Another pick with two hot teams. Probable pitcher Grove for the Dodgers has had a very tough year with an injury, a rehab assignment and a total of four recalls from the minors. He just recently got his ERA below 7.00 for the season and although his WHIP has been falling it is still 1.40 so far for July.

Probable starter Wells for the Orioles has been a bright light for them and has been the picture of consistency with all 7 of his most recent starts having 2 ERs in each. He does his part day in and day out. In terms of available bullpen help, the Dodgers have been better than the Orioles of late although the Orioles still hold the edge over the whole season.

These are two elite teams at the plate over the last 15 days. The Dodgers are 2nd in OPS and 12th in avg in the majors, while the Orioles are 3rd in OPS and 4th in avg. The Dodgers are only 22-20 against teams with a winning record while the Orioles are 30-19. The clincher for me was the comparison of each team’s recent streak. The Dodgers are 6-1 in their last 7 against weaker opposition (Mets, Angels and Pirates). The Orioles have won eight straight vs. much stronger teams (Marlins, Twins and Yankees) and their average margin of victory is 5 runs. This last stat was the clincher for me that convinced me to recommend you lay the points and go with the Orioles.