MLB Predictions Preview … The Los Angeles Angels will be looking to wrap up a three game week end series with a sweep of the Boston Red Sox with a win Sunday afternoon at Angels Stadium. The Red Sox, in trying to avoid being swept, will send veteran right handed knuckler Tim Wakefield (6-6, 3.60 ERA) to the mound. Los Angeles will counter with right hander Jon Garland (8-6, 4.20 ERA).
MLB Predictions Betting Line … Oddsmakers at online sportsbook SBGglobal.com installed Los Angeles as a -112 money line favorite with 9-run game total. The money line price on the Red Sox is -108.
Wakefield allowed just two hits and one run in his start against the Orioles on July 12, pitching into the seventh inning for the ninth consecutive game. His knuckleball kept the Baltimore lineup guessing, and Wakefield did not allow a single baserunner in the final 13 batters he faced. Manager Terry Francona said it might be the best he's ever seen the veteran pitch. Wakefield will take on the Angels in his first start after the All-Star Break, a team he hasn't faced yet this year. He's 5-6 lifetime at Angel Stadium.
Garland was roughed up for seven runs on 10 hits in just 2 2/3 innings against the A's on July 11. He allowed 12 of the 21 batters he faced to reach base via hit or walk. Garland actually pitched well in his previous start as he allowed just one run in a complete-game win against the Blue Jays.
The Angels scored four runs in the seventh inning on Saturday, to rally for a 4-2 victory over the Red Sox as +105 underdogs. The game's six runs went UNDER the day's posted over/under (8).
Erick Aybar hit a bases-loaded triple to lead the way for the Angels. Jose Arredondo tossed one out to earn his fourth straight win, and Francisco Rodriguez notched his 39th save.
Kevin Youkilis hit a two-run homer and finished 2-for-4 at the plate for the Red Sox, who were favored at -115 in that game. Josh Beckett tossed eight innings in the loss, allowing four runs off nine hits.
MLB Game Prediction: Angels -112
