The Dodgers are a new-look team since the Trade Deadline and will look to complete a three-game sweep of the Cubs this afternoon. Let’s take a look at this NL contest and two other MLB games from a betting perspective.
Arizona Diamondbacks vs. Philadelphia Phillies
The Arizona Diamondbacks had their four-game road winning streak snapped by
a 3-0 setback to Philadelphia on Saturday, but they have a great chance of bouncing back after shutout defeat, posting a 4-1 record after getting shut out during the 2012 MLB campaign.
Diamondbacks starting pitcher Trevor Cahill (9-9, 3.75 ERA) has watched the club alternate wins and losses over his last six outings, coming off a 7-2 road win over the Los Angeles Dodgers in his last effort. The right-hander is 5-4 with a 2.79 ERA in 11 starts away from the desert, surrendering just five home runs in 71 combined frames.
Cliff Lee (2-6, 3.73 ERA) is still searching for his first victory in front of the home fans this year, entering with an 0-4 mark and 4.53 ERA in seven starts. The left-hander is coming off one of his better outings of the season,
earning an 8-0 road win over the Washington Nationals, allowing just five hits over seven shutout innings.
The
MLB betting odds continue to overvalue the Phillies in this situation, as they’ve dropped seven of their last nine games as a home favorite with the left-hander on the mound.
Pick: Arizona Diamondbacks +130
Texas Rangers vs. Kansas City Royals
The Texas Rangers are in the midst of their longest win streak (four games) since late June, earning a pair of two-run victories over the Kansas City Royals the last two nights.
Sports bettors need to be cautious in wagering on the current American League West division leaders, as they’ve split their 20 games as a road favorite of -125 to -150 this season.
Derek Holland (7-6, 4.96 ERA) will try to complete the sweep, as he prepares to make just his second daytime start of the season. The 25-year-old left-hander is just 5-8 with a 4.54 ERA in 21 appearances (17 starts) under the sun in his career.
Royals starting pitcher Luke Hochevar (7-9, 5.22 ERA) needs to be respected in this spot, considering he’s tallied a perfect 2-0 record and 3.08 ERA in four lifetime starts versus the Rangers. The right-hander has done a great job of limiting Texas’ top of the lineup, giving up just two hits in 28 combined at-bats (Kinsler, Andrus, Hamilton).
I recommend backing the Royals at a nice home underdog price, especially in the first five innings, as the Rangers have lost five of their last six games as a road favorite at this price.
Chicago Cubs vs. Los Angeles Dodgers
The Chicago Cubs have scored just six runs in losing four consecutive games, as their opponent looks
to keep up with the San Francisco Giants in the NL West standings. The Los Angeles Dodgers have been tremendous in this situation of late, winning 36 of 51 games as a home favorite of -151 to -200.
Dodgers starting pitcher Joe Blanton (8-9, 4.59 ERA) was acquired off waivers earlier in the week, and should give the team a great lift down the stretch. Since 2008, the right-hander has the fourth-best winning percentage (.739, 17-6) among all MLB starters after the All-Star break.
I recommend backing the Dodgers as one of your MLB picks on Sunday, considering Cubs starter Justin Germano has registered an 0-3 record and 8.80 ERA in three career efforts at Dodger Stadium.
Pick: Los Angeles Dodgers -170