8-23-09

[Mr. IWS]

Fellas. You could really help out our forum by voting for us by going to this page and clicking the link below

http://www.investwithsports.com/toplist

then click on the little button that says, sports100.

There are no pop-ups or anything like that, and it helps us get more traffic to the forum.

Thanks a lot.

[Mr. IWS]

Axiumsports.com

August 23th 2009

*-Weekly System Picks. Please follow the system and do not increase your starting bet until you at least triple your account. -*

Current Bankroll=$2,498.72

Pick #19- Australia- A League Soccer
19)Bet 32.23 to win 31.29 on Perth Glogry/Newcastle Jets OVER 2.5 -103

Pick #20- Germany-Bundesliga 1 Soccer
20a)Bet 32.64 to win 32.64 on VFL Bochum/Hertha BSC Berlin UNDER 2.5 +100

20b)Bet 67.68 to win 67.68 on VFL Bochum/Hertha BSC Berlin UNDER 2.5 +100

Pick #21- MLB-
21aa)Bet 33.06 to win 30.90 on Florida/Atlanta OVER 8.5 -107
21ab)Bet 68.54 to win 64.06 on Florida/Atlanta OVER 8.5 -107

21ba)Bet 32.69 to win 30.55 on Florida/Atlanta OVER 8.5 -107
21bb)Bet 142.13 to win 132.83 on Florida/Atlanta OVER 8.5 -107

[Mr. IWS]

Sam Clayton

30 DIME - NYY/BOS UNDER 9

Another highly anticipated showdown between the Yankees and Red Sox, but more importantly, another highly anticipated 30 dime play from yours truly. As I did with our big winner on the SF/CIN Under just three days ago, I circled tonight's game as soon as the pitching matchups were announced. And here we are in a perfect position to destroy the books again and the line is even moving in our favor! The first two games of this series were full of offensive explosions from both teams and the average bettor is forecasting a high scoring contest on Sunday night as well. However, I'm not that naive.

Sunday Night Baseball in Boston features two of baseball's premiere pitchers in C.C. Sabathia (14-7, 3.58) and Josh Beckett (14-4, 3.38), both of whom are no strangers to the national spotlight, and both of whom are no strangers to pitching in big time spots. The calender now reads August and it's make-or-break time for postseason contenders. It's the time when experienced pitchers buckle down and contain the opposition. These two AL East rivals are pulling out all the stops and strolling out elite pitchers on the national stage. This spot showcases the epitome of all the huge contracts and the millions of dollars in bonuses, and pitching in games like these brings out the competitive drive in the best players. You know damn well that both Sabathia and Beckett want the ball and they possess the swing-and-miss type arsenals that can keep the opposing hitters at bay. This game is going to be a full scale pitching battle. Expect nothing less.

Both starters are very familiar with these hitters and they've had great success against each other this season. Against the Sawx in 2009, Sabathia is 1-1 with a 2.45 ERA while Beckett is 2-0 with a 4.12 ERA versus the Yankees. It gets better though because these two aces are peaking in the dog days of summer, which is the perfect time because of all the added pressure that comes with pennant races. The last three starts for each pitcher -- Sabathia (3-0, 1.14 ERA, 0.65 WHIP) and Beckett (1-0, 4.19 ERA, 1.03 WHIP) -- perfectly indicate that these two aces continue to be successful in big spots and that they won't shy away from a challenge tonight. There is going to be so much added pressure on these two offenses to score runs that I think essentially we're going to see so many anxious swings from players that are trying to hit the ball out of the yard. Advantage: Pitchers.

Those that have been following my picks know that I'm a strong advocate of important intangibles when I see them. And today I've got another one: Boston and New York have squared off 14 times this season with the under hitting eight times and six of the last nine. This matchup has cashed the under four of eight times at Fenway Park and on Sunday Night Baseball just two weeks ago, these two clubs produced an under on national television. An added bonus, eight of the last ten Sunday Night Baseball broadcasts have sailed under the posted total as well. I'm extremely confident that Sabathia and Beckett will bring their 'A' games and make this a pitching duel for the ages. They aren't scared of the bright lights and they are used to the hype. And I fully expect a low scoring contest given the added importance of tonight's game.

Play the UNDER.

