posted May 12, 2008 at 13:42 in MLB Articles
MLB Baseball Betting Action – Toronto Blue Jays at Cleveland Indians
After getting off to a slow start to the online betting season despite being predicted to contend for the American League Pennant this season, the Cleveland Indians, (18-18, 15-21 O/U) are beginning to play much better and have won four of their last five games in the BetUS Sportsbook, including two consecutive games over the visiting Toronto Blue Jays, (17-21, 12-24-2 O/U) and enter tonight’s matchup looking to make it a clean sweep over the American League counterparts in a doubleheader, with another sports betting game between these clubs preceding this one.
The Blue Jays have dropped three consecutive games and have suffered injuries to three key players inside the last five days, with two-time All-Star center fielder Vernon Wells going on the 15-day disabled list on Saturday, just two days after infielders David Eckstein (hip) and John McDonald (sprained right ankle) made their respective trips to the DL.
"We'll try to play our best with the players we have," manager John Gibbons said. "That's all we can do."
Wells is hitting .281 on the season and leads the Blue Jays with five homers and 24 RBIs.
The Indians jumped all over the Blue Jays and starter Dustin McGowan, (2-3) on Saturday, pounding the young hurler senseless to the tune of nine runs on nine hits including a home run in 3 2/3 innings, before adding three more runs off reliever, Jason Fraser.
After going up against blossoming starter Fausto Carmona, (3-1, 2.95 ERA)earlier today, the Blue Jays will face the best pitcher in the American League so far in right-hander Cliff Lee, (6-0, 0.81) who is looking to become the first seven-game winner in the American League this season. Lee has allowed a microscopic three runs in his last 30 innings and hasn't walked a batter in 28 innings.
"Obviously I can't expect to put up zeros every single time but it's my job to put up as many as I can and get deep into the game and give the team a chance to win," said Lee.
Toronto will counter with right-hander Shawn Marcum (4-2, 2.59), who came up just short of a complete game and shutout in his last outing, a 6-2 win over the Tampa Bay Rays on Wednesday, limiting the Rays to just four hits, while striking out nine in his second consecutive victory.
Here is a look at tonight’s key tends, followed by my analysis and MLB Betting Picks.
The Blue Jays are 8-3 in Marcum’s last 11 starts following a Quality Start in his last appearance.
The Blue Jays are 10-4 in Marcum’s last 14 starts on grass.
The Indians are 6-0 in Lee’s last 6 starts.
The Indians are 5-0 in Lee’s last 5 starts on grass.
The Under is 4-0 in Marcum’s last 4 starts overall.
The Under is 5-0 in Marcum’s last 5 starts vs. American League Central.
The Over is 7-1 in Lee’s last 8 Monday starts.
The Under is 5-1 in Lee’s last 6 starts overall.
Analysis: While Marcum has throwing the ball very well in each of his last two starts, the smart money here says go with the Cleveland Indians and Cliff Lee, who has shown no apparent signs of slowing down from his spectacular start. With the Indians also collectively beginning to hit the ball, they should be able to pull this game out in the middle to late innings.
MLB Free Picks: Indians 5 Blue Jays 2
07:05 PM EST MLB Odds
Toronto Blue Jays Game # 2
Shaun Marcum - R +1½ -165
Cleveland Indians Game #2
Cliff Lee - L -1½ +145
Over 7½ EV
Under 7½ -120
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