San Diego Padres at Pittsburgh Pirates 8/8/2014 Free MLB Picks & Predictions
by Tony Sink - 8/7/2014
Friday, August 8, 2014, 7:05 PM on FSSD, ROOT
PNC Park, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
San Diego Padres - Kennedy, I (8-9) vs. Pittsburgh Pirates - Worley, V (4-1)
For Updated Odds on This Game Click Here
Friday night, Ian Kennedy (8 – 9, 3.59 ERA) toes the rubber for the San Diego Padres as they face Vance Worley (4 – 1, 2.43 ERA) and the Pittsburgh Pirates. It will be the 24th start for Kennedy and the 9th start and 10th appearance for Worley.
Ian Kennedy didn’t get the decision in his last start after turning in a relatively decent effort. Kennedy gave up a run on 2 hits in 5 innings. He struck out 7 but walked 5 batters as he threw 101 pitches. It was the 2nd straight outing where he has allowed 5 walks and he has allowed at least 2 walks in each of his last 5 starts. But Kennedy is 2 – 0 in that 5 game stretch. Last season, Kennedy posted a record of 7 – 10 with a 4.91 ERA in 31 starts for the Padres and the Arizona Diamondbacks.
In 2013, Kennedy was 1 – 1 with a 5.06 ERA in 2 starts against the Pirates. Earlier in the season, he defeated Pittsburgh after holding them to 2 runs and 5 hits (including a homer) in 6 innings.
Vance Worley pitched to a no-decision in his last outing but it was another quality start for him. Worley allowed a run on 7 hits in 6 innings of work. He walked a batter and struck out 2. Worley has been a pleasant surprise for the Pirates this season. His one loss was over a month ago and he is 2 – 0 in the 5 starts since. In 2013, Worley started 10 games for the Minnesota Twins and compiled a 1 - 5 record and a 7.21 ERA.
Last season, Worley didn’t face the Padres and he has only seen 5 of their hitters before. San Diego’s Yonder Alonso is 3 for 8 against Worley with a homer and 2 RBIs.
San Diego Padres Betting Trends
San Diego Padres are 38-69-5 against the Over/Under
Run Differential for San Diego Padres is -0.2
Pittsburgh Pirates Betting Trends
Pittsburgh Pirates are 51-54-7 against the Over/Under
Run differential for Pittsburgh Pirates is 0.1
Injuries to Watch
San Diego Padres
07/28/14 LF Carlos Quentin Knee 15-day DL (7/27)
07/23/14 CF Cameron Maybin Suspension has been suspended for 25 games
06/26/14 P Andrew Cashner Shoulder 15-day DL (6/21)
06/26/14 P Casey Kelly Elbow 60-day DL (3/21)
06/14/14 P Troy Patton Shoulder 60-day DL (6/14)
05/22/14 P Robbie Erlin Elbow 60-day DL (5/18)
03/28/14 P Cory Luebke Elbow 60-day DL (3/7)
03/28/14 P Joe Wieland Elbow 60-day DL (3/21)
03/28/14 P Josh Johnson Elbow 60-day DL (3/21); out for season
Pittsburgh Pirates
08/05/14 3B Pedro Alvarez Personal placed on bereavement list
08/04/14 CF Andrew McCutchen Ribs 15-day DL (8/1)
07/08/14 P Gerrit Cole Side 15-day DL (7/5)
07/06/14 SS Clint Barmes Groin 15-day DL (6/30)
Tony's Pick: Take Pittsburgh
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