Giants’ Cueto goes for greatness vs. Phils
A rare Madison Bumgarner misstep ended up costing the Giants last night’s contest vs. the Phillies. Can the hosts recover in time for this afternoon’s series finale at AT&T Park?
San Francisco and Philadelphia conclude their three-game set at 4:05 p.m. ET, with handicappers placing their faith in Bruce Bochy’s club. Online sports book Bovada.lv gives the class of the NL West odds of -235 to triumph. The Phils, on the other hand, represent +205 underdogs.
Surefire All-Star Bumgarner surrendered a two-run homer to Cameron Rupp yesterday, paving the way for Philly’s 3-2 victory. It was only the lefty’s second defeat at home this season. Johnny Cueto, though, hopes to get the Giants motoring back in the right direction shortly. Among hurlers in the senior circuit, only Clayton Kershaw and Jake Arrieta can match Cueto’s 11 wins. He’ll face the Phillies for the first time since June 2, 2015.
Pete Mackanin, meanwhile, must wonder what sort of effort he’ll receive from the increasingly erratic Aaron Nola. The second-year righty held a 2.65 ERA as recently as June 10, but the last three outings have been downright ugly. Two weeks ago, Nola was yanked in the fourth inning of an 8-0 loss to Washington. Then the LSU product lasted just three frames in his next two assignments vs. the Blue Jays and Twins.
MLB Quick Links: Scores & Matchups | Injuries | Odds Comparison | Betting Trends | ATS Stats
While San Francisco’s lineup doesn’t necessarily feature masher after masher, it’s ripe for a breakout display. Unless Nola establishes his fastball early, we’re looking at a lopsided tilt indeed. Bank on Cueto and company to handle themselves with aplomb, matinee-style.
SUNDAY MLB FREE PICK: GIANTS -1.5
Want More Picks, Predictions & Odds From The Spread.com? Follow on Twitter and Facebook or Subscribe to Our News Feeds!