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Mets Welcome Braves in Friday MLB Matchup |
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Written by Neil Jordan
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Thursday, 11 September 2008
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 The Atlanta Braves and New York Mets stand at different ends of the spectrum on the power rankings but the Mets better not take their opponent lightly. The Mets hold a three-game lead over the Philadelphia Phillies in the National League East division and with a series win against the Atlanta Braves, they could virtually seal up their postseason berth.
The Braves will send Mike Hampton to the mound to face Mets ace Johan Santana in a good pitching match-up. BetOnline.com has the Atlanta Braves +230 underdog baseball prediction against the New York Mets –280 odds with the total set at 8.5 runs. Mike Hampton has been OK in his nine starts this season but nothing special. He’s allowed seven earned runs in 13 innings pitched this month and he’s off a particularly discouraging start.
Last Saturday, Hampton pitched seven innings against the Washington Nationals and gave up eight hits and four earned runs. The worst part was that all four runs came via home runs. Hampton will face fellow left Santana, who has been leading the Mets staff this year. Santana has given up just seven earned runs in his last 31.1 innings pitched (2.02 ERA). He hasn’t lost a decision since late June and the Mets have won his last seven outings.
He’s pitched a little better at home than he has on the road this year. At home, he’s 7-3 with a 2.24 ERA and on the road, he’s 6-4 with a 3.11 ERA. Opponents are batting just .223 against him at home this season. Santana is 0-2 against the Braves this season in two starts. He’s allowed four earned runs in 14 innings pitched but has received poor run support.
Baseball Prediction: Look for the Mets to pound the Braves and pad their lead in the East.
For more props and odds, visit BetOnline.com. BetOnline.com is a top rated online sportsbook providing reliable sports betting to millions of online betting customers. BetOnline.com also offers MLB football betting, live MLB betting lines, props and futures.
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