Pittsburgh Pirates vs. Los Angeles Dodgers MLB Free Pick

[Shame About Ray]

Matt Fargo
Pittsburgh Pirates vs. Los Angeles Dodgers (MLB) - Apr 14, 2008 10:10 PM EDT
Play: Money Line: 158 Pittsburgh Pirates

Pittsburgh came to Los Angeles last year roughly around the same time but unlike this season, the Pirates were reeling. They had gone 3-8 in their previous 11 games but now they come in with a three-game winning streak after sweeping their series with the Reds. The Dodgers meanwhile came into that series a season ago on an 11-3 run and that is hardly the case this season as they limp into this one losing five of their last six. We are basically dealing with the exact opposite of last year and what do we get?

We get a line similar to last season showing it is made up on name and public perception. Who in their right mind would back the Pirates here? Well I know I am and for very good reason as we get extraordinary value as well as the fact that the public remains on the side of the Dodgers. Los Angeles has scored more than five runs only twice all season long and it is coming off yet another dismal performance at the plate. Until this starts winning consistently, no one should be backing them at this kind of price.

Coming off a year in which he was plagued by injuries and control issues, Zach Duke allowed just seven runs in his five spring outings while posting a 3.32 ERA. Most impressive were the zero walks he issued. In his first regular season start, he allowed two runs against the Braves. He bettered that by allowing only one run in seven innings last time out against the Cubs. And again, most impressive were the two total walks issued. His career numbers against the Dodgers are awful but this is no longer that same pitcher.

Los Angeles counters with Hiroki Kuroda and he will be making his much anticipated home debut so there will be some pressure on him here. He looked strong in his first two outings against the Padres and Diamondbacks although the second one did have some issues. He did allow nine hits in 5.2 innings and he fell short of a quality outing. He threw 108 pitches in that contest after throwing only 77 in his first start that covered seven innings. The Pirates are 5-2 this season against right-handed starters.

Play Pittsburgh Pirates 1 Unit

Fargo went 1-2 in MLB on Sunday but it was a minimal setback at his MLB Game of the Week was an easy Winner with the Pirates! MLB Top Plays are on a 4-1 run and MLB has profited +11.4 Units since April 6th! We continue the run on Monday with the American League Game of the Week! The A.L. Game of the Week was a Winner last week with the Mariners and this one will be even easier!

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