Veteran vs. Rookie Hurlers – Angels at Athletics

Veteran vs. Rookie As Saunders Faces Anderson

The Los Angeles Angels (10-13 SU, 11-12 RL, 15-7-1 O/U) and Oakland Athletics (9-13 SU, 13-9 RL, 12-10 O/U) will both be trying to pick up an SU and RL victory for BetOnline MLB sports betting enthusiasts everywhere when they battle at the Oakland Coliseum tonight at 10 PM ET.

The Angels will hand the ball to veteran right-handed starter Joe Saunders (3-1, 3.41 ERA) after beating the New York Yankees 8-4 on Sunday as a +241 road underdog while the final score played Over the 10.5-run Over/Under total.

The Athletics will counter with left-hander Brett Anderson (0-2, 5.02 ERA) after losing to Seattle 8-7 in 15 innings as a +125 underdog on Sunday while the total runs played well Over the posted over/under total (9).

Anderson a 21-year-old rookie, is still looking for his first major league win after being forced to leave his last start in the sixth inning with a blister after allowing three runs (one earned) on three hits in a 5-4 loss  to Texas on Tuesday

Saunders allowed four runs (two earned) on 10 hits in a 7-5 win at Baltimore on Tuesday,

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

• The Angels are 5-0 in Saunders’ last 5 starts vs. American League West.
• The Angels are 5-1 in Saunders’ last 6 starts vs. a team with a losing record.
• The Athletics are 9-2 in their last 11 home games vs. a team with a losing record.
• The Athletics are 1-5 in their last 6 home games vs. a left-handed starter.
• The Angels are 4-1 in Saunders’ last 5 starts vs. Athletics.
• The Over is 5-2 in the last 7 meetings.
• The Angels are 2-5 in the last 7 meetings.

MLB Odds:

• Los Angeles Angels -1½ +145
• Joe Saunders –L -120
• Oakland Athletics +1½ -165
• Brett Anderson –L Ev
• Over 8½ -105
• Under 8½ -115

Analysis: I really like the Oakland A’s gifted young pitching staff, but they are on or a tough night against the veteran-laden Los Angeles Angels and their fine bunch of hitters.

I like the Angels to win this contest as Joe Saunders narrowly out-pitches fellow southpaw Brett Anderson to help L.A. to a win and narrow RL cover in a game that plays Over the set O/U total.

MLB Free Picks: Angels -1½ Runs/Over 8½ Total Runs