Game Picks - Thursday: August 19, 2010

The summer continues to fly by (that's what us old people say all the time) and another night is in the books. It was a good picking day with twice as many correct answers as incorrect and the Game of the Day was correct too thanks to a monumental and colossal meltdown by the Arizona bullpen which gave up eight runs in the last two innings to blow what has been a laugher to that point. So of the lowlights for the day included the Dodgers, Indians, Cardinals and Rangers all losing games the Fan expected them to win. The Cardinals were a particular shock since Wainwright was pitching and only gave up three runs. But the Cardinals couldn't score. It was a good night for closers (Arizona not withstanding) as Papelbon, Aardsma, Nunez, Soriano and Soria all getting saves. Mariano Rivera pitched the ninth in a non-save situation. And the best news of all, Trevor Hoffman got a save which is a happy thing even if it cost this guy a pick. He is one more closer to 600.

Thursday has a petty full slate for a usual off day. And several of them are day games. Here we go:

• The Braves over the Nationals: Lowe is always a better pitcher at home and the Braves are one of the best home teams. Lannon was good last time out.
• The Yankees over the Tigers: Hughes should get the win over Porcello as the Yankees take three of four from the faltering Tigers.
• The Padres over the Cubs: Zambrano was better last time out and should be stronger this time too. But Latos has been lights out for the Padres.
• The Rangers over the Orioles: Matusz is always capable of pulling off a gem, but the Rangers just got swept by the Bay Rays and will be mad as heck.
• The Pirates over the Marlins: This is just the kind of game the Marlins always lose. Sanabia versus Maholm. And yes, Hanley Ramirez is still batting lead off. Stupid.
• The Angels over the Red Sox: The Angels salvage a game of the series as Santana beats a bewildering Beckett.
• The Phillies over the Giants: The Phillies build their playoff push while putting a dagger in the Giants' hopes. Hamels beats Sanchez.
• The Royals over the Indians. Okay, the Fan gives up picking Cleveland. Davies somehow beats Talbot.
• The Mets over the Astros: Misch is a mystery with an 0-1 record despite a 1.50 ERA. Norris shouldn't be able to hold the Mets' offense.
• The Twins over the White Slox: Pavano does his thing. The Twins somehow get to Buehrle and the Twins build their lead to six games.
• The Reds over the Diamondbacks: The D-backs had their chance last night and blew it. Today, Wood will blow them up and the Reds will get enough runs against Saunders.
• The Athletics over the Bay Rays: Cahill is excellent. Sonnanstine is a fill in starter. The Bay Rays are a long way from home.

And the Game of the Day

• The Dodgers over the Rockies: Ted Lilly gets the Dodgers another win. Too bad they didn't have him sooner when it might have mattered.

Yesterday: 10=5
Week: 34-19
Month: 127-94
Season: 1028-749
Games of the Day: 67-52