MLB Betting: Division decider could be a classic

MLB / Nick Shiambouros / 21 August 2009 / Leave a Comment

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Friday 12.00am back Boston
Saturday 9.00pm back New York

Boston and New York will be swinging the bats in a three game series this weekend and Nick Shiambouros' believes the match-up could decide the AL East...

The Boston Red Sox have another chance to gain some ground on the New York Yankees when they play host to them in a three game series this weekend. Despite the recession, every game is sold out at Fenway as these two historic teams do battle again.

The Red Sox are seven games behind the Yankees in the AL East but they could make a huge dent in that margin by sweeping New York in this important series. The Yankees have lost seven in a row at Boston, including all six this season. This series has all the hallmarks of being a classic and the outcome could decide the division.
　
In the opening game on Friday Andy Pettite will pitch for New York with a record of 9-6 and a respectable ERA of 4.09.This experienced lefty has been throwing his fastball with a lot more precision in recent weeks and this could spell trouble for Boston. Pettite is the kind of pitcher who can retire batter after batter if he settles early in a game. I think the Red Sox will swing the bat against him in the hope of rattling him in the early innings.

Brad Penny is on the hill for Boston and I think the decision to start him may pay dividends. Penny has a record of 7-7 with an ERA of 5.22 but he has a superb record against New York. In just two career starts against the Yankees he is 1-0 and his ERA is just 2.45. I think Penny could cause New York all kinds of problems and my money will be on Boston in this first game.

In the second game on Saturday Junichi Tazawa starts for Boston in only his fourth professional game in America. Red Sox coach Terry Francona believes in this young man from Japan and he is clearly a huge talent. Tazawa's debut at Yankee Stadium earlier this month is one he will never forget. He served up a walk-off home run to Alex Rodriguez in the 15th inning of an epic encounter. I am sure the experience will not be lost on him but the pressure on him on Saturday will be enormous.

A.J. Burnett starts for New York and he has a solid record of 10-6 with a very low ERA of just 3.69. This man is an outstanding pitcher and can handle pressure situations very well. Burnett managed to shut out the Red Sox for nearly eight innings earlier this month and his confidence is sky high. I really think the Yankees will have the upper hand on Saturday and I will put my money where my mouth is.
　
On Sunday, Josh Beckett and CC Sabathia face each other in what could be a fantastic pitching duel. This is one game I am just going to watch and admire. Beckett is a win machine for Boston with a record of 14-4 and Sabathia has a score card of 14-7. Baseball does not get any better than this so I urge everyone to tune in and watch.

All three games are scheduled to be shown live on ESPN America which is now on Sky (430).