Monday 7/21 Service Plays
top dollar (GOLD MEMBER) about 1 month ago // 27 responses // TopSportsBets.com Other Service Plays

Locksmith Sports

1 Unit on Brewers +106

The Brewers have won 4 straight and they are a dominant 13-4 in their last 17 vs. the National League Central. The Brewers are also 11-3 in their last 14 vs. a team with a winning record. Milwaukee has won 4 of the last 5 meetings and it has the edge again here. The Cardinals are just 1-5 in Pineiro’s last 6 starts as a favorite of -110 to -150. Bet the Brew Crew at a great price.

Bobby Maxwel

Chicago Cubs at ARIZONA +125

We are going to grab the plus-money in this one and play the D’Backs at home. Remember the Cubs are having a great season but they haven’t been much on the road, going 21-28 away from Wrigley.

Chicago is 5-11 in its last 16 on the road and a horrendous 7-25 in their last 32 trips to Arizona.

Plus Arizona has Randy Johnson (6-7, 5.23 ERA) on the mound today and this guy has owned the Cubs in his career. The D’Backs are 10-0 in his last 10 starts against Chicago and 7-0 at Chase Field when he takes the mound against them.

The D’Backs are 55-27 when Johnson starts in a series opener and they are 14-6 in their last 20 Monday games.

Meanwhile the Cubs have newly acquired Rich Harden on the mound and they are just 3-9 when facing a team with a winning home record and 2-5 on the road against southpaws.

Let’s get the plus-money and play the D’Backs tonight.

2♦ ARIZONA

James Patrick Sports

Indians vs. Angels

The Angels are lethal on Monday as they have won 13 and lost just 6. Tonight’s starter Santana has won 35 of 51 home starts, while his opponent Paul Byrd is a hopeless 1-10 in his road starts. Our Monday selection in Major League Baseball is Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim.

Marc Lawrence

Play On: Seattle vs Lester

When the Mariners host Jon Lester and the Red Sox in Seattle this evening they’ll do so knowing they’ve beat Boston in 11 of the last 14 games on this field. In addition, Jon Lester’s road ERA is a full run worse than his home ERA this season. Swith that, we’ll look for the BoSox to dip to 5-15 away on Mondays here tonight.

Jimmy The Moose

Detroit Tigers at Kansas City Royals Prediction: Detroit Tigers

The Tigers are 12-4 in their last 16 games vs. a team with a losing record. The Tigers are 5-1 in their last 6 games to open up a series. Detroit is 16-7 in their last 23 games following a win. Miner makes his first start of the season tonight. The Tigers are 4-0 in his last 4 road starts vs. a team with a losing record. Detroit has also won 6 of his last 8 road starts. The Royals are 3-10 in theor last 13 games vs. a right-handed starter. KC is 1-5 in their last 6 home games vs. a righty. The Royals beat up on the Tigers early in the season but tonight Detroit wins. Play on the Detroit Tigers

Terron Chapman

Atlanta Braves vs. Florida Marlins Play: Florida Marlins

The Florida Marlins will look to carry the momentum they gained from Sunday’s walk off win against the Phillies into game 1 of their series tonight with the Atlanta Braves. They will send a young right hander to the mound in Christopher Volstad who was electric in his first big league start.

I’m a little apprehensive in recommending a play on a rookie pitcher in his first home start but I was impressed by what I saw from Volstad in his first outing against the Dodgers. He has an electric fastball with good command of his changeup. He struck out six while going 8 2/3 innings allowing just 5 hits and 1 earned run in the Marlins 3-1 win nine days ago. He should be tough against a Braves team who is coming off a rough weekend, dropping two of three to the lowly Washington Nationals including a 15-6 drubbing yesterday.

The Braves are one of the major’s worst road teams with a record of 15-32. Jorge Campillo will get the start for the Braves. After a strong start the right hander has cooled off some and comes into the game just 1-2 in his last three with an ERA of 5.00. The Braves are just 2-5 in his last 7 starts overall. He lasted only four innings in his only appearance against the Marlins giving up 6 hits and 4 earned runs in only 4 innings pitched inlcluding two homer’s. The Braves are hitting just .202 against right handers the last 10 games.Play on the Florida Marlins for 1 unit.

