The Giants and Rockies are the top two teams in the the National League wild card race and complete the 4th gm. of their series today Coors Field where the Giants' left-hander Barry Zito (8-11, 4.26 ERA) will battle the Rockies right-hander Jason Marquis (14-8, 3.58).
Zito has a 2.65 ERA in his last three starts and in his last game he shut out the Reds this past Wednesday allowing only two hits over six innings for a no-decision in the Giants' 1-0 win. The negative point here is, that two of those games were against the mets and reds, two light hitting teams. Zito is also just 4-7 with a 4.52 ERA in 13 road outings this season.
Marquis of the Rockies is on runs of 12--5 overall and 5--2 at home. He is 5-1 against the N.L. West. and a good 3.86 ERA at Coors Field.
The Rockes are 10--2 this year as a home fav. at -150-175 price range while the Giants are 4-8 in the same range as a road dog. A bit higher price range than we like, but the Rockies are worth the chance to extend their lead in the West.
Take the Rockies - 168 as a 3* Gold Selection
BALTIMORE (51-73) AT MINNESOTA (61-63)
Great value here with Balt. who still appears to playing hard and going against the Twins, who are returing home after a sweep of the lackluster Royals and may be a bit over confident.
Balt. sends R.H. C. Tillman 1-1, 4.80 ERA and 1.43 WHIP to the mound to face the Twins R.H. S. Baker at a 4.62 ERA and a 1.17 WHIP, a definite edge to Baker, but the last 3 starts reflect a more even pitcher's duel, Tillman 1.29 ERA - WHIP 3.72 and Baker 1.18ERA - WHIP 4.82. We believe this a slight edge to Baltimore in this match up and our choice tonight. Twins are only 2-7 in their last 9 home games and Balt. is 5-5 as a rd. dog of +175 and up. The Orioles' bullpen has allowed just two earned runs in the past 17 1/3 innings.
Cobra Wins says: take Balt.+195 for a 1* Silver Play and consider the R/L of +1.5 at -120 as an additional bet.
cobrawins 8/24
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