MLB Baseball
2013-05-24 - Baltimore Orioles at Toronto Blue Jays
A Sports Betting Pick by Auls
United States: MLB Baseball
Friday 24 May 2013 - First Pitch 7:07pm
12:07am (British Time)
Preview
Both of these teams are looking to close on the American League East leading New York Yankees as they continue their four game series at the Rogers Centre. The Toronto Blue Jays (20-27) are currently at the bottom of the AL East as their off-season moves haven't provided a spark, as of yet, while the Baltimore Orioles (25-22) are just 3.5 games back of the Yankees.
Toronto won a very high-scoring game 1 yesterday as they took advantage of Baltimore's rookie pitcher, especially the second time through the order. The Blue Jays will be hoping they can avoid the same fate as they send one of their own pitching prospects to the mound in this second game.
Sean Nolin is a left handed pitcher that will be making his first start in the Major Leagues. He has been pitching very well in the Minor Leagues to earn this opportunity for Toronto and Nolin had a strong 1.17 ERA in his three starts at the lower level.
The pitcher will be looking to extend Toronto's strong performances at home in recent games as they are 6-1 in their last 7 here. He will also be hopeful that the Blue Jay bats continue pounding away as they have averaged over 8 runs per game in their last 7 at home and have been very hot at the plate.
Baltimore are just 2-7 in their last 9 games and will be countering Nolin by sending Chris Tillman to the mound. Tillman is 3-2 with a 3.52 ERA this season, but he has been putting in some good shifts of late, although he will be keen to reduce the number of Home Runs he has been giving up.
Tillman has given up 5 Home Runs in his last three starts, including 2 from 5 hits against the Tampa Bay Rays in a 3-1 loss in his last start. However, Tillman had a 3-0 record with a 1.87 ERA in his five previous starts before that game on Sunday, although he faces a big test against this batting lineup.
He has a 1-2 record and a 3.89 ERA in his last six starts against Toronto and has also given up 8 Home Runs in those games. However, Tillman restricted them to 1 run in just under 7 innings pitched in a game earlier this season, although he didn't factor into the decision as Baltimore won 2-1.
Head to Head
The season series is tied at 2-2 following the win for Toronto yesterday after Baltimore had a series win at home in April.
Toronto are also 6-2 in their last 8 home games against the Orioles.
Prediction
If Chris Tillman can just get hold of the ball and prevent it leaving the ballpark, I think Baltimore have every chance to take advantage of a rookie pitcher in this one.
Scott Nolin has some prospects, but I like the Orioles to win this one.
The Pick :
Toronto Blue Jays 4-5 Baltimore Orioles
BEST BETTING TIP :
I'll back the Baltimore Orioles @ 1.95