[Mr. IWS]

4 Unit Play. Take Under 8 between the San Francisco Giants @ Colorado Rockies (Sunday @ 3:10pm est). Let's take the Under today in Coors Field. There were 25 runs scored yesterday and I don't expect that type of fireworks today with Lincecum and Jiminez on the mound. Lincecum is competing for the best era in the league as well as for a Cy Young and he comes off a 5 earned run performance at Cincinatti which propelled his era to 2.37. That was one of just 2 non-quality starts for Lincecum over his last 10. To give you some perspective, Lincecum had given up 4 runs over his last 4 games which spanned a total of nearly 35 innings prior to giving up 5 earned runs in six innings in his last start. I expect a strong effort from him today. Not to be outdone, Jiminez has pitched 8 straight quality starts and is 5-0 over his last 7 starts and his last 8 of 10 have gone Under. Considering yesterday was such a display of offense, I look for something to the contrary today as this game will likely be picher's duel.

Good luck,

IC

[Mr. IWS]

August 23 2009

Frank Patron 10000 unit mlb lock

10000 unit mlb lock

over 9.5 runs baltimore at chicago

(berken vs. Buehrle)

[Mr. IWS]

ATS LOCK

4 Mariners
4 Pirates

[Mr. IWS]

4 Unit Play. #605. Take the San Antonio Silver Stars PK agains the Detroit Shock (Sunday @ 6pm est). Well, we're back at it going against the Shock. Keep in mind this is a must win for the Silver Stars. SA comes off a brutal loss to the Sparks at home and are tied with Minnesota at 11-15 for a playoff birth out west. Detroit comes off a big win over Chicago and I expect them to possibly have a let down at home. Also, note that this game is a pick-em despite Detroit being at home and coming off a big win. That should also be an indicator of Vegas expecting San Antonio to do well. Whenever SA comes off back to back losses, they do well and win the next game SU. This was the case when they lost on the road to Seattle and Sacramento on the road, they came back to beat the Sparks on the road in the next game. Such was the case when they lost back to back games to Sacramento and at Phoenix, only to defeat Phoenix at home in the next game. I look for Sophia Young and Becky Hammon to show the leadership to get this win on the road today. The Silver Stars are 8-3 ATS following a straight up loss and the Shock are 0-5 ATS following an ATS win.
Good luck,
IC

[Mr. IWS]

Super Sports Group

St Louis v. San Diego 4pm
PICK: OVER 9 +105 (9*) Best Bet
Adding:

Seattle v. Cleveland 1pm
PICK: Indians ML +136 (7*)

[Mr. IWS]

KELSO STURGEON HIGHROLLERS MLB PICK for TODAY
Highrollers Baseball

Sunday, August 23, 2009
15 UnitsRangers {S.Feldman} (+135) over Devilrays {D.Price}
1:38 PM -- Tropicana Field
Pitching For Texas: RH Scott Feldman (12-4, 4.06)
Pitching For Tampa: LH David Price (6-5, 5.03)

[Mr. IWS]

JACK JONES

15* Pittsburgh Pirates -135

The Pirates just keep on rolling while the Reds seem to have totally given up on the season. Pitt has won 5 games in a row and is scoring over 5 runs per game over the past week. The Reds have lost 6 of their last 7, are 20 games under .500 for the season, and are hitting just .219 as a team and scoring about 3 runs per game over their last 7 contests. The Reds start Homer Bailey, a young prospect they have been trying to work into the rotation for a few years now. Bailey has struggled in the majors this year, going just 2-4 with a 7.53 ERA and 1.64 WHIP in 11 starts. The way the Pirates are rolling right now they are a solid bet over the Reds on Sunday.

[Mr. IWS]

Jim Feist

15* High Roller Total

MLB (907) MILWAUKEE BREWERS at (908) WASHINGTON NATIONALS

Take: over Milw/Wash (15* High Roller Total)

Reason: The two teams that allow the most runs per game meet here on Sunday. The Nationals are worst in the NL (5.39 rpg) while the Brewers aren't far behind (5.03 rpg). Brewers' pitchers have also allowed the most home runs in the leage (164) while National pitchers are 2nd worst in free passes (463). Manny Parra starts today for the Brewers. Parra is 2-1 his last three starts with a 6.35 ERA and is 8-9 overall with a 6.33 ERA. Craig Stammen will counter for the Nats. Stammen is 3-6 on the season with a 5.13 ERA and in his one game against the M's this season he allowed five earned runs in just 4 2/3 innings. Despite both teams having terrible pitching, both are above the league average in runs scored by their offenses. Today's contest looks like a slug fest as neither team has much pitching, but decent hitting. Take the OVER



