Posted on 4/23/2008 8:27:20 PM

Bet On Baseball - Wednesday's MLB Barking Dog

By Robby Maddux

MLB betting is all about finding value and that's exactly what the Kansas City Royals (9-11) deliver in Wednesday's middle contest of a three-game series against the Cleveland Indians (8-12) at Kauffman Stadium.

The Royals are listed at +140 in the BetUS MLB odds, which isn't exactly the value to send you into retirement, but it's a nice return and sound investment if you bet on MLB.

Cleveland as the -160 favorites, send Fausto Carmona (2-1, 1.96 ERA) to the mound following Tuesday's 15-1 thrashing of the Royals in the series-opener, which was the Indians' highest run production since scoring 15 on May 15 against Minnesota.

Following an offensive outburst a team will often be flat at the plate in its next outing after burning up all its lumber in the previous game. Cleveland will prove that on Wednesday.

The Indians are 1-4 in their last five contests after scoring 5 runs or more in their prior game. Add in the fact Cleveland is 1-5 in their last six games following a win, and you have to feel good about the chances of a Kansas City payday.

Carmona isn't as strong when pitching under the lights, owning a career mark of 12-15 in night games compared to a 10-4 record manufactured in day outings.

The Indians are 4-0 in right-hander's last four starts versus the Royals, and their starters have a sharp combined ERA of 1.57 in the last four games, but Cleveland has found a way to lose two of the games during the span.

The Royals have dropped five straight but will stop the bleeding with right-hander Brett Tomko (1-2, 3.60) climbing the hill and umpire Jim Joyce calling balls and strikes.

In three lifetime starts against Cleveland, Tomko is just 1-1 with a 4.81 ERA. However, with Joyce behind home plate, the Indians are 0-6 in their last six games.

That gives Tomko and the Royals a stellar chance to turn a profit for the MLB wagering community in Kansas City investing in their club on Wednesday. First pitch: 8:05pm EST

MLB Free Picks: Kansas City Royals (+140)

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