for-4 at the plate with two RBIs for the Red Sox. Jon Lester improved to 11-4 with the win, giving up three runs off seven hits in 7 1-3 innings of work.
Milton Bradley cracked a three-run homer in a losing effort for the Rangers. Luis Mendoza allowed eight runs off nine hits in just four innings on the mound.
Current streak:
Texas has lost 2 straight games.
Boston has won 3 straight games.
Team records:
Texas: 61-60 SU
Boston: 70-51 SU
Texas most recently:
When playing on Thursday are 3-7
Before playing Tampa Bay are 4-6
After playing Boston are 3-7
After a loss are 5-5

Boston most recently:
When playing on Thursday are 7-3
Before playing Toronto are 4-6
After playing Texas are 8-2
After a win are 5-5

A few trends to consider:
Texas is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games on the road
Texas is 1-6 SU in its last 7 games
Texas is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Boston
Texas is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games when playing Boston
Boston is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Texas
Boston is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing Texas
Boston is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home
Boston is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games
Next up:
Texas home to Tampa Bay, Friday, August 15
Boston home to Toronto, Friday, August 15

 

Rays-Athletics Preview

The Tampa Bay Rays and the Oakland Athletics will both be gunning for a victory on Thursday when they meet at McAfee Coliseum.
James Shields will be the starting pitcher for the Rays on this day. Righthander Shields is 10-7 this season with a 3.65 ERA.
Starting this game for the Athletics will be Sean Gallagher. The righthander has a 4.39 ERA to go along with a 4-5 record this season.
NewBodog oddsmakers currently have the Rays listed as 140-moneyline favorites versus the Athletics, while the game’s total has not yet been posted.
The Rays pulled off a thrilling 3-2 win over the A’s as +125 underdogs on Wednesday. The five runs went UNDER the posted over/under (7.5).
Eric Hinske went 3-for-3 with one RBI for the Rays. Andy Sonnanstine tossed six innings for the win, allowing two runs off six hits.
Eric Patterson drove in two runs for the A’s, who were favored at -135 in that contest. Justin Duchscherer gave up three runs over 6 1-3 innings to suffer the loss.
Team records:
Tampa Bay: 72-47 SU
Oakland: 55-64 SU
Tampa Bay most recently:
When playing on Thursday are 1-9
Before playing Texas are 7-3
After playing Oakland are 6-4
After a win are 7-3

Oakland most recently:
When playing on Thursday are 5-5
Before playing Chi White Sox are 6-4
After playing Tampa Bay are 3-7
After a loss are 2-8

A few trends to consider:
Tampa Bay is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games on the road
Tampa Bay is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games
Tampa Bay is 8-3 SU in its last 11 games when playing Oakland
Tampa Bay is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Oakland
Oakland is 18-7 SU in its last 25 games when playing at home against Tampa Bay
Oakland is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games when playing at home against Tampa Bay
Oakland is 3-8 SU in its last 11 games when playing Tampa Bay
Oakland is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games at home
Next up:
Tampa Bay at Texas, Friday, August 15
Oakland home to Chi White Sox, Friday, August 15

 

Brewers-Padres Pointers

A winning streak will be on the line for the Milwaukee Brewers on Thursday when they battle the San Diego Padres at PETCO Park.
Ace Ben Sheets will be the starting pitcher for the Brewers on this day. Righthander Sheets is 11-5 this season with a 2.95 ERA.
Sheets’s opponent in this one will be Jake Peavy. The Padres ace righthander has a 2.86 ERA to go along with a 8-8 record this season.
NewBodog oddsmakers currently have the Padres listed as 108-moneyline favorites versus the Brewers, while the game’s total has not yet been posted.
The Brewers scored five runs in the fifth inning on Wednesday, as they defeated the Padres 7-1. The Brewers won the game as -200 favorites, while the eight runs made it OVER the posted over/under (7).
Corey Hart led the way with three RBIs for the Brewers. C.C. Sabathia tossed seven innings for the win, allowing one run off nine hits.
Nick Hundley drove in the lone run for the Padres, who were +180 underdogs. Josh Banks gave up seven runs off five hits over 4 1-3 innings of work.
Current streak:
Milwaukee has won 8 straight games.
San Diego has lost 2 straight games.
Team records:
Milwaukee: 70-51 SU
San Diego: 46-74 SU
Milwaukee most recently:
When playing on Thursday are 3-7
Before playing LA Dodgers are 8-2
After playing San Diego are 4-6
After a win are 8-2

