| MLB Picks: Blue Jays vs Rays MLB Betting Odds |
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| Written by Scott Burgess | |||||||
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Monday, 29 June 2009
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 The Toronto Blue Jays (41-36) look to inch closer to the Tampa Bay Rays (42-35) tonight, Monday June 29, as they start their three game set. Toronto went 3-0 against Tampa during their last three game series in Toronto. MLB oddsmakers at Sportsbook.com have the Blue Jays as -153 moneyline favs over the Rays (+143) with the over/under set at 8.5 runs. Be sure to get your MLB Picks: Blue Jays vs Rays MLB Betting Odds in now at Sportsbook.comThe Rays are riding a five game win streak after going 5-1 at home; they are 7-3 in their last ten games. The Rays are 16-22 on the road where they average 5.42 runs for and 4.68 runs against. Starting pitcher tonight is Jeff Niemann (6-4, 4.23) who has not surrendered a home run in his last 24 2-3 innings. Niemann was pulled after four innings in Tampa Bay's 10-6 win over the New York Mets last Sunday. He gave up two runs and three hits while walking four. Since throwing a two-hit shutout against Kansas City on June 3, Niemann has allowed 10 runs and 15 hits in 12 2-3 innings over three starts. The top of the order has been hot for the Rays. From the leadoff spot, Upton went 5 for 11 with five RBIs and two steals in the three-game sweep of Florida. Carl Crawford, the No. 2 hitter, is batting .448 (13 for 29) with five RBIs and six runs in his last seven games. Tampa Bay became the fastest team to reach 100 homers and 100 steals - and only the fifth to do it before the All-Star break since 1954 - when B.J. Upton homered Sunday in a 5-2 win over Florida. The Jays are 4-3 in their last seven home games, recently losing back to back against Philly; they are 5-5 in their last ten games. The Jays are 24-16 at home where they average 4.90 runs for and 4.52 runs against. Standing at the mound tonight is Roy Halladay (10-1, 2.53 ERA) who has won seven of ten with three ND. He’s been on the disabled list with a mild groin strain and felt good after throwing a bullpen session Friday and declared himself ready to return to the rotation. Halladay is 11-7 with a 3.74 ERA versus the Rays who have scored a major league-best 434 runs. The Blue Jays offense struggled over the weekend. After being held to five hits in a 10-0 loss to Philadelphia on Saturday, Toronto went 0 for 6 with runners in scoring position a day later in losing the series finale 5-4. Aaron Hill, though, continues to be a bright spot at the plate for the Blue Jays, hitting two solo homers to give him 19 on the season. Recent Trends to Consider:
MLB Picks: Blue Jays vs Rays When: Mon, June 29, 2009 7:07 PM ET Line: Sportsbook.com Pick: Jays -153 Point-Spreads.com MLB Picks: Blue Jays vs Rays The Bottom Line: Halladay is solid, especially at home. Be sure to get your MLB Picks: Blue Jays vs Rays MLB Betting Odds in now at Sportsbook.com and receive up to 295% in Cash Bonuses and start winning today!                        |
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