MLB Lock Alert – Braves Sweep Mets

Two of the premier pitchers in the National League square off tonight when Tim Hudson of the Braves takes on Johan Santana of the Mets from Turner Field in Atlanta. Santana is hoping to save face for his club who have dropped all three games of this four game series, but Tim Hudson is one of the guys in the hunt for the Cy Young in the National League, so it’s not going to be an easy task.

MLB Betting Line:

Spread: Mets +1 ½ (-165), Braves -1 ½ (+145)
Moneyline:  Mets (+140), Braves (-160)
Over/Under: 7
Date: Thursday, September 2 – 7:05 PM ET
TV: SNY, PTV

Probable Pitchers:
Mets Johan Santana, LHP (10-9, 3.02 ERA), ATL Tim Hudson, RHP (15-5, 2.24 ERA)

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Both pitchers enter the finale of this series in fine form. Hudson, who is a year removed from Tommy John surgery, set a career high in his previous start with 13 strikeouts. He went seven innings against the Marlins, allowing just one run on six hits, upping his record to 15-5 on the year. But it’s been great start after great start for Hudson who had himself quite the month in August, winning four starts and posting a 1.71 ERA.

Santana has been throwing the ball well lately as well, but his team just stinks behind him. The Mets have scored just six runs in the three games of this series, a trend that seems to rear itself every time Santana is on the hill, as he gets some of the worst run support in the MLB. He is 0-3 with a 3.91 ERA average in his last three starts, and with an ERA like that, you’d think he would have been able to squeak out at least one victory, but welcome to life with the Mets.

Here are some MLB Betting Trends for this Lock Alert preview:

• Braves are 5-0 in their last 5 vs. National League East.
• Braves are 4-0 in their last 4 during game 4 of a series.
• Braves are 4-0 in their last 4 games following a win.
• Braves are 5-0 in their last 5 overall.
• Braves are 4-0 in Hudson’s last 4 starts vs. Mets.
• Under is 5-0 in Hudson’s last 5 starts vs. Mets.
• Under is 5-0 in Santana’s last 5 road starts vs. Braves.

With the Mets putting together another disappointing season, you have to wonder how much longer Omar Minaya is going to be the general manager. They’ve had so many disappointing seasons in a row, with this one being as bad as any in recent memory, and even if the Mets go on a run to end the season, I think this is it for Minaya.

It seems as though the players have decided to mail it in as well, and it’s too bad for a guy like Santana who suffers as a result. What that means for us is that the Braves are a lock tonight. With Hudson pitching the way he has been and the Braves going for the sweep, this one is a no-brainer.

MLB Free Pick – Braves