Posted on 4/4/2008 12:55:34 PM

MLB Baseball Betting – NL West Showdown – Arizona at Colorado

By Eric Williams

The Colorado Rockies, (1-2), are off to a slow start this season and come into tonight’s matchup with the reigning NL West champs, the Arizona Diamondbacks, (1-2), riding a two-games losing streak after falling to the St. Louis Cardinals 3-0 on Thursday

Colorado struck out nine times for the second consecutive game, stranding seven runners in the process.

2007 NL MVP candidate Matt Holliday has started the season 1-for-10.

"They pitched me tough the first couple of days and today I got myself out a couple times," Holliday said Thursday. "I just wasn't swinging very well."

While the Diamondbacks captured the division title, the Rockies went on to much bigger things, reaching the first World Series in franchise history after beating the Philadelphia Phillies in the NL Championship Series.

"I think it's a bona fide rivalry now," Diamondbacks outfielder Eric Byrnes told the Rockies' official Web site. "I think it will be one as long as the teams continue to play good baseball."

The Diamondbacks are also riding a two-game losing streak in the BetUS Sportsbook after falling to the Cincinnati Reds 3-2 on Thursday.

"You're not going to win many games with one hit and walking nine guys," Arizona manager Bob Melvin told the team's official Web site.

Diamondbacks starter Micah Owings went 8-8 last season in 27 starts and two relief appearances, striking out 106 batters and walking 50 with an ERA of 4.30.

Rockies starter Mark Redman, who compiled a 2-4 record last season in eight starts and two relief appearances with 27 strikeouts, 17 walks and a 7.62 ERA, said the team will be happy to get back home after three straight games in St. Louis.

"It seems like forever that we've been in St. Louis," Redman said. "It's a long time away from Coors Field and we'll be excited to get back in our own surroundings and with our own fans."

Colorado has won six in a row and 10 of 12 against the Diamondbacks.

"They haven't (outplayed us). Not even close," Byrnes said. "If anything, I think it's the other way around. They've had a little luck go their way. Definitely the ball has bounced in their direction. But as we've seen before in this game, luck can change real quick."

Here is a look at tonight’s key trends followed by my MLB Betting Picks.

Key Diamondbacks Trends

The Diamondbacks are 4-0 in their last four games vs. a starter with a WHIP less than 1.15.

The Diamondbacks are 8-3 in their last eleven games vs. a left-handed starter.

The Diamondbacks are 13-5 in their last 18 road games vs. a left-handed starter.

Key Rockies Trends

The Rockies are 7-1 in their last eight games vs. a starter with a WHIP less than 1.15.

The Rockies are 4-1 in their last five during game one of a series.

The Rockies are 40-16 in their last 56 home games.

Key Totals Trends

The Over is 4-0 in Diamondbacks last four games vs. a starter with a WHIP less than 1.15.

The Under is 4-1 in Diamondbacks last five vs. National League West.

The Over is 5-2 in Diamondbacks last seven road games vs. a left-handed starter.

The Over is 12-5 in Rockies last 17 games vs. a starter with a WHIP less than 1.15.

The Over is 11-5 in Rockies last 16 Friday games.

Key Head-to-Head Trends

The Under is 4-1 in the last five meetings.

The Under is 6-2 in the last eight meetings in Colorado.

The Diamondbacks are 0-4 in the last four meetings in Colorado.

Analysis: The Diamondbacks are the better pitching and fielding team while the Rockies have the better bats. I like Colorado to bounce back and snap their modest losing streak with a close victory at home tonight.

MLB Free Picks: Rockies 5 Diamondbacks 4

04:05 PM EST MLB Odds

Arizona Diamondbacks

Micah Owings - R +1½ -160

Colorado Rockies

Mark Redman - L -1½ +140

Over 10½ -105

Under 10½ -115

National League

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