A note to Barry Bonds ; will you please hit career home run numbers 755 and 756 at Petco Park in San Diego Saturday night so normal baseball fans can get on with their lives. As one of the most unlikable professional athletes this side of Ty Cobb, we are being force-fed the guy every night on ESPN2 and will be until he hits his juiced up dingers breaking Henry Aarons home run record. And we can’t even bet on it. If we could I would take the UNDER.
Actually, tonight he might have a chance to get at least one home run as the Padres send to the mound RHP Clay Hensley (1-3, 7.62 ERA). Hensley was recalled from Portland of the (AAA) Pacific Coast League on July 26. Hensley had previously been on the disabled list since early May. Lefthander Patrick Misch will take the mound for the Giants to start this game. Misch will be making his season starting debut for San Francisco.
Oddsmakers at online wagering giant Sportsbook.com currently have the Padres listed as -134 moneyline favorites versus the Giants, while the game's total is sitting at 8½.
Bonds failed to tie Hank Aaron's home-run record in Friday's 4-3 ten-inning loss at San Diego, falling as +100 road underdogs. The seven runs scored were UNDER the posted 7 1/2.
Matt Cain gave up two runs on five hits over 7 1-3 innings, while the loss went to Jack Taschner (2-1). Dave Roberts was 4-for-5 with two RBIs for the Giants.
San Diego stormed back from a 3-0 deficit, and won as -120 home favorites. Greg Maddux allowed three runs on eight hits over 6 1-3 innings, and Heath Bell (5-3) earned the win. Scott Hairston hit a pair of homers and drove in four runs for the Padres.
Reno Goldberg's pick: Take the UNDER 8 1/2. These pitchers should give up a few runs even if they are pitching at low yielding Petco Park.
