Lester, BoSox, Look To Finish Off Angels, Lackey In Game 4

The Los Angeles Angels, (101-64 SU, 68-87-9 O/U, 83-81 RL) kept their World Series hopes alive by beating the Boston Red Sox, (97-68 SU, 72-79-14 O/U, 83-82 RL) but may have stepped out of the fire and into the frying pan!

After facing a struggling Josh Beckett in Sunday’s 5-4 win in 12 innings, the Angels will face Boston’s best pitcher right now, blossoming southpaw Jon Lester, (17-6, 3.11 ERA), who will look to beat the Angels for the second time in this series after tossing a gem in Game 1.

Lester led the BoSox to a convincing 4-1 win in Game 1, limiting L.A. to one run on six hits while striking out seven in seven innings.

"Lester was on his game," Angels’ manager Mike Scioscia said. "He's having a terrific year. He's got a great arm."

Despite his dominant performance, the Angels, who finally swung the bats like they are capable of in Game 3, say they know they have to win no matter who’s on the mound for Boston.

"(The Red Sox are) not taking the field thinking they have a world championship behind them last year that's going to change anything," Scioscia added. "They're taking to the field trying to beat us and that's what he have to do to them."

The Angels will counter with staff ace John Lackey, (12-6, 3.71 ERA), who took the loss in Game 1 despite limiting Boston to just two runs on four hits while striking out five in 6.2 innings.

Lackey did give up the game’s big blow on Jason Bay's two-run homer in the sixth inning, but has plenty of big game experience as the winner of the Angels’ Game 7 World Series win over the San Francisco Giants in 2002.

"John pitched a terrific ballgame and certainly gave us a chance to win," said Scioscia, of the right-hander, who is 0-2 with a 4.26 ERA against Boston in the playoffs.

Angels’ catcher Mike Napoli went 3-for-5 with two homers and three RBIs on Sunday, while Red Sox AL MVP candidate Dustin Pedroia went 0-for-5 and is struggling immensely, going 0-for-13 in the series so far.

Here is a look at tonight’s key trends, followed by my analysis and MLB Free Picks.

The Angels are 8-1 in their last 9 road games.

The Angels are 4-1 in their last 5 road games vs. a left-handed starter.

The Red Sox are 4-0 in Lester’s last 4 starts vs. American League West.

The Red Sox are 9-0 in Lester’s last 9 home starts vs. a team with a winning record.

The Under is 7-1 in Lackey’s last 8 Monday starts.

The Under is 4-0 in Lester’s last 4 starts on grass.

The Angels are 6-0 in the last 6 meetings in Boston.

The Angels are 9-2 in the last 11 meetings.

The Over is 11-5-3 in the last 19 meetings in Boston.

MLB Odds

Los Angeles Angels +1½ -175

John Lackey –R +127

Boston Red Sox -1½ +155

Jon Lester -137

Over 8½ -105

Under 8½ -115

Analysis: I called Lester’s Game 1 win perfectly for my beloved BetUS Sportsbook bettors and I think I’ve got a pretty good handle on tonight’s contest as well.

The result?

A narrow win by the Angels who will return the favor to Lester by handing him a tough loss despite the fact that I think he’s going to pitch another fine ballgame. I like John Lackey to lead the desperate Angels to a season-saving win by tossing a gem of his own.

MLB Free Picks: Angels 3 Red Sox 2