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The Pittsburgh Pirates have begun giving local bookies in the Western portion of Pennsylvania fits as the club enters the first week of May on an 8-2 streak with a 15-10 record though they had cooled off somewhat by month's end.
Heading into the June 17-19 series with the Cubs, the Pirates were sitting at 33-31 and are in danger of dropping below the .500 mark against one of the hottest teams in Major League Baseball right now.
The Thursday June 16 game featured Juan Nicasio starting against a Mets club the Pirates have dominated in nine of the last ten of the series.
Your probable starting pitchers for this week:
Juan Nicasio (5-5, 5.34) – THURSDAY JUNE 16 – Nicasio got clobbered his last start, lasting no more than an inning after giving up six runs. Nicasio, however, has allowed just 17 hits on 66 at bats versus current Mets hitters. Bartolo Colon though has been even more solid against the Pirates hitters, allowing 22 hits on 91 at bats with just one home run.
Francisco Liriano (4-6, 4.92) FRIDAY JUNE 17 - Liriano (4-6) allowed four runs (one earned) on four hits, struck out eight and walked three in a 5-1 loss to the Cardinals on Saturday. (Sat Jun 11). He has permitted 16 runs in just over 15 innings his last three starts.
Jonathon Niese (6-3, 4.60) Saturday June 18 - Niese was rocked for eight runs on 11 hits and one walk across just 5.1 innings in Sunday's loss to the Cardinals. He struck out five. (Sun Jun 12). He also gave up six runs to the Cubs the last time facing them on May 3.
Jameson Tailon (1-0, 1.93) Sunday June 19 - Taillon earned his first major-league victory Tuesday, allowing just two hits and a walk while striking out five over eight shutout innings in a 4-0 win. (Tue Jun 14)
Pay Per Head companies offer an excellent option for bookies across the globe who wish to outsource and improve their bottom line by offering live in-play betting, futures, player props and a virtual online casino.
- Don Shapiro, Gambling911.com
