The Florida Marlins are providing some early heat in their battle for supremacy with the Phillies in the National League East having won eight of their last 10 games and currently trail the Phillies in the standings by half a game. In recent action, the Marlins took two of three games from the Rockies over the weekend and got their three-game series with the visiting Dodgers off to a rousing start with a 5-4 win on Monday. The Marlins will pin their Tuesday (7 pm ET) hopes on the big right-hander Chris Volstad to continue the teams two game winning streak while the Dodgers will counter with left-hander Clayton Kershaw.
Oddsmakers list the Dodgers as -134 MLB Lines road favorites on the BODOG.com moneyline with a OVER/UNDER betting total of 7 1/2-runs. Marlins backers are getting +124 moneyline odds as the game's underdog.
The Marlins were 5-4 winners, covering as -134 moneyline favorites, over LA in Monday's series opener while the nine runs to cross the plate sent OVER bettors home happy. Omar Infante ensured the Marlins win by by delivering a decisive two-run hit in the ninth for the walk-off win. Brian Sanches got the win in relief while Dodgers closer Jonathan Broxton got the loss and a blown save. The win was Florida's second straight.
Kershaw could make it difficult for the Marlins to continue their winning streak as Tuesday's Dodgers starter. The left-hander has pitched well in the early going this season and better than his 2-2 record indicates. After 33 innings pitched, Kershaw has a strong 3.00 ERA. Kershaw last pitched on Thursday getting a no-decision in the Dodgers 5-4 victory over Atlanta at Dodger Stadium.
Volstad got roughed up in his last outing giving up five earned runs over 5 1/3 frames on four hits and three walks but was credited for the win inspite of his struggles. Volstad is 1-1 on the season and has a lofty 6.60 ERA.
I'm making the Dodgers my MLB Pick at -134 odds for today's game with Kershaw starting.
