It’s the defeated against the undefeated as 0-7 Felipe Paulino and the Astros face the 4-0 Mike Leake and the Reds. Paulino’s strikeout and home run numbers are excellent, which is why he keeps getting the ball with a 5.07 ERA. He walks to many, leading to a .358 opposition OBP. Combined that with 13 or the 17 extra base hits against him came with men on base, the high ERA becomes more understandable. Leake doesn’t have quite as good K numbers, but his walk and home run numbers are excellent, and most of the extra base hits against him come with the bases empty.

Marlins killer Jamie Moyer takes the mound against Anibal Sanchez in Florida. Jamie is 13-5 with a 3.18 ERA against Florida in his career, but lost his last three starts to the Fish. After three years of fighting injuries, Sanchez is returning to his rookie form, with the added benefit of fewer home runs allowed. He comes in with six quality starts in his last seven games.

Lefites battle in Boston as Bruce Chen and the Royals face Jon Lester. Chen makes his first start of year after posting a 2.89 ERA in the bullpen. That seems low, given his eight walks in 9 1/3 innings. Lester earned his 3.15 ERA, holding opponents to a .292 OBP and a .310 slugging percentage.

Finally, in a game that promises to keep the defense on their toes, Livan Hernandez tosses against Jon Garland as the Nationals battle the Padres. Livan struck out just 23 in 60 2/3 innings, but holds opponents to a .211 BA. Garland’s a bit better, with 38 K in 60 innings with opponents hitting .235 against him. The two allowed the same number of earned runs, so this could be the pitchers duel of the day, especially playing in PETCO Park.

Enjoy!