The surging Arizona Diamondbacks have an opportunity to put yet more space between themselves and the reigning World Series champion San Francisco Giants this weekend. The question is, can they actually follow through?

What was once looking like a tightly-fought NL West division race has blown right open thanks to the D-Backs' late-August success. Now, with a three-game set on the horizon, the Giants can either start clawing back at the lead, or continue their downward spiral.

As far as the MLB betting world is concerned, the Giants are a superbly-staffed club with winning experience. Arizona, in contrast, is still very much an unproven commodity. That may be why the D-Backs sit with just 18/1 odds of winning the World Series compared to San Francisco?s 25/1 despite the gap in the standings.

With the wild card berth essentially locked down by the NL East?s Atlanta Braves, it's all or nothing for the rivalry in the west. If Arizona can hold on to their playoff ticket, it will be their first trip to the postseason since 2007.

Led by Justin Upton and a contingent of well-rounded young hitters, not to mention revitalized ace Dan Haren, the Diamondbacks have seemingly come out of nowhere to emerge as a legitimate MLB betting option.

It may be hard to completely buy into the D-Backs? as contenders philosophy, but those who do stand the chance of collecting a significant payout.

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MLB Odds Favor D-Backs, Reputation Favors Giants

The Atlanta Braves will be trying to extend a winning streak on Sunday when they take on the Arizona Diamondbacks at Turner Field.

Righthander Josh Collmenter will take the mound for the Diamondbacks to start this game. Collmenter is 6-7 this season with a 3.78 ERA.

Collmenter's opponent in this one will be Tim Hudson. The Braves righthander has a 3.13 ERA to go along with a 12-7 record this season.

Oddsmakers currently have the Braves listed as 168-moneyline favorites versus the Diamondbacks, while the game's total is sitting at 7½.

Last time out for Arizona, they were an 8-1 loser as they battled the Braves on the road. Moneyline bettors who got the Braves at -160 were rewarded, while the 9 combined runs moved the game OVER for totals bettors.

Current streak: Arizona has lost 4 straight games. Atlanta has won 3 straight games.

Team records: Arizona: 69-57 SU Atlanta: 75-52 SU

Arizona most recently: When playing on Sunday are 8-2 Before playing Washington are 5-5 After playing Atlanta are 5-5 After a loss are 4-6

Atlanta most recently: When playing on Sunday are 5-5 Before playing Chi Cubs are 6-4 After playing Arizona are 4-6 After a win are 7-3

A few trends to consider: The total has gone OVER in 6 of Arizona's last 7 games when playing on the road against Atlanta The total has gone OVER in 10 of Arizona's last 13 games on the road The total has gone OVER in 9 of Arizona's last 13 games when playing Atlanta The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Arizona's last 6 games The total has gone OVER in 6 of Atlanta's last 7 games when playing at home against Arizona Atlanta is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games Atlanta is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games at home Atlanta is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing at home against Arizona

Next up: Arizona at Washington, Monday, August 22 Atlanta at Chi Cubs, Monday, August 22

NL Wildcard Preview: Arizona Diamondbacks vs. Atlanta Braves

The Arizona Diamondbacks and the Atlanta Braves will both be gunning for a victory on Saturday when they meet at Turner Field.

Wade Miley will be the starting pitcher for the Diamondbacks on this day. Lefthander Miley is 0-0 this season with a 0.00 ERA.

Miley's opponent in this one will be Brandon Beachy. The Braves righthander has a 3.43 ERA to go along with a 5-2 record this season.

Oddsmakers currently have the Braves listed as 180-moneyline favorites versus the Diamondbacks, while the game's total is sitting at 8.

The Diamondbacks were a 4-2 loser in their most recent outing on the road against the Braves. That made winners of bettors who got Atlanta at -119 on the moneyline, while the total score (6) was good news for UNDER bettors.

Current streak: Arizona has lost 3 straight games. Atlanta has won 2 straight games.

