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(MLB) Miami vs. Arizona,
Money Line: -150.00 Arizona (Home)
Result: Win
Money Line: -150.00 Arizona (Home)
Result: Win
The set-up: Arizona had little problem dispatching the Marlins yesterday (9-1), and in my opinion, tonight's contest could be even more lopsided. Arizona started the season on fire, but it's come back down to Earth over the last three weeks. Yesterday's blowout win is a sign of things to come in this series though in my opinion. Miami looked weak at the plate yesterday and I don't think things will change facing Arizona's ace on Saturday night.
The pitchers: Miami turns to Caleb Smith, who is 4-5 with a 3.51 ERA. Smith is coming off back to back quality starts, allowing two earned runs over his last 13.5 innings of work. Smith has been a bright spot for the struggling Marlins this season, but I still think he'll stumble here in this difficult venue.
The Diamondbacks hand the ball to Zack Greinke, who is 3-4 with a 3.65 ERA. Most recently Greinke gave up two runs over six innings in an unfortunate loss to Oakland. Greinke though has been a complete "Jekyll and Hyde" hurler this year, going 1-4 with a 6.14 ERA on the road, compared to 2-0 with a 1.69 ERA at home.
The pick: As mentioned above, the Marlins are struggling mightily at the plate, note that they've posted just 25 runs over the last seven days, ranking them 24th in the league in that span. Arizona is starting to show signs again and note that it's 7-2 in its last nine after scoring ten or more runs in its previous outing. I think Greinke is the correct call here as I expect Miami to continue to struggle with its bats. Lay the price, play on the Diamondbacks.
The pitchers: Miami turns to Caleb Smith, who is 4-5 with a 3.51 ERA. Smith is coming off back to back quality starts, allowing two earned runs over his last 13.5 innings of work. Smith has been a bright spot for the struggling Marlins this season, but I still think he'll stumble here in this difficult venue.
The Diamondbacks hand the ball to Zack Greinke, who is 3-4 with a 3.65 ERA. Most recently Greinke gave up two runs over six innings in an unfortunate loss to Oakland. Greinke though has been a complete "Jekyll and Hyde" hurler this year, going 1-4 with a 6.14 ERA on the road, compared to 2-0 with a 1.69 ERA at home.
The pick: As mentioned above, the Marlins are struggling mightily at the plate, note that they've posted just 25 runs over the last seven days, ranking them 24th in the league in that span. Arizona is starting to show signs again and note that it's 7-2 in its last nine after scoring ten or more runs in its previous outing. I think Greinke is the correct call here as I expect Miami to continue to struggle with its bats. Lay the price, play on the Diamondbacks.