Obviously we’re dealing with a very low number here, but that’s because there are two very good starting pitchers on the mound. That includes the Mets’ Johan Santana, who if not for Kansas City’s Zack Greinke, would be getting a lot more hype as the best pitcher in baseball. Through six starts, Santana has permitted a grand total of six runs – only four earned – in 39 2/3 innings (that’s a 0.91 ERA). He’s surrendered just 24 hits and 12 walks (36 baserunners) while striking out 54 in those 39 2/3 innings.
All six games that Santana has started have stayed under the total – not just under the total, but WAY under the total, as there have been 3.7 runs scored per game in his six outings. Not 3.7 runs scored by the Mets – I’m talking an average of 3.7 COMBINED runs per game. In addition to a pair of 4-3 contests, the other final scores have been 2-1 (twice) and 1-0 (twice).
Also, in Santana’s five career starts against Atlanta – two when he was with Minnesota and three in his first season with the Mets last year – the final scores have been 3-2, 3-2, 3-1, 4-2 and 3-2, all of them cashing on the “under.”
As for Lowe, he’s definitely been more of an “over” pitcher this season, but that’s mostly because his team has averaged nearly six runs per game he has started. Tonight, against Santana, that number is going to drop and drop significantly!
Finally, both pitching staffs are in fine form right now, as Atlanta has given up exactly two runs in three of its last four games (including two games at Philadelphia’s hitter-friendly ballpark), while the Mets are allowing an average of 2.9 runs per game during their seven-game winning streak. Additionally, both the Braves’ (2.20 ERA last 10 games) and Mets’ (2.56 ERA last 10) are in good shape in the bullpen. Play this one UNDER the total as I doubt we’ll see more than four runs scored
All six games that Santana has started have stayed under the total – not just under the total, but WAY under the total, as there have been 3.7 runs scored per game in his six outings. Not 3.7 runs scored by the Mets – I’m talking an average of 3.7 COMBINED runs per game. In addition to a pair of 4-3 contests, the other final scores have been 2-1 (twice) and 1-0 (twice).
Also, in Santana’s five career starts against Atlanta – two when he was with Minnesota and three in his first season with the Mets last year – the final scores have been 3-2, 3-2, 3-1, 4-2 and 3-2, all of them cashing on the “under.”
As for Lowe, he’s definitely been more of an “over” pitcher this season, but that’s mostly because his team has averaged nearly six runs per game he has started. Tonight, against Santana, that number is going to drop and drop significantly!
Finally, both pitching staffs are in fine form right now, as Atlanta has given up exactly two runs in three of its last four games (including two games at Philadelphia’s hitter-friendly ballpark), while the Mets are allowing an average of 2.9 runs per game during their seven-game winning streak. Additionally, both the Braves’ (2.20 ERA last 10 games) and Mets’ (2.56 ERA last 10) are in good shape in the bullpen. Play this one UNDER the total as I doubt we’ll see more than four runs scored
