Pitcher’s Duel in Houston – Dodgers at Astros

April 24, 2009 by admin
Filed under: MLB Baseball Betting 

The Los Angeles Dodgers (10-5 SU, 9-6 RL, 8-6-1 O/U) and the Houston Astros (6-9 SU, 5-10 RL, 4-10-1 O/U) will both be gunning for an SU and ATS victory in the BetUS Sportsbook when they square off at Minute Maid Park tonight at 8 PM ET.

Houston scored twice in the eighth inning to beat L.A. 6-5 on Wednesday as -120 favorites while the game’s 11 combined runs played Over the 9-run O/U total.

Hunter Pence went 2-for-4 with a two-run homer for the Astros as starter Chris Sampson got his first win of the season.

Andre Ethier went 3-for-4 for the Dodgers with a solo home run while reliever Ronald Belisario was charged with the loss after allowing two runs off three hits in relief.

Tonight the Dodgers will hand the ball to gifted young right-hander Chad Billingsley (3-0, 2.84 ERA) who looks to maintain his spotless record while the Astros will counter with talented left-hander Wandy Rodriguez (1-1, 1.89 ERA).

The 24-year-old Billingsley allowed three runs on four hits while striking out six in 1 9-5 win over Colorado on Saturday while Rodriguez threw seven scoreless innings in Saturday’s 7-0 win over Cincinnati.

Here is a look at tonight’s key trends, followed by my in-depth analysis and MLB Free Pick.

The Dodgers are 4-0 in Billingsley’s last 4 starts as a favorite.

The Dodgers are 4-1 in Billingsley’s last 5 starts vs. a team with a losing record.

The Astros are 5-1 in Rodriguez’s last 6 home starts vs. a team with a winning record.

The Astros are 4-1 in Rodriguez’s last 5 starts as a home underdog.

The Over is 4-0 in Billingsley’s last 4 starts vs. a team with a losing record.

The Over is 4-0 in Billingsley’s last 4 starts vs. National League Central.

The Under is 5-0 in Rodriguez’s last 5 starts overall.

The Under is 4-0 in Rodriguez’s last 4 starts with the total set at 7.0-8.5.

MLB Odds

Los Angeles Dodgers -1½ +125

Chad Billingsley –R -130

Houston Astros +1½ -145

Wandy Rodriguez –L +110

Over 8½ -120

Under 8½ Ev

Analysis: The Dodgers have dropped two straight coming into this contest while Houston has won two in a row. While I absolutely love the Dodgers’ Billingsley, I also think very highly of Houston’s Rodriguez and believe he will lead the Astros to, not only cover the Run Line in this matchup, but lead them to the outright win.

Take the Astros to cover the Run Line while the Under plays out for the first time in three meetings.

MLB Free Picks: Astros +1½ Runs/Under 8½ Total Runs

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