Scott Ferrall

Boston and Lester over Seattle at 130-in the Emerald City

Detroit (even odds) over Kansas City and Hochevar

Chicago 165 behind Vazquez over Texas-The White Sox just don’ lose regularly

Toronto’s Litsch over Liz in Baltimore—The Jays aren’t dead yet and the Orioles have been playing like shit

MILWAUKEE +105 over St.Louis—Brewers take the opener of an important series at Busch

Cincy 135 over San Diego-The Reds split with the Mets at home and now they have the lowly padres in town. SD doesn’t win games

STU FINER

Toronto Blue Jays at Baltimore Orioles

We like the Orioles to get the job done here tonight. Don’t let a few tough days against the Tigers get you down on the Orioles pitching staff. Their bullpen has been great all season. Their bullpen has posted an ERA of just 3.49 this season.

The Orioles faced an ace yesterday in Justin Verlander. It won’t be that same type of pitcher on the mound for the Jays tonight. The Jays send their number five to the hill tonight. Their number five is a 23 year old Florida native named Jesse Litsch.

If you would like at Jesse’s numbers you would think he has pitched very well. He did come out of the gate hot but he has been getting in lots of trouble recently. Jesse went just 2.2 innings in his last start allowing seven hits and earned runs. He hasn’t won in his last three starts and doesn’t pitch well on the road. The Orioles are the play here tonight.

Baltimore Orioles (-)

Minnesota Twins at New York Yankees

Two very hot teams collide in the Bronx tonight. The Twins and Yankees are moving down that same road. These two teams both started out the season slow but have turned it on as of late. The Twins have actually played great ball for a month. The Yankees are fresh off their home sweep of the Athletics.

When the Yankees are going well it doesn’t matter who they are facing. This is a team that still has a big time line-up. The Twins have to fly all the way to New York tonight with no off day that is not an easy thing to do.

While the Twins have played great ball as of late, most of that has been in their own ball-park. The Yankees are home and are eight games over .500 in their building, look for them to continue their modest winning streak.

New York Yankees (-)

Oakland Athletics at Tampa Bay Rays

The Athletics are a team that is fading fast folks. There are good reasons for that as well. This is a team that has been in the race all season. The problem now is the fact they just traded two of their three best pitchers. Rich Harden and Joe Blanton are now in the National League.

Oakland already has a problem scoring runs. This is a team that is ranked 23 in total runs scored. They rank 27th in batting average hitting under .250 and all season they have hit just seventy home-runs. Now you want them to go on the road and beat one of baseball’s best young pitchers? That just isn’t going to happen folks.

Scott Kazmir will pitch a big time game. We know the line is high but it should be, take the Rays they will continue their winning ways at home.

Tampa Bay Rays (-)

Texas Rangers at Chicago White Sox

We look for the Sox to bounce back here at home. We have told you time and time again that the White Sox are one of the best teams in all of baseball. We know that everyone talks about the Boston Red Sox and the Chicago Cubs. We know people are behind the Minnesota Twins and the Milwaukee Brewers but the White Sox are just as good.

The Sox are the only team to rank in the top five in both total offense and total defense (pitching). This is a team that scores almost five runs per game. They can out-slug almost any team in all of baseball. They have hit over a 132 home runs this season already (which ranks third in baseball).

The Rangers have a great offense, we aren’t going to knock it but remember that hitting gets in streaks. Good pitching always shuts down good hitting. Take the home team and lay the wood.

Chicago White Sox (-)

Detroit Tigers at Kansas City Royals

We like the Royals and their youth folks. We like their core players a lot. You better get used to some of the names we are going to mention.

Jose Guillen, David DeJesus, Mike Aviles and Alex Gordon have led a young dynamic team to respectability. The Royals are 5-2 in their last seven contests, and that actually includes a 3-1 mark against the White Sox (they played a series before the all-star break at home against them).

Zach Miner is no one special. He is just 3-3 this season with an ERA of 4.23. In fact the Tigers are only starting him this game because they are desperate. Their pitching is in shambles. Miner has tried his hand at starting over his last few seasons. He is a .500 pitcher and he is lucky to be that. An ERA over 5.00 shows us exactly that.

Luke Hochevar was on top of his game in his last start. He won’t have to be perfect to pick up a win tonight against the Tigers. The Royals have dominated the Tigers all season and we expect the same thing to occur tonight. Take the Royals and be confident.

Kansas City Royals (-)

Cleveland Indians at LA Angels

We like the Angels to continue playing good baseball on their current home stand. Tonight the Angels send one of their best pitchers to the mound. Ervin Santana has finally put it together this season. Ervin is 11-3 on the season and has an ERA of just 3.34.