5* Sunday Night Baseball

MLB (929) NEW YORK YANKEES at (930) BOSTON RED SOX

Take: (929) NEW YORK YANKEES

Reason: The scores in this series have been more like the NY Giants and NE Patriots were playing. The Yankees scored over 20 runs on Friday and then the Red Sox come back with 14 on Saturday. The Sox have pretty much resigned themselves to a Wild Card shot as they trail the Yankees by 6 1/2 games in the AL East. It looks as though the CC Sabathia the Yankees thought they had drafted has finally emerged. Sabathia has been dominant his last three starts with a 3-0 record and 1.14 ERA. Moreover, Sabathia has 26 KO's compared to just five BB's. Josh Beckett starts for the Sox here and he's also having a fine season with a 14-4 record and 3.38 ERA. Beckett's lifetime ERA against the Yankees is 5.03 in 16 games while Sabathia has a 3.57 ERA against the Yankees in nine games. Don't expect to see the same offensive output these teams have been displaying the last couple of games here tonight. For us, it's just too hard to pass on Sabathia who is red-hot and the Yankees who want to make up for Saturday's drubbing at the hands of the Red Sox.

[Mr. IWS]

TONY BRUNO WINS

10x YANKS UNDER

[Mr. IWS]

Anthony Redd

Sunday's Card
5 Dime Rangers

[Mr. IWS]

Teddy Covers

Tigers

[Mr. IWS]

Chris Jordans pick for today...
300? L.A. DODGERS RUN LINE - I am not worried who the pitchers are in this one, I just want the men in blue on the run line!!!

Remember last season, when the Dodgers knocked the Cubs back to Chicago and back into their championship drought? In case you missed that fine playoff performance last October, tune into this one, as the Dodgers just might hammer a nail into Chicago’s 2009 campaign with this blowout win.

After all, the Cubbies have lost 10 of 13 overall and aren’t even close to being in the National League Central race any longer, let alone the NL Wildcard race; the fact they’ve started their current road trip on this 1-5 skid make things worse. The team is batting .197 on this junket, and is now batting .239 on the road this season.

On the flipside, we’ve seen what appeared to be a lethargic Dodgers team get back to its winning ways thanks to a stellar effort by its pitching staff. Dodgers pitchers have allowed three or fewer runs in seven consecutive contests. And tonight I’m putting my money on Chad Billingsley, who is 2-0 in his last three starts with a 1.59 ERA in those outings.

As a team, the Dodgers are 4-1 in Billingsley’s last five Sunday starts and 14-6 in his last 20 when he’s installed as the chalk at Chavez Ravine.

The numbers are even more vivid for this play, when talking about the Cubbies and their starter Ryan Dempster. Let’s start there, with the Cubs putting Dempster on the hill. They’re 2-9 in his last 11 starts, 1-7 in his last eight roadies against a winning team, 1-8 when he’s installed as the underdog and 1-11 in his last 12 that followed a Cubs loss the last time out.

As for Chicago, it is mired in losing skids of 1-7 on the road and against the National League West, 1-10 in its last 11 versus a winning team and 0-4 the four times they’ve played in Los Angeles.

Your choice to list the pitchers – they’re not likely going to change anyway – but it won’t matter. Dodgers roll.

[Mr. IWS]

Jeff Benton
Jeff Benton Sunday's MLB winners ... 20 Dime: DODGERS (Billingsley) on the run line (-1 1/2 runs) over Cubs (Dempster) ... NOTE: Billingsley (Los Angeles) and Dempster (Chicago) must start this game, or this play is VOID!

5 Dime: Brewers-Nationals OVER the total ... NOTE: Both Parra (Milwaukee) and Stammen (Washington) must start this game, or this play is VOID!


Dodgers (-1 ½ runs)

Here’s what this play comes down to: The Chicago Cubs simply cannot hit a lick, and now they’re facing an All-Star pitcher in Chad Billingsley who is very much back on his game after suffering through a rough patch. So if the Dodgers can score at least three runs today, I honestly don’t see how we don’t cash this one.

How bad is Chicago’s offense? Well, it has scored a grand total of three runs in losing the first three games of this four-game series at Dodger Stadium (two of them being multi-run losses). The Cubs have a whopping three extra-base hits in the series (and one of those was a fluke double yesterday when L.A.’s Matt Kemp lost a pop fly in the sun). And they’re 2-for-20 with runners in scoring position in this series.

Yesterday, Chicago was shut down by a journeyman knuckleballer making just the second start of his career (both this week), one day after being one-hit by Randy Wolf and two Dodgers relievers.

