Take the Phillies at home over the Braves tonight. I know that Braves' starter, Tommy Hanson has been great this year, but I have to give the edge to the Philadelphia offense. The Phillies average 5.4 runs per game at home and have one of the most dangerous lineups in baseball. Pedro Martinez makes his second home start and 3rd start overall for the Phillies. Pedro hasn't impressed so far with his numbers, but the Phillies are 3-0 in his starts for them. The Braves' offense is geared to hit left-handed starters, while they have struggled against righties. As a team they hit .259 as a team and score 4.1 runs per game when they face right-handed starters, both numbers well below their season average. Here you have one of the top 3 teams in the National League at even money or better at home. I'll take it.
I'm taking the Indians to stay hot in Baltimore tonight. Cleveland has won 5 of their last 6 games overall and they are facing a Baltimore team that is on a 4-9 slide over the past two weeks. I also like how Indians' starter Fausto Carmona has been pitching lately. Over his last 3 starts he has a 3.00 ERA and has struck out 15 batters in 18 innings. Meanwhile, Baltimore's Jason Berken sits at 3-11 on the season with a 6.49 ERA and 1.67 WHIP, including a 1-6 record when he starts at home. As long as the Cleveland bullpen can finish this one out, this is a game the Indians should win.
Jack jones 8/28
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