Friday MLB Baseball Picks: Braves vs Giants
The best Sportsbook for America’s Pastime is BetUS.com! – From MLB teasers to parlays, from futures to wacky props, BetUS adds more excitement – CLICK HERE NOW + GET $75 FREE FOR MLB BETTING!
MLB Betting – Braves vs Giants Preview & Pick
Date: Friday, April 22, 2011
Venue: AT&T Park, San Francisco, CA
Broadcast: SPSO, KNTV
Atlanta Braves at New York Giants Betting Lines from BetOnline.com
Money Line: Giants -101
Over/Under: 7.5 (100)
CLICK here for INDEPTH MLB ATS Stats for this matchup —>
Bet now at BETUS —>
Atlanta Braves (8-11 through April 20)
Tommy Hanson (1-3, 3.86)
Is it just me or can Tommy Hanson just not catch a break? He’s 1-3 on the season despite a respectable 3.86 ERA. Poor run support seems to be the story of his career – and Atlanta’s 2011 season – early on. The 3.22 team ERA is to be expected but the .234 team batting average and 3.47 runs per game, 25th and 26th in the majors, respectively, don’t reflect an offense that was supposed to be improved this season.
The guys who were supposed to lead the charge were Dan Uggla and Jason Heyward. They both have four homers on the year but are also both hitting below the Mendoza line. They have to be better.
San Francisco Giants (10-8)
Madison Bumgarner (0-2, 7.36)
The Giants have delivered essentially what we expected from them so far this season. The defending world champs have been stellar in the pitching department but quite bad offensively. Maybe the return of Cody Ross from injury will give them a shot in the arm? 
The one unexpected development for San Fran so far this season is Madison Bumgarner’s struggles. He’s just about the only Giant pitcher not dealing, issuing eight walks and allowing 12 runs in just 14.2 innings. It’s a disappointing start for a guy that looked ready for prime time last season.
MLB Trends:
Under is 7-3-1 in ATL last 11 overall.
Under is 7-3-1 in ATL last 11 on grass.
Under is 6-2 in Hansons last 8 on grass.
Over is 7-2-1 in SF last 10 home games.
SF are 6-2 in their last 8 overall.
SF are 6-2 in their last 8 games on grass.
Under is 6-2 in the last 8 meetings.
The pick:
Could a start against the Braves be the remedy Bumgarner needs? He beat them in the 2010 playoffs with six innings of two-run ball. On the other hand, his peripherals suggest he’s wild right now. The eight walks don’t reflect a guy who “deserves” a shift in luck.
Hanson seems far more due for some positive results. Though the Braves roughed him up in the playoffs last season, he has a 2.57 regular-season ERA against them with 14 strikeouts in 14 innings. The Giants’ lineup lacks confidence right now, so I think Hanson can mow them down. Meanwhile, the struggling Bumgarner could be the perfect slump-buster for the Brave bats. Go with the road upset.
Braves vs Giants prediction: Braves 6, Giants 2
