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**StarDust Bum** · 05-12-2010, 01:53 AM

Wednesday Day Tips

The Wednesday baseball card is loaded with games from day until late night, giving bettors plenty of opportunities to make money. Several hurlers that have been pitching well take the mound in matinees, as we'll start in Milwaukee with a pair of below .500 teams looking to turn the corner.

Braves at Brewers - 1:10 PM EST

Two clubs trying to build off a slow start wrap up a three-game set at Miller Park. The Braves had dropped 11 of 13 on the highway prior to Monday's 8-2 drubbing of the Brewers. Yovani Gallardo toes the rubber for Milwaukee, coming off two strong road victories at San Diego and Arizona.

The Brewers have won each of Gallardo's (4-2, 3.07 ERA) last four starts after Milwaukee lost his first three outings. Gallardo has struck out 21 in his previous two outings, while finishing 'under' the total in five of the last six. The righty has had success against the Braves in his career, allowing two earned runs in three starts, including two victories last season by exact 4-0 counts.

Derek Lowe (4-3, 6.16 ERA) is looking for consistency with only one quality start to his credit in seven outings this season. Lowe was lit up at Philadelphia in his last turn, giving up 11 hits and seven earned runs in five innings of a 7-0 defeat. The sinkerballer hasn't gone far into games, not lasting past the sixth inning, while failing to get out of the sixth in each of the last five outings.

Milwaukee has struggled at Miller Park this season, going 1-6 the last seven at home. What's even worse is the Brewers have lost these games to three of the weakest road teams in baseball (Braves, Cubs, and Pirates). Brewers' LF Ryan Braun is day-to-day with an elbow contusion after getting with a pitch in Monday's loss.

Nationals at Mets - 1:10 PM EST

Washington is continuing to impress with its solid start through the first six weeks of the season, as the Nats and Mets finish up their series at Citi Field. The Nats are 6-1 the last seven meetings against the Mets dating back to last season, including a 3-1 mark in Flushing.

Mike Pelfrey (4-1, 2.65 ERA) bounced back from his first loss of the season with a seven-inning performance in a no-decision against the Giants. Pelfrey was in line for the win before closer Francisco Rodriguez gave up the game-tying homer in the ninth. The Mets hit a walk-off homer to claim the victory in the bottom half of that inning, the fifth win for New York in Pelfrey's six starts. The only win by the Mets over the Nationals this season came when Pelfrey scattered four hits and two runs in an 8-2 runaway against Washington on April 9.

The Nationals counter with Craig Stammen (1-1, 5.62 ERA), who has been torched in two road losses at Philadelphia and Florida. The righty gave up ten earned runs in just 5.1 innings of the two division setbacks on the highway, but the 'under' has now hit in each of his last four starts. All three of Stammen's starts last season against the Mets finished 'under' the total, as Washington went 1-2.

These two teams have contrasting records in Game 3's this season with the Nats going 8-2 and the Mets compiling a 2-7 ledger. New York owns the second-worst batting average in the National League against right-handers at .234, but is 11-5 at Citi Field versus right-handed starting pitchers.

White Sox at Twins - 1:10 PM EST

Chicago and Minnesota conclude its mini two-game set at Target Field as both John Danks and Carl Pavano look to each bounce back from 2-0 losses in their last start.

Danks (3-1, 1.98 ERA) pitched fantastic against the hot-hitting Blue Jays, allowing two earned runs or less for the sixth straight start. However, the Sox were shut out for only the second time in Danks' last 58 starts, as Chicago lost as the biggest favorite ($1.70) that the lefty has been listed at in 2010. Danks has had little luck against the Twins, with Minnesota beating Chicago in each of his last five starts. In Danks' final four starts at the Metrodome, the Sox went 0-4, but Chicago has averaged nine runs a game in his two away starts this season, both wins.

