MLB Predicitons Preview: The Los Angeles Angels host the Boston Red Sox in the second game of a three game weekend series at Angels Stadium in Anaheim, Calif., today. The Red Sox will send out their ace right hander Josh Beckett (9-5, 3.94 ERA with hopes of getting his team back on the winning track while the AL West leading Angels go with their top lefthander in Joe Saunders (12-5, 3.07 ERA).
MLB Predictions Betting Line: Oddsmakers at online sportsbook SBGglobal.com have installed the Red Sox as -117 money line favorites in this game with an 8-run total. Angels backers are getting -106 money line odds as a home underdog.
Beckett's last start was a wild affair between the Sox and Twins, one in which Beckett left in the sixth with a pitch count at 104. Even though the right-hander hasn't been in the lights-out form he showed in 2007, he's slowly coming around if he can find himself going a bit deeper into outings on a more regular basis. Beckett posted a 2.38 ERA in June, going 2-1 in that span, and is 2-0 so far in July.
Saunders pitched well against the Rangers on July 8, but fell short in his bid to win his 13th game of the season. He pitched a complete game, allowing three runs on six hits in eight innings while striking out five. He missed his last start on Sunday because his wife, Shanel, gave birth to the couple's first child, a daughter named Matea, during Saturday's game.
Garret Anderson had five RBIs in leading the Angels to an 11-3 win over the Red Sox on Friday, as -150 favorites. The 14 runs sailed OVER the posted over/under (7.5). Maicer Izturis and Howie Kendrick each had two RBIs for the Angels.
John Lackey gave up three runs over seven innings to earn the victory. Manny Ramirez went 2-for-3 at the plate with a solo home run for the Red Sox, who were +135 underdogs in that game. Clay Buchholz surrendered eight runs over 4 2/3 innings in the loss.
MLB Predictions Free Pick: Take the Angels as a home underdog -106 ML
