That\u2019s more like it, Milwaukee! The Brewers are finally doing what most of us expected them to do all year: lap the field in the National League Central. <\/p>\n
Bet ON Baseball \u2013 Brewers vs. Mets Preview & Pick<\/strong> Milwaukee Brewers (73-51 through August 17)<\/strong> Through Wednesday, they\u2019d won six straight games, holding their opponents to two runs or less in every win. Overall, they\u2019re 12-1 in their last 13 games.<\/p>\n Shaun Marcum has to be thrilled that his fellow starting pitchers have picked up the slack. He was outstanding early in the season but has slowed, going winless with a 4.58 ERA over three August starts. Marcum has been a road warrior this season, going 5-2 with a 2.58 ERA over 12 outings. The last time he faced the Mets, he held them scoreless over six innings.<\/p>\n New York Mets (60-63)<\/strong> If nothing else, the New York Mets deserve credit for staying competitive longer than we thought they would. But the bottom has officially fallen out now. Carlos Beltran and Francisco Rodriguez have been shipped out of town; the Mets have lost six of their last eight games. [dfads params=’groups=10&limit=1&return_javascript=0′]<\/p>\n They\u2019ll trot Mike Pelfrey to the mound on Friday night. He\u2019s nothing more than an innings eater, complete with a low strikeout rate, respectable walk rate and high opponents\u2019 batting average.<\/p>\n Pelfrey has enjoyed pitching at Citi Field this year. He\u2019s 3-1 with a 3.55 ERA and just five homers allowed over 10 starts there. His ability to keep the ball in the park could come in handy against a powerful team like the Brewers.<\/p>\n MIL are 22-5 in their last 27 overall. Even if Pelfrey keeps the Brew Crew in check, Milwaukee might still handle the Mets on the strength of Marcum\u2019s stellar road pitching alone. Also, Pelfrey actually hasn\u2019t done the best job against Milwaukee\u2019s biggest boppers. Prince Fielder bats .333 off him with a homer in nine career at-bats; Ryan Braun is a .500 hitter against him.<\/p>\n The Mets have thrown in the towel as the Brewers are as sharp and confident as they\u2019ve been all season. They\u2019re your pick.<\/p>\n
\nDate: <\/strong>Friday, August 19, 2011
\nVenue: <\/strong>Citi Field, Queens, NY
\nBroadcast: <\/strong>FSWI, SNY
\nMilwaukee Brewers at New York Mets Betting Lines from Sportsbook.com<\/strong>
\nMoney Line: Brewers -145<\/strong>
\nOver\/Under: 8<\/strong>
\n CLICK here for INDEPTH MLB ATS Stats for this matchup —><\/strong><\/a>
\n Bet now at BETONLINE —><\/strong><\/a>
\nTalk smack about MLB Baseball Today In Our Forums –><\/strong><\/p>\n
\nShaun Marcum (10-3, 3.50)<\/p>\n
\nMike Pelfrey (6-9, 4.58)<\/p>\nMLB Trends<\/h3>\n
\nMIL are 22-5 in their last 27 games on grass.
\nUnder is 7-3-1 in MIL last 11 road games.
\nNYM are 2-6 in their last 8 overall.
\nNYM are 2-6 in their last 8 games on grass.
\nNYM are 3-7 in their last 10 home games.
\nOver is 34-16-3 in the last 53 meetings.<\/p>\nMLB Free pick: <\/h3>\n