Ervin finished up the first half on a high note. On the road he went to Oakland and threw seven innings of shutout ball. Not only did he put up zeros he also struck out ten batters. How about his last home start, you ask? He went seven innings, allowed just two runs and struck out seven guys.

Santana has always been a better pitcher at home. This 25 year old can shut down any lineup, especially a weak Cleveland line-up that is without their two top offensive threats.

LA Angels (-)

Boston Red Sox at Seattle Mariners

We know the Red Sox have struggled on the road but we feel they will get the job done tonight against a weak Seattle Mariners baseball team. Jon Lester has really been the unsung hero for the Red Sox this season. He is 7-3 on the season with an ERA of just 3.38. How many people out there would realize he has better numbers than Josh Beckett this season? That is a fact though.

Jon hasn’t had a problem pitching on the road this season. Lester has a winning mark on the road. He has allowed just four home runs all season away from Fenway park. This is a left handed pitcher in the mold of an Andy Pettitte. He features a plus fastball and a devastating curve ball.

Just two starts ago we saw him pitch a big time game at Yankee Stadium. A complete game five hit shutout against the Yankees that included eight strikeouts. The Sox will get back on track tonight and win a road game.

Boston Red Sox (-)

National League

Milwaukee Brewers at St. Louis Cardinals

Milwaukee has been rolling since their blockbuster trade of C.C. Sabathia. They are 5-2 in their last seven games. That also includes a winning streak of four. They have won every single game since the all-star break. That includes three wins in a row on the road.

Seth McClung goes for the Brewers tonight. He has been pitching very well this season even though you may not hear his name brought up often. Seth has lost just one game on the road all-season. He has pitched 35 innings and has an ERA of just 3.28.

The St. Louis Cardinals had to work very hard to take care of the lowly Padres. Tonight they won’t be able to beat a good team.

Milwaukee Brewers (+)

Atlanta Braves at Florida Marlins

We know the Braves have struggled on the road this season. Let’s be honest though, what team hasn’t struggled on the road this season? Christopher Volstad pitches for the Florida Marlins. Volstad is a talented pitcher but he isn’t quite ready. If the Marlins had any veteran presence Volstad would still be in the minors.

The Braves will bounce back after their tough series against the Nationals. No doubt that was a disappointing series, but the Braves still have a ton of talent. The Braves also send one of their best pitchers to the mound tonight. Jorge is just 4-4 but he has an earned run average of just 3.06.

Jorge has been lights out on the road. He has made six starts and has lost just two ball games while posting an ERA of 1.80. If there is a pitcher to trust on the road Jorge is that guy. Look for him to take care of the over-aggressive Florida Marlins team.

Atlanta Braves (+)

San Diego Padres at Cincinnati Reds

The Reds had a very tough game yesterday against the Mets. It wasn’t only the fact they lost but it was how they lost and why they lost. First of all the Reds weren’t able to win the game behind their ace. It is always tough for a team to lose a game when their ace hits the bump.

The Reds also were let down by their sloppy defense and bad bull-pen pitching. They had to use a ton of pitchers yesterday and for an extended period of time as the game went in to extras.

Homer Bailey goes for the Reds tonight. He will be replacing the injured Aaron Harang in Cincinnati. Bailey is yet to win a game and has struggled this season. Bailey is 0-3 with an ERA of 7.00. Look for the Padres behind Banks to get the job done.

San Diego Padres (+)

LA Dodgers at Colorado Rockies

The Dodgers have battled so well in their last series. They were able to steal one against the Diamondbacks yesterday in Arizona. The Dodgers have started to finally hit more. They are actually a top the division in the very weak NL West. Last night the Dodgers scored a total of six runs on twelve hits. The most impressive part was the fact they scored five runs in just the ninth inning. Not too shabby for a team that had struggled to score runs all season.

Eric Stults has been a welcome edition to the pitching staff for the Dodgers. He has now made six starts and been excellent in most of them. Eric had to make the transition to the rotation and build arm strength and he has done that. Eric has thrown 30 innings this season and allowed just 28 hits while striking out 21. Coors field isn’t exactly what it use to be. Look for the Dodgers to win this game against another NL West foe.

LA Dodgers (+)

Chicago Cubs at Arizona Diamondbacks

This line is just too good to pass up. You can’t ignore the splits on these two teams. The Cubs were able to win the game yesterday against the Astros but they lost another road series. For the season they are just 21-28 on the road. We all know how great their record is at Wrigley, but that doesn’t help them tonight out in the dessert.

