MLB Predictions Preview … The Boston Red Sox send ace right hander Josh Beckett (9-7, 3.83 ERA) the mound today with hopes the veteran can stop a home losing streak and keep the Red Sox from getting swept in the series finale with the NL West leaders, Los Angeles Angels. To counter, the Angels will go with their ace left hander Joe Saunders (13-5, 3.10 ERA).
MLB Predictions Betting Line …Online sportsbook SBGglobal.com has the Red Sox listed as -177 money line favorites in this game with an 8 ½ run total. Angels backers are getting +157 money line odds.
Beckett allowed nine hits against the Yankees in his last start but found ways to avoid runners crossing the plate while striking out six. The lone run that crossed the plate in Boston's 1-0 loss to New York was a shift-induced, infield RBI single off Jason Giambi's bat. In his last outing against the Angels on July 19, Beckett went eight innings and allowed four earned while taking the loss.
Saunders pitched well enough to earn his 13th win of the season on Friday night against Baltimore. The left-hander pitched six strong innings of one-run baseball — the lone run coming on a solo homer by Kevin Millar in the third inning — before running into some trouble in the seventh. Saunders left the game having given up three two-out runs in the inning but escaped with the win. Saunders, who has a solid 3.10 ERA overall, pitches markedly better on the road. Saunders got a no-decision the last time he faced Boston, throwing 6 2/3 innings and allowing two runs on six hits with three walks.
John Lackey threw a complete game to get the win, as the Angels rolled past the Red Sox 6-2 on Tuesday night.
Los Angeles won as -120 road favorites as the teams played under the 9-run total listed by sportsbooks.
Lackey allowed two runs and had a no-hitter through eight innings for the Angels, who got a two-run dinger from Garret Anderson in the payday.
Kevin Youkilis hit a two-run shot for Boston, while losing pitcher Clay Buchholz gave up five earned runs over 6 1-3 innings for the Red Sox.
MLB Game Prediction …Beckett stops the losing streak and the Red Sox avoid the sweep. Boston -177 ML.
