Posted on
4/30/2008 6:08:53 PM
MLB Betting Action – Oakland A’s at Los Angeles Angels
By Eric Williams
After calling yesterday’s online betting matchup between the Oakland A’s, (17-11, 11-15-2 O/U) and Los Angeles Angels, (17-11, 12-12-4 O/U) almost dead-on in the BetUS Sportsbook, I am back with another solid pick for tonight’s contest.
After beating the A’s 2-0 behind a commanding performance by left-hander Joe Saunders on Tuesday, the Angels will send veteran starter Ervin Santana, (4-0, 2.97 ERA) to the mound tonight looking to equal Saunders’ spectacular 5-0 start.
Santana, a mediocre 7-14 with a 5.76 ERA last year, has been a totally different pitcher this season, not allowing more than three runs in any start this year while tossing at least six innings every time he’s taken the mound. Santana allowed three runs on six hits in 6 1/3 innings in leading the Angels to a 4-3 victory over the Detroit Tigers on Friday.
The A’s will send impressive young left-handed starter Dana Eveland (3-1, 2.48) to the mound looking for his third consecutive win after limiting the Seattle Mariners to three runs on six hits in 5 1/3 innings on Friday.
Eveland, who was acquired as part of the A’s trade that sent veteran starter Dan Haren to the Arizona Diamondbacks, has allowed a miniscule 23 hits and eight earned runs in 29 innings this year, but will be making his first career start against the Angels.
Here is a look at tonight’s key trends followed by my MLB Betting Picks.
The Athletics are 4-9 in their last 13 vs. American League West.
The Athletics are 4-1 in Eveland’s last five starts.
The Angels are 4-1 in Santana’s last five starts with the total set at 9.0-10.5.
The Angels are 4-1 in Santana’s last five Wednesday starts.
The Under is 5-0 in Eveland’s last five starts overall.
The Under is 4-0 in Eveland’s last four starts with four days of rest.
The Under is 5-1 in Santana’s last six home starts vs. a team with a winning record.
The Under is 5-1-1 in Santana’s last seven starts following a Quality Start in his last appearance.
The Angels are 4-1 in Santana’s last five home starts vs. Athletics.
The Under is 4-1 in Santana’s last five home starts vs. Athletics.
Analysis: While I am seriously impressed with the A’s Eveland, a pitcher who looks like he has the stuff to be a near 20-game winner for years to come, I have to go with the Angels and Ervin Santana to win this contest over the two best teams in the AL West so far this season.
MLB Free Picks: Angels 4 A’s 2
10:05 PM EST MLB Odds
Oakland Athletics
Dana Eveland - L +1½ -165
Los Angeles Angels
Ervin Santana - R -1½ +145
Over 8½ -110
Under 8½ -110
American League
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