The Diamondbacks on the other hand have struggled this season. They came out red hot and since then they just haven’t been able to get any steam together. Most of their troubles though have com eon the road. They are playing nine games under .500 on the road.

Randy can still shut down line-ups. His last home start was fantastic. Six innings plus pitched and he allowed just three hits and struck out ten batters. Randy has a winning record at home and will be able to get one tonight. The trip will be too tough for the Cubs tonight.

Arizona Diamondbacks (+)

Jeff Alexander Sports

1 Unit on Detroit Tigers +100

The Tigers have been starting out series’ in the win column with regularity and that has been a key part of the turnaround they have made. I like them to start out this series with a big “W” also against the up and down Royals. It will be the down Royals here as we’ll catch them in a letdown spot after taking two in a row from the White Sox on the road. The Tigers are 5-1 in their last 6 during game 1 of a series, 11-4 in their last 15 vs. a team with a losing record, and 4-0 in Miner’s last 4 road starts vs. a team with a losing record. The Royals are on1y 19-49 in their last 68 Monday games. Bet the Tigers.

Scott Spreitzer

MLB LINE ERROR GAME OF THE WEEK! *26-9, 74% Run!

I’m laying the price with the Marlins on Monday. Atlanta continues to be consistently overpriced by the oddsmakers due to faulty public perception. The Braves were huge favorites over Washington Saturday and Sunday and got drubbed. The books opened Atlanta as a small dog, practically a virtual “pick-em” with the superior Florida Marlins. Atlanta is a stunningly bad 6-18 in its last 24 games against teams with a winning record. Underrated Florida is in the heart of the NL East race right now with the Mets and Phillies. That’s enough by itself to like Florida at this price. I also like the chances of young Chris Volstad (who had a great debut in Los Angeles last week) to outpitch Jorge Campillo. In his last eight starts, Campillo has an ERA of 4.62. He’s also had trouble pitching in hot weather. If he can’t go deep, the struggling Braves bullpen will pour kerosene on the fire. Atlanta just allowed 29 runs in three games to Washington. The betting markets have been out of synch with both of these teams all season. Tonight’s moneyline is ridiculous, as far as I’m concerned. The Marlins minus the price is the play

MLB Monday Night MISMATCH! *13-2, 87% Run!

I’m laying the price with the Cardinals on Monday. It’s a big series in the NL Central, but St. Louis is in much better position to capture the opening contest. Seth McClung takes to the bump for the visitor. He’s struggled as of late, forcing the Milwaukee pen to get busy early and often. McClung has lasted just 21 innings in his last four starts, combined. The one-time reliever has allowed 12 earned runs in those outings along with 34 base runners. That adds up to a four game 5.14 ERA & 1.62 WHIP. He’s running into the wrong lineup today. The Redbirds have really found their bats, scoring 41 runs during their current five game winning streak, and 52 runs in their last six, overall! In fact, St. Louis slammed the Pads for nine runs on Sunday WITHOUT Albert Pujols, who had the day off. Lucky for Seth McClung. He gets to face a rested Pujols on Monday. Meanwhile, I look for Joel Pineiro to cool off the Brewer bats. He’s had no trouble in his pair of starts against the Brewers, sporting a 2.70 ERA and 0.90 WHIP. And, the Redbird righty is at his best when the sun goes down. Pineiro has struggled in afternoon outings, but he owns the night with a 3.52 ERA and 1.30 WHIP in nine evening starts this season. Toss in his 3.47 ERA in 10 career starts at this venue and we have the making of a Monday night Mismatch. I’m laying the price with the Cardinals.

Jim Feist

SD Padres and CIN Reds Take SD Padres

Josh Banks has been a very consistent pitcher this season for the Padres. Though he is only 2-4 on the year, he still has a very respectable 3.20 era. In fact, despite having started four of his last six games on the road, the 6-foot-3 righthander has allowed just 12 earned runs in those four away starts for an era well under three. Homer Bailey starts for the Reds and he’s still looking for hist first win this season in four starts (0-3). Baily has given up 14 earned runs in 18 innings and walked more than he’s struck out (10 to 7). The Padres don’t hit well, but Baily might just be the medicine that helps get the bats going here on Monday.

Dave Cokin

Braves @ Marlins Play: Marlins

I’m doing really well with most of my pre-season predictions, but I’m going to miss the mark on my Braves call, as I projected them as an Over play on their Wins Prop. Certainly the injuries haven’t helped, but the bottom line is Atlanta just isn’t very good, and they’re awful on the road. Meanwhile, the surprising Marlins just won’t go away and I think they have to be looked at as legit NL East contenders at this point. But they sure aren’t being priced that way, as you can see by the short price on this evening’s game. I’ll go for value with the Marlins to beat the Braves.

