Supersportspix...
5* Dodgers +140
**SUPER SELECTION**
The Dodgers' Brad Penny hasn't picked up many wins this year, but he's been the Dodgers' most effective starter. He yielded only one run in seven innings in his last start and has allowed three runs or fewer in 10 of his last 11 outings.
The Dodgers committed four errors Saturday in a 5-1 loss to the Mets, who got back-to-back homers from Ramon Castro and Gerald Williams in the second inning. With Penny on the hill this will not happen today!
5* Astros -150
Houston rookie right-hander Ezequiel Astacio gets the call as the Astros and Pittsburgh Pirates meet for the rubber match of their three-game series Sunday afternoon at Minute Maid Park.
Astacio, obtained from Philadelphia before the 2004 season in the trade that sent Billy Wagner to the Phillies, is 0-2 with a 4.50 ERA in five home appearances for the NL Wild Card-leading Astros, though he's 2-1 with a 3.43 ERA over his last four starts overall.
5* Braves Under 9
Hampton has had strong starts this season, it has still been an on-and-off year for him. On and off the disabled list that is. The left-hander went on the DL on May 15 with an arm injury, and then came off on May 31. He was on it again one day later, and came back off on July 16, two days before going right back on. Fresh off this last stint on the DL, Hampton looks for only his fifth win of the season. His last win came at Turner Field in a 16-0 blowout of the Astros on May 8. In four starts at home this season, Hampton is 3-1 with a 2.27 ERA.
To counter Atlanta's left-hander, the Diamondbacks will send righty Javier Vazquez to the mound. In two starts this month, Vazquez is 0-2 with a 5.91 ERA. He is 3-5 on the road this season.
These two pitchers equal UNDER 9!!!