Pavano (3-3, 3.43 ERA) hasn't received run support in his last two outings, with the Twins getting shut out by the Orioles and Tigers. The veteran righty has gone eight innings in each of those starts, while allowing two earned runs each, but Minnesota 1-3 in Pavano's last four outings. Pavano has not faced the Sox as a member of the Twins, as the Indians were 2-1 in his starts last season against Chicago.

The Sox are 2-8 the last ten games away from the South Side, while going 6-1 to the 'over' the previous seven on the highway. The Twins are 13-3 the last 16 against the Sox in this series, including the 20-1 blowout at Chicago last May.

Blue Jays at Red Sox - 1:35 PM EST

If Toronto can somehow avoid Boston, the Jays' record would look even better than the 19-15 mark they own. The Red Sox are 4-0 against the Jays this season, with three wins coming by one run apiece. The Jays look to break through on Wednesday afternoon against the ageless wonder, Tim Wakefield.

The knuckleballer is making his first start since April 25 as Wakefield (0-1, 6.03 ERA) goes for his first win since last August. Wakefield has been involved in three one-run games this season, including losses to last-place clubs Baltimore and Kansas City. The veteran pitched well in his last outing against the Orioles, allowing two earned runs and seven hits in 6.2 innings, but the Sox fell, 7-6. Wakefield's last two starts against Toronto have been downright disastrous, giving up 11 earned runs in just 7.2 innings of work, both losses.

Shaun Marcum (1-1, 3.19 ERA) has turned in quality starts in six of his seven outings this season, including all three road starts. Marcum is coming off a no-decision in Toronto's 12-inning win at Chicago last Friday, scattering six hits and three earned runs in 7.2 innings of work. The righty was out-dueled by Clay Buchholz in the last meeting with the Red Sox, falling 2-1 on April 27 at Rogers Center, the fifth no-decision of the season for Marcum.

Both these teams are on 7-3 'over' runs, while Toronto is just 3-7 in Game 3's this season. The Red Sox are hitting nearly 40 points higher against right-handed pitchers than left-handers, as Boston is 5-2 the last seven at home versus righty starters.

**StarDust Bum** · 05-12-2010, 01:55 AM

Prime-Time Tips

With no NBA action tonight, gamblers have to focus on baseball whether they like it or not. Let’s take a look at the night game of the Yankees-Tigers twin bill, in addition to St. Louis in bounce-back mode hosting the Astros.

**Yankees at Tigers**

--Las Vegas Sports Consultants opened New York (21-10, +753) as a minus-150 favorite with a total of 9 ½ (minus-115 either way). As of early this morning, most spots had the Yankees at minus-160. Bettors can take the Yankees on the run line (minus 1 ½ runs) for a plus-105 return.

--With last night’s game postponed due to rain, these teams will meet in the first game of this doubleheader at 1:00 p.m. Eastern.

--Joe Girardi’s club is one game behind the American League East-leading Rays. The Yankees have posted an 11-8 record in 19 road games to date.

--Phil Hughes (4-0, 1.69) has not given up more than two earned runs in any of his five starting assignments this season. The right-hander, who owns a 17-10 record and 3.85 career ERA, is 2-2 with a 5.30 lifetime ERA against Detroit.

--Detroit RHP Jeremy Bonderman (1-1, 5.74) has been roughed up quite a bit this year, but Detroit has emerged victorious from four of his five starts. Bonderman owns an abysmal 3-7 record and 5.55 career ERA against the Yankees.

--Detroit (18-14, +415) is in second place in the AL Central, three games off the pace of the division-leading Twins. The Tigers have been dynamite at home, cashing tickets at a 10-3 clip.

--The ‘over’ is 17-14 overall for the Tigers, but they have watched the ‘under’ go 7-6 in their 13 home outings.

--The ‘over’ is 18-15 overall the Yankees, 12-9 in their home games.

--ESPN will have the telecast at 7:00 p.m. Eastern.

**Astros at Cardinals**

--Most books are listing St. Louis (20-12, +428) as the favorite in the minus-165-175 range. The total is 8 1/2 ‘under’ (minus-120) and the Cards can be had on the run line for a plus-125 payout (risk $100 to win $125).