Team records: Arizona: 69-56 SU Atlanta: 74-52 SU

Arizona most recently: When playing on Saturday are 6-4 Before playing Atlanta are 5-5 After playing Atlanta are 5-5 After a loss are 5-5

Atlanta most recently: When playing on Saturday are 6-4 Before playing Arizona are 5-5 After playing Arizona are 3-7 After a win are 7-3

A few trends to consider: The total has gone OVER in 5 of Arizona's last 6 games when playing on the road against Atlanta The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Arizona's last 5 games The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Arizona's last 5 games when playing Atlanta The total has gone OVER in 9 of Arizona's last 12 games on the road The total has gone OVER in 5 of Atlanta's last 6 games when playing at home against Arizona Atlanta is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games Atlanta is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games at home The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Atlanta's last 5 games when playing Arizona

Next up: Atlanta home to Arizona, Sunday, August 21

NL Wildcard Preview: Arizona Diamondbacks vs. Atlanta Braves

National League Standings Suggest Heated Wild Card Race

September is fast approaching, Major League Baseball playoff races have begun to heat up. As such, the National League is home to a series of tight divisions and what?s shaping up to be an interesting wild card stretch.

In a perfect example of what fans of MLB betting have to look forward to in the coming weeks, this Monday the Atlanta Braves will host the reigning champion San Francisco Giants in a four-game set.

Though they won it all just last season, the Giants will have their work cut out for them ensuring that they give themselves the opportunity to repeat last year?s feat. According to Bodog's online sportsbook, they have 12/1 odds of winning the World Series.

Currently neck and neck with the Arizona Diamondbacks in the NL West, the Giants will have to either take the outright lead of their division or settle for the league wild card.

For the Braves, however, that's unacceptable. Despite an admirable record, the Braves (and everyone else in the NL for that matter) currently trail the NL East-leading Philadelphia Phillies, effectively putting the division out of reach.

With that in consideration, Atlanta's sole hope for qualifying for the postseason in 2011 will be via the wild card spot - which they currently hold. You can imagine, then, that they'll be particularly committed to shoring up their bid for the berth against one of their biggest threats.

According to Bodog, the Braves have 15/1 odds of winning the World Series. Those may jump considerably as the National League fluctuates over the next two months.

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National League Standings Suggest Heated Wild Card Race

If familiarity breeds contempt, there should be animosity aplenty on Saturday when the Arizona Diamondbacks and the Los Angeles Dodgers meet at Dodger Stadium.

Micah Owings will be the starting pitcher for the Diamondbacks on this day. Righthander Owings is 2-0 this season with a 2.35 ERA.

Owings's opponent in this one will be Chad Billingsley. The Dodgers righthander has a 3.92 ERA to go along with a 9-8 record this season.

Oddsmakers currently have the Dodgers listed as 135-moneyline favorites versus the Diamondbacks, while the game's total is sitting at 7.

Arizona lost its last outing, a 9-5 result against the Dodgers on July 29. Bettors who backed the Dodgers at -103 on the moneyline won on the day, and the total score (14) sent OVER bettors to the payout window.

Team records: Arizona: 57-48 SU Los Angeles: 47-57 SU

A few trends to consider: Arizona4-1-1 SU in its last 6 games Arizona4-1-1 SU in their last 6 games when playing LA Dodgers Arizona is 8-14-1 SU in their last 23 games ,when playing LA Dodgers Arizona is 2-3-1 SU in its last 6 games ,on the road LA Dodgers8-2-1 SU in their last 11 games at home LA Dodgers17-7-1 SU in their last 25 games when playing at home against Arizona LA Dodgers4-1-1 SU in their last 6 games LA Dodgers are 1-4-1 SU in their last 6 games ,when playing Arizona

Next up: LA Dodgers home to Arizona, Sunday, July 31

NL West Preview: Arizona Diamondbacks vs. Los Angeles Dodgers

The Arizona Diamondbacks will be fighting to snap a losing streak on Thursday when they take on the Milwaukee Brewers at Chase Field.

Zack Greinke will be the starting pitcher for the Brewers on this day. Righthander Greinke is 7-3 this season with a 5.04 ERA.

Meanwhile, it'll be Ian Kennedy who starts for the Diamondbacks. Righthander Kennedy is 10-3 with a 3.39 ERA so far this season.

