MLB Betting Picks – Surprising Pirates, D-Backs Set For Battle, Look To Continue Positive Starts

The Pittsburgh Pirates and the Arizona Diamondbacks have each gotten off to positive 2-1 SU starts after three games and will be looking to extend their winning ways and cash in as an MLB betting pick when they hit the field at Chase Field for battle at 9:30 PM ET.

Friday, April 09 9:40 PM ET
MLB Betting Odds:
Pittsburgh Pirates +1½ -150 +135
Charlie Morton –R
Arizona Diamondbacks -1½ +130 -155
Rodrigo Lopez –R
Over 10 -105
Under 10 -115

TV: FSN, FS-A
Radio: WPGB-FM 104.7, KTAR 620, KSUN 1400

Pittsburgh Pirates (2-1 SU, 2-1 RL, 2-1 O/U)
Arizona Diamondbacks (2-1 SU, 2-1 RL, 1-2 O/U)

Here is a look at the key head-to-head MLB trends surrounding tonight’s contest.

• Under is 3-1-1 in the last 5 meetings.
• Pirates are 8-20 in the last 28 meetings.
• Pirates are 2-7 in the last 9 meetings in Arizona.

Pittsburgh 411

• Pirates are 4-1 in their last 5 vs. a team with a winning record.
• Pirates are 3-8 in Morton’s last 11 starts as an underdog.
• Pirates are 1-6 in Morton’s last 7 road starts.
• Under is 7-2 in Pirates last 9 road games vs. a right-handed starter.
• Under is 5-2 in Morton’s last 7 starts overall.

Get in on the action now – SIGN UP HERE!

The Pirates had their two-game winning streak snapped in its 10-2 loss to the L.A. Dodgers on Thursday. Veteran right-hander Paul Maholm took the loss after allowing four earned runs in six innings. Tonight, the Pirates will hand the ball to right-hander Charlie Morton (5-9, 4.55 ERA).

Arizona 411

• Diamondbacks are 4-1 in their last 5 home games.
• Diamondbacks are 1-6 in their last 7 games following a win.
• Under is 4-1 in Diamondbacks last 5 overall.
• Under is 6-2 in Diamondbacks last 8 vs. National League Central.

The Diamondbacks beat the San Diego Padres 5-3 on Wednesday as Kelly Johnson blasted two home runs and drove in three runs to lead Arizona to victory.

Blaine Boyer got one batter out to pick up the win in relief of starter Ian Kennedy while closer Chad Qualls recorded his first save of the year. Tonight, the D-Backs will hand the ball to right-hander Rodrigo Lopez (3-1, 5.70 ERA).

Analysis: I’m really impressed with the start both of these ballclubs have gotten off to, but I’m gong to encourage MLB gamblers to back the Arizona Diamondbacks to win this game and narrowly cover the Run Line by smacking around Pittsburgh’s mediocre Charlie Morton.

The Pirates have gone a disappointing 3-8 in Morton’s last 11 starts as an underdog and an awful 1-6 in his last seven road starts.

Pittsburgh has also recorded a pitiful 8-20 mark in the last 28 meetings against Arizona while also going a bankroll-breaking 2-7 in the last nine meetings in Arizona.

I know the D-Backs have gone a dismal 1-6 in their last seven games following a win, but Arizona has been a solid MLB betting pick at home, recording a fine 4-1 mark in their last five home games and will face a Pirates team that has struggled mightily on the road with Charlie Morton on the mound. I like the Diamondbacks to win and cash in for MLB gamblers as a MLB betting pick home favorite.

Expert MLB Picks: Arizona -1½ Runs