Posted on
5/8/2008 6:18:35 PM
MLB Online Wagering – Hot Astros Look to Complete Sweep of Nationals
By Eric Williams
After winning four consecutive games last week and six of seven heading into their series opener with the Houston Astros, (18-16, 14-20 O/U) on Tuesday, the Washington Nationals, (14-20, 14-19-1 O/U) have dropped two straight games by just one run on each occasion to the red-hot Astros, winners of five consecutive games in the BetUS Sportsbook.
After beating the Nationals, 6-5 on Tuesday and following that up with a 4-3 win on Wednesday, the Astros will send right-hander Brandon Backe (2-3, 4.42 ERA) to the mound looking to complete their sweep.
"We gotta make it look easier," said Astros left fielder Carlos Lee. "Every night it seems we have to work really hard for it. But as long as we're winning, we're happy. Our confidence level is really high."
Though Backe is tied for second place in the National League in walks with a whopping 25 so far, Backe is coming off a solid performance in his last outing as he limited the Milwaukee Brewers to just two runs on five hits in 5 2/3 innings while smacking the third home run of his career.
"I'm tired of all these walks that I'm giving up and I'm getting myself in trouble and ultimately not going as far as I want to go," said Backe, who has lasted a minimum of six innings just twice this season.
Washington will hand the ball to young left-hander John Lannan (2-3, 3.74) who is coming off his worst start of the season as he allowed six runs, (five earned) on six hits, including a home run in just three innings as the Nationals fell to the Pittsburgh Pirates 11-4 on Friday.
Here is a look at tonight’s key trends followed by my MLB Betting Free Picks:
The Nationals are 3-7 in Lannan’s last ten starts.
The Nationals are 3-7 in Lannan’s last ten starts on grass.
The Astros are 9-0 in Backe’s last nine home starts vs. a team with a losing record.
The Astros are 14-2 in Backe’s last 16 starts as a home favorite.
The Under is 4-0 in Lannan’s last four starts vs. a team with a winning record.
The Under is 5-1 in Backe’s last six starts as a home favorite of -110 to -150.
The Nationals are 8-3 in the last eleven meetings.
The Over is 8-3-1 in the last 12 meetings in Houston.
Analysis: While the Houston Astros have outplayed the Nationals these past two games, I like a feisty Washington team to bounce back with a solid effort from Lannan, while giving him just enough run support against Brandon Backe to actually win this contest in what appears will be another thriller.
MLB Free Picks: Washington 5 Houston 4
08:05 PM EST Baseball Odds
Washington Nationals
John Lannan - L +1½ -200
Houston Astros
Brandon Backe - R -1½ +170
Over 9½ -105
Under 9½ -115
National League
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