Two American League Division leaders and possible 2011 playoffs opponents, New York Yankees (East) and Cleveland Indians (Central), return to league play when they hook up for three games at Cleveland's Progressive Field with first pitch for Monday's Fourth of July opener to go at 6:35 pm ET. Fans will be treated to what should be a great pitching match-up with right-hander Josh Tomlin (9-4, 3.86 ERA) going for Cleveland while the Yankees counter with right-hander A.J. Burnett (8-6, 4.05 ERA).
Odds makers at offshore super-book BODOG.eu like Burnett and the Yankees in this one having them installed MLB Odds favorites at -123 on the money-line with a betting total (over/under) of 9.0. Run-line prices on New York at -1 1/2 are +130 while Cleveland, at +1 1/2, are priced at -150.
In 28 appearances, Josh Tomlin has never pitched less than five innings, tying Boston's Daisuke Matsuzaka for the longest streak to begin a career. Tomlin received a no-decision in his last start, despite limiting Arizona to two runs in seven innings.
Burnett got help from a double-play in each of the first three innings Wednesday against the Brewers. From there, he rolled through seven innings, surrendering just two runs to cap a wild June that saw him go 3-3 with a 4.15 ERA.
The Yankees (50-32) took three-of-four from the Indians (44-38) the first time the teams saw each other at Yankee Stadium (June 10-13).New York finished inter-league play over the weekend by winning two-of-three from the Mets at Citi Field while the Indians were series winners at Cincinnati.
Series betting prices at some sports shops list the Yankees as -145 MLB Odds favorites to win the set with a combined total (over/under) for the series holding at 27 1/2.
