posted April 7, 2008 at 16:26 in MLB Betting Trends
Baseball Betting Streaking Cards Seek Sixth Straight Win
Widely expected to be a mediocre ball club in need of rebuilding, the St. Louis Cardinals are off to a fine start after dropping their season opener to the Colorado Rockies.
St. Louis has won five consecutive games, including a three-game home sweep of the Washington Nationals over the weekend.
Cardinals starter Kyle Lohse did not allow a run in seven innings as the Cardinals won 3-0, lowering his ERA to a microscopic 0.96.
"(Manager Tony LaRussa's) talked to us about not taking a night off or day off, and I think that's what we've done," Lohse said. "Even in spring training, from what I saw, guys were out there playing the game the right way. We've won some tight games at home, and that's what it takes."
Rick Ankiel drove in two runs with an RBI double in the first inning and a solo home run in the third for the Cardinals.
Tonight, the Cardinals will start Todd Wellemeyer, (1-0, 1.80 ERA) who pitched five innings, allowing one run and just four hits while striking out six in the Cardinals 8-3 win over Colorado last Wednesday.
The Astros come into tonight’s contest looking to avoid a third consecutive loss after losing back-to-back games to the Chicago Cubs.
Dropping the final two games of their weekend set with the Cubs in Chicago, including a 3-2 defeat on Sunday.
Chicago's Derrek Lee homered in the bottom of the inning on Sunday to drive in the winning run in Chicago’s 3-2 victory.
"We didn't hit enough to have the runs we need, but it's OK," Astros shortstop Miguel Tejada told the Astros' official Web site. "It's bad because we lost, but when you play close games like this, it means we played a good game."
Astros starter Wandy Rodriguez, (0-0, 7.20) allowed four runs and eight hits in five innings against the Padres last Wednesday, but avoided picking up a loss as the Astros won the game 9-6.
Here is a look at tonight’s key trends followed by my MLB Gambling Free Picks.
Key Cardinals Trends
The Cardinals are 4-0 in their last four road games with the total set at 9.0-10.5.The Cardinals are 4-0 in their last four vs. National League Central.
The Cardinals are 4-0 in their last four games vs. a left-handed starter.
Key Astros Trends
The Astros are 4-1 in their last five vs. National League Central.
The Astros are 4-1 in their last five games vs. a starter with a WHIP greater than 1.30.
The Astros are 5-2 in their last seven games with the total set at 9.0-10.5.
Key Totals Trends
The Over is 6-0 in Cardinals last six Monday games.
The Over is 5-1 in Cardinals last six vs. National League Central.
The Over is 5-1 in Cardinals last six games as an underdog.
The Under is 4-0 in Astros last four home games with the total set at 9.0-10.5.
The Under is 4-0 in Astros last four games vs. a starter with a WHIP greater than 1.30.
The Under is 12-2 in Astros last 14 home games vs. a right-handed starter.
Key Head-to-Head Trends
The Astros are 1-4 in Rodriguez’s last five starts vs. Cardinals.
The Astros are 0-4 in Rodriguez’s last four home starts vs. Cardinals.
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Analysis: Forget the fact that the Astros are playing at home here MLB bettors. The Cardinals have the better starter on the mound and should be able to pick up another victory, particularly if Rodriguez throws they way he did in his first outing of the season. Take the Cardinals to continue their winning ways.
MLB Free Picks: Cardinals 5 Astros 3
07:05 PM EST MLB Odds
St Louis CardinalsTodd Wellemeyer - R +1½ -220
Houston Astros
Wandy Rodriguez - L -1½ +180
Over 9 -110
Under 9 -110
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