PREMIUM
"The Coach's" Early MLB SURE SHOT
(MLB) Toronto vs. Baltimore,
Money Line: -120.00 Baltimore (Home)
Result: Loss
Money Line: -120.00 Baltimore (Home)
Result: Loss
The Baltimore Orioles failed to complete a three game sweep at Tampa Bay as they were shut out in a 2-0 loss against the Rays last night. They had little problem scoring in the first two wins over which they outscored the Rays 12-7 though. I think they're looking good to get back to their winning ways today, hosting the Toronto Blue Jays at Camden Yards.
Here are my keys to the game:
1. Pitching - The Blue Jays will hand the ball to veteran Mark Buehrle who was 1-2 with a 4.67 ERA over three starts against the Orioles last season. Toronto has won only one of his last six starts against Baltimore and Adam Jones is 11-for-31 lifetime against the 36 year old. The Orioles will counter with right-hander Bud Norris who's coming off his best year ever in the majors. He was 4-0 with a minuscule ERA of 1.78 over five starts against Toronto on the year. Remember that Toronto is only 1-6 in its last seven road games when facing a right-handed starter.
2. Home Cookin' - Norris was dominant home in Baltimore all season long, posting a 2.44 ERA while recording eight wins and only two losses over 13 starts. Bad news for the Blue Jays who have lost four of the last five meetings in Baltimore.
3. X-Factor - Chris Davis will swing his bat at Oriole Park for the first time since missing the end of last year due to a drug suspension. He's 0-6 for the season, but we can expect him to come in 100% focused here in front of his home fans. He's fared well against Buehrle in the past, posting a .300 AVG over 20 at bats with two homers.
Selection: This is a play on the Baltimore Orioles (8*)
Here are my keys to the game:
1. Pitching - The Blue Jays will hand the ball to veteran Mark Buehrle who was 1-2 with a 4.67 ERA over three starts against the Orioles last season. Toronto has won only one of his last six starts against Baltimore and Adam Jones is 11-for-31 lifetime against the 36 year old. The Orioles will counter with right-hander Bud Norris who's coming off his best year ever in the majors. He was 4-0 with a minuscule ERA of 1.78 over five starts against Toronto on the year. Remember that Toronto is only 1-6 in its last seven road games when facing a right-handed starter.
2. Home Cookin' - Norris was dominant home in Baltimore all season long, posting a 2.44 ERA while recording eight wins and only two losses over 13 starts. Bad news for the Blue Jays who have lost four of the last five meetings in Baltimore.
3. X-Factor - Chris Davis will swing his bat at Oriole Park for the first time since missing the end of last year due to a drug suspension. He's 0-6 for the season, but we can expect him to come in 100% focused here in front of his home fans. He's fared well against Buehrle in the past, posting a .300 AVG over 20 at bats with two homers.
Selection: This is a play on the Baltimore Orioles (8*)