Giants, Cy Young Contender, Lincecum To Silence Rockies

While the San Francisco Giants, (59-78, 61-75 RL, 66-68-2 O/U) have struggled all season long, Cy Young-contending starting pitcher Tim Lincecum, (15-3, 2.43 ERA) has flourished despite his team’s immense problems this season.

Tonight, Lincecum will look to help the Giants win their second straight game over the Colorado Rockies (65-74, 64-74 RL, 62-71-5 O/U), after beating them 4-0 on Monday.

While Lincecum’s 210 strikeouts lead all major league pitchers, he also owns the lowest ERA in the NL in just his second major-league season.

"It's great to be there now, but you kind of look at where you are at the end of the season and gauge it from there," Lincecum told the Giants' official Web site. "You don't want to think about the numbers too much. You just want to keep your eye on them and not let them get to you or make you strive for something that's too out of reach."

Lincecum limited the Rockies to one run on five hits while striking out 10 in 7.2 innings in Wednesday’s 4-1 win.

"He's a throwback for Giant fans to Juan Marichal," Rockies manager Clint Hurdle said. "He gets on top of the ball. He's like a whirling dervish out there. He's got some deception, he's got thump with the fastball. He's got a sharp breaking ball, he's got a slider. And, then, he has that filthy changeup."

Colorado is holding on to some legitimate playoff hopes as they are just six games behind NL West-leading Arizona.

"We're not out of it," Hurdle said. "As long as we stayed focused on our own game, that what gives me hope."

The Rockies with counter with veteran right-hander Livan Hernandez (1-3, 11.09), who makes his second straight start against Lincecum.

On Wednesday, Hernandez allowed two runs on five hits, including a pair of solo homers, In 6.1 innings while taking his second consecutive loss.

Here is a look at tonight’s key online sports wagering trends followed by my analysis and MLB betting Free Picks.

The Giants are 5-0 in Lincecum’s last five starts vs. a team with a losing record.

The Giants are 5-1 in Lincecums’ last six starts.

The Under is 5-1 in Lincecum’s last six starts overall.

The Under is 4-1 in the last five meetings.

The Giants are 2-5 in the last seven meetings.

MLB Odds

San Francisco Giants -1½ -130

Tim Lincecum –R -190

Colorado Rockies +1½ +110

Livan Hernandez –R +160

Over 9½ Ev

Under 9½ -120

Analysis: BetUS MLB bettors have an easy pick on their hands tonight with Lincecum on the mound for the Giants. Take San Francisco to win this game and cover the Run Line with Lincecum limiting Colorado to one or two runs tops while his teammates pound former Giants hurler Livan Hernandez into submission.

MLB Free Picks: Giants 6 Rockies 2