Robert Ross

Minnesota Twins at New York Yankees Prediction: New York Yankees

Yanks have taken five of last seven at home from the Twins. MINNESOTA is 20-48 against the money line in road games vs. AL teams allowing 4.7 or less runs/game on the season over the last 3 seasons and 13-24 against the money line vs. a starting pitcher who gives up 7 or more hits/start over the last 2 seasons. Take New York.

DUNKEL

Boston at Seattle The Red Sox look to bounce back from their sweep in Anaheim and take advantage of Seattle’s 1-3 record as a home underdog between +125 and +150. Boston is the pick (-135) according to Dunkel, which has the Red Sox favored by 1. Dunkel Pick: Boston (-135). Here are all of today’s games.

MONDAY, JULY 21

Game 951-952: Atlanta at Florida Dunkel Ratings: Atlanta (Campillo) 14.687; Florida (Volstad) 13.849 Dunkel Line: Atlanta by 1; 8 Vegas Line: Florida (-115); 9 Dunkel Pick: Atlanta (+105); Under

Game 953-954: San Diego at Cincinnati Dunkel Ratings: San Diego (Banks) 14.398; Cincinnati (Bailey) 15.658 Dunkel Line: Cincinnati by 1 1/2; 10 1/2 Vegas Line: Cincinnati (-130); 9 1/2 Dunkel Pick: Cincinnati (-130); Over

Game 955-956: Pittsburgh at Houston Dunkel Ratings: Pittsburgh (Van Benschoten) 13.640; Houston (Hernandez) 13.180 Dunkel Line: Pittsburgh by 1/2; 9 1/2 Vegas Line: Houston (-145); 10 Dunkel Pick: Pittsburgh (+135); Under

Game 957-958: Milwaukee at St. Louis Dunkel Ratings: Milwaukee (McClung) 16.844; St. Louis (Pineiro) 15.571 Dunkel Line: Milwaukee by 1 1/2; 10 Vegas Line: St. Louis (-120); 9 Dunkel Pick: Milwaukee (+110); Over

Game 959-960: LA Dodgers at Colorado Dunkel Ratings: LA Dodgers (Stults) 15.044; Colorado (Wells) 16.408 Dunkel Line: Colorado by 1 1/2; 9 1/2 Vegas Line: Colorado (-125); 10 Dunkel Pick: Colorado (-125); Under

Game 961-962: Chicago Cubs at Arizona Dunkel Ratings: Chicago Cubs (Harden) 14.291; Arizona (Johnson) 15.459 Dunkel Line: Arizona by 1; 7 1/2 Vegas Line: Chicago Cubs (-135); 8 Dunkel Pick: Arizona (+125); Under

Game 963-964: Minnesota at NY Yankees Dunkel Ratings: Minnesota (Blackburn) 17.121; NY Yankees (Ponson) 15.806 Dunkel Line: Minnesota by 1 1/2; 8 1/2 Vegas Line: NY Yankees (-125); 9 1/2 Dunkel Pick: Minnesota (+115); Under

Game 965-966: Toronto at Baltimore Dunkel Ratings: Toronto (Litsch) 16.055; Baltimore (Liz) 14.996 Dunkel Line: Toronto by 1; 11 Vegas Line: Baltimore (-110); 10 Dunkel Pick: Toronto (+100); Over

Game 967-968: Oakland at Tampa Bay Dunkel Ratings: Oakland (Eveland) 13.711; Tampa Bay (Kazmir) 14.933 Dunkel Line: Tampa Bay by 1; 7 Vegas Line: Tampa Bay (-185); 7 1/2 Dunkel Pick: Tampa Bay (-185); Under

Game 969-970: Texas at Chicago White Sox Dunkel Ratings: Texas (Hurley) 13.998; White Sox (Vazquez) 15.629 Dunkel Line: Chicago White Sox by 1 1/2; 10 1/2 Vegas Line: Chicago White Sox (-165); 9 1/2 Dunkel Pick: Chicago White Sox (-165); Over

Game 971-972: Detroit at Kansas City Dunkel Ratings: Detroit (Miner) 17.171; Kansas City (Hochevar) 15.859 Dunkel Line: Detroit by 1 1/2; 10 Vegas Line: Kansas City (-110); 9 1/2 Dunkel Pick: Kansas City (-110); Over

