NL Quick Picks: May 24, 2013
The National League’s top teams square off today in a full slate of exciting MLB games, but before you make your wagers, be sure to check out our picks for all seven games in the NL below!
Philadelphia Phillies +1.5 at Washington Nationals -1.5
While the Washington Nationals‘ offense continues to sputter,their pitching continues to keep them in ballgames. Today, the Nats will be sending their hottest starter to the hill in Jordan Zimmerman, who has posted a 7-1 record and a 1.62 ERA this season. Combine Washington’s pitching advantage with home field, and I like the Nats to cover -1.5 against the Philadelphia Phillies today.
Chicago Cubs +1.5 at Cincinnati Reds -1.5
The Cincinnati Reds have stayed red hot at the dish and red hot at home, but the Chicago Cubs have a good chance to at least keep things close today with Scott Feldman on the mound. Feldman has won four out of his last five outings with a 1.27 ERA, so if anyone can cool down Joey Votto and Co., it may be Feldman and the Cubs. Take Chicago to cover +1.5 here.
Atlanta Braves -1.5 at New York Mets +1.5
Although the Atlanta Braves haven’t fared particularly well away from home, they are bringing a six-game winning streak into New York tonight against a team that has dropped its last three games. The Mets haven’t been able to find success anywhere and with 0-5 Jeremy Hefner headed to the hill, don’t expect things to turn around for them tonight. Take Atlanta to cover -1.5 in the win.
Pittsburgh Pirates -1.5 at Milwaukee Brewers +1.5
The Pittsburgh Pirates have proven to be one of the NL’s biggest surprises as they inch closer to the top of the Central standings. Meanwhile, the Milwaukee Brewers have been one of the league’s biggest disappointments. Today, A.J. Burnett should help give the Pirates a significant edge in this match-up against Marco Estrada – who comes in with a 5.44 ERA – so take Pittsburgh to cover -1.5 in the win in this one.
San Diego Padres +1.5 at Arizona Diamondbacks -1.5
The Arizona Diamondbacks are having troubling getting runs across, while the San Diego Padres are simply having trouble as losers of their last two games. However, considering they’ve beaten Arizona in eight of the last 10 meetings, it’s safe to say they have a decent shot at ending the skid tonight. Take San Diego to cover +1.5.
St. Louis Cardinals -1.5 at Los Angeles Dodgers +1.5
With one of the biggest payrolls in baseball, the Los Angeles Dodgers are still wallowing in last place in the West, while the St. Louis Cardinals remain top dog in the entire NL. Normally this would be a pretty easy call in favor of the Cards, but with Chris Capuano coming off a solid last outing, I like the Dodgers to pick up a win tonight. Take L.A. to cover +1.5 in the win as they start to play with a sense of urgency.
Colorado Rockies +1.5 at San Francisco Giants -1.5
Though the Colorado Rockies have struggled in the past with their West rival, the San Francisco Giants, they should have more success today going up against Tim Lincecum, who is still trying to find his rhythm. Meanwhile, Tyler Chatwood, who is getting the ball for the Rockies, has pitched extremely well, posting a 2-0 record with a 2.55 ERA so far this season. Take Colorado to cover +1.5 on the road.
