BetUS Series of the Week – Old Rivals Clash in LA

As the San Francisco Giants battle for the lead in the National League West, they face their old rival, Los Angeles Dodgers in Los Angeles for a three-game series. The Giants currently sit three games back of the San Diego Padres and need to take this series to keep pace and stay in the post-season hunt.  With a lot on the line for the Giants, this series offers a great play for baseball betting.

San Francisco Giants @ Los Angeles Dodgers September 3 – 5 on MLB.TV, FSPT, CSBA, ESPN
MLB Betting Series Odds: Odds will be available in the BetOnline sportsbook at 12:00 a.m. ET Friday.

Game 1 – Friday at 10:10 p.m. ET – Barry Zito (8-10) vs Chad Billingsley (10-8)

Barry Zito has hardly given the Giants any quality innings in his last two starts, pitching for a combined 3 2/3 innings in both games. Expect Zito to redeem himself and provide a strong outing Friday for the Giants as he has traditionally pitched his best in September, and Zito needs to prove he is reliable.

Billingsley has kept runs low in recent months.  Since mid-July, he has not allowed more than three runs in any start, which has helped lower his season ERA to 3.73. Billingsley is definitely on a roll and in the right groove at the right time—too bad the rest of his team is not.

In a pitching duel, expect the deciding factor to be a small, single-inning offensive spark brought on by pure will and motivation.  The Giants need this win and are highly motivated, so place your bets on them to pull it out!

Pick: Giants

Game 2 – Saturday at 10:10 p.m. ET – Matt Cain (10-10) vs Ted Lilly (5-1)

While his record at .500 on the season, Cain looks to get the W in this matchup to start a solid roll down the stretch.  Despite being on the losing end of some tough decision lately, Cain has pitched in his well-known calm and collected manner lately, which should be a benefit Saturday.  In his last start against Arizona, he lasted for over six innings and gave up only three runs.

In his five career starts against the Giants, Lilly has garnered an ERA of 5.12.  He takes to the mound to better that stat, as well as to overcome his disastrous last start, in which he allowed seven runs in just four innings.

Cain seems to currently be in a better pitching mode, and San Fran again has motivation and a need for wins.
 
Pick: Giants

Game 3 – Sunday at 8:00 p.m. ET – Jonathan Sanchez (9-8) vs Hiroki Kuroda (10-11)

Sanchez has lasted until the ninth inning in two of his last starts, providing the Giants with long and reliable pitches.  While Sanchez’s ERA hovers at 3.54, and his K’s are high, he has not been able to get the win despite several strong performances as of late, the blame for which can fall at the feet of the offense.

Kuroda has been the face of reliability for the Dodgers this season, especially lately, as he has pitched for at least seven innings in five consecutive starts.  Against Philadelphia, he had a seven inning no-hitter combined with seven strikeouts.

If you are looking to bet on baseball, take a chance on Kuroda to continue his strong pitching, and for the Giant’s offense to keep letting down Sanchez.

Pick:  Dodgers