--Houston (10-21, -1003) won a 6-3 decision at St. Louis last night, hooking up its backers with a generous plus-210 return. Brett Myers gave up just two earned runs in six innings for his second win of the season. Lance Berkman belted his third homer, although his 1-for-4 performance kept his batting average at .197.

--The win pulled the last-place Astros to within 8 ½ games of first-place St. Louis, which has a three-game advantage over Cincinnati in the NL Central.

--Tony Larussa’s club has won 10 of its l3 home games. The veteran skipper will turn to Kyle Lohse (0-2, 5.45) in this spot. The righty is 6-6 with a 2.95 lifetime ERA against Houston.

--The Astros have lost six of their nine road games so far. They have watched the ‘under’ turn a lucrative 20-9 overall record. Even better, the ‘under’ is 7-2 in Houston nine road outings.

--Houston LHP Wandy Rodriguez (1-4, 4.59) will toe the rubber in the middle game of this three-game set. The southpaw has always had tough luck against the Cards with a 3-10 record and 4.17 career ERA.

**B.E.’s Bonus Nuggets**

--Tampa Bay LHP David Price (4-1, 1.91) is enjoying a stellar campaign to date, posting a 2-0 record and 0.79 ERA in his last three starts. He’ll get the ball for the Rays in a late-afternoon game (7:00 p.m. ET.) on the West coast against the Angels.

--Cody Ross hit a two-run homer and Ricky Nolasco worked seven strong innings to lead Florida to a 3-2 win over the Cubs. The Marlins hooked up their backers as plus-115 road underdogs. Leo Nunez worked a perfect ninth inning for his seventh save, leaving his ERA at a miniscule 0.63. The Fish are now 4 ½ games back of the NL East-leading Phillies.

--Atlanta has won eight of its last 13 games since losing nine straight. Tim Hudson improved to 3-1 with a 2.64 ERA after going six innings in an 11-3 win at Milwaukee. Troy Glaus, who has caught fire recently to get his batting average up to .268, had a double and homer for three RBIs last night. Rookie sensation Jason Heyward had a pair of hits to get his average back up to .300.

--Cincinnati’s Homer Bailey (0-2, 7.24) has been struggling mightily this season, but the Pirates could be just what the doctor ordered for Bailey. He is 4-0 with a 2.13 ERA in four career starts against Pittsburgh.

**StarDust Bum** · 05-12-2010, 01:55 AM

Game 7 at the Igloo

It sounds like a broken record but the Canadiens have forced a Game 7 in this year’s postseason.

Montreal forced the deciding contesting by holding on for a 4-3 win over the Penguins as a $1.50 home underdog on Monday night.

While Pittsburgh can be considered the better offense, it hasn’t been all it is cracked up to be in this series. They’ve only scored more than three goals twice in six games. A major reason for the Pens’ inability to keep the scoreboard operator awake is the ineffectiveness of their stars.

Sidney Crosby had scored six goals during the playoffs, while Evgeni Malkin has lit the lamp five times. In this Eastern Conference Semifinal, this awesome duo has scored one goal each. That is not going to cut it if Pittsburgh wants to repeat as Stanley Cup champs.

We can’t pin the blame all on the offense for the Pens’ inability to close out the series. Nope…their defense has been iffy. Marc-Andre Fleury has played more like a flower than a goaltender in this series. He gave up four goals on 25 shots in Game 6 with the Habs, which doesn’t sound as bad as it actually was at the Bell Centre. Fleury has a .914 save percentage for this round, just above his .899 save percentage for the entire postseason.

Fleury hasn’t been able to find an answer for Michael Cammalleri, who is playing like a man possessed right now. Cammalleri scored 26 goals during an injury shortened regular season campaign. All he has done in the playoffs is sneak the puck past opposing goalies 11 times (leads all playoff scorers), six of which have come against Pittsburgh.