Game 973-974: Cleveland at LA Angels Dunkel Ratings: Cleveland (Byrd) 16.110; LA Angels (Santana) 17.515 Dunkel Line: LA Angels by 1 1/2; 9 1/2 Vegas Line: LA Angels (-200); 8 1/2 Dunkel Pick: LA Angels (-200); Over

Game 975-976: Boston at Seattle Dunkel Ratings: Boston (Lester) 16.292; Seattle (Washburn) 15.036 Dunkel Line: Boston by 1; 8 1/2 Vegas Line: Boston (-135); 9 Dunkel Pick: Boston (-135); Under

INDIAN COWBOY COMP

Angels/Indians Over 8.5

Normally I’m not a fan of taking overs with Santana, but he comes off a great start and is in for a little bit of let down here and remember the Indians are looking to show some heart after a terrible first half and they had a decent home stand where they at least played better, heck, the Angels could get quite a few runs on Byrd alone as he comes off one of his few half-decent starts and I think this game is likely to be more competitive than expected as I have this at possibly 10 runs, given that the over is 5-0 for the Indians of late on the road, the over is 4-0 when Byrd faces a winning team meaning his pitching does not hold up as well as the over is 4-0 for Santana following a quality appearance, I’ll take my chances here on the over.

The Indians had a good home stand of late, but now have to hit the road where they are 17-32 on the year, Byrd is 3-10 on the year and the juice on Santana shows how bad the year has been for the Indians and Byrd, Byrd hasn’t picked up a win since June 6th, the Indians have lost 9 of the last 10 games he has started, he has been giving up a ton of hits and has not put together back to back quality starts in quite some time and his last start can be considered quality for his standards this year, Santana is 11-3 this year and comes off a dominating performance at Oakland where he gave up 0 runs in 7 innings in what was a bounce-back game for him, he has at times though been having trouble putting together back to back starts, but one has to lean on the Indians run-line here, I’m not a fan of the run-line but it has value here. This is likely to be a high scoring game as an 8.5 line with Byrd is fairly small. The question is, can the Indians score as the Angels should be able to get to Byrd.

PRO INFO SPORTS

Toronto Blue Jays vs. Baltimore Orioles Prediction: OVER 10

Baltimore plays host to the Toronto Blue Jays on Monday night in the opening game of a four-game set between these two teams.

The Orioles have been competitive this season and that success has come in large part to their bullpen. Their bullpen has posted an ERA of 3.49 but overuse has depleted their effectiveness lately.

The last six games have seen only Olson and Guthrie pitch at least six innings in their outings. The lack of productivity from the Orioles starters has forced the relievers to pitch over 8 innings in just the last two games allowing five runs and eleven hits. They gave up two runs and four hits in 3 2/3 innings of work in a 5 to 1 loss to the Tigers on Sunday.

Baltimore will send Radhames Liz to the bump on Monday with his 3-2 record and 7.57 ERA. The right-hander is coming off the worst start of his brief career, allowing eight runs and six hits in 2 1/3 innings as Baltimore lost 12-1 to Boston on July 12. He’s failed to go at least four innings in three of his eight starts, and has never pitched more than 6 1/3 in his career. Liz also has given up 12 runs in six innings while losing his last two starts.

Toronto will send Jesse Litsch to the hill with his 8-6 record and 4.16 ERA. Over his last two starts we see his ERA has skyrocketed to 10.13 while losing both starts.

After beginning the season 7-1, Litsch has won once in his last eight outings. The right-hander gave up eight runs three of those earned and seven hits in 2 2/3 innings as Toronto lost 9-4 to the New York Yankees on July 12. Litsch is 1-2 with a 3.57 ERA in three starts against the Orioles.

Data base research supports our selection on the Over in tonight?s contest between the Orioles and Blue Jays. Toronto is 4-1 Over their last 5 when their opponent allowed at least 5 runs in their previous game, 10-3 Over their last 13 versus the AL East, 8-3 Over their last 11 road games versus right-handed starters, 13-5-1 Over their last 19 versus right-handed starters overall. Baltimore is 10-2-2 Over versus the AL East, 22-6-3 Over their last 31 after suffering a SU loss, 10-3-1 Over their last 14 after allowing 5 or more runs in their previous game, 23-7-1 Over their last 31 as a home favorite of -110 to -150, 19-7-1 Over their last 27 overall and Liz is 10-1 Over his last 11 starts overall. SERIES: 12-1 Over their last 13 overall and 5-1 Over their last 6 played in Baltimore.