Oddsmakers currently have the Diamondbacks listed as 110-moneyline favorites versus the Brewers, while the game's total is sitting at 8½.

The Brewers were a 5-2 winner in their most recent outing on the road against the Diamondbacks. That made winners of bettors who got Milwaukee at +105 on the moneyline, while the total score (7) was good news for UNDER bettors.

Current streak: Milwaukee has won 2 straight games. Arizona has lost 2 straight games.

Team records: Milwaukee: 53-46 SU Arizona: 52-46 SU

Milwaukee most recently: When playing on Thursday are 6-4 Before playing San Francisco are 5-5 After playing Arizona are 5-5 After a win are 5-5

Arizona most recently: When playing on Thursday are 7-3 Before playing Colorado are 8-2 After playing Milwaukee are 4-6 After a loss are 5-5

A few trends to consider: Milwaukee is 8-1 SU in its last 9 games when playing on the road against Arizona Milwaukee is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games Milwaukee is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games on the road The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Milwaukee's last 7 games when playing on the road against Arizona The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Arizona's last 5 games The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Arizona's last 5 games at home The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Arizona's last 7 games when playing at home against Milwaukee Arizona is 1-8 SU in its last 9 games when playing at home against Milwaukee

Next up: Milwaukee at San Francisco, Friday, July 22 Arizona home to Colorado, Friday, July 22

MLB Preview: Milwaukee Brewers vs. Arizona Diamondbacks

A winning streak will be on the line for the Arizona Diamondbacks on Saturday when they battle the Detroit Tigers at Comerica Park.

Righthander Josh Collmenter will take the mound for the Diamondbacks to start this game. Collmenter is 3-3 this season with a 2.33 ERA.

Collmenter's opponent in this one will be Justin Verlander. The Tigers righthander has a 2.54 ERA to go along with a 9-3 record this season.

Oddsmakers currently have the Tigers listed as 180-moneyline favorites versus the Diamondbacks, while the game's total is sitting at 7.

Arizona was a 7-6 winner in its last match on the road against the Tigers. They won as +126 underdogs, while the total score of 13 made winners of OVER bettors.

Current streak: Arizona has won 4 straight games.

Team records: Arizona: 43-34 SU Detroit: 40-36 SU

Arizona most recently: When playing on Saturday are 5-5 Before playing Detroit are 6-4 After playing Detroit are 4-6 After a win are 6-4

Detroit most recently: When playing on Saturday are 4-6 Before playing Arizona are 5-5 After playing Arizona are 4-6 After a loss are 8-2

A few trends to consider: Arizona is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games on the road Arizona is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games The total has gone UNDER in 8 of Arizona's last 12 games when playing Detroit The total has gone OVER in 6 of Arizona's last 9 games when playing on the road against Detroit Detroit is 9-4 SU in its last 13 games at home The total has gone UNDER in 8 of Detroit's last 12 games when playing Arizona The total has gone OVER in 6 of Detroit's last 9 games when playing at home against Arizona Detroit is 2-5 SU in its last 7 games

Next up: Detroit home to Arizona, Sunday, June 26

Interleague Play Preview: Arizona Diamondbacks vs. Detroit Tigers

The Chicago White Sox and the Arizona Diamondbacks will both be trying to pick up a win on Saturday when they battle at Chase Field.

The White Sox will give the ball to starter John Danks in this one. Lefthander Danks is 2-8 this season with a 4.54 ERA.

It'll be Zach Duke toeing the rubber for the Diamondbacks in this contest. Lefthander Duke is 1-1 with a 4.56 ERA so far this season.

Oddsmakers currently have the White Sox listed as 110-moneyline favorites versus the Diamondbacks, while the game's total is sitting at 9½.

In their last action, Chicago was a 4-1 loser on the road against the Diamondbacks. Bettors on Arizona at -130 on the moneyline collected their winnings from that game, while the total score (5) sent UNDER bettors home happy as well.

Current streak: Chicago has lost 3 straight games. Arizona has won 2 straight games.

