Padres vs Dodgers MLB Betting + Handicapping Picks
The San Diego Padres will make the quick trip up Interstate 5 to Los Angeles looking for a little luck on Friday the 13th as they open a three-game set against NL West rivals the Dodgers.
SD: (L) Clayton Richard (1-0, 0.00) v LAD: (R) Aaron Harang (0-1, 6.23)
Date/Time: Friday, April 13, 10:10 PM ET
Venue: Dodgers Stadium in Los Angeles
Broadcast: Fox Sports
Spread: Dodgers -125
Over/Under: 7
Both clubs have opened their seasons in two completely different ways, and while the Dodgers have opened their season by going 5-1 heading into their final game with Pittsburgh on Thursday, the Padres have picked up right where they left off last season–struggling with their offense, and were hitting .183 with 20 runs over their first six games.
Once again San Diego will rely heavily on its pitching staff to win games, and much like pitcher-friendly Petco Park, will aim to take advantage of a not so hitter-friendly Dodger Stadium.
Those plans will include enlisting the services of 28-year old lefty Clayton Richard who will face the Dodgers for the second time in six days, looking to boost his record to 2-0 in just two starts.
Richard kept an effective Dodgers lineup at bay on Sunday and started his 2012 campaign allowing just two unearned runs and two hits over seven innings in a 8-4 win over LA.
He is off nicely after being limited to 18 starts a year ago due to shoulder surgery, and should be able to keep things going for the Padres, as he has posted an ERA under 4.00 each of the last two seasons. [dfads params=’groups=10&limit=1&return_javascript=0′]
Meanwhile, the Dodgers are enjoying a red-hot start and were 1/2 game up on Arizona for first place in the NL West heading into their Thursday night contest with the Pirates.
The lineup has produced 49 hits over its first six games while slugger Andre Ethier and Matt Kemp have provided enough run support to help get the job done for LA.
Pitching has also been on for the Blue Crew as the team boasts a combined 2.78 ERA over six games.
Veteran right-hander Aaron Harang will face his former team for the second tome this season to open the series, and will aim to rebound from a poor debut in last Sunday’s 8-4 loss against San Diego.
He allowed four runs (three earned) on seven hits with five walks over 4 1/3 innings while striking out six over 94 pitches, 54 for strikes.
Harang went 14-7 with a 3.64 ERA in 28 starts for the Padres a year ago and should be able to put up similar numbers pitching in Dodgers Stadium.
Matt’s Free Prediction: Los Angeles– While both team’s rely heavily on pitching, the Dodgers have one thing the Padres do not–players that are hitting the ball well, right now.
