[SBRforum Staff]

By: SBR Staff
Ganchrow Sports
8/14/2006 1:11:55 PM

This game involves two modest offenses, two reasonable starting pitchers, and a relatively high total, which combine to give solid value to the side of the under.

Pittsburgh starter Victor Santos is admittedly shaky, but his recent struggles have all come in relief. As a starter, he has proven to be capable of having quality outings on a somewhat consistent basis. This year he mixed in a number of strong starts with his mediocre ones early on. He has also been markedly better at night than in the day time throughout his career. He is more likely than usual to have a quality start here.

Dave Bush has also had an inconsistent year. He had stretches of mediocrity early in the season, and recently experienced some rocky outings when the Milwaukee management messed with his schedule, using him both in relief and as a starter at odd times.

However, he has always been capable of putting together strings of strong starts, and he seems to be in the midst of one right now. His last two starts after having a more settled routine were good, and they were reminiscent of the kind of starts he was consistently having leading up to the All-Star break.

Finally, neither offense will challenge or push the starters into bad outings if they are pitching well to start. There are some good hitters in both lineups, but overall they are average, and not particularly explosive.

PLAY: MILWAUKEE/PITTSBURGH UNDER 9.5 (-120)