MLB Odds: September 21 American League Pitching Matchups
Wednesday, September 21, 2011
by WagerWeb Sportsbook
It’s a huge day for the Tampa Bay Rays as they face a tough doubleheader in the Bronx against the Yankees, who could potentially clinch a playoff spot if things break right. The Rays almost have to have a sweep to keep the heat on Boston. But the Rays also have arguably their best two pitchers on the mound, with ace James Shields in the opener. Bet on Rays-Yankees and every game at Wager Web Sportsbook.
Tampa Bay at NY Yankees, Game 1 – Rays RHP James Shields (15-11, 2.78) vs. Yankees LHP CC Sabathia (19-8, 3.01). Shields allowed four runs on seven hits and three walks Friday night against the Red Sox to take his 11th loss of the season. He is 1-2 with a 1.59 ERA against the Yankees this season including a complete-game, 1-0 loss in his only start in New York. Sabathia was not at all sharp Friday night allowing four runs (earned) on 10 hits, walking four and striking out eight over 5.2 innings, but came away with a no decision in a game the Yankees would end up losing 5-4 to Toronto. It’s possible that Sabathia pitches Game 2 and Phil Hughes goes in Game 1.
Tampa Bay at NY Yankees, Game 2 – Rays RHP Jeremy Hellickson (13-10, 2.91) vs. Yankees RHP Phil Hughes (5-5, 6.00). Despite struggling with his fastball command, Hellickson held the Red Sox to one run on three hits in 5 2/3 innings Thursday to pick up his 13th win of the season. He has given up three earned runs or less in 28 of 31 career starts. Because of back spasms, Hughes has been pushed back twice. He could start the opener of the doubleheader and CC Sabathia go in the nightcap.
Chicago White Sox at Cleveland – White Sox LHP Mark Buehrle (11-9, 3.74) vs. Indians RHP Ubaldo Jimenez (10-11, 4.49). Buehrle left his last start after being hit with a line drive in the left bicep, but said afterward he expects to make his next start. He had given up a career-high 15 hits in 6 1/3 innings, in a 7-2 loss to the Royals. Jimenez has earned victories in each of his last two starts. In his last five outings, he has posted a 3-1 record and 2.78 ERA, striking out 30 in 32 1/3 innings.
LA Angels at Toronto – Angels RHP Dan Haren (15-9, 3.24) vs. Jays RHP Dustin McGowan (0-0, 7.50). The Angels are counting on Haren to bring ace stuff during the stretch run if they want to catch the Rangers in the AL West. Though the offense gave him no run support in his last outing, he struggled and allowed six earned runs over five innings. McGowan allowed three runs during his last start against the Yankees. It was just his second start and third overall outing of the year, but he managed to allow just three hits. He likely will be limited to approximately 85 pitches.
Baltimore at Boston – Orioles RHP Tommy Hunter (4-4, 4.81) vs. Red Sox RHP Josh Beckett (13-5, 2.50). The big righty Hunter has pitched consistently since Baltimore got him from Texas earlier this summer. He’s become a real innings-eater and threw seven shutout vs. the Angels in his last start. The O’s are hoping he’ll do some good for them in 2012. Beckett made a triumphant return from an ankle injury on Friday night, holding the Rays to three runs over six innings of work. He has a 5.73 ERA in two starts against the Orioles this season.
Detroit at Kansas City – Tigers RHP Max Scherzer (14-9, 4.39) vs. Royals RHP Felipe Paulino (3-10, 4.49). After back-to-back solid starts, Scherzer struggled against the A’s, giving up seven hits – three of them home runs — and five runs in just five innings. He had decent command of his fastball, but two of those home runs came on changeups. Paulino worked six serviceable innings on Friday against the White Sox, holding them to three runs on seven hits in a walk-off win. After 11 strikeouts and no walks in his previous outing of seven innings, he struck out three and walked three.
Seattle at Minnesota – Mariners RHP Michael Pineda (9-10, 3.72) vs. Twins RHP Kevin Slowey (0-6, 6.51). The 22-year-old standout Pineda hasn’t won a game since July 30 and this will likely be his final start as the Mariners look to cap his innings at about 175. But he’s still throwing hard and just hasn’t had much run support. Slowey continued his struggles with a sub-par outing against the Indians on Friday, allowing five runs on seven hits in four innings. He is the first Twins pitcher to lose six straight decisions in a season since Boof Bonser lost eight in 2007.
Texas at Oakland – Rangers LHP C.J. Wilson (16-7, 2.97) vs. A’s RHP Brandon McCarthy (9-8, 3.35). Wilson lost to the Mariners, 4-0, on Friday. He allowed four runs in 6 1/3 innings but only one was earned. He is still 6-2 with a 1.93 ERA in his last nine starts. He is 4-2 with a 3.02 ERA in seven starts vs. the A’s over the past two seasons. McCarthy had one of his best outings of the year last time out, holding the Tigers to one run on five hits and striking out eight.
Bet on MLB Baseball games with Wager Web Sportsbook, click here!
Related Articles
- MLB Odds: Could be a Big Day in American League Playoff Picture
- Las Vegas MLB Odds: American League Probable Pitching Matchups
- MLB Baseball Picks and Tips: New York Yankees vs Tampa Bay Rays
- ALDS Odds: Rays vs Rangers, Tigers vs Yankees Series Start Friday
- MLB Odds: Red Sox's Josh Beckett vs The Rays and Jeremy Hellickson
Category
Tags
brandon mccarthy - cc sabathia - dan haren - dustin mcgowan - felipe paulino - james shields - jeremy hellickson - josh beckett - mark buehrle - max scherzer
