Derek Lowe – Maddux Sports

Florida fell 12-3 in the second game of this three-game set in Atlanta, falling 8 1/2 games back in the NL East race. The 12 runs allowed were a season-high by the Marlins and starting pitcher Ricky Nolasco managed to last just two innings. “I just stunk. I didn’t throw anything where I wanted to,” said Nolasco. The club still has seven meetings remaining in the season series which includes today’s series finale at Turner Field. The Fish expect rookie outfielder Mike Stanton to get the start in right field this afternoon after not starting in the previous two games. Also, third baseman Wes Helms is also expected to return after sitting out the first pair of games in this series. Florida still holds a solid 27-23 record against divisional opponents (+460) and the total is 26-21 O/U in those contests. The Marlins also possess a winning 17-15 mark in daytime games and are 64-58 under the sun the past three years (+1,060).

Continue reading “Sunday MLB Preview – Marlins at Braves” →

Sunday MLB Betting Preview – Braves at Mets

Posted on July 11, 2010July 11, 2010 by Jeff Mattinger in Headlines

The two division rivals have been involved in low-scoring affairs the last nine meetings.

Atlanta Braves at New York Mets

Atlanta has pushed its lead in the NL East standings to six games with its current five-game winning streak after shutting out the New York Mets 3-0 at Citi Field on Saturday afternoon. “It’s good to be in first place going into the break,” said manager Bobby Cox. The Braves are now a season-high 17 games over .500 for the first time since the end of the 2005 season. The latest win pushed its daytime record to 18-11 this season (+660) and the total moving to 16-13 O/U with just four runs posted on the scoreboard. Atlanta is averaging 5.6 runs per game offensively while holding teams to 4.2 runs with a combined .238 average. The club is 17-14 versus the division this season (+10), but a dominating 13-3 in their past 16 meetings.

Continue reading “Sunday MLB Betting Preview – Braves at Mets” →

ESPN Monday Night Baseball Betting Preview – Braves at Phillies

Posted on July 5, 2010July 5, 2010 by Jeff Mattinger in Headlines

The Phillies turn to their ace in the opening game of a crucial NL East series at Citizens Bank Park.

Atlanta Braves at Philadelphia Phillies

Atlanta comes into this crucial NL East showdown two games ahead of the New York Mets. The Braves won all three series of its recently completed homestand, but it ended with a 3-2 loss to Florida on Sunday. The loss was only the fourth in Atlanta’s last 24 home games and ended the club’s three-game winning streak. The Braves now must leave their MLB-best 30-10 home record and head on the road. Atlanta stands at 18-24 overall on the road (-650) and is 93-111 away from Turner Field over the last three years (-1,330). The offense will find itself in a precarious spot this evening, managing to bat just .232 over the last seven games and .249 overall on the road this season. Opposing pitchers from the NL East have also held the Braves to just 3.5 runs per game within the division.