Orioles Vs. Angels: Odds, Picks and Predictions: July 2, 2009

Free MLB Picks: Orioles vs. Angels Under 9.5 Runs -110 odds
(Larry Ness MLB Predictions | covers.com)

The Orioles head west tonight after back-to-back remarkable games against the Red Sox. Baltimore trailed 10-1 in the bottom of the seventh vs the Red Sox on Tuesday, only to come back and win, 11-10.

Yesterday afternoon, the Red Sox turned the tables on the Orioles, scoring four runs in the top of the ninth to tie the game at five-all, then winning it 6-5 in 11 innings.

The Angels spent the first three days of the week in Arlington but after winning 5-2 on Monday to extend their lead to 2.5 games in the AL West, the Angels lost 9-5 on Tuesday and 9-7 Wednesday, and will return home not only disappointed but also just a half-game up on the Rangers in the division.

The Orioles and Angels open a four-game series in Anaheim tonight, the first time these teams have met in 2009. The pitching matchup is Guthrie vs. Lackey and while both pitchers have been somewhat disappointing this year, both have been pitching better lately.

Lackey owns a 2.86 ERA over his last three starts (24 Ks in 22 innings), while Guthrie has a respectable 3.70 ERA over his last four outings, allowing three earned runs or less in six of his last seven starts. Lackey is 6-3 with a 3.46 ERA in 10 career starts vs Baltimore and will face an Orioles team which is 11-23 on the road in ‘09, averaging only 3.88 RPG. Guthrie’s made two career starts here in Anaheim, posting a 1-0 mark with a 1.80 ERA. Take the under. – Larry Ness’ free baseball picks are featured on handicappers picks