posted June 17, 2008 at 14:26 EST in MLB Free Picks
MLB Baseball Betting - Chicago Cubs vs. Tampa Bay Rays
by Mike Rose
The Chicago Cubs just disposed of the Toronto Blue Jays this past weekend to increase its mark to a MLB best 45-25 overall, but their Interleague schedule gets even tougher when they invade Tropicana field to take on the revitalized Tampa Bay Rays in tonight’s MLB online gambling affair. With its series win at Toronto, the Cubs clawed to within one game of the .500 mark on the road at 16-17, and they come into this series winning seven of its last 10 overall making its MLB bettors very happy in the process. In its last three road series’, Chicago beat the Padres in a three game set at PetCo Park, split with the Dodgers at Chavez Ravine, and took two of three from the Blue Jay’s north of the border. June, much like April and May, has been very kind to the “loveable losers” that’s seen them secure victories in 10 of its 14 overall games. As well as they’ve played throughout the season, the Cubs own just a 3.5 game lead over the St. Louis Cardinals in the NL Central. The Rays level of play has decreased of late evidenced by its 6-7 record in the month of June, but they’ve only played in the comfy confines of its own stadium in four of those 13 games. Tampa’s one of the best home teams in the league as they’ve scratched out a 26-11 mark making them a definite “play on” team by MLB Handicappers whenever they host an opponent.
Ryan Dempster continues to be one of the bright spots in the Cubs starting rotation
After he threw a complete game his last time out against the Atlanta Braves in the Cubs 7-2 win at Wrigley. The Cubs have won 11 of his 14 starts this season, and he’s been flat out nasty at Wrigley Field compiling a perfect 8-0 mark with a 2.93 ERA and 1.24 WHIP. That said he’s yet to pick up a win on the road this season (0-2), and he’s barely managed to make it to the six innings in his last three starts as a visitor. He’s hoping to become more consistent away from Wrigley, but he’ll have a hard time pulling that off in this spot against a Rays club that’s performed exceptionally well in this venue.
Scott Kazmir had his streak of wins snapped in his last start against the LA Angels that saw him get tagged with a loss for just the second time this season. He’s been crazy good since coming off the DL back in early May, and the Rays are yet to drop a home start of his all season. He comes into this spot 6-2 on the year with a 1.74 ERA and 0.97 WHIP in eight overall starts allowing 34 hits and 11 runs (10 earned) with an exceptional K/BB ratio of 54/16 in a little over 51 total innings of work. At home, he’s 4-0 with a ridiculous 0.35 ERA and 0.81 WHIP. He’ll be making his first career start against the Cubs this evening.
Oddsmakers opened the Rays midrange –140 home favorites in tonight’s baseball betting affair with the ‘total’ set at 7.5 over -115. BetUS.com offers all MLB betting odds be it side, total, or run-line, so be sure to login to your account and get your wagers down before tonight’s first pitch.
Chicago’s won 15 of its 22 match-ups against left-handers, and its won 5 of 7 games with a day off this season. However, they’re a bankroll depleting 1-3 as a road underdog in the +125 to +150 range this season, and Ryan Dempster has been a tough luck pitcher on the road. Scott Kazmir has been nothing short of money at home this year, and he’s coming off his first loss in a little over a month. Look for him and the Rays to be a bit too much for the Cubs in Game 1 of this three game set.
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