Hot Lines: Today's best MLB bets
Cincinnati Reds at Houston Astros (-140, 9)
If you are unsure of the definition of “packed it in,” let us introduce you to the Houston Astros.
Fired manager? Check. Way out of posteason race? Check. Huge losing slide? Check.
Houston has dropped nine of its past 10 games and has stopped caring, especially at the plate. The team is averaging a horrendous 2.3 runs per game in its past 10 and has scored more than five runs just three times since August 19.
In the other dugout, the Reds are playing for next year, winning eight of their past 10 and getting great pitching along the way. Over the past 10 games, the team has allowed an average of just 2.7 runs per game. On the season, the Reds have the eigth-lowest ERA in the majors are 4.21.
The Astros are ground and the Reds should continue to streak.
Pick: Reds
Atlanta Braves at Washington Nationals (+175, 8.5)
The Braves couldn’t be happier about Saturday’s game against the Nationals.
First, Atlanta, winners of eight of its past 10, have owned Washington this season. The Braves have taken seven of 11 overall against the Nats this year, including their two most recent meetings. Secondly, Atlanta is the definition of a weekend warrior, posting a sparkling, 7-1 record in its past eight Saturday games.
The Nationals, however, don’t have as much to cheer about.
Washington has dropped 12 of its past 16 games and seven of its past 10 overall. And it’s offense has been even worse than normal. During its recent slide, the team is averaging just 3.3 runs per game, more than a full run below its season average of 4.