San Diego most recently:
When playing on Thursday are 7-3
Before playing Philadelphia are 6-4
After playing Milwaukee are 4-6
After a loss are 4-6

A few trends to consider:
Milwaukee is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games
Milwaukee is 13-2 SU in its last 15 games on the road
Milwaukee is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing San Diego
Milwaukee is 2-5 SU in its last 7 games when playing on the road against San Diego
San Diego is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games when playing at home against Milwaukee
San Diego is 4-9 SU in its last 13 games
San Diego is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing Milwaukee
San Diego is 1-6 SU in its last 7 games at home
Next up:
Milwaukee at LA Dodgers, Friday, August 15
San Diego home to Philadelphia, Friday, August 15

 

Diamondbacks-Rockies Preview

The Arizona Diamondbacks and the Colorado Rockies will both be trying to pick up a win on Thursday when they battle at Coors Field.
The Diamondbacks will pin their hopes on the pitching of righthander Dan Haren in this game. Haren has a 12-6 record and a 3.00 ERA this season.
The Rockies will counter Haren with Glendon Rusch. Lefthander Rusch has a 4.30 ERA to go along with a 4-1 record this season.
NewBodog oddsmakers currently have the Diamondbacks listed as 150-moneyline favorites versus the Rockies, while the game’s total has not yet been posted.
Brad Hawpe belted a two-run homer in leading the Rockies to a 6-5 win over the Diamondbacks on Wednesday, as -135 favorites. The 11 runs made it OVER the posted over/under (9.5).
Hawpe finished 3-for-3 at the plate for the D-Backs. Taylor Buchholz improved to 5-3 with the win, and Brian Fuentes notched his 22nd save.
Jon Rauch gave up two runs in relief to suffer the loss for the Diamondbacks, who were ++115 underdogs in that game.
Team records:
Arizona: 61-59 SU
Colorado: 54-68 SU
Arizona most recently:
When playing on Thursday are 3-7
Before playing Houston are 6-4
After playing Colorado are 7-3
After a loss are 6-4

Colorado most recently:
When playing on Thursday are 4-6
Before playing Washington are 5-5
After playing Arizona are 3-7
After a win are 4-6

A few trends to consider:
Arizona is 9-2 SU in its last 11 games when playing Colorado
Arizona is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Colorado
Arizona is 8-4 SU in its last 12 games on the road
Arizona is 2-5 SU in its last 7 games
Colorado is 2-5 SU in its last 7 games at home
Colorado is 2-5 SU in its last 7 games
Colorado is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Arizona
Colorado is 2-9 SU in its last 11 games when playing Arizona
Next up:
Arizona at Houston, Friday, August 15
Colorado at Washington, Friday, August 15

 

Giants-Astros Who Will Cover?

The San Francisco Giants will be fighting to snap a losing streak on Thursday when they take on the Houston Astros at Minute Maid Park.
The Giants will give the ball to starter Kevin Correia in this one. Righthander Correia is 2-6 this season with a 5.18 ERA.
Starting this game for the Astros will be Brian Moehler. The righthander has a 3.58 ERA to go along with a 8-4 record this season.
NewBodog oddsmakers currently have the Astros listed as 165-moneyline favorites versus the Giants, while the game’s total has not yet been posted.
The Astros scored all their runs in the sixth-inning on Wednesday as they defeated the Giants 6-2. The Astros won the game as -165 favorites, while the eight runs went UNDER the posted over/under (9).
Ty Wigginton went 2-for-4 at the plate with one RBI for the Astros. Randy Wolf allowed two runs off six hits over seven innings for the win.
Randy Winn had two hits in a losing effort for the Giants, who were +150 underdogs. Barry Zito gave up six runs off four hits over 5 2-3 innings in the loss.
Current streak:
San Francisco has lost 3 straight games.
Houston has won 7 straight games.
Team records:
San Francisco: 50-69 SU
Houston: 61-59 SU
San Francisco most recently:
When playing on Thursday are 5-5
Before playing Atlanta are 3-7
After playing Houston are 3-7
After a loss are 5-5

Houston most recently:
When playing on Thursday are 3-7
Before playing Arizona are 2-8
After playing San Francisco are 4-6
After a win are 9-1

A few trends to consider:
San Francisco is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games
San Francisco is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games on the road
San Francisco is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Houston
San Francisco is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games when playing Houston
Houston is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing San Francisco
Houston is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home
Houston is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games
Houston is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing at home against San Francisco
Next up:
San Francisco at Atlanta, Friday, August 15
Houston home to Arizona, Friday, August 15