MLB Betting: Lackey to lead Boston to crucial win

MLB / Nick Shiambouros / 06 August 2010 / Leave a Comment

John lackey will have to have a good game for Boston if they're to win this one

"Lackey is one of the elite pitchers in the game and this veteran right-hander has a good variety of pitches, not to mention the priceless ability to remain calm under pressure."

Nick Shiambouros tells us why this is a crucial week in the MLB and one in which Boston can secure a priceless win against their old foes.

There are some very important fixtures taking place this weekend as the race for the play-offs heats up. Below is a preview of three games that will be shown live on ESPN America.
　
Saturday 6th August

Cincinnati v Chicago Cubs

Edinson Volquez gets the call for the Reds.Volquez is struggling to find his form after undergoing elbow surgery last year but he did manage to squeeze out a win against the Braves on Sunday though he was far from impressive. He is having some control issues but this is to be expected after such a long absence.
　
Randy Wells starts for the Cubs and has a record of 5-9 and an ERA of 4.40.Wells is not pitching well at all at the moment, giving up seven runs on his last start against Milwaukee and his biggest problem is execution, which is obviously a real concern.
　
This is a huge game for the Reds. They are leading the NL Central by half a game over St Louis meaning the Cincinnati hitters need to get to Randy Wells in the early innings and build a lead for the wayward Edinson Volquez.

I think this could be a high scoring affair and one which should ultimately lead to a Cincinnati victory.

Boston v New York Yankees

John Lackey has the pitching assignment for Boston. He has a record of 10-6 and an ERA of 4.48.

Lackey is one of the elite pitchers in the game and this veteran right-hander has a good variety of pitches, not to mention the priceless ability to remain calm under pressure.
　
The Yankees start the great C C Sabathia, who has a record of 13-5 and an ERA of just 3.19. This lefty is having another outstanding year; he has a great fastball which has been his "money pitch" over the years though incredibly he has a poor record against Boston and has yet to record a victory against them this year.
　
This is game two of a crucial four game series in the Bronx. The Red Sox are six games behind the Yankees in the AL East and this represents a good opportunity to gain some ground on their bitter rivals.

My cash will be on Boston in this huge game. New York will be favoured but the Sox have proven they are capable of hurting CC Sabathia.
　
New York Mets v Philadelphia

Johan Santana is on the hill for New York and he has a record of 8-6 and an ERA of just 3.2.Santana is a decent strikeout pitcher and has a solid fastball though he does also have a tendency to leave the odd ball over the plate, which is dangerous thing to do against the Phillies.

Cole Hamels gets the call for Philadelphia. This World Series-winning pitcher has had a fair season and brings a respectable ERA of 3.56 to the table. This left-hander has a huge variety of pitches and if he settles down in the early innings he will be very difficult to handle.
　
The Phillies are just two games behind Atlanta in the NL East and are peaking at the right time. They will almost certainly attack Johan Santana from the first pitch and try to build an early lead and I think this could be a very long night for the Mets.

Recommended wagers

Saturday back Cincinnati at [1.87] and over total runs scored
Saturday back Boston at [2.42]
Saturday back Philadelphia at [1.76]