Our Pitcher Power Index indicates Liz will allow the Blue Jays to plate 5.6 runs while Litsch gets touched for 6.1 runs in tonight?s contest. Our Team Power Index Ratings predict an Over in tonight?s game with a final score of Baltimore 7 and Toronto 5.

The combination of poor starting pitching and the Orioles bullpen struggling should be enough to send this game well over the posted total.

GRADED PREDICTION: 2* TORONTO / BALTIMORE OVER 10

TONY MATHEWS

Los Angeles Dodgers vs. Colorado Rockies Colorado Rockies -130

The Los Angeles Dodgers will use starting pitcher Eric Stults. Eric Stults has been struggling as of late. In fact, Eric Stults has a 4.70 ERA in his last 3 starts. We see Eric Stults pitching another bad game today.

The Colorado Rockies will use starting pitcher Kip Wells. Kip Wells has been pitching very well as of late. In fact, Kip Wells has a 1.69 ERA in his last 3 starts. We see Kip Wells pitching another great game today.

The Colorado Rockies are 7-2 in their last 9 meetings against the Los Angeles Dodgers (when playing in Colorado), and should be able to get another win today!

Take the Colorado Rockies

STEVE JANUS

Colorado Rockies

The Rockies have won 4 in a row at home and 6 in a row overall against any team with a losing record. They’ve also been drilling left-handed pitching lately and have been translating that into wins as Colorado has won 7 of 8 against lefties. The Dodgers are 9-20 as a road underdog between +110 and +160, plus they’ve lost 4 of their last 5 against right-handed pitching. Solid play on the home team in Colorado Monday.

JOHN FINA

Selection: Pittsburgh/Houston Over 10

Today we expect a high-scoring game as the Pittsburgh Pirates do battle with the Houston Astros. One reason why we expect a high-scoring game is because both these teams will send to the mound poor starting pitchers. This says it all… The Pittsburgh Pirates Starting Pitcher (John Van Benschoten) has a 9.77 ERA this season, while Houston Astros Starting Pitcher (Runelvys Hernandez) has a 10.29 ERA this season. As you can see, both these pitchers have been having huge pitching problems. The bottom line, we should see many runs scored tonight! Take the Pittsburgh Pirates/Houston Astros Over 10

Sports Gambling Hotline

Los Angeles at COLORADO

While the Dodgers offense has not exactly been lighting up the scoreboard this season, we do like them to get some runs this evening in Colorado as they this three game set against the Rockies.

Kip Wells is making his first start since April 1st, and we simply don’t think he is going to be around that long in this one. In Wells’ two previous starts against LA, he has allowed 10 runs in 10 innings of work. With that kind of line, it is likely the Dodgers will plate some runs tonight.

Eric Stults counters for Los Angeles, and the southpaw has allowed 8 runs over his last 15 innings of work for an 0-2 record.

These teams have played three already this year at Coors, and 2 of the 3 have gone OVER the total. We like this one to go OVER as well.

Play on the OVER tonight between the Dodgers and Rockies.

2♦ OVER

Karl Garrett

Minnesota at NY YANKEES

You would think with the lineup the Yankees have they would be going OVER the total more often than not, but that just hasn’t been the case, as the New York offense hasn’t shown much pop in a while.

Yesterday’s UNDER was New York’s 4th straight UNDER, and their 8th UNDER in their last 9 games!

Hard to imagine an OVER tonight against the Twins with that lack of production from the pinstripers.

Minnesota comes to town having played UNDER the total in 3 of their last 4, and starter Nick Blackburn comes into this start having allowed just 4 earned runs over his last 21 innings of work.

This will be the first meeting between the teams in the Bronx this year, and over the last two season’s, these teams are on a 2-4-1 UNDER clip in 7 meetings.

G-Man gonna ride the UNDER in tonight’s series opener.

3♦ UNDER

VEGAS EXPERTS

Pittsburgh Pirates at Houston Astros

Off a loss, you can’t make the Houston Astros a large enough favorite against John Van Benschoten and Pittsburgh. The Pirates too are coming off a loss, five of them in fact, and Van Benschoten may be the worst starter in any rotation in baseball. In all three starts, he’s failed to log more than four innings and his ERA is a pathetic 12.27. Pittsburgh has lost seven straight on the road.

