Despite a slow start to the 2011 MLB season, the Boston Red Sox rallied to take control of the American League East by the All Star break, and if they can avoid another terrible stretch they should be able to lock up yet another division title this year. The Red Sox took two of three against the Tampa Bay Rays to open up the second half, and will look to take another series on the road against an AL East opponent as they take on the Baltimore Orioles to open this week.
Boston Red Sox @ Baltimore Orioles
Tuesday July 19, 2011 – 7:05 PM ET
Fenway Park, Boston, Massachusetts
MLB Betting Pick: Boston Red Sox - 120
Despite consecutive wins the Orioles headed into their series against Boston an unbelievable 18.5 games back of the division leaders after posting the worst record in the AL through the first half. Baltimore managed to hurt the AL Central-leading Cleveland Indians a bit in their first series back from the break, but should have a much tougher time against the Red Sox.
MLB Betting Preview: Boston Red Sox
While Boston’s bats continue to pace the majors in runs scored, the team has struggled to find consistent pitching behind All Star starters Jon Lester and Josh Beckett this season. The Red Sox will hand the ball to 24-year old Kyle Weiland on Tuesday hoping that the rookie can be better than he was in his first start, in which he gave up six earned runs in just four innings of work against this same Baltimore team. Weiland should feel a little more comfortable after getting his MLB debut out of the way, but Boston will need to give him a ton of run support if he is going to have any chance at clinching his first career win.
MLB Betting Preview: Baltimore Orioles
That run support will have to come against the 3-13 Jeremy Guthrie, who has allowed six earned runs in two of his four straight losses to see his ERA rise to 4.45 on the campaign. The 32-year old wasn’t awful in his last appearance against the Red Sox, but will need to stay in command of his location and make sure not to become too flustered early on. Unlike Weiland, Guthrie won’t have the best sports betting bonus offense in the majors behind him to bail him out if he struggles early, so he will need to bring his best.
MLB Betting Preview: Outlook & Pick
The expectation is that Weiland will be calmer in his second career start, and that will translate to more consistency at the dish as he does a better job against the Orioles than he did when he made his sports betting debut against them. Guthrie has struggled over the past month, so Weiland shouldn’t have to be too good to get his first win.
GAB Betting Pick: Boston Red Sox - 120
