Posted on
4/18/2008 2:58:34 PM
Bet On Baseball - Friday Double Play
By Robby Maddux
Every game on Friday's MLB betting card begins a new series making for 15 Game 1's, and lurking inside is your money-making double play that pits teams that excels in series-openers versus clubs that struggle in opening game situations.
MLB wagering trends hold true on the diamond more so than any other sport. How teams fair in Game 1 contests is key to the outcome of series and important to your bankroll. There are two games this evening featuring opening-series trends with the potential of earning you a Friday paycheck.
Texas Rangers (7-9) at Boston Red Sox (10-7)
In this contest, the Red Sox are the team to support. Boston is 7-3 in their last ten during Game 1 of a series. Meanwhile, the Rangers are 3-8 in their last 11 series openers.
Daisuke Matsuzaka (3-0, 2.70 ERA) takes the mound for Boston. The Japanese right-hander has won three starts in a row with a 2.45 ERA and 18 strikeouts in 18 1-3 innings. In his last appearance against Texas he allowed five runs and seven hits with six strikeouts in five innings.
Going to the hill for the Rangers is Luis Mendoza (0-1, 1.80). The right-hander allowed four runs (one earned) and eight hits while hitting two batters and walking three more in five innings of work in a 4-1 loss to Toronto on Saturday in his last outing.
Analysis: In addition to the supporting Game 1 trend, the Red Sox won six of ten meetings with the Rangers last season, splitting a four-game series at Boston from June 29-July 2. Lay the lumber and enjoy!
New York Mets (8-6) at Philadelphia Phillies (8-8)
The smart money in this one should go on the Phillies, who are 19-7 in their last 26 during Game 1 of a series. The Mets are 3-8 in their last 11 during the same situation.
Left-hander Johan Santana (1-2, 3.05 ERA), who allowed five runs and six hits in 6 2-3 innings of a 5-3 loss to Milwaukee in his last outing, takes the mound for the Mets.
Cole Hamels (2-1, 0.82) gets the call for the Phillies. The lefty has struggled in his last three starts against New York, posting a 0-1 record and a 4.00 ERA while giving up five homers. But, he's looking to win his third consecutive start after throwing seven scoreless innings while allowing only one hit in a 7-1 win over the Chicago Cubs in his last outing.
Analysis: Not only have the Phillies been money in series-openers, they are 9-2 in the last 11 meetings against the Mets, winning five consecutive played in Philadelphia. Hamels gets the win here in a good lefty versus lefty matchup.
MLB Free Picks: Boston Red Sox (-260) and Philadelphia Phillies (-110). Both games start at 7:05pm EST.
Other good versus bad Game 1 matchups:
Washington Nationals (4-12) at Florida Marlins (9-6)
- Marlins are 4-0 in their last 4 during Game 1 of a series.
- Nationals are 0-4 in their last 4 during Game 1 of a series.
Cleveland Indians (6-10) at Minnesota Twins (7-9)
- Indians are 0-5 in their last 5 during Game 1 of a series.
- Twins are 6-2 in their last 8 during Game 1 of a series.
Seattle Mariners (9-8) at Los Angeles Angels (10-7)
- Angels are 2-5 in their last 7 during Game 1 of a series.
- Mariners are 5-2 in their last 7 during Game 1 of a series.
Be sure to visit BetUS MLB odds for all the Game 1 and series odds.
Robby's 2008 MLB Record - 2-3 (-$175.00) All plays based on $100 money-line wagers.
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