Now the Cubs, who have scored three runs or fewer in six of their last seven games, have to face the resurgent Billingsley. The big right-hander stumbled over a 3½-week, four-start stretch last month. But so far in August, he’s 2-0 with a 1.59 ERA in three starts. In four career starts against the Cubs (including a 10-3 win in Game 1 of the N.L. Division Series last October at Wrigley Field), Billingsley has allowed a total of nine runs in 24 2/3 innings (3.28 ERA). What’s more, of L.A.’s 16 wins behind their ace in 2009, 14 have been by more than one run!

As for Billingsley’s counterpart today, Chicago’s Ryan Dempster, here’s all you need to know: He lost 6-3 to rookie pitcher in San Diego on Tuesday; he’s given up 10 runs in 14 innings in his last two starts (losing to the Padres and 6-1 to the Phillies); and Chicago is 7-15 in his 22 starts this season, including 2-11 on the road.

Bottom line: Chicago is 1-5 on its current road trip to San Diego and Los Angeles, and in those five losses, Lou Pineilla’s bunch has produced a grand total of seven runs against the following starting pitchers: Kevin Correia, Cesar Carillo, Jeff Weaver, Randy Wolf and Charlie Haeger. Do you REALLY think those bats are going to come to life against Billingsley today? Not a chance! Play the Dodgers on the run line, and don’t be surprised if big hitters Andre Either, James Loney and Russell Martin – all of whom got the day off yesterday – tee off on Dempster and push Billingsley to an easy win.


Brewers-Nationals OVER the total

Milwaukee and Washington have faced each other six times this year, all in the last month. The combined run totals in those five games: 20, 11, 12, 10, 10 and 20. Surprise, surprise, all six jumped OVER the total.

What makes me think that trend will continue today? Five words: Manny Parra and Craig Stammen. These are your starting pitchers in this contest. Here are Parra’s numbers for Milwaukee: 6.33 ERA and 1.82 WHIP overall, 6.93 ERA and 1.85 WHIP on the road, and just one quality start in the southpaw’s last six trips to the mound (with all five non-quality outings coming in games that went OVER the total, including a 7-5 Brewers home win on July 29).

As for Stammen, he’s got a 5.13 ERA overall, a 6.28 ERA at home and a 6.92 ERA in three day starts. Yes, the Washington right-hander is coming off two decent outings (two runs allowed in each start against the Rockies and Braves), but before that, he had a three-start stretch in which he gave up 17 runs (16 earned) in 9 1/3 innings – including a five-run, 4 2/3-inning effort on July 27 at the Brewers in which the Nationals rallied for a 14-6 victory.

Today, these pitchers will be facing to very hot offenses with two very shaky bullpens behind them. To wit: In a 10-game stretch prior to Saturday’s 11-9 shootout won by Milwaukee, the Brewers were hitting .306 as a team, including .298 against right-handers, with their relievers posting a 5.76 ERA, while the Nats were hitting .302 against left-handed pitching with a 5.09 bullpen ERA.

Finally, check out these trends; The Brewers are on OVER streaks of 8-3 overall, 7-0 against N.L. East teams, 11-4 as a favorite, 18-6-1 when the posted total is at 9 runs or more, 7-2 when Parra starts on the road and 7-1 when he starts on Sunday. For Washington, the OVER is 10-3-1 in its last 14 games against the N.L. East and 6-2 in its last eight as an underdog. Throw in the fact that we’ve got a hitter-friendly umpire behind the plate – the OVER has hit in Chuck Meriwether’s last four games when working the dish – and we’re set up for another double-digit Brewers-Nationals shootout. Take the OVER.

[Mr. IWS]

Robert Ferringo

1.5-Unit Play. Take Philadelphia (-165) over N.Y. Mets

1-Unit Play. Take Philadelphia (-1.5, +105) over N.Y. Mets

1.5-Unit Play. Take St. Louis (-170) over San Diego

1-Unit Play. Take St. Louis (-1.5, -110)) over San Diego

1-Unit Play. Take Tampa Bay (-140) over Texas

1-Unit Play. Take Boston (-120) over N.Y. Yankees

1-Unit Play. Take Detroit (-130) over Oakland


Today's Totals

1-Unit Play. Take ‘Under’ 8.5 N.Y. Yankees at Boston

1-Unit Play. Take ‘Over’ 9.0 Philadelphia at N.Y. Mets

1-Unit Play. Take ‘Over’ 9.0 Minnesota at Kansas City

0.5-Unit Play. Take 'Under' 9.0 St. Louis at San Diego

0.5-Unit Play. Take 'Under' 8.0 San Francisco at Colorado

[Mr. IWS]

