MARLINS
NOTE: List only Johnson as Florida's starting pitcher
Josh Johnson (9-2, 2.80 ERA) has established himself as one of the best right-handers in the National League.
The Marlins are 16-4 in Johnson’s 20 starts, and he has allowed three earned runs or less in 17 consecutive outings. Johnson gave up three runs and five hits in seven innings Friday against the Dodgers.
Braves rookie Kenshin Kawakami (5-7, 4.04) has been sharp lately, going 1-1 with a 2.04 ERA in his last three starts. In his last outing, the right-hander allowed one run and four hits in five innings Thursday against San Francisco.
Kawakami, though, was rocked by the Marlins on April 16, giving up five runs (four earned) and five hits in six innings of a 6-2 loss.
Johnson has been great at home, going 4-1 with a 1.98 ERA in 10 starts. Florida has won nine of his last 11 starts, including his last five at Land Shark Stadium.
The Florida ace will be making his first start of the season against Atlanta after going 1-0 with a 2.40 ERA in two outings against them in 2008. The way Johnson has been going this year, I think the Marlins should cruise in this one. Take Florida on the run line.
It got tight at the end there, but the under in the Phillies-Diamondbacks game Tuesday came in to give me my second consecutive win on my complimentary selection. The Angels should cruise this afternoon to give me three straight.
Los Angeles ace John Lackey (6-4, 4.22 ERA) has been looking like his old self recently.
The veteran right-hander, who missed more than a month to start the season, is 4-1 with a 2.97 ERA in five July starts, including 3-0 with a 1.52 ERA in his last three outings. He allowed two runs and four hits in 7 2/3 innings Friday against Minnesota.
Lackey is 5-5 with a 3.49 ERA in 12 career starts vs. the Indians.
Cleveland starter Aaron Laffey (4-2, 3.71) is coming off of one of the best outings of his young career, allowing three hits in seven scoreless innings Friday at Seattle. The left-hander, though, is 1-1 with a 9.00 ERA in two career starts against the Angels.
Los Angeles also is 21-10 against southpaws this season, and Laffey has a 4.45 ERA on the road, and a 4.88 ERA in day games.
Lackey’s record in day games, on the other hand, is 2-0 with a 1.50 ERA in five starts. With the big Texan back in the groove, I like Los Angeles to get its 14th win in 17 games. Go with the Angels on the run line.
Dominic Fazzini 7/29
Reply With Quote