Los Angeles Dodgers at New York Mets Betting Odds

Opening Game Odds: Hiroki Kuroda (+135) vs. Johan Santana (-145) at 5 Dimes

With the exception of a five-inning, five-run implosion against Washington in his second start this season, Santana (2-1, 2.59) has been excellent in 2010. The lefty has allowed two runs in his other three starts combined, and the Mets won all three of those games. Santana pitched last Thursday against the Cubs and allowed eight hits over 6.1 innings of work; he surrendered just one run and struck out five, which led to a 5-2 Mets victory. Santana has limited but amazing experience against the Dodgers. He's faced Los Angeles twice but won both games and allowed just one run in 14.2 while striking out 15 batters.

Offensively, the Mets could use a boost. The team is hitting just .230 this season, with Jeff Francouer leading the regulars at a .286 clip. High-paid stars like David Wright (.222 average) and Jose Reyes (.242 average) could certainly do more to justify their salaries. Wright hasn't been as bad as his average might indicate, though. He leads the team in homers, RBIs and walks, not to mention a very impressive .405 on-base percentage. Offseason prize Jason Bay needs to come around as well. Bay is hitting .269-he hit .267 in Boston last season-but has yet to homer and has just five RBIs.

Hiroki Kuroda (2-0, 2.18 ERA) is off to another solid start for Los Angeles. He's been very workmanlike since joining the Dodgers a few seasons ago and 2010 looks to be no different. LA has won all three of Kuroda's starts this season, including last week's 14-6 romp over the Cincinnati Reds. The right-hander allowed six runs over 5.2 innings but only three were earned. Kuroda has struggled in three career starts against the Mets, going 0-2 with a 10.45 ERA.

Unlike New York, the Dodgers are tearing the cover off the ball. The team is hitting .293 and eight different batters who have played at least 14 games are hitting above .300. Andre Ethier has been fantastic; he's hitting .356 this season with five homers and 16 RBIs. Matt Kemp hasn't been too shabby himself, hitting .316 with team-highs of seven homers and 20 RBIs.

Game Pick - Prediction
Take the Over 7 at 5 Dimes.