Te la do io l'America

Tonight National League predictions, written by Olivier:
*number 1 indicates road team win, number two home team win with respective pecentage to win the match.
Diamondbacks (Jackson) @ Dodgers (Monasterios) 2 70%
Dodgers go for a three-game sweep. The Dodgers have scored 19 runs in the past six games, but their pitching has carried them enough to mask the offensive shortcomings. The D-backs are in desperate need of some energy, too. Losers of
nine in a row, Arizona turns to right-hander Edwin Jackson to stop the skid. Monasterios will obtain his 3rd victory of the season to lead LA to the sweep.

Mets (Santana) @ Padres (Richard) 1 55%
In search of their first road series win of the season, the Mets couldn't send anyone better to the rubber match against San Diego than their ace, Johan Santana. Santana has allowed only three runs in his past four starts (0.91 ERA). Santana is 1-1 with a 1.29 ERA in spacious PETCO Park. Padres left-hander Clayton Richard had his four-game winning streak snapped against the Nationals on Friday and he's going to lose again tonight.

Cubs (Zambrano) @ Pirates (Duke) 2 60%
Carlos Zambrano will be making his first start since April 20. He posted a 7.45 ERA in four outings as a starter before posting a 4.15 ERA as a reliever. The Pirates have seemingly had their way with the Cubs this season, with seven of their 22 wins coming against their National League Central rivals. Duke lifetime against Chicago is 4-8 but with a 3.67 ERA. Cubs struggles against Pirates will continue tonight.

Brewers (Gallardo) @ Marlins (Volstad) 1 55%
Gallardo will take the hill on Wednesday looking to spark the team once again. He's been Brewers most consistent starter this year with a 5-2 record and an impressing 2.78 ERA. Chris Volstad has lost four straight decisions despite not allowing more than three earned runs in three of them. It looks like Milwaukee will win the first game of this 4 game series.

Nationals (Lannan) @ Astros (Rodriguez) 1 60%
In the heart of the National League East race, the Nationals can't afford to lose pace. John Lannan appears to have corrected his course after a rocky start, allowing just four runs over his past 18 1/3 innings. The Astros will counter with Wandy Rodriguez, who has been up and down this season, but lately more down than up and has dropped his past three starts. Nats will take the series lead at 2-1.

Reds (LeCure) @ Cardinals (Carpenter) 2 65%
At 6-1 with a 2.93 ERA, Carpenter has to be an early choice for a Cy Young Award. In a win over the Cubs last week, Carpenter offered more of the same, tossing 6 2/3 innings of one-run baseball. Rookie LeCure after his impressive debut last week against the Astros will have to face a powerful offense that will lead St. Louis to the victory.

Rockies (Francis) @ Giants (Cain) 2 60%
It's going to be a spectacular pitching duel as the Rockies go for a sweep. Jeff Francis is 1-1 with a sparkling 2.89 ERA so far this season while Matt Cain is 3-4 with a 2.50 ERA. The right-hander (Cain) fired a one-hitter in a 5-0 win over Arizona in his last outing, striking out a season-high nine batters while walking none. Starter Jeff Francis was solid through five innings last Friday against the Dodgers before allowing four runs in the sixth and taking the loss. Giants will win the finale of the series behind a strong effort by Cain.