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MLB Betting Odds: Chicago Cubs at Houston Astros

Written by Jimmy Boyd on May 6, 2009

cubs-astros-5609 The two-time reigning National League Central champion Chicago Cubs have not been the talk of the division early on as expected. The Cubs are currently 14-12, which is good for a third place tie with the Cincinnati Reds. The St. Louis Cardinals have been a nice early story and are currently sitting on top of the division at 17-10 with the Milwaukee Brewers right behind at 15-12. The Cubs are hoping that a series with last place Houston (11-15) can get them off and running. Game 1 of this two game set is not yet in the books, but I would like to focus our discussion on Game 2, which pits Cubs southpaw Ted Lilly against Astros righty Russ Ortiz. The two division rivals throw out the first pitch on Thursday, May 7th at 8:05 pm EST, and the MLB odds makers have given Chicago the nod, listing the Cubs as the -133 favorite with the total set at 9.5.

Ted Lilly is off to a decent start at 3-2 with an ERA of 3.13. Lilly has already beat Houston this season, and he is 4-1 in his career with a 3.25 ERA and a 0.99 WHIP against the Astros. In other words, the Cubbies should be in pretty good hands, especially since they are 8-2 in Lilly’s last 10 road starts and 5-1 in his last 6 starts versus the National League Central. The Cubs have had Houston’s number of late, winning four of the last five meetings overall, and five of the last six in Houston. While I have little doubt that Lilly can put together another strong performance on the hill, it will be up to the Cubs’ bats to support the southpaw. Chicago has struggled with a few nagging injuries to key players in the early going, but now the lineup is in tact, and that means it’s time to start scoring some runs. One thing that does look good for Chicago is that they have actually produced better away from the Friendly Confines, scoring 5.2 runs per game on the road compared to 4.7 runs in all games. If you think Chicago can continue its winning ways against the Astros, bet the Cubs at -133 at Bookmaker and receive a 20 percent cash bonus.

After ending the 2008 season on a strong note by winning 20 of their last 29 games, many did not expect the Astros to get out of the gates so slowly in 2009. But they should have a pitcher’s chance in Game 2 of this two game set with Russ Ortiz on the hill, who is unbeaten on the season at 2-0. His ERA is steep at 5.21, but the Astros have found ways to win with him on the mound. If fact, the Astros have won the last four games in which he has made an appearance. Houston has really struggled offensively this season, scoring only 3.7 runs per game, but facing a lefty gives them a better chance of doing some damage offensively. The Astros are a very impressive 66-32 in their last 98 home games versus a left-handed starter and 4-1 in their last 5 games versus a southpaw starter. If you like the value Houston is showing in the home underdog role, bet the Astros at +125 at Bookmaker.

Jimmy Boyd’s MLB expert picks contain some of the most respected baseball betting advice in the industry, and the proof is his 2007 MLB World Handicapping Title gaining dime bettors over $50,000. Start winning win a champion today!

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