Play on: Houston

GINA

Chicago Cubs at Arizona Diamondbacks

The Arizona Diamondbacks have won eight of the last 9 games against the Chicago Cubs at Chase Field and won lefty Randy Johnson last 10 starts versus the Cubs, 7-0 in his last seven at home.

Go with Arizona with their veteran Johnson on the hill to continue their dominance at home against the Cubs. Johnson is 12-0 with a 1.98 ERA in 13 career starts against the Cubs. Chicago has lost 11 of their last 16 road games and 25 of the last 32 meetings in Arizona.

Arizona Diamondbacks +120

Pupsnchalk Sports

Atlanta Braves vs. Florida Marlins Play: Florida Marlins

The Florida Marlins will look to carry the momentum they gained from Sunday’s walk off win against the Phillies into game 1 of their series tonight with the Atlanta Braves. They will send a young right hander to the mound in Christopher Volstad who was electric in his first big league start.

I’m a little apprehensive in recommending a play on a rookie pitcher in his first home start but I was impressed by what I saw from Volstad in his first outing against the Dodgers. He has an electric fastball with good command of his changeup. He struck out six while going 8 2/3 innings allowing just 5 hits and 1 earned run in the Marlins 3-1 win nine days ago. He should be tough against a Braves team who is coming off a rough weekend, dropping two of three to the lowly Washington Nationals including a 15-6 drubbing yesterday.

The Braves are one of the major’s worst road teams with a record of 15-32. Jorge Campillo will get the start for the Braves. After a strong start the right hander has cooled off some and comes into the game just 1-2 in his last three with an ERA of 5.00. The Braves are just 2-5 in his last 7 starts overall. He lasted only four innings in his only appearance against the Marlins giving up 6 hits and 4 earned runs in only 4 innings pitched inlcluding two homer’s. The Braves are hitting just .202 against right handers the last 10 games.Play on the Florida Marlins for 1 unit.

MATT RIVERS

For Monday take the Yankees at this cheap price.

Let me get a few things straight, the Yankees are not having another amazing second half run because they are too beat up and overall not very good and Sidney Ponson is a piece of crap. So then how can I back Arod and the fellas? Simple, this price is too darn cheap at Yankee Stadium against yes a solid Minnesota team but a squad that is still not exactly a road warrior.

I love Joe Mauer and Justin Morneau, who just won the home run title in the Bronx, and the Twinkies are a solid squad that should be in this thing until the end but Nick Blackburn on the road does not faze me one bit and despite Ponson being a fat judge slapping Aruban piece of crap the righty has been very good all season long and was just great in that last start shutting down the first place Rays.

Jeter, Giambi, Arod, Abreu and the Yankees are beat up as Damon and Matsui among others are injured but they did just manage to sweep the A’s in that last series and the bats can’t do any less today they they did against Oakland.

Minnesota can win this game but the Twins are not as good away from the Metrodome and today against the Yankees should fall a little flat in maybe a tight game but still a loss.

Even with Joe Girardi’s club not being all that dominant they still should be a sizable favorite today in the range of at least 160ish.

BRIAN MARSHALL

Toronto Blue Jays vs. Baltimore Orioles Play On: Toronto/Baltimore Over 10

The Toronto Blue Jays will be lead by starting pitcher Jesse Litsch. Jesse Litsch has been having a bad season. In fact, Jesse Litsch has a 4.16 ERA on the season. In addition, Jesse Litsch has a 6.59 ERA in his last 3 starts. We see Jesse Litsch giving up many runs once again today.

The Baltimore Orioles will be lead by starting pitcher Radhames Liz. Radhames Liz has also been having a bad season. In fact, Radhames Liz has a 7.57 ERA on the season. In addition, Radhames Liz has a 11.25 ERA in his last 3 starts. We see Radhames Liz giving up many runs once again today.

These teams have a history of playing high-scoring games when they meet. In fact, the Over is 12-1 in the last 13 meetings between these teams.

Take the Toronto Blue Jays/Baltimore Orioles Over 10

SCOTT DELANEY

I know Boston played late last night in Anaheim, but that’s cool, as the M’s are officially the saddest team in the majors after Cleveland went in and looked like a contender when it’s really nothing more than one of the worst teams in the bigs.

We’ll side with Jon Lester, who is 3-2 in eight road starts, and who looked good earlier this month in Yankee Stadium, nabbing the complete-game shutout. He’ll get plenty of run support against Jarrod Washburn, who is 2-3 at home with a 5.26 ERA, and who is 0-2 in his last three starts against the BoSox.

2♦ RED SOX