Pirates at Giants MLB Picks: The San Francisco Giants have exploded out of the gates to start their 2010 MLB season at 6-1, and taking over first place in the NL West. Tuesday, (10:15 pm Eastern) San Francisco will look to pick up a second win over the Pittsburgh Pirate in their current three games series. Getting the call for the Giants will be righthander Matt Cain (0-0, 4.05 ERA). Pittsburgh will counter with lefthander Paul Maholm (0-1, 6.00).
MLB Picks oddsmakers at online sportsbook BetUS.com list Cain and the Giants as -200 moneyline favorites versus the Pirates with a 7 1/2 total. Pirates backers are getting +170 moneyline odds.Cain sustained a strong 6 2/3-inning effort in his 2010 debut last Wednesday at Houston, but surrendered three of the four runs he allowed in his final inning. The Giants scored six runs in the final two innings to win, 10-4, though Cain emerged with no decision. Cain excelled against Pittsburgh last year, posting a 1-0 record with a 0.56 ERA in two starts. Since this is Cain's first start at AT&T Park this season, it's worth noting that he compiled identical 7-4 records home and away a year ago. His ERA was slightly lower at home (2.72, compared to 3.09 on the road).
Maholm, who picked up a loss in his first start is 1-1 with a 2.85 ERA in six career starts against San Francisco. Despite allowing four runs in six innings, Maholm left the mound after his first start of the season feeling good. Things finally clicked with his curveball and changeup after the lefty struggled with both pitches all spring. Maholm's outing largely came down to two unexecuted pitches, and he was kicking himself afterward about the pitch selection of both. In each case, Maholm said, he chose to throw a pitch that his mind told him not to.
MLB Picks: If Cain has the right stuff, the Pirates won't touch him. We like the Giants as -200 moneyline favorites.
Bet on sports at online sportsbook BetUS.com and receive up to 145% in Cash Bonuses and start winning today!
