133-85 (61%) posted record...Dodgers @ Astros preview and pick!

We're forecasting the NL Central leading Houston Astros to have too much offensive firepower for the LA Dodgers tonight.

The Astros 18-4 rout last night was LA's worst loss in more than two years. In fact Houston have won their last three against LA by 4, 5 and 14 runs.

Houston are 40-26 at home this season and are averaging 5.4 runs per game.

LA are 30-34 on the road and are scoring just 3.6 runs per game.

Houston are now 69-62 (.527) overall this season and are locked in a fascinating battle for the NL Central title with just one game separating the Astros, Cubs and Cardinals.

Tonight's starter Wade Miller is 3-1 with a 2.16 ERA over his last four starts. He had won three straight prior to his last outing when he was tagged with the loss against the Reds despite a solid performance. Miller allowed three earned runs on just five hits through seven innings of work and struck out seven while not issuing a walk. The Dodgers are hitting just .235 against right-handed starters and we expect him to be able to contain LA's limited offense tonight. Overall this season Miller is 10-11 with a 4.40 ERA while lifetime against the Dodgers he is 1-1, 4.72 ERA.

LA have lost three straight to drop back to 67-63 (.515). In their last eight games they have scored just 3, 5, 4, 2, 2, 0, 1 and 4 runs respectively at an average of just 2.6 per game.

Hideo Nomo (15-9, 2.70 ERA) goes for his fourth straight win tonight for the Dodgers. The former NL Rookie of the Year looks to match his career high for wins having posted 16 victories in 1996 and 2002. This season he lies second in the NL for wins and innings pitched and sixth in ERA and strike-outs. Those are obviously very good numbers but it's worth noting that lifetime against the Astros Nomo is just 3-6 with a 4.09 ERA in 14 starts.

While there is no clear edge in the pitching match-up tonight the Astros are by far the better team offensively and we expect them to get the win at home tonight.

Recommended Play: Astros -135

Good luck
Mike Thomas
Champion Plays

Appreciate the write up and pick. I do want to add that Nomo since the All Star break has gone 6 and 1 in 8 starts, with an ERA of 1.88 and an OBA of .235, allowing 10 earned runs in 48 innings. My point is this: Why bet against a red hot pitcher? All the points regarding the Astros offense being stronger than LA's are true, but I believe you are looking for trouble here. I say bet the game under or pass. IMHO. In any case good luck.

wil.

Have to say you called it. Nomo gave up a 3 run shot in the first but the game still managed to stay under, so I quess we are both happy. Nice call.

wil.

Thanks Wilheim and same again tonight....

134-85 (61%) posted record...LA Dodgers @ Houston Astros

We're forecasting the NL Central leading Houston Astros to complete a clean sweep tonight of the anemic LA Dodgers. LA have scored just six runs total in their last four games and we simply don't expect them to be able to match the offensive firepower of Houston.

The Astros followed their 18-4 rout of LA in Game 1 with an easy 6-1 win last night and have now won four straight against LA by 4, 5, 14 and 5 runs.

Houston are now 70-62 (.530) overall this season and are locked in a fascinating battle for the NL Central title with just 1 1/2 games separating the Astros, Cubs and Cardinals.

While tonight's starter Tim Redding has a three-game losing streak his numbers actually are quite solid. In his last three starts he has pitched six strong innings each time allowing a total of just seven earned runs. His 45 strike-outs to just 17 walks in his last ten starts gives a clear indication that he is pitching well and just needs better run support. The Dodgers are hitting just .235 this season against right-handed starters and we expect Redding to be able to contain LA's limited offense tonight. Overall this season he is 8-12 with a 3.70 ERA.

LA have lost four straight to drop back to 67-64 (.515). In their last nine games overall they have scored just 3, 5, 4, 2, 2, 0, 1, 4 and 1 run respectively at an average of only 2.4 per game. They have absolutely no chance of winning the NL Wild Card race unless they can start scoring some runs but that seems nighly unlikely this late in the season. LA would also have to markedly improve their road record as they have just 10 of their last 31 away from Dodger Stadium.

Toeing the rubber for the Dodgers tonight is veteran southpaw Wilson Alvarez. He has five starts amongst 14 appearances this season and overall is 2-1 with a 2.36 ERA. He will need his best stuff tonight as the Astros are hitting .276 this season against left-handed starters. Of course even if he can do his job and limit Houston's run scoring that still may not be enough to win as he will need some run support from his weak hitting teammates.

Houston are 41-26 at home this season and are averaging 5.4 runs per game....LA are 30-35 on the road and are scoring just 3.6 runs per game.

The Astros are simply a much better hitting team than the Dodgers and we expect them to continue on their winning ways tonight.

Recommended Play: Astros -135

Good luck
Mike Thomas
Champion Plays

YEAH..MIKE..CHAMPIONPLAYS...YOU JUST SAY IT AND THEN I AM ON IT...I AM BETTING INMEDIATETLY THE HOUSTON ASTROS..

KEEP IT UP...MIKE...YEAH..I REALLY LOVE YOUR PICKS...YOU REALLY ARE A CAPPER...WOW..I AM VERY IMPRESSED WITH YOUR CALLS AND WINS..WOW
KEEP IT UP...BUDDY....KEEP IT UP..
THANKS
WINNER75