Scoring has been at a premium in the first three games of a four-game set between the Cincinnati Reds and San Francisco Giants at AT&T Park, as two quality starting pitchers match up Sunday afternoon. Let’s find out who you should pick in this National League affair.
West coast, is the
best coast
Cincinnati use to
dread playing on the West Coast before the 2011 season, posting a 20-40 record
the previous five seasons, but has gone 9-4 in that situation since. The
Reds have won the last two games against the Giants since dropping the series
opener on Thursday night, allowing just two combined runs in those
contests. San Francisco is currently in a stretch of playing 13
consecutive games against opponents that are either in first or second place in
their division, which is challenging due to the club’s even 18-18 mark versus
teams with a .500-or-better record in 2012.
Vogelsong feels at
home in the Bay Area
Giants starting
pitcher Ryan Vogelsong (7-3, 2.23 ERA) has been tremendous when pitching at
this ballpark since 2011, compiling an impressive 1.85 home ERA over that
span. The right-hander is 4-2 with a 1.29 ERA in eight home outings this
year, with opposing hitters batting just .199 against him. In 14 career
appearances (seven starts) versus the Reds, Volgelsong has registered a losing
2-3 record and 5.48 ERA, including a 1-3 mark and 6.60 ERA in his six starts.
Bronson Arroyo (3-5,
4.13 ERA) has watched the club alternate wins and losses over his last four
outings, failing to earn a decision in a 4-3 home victory over the Milwaukee
Brewers last time out. The right-hander is 1-2 with a 5.40 ERA in six
daytime starts (3.32 at night), allowing opponents to hit .318 against
him. In five career outings at AT&T Park, Arroyo has tallied an 0-4
record and 4.34 ERA.
Votto’s status in doubt
Reds first baseman
Joey Votto left Saturday’s game with inflammation in his left knee, which could
keep him on the bench in the series finale. It’s important to note that
he’s appeared in every game this season, missing one start against Pittsburgh
on May 30. The 2010 NL MVP enjoyed a tremendous month of June, leading
the majors with a .392 batting average and .487 on-base percentage.
Situation favors the
Giants
Keep a close eye on
the MLB betting odds leading up to the first pitch, with the Giants winning 10
of 12 games as a home favorite of -125 to -150 this season, while the Reds have
dropped 7 of 11 contests as a road underdog of +100 to +125. These statscould greatly aid you in making your baseball betting picks tonight.
Home plate umpire
gives the visitor an edge
Umpire Dan Iassogna
will be behind home plate for his 17th game of the season, while calling balls
and strikes with Arroyo on the mound for the seventh time in his career. The Reds veteran has led his club to victories in five of those games, with
each contest going UNDER the total.
Prediction
Sports bettors will
likely receive added value in the MLB betting odds if they wait to see if Votto is
out of the lineup, as his presence won’t be missed as much in this matchup,
with just one hit in six career at-bats against Vogelsong. Cincinnati
pushes its record to 11-3 in its last 14 Sunday games dating back to last
season, while improving to 20-10 in daytime contests this year.
Pick: Cincinnati Reds +130