Steven Budin-CEO

SUNDAY'S PICK

FREEHOLD, NEW JERSEY WISE GUYS



25 Dime Release



Boston Red Sox

[Mr. IWS]

Chris James Sports

2* Red Sox -116
2* Rays/Rangers Under 9
2* Tigers/Athletics Under 9

[Mr. IWS]

Stan Sharp | MLB Money Line Sun, 08/23/09 - 1:35 PM B|

double-dime bet 907 MIL (-111) SportBet vs 908 WAS
Analysis: Stan is Betting MILWAUKEE today. Stan notes that the Milwaukee bats and woken up scoring 7 & 11 runs in the last 2 games. Washington after a mini winning streak is back to their season long form of losi?ng 5 in a row. Look for Milwaukee to extend Washington's losing streak to 6. TAKE MILWAUKEE as STAN SHARP'S BASEBALL MISMATCH GAME OF THE WEEK and make them a DOUBLE DIME PLAY.

[Mr. IWS]

Bob Balfe
Redsox -120 over Yankees
Beckett/Sabathia

[Mr. IWS]

KBHoops

5* Redsoxs UNDER 8.5 +100 **POD**
4* Redsoxs -116
4* NY Mets +159
4* Florida +125
4* Cubbies +160
4* Giants/Rockies UNDER 8
3* Royals -103

[Mr. IWS]

JACK JONES


20* No-Brainer Yankees/Red Sox Under 9

These are two very potent offensive units, but I fully expect this game to be an all-out pitcher's duel between C.C. Sabathia and Josh Beckett. Sabathia is on fire, going 3-0 with a 1.14 ERA and 0.63 WHIP in his last 3 starts. Beckett is one of the best pitchers in the majors when he's throwing at home, going 8-0 with a 2.58 ERA and 0.98 WHIP in 11 starts in Boston this year.

[Mr. IWS]

VR

3* rockies
2* padres under
2* mariners over
2* pirates

[Mr. IWS]

ASA

3* Angels

[Mr. IWS]

Unlocked Sports

We were 1-0-1 yesterday as the Angels got the job done and the total for Rangers/Rays game was a push due to a ninth inning 2 out homer by Texas. We have 5 games on tap today.

1) Texas Rangers vs Tampa Bay Rays

Pick: Texas (3 units)

The Rangers absolutely must leave Tampa with a win today in order to regain their ground in the AL Wildcard race. They are currently 1 game behind the BoSox. Fortunately, they are sending Scott Feldman (12-4, 4.06) to the mound. The Rangers are 10-1 in his last 11 road starts. He will square off against David Price (6-5, 5.03). The Rays are 1-4 in Price's last 5 starts versus a team with a winning record. It's not too often that you get the opportunity to play the Rangers as a +131 underdog. This is a golden opportunity to get a moderate return from a small investment.

Lay 3 units on Texas.

2) Philadelphia Phillies vs N.Y. Mets

Pick: Philadelphia -1.5

3) Seattle Mariners vs Cleveland Indians

Pick Seattle -1.5

4) L.A. Angels vs Toronto Blue Jays

Pick: L.A. (3 units)

5) Chicago Cubs vs L.A. Dodgers

Pick: Cubs (2 units)

[Mr. IWS]

MTI

5*Angles
4*Astros
4*under pitt
3*dodgers
3*under balti

[Mr. IWS]

5*Sports (NC)

4*Cubs
3*Rockies
3*Boston

[Mr. IWS]

Dave Busk

Picks For Major League Baseball


4 Unit Pick #908 Take Washington (+105) Over Milwaukee (August 23, 1:35)

After a good run where the Nationals were winning some games they have cooled off and lost five straight.

They look to end that streak vs. a pitcher they knock around with Manny Parra on the bump for the Brewers, the National’s tagged Parra for five runs on nine hits in six innings in a start on July 29th in Milwaukee. In three start’s vs. Washington Parra has given up 12 runs in 17 innings and three or more runs in his last five start’s, Parra has a high 6.93 road era. The Nationals send Graig Stammen the hill, Stammen has struggled himself but has settled and pitch well in his last two start’s, he has good control only walking 19 in 93 innings. I don’t think the Brewers should be a favorite in this situation and that has me on the Nationals.

