MLB Betting Odds – Atlanta Braves vs Arizona D’Backs

The Atlanta Braves lost a tough game yesterday to the Los Angeles Dodgers but they are back in action today against the worst team in the National League West, the Arizona Diamondbacks. The D-backs are sending their best pitcher to the mound, Dan Haren to slow down the Braves hot bats.

The MLB odds makers are looking at the 13-13 home record for the Diamondbacks and the 14-18 away record for the Braves when the set Arizona as the -130 moneyline favorites. The comeback on the Atlanta is +110. The game total is 9 runs.

MLB Betting Odds
June 7, 2010
Atlanta Braves                              +1½ -190              +110
Derek Lowe – R                
Arizona Diamondbacks                  -1½ +160              -130
Dan Haren – R   
Game Total         9
Location:  Chase Field, Phoenix AZ
Game Time: 9:40
TV: SPSO, FSAZ

The Braves went against the hot throwing rookie John Ely yesterday and even though they lost, they became the first team to hit a homerun off the rookie and tag him for more than a couple of runs in a game.

The Braves have won 20 of their past 26 games and should increase that number as they play four against the Diamondbacks. 

Atlanta will have right-hander Derek Lowe on the mound, Lowe is rebounding from his worst season in five years. Last year Lowe won 15, lost 10 and had a 4.67 ERA, it’s respectable for an average pitcher but not for a pitcher on the first year of a 60 million dollar contract. So far this season Lowe is 8-4 with a 4.44 ERA but like the Braves, he’s been at his best lately with a 4-1 record and a 2.45 ERA.

On the mound for the Diamondbacks is Dan Haren, Haren started the season with a 4-1 record but he’s disappointed since then, going 1-3 with a 6.00 ERA in his last five starts. His last outing against the Braves didn’t end well as he left after only 4 1/3 innings having given up seven runs.  He did have a nice outing in his last start against the Dodgers, tossing eight scoreless but wasn’t part of the decision.

The disappointing road record from the Braves is a holdover from the beginning of the season but they have been on fire lately. Haren has the potential to shut down the Braves but until he can string several strong outings together, I don’t feel good putting my cash behind the Diamondbacks.  I like the Braves and the plus money. The under is a small consideration but Haren needs to bring his A game.