Posted on
4/22/2008 5:35:36 PM
Bet On MLB – Dodgers Seek Encore Performance After Spanking Reds
By Eric Williams
Online baseball betting fans may want to take my word on this game after calling it almost dead-on in the BetUS Sportsbook yesterday. I am back with another MLB winning wager on this series as the Los Angeles Dodgers, (8-11, 9-10 O/U), look to continue their offensive breakout after scoring nine runs against the Cincinnati Reds, (8-12, 9-10 O/U) in Monday’s 9-3 win after scoring just three runs total in being swept in their three previous games.
"Everyone was aggressive," said manager Joe Torre. "That's what you like to see. We were due to break out."
The Reds, who have dropped eight of their last 10, will send talented young starter Edinson Volquez (2-0, 1.17), to the mound hoping that he can dial up a repeat of his last performance as he limited the Chicago Cubs to just one run on four hits in five innings of Thursday's 9-2 win.
Volquez, has yet to complete six full innings in any of his three starts this season but has allowed only two total runs.
"I feel more comfortable now. I have more confidence, too," said Volquez, who joined the Reds in a trade from Texas in the offseason. "I'm getting older and I'm learning from the last two years. I'm getting pretty comfortable."
Volquez, who has never faced the Dodgers, will go up against Hong-Chih Kuo (0-0, 0.79 ERA) who will make his second start as the fifth starter after limiting the Pittsburgh Pirates to one run on two hits, six strikeouts and four walks in four innings.
Former starter Esteban Loaiza pitched the final five innings for the win to back Kuo.
"It worked last time," Torre told the Dodgers' official team Web site. "We hope to get more than four innings from Kuo. We like that rotation better than the other way around. That way is safer than the reverse."
Kuo is making his first career appearance against the Reds.
Here is a look at tonight’s key trends, followed by my MLB Wagering Free Picks:
The Dodgers are 8-2 in their last 10 vs. National League Central.
The Dodgers are 2-5 in Kuo’s last 7 starts on grass.
The Reds are 18-5 in their last 23 games as a home favorite of -110 to -150.
The Reds are 18-8 in their last 26 games as a favorite of -110 to -150.
The Over is 4-0 in Dodgers last 4 vs. National League Central.
The Under is 6-0 in Reds last 6 games as a home favorite.
The Dodgers are 11-2 in the last 13 meetings.
The Under is 5-1 in the last 6 meetings in Cincinnati.
Analysis: Despite breaking out the ‘whipping’ sticks in a big way against the Reds on Monday, I like Cincy to bounce back behind another solid effort from the blossoming Ednison. Take the Reds in a close one.
MLB Free Picks: Cincinnati 5 Los Angeles 3
07:10 PM EST MLB Odds
Los Angeles Dodgers
Hong Chih Kuo - L +1½ -210
Cincinnati Reds
Edinson Volquez - R -1½ +175
Over 9 -110
Under 9 -110
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