Team records: Chicago: 33-38 SU Arizona: 39-32 SU

Chicago most recently: When playing on Saturday are 3-7 Before playing Arizona are 1-6 After playing Arizona are 3-3 After a loss are 5-5

Arizona most recently: When playing on Saturday are 3-7 Before playing Chi White Sox are 5-2 After playing Chi White Sox are 2-4 After a win are 5-5

A few trends to consider: The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Chi White Sox's last 5 games Chi White Sox are 2-4 SU in their last 6 games Chi White Sox are 3-6 SU in their last 9 games on the road Chi White Sox are 2-5 SU in their last 7 games when playing Arizona The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Arizona's last 8 games at home Arizona is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games Arizona is 5-2 SU in their last 7 games when playing Chi White Sox Arizona is 12-5 SU in its last 17 games at home

Next up: Arizona home to Chi White Sox, Sunday, June 19

Interleague Play Preview: Chicago White Sox vs. Arizona Diamondbacks

The San Francisco Giants and the Arizona Diamondbacks will meet on the field at Chase Field on Thursday in a battle of division rivals.

The Giants will give the ball to starter Ryan Vogelsong in this one. Righthander Vogelsong is 4-1 this season with a 1.96 ERA.

Starting this game for the Diamondbacks will be Ian Kennedy. The righthander has a 3.23 ERA to go along with a 7-2 record this season.

Oddsmakers currently have the Diamondbacks listed as 139-moneyline favorites versus the Giants, while the game's total is sitting at 8½.

Last time out for San Francisco, they were a 5-2 winner as they battled the Diamondbacks on the road. Moneyline bettors who got the Giants at -103 were rewarded, while the 7 combined runs moved the game UNDER for totals bettors.

Current streak: San Francisco has won 3 straight games. Arizona has lost 2 straight games.

Team records: San Francisco: 39-29 SU Arizona: 37-32 SU

San Francisco most recently: When playing on Thursday are 6-4 Before playing Oakland are 6-4 After playing Arizona are 7-3 After a win are 5-5

Arizona most recently: When playing on Thursday are 1-9 Before playing Chi White Sox are 4-2 After playing San Francisco are 3-7 After a loss are 7-3

A few trends to consider: San Francisco is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing Arizona San Francisco is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games on the road San Francisco is 10-2 SU in its last 12 games when playing on the road against Arizona San Francisco is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games The total has gone UNDER in 9 of Arizona's last 12 games when playing San Francisco The total has gone OVER in 4 of Arizona's last 6 games Arizona is 10-5 SU in its last 15 games at home The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Arizona's last 6 games at home

Next up: San Francisco at Oakland, Friday, June 17 Arizona home to Chi White Sox, Friday, June 17

MLB Preview: San Francisco Giants vs. Arizona Diamondbacks

The Florida Marlins and the Arizona Diamondbacks will both be trying to pick up a win on Tuesday when they battle at Chase Field.

The Marlins will trot Anibal Sanchez out to the mound in this one. Righthander Sanchez has a 4-1 record and a 2.60 ERA this season.

Sanchez's opponent in this one will be Ian Kennedy. The Diamondbacks righthander has a 3.01 ERA to go along with a 6-1 record this season.

Oddsmakers currently have the Diamondbacks listed as 125-moneyline favorites versus the Marlins, while the game's total is sitting at 8.

The Marlins were a 15-4 loser in their most recent outing on the road against the Diamondbacks. That made winners of bettors who got Arizona at -132 on the moneyline, while the total score (19) was good news for OVER bettors.

Current streak: Florida has lost 2 straight games. Arizona has won 7 straight games.

Team records: Florida: 30-22 SU Arizona: 30-24 SU

Florida most recently: When playing on Tuesday are 6-4 Before playing Arizona are 4-6 After playing Arizona are 5-5 After a loss are 7-3

Arizona most recently: When playing on Tuesday are 6-4 Before playing Florida are 6-4 After playing Florida are 4-6 After a win are 9-1

A few trends to consider: Arizona is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games Arizona is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home

Next up: Arizona home to Florida, Wednesday, June 1

MLB Preview: Florida Marlins vs. Arizona Diamondbacks