Of course, we can’t forget about Jaroslav Halak between the pipes for Montreal. Halak leads all netminders still in the playoffs with a .933 save percentage that has led to a 2.45 goals against average.

Despite the inspired play out of the Canadiens, most oddsmakers have made Pittsburgh a heavy $2.45 home favorite (risk $245 to win $100) with a total of 5 ½. Gamblers can take the Habs to pull off another miracle that will pay out at plus-225 (risk $100 to win $225).

It won’t take bettors much time to remember that Montreal was in this spot earlier in this postseason. They became the first eighth-seed to beat a No. 1 seed after being down three-games-to-one. And you have to wonder if they are a team of destiny.

Pittsburgh had to go on the road twice last year to win Game 7s en route to capturing its third championship. It’s certainly food for thought.

Home ice is not necessarily an advantage in the playoffs, as we’ve seen this year. But home ice is really lousy for the Penguins. They’ve held a do-or-die tilt at Mellon Arena four times in their history…Pittsburgh has lost all four of them.

What can help gamblers wanting to take the Pens at the betting window is that they are 3-0 straight up and 2-1 on the puck line (-1 ½-goals) in games as home faves after a loss as road favorites this season.

Montreal is 4-3 SU as a road ‘dog when coming off of a win as a home pup this season. However, the Canadiens are 7-0 on the puck line (+1 ½-goals) in those spots.

**BettorsChat** · 05-12-2010, 08:31 AM

gl Stardust

**StarDust Bum** · 05-12-2010, 06:40 PM

Wednesday, May 12Game Score Status Pick Amount

Montreal - 7:00 PM ET Montreal +222 500 *****
Pittsburgh - Over 5.5 500 *****

Boston - 8:00 PM ET Boston +133 500 *****
Philadelphia - Under 5 500 *****

**StarDust Bum** · 05-12-2010, 07:06 PM

Will destiny carry Montreal and Philadelphia?

Montreal rubbed out the team with the best record in the NHL and is 60 minutes away from knocking off the defending Stanley Cup champions as the eighth seed, is this crazy or what? What about Philadelphia, they were nearly swept in four games by Boston, but an overtime goal and extremely impressive road shutout has them three periods away from evening up this series at 3-3 and having the Flyers going after history seldom seen. Are the Canadiens and Flyers teams destined to meet in East Finals? Everyone begins to find out Wednesday night.

Montreal at Pittsburgh 7:00E VERSUS

If the Canadiens beating Washington seemed improbable, what were the odds for them turning right around and taking Pittsburgh squad that has as much or more star power and better defense?

It turns out besides the players and coaches, there are two other nervous types coming into this win and move on Game 7. Those holding Pittsburgh series tickets at -435 have to be quaking, since whom in their right or left mind would have believed the Penguins would be in this predicament.

In addition, long shot bettors have to salivating at the thought of cashing a +365 series winner on Montreal, who once again takes a better team to the max and couldn’t be more confident and feeling less pressure than what they are.

“Game 7, it’s all about passion, details, and the team that’s going to want the game the most is going to win,” Canadiens forward Maxim Lapierre said.

Montreal has been like the guest that doesn’t know when to go home, hanging around to the point of annoyance and is 4-0 facing elimination. The Habs are a +210 money line underdog at Sportsbook.com, tell them something new. With a 7-6 record in the postseason, Montreal is inconceivable +11.55 units.

Pittsburgh can say they don’t feel the pressure, well that would not be truthful. Twice in their history the Penguins were decided home favorites heading into a Game 7, however they lost in 1993 and 1996. “This is a challenge for us,” Penguins captain Sidney Crosby said Tuesday. “It’s 3-3. There are some views out there this should have been an easy series. But we’re not losing. It’s tied. They’re here.”

