Friday's betting tips: Four is the magic number for D-backs

Weather watch

Thunderstorms are in the forecast for Friday’s tilt between the Atlanta Braves and Los Angeles Dodgers. There is a 72 percent chance of rain for Turner Field.

Who’s hot?

San Antonio Silver Stars – The WNBA is back from the Olympic break and the Silver Stars are trying to pick up where they left off, winning nine in a row and posting an 8-1 ATS mark in that span. San Antonio is an 8-point road favorite in Tulsa Friday.

Who’s not?

Toronto Blue Jays – The Jays have lost three straight heading into Friday’s game against the Texas Rangers. Toronto was without top hitter Edwin Encarnacion (shoulder) Thursday and is still missing the big bats of Jose Bautista, Adam Lind and Brett Lawrie.

Game of the day

Tampa Bay Rays at Los Angeles Angels (-165, 7)

Injury that should not be ignored

Jacoby Ellsbury, Boston Red Sox – Ellsbury is serving as Boston’s DH while he deals with a leg injury. Manager Bobby Valentine says the move is a precaution to protect the Red Sox center fielder. Ellsbury went 0-for-4 with two strikeouts in the leadoff spot against Baltimore Thursday. Scott Podsednik started in center, going 2-for-4 with an RBI.

Notable quotable

“I’m definitely excited. I don’t think we’re too far apart, Tom Brady and myself.” – Penn State QB Matt McGloin talking about head coach Bill O’Brien’s experience with the Patriots’ star pivot.

Betting news and notes

-- The Miami Dolphins will start rookie quarterback Ryan Tannehill over Matt Moore in Friday’s preseason game against the Carolina Panthers. Tannehill passed for 167 yards and one touchdown in Week 1 of the preseason.

-- Toronto has scored just 53 runs in losing 14 of its last 18 games. The Blue Jays are 9-9 over/under in that span and have a total of 9 runs versus Texas Friday.

-- Atlanta has won 15 of its past 20 games, sitting at a season-high 20 games above .500 and just four games behind NL East leader Washington.

-- Kansas City has jumped on its opponents early this month, scoring 16 first-inning runs while allowing only two. Most books offer 5-inning lines as well as first-inning props on whether a run will be scored.

-- The Diamondbacks are 55-15 when scoring four runs or more and improved to 4-44 when held to three or less with Thursday‘s triumph.

If you have any feedback or suggestions for our Editorial Team, please contact us at Editorial

 FACEBOOK
 
 TWITTER
          share   SHARE   rss   RSS FEED   email   EMAIL   print   PRINT

There haven't been any comments posted on this article. Be the first to respond!

You are currently not logged in.
Login | Signup | Help
You must be logged in to post a comment.

Top Response

There have been no comments on this article. Be the first to respond!

Sports Betting Headlines »

Featured Free Play
MLB: Tampa Bay vs. Boston
Pick:
Tampa Bay
Start:
June 19, 2013 - 7:10 PM
Capper:
Matt Fargo
Offered at:
bookmaker @ 130 Tampa Bay
Analysis:

Boston swept the Tuesday doubleheader over Tampa Bay as it allowed just two runs total to make it four straight wins at home. I expect that to come to an end tonight however despite the recent dominance over the Rays. 

Ryan Dempster has tossed four straight quality outings but Boston has only two wins to show for it and that has been the story all season. His inconsistency has been an issue which is one of the main reasons the Red Sox are just 6-8 in his 14 starts despite giving him an average of 5.0 rpg. They have actually given him more runs at home but he is just 3-5 with Boston going 4-6 in those 10 starts. The Rays are struggling not only against Boston but against everyone it seems of late as they are just 2-8 over their last 10 games. The offense has been the problem most recently as Tampa Bay has scored three runs or less in six of its last seven games but I see a breakout here behind Jeremy Hellickson. The Rays have given him 5.9 rpg this season of support and that is a big reason they are 7-7 in his 14 starts despite his 5.67 ERA. He has been all over the place and he is coming off a game where he allowed eight runs against Kansas City. The last time he allowed eight runs in an outing, he bounced back with a quality performance in his next start. He has allowed three runs or less in nine of his last 10 starts against Boston and the Rays are 4-1 in his last five starts against teams with a winning record. Play (967) Tampa Bay Rays
show more show less