MLB Betting – Rockies Keep Riding Jimenez

The Boston Red Sox will try to extend their hot streak and continue climbing up the AL East. Standing in their way is the best pitcher in the league this season, the 13-1 Ubaldo Jimenez.  

MLB Game Odds:

Boston Red Sox +155
John Lackey – (R)

Colorado Rockies -175
Ubaldo Jimenez – (R)

Run Line:
Red Sox +1.5 -130
Rockies -1.5 +115

Total:
8 O -115
8 U -105

Location: Coors Field – Denver, CO
Game Time: Wednesday, June 23rd, 2010 – 8:40 PM EST
TV: NESN, FSRM 

The Week That Was: Red Sox

After failing to sweep the Philadelphia Phillies two weekends ago, the Red Sox needed little time to bring out the broomsticks again. Boston began last week with a sweep over the hapless Arizona Diamondbacks, receiving strong outings by their top three pitchers.

Clay Buchholz, Jon Lester and John Lackey all recorded wins in the three-game set, and were backed by more than enough run support (20 runs in three games) to get the job done.  

The broom trend continued over the weekend for Boston. With Manny Ramirez and the LA Dodgers in town, Boston made it a reunion to remember by winning all three games against Los Angeles. Game one was a shootout as the Red Sox offense continued their hot streak; Boston won 10-6.

Game two was more dramatic, as Dustin Pedroia hit his first career walk-off hit in a 5-4 Sox win. The finale showcased the talent of young pitcher Clay Buchholz. Buchholz pitched 6 2/3 scoreless innings in an eventual 2-0 Boston win.  

The Week That Was: Rockies

Colorado’s week began with a stumble, as the Rockies dropped the first two games of a three-game set against the Minnesota Twins. Starter Aaron Cook was roughed up in the opener, allowing five runs in 3 1/3 innings pitched.

Colorado was able to avoid the sweep thanks to a gem by ace Ubaldo Jimenez on Thursday. Jimenez won his league leading 13th game in a 5-1 victory over the Twins. However bad news came in the form of an injured Troy Tulowitzki.

The star shortstop will miss six weeks after breaking his wrist in Thursday’s contest.  

The Rockies took a break from interleague play over the weekend, hosting the Brewers at Coors field for a three-game series. Jason Hammel pitched brilliantly and added an RBI in the opener to pace the Rox to a 2-0 win.

Colorado then put their rally caps on, scoring seven runs in the final two innings to beat the Brew Crew 8-7 on Saturday. However, they could not complete the sweep, dropping a 6-1 decision in the finale.  

The Matchup

How do you bet against the best pitcher in the league? Ubaldo Jimenez has been absolutely brilliant all season. He’s never pitched less than six innings in each game, and all 14 of his decisions this season have been quality starts. His numbers (13-1, 1.15 ERA, 1.00 WHIP) speak for themselves. Right now, he’s the MVP of the National League.

It’s going to be hard for John Lackey to outpitch Jimenez; there’s a 99% chance he won’t be able to. Although his eight wins rank near the top of the AL, it’s his other numbers (4.53 ERA, 1.58 WHIP) that are the cause for concern.

Nevertheless, Lackey hasn’t lost since May 21st, and has gone 4-0 in his last five starts since. Good enough to stay competitive? Yes. But enough to beat Jimenez? Probably not.  

MLB Betting Pick: Colorado Rockies