MLB Picks: The Los Angeles Angels are in Minnesota tonight to begin a three game set with the Twins. The two clubs recently finished a four game series in Anaheim with the Angels winning three games to one. Online bookmaker Sportsbook.com is looking for a little Twins' revenge this evening as Ron Gardenhire's squad is listed as a -155 favorite in their MLB Picks: Angels vs Twins MLB Betting Odds – July 31, 2009.
The Twins bring a four game win streak into tonight's game after getting the last game in their series with the Angels and a home sweep of the White Sox. Their recent run has them sitting at 52-50 and two games back of the Tigers in the American League Central. They are a solid 31-20 at the Metrodome this year and have won five of their last six games there (all against Chicago).
Nick Blackburn, who will start tonight for Minnesota, is no doubt happy to be back in the Land of Ten Thousand Lakes. Blackburn was roughed up by the Angels in his last start, giving up six hits and six earned runs in just 3.2 innings in a 5-11 loss at Angel Stadium. The Oklahoma native has his best chance to make a recovery at the Metrodome where he is 5-0 in eight starts with a 2.67 ERA. Minnesota is also 7-1 in his outings there.
Los Angeles is coming off a 5-2 home stand where they took three out of four from Minnesota and two out of three from the Indians. The 60-40 Angels have won 10 of their last 12 games and are a stellar 28-20 on the road. Their strong post-break play has them atop the American League West with a three game lead over the Texas Rangers.
The struggling Ervin Santana will make his second straight start against the Twins tonight. Santana presided over the Angels lone defeat against Minnesota in the two squads recent series at Anaheim as he was bombed for six hits and six earned runs over 3.2 innings (identical to Balckburn's horrific outing) in a 10-1 loss.
Despite his poor overall numbers (3-6/11 starts/7.29ERA), Santana is 3-2 on the road with a 3.71 ERA.
Tonight's game one contest is set to get underway at 8:10pm ET.
Sportsbook.com MLB Picks: Angels vs Twins MLB Betting Odds – July 31, 2009
Los Angeles Angels +1.5 (-140), Over 10 (+100), +145 (Moneyline)
Minnesota Twins -1.5 (+120), Under 10 (+100), -155 (Moneyline)
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