The Pens are 30-8 at home after suffering a defeat, nonetheless, who the better team is right now? Montreal goalie Jaroslav Halak, has outplayed his Pittsburgh’s counterpart Marc-Andre Fleury. If the Conn Smythe Trophy for Stanley Cup Playoffs most outstanding player was being handed out today, Sidney Crosby or Evgeni Malkin wouldn’t be in the conversation. The most amount of talk would center on Halak or Mike Cammalleri, who has six goals for the Canadiens.

"No, not at all. For us, it is the reality," Cammalleri said when asked about if his team finds these circumstances unbelievable. "If you pinch yourself, you are beat. I remember when you first come into the league, if you start sitting around and staring in awe and catching flies, you'll be out pretty quick.

"Now, we belong and we're having fun. Now, we have an opportunity to go knock these guys off in Game 7, so let's go enjoy it."

Boston at Philadelphia 7:00E TSN

Forget the pipes and netting on the Philadelphia goal, what they really need is a revolving door. Netminder Michael Leighton was pressed into service in Game 5 after goalie Brian Boucher sprained MCL in his left knee, forcing Leighton into action as the seventh different player between the pipes with the heavy pads for the Flyers.

Leighton and Boucher became just the second pair to pitch a shutout in Stanley Cup playoffs history. Leighton hadn’t played since Mar. 16 because of a sprained ankle and was put on the active roster for the first time since then for the last contest. “My legs were shaking a little bit, I was nervous,” Leighton said. “Once I made a few saves, you kind of forget about that and just get focused. It kind of goes away.”

Off their 4-0 beat down of Boston, Philly has gone from a team just hoping to extend the series to one that envisions a seventh game with the momentum of three consecutive triumphs. The Flyers are 7-3 with day between games and have never given up.

“Even when we were down 3-0, we had the feeling we could win the series,” Flyers forward Simon Gagne said. “We could win some hockey games against that team.”

For the Bruins, the possibility exists losing the scoring prowess of David Krejci and Marco Sturm to injury in this series is finally catching up to the second lowest scoring squad during the regular season. Boston players and coaches were disconsolate about something else after the white-washing, the lack of effort.

"We lost battles from start to finish," Bruins coach Claude Julien said. "They were the hungrier team tonight (Monday), and when that happens, you get those kinds of results."

Boston is 7-2 in road games after allowing four goals or more this year and comprehends its situation. "They came in and slapped us in the face," said Bruins veteran Mark Recchi. "Now we have to go there and realize that this is a series now."

Philadelphia is -135 ML home ice favorite, with total Ov5. The Flyers are on 6-1 run as chalk and 7-2-1 OVER after permitting two or fewer goals. Boston has won last four after compiling two or fewer pucks in the net and is 11-2 UNDER playing into double revenge.

Philadelphia is 2-6 vs. the Bruins at the Wachovia Center, but might have destiny on their side to force one more second round contest.

**StarDust Bum** · 05-12-2010, 07:07 PM

Knowledge makes baseball bettors richer

Sports talk radio and sports forums are loaded with people that have opinions on all kinds of topics. Some are informed, many are not. Throwing out the often tired “_______ sucks” does not qualify as riveting or informed perspective on a particular team or player. If the teams or players are playing good or bad, for the sports bettor, it pays to know and understand why.

“It’s not working”

The Baltimore Orioles (-10.6 betting units) started the year 2-16, getting a head start on their usual second half collapse. Playing in a division with the Yankees, Boston and Tampa Bay does not make the job any easier and they’ve only faced confounding Toronto in the first three games of the season before anyone realized they would be this good to this point.

The Orioles are only scoring 3.3 runs per game and though they are 7-8 since horrific beginning, they are not doing anything at the top of the batting order. Baltimore manager Dave Trembley keeps trying to find one hot bat for the No. 1 slot of the batting order, but thus far, nothing has worked with Cesar Izturis (.218 at press time) Julio Lugo (.224) and Adam Jones (.230) all having a turn without producing to help Ty Wigginton or Matt Wieters drive in runners.