4 Unit Pick #922 take Tampa Bay (-135) over Texas (August 23, 1:35)

Important game here in the race for the wild card. The oddsmaker opened the Ray’s as a 1.60 favorite before some betting has drove this number down and creating some value for us. The Ray’s send David Price to the mound looking for the sweep and a little revenge after he was rocked in a start in Texas. Price has been better at home then the road with a 2.82 era in eight starts. While Texas starter Scott Feldman has been good he has a lineup in front of him that has struggled vs. Left handed pitching which Price is, I expect Price to pitch well here today and help get the Ray’s in this Race.

[Mr. IWS]

Malinsky
4- Florida
3- Houston
4- Wsox RL -1.5
4- Yanks/Boston Under

[Mr. IWS]

MLB BASEBALL PLAYS


3 Unit Play. #927 Take Detroit -125 over Oakland (Sunday 8/23 4:05 PM)

Rick Porcello gets the ball for Detroit in today's finale and will be attempting to extend a string of strong August outings. Porcello is 1-0 with a 2.21 ERA in four starts so far this month and today we should see Detroit win this game on the road.

3 Unit Play. #929 Take Over 8 ½ -110 NY Yankees at Boston (Sunday 8/23 8:05 PM)

Runs have come in bunches and bunches over the first two battles between the New York Yankees and Boston Red Sox. So with two great pitchers on the mound tonight we again look for runs, runs, and more runs. Boston is 7-0 O/U in their last 7 games as a home favorite.







These are all the picks for the MLB today.



Good Luck to All – Vegas Informer

[Mr. IWS]

WNBA PLAYS

2 Unit Play. #602 Take Atlanta -2 ½ over Los Angeles (Sunday 8/23 3:05 PM)

The Atlanta Dream are 10-4 at home and a nice 5-1 against the West. The Dream are 7-1 ATS following a SU win. Los Angeles are 1-5 ATS in their last 6 games against Eastern Conference teams.



These are all the picks for the WNBA today.


Good Luck to All – Vegas Informer

[Mr. IWS]

Wunderdog

Game: Cincinnati at Pittsburgh (1:30 PM Eastern)
Pick: 5 units on Pittsburgh -140 (moneyline) (risk 5 to win 3.6)

Both of these teams sit at 51-71, but the outcome of this game shouldn't be as close. The Pirates looks for their sixth straight win here as the young players are starting to gel. They Pirates offense has been stellar, outscoring their opponents 34-12 during this run. At home they are a winning teams at 33-27, averaging 4.7 runs per game. On the road, the Reds are 25-36, averaging just 4.0 runs per game. They've lost seven of their last eight. And, they start a pitcher who has been deficient all season long. Homer Bailey owns a 7.53 ERA in twelve starts and over his last three starts, it's up to 9.25! Over the past two seasons, Cincy is 3-16 with Bailey on the mound. In their last 13 games vs. losing teams, the Reds are just 3-10. Pitt is the easy call here.


Game: Cincinnati at Pittsburgh (1:35 PM Eastern)
Pick: 3 units on Pittsburgh -1.5 runs +150 (runline) (risk 3 to win 4.5)

On the run line this year, Cincinnati is 53-69 for -30.4 units (27-34 for -20.8 units on the road). Pittsburgh is 66-55 against the run line overall and 36-24 for +13.8 units at home. The Reds have been outscored the past eight games by a combined score of 44-21. Homer Bailey has been shelled this season, lasting just 5.0 innings per start, giving up nearly one run per inning pitched! The Pirates offense has been big-time, averaging nearly six runs per game over their past five games. I like the value on Pitt here at +150 odds.


Game: San Francisco at Colorado (3:10 PM Eastern)
Pick: 4 units on Colorado -110 (moneyline) (risk 4 to win 3.6)

It's still August but it feels like the September stretch run is here as the Giants and Rockies battle in a series that will likely have playoff implications. The Giants send ace Tim Lincecum and his 12-3 record to the mound. The betting public loves this guy and as such, we get value here on the Rockies. Let's not forget that the Giants are on the road in this game, facing a very good Colorado team. Lincecum is not unbeatable. Two of his three losses have come in his seven road games. And, he's coming off a beating at the hands of the Reds. He's opposed here by Ubaldo Jimenez who has been very impressive in his own right. He's got a 3.41 ERA and is super-hot right now. In his last three starts, he's 3-0 with a 1.19 ERA. So the pitching matchup here is not very lopsided at all. Then we look at offense and that's where we see the lopsidedness of this game. The Giants average 3.8 runs per game on the road while Colorado gets 5.9 per game at home. This season the Rockies have not shriveled when playing good teams. They are 15-4 vs. teams at .540 to .620. I like the Rockies at home here.