1-1 on Sunday, Up $6

Both games didn't go as I thought, and the Phillies had to pull out the game in extra innings. Cole Hamels was just unlucky Sunday afternoon. He allowed just 6 base runners (all hits) in 7 innings and struck out 10, but allowed 4 runs (2 on a Dunn HR). Lannan on the other hand allowed 8 base runners in 5 innings but only gave up 2 runs. Usually those numbers would be switched, but that's baseball. In the other game Johnson threw a dud for the first time in months and Garland held his own and showed why he is the ace of the staff. At least I'm up $6 since I decided the put more money on the Phillies.

Portfolio: $761 (-17.4% return)
S&P 500: $1102 (19.7% return)

Today's Games (Monday 8/2)

Cincinnati (-170) @ Pittsburgh (+150)
Houston (+140) @ St. Louis (-160)

In the first game rookie Travis Wood is matched up against Ross Ohlendorf. Wood has been phenominal ever since getting called up a month and a half ago, going 1-1 with a 2.87 ERA over 6 starts. He has been the victim of some bad luck in the wins column, but his indicators are rock solid for a rookie. Ohlendorf is having a mediocre season. His strikeouts and walks are both up from last year. He doesn't have great stuff, but can pitch well from time to time. The Pirates are in a slide having lost their last 4 and they will be facing the rookie Wood for the first time. The Reds are coming off a series win over the division leading Braves and look to keep up the good play against the lowly, but young and talented, Pirates. I like the Reds.

In the second game Brett Myers is matched up against newly acquired Jake Westbrook. Myers has been pretty good all season long, but not too many people have noticed since he's playing on the lowly Astros. His indicators are solid and is coming off a dominant complete game 4 hitter while striking out 12. He has had the Cardinals number this year going 2-1 with a 1.71 ERA in three starts. Westbrook will be making his first start for the Cardinals on extended rest. He was supposed to pitch Saturday, but was traded so he will have an extra 2 days rest. That may not be the best thing for the sinkerballer since the harder he throws the flatter his sinker becomes. He will not miss many bats, so when his sinker is flat it can get ugly. But when his sinker is on he can breeze through innings. I think with the added rest and the fact that he will be pumped to make his first start for his new team will cause him to overthrow. I like the Astros in this one.

Bets

$17 CIN -170
$10 HOU +140