Both the 61-46 Los Angeles Dodgers and 62-44 Pittsburgh Pirates have to feel good about getting into the playoffs in the NL, as both are likely to win in the mid- to high-90s in games.
That said, there are teams like the Mets, Cubs and Giants charging hard as we head towards the last third of the season, which makes games like Saturday's in the 'Burgh between these two all the more important.
ODDS ANALYSIS
Even though these two teams are separated by just a game and a half in the standings and sport very similar records both home and away, their tallies for bettors are anything but tight.
The Dodgers, largely thanks to the fact that they have two of the most publically bet pitchers in the game in Zack Greinke and Clayton Kershaw in their rotation, are -8.20 units. The Pirates, who don't have a single pitcher outside of Gerrit Cole considered to be one of the truly elite arms in the game, are +9.55 units.
PITCHING MATCHUP
None of those elite pitchers are on the mound in this one, though Francisco Liriano will clearly get the nod as the star of this show.
The southpaw has been great this year with a 2.92 ERA and his K/9 just short of 10. Walks sometimes get the better of Liriano, and he’s been a tad lucky in terms of BABIP against, but when he rears back and fires that fastball in there on two-strike counts, more often than not, batters are headed back to the dugout with their tails between their legs.
We're wondering aloud if there is something wrong with Mat Latos. He hasn't thrown more than 90 pitches in six straight starts. He's been effective for sure, but pulling out a man from a game in which he’s thrown just six innings and allowed four hits and one run in 80 pitches seems odd.
That's what the Dodgers did with Latos in his first start against the Halos earlier in the week. He'll be back on the rubber on Saturday, but it's tough to see more than six frames and perhaps only five from the righty in this game.
QUOTE TO NOTE
"Mat was really good. I liked the way he looked. Kind of what we've seen in the past – a guy that's aggressive." – Dodgers manager Don Mattingly on Latos' first start in blue
SITUATIONAL BETTING
Both of these teams have new middle relievers who are supposed to be bridging gaps to get to Mark Melancon and Kenley Jansen respectively. However, Joakim Soria and Jim Johnson couldn't be much different.
Johnson has allowed three runs in two frames since coming to the Dodgers. Soria has 2.2 spotless innings under his belt, including a save on a day Melancon wasn't available.
PROP TALK
Assuming that he’s in the lineup, Yasmani Grandal might be a man to bet on in this game. The LA catcher has batted .478 over the course of the last 10 days, hitting safely in each.
Grandal is now batting .295 for the season with 15 home runs, and has rounded into one of the more productive offensive catchers in the game.
ANALYSIS AND PREDICTION
If Latos is laboring early in this one, don't be afraid to sit by your computer and live bet this one, knowing that the Dodgers could be in a bit of trouble.
We just don't like this spot for Liriano, though. He allowed 10 hits against the Twins in his last start, and he was fortunate to get away with just two earned runs against him in 5.2 innings. If he pitches like that again in this one, even a poor start by Latos probably won't bail him out.
Los Angeles 6, Pittsburgh 4
The baseball betting odds for this Saturday game will first be available at BookMaker Sportsbook. BookMaker is going to have multiple betting options available for this televised baseball matchup. Live wagering during commercials offers an adjusted moneyline, individual inning run totals and next hitter results. Log in and start gambling during the game now!
BookMaker offers play-by-play betting odds for live sporting events every day! The user-friendly wagering interface on your smartphone provides an easy way to place bets on the go. Mobile betting lines are updated by the minute so click here to start gambling on thrilling live action at BookMaker Sportsbook! The game between the Los Angeles Dodgers and Pittsburgh Pirates will start at 4:05 p.m. ET on Saturday, August 8, 2015 at PNC Park in Pittsburgh, PA. You can watch the contest live on FOX Sports 1.