The Chicago Cubs and Houston Astros (-8) have the same basic problem as they have muddled along in 2010. The Cubs (-12.6) placed Ryan Theriot at the front of the lineup and he gets on base regularly with .329 batting average. Marlon Byrd and Geovany Soto are both hitting over .325 but the middle of the lineup is a black hole on the north side of Chicago. It’s not a good sign when one of your starting pitchers (Ryan Dempster) has a higher batting average (.230) than those in the heart of the order. Derrick Lee (.220, 28 K’s) Aramis Ramirez (.159, 31 K’s) and Xavier Nady (.186, 10 K’s in 43 AB’s) are swinging and missing, giving new meaning to the “Windy City” and the Cubs not scoring enough runs to win.

Houston’s Michael Bourn is batting lead-off, hitting .289 with on-base percentage of .366 and is nearly automatic to reach second base after a single with 11 stolen bases. Unfortunately he might have to start stealing third and home with Lance Berkman hitting .197 and Carlos Lee at .200. This less than dynamic duo has 18 combined runs batted in, which 33 National League players have surpassed individually.

There is a very good reason why White Sox slugger Paul Konerko leads the Major Leagues with 13 home runs, yet has only 27 rbi’s, nobody ahead of him in the batting order is ever on base. Leadoff man Juan Pierre has stolen 15 bags, but he can’t steal first and .244 BA leaves Chicago missing opportunities. The same is true of Gordon Beckham in the No. 2 slot of late, batting a shocking .188 and leading the Pale Hose in strikeouts with 28. Its little wonder the White Sox (-7.4) are hanging out with Cleveland and Kansas City in the lower regions of the AL Central instead of hunting down Minnesota

So that’s how you do it

It’s either seldom or never heard, “The Washington Nationals are my favorite bet”. The Nats are in second place at 18-15 behind two-time National League champion Philadelphia and are the tops in baseball betting at +11.4 units. How could this possibly be the world wonders?

Eventually, Washington will slide below .500 if they keep being outscored by a half a run a contest. Nonetheless, at least for now, four elements have changed. The first bit of credit goes to skipper Jim Riggleman, who’s altered the tone in the locker room. For years, Nationals players didn’t seem to care if they won or lost, but now those in the clubhouse daily see joy when they win and remorse when they suffer a defeat.

Next, Washington is in the middle of almost all NL offensive stats, which gives them a chance and their defense which has been one of the worst since moving to D.C., is at least average and they are getting to more balls that lead to outs. Lastly, the Nats are not blowing as many games late with Tyler Clippard and closer Matt Capps both having ERA’s under 2.00.

The San Diego Padres (+9.4) are atop the NL West, thanks to a nasty pitching staff and just enough offense. Pads pitchers have hung seven zeroes on opposing teams and held seven others to one or two runs, which doesn’t necessitate having the pressure of scoring a lot of runs to stay in the game.

San Diego pitchers are second in the NL is ERA (2.71) and BAA (.224). Padres’ hurlers are in the top six in strikeouts and top five in fewest walks allowed, which stops scoring threats from exploding. Everything is so cheery around Petco Park, even talk of trading Adrian Gonzalez has stopped.

Toronto’s unlikely quick start this campaign has been fueled by starting pitching (2nd in the AL in quality starts) and hitting the long ball. The Blue Jays (+6.3) hitters lead baseball with 51 home runs, which has meant no prolonged scoring droughts.

As good as Toronto has been, Tampa Bay (+7.2) has been that much better in the standings. In spite of a great deal of youth among its starting staff, the Rays top five starting pitchers have an ERA all under 3.20. They have 23 quality starts, the finest in the AL and the entire staff has the best ERA (2.80) and skimpiest BAA permitted at .223.

Tampa’s team batting average is pedestrian at .254; however they are third in baseball in runs scored and clutch when it counts, second in the AL in runs scored when there are two outs. This is still the most athletic team in the game and if first sacker Carlos Pena would stop trying to pull everything and hit balls to left-center like he used, the offense would only improve.

