Getting a pitcher like Los Angeles' Chad Billingsley on the dog line is hard to pass up. Back the Dodgers in Game 1 of their twin bill this afternoon against Jeff Francis and the Rockies.
The Dodgers, after a day off, travel to Colorado looking to bounce back off their loss to Arizona on Sunday. The Dodgers come into this one clinging to hopes of the playoffs as they sit four games off the pace in the NL West and three out for the Wild Card spot. The loss the other day dropped them to 79-70 and snapped their four-game winning streak.
Los Angeles has done well against left-handed starters posting a 25-17 (+550) mark on the year. Tonight they will be facing a tough lefty in Jeff Francis of the Rockies. However, Francis has been shaking over his last three starts going 1-2 with a very high 6.88 ERA.
The Rockies come into this one hoping to make the playoffs as well but have been struggling down the stretch going only 3-4 their last seven and sit six games out of first place in the NL West, five back in the Wild Card race. Overall the Rockies have still surprised most staying above the .500 mark this late in the season at 77-72.
In Game 1 of today's double header with the Dodgers, the Rockies will be facing a tough right-hander in Chad Billingsley who has been sensational down the stretch, going 4-2 with a 2.77 ERA on the road and an even better 2-0 mark with a miniscule .95 ERA in his last three starts.
Supporting Angles: The Dodgers are 16-8 (+8.9 Units) against the moneyline after a loss by four runs or more this season. L.A. is 21-13 (+9.5 Units) against the moneyline in road games after a loss this season. Colorado is 10-19 (-13.2 Units) against the moneyline in home games after two or more consecutive overs over the last two seasons.
A great pitching matchup in this one between two teams who both have a lot at stake. But anytime you can get a pitcher as hot as Billingsley listed as an underdog you have to take the value. I'm taking the LA Dodgers in this one.
Free Pick: Dodgers +107