While most people are focusing on the Preakness odds, baseball is in full swing so let’s take a look at a couple of under-the-radar matchups for Friday.
Arizona Diamondbacks @ Atlanta Braves
Friday, May 15, 2009
Doug Davis vs Javier Vazquez
The Arizona Diamondbacks got a brief jolt of confidence when they fired manager Bob Melvin but that short buzz has worn off now.
The Diamondbacks won their first game under new manager A.J. Hinch but since then have lost three straight.
Overall, they are 2-9 in their last games, which is pitiful for a team that was expected to contend for the National League West division.
They’ll send Doug Davis to the mound on Friday to square off against Javier Vazquez in an interesting matchup of two pitchers who both pitch better on the road, than at home.
Vazquez is 0-3 with a 6.10 ERA at home this season but is 3-0 with a 2.10 ERA on the road. Opposing batters are hitting just .219 against him on the road but are batting .256 against him at home.
Meanwhile, Davis has similar splits. At home, he’s 1-4 with a 3.38 ERA. Meanwhile, on the road, he’s 1-1 with a 2.92 ERA.
Vazquez has struggled at home but on Friday, he faces a struggling lineup. Look for him to regain his winning touch with a win.
Online sports betting pick: Braves
Cincinnati Reds @ San Diego Padres
Friday, May 15, 2009
Aaron Harang vs Kevin Correia
Aaron Harang and Kevin Correia will be on the mound for their respective teams on Friday as the Reds and
Padres battle.
Correia had a decent start to the season but has recently struggled. He didn’t allow more than three earned runs in any of his April starts but he allowed five runs in just 3.1 innings pitched in his first start in May.
He has never been an elite starter and given his modest strikeout-to-walk ratio, the sportsbook odds makers aren’t putting a whole lot of faith in him.
Harang has been far more consistent throughout his career and throughout this month.
In 14 innings pitched this month, Harang has given just four earned runs while striking out 16 batters and walking just four.
Harang is hot and is dominating right now as so are the Reds – they have won six of their last seven – so stick with them.
Online sports betting pick: Reds
