MLB Betting – Rockies Pound Nationals

The surprising Washington Nationals invade Denver Colorado to get the first of four MLB betting battles in with the Colorado Rockies on Thursday night.

The Nationals come in off their third straight divisional series win after they just took two of three from the New York Mets the L/3 days. Last night’s 6-4 late inning road win moved manager Jim Riggleman’s club to a game over .500 as a visitor on the year (8-7, +$723).

Colorado’s home series with the Philadelphia Phillies was marred by terrible weather. They only ended up getting in two of the four scheduled games, but picked up a win to even the series up in walk-off fashion yesterday afternoon. The Rockies stand 8-6 at home to date (+$54).

Washington Nationals (19-15, +$1293) vs. Colorado Rockies (16-17, -$256)

Game Date/Time: Thursday, May 13th, 8:40 ET
Game Location: Coors Field, Denver, CO
TV Broadcast: MASN, FOX – Rocky Mountain, XM Radio

MLB Baseball Odds:

Washington Nationals +1’ -115 +170
(John Lannan – L)

Colorado Rockies -1’ -105 -200
(Jhoulys Chacin – R)

Total: 10 O Even 10 U -120

Lefty John Lannan has been battling throwing elbow issues of late, and most recently had his spot skipped in the rotation as a precautionary measure. He hasn’t thrown a pitch in live game action since his May 2nd loss at Florida where he surrendered nine hits and six ER’s through just five IP.

Overall, Lannan is 1-2 overall with a 6.34 ERA & 1.93 WHIP. He’s been plagued by big innings and slow starts all season long. The Nats are 3-3 in his six overall starts;1-2 on the road.

He beat the Rockies earlier this season in DC where he surrendered 11 hits but just four ER’s through six innings. He’s 1-2 with a 7.41 ERA & 1.76 WHIP in three career starts vs. Colorado.

So far so good for Jhoulys Chacin through a pair of starts to the youngster’s 2010 campaign. He’s coming off a brilliant effort at Dodgers Stadium where he limited Los Angeles to six hits and no ER’s while K’ing six and walking two through 7.1 total innings of work.

He’s allowed just seven hits and is yet to give up a run on the season. This will be his first career look at Washington.

MLB Baseball Insider Tip: Colorado has owned Washington at Coors Field winning 11 of the L/14 overall battles.

Washington has been an excellent story on the young season, but there’s a number of factors playing against them in tonight’s spot. For one, they’re coming off a huge series win at Citi Field that marked their third straight series win against divisional opponents. Second, they’re invading a venue they’ve had no luck in of late to take on a Rockies club that should feed off the momentum gained from their walk-off win against the Phillies. Finally, Lannan’s hurting and I don’t foresee him long for this one. He’s also matched up against a rookie that’s caused nothing but headaches for each of his first two opponents. Until there’s enough tape on the youngster for opposing teams to dissect, continue riding the rookie!

Look for Colorado to take the first of this MLB betting series in dominating fashion; run-line this puppy! However, be prepared to back Washington in game 2 as they’re a $$$-making 12-3 (+$1376) off a loss this season.

My MLB Prediction: Colorado Rockies (Chacin)