MLB Picks: The Marlins and Braves continue their battle for second place in the National League East tonight as they square off in game two of their three game set at Land Shark Stadium in Miami, Florida. The Marlins struck first in the series, scoring a 4-3 win last night as a result of some late game heroics by pinch hitter Ross Gload. Sportsbook.com is looking for the Fish to emerge victorious this evening as well. The Marlins are listed as a -147 moneyline favorite in the bookmaker's MLB Picks: Braves vs Marlins MLB Betting Odds – July 29, 2009.
The Marlins pulled a game ahead of the Braves in the NL East standings last night after Ross Gload hit a walk-off, pinch hit two run home run in the bottom of the ninth inning. The Braves took a 3-2 lead in the top of the final inning to put Florida in a do-or-die situation.
Yesterday's dramatic victory improved the Marlins to 52-48 and left them seven games behind the first place Phillies. Florida, which is 26-24 at home this year, has won six of their last seven games.
Marlins ace Josh Johnson will take the ball tonight for manager Fredi Gonzalez. Johnson is 4-1 in 10 2009 starts at Land Shark Stadium with a 1.98 ERA. The Marlins are 8-2 in those 10 outings and they are 15-5 in Johnson's 20 starts this season.
The 25 year old Minnesota native is a contender for the Cy Young given his 9-2 record and 2.80 ERA. Johnson has given up just 114 hits in 135 innings pitched, and he has walked 35 while striking out 113.
Atlanta, which is 8-4 since the break, fell to 51-49 last night. They are in third place in the NL East and a game behind the Marlins. The Braves are now 24-26 in road action, despite a great effort from starter Jair Jurrjens last night.
Japanese rookie Kenshin Kawakami will start tonight for Bobby Cox. The 34 year old hurler is 5-7 in 18 starts this year with a 4.04 ERA. He has made eight road appearances, going 3-3 with a 5.06 ERA, but Atlanta is 3-1 in his last four away starts.
Kawakami appeared against the Marlins in a 6-2 loss at Turner Field back in April. He gave up five hits and four earned runs in six innings of work.
This evening's rivalry match is slated for a 7:10pm ET start at Land Shark Stadium.
Sportsbook.com MLB Picks: Braves vs Marlins MLB Betting Odds – July 29, 2009
Atlanta Braves +1.5 (-160), Over 8 (+105), +137 (Moneyline)
Florida Marlins -1.5 (+140), Under 8 (-125), -147 (Moneyline)
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