Diamondbacks vs Pirates MLB Betting + Handicapping Picks
The Arizona Diamondbacks had a sensational season in 2011 and made their way to the MLB playoffs. The team started slowly in 2012, but they are trying to work their way back into the playoff picture.
Arizona Diamondbacks vs. Pittsburgh Pirates MLB Betting Preview
Starting Pitchers: Arizona (Kennedy) vs. Pittsburgh (Correia)
Date/Time: August 8, 7:05 p.m.
MLB Gambling Odds from Bookmaker
Moneyline: Arizona (-120) Pittsburgh (+100)
Runline: Diamondbacks -1.5 (+140) Pirates +1.5 (-160)
Total: 8
Pittsburgh has been the biggest surprise in all of baseball so far this season.
The Pirates have one of the best records in the league, and they currently sit in one of the Wild Card spots.
Ian Kennedy finished second in the NL CY Young voting last season, but he has been a little off his game this season. Kennedy has shown signs of turning it around of late. He has four straight quality starts going into this one. Arizona’s offense has been shut out twice in the last four games, which has slowed their recent hot streak.
Justin Upton had a breakout season last year, but it is August and he has only nine homers this year. Paul Goldschmitt has been the team’s most consistent hitter this season. Chris Johnson should be a good addition for the lineup, and he’ll give the team a little more pop.
How can the Pirates be winning this many games? [dfads params=’groups=10&limit=1&return_javascript=0′]
It has stumped the experts all season. Andrew McCutchen is the front-runner for National League MVP because of his amazing numbers. It’s impossible to overstate what he has done for this team in 2012.
McCutchen has a .369 average and 23 homers to go along with 67 RBI’s. It has been McCutchen carrying the offense, but the Pirates pitching staff is a big reason the team is winning games as well. Pittsburgh’s pitching staff has a 3.56 ERA so far this year.
Joel Hanrahan has done a great job locking down the back of the bullpen.
The Pirates seem to be in the running for the long haul, but Arizona has the upper hand in the pitching matchup here. Kennedy seems to be rounding into form, and I like his chances to lead the Diamondbacks to a victory here.
MLB Free Pick: Arizona ML
