Cubs hope Silva can bounce back versus Astros

Baseball Betting Lines

07/26/2010 - (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - Carlos Silva tries to bounce back from two miserable outings this evening when the Chicago Cubs begin a three-game series against the Houston Astros at Minute Maid Park.

Silva, who won his first eight decisions of the season, lasted just one inning against the Astros last Monday, as he was pounded for five runs and seven hits to fall to 9-4 on the year. He wasn't able to get out of the second inning in his previous outing and has given up 11 runs in his last 2 1/3 frames to raise his earned run average to 3.86.

"He's not as sharp as he was earlier, that's for sure," Cubs manager Lou Piniella said. "We have to get him straightened out.

The 31-year-old righty is 2-1 lifetime against Houston with a 5.40 ERA in eight games, three of which have been starts.

Chicago was denied a sweep in its weekend set with the St. Louis Cardinals, falling in heartbreaking fashion on Sunday, as Felipe Lopez's 11th-inning home run propelled the Cards to a 4-3 win.

Ryan Theriot and Marlon Byrd each had two hits and a run driven in for the Cubs, who nonetheless claimed their first series win against a division foe since sweeping Milwaukee from April 23-25, a string of 10 series.

The Cubs had ample opportunity to pull off the sweep, but went 2-for-13 with runners in scoring position. Included was an 0-for-10 performance in their final 10 chances with runners aboard.

Houston, meanwhile, avoided a sweep at the hands of the Cincinnati Reds on Sunday, as Wandy Rodriguez spun seven innings of one-hit ball and received home run support from Hunter Pence and Chris Johnson in a 4-0 win.

Rodriguez (8-11) walked two, struck out seven and did not allow a runner past first base in leading Houston to its' first win in six tries against the Reds at Minute Maid Park this season.

Trying to keep the Astros in the win column this evening will be left-hander Wesley Wright, who will be making his second start of the season. Wright did not get a decision on Tuesday against the Cubs, but gave up six runs - one earned - and six hits in just 4 2/3 innings of his team's 14-7 setback.

Wright, who has pitched to a 4.40 ERA without earning a decision this season, is 2-0 with a 4.11 ERA in 14 games against the Cubs. Tonight's assignment, though, will be just his second start against the club.

Houston has won six of its nine matchups with the Cubs this season.

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American Idol odds : Blake Lewis the Early Standout

An important American Idol betting lines recap from February 20 Guys episode. The 12 men came out flat overall with Blake Lewis appearing to have the early edge after the first hour and a half.

Rudy - was quite good singing "Free Ride" to start off.  Randy was not impressed though.  Paula thought he started off fantastic.  "Never had anyone stop off so lively" said Paula but Simon (who does not like Rudy) does not feel he has a distinct voice and was not impressed either. 

Brandon was a little pitchy according to Randy and Paula agreed.  Simon said he was a good singer but the song was "too safe" and he needs to make an impact.  He was listed at +1200 odds or $1200 paid out on a $100 bet should he win the competition. 

Big favorite Sundance came in with a flat version of "Knights in White Satin" and the judges let him have it, including Paula.  Randy claimed the song was out of pitch throughout.

Korean American - and a Jenny Woo favorite - Paul Kim was up next.  Another pitchy flat one but Randy said he still liked his potential.  Kim at +3000 odds was said to have sung a "third rate version of that (George Michael) song" according to Simon Cowell.  He sang "Careless Whisper".

22 year old Chris Richardson was up next.  He was listed with +1100 odds coming in.  He got the best response from the judges though Simon did not believe the vocal was that great. 

Nick was boring and pitchy.  Simon didn't think he was that bad though and predicted he would be back next week.  Nick Pedro was a big +3000 dog coming into this competition. 

Beat boxer Blake Lewis was listed with early +1000 odds or $1000 payout on a $100 bet if he were to become the next American Idol winner odds .  These of course were the early odds.  He was considered original for picking an "odd song".  He did not beat box and the judges felt it was the best vocal of the night. 

Sanjaya came in as the second biggest favorite after Chris Sligh but his performance Tuesday night was not very good. 

Chris Sleigh was the early favorite at +450 odds.  Great voice and a great sense of humor.  He's a real standout.  Randy felt it was on point but maybe ahead of the chorus a little bit.  Simon Cowell said he felt like he was in some "sort of weird student gig". 

Jared Cotter followed.  He was listed with +2000 odds early on to win the competition.  The judges felt he needs to take more risks but looked good. 

22-year old AJ Talbado, who has tried out for American Idol five times, was up next.  "Kind of a theme park performance" said Simon.  Though the judges felt he performed okay.  Simon did feel AJ might be better than he originally thought.

Phil - this season's military favorite - came into this competition with +1200 odds to win the competition.  He was the last to perform.  He was certainly strong enough to get through this stage of the competition and perhaps the best one after a shaky start. 

Tomorrow night, the ladies perform and I sure hope they do a better job than the boys.  Check out all the American Idol betting odds here.

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