Arizona Diamondbacks (25-24) AT Colorado Rockies (24-24)
May 26, 2011 at 8:40 PM EST
Opening Moneyline: COL -170, ARI +150
Current Moneyline: COL -163, ARI +148
Opening Total: 9
Current Total: 9.5
SP: ARI- Owings, COL- Mortenson
Both these teams are hovering around .500, but the Diamondbacks have been surging and are red hot, due mainly to outstanding pitching. Arizona has won 10 of their last 12 and tonight may bring even more success, considering that the Diamondbacks have won 2 of 3 against Colorado this year, including a 2-1 victory last night. Colorado has struggled to score after reeling off 12 runs in the series opener on Tuesday, the first game of a double header.
“Our team’s playing well. I really like how our team looks,” pitcher Ian Kennedy blissfully observed. He and the Arizona pitchers have posted a 2.56 ERA over the last 12 games. Their starting pitcher today, however, has been the lone exception to their strong pitching. Micah Owings is 0-0 this year with a 5.06 ERA.
He made his major league debut in 2007 with the Diamondbacks, but was then dealt to the Reds, before now returning to Arizona. Saturday against the Twins, he gave up 4 runs (3 earned) and 7 hits in 5 1/3rds innings, failing to get a decision or record a “quality start.” Last season with the Reds, he was used as a reliever, so getting back to starting may be a problem. In his two career starts against the Rockies, he won both and has only given up 1 run and 7 hits in 12 2/3rds innings, while also accruing 14 Ks. Considering his success, the Rockies might have some trouble, considering they have won just 6 of their last 20 games.
Rockies manager Jim Tracy has trouble believing the Rockies are as bad as they have seemed. “I personally feel we are a better offensive team than this,” he said. “But over the course of a period of time here, we’ll find out whether I’m right or wrong.”
Having their all star shortstop Troy Tulowitzki may help things some. He has struggled badly against the Diamondbacks though and is 0 of 3 lifetime against Owings. Over his last 13 games Tulowitzki is batting .212 and his average on the seasons is a pathetic .244. For the Rockies to get back on track, it’s going to require Tulowitzki to hit like he normally does.
Clayton Mortensen takes the mound for the Rockies. He is 1-1 on the season with an impressive 2.17 ERA. He isn’t ordinarily a starter, but given his success he may end up displacing the injured Aaron Cook. Jim Tracy said he’s been “nothing short of terrific,” and that may just indicate that Cook’s position has been claimed. He got a loss in the 3-2 loss to the Brewers, but pitched well, giving up only 3 runs (2 earned) and five hits over 6 2/3rds innings. He was 1/3rd of an inning away from recording a quality start, but he may get one today.
Some betting trends:
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Arizona’s last 9 games and the Diamondbacks are 8-1 SU in their last 9 games. The toatl has gone UNDER in 4 of Arizona’s last 5 games on the road and the Diamondbacks are 5-11 SU in their last 16 road games. The Diamondbacks are 4-1 SU in their last 5 games on the road and they are 8-3 SU in their last 11 against the Colorado Rockies. The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Arizona’s last 7 games against Colorado and it has also gone UNDER in 5 of their last 7 on the road in Colorado. The Diamondbacks are 3-8 SU in their last 11 games at Colorado.
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of the Rockies’ last 5 games while the Rockise are 1-5 SU in their last 6 games. The total has gone OVER in 6 of Colorado’s last 9 games at home and the total has gone UNDER in 5 of the last 7 against the Arizona Diamondbacks. The Rockies are 3-8 SU in their last 11 games against the Diamondbacks and the Rockies are 8-3 SU In their last 11 at home against Arizona. The total has gone UNDER In 5 of the Rockies’ last 7 games at home against the Diamondbacks.
Given Arizona’s success of late, it’s a bit perplexing to see the Rockies favored in this game. Owings’ inexperience as a starter could be a factor in why, but a moneyline bet on the Diamondbacks seems prudent.
