MLB Betting - Tuesday Baseball Picks

September 1 means college football betting begins in many bettors' eyes, but let's not forget that it also means the MLB pennant races are coming down to the wire. Let's make a few baseball picks for tomorrow's games.

San Francisco Giants @ Philadelphia Phillies
Jonathan Sanchez (6-10, 4.27) vs Cole Hamels (7-8, 4.52)
Tuesday, September 1, 7:05 p.m. ET

Few pitchers should be more excited about September than Cole Hamels. September is his best career month; he's 6-3 with a 2.70 ERA and 88 strikeouts over 80 September innings. Though his career ERA against the Giants is over 5.00, he's 3-1 against them and he seems to be rounding into form when it counts. Jonathan Sanchez held the Phillies to two runs in his lone start against them this season, but they're still a tough matchup for him. He walks too many batters and he's 2-8 with a 4.81 ERA on the road this season. Bet on the Phillies Tuesday night.

Online betting pick: Phillies

Boston Red Sox @ Tampa Bay Rays
Jon Lester (10-7, 3.60) vs Andy Sonnanstine (6-7, 6.61)
Tuesday, September 1, 7:05 p.m. ET

If you want a steal in your Tuesday baseball picks, this is it. Some bettors will tell you that Andy Sonnanstine, even though he stunk before getting sent to the minors for two months, is still 5-0 at home and has handled the Red Sox well this season. They'll also tell you that Jon Lester struggles against Tampa, sporting an 8.22 ERA over three starts against them in 2009. However, all three of Lester's starts against the Rays came in April or May, when his monthly ERAs were 5.40 and 5.86. He's ERAs in the three months to follow: 1.85, 2.60, 2.41. He's become one of baseball's best pitchers and this new, improved Lester should handle the Tampa offense just fine. Don't you think the Red Sox can muster some run support against Andy friggin' Sonnantstine? Betting services recommend the Red Sox.

Online betting pick: Red Sox