MLB Betting Season – Defending World Series Champions Beginning To Give Chase

The defending World Series champion San Francisco Giants have made things very interesting in the National League West with a hot streak that has helped them close in on the Colorado Rockies for the division lead in recent days. Meanwhile, the Philadelphia Phillies are alone at the top of the NL East and looking to hold off their biggest challenger, while the NL Central remains wide open. Here is a look at some key NL MLB betting matchups for this week.

Washington Nationals @ Atlanta Braves

Wednesday, 7:10 PM ET

It may still be a couple of years before the Nationals contend for an NL playoff spot, but if they need a good measuring stick they are in the right division. Atlanta is challenging the Philadelphia Phillies and Florida Marlins in the race for the NL East title, and in order to close the gap will need to perform better at home, beginning with their series against a Washington team that hasn’t played well on the road. Tommy Hanson will get the call for the Braves after registering three straight wins to climb to 4-3 on the year, and he should have no problem against John Lannan for the Nationals.

MLB Betting Pick: Atlanta Braves

Philadelphia Phillies @ Florida Marlins

Wednesday, 7:10 PM ET

The Phillies and Marlins will close out their series with the two pitchers expected to make the difference for them this season getting the call. Philadelphia will send Cliff Lee to the mound to counter Ricky Nolasco for Florida, with neither having allowed more than three runs in their past four starts combined. The Phillies have been dominant early on this season, so look for them to flex their muscle a little more to move further ahead of the Marlins in this closing online sports betting game of the series.

MLB Betting Pick: Philadelphia Phillies

St. Louis Cardinals @ Chicago Cubs

Wednesday, 8:00 PM ET

Home advantage won’t exist as this series closes with the Cardinals actually performing better on the road this season while the Cubs have been better on the road. Jake Westbrook has calmed down somewhat since a shaky start to the season to lead St. Louis to three straight wins, and should have his way against Chicago’s Matt Garza and his 1-4 record.

MLB Betting Pick: St. Louis Cardinals

Arizona Diamondbacks @ San Francisco Giants

The Giants will turn back to 28-year old Jonathan Sanchez hoping that he will bounce back after giving up five earned runs in that many innings of work against the New York Mets in his last outing. San Francisco has looked very good of late as they have closed on the Colorado Rockies at the top of the sports betting bonus division, but will need a stronger outing from Sanchez against Armando Galarraga for the Giants. The Diamondbacks have really struggled with pitching on the year, and that will be the difference again in this loss.

MLB Betting Pick: San Francisco Giants