Posted on
4/18/2008 4:49:17 PM
MLB Betting – A’s Look To Snap Three Game Slide vs. Royals
By Eric Williams
After winning six of their previous online baseball betting seven games, the Oakland A’s, (9-8, 5-10-2 O/U) have looked lost in losing each of their last three contests, including Thursday’s 8-1 loss to the Seattle Mariners that I correctly predicted in the BetUS Locker Room yesterday.
The A’s will look to snap their modest losing streak by sending starter Chad Gaudin (0-1, 7.20), to the hill looking to reverse his own personal failures despite allowing just three runs on four hits in six innings in his last start as the A’s lost 7-1 at Cleveland last Sunday. Gaudin has given up eight earned runs and walked five in 10 innings this year.
The surprising Kansas City Royals, (9-7, 3-13 O/U) will have an excellent chance if blossoming starter Brian Bannister, (3-0, 0.86 ERA) continues throwing like he has all season. Bannister enters tonight’s contest looking for his fourth consecutive win after three absolutely overpowering performances to start the 2008 season.
Bannister is coming off his second career complete game on Sunday against the Minnesota Twins, shutting them down while allowing a miniscule three hits in the Royals’ 3-1 victory.
"I'm trying to get back to how I was pitching in June and August of last year, when I went on those runs," Bannister told the Royals' official web site. "I'm a streaky pitcher. I have always been. I can go on hot streaks, and I just always hope the hot streaks are longer than the cold streaks."
Here is a look at tonight’s key trends, followed by my analysis and MLB Betting Free Picks.
The Royals are 6-0 in Bannister’s last 6 starts after allowing 5 runs or more in their previous game.
The Royals are 4-0 in Bannister’s last 4 starts.
The Royals are 4-0 in Bannister’s last 4 starts on grass.
The Athletics are 9-3 in Gaudin’s last 12 starts with the total set at 7.0-8.5.
The Athletics are 6-2 in Gaudin’s last 8 home starts with the total set at 7.0-8.5.
The Athletics are 2-5 in Gaudin’s last 7 home starts.
The Under is 4-0 in Royals last 4 Friday games.
The Under is 4-0-1 in Athletics last 5 overall.
The Royals are 4-1 in the last 5 meetings in Oakland.
The Under is 10-4-1 in the last 15 meetings.
Analysis: Oakland’s Gaudin is struggling mightily at the moment while K.C.’s Bannister looks like he is throwing Cy Young stuff at every batter he faces. Take the Royals to pick up another solid victory in this contest.
MLB Free Picks: Royals 6 A’s 2
10:05 PM EST MLB Odds
Kansas City Royals
Brian Bannister - R -1½ +140
Oakland Athletics
Chad Gaudin - R +1½ -160
Over 8 EV
Under 8 -120
American League
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