By Stephen Nover
Diamondbacks plus 1 1/2 runs minus $1.20 (run line) at Dodgers
Gutted at the trade deadline dealing away four veterans, the Diamondbacks played a terrible game in a 6-3 loss to the Dodgers on Tuesday night.
Arizona is 1-11 in its last 12 games. So it’s certainly a fair question to ask why get involved with the Diamondbacks today even taking 1 1/2 runs on the run line?
All I can say is two words: Zac Gallen. This guy is one of the best young pitchers in baseball history. The 25-year-old now holds the record for most starts allowing three runs or fewer to start a career at 22. His ERA on the season is 2.09. Arizona would be 6-1 in Gallen’s seven starts this season if given plus 1 1/2 runs.
The Diamondbacks beat the Dodgers, 5-3, when Gallen pitched against LA on July 31. Gallen held the Dodgers to two runs on five hits in six innings striking out a season-high nine while issuing just one walk.
The Dodgers are expected to start Walker Buehler. He’s another emerging star. Buehler had been on the 10-day injured list from a blister on his right index finger. I like Buehler a lot. So this isn’t a fade on him although he hasn’t pitched as well as Gallen with a 4.32 ERA and could be rusty from his stint on the IL.
I just believe Gallen is going to keep the Diamondbacks in this game for six or seven innings and the Diamondbacks will play hard behind Gallen and try to atone for their wretched performance last night. Having an extra at bat doesn’t hurt either being the road team.
Arizona would be a far more respectable 5-3 in its last eight games if given 1 1/2 runs.
My Wednesday ticket is headed by my Baseball Game of the Week. I also have NBA and NHL plays going today. I am 18-6 on my last 24 NBA plays and 13-3 on my last 16 hockey plays. I will match my record against any handicapper. If you are interested in my sports service please message me at scriber26@gmail.com, or via Twitter. All of my plays come with in-depth analysis.
