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MLB Picks: Angels vs Red Sox Game 3 ALDS 2009: The Angels can get a huge monkey off of their backs today with a win over the Red Sox. A victory would earn them a three game sweep over a team that has played Kryptomite to their Superman in recent post-seasons. However, Boston gets to play on its home turf this afternoon, and its 56-25 record at Fenway is no abberration. First pitch, in what could be a decisive game three clash, is scheduled for 12:07pm ET on TBS. MLB Picks at Bookmaker.com have the Red Sox listed as a -138 moneyline favorite in today's Game 3 ALDS 2009.

The Red Sox have managed just one run in the first two games of this series, making it easy to see why they are presently in an 0-2 hole. Angels hurler Jered Weaver followed up a great outing by John Lackey in game one with a brilliant performance on Friday in game two. Weaver kept the Sox guessing and guessing wrong all night as he gave up just two hits and one earned run over 7.1 innings.

Boston's inability to hit the ball probably had more to do with the Angels pitchers than it did the ball park it was playing in. But the team is, no doubt, thankful to return to Fenway Park, especially considering the kind of numbers they have posted there this season. The Red Sox averaged 5.9 runs per game at the legendary facility this year and they also led the league in home slugging percentage (.498) and OPS (862).

However, despite their prowess at home, Boston is a modest 24-20 against the Angels there since the 2000 season. 

The Angels are not exactly Bob Uecker (a career .200 hitter) when it comes to producing runs away from home. Los Angeles ranked in the top five in the league this season in hits, RBI, on-base percentage, slugging percentage, batting average, and total bases on the road. Their stellar marks in those categories was reflected in their 5.4 run per game average away from Angel Stadium.

The Red Sox will send 25 year old right-hander Clay Buchholz to the mound today in the hope that he can keep the Angels mighty road bats in check. Buchholz, who finished the season with a 7-4 record and 4.21 ERA, has not exactly been nails at Fenway, though. In eight starts at home, the Texas native is 2-2 with a 4.72 ERA. He has not faced Los Angeles this year.

Countering Buchholz will be 25 year old lefty Scott Kazmir. Kazmir's season has been both good and bad at times (4.89 ERA, 10-9 record), but he has been amazing since being acquired by the Angels at the end of August. The Houston native has allowed just 25 hits and seven earned runs over 31.1 innings in an Angels uniform. Los Angeles is 4-2 in his six starts.

Kazmir, as a former Ray, is no stranger to the Red Sox or Fenway Park. He has garnered an 8-7 record and 3.59 ERA in 23 career starts against Boston and a 6-4 record with a 3.05 ERA in 13 starts at Fenway. He is 2-0 against the Red Sox this year in two starts (both in Boston). The five year veteran allowed 13 hits and four earned runs in 11 innings of work against Terry Francona's squad in those victories.

MLB Picks Betting Trend: Boston is 18-6 over the last three seasons playing at home, coming off of back-to-back losses.

Bookmaker.com MLB Picks: Angels vs Red Sox Game 3 ALDS 2009

Los Angeles Angels +1.5 (-165), Over 9 (-120), +128 (Moneyline)

Boston Red Sox -1.5 (+145), Under 9 (+100), -138 (Moneyline)

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