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Today we bring you Major League Baseball picks for Wednesday’s games.
Game 1: Atlanta Braves @ Miami Marlins – Wednesday, September 19
Whether you want to become a bookie or merely continue to join in the action at premier betting outlets across the country, you'd have to admit that one of the most pleasant surprises in Major League Baseball this year has been the emergence of Atlanta pitcher Kris Medlen. The starter in Wednesday night's game in Miami has been a godsend for the Braves, posting a 1.62 earned-run average in roughly half a season of work. Without Medlen's fresh arm and noticeable velocity, the Braves' starting rotation might have withered on the vine in August and September as it did last year. Thanks to Medlen, the Braves are almost certain to clinch a wild-card spot in the National League playoffs. Their push to the postseason should be aided by Medlen in this contest. Miami starter Josh Johnson owns a respectable 3.81 earned-run average, but respectable is not the same as gleaming. Medlen's in another league right now, and that's why the Braves should be the choice here.
MLB Betting Pick: Atlanta
Game 2: Boston Red Sox @ Tampa Bay Rays – Wednesday, September 19
When immersed in the world of legal online sports betting, it's always recommended to take the better team, especially when the better team has the superior pitcher and faces a more urgent situation. In this case, then, the Tampa Bay Rays are three for three as they prepare to face the Boston Red Sox on Wednesday.
Tampa Bay has bested Boston all season in the American League East standings. The Rays have made far more out of their payroll than the Red Sox have done with their bloated payroll. (It's true that Boston's payroll was trimmed in the late-August nine-player deal that sent Adrian Gonzalez, Josh Beckett, and Carl Crawford to the Los Angeles Dodgers, but the point remains that Tampa Bay does more with less, while Boston has done less with more in the 2012 season.)
Tampa Bay has the better starting pitcher in this game, too. Chris Archer owns a very solid 3.22 earned-run average, while Boston starter Daisuke Matsuzaka – who once excelled for the Beantowners – has fallen off the map this season, plummeting to the depths of the majors by registering a cringe-inducing 7.14 ERA. Matsuzaka, like the Red Sox organization as a whole, is a shadow of his former self.
Tampa Bay is also in a more urgent position than Boston, needing to make ground on the Baltimore Orioles in the race for the American League's final wild card spot. Everything about this game points to a Rays win. Take Tampa Bay and do not hesitate to do so.
MLB Betting Pick: Tampa Bay
Game 3: Houston Astros @ St. Louis Cardinals – Wednesday, September 19
When Houston and pitcher Lucas Harrell (3.86 earned-run average) go up against St. Louis and pitcher Lance Lynn (3.95 ERA), the pitching matchup will essentially be a dead heat. Therefore, take the team with the better bats, the team that also happens to be involved in a playoff race with the Los Angeles Dodgers (and other pursuers) in the National League. Pick the Cardinals here.
Find More of the latest sportsbook odds for Major League Baseball in 2012.
MLB Betting Pick: St. Louis