The final team to bet on is the Yankees, which is usually a bad choice considering what the losses cost. Presently, New York is hitting and pitching so well you have to think about them every day, especially on the run line.

The Yankees margin of victory is 2.2 RPG and they are 21-7 in games decided by two or more runs. Betting them on the run line is a safe wager at -150 or more on the money line, because they are so dominant and it keeps the losses to a minimum.

**StarDust Bum** · 05-12-2010, 07:09 PM

Baseball bettors jumping on Giants

Whether it’s at home or on the road, the San Diego Padres have gotten the best of the San Francisco Giants this season. The first-place Padres look for a fifth straight win over the Giants on Wednesday night. After sweeping a three-game set from the Giants at home April 19-21, San Diego (20-12, +9.4 units) won 3-2 on Tuesday at San Francisco in the series opener between the NL West frontrunners.

Three of the Padres’ four wins over San Francisco (18-13, +3.8) have been decided by one run, moving them to 14-6 in night games.

David Eckstein had a two-run single and four relievers held the Giants scoreless over 4 1/3 innings as San Diego improved to 3-1 on a six-game road trip.“We’ve been feeling good,” said Heath Bell, who recorded his ninth save to secure San Diego’s third straight win at San Francisco.

San Diego has allowed six runs against the Giants this season, including two by a bullpen that’s among the best in the majors with a 2.58 ERA. The Padres are 16-6 with a hot bullpen whose WHIP is under 1.200 the last 10 games this season.

That solid pitching has enabled the Padres to provide just enough offense to keep beating the Giants. San Diego has scored 12 runs and hit .235 against the Giants this season. The Padres were the recipient of 12 San Francisco walks but stranded 15 runners Tuesday. “We want to get them in,” San Diego manager Bud Black said.

Eckstein, however, is 7 for 13 in his last four games and batting .318 with six RBIs in his last six against the Giants.

The Padres scored all their runs Tuesday against Barry Zito, who allowed seven walks. They could face a stiffer challenge with Matt Cain (2-1, 2.79 ERA, 1.009 WHIP) on the mound.

After giving up seven runs in his first two starts, Cain has yielded six in his last four and two with five hits in 15 innings to win his last two outings.
Coming off an eight-inning, one-hit effort against Colorado on May 1, Cain took a no-hitter into the sixth before allowing two runs and four hits in seven innings of a 6-3 win at Florida on Thursday. “What a job he did,” manager Bruce Bochy told the Giants’ official website. The right-hander and his teammates are 11-3 when he pitches off a loss.

Cain is 4-6 with a 2.91 ERA in 19 starts versus the Padres. He allowed two runs in six innings of a 3-2, 10-inning loss at San Diego on April 19.

San Diego’s Clayton Richard (1-2, 3.34, 1.543), who gave up one run in 6 1/3 innings in that game against Cain and the Giants last month, takes the ball in this contest. The left-hander, whose 0-1 with a 6.10 ERA in two starts against San Francisco, gave up three runs and five walks in five innings of a 6-5, 12-inning loss to Colorado last Wednesday.

“It was not having command of my fastball. And when I don’t have that, it’s going to be a rough slide,” Richard told the Padres’ official website. Richard is an after dark hurler with San Diego 15-6 when he takes the mound with the lights on.

Aubrey Huff is 4 for 7 against Richard and had two hits with an RBI on Tuesday for the Giants, who’ve lost three of four. Huff is batting .417 with nine RBIs in his last 10 games.

Sportsbook.com has seen almost all one-sided action, as the Giants went from -145 favorites to -180 on the money line with total Un7.5. San Fran is 24-12 vs. NL starting pitcher whose ERA is 3.50 or better and 17-5 OVER against clubs in their league allowing 3.8 or less runs a game on the season. When the total falls into that range, Richard is 12-5 when the number is 7 to 8.5. (Padres Record)
This battle for the top spot in the NL West has 10:15 Eastern start and is available in both local markets as well as MLB.TV and San Diego is 24-13 OVER as a road underdog of +150 or more.

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