MLB Baseball
2012-04-25 - LA Angels at Tampa Bay Rays
A Sports Betting Pick by Auls
United States: Major League Baseball
Wednesday 25 April 2012 - First Pitch 7:10pm ET
12:10am (British Standard Time)
Preview
The Tampa Bay Rays (10-7) recorded a win in Game 1 of the series with the LA Angels (6-11) thanks to a 5-0 win last night. The Angels have been one of the early disappointments in the Major Leagues, but they will feel they can bounce back tonight with their big off-season signing going to the mound.
CJ Wilson has started 2012 with his new team, compiling a 2-1 record with a 2.37 ERA. The pitcher took the loss last time out against the Oakland Athletics thanks to a mistake at the mound that allowed 2 runs to get home and he ended up pitching 6 innings and allowing 4 runs.
Wilson also needs to remove some painful memories of his last outing against the Tampa Bay Rays when he gave up 8 runs in 5 innings as the Texas Rangers were beaten in Game 1 of the American League Division Series.
However, he has had more success when pitching in this ballpark, going 2-0 with a 1.23 ERA from 3 starts at Tropicana Field.
The Angels biggest problems have been highlighted by Albert Pujols at the plate and they have not found consistency with their bats so far in 2012. However, they could get some help as they face Jeremy Hellickson to the mound.
Hellickson is 2-0 this season with a 3.26 ERA, but he has struggled in his last two starts and that should give LA some belief. The pitcher has given up 11 runs in his last 11 innings and he has also walked 6 batters in that time while striking out 5.
He has also started just once before against the Angels and gave up 3 runs in just under 6 innings pitched in a 1-5 loss at this ballpark last season.
Head to Head
Tampa Bay have now won 5 of their last 6 games against the LA Angels overall, including the last 2 at home.
However, the win last night has just improved the Rays to 3-6 in their last 9 at Tropicana Field against the Angels.
Prediction
This is the only pick I am making today as there are a few very close games to call, and I am taking the LA Angels to win this one on the run line.
CJ Wilson has been solid enough this season to think he can limit the Tampa Bay Rays, especially considering the success he has had at this ballpark in the past. As long as he has forgotten the shelling he took in Game 1 of the ACDS, Wilson should have a solid pitching game.
On the other side, Jeremy Hellickson does give a batting line the opportunity to get the scoreboard ticking over, particularly so with the walks he is currently handing out so the Angels may be able to get something going today.
The run line is being offered at 2.60 and that is enough for me here.
The Pick :
Tampa Bay Rays 3-6 LA Angels
