Posted on
4/28/2008 4:29:52 PM
MLB Baseball Betting Action – Houston Astros at Arizona Diamondbacks
By Eric Williams
The Houston Astros, (12-14, 10-16 O/U) have dropped two consecutive baseball betting games in the BetUS Sportsbook, including a dismal 5-1 loss to the St. Louis Cardinals on Sunday after having their six-game winning streak snapped by St. Louis on Saturday.
The Arizona Diamondbacks, (18-7 17,7 O/U) on the other hand, have undeniably been the best team in all of baseball in 2008 and have won seven of their last ten games, including a spectacular 2-1 victory over the San Diego Padres on Sunday as 2006 Cy Young award winner Brandon Webb out-pitched Padres staff ace Jake Peavy while improving to 6-0.
The Diamondbacks, (18-7) have already opened up a six-game lead over the second-place Los Angeles Dodgers in the NL West with their fast start.
"It's huge for us," Webb told the team's official Web site. "I don't know where our lead is and it's super early, but to get them out of the way early on in the season you get them when you can take them."
The Diamondbacks, who have the best staff ERA (3.04) in all of baseball, will send another often-spectacular starter to the mound tonight in veteran Dan Haren (3-1, 3.03 ERA) whom they acquired from Oakland As in the offseason.
Haren has been steallr in three of his four starts this season but got knocked around his last time out, allowing up six runs in 4 2/3 innings as the D-Backs fell to the Los Angeles Dodgers 8-3 on Wednesday.
"I was in trouble the whole night," Haren said. "It was just a sloppy night for me, but I've had bad starts in my career before and it's all about how you bounce back."
The Astros will send young hurler Chris Sampson (1-2, 6.38) to the mound looking for a repeat of his last performance as he allowed just two runs in seven innings while striking out six batters on leading the Reds to a 9-3 win over the Cincinnati Reds on Wednesday.
Here is a look at tonight’s key trends, followed by my MLB Wagering Free Picks
The Astros are 4-1 in Sampson’s last 5 road starts.
The Astros are 3-7 in Sampson’s last 10 starts during game 1 of a series.
The Diamondbacks are 8-1 in their last 9 after allowing 2 runs or less in their previous game.
The Diamondbacks are 6-1 in their last 7 home games vs. a right-handed starter.
The Over is 7-0 in Sampson’s last 7 starts with 4 days of rest.
The Over is 4-0 in Diamondbacks last 4 games vs. a starter with a WHIP greater than 1.30.
The Over is 4-0 in the last 4 meetings.
The Over is 4-0 in the last 4 meetings in Arizona.
Analysis: I know Houston’s Chris Sampson is throwing very well right now, but I like the Diamondbacks to win this matchup while Haren gets back to his usually overpowering pitching.
MLB Free Picks: Diamondbacks 4 Astros 2
09:40 PM EST MLB Odds
Houston Astros
Chris Sampson - R +1½ -135
Arizona Diamondbacks
Dan Haren - R -1½ +115
Over 9½ +105
Under 9½ -125
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