[QuickNick]

Winners of five straight games, the Astros enter the four-game
set with a 1 1/2-game lead over Philadelphia in the National
League wild card standings.

To demonstrate how Clemens (12-7, 1.77 ERA) has been nearly
unhittable away from Minute Maid Park this season, he gave up a
season-high five runs in three innings in his last road start
September 9 but saw his road ERA rise to just 1.00.

Clemens overcame personal tragedy in his last outing, pitching
well against Florida on Wednesday after his mother passed away
earlier that day. He allowed one run and five hits in 6 1/3
innings for a win.

Pittsburgh counters with rookie Ian Snell (0-2, 6.83),

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

A three-game series against
the Tampa Bay Devil Rays may be just what the doctor ordered for
the Boston Red Sox.

The defending World Series champions try to widen their 1
1/2-game lead over the New York Yankees in the American League
East when they start a three-game series against the Devil Rays
on Monday.

David Wells (13-7, 4.35 ERA) appears to be rounding into top
form as the postseason approaches. He yielded three runs and
seven hits in seven innings of Wednesday's win at Toronto, his
fourth victory in five starts.

Bill Mueller belted his ninth homer of the season for the Red
Sox, who gave up 15 hits in Sunday's 12-3 loss to Oakland.

Mark Hendrickson (9-7, 6.04) has lost all five career decisions
with a 12.04 ERA against Boston.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

If you could not bet Houston and Boston tonight with confidence, I don't know who you could bet. Both are getting their asses handed to them!!!!! I am going to wait until the regular season is over.


Nick

[naught33]

yeah im being very selective w my mlb right now, tough time of yr to bet on teams, i agree about the houston play, how can u not go w clemens, i didnt like bos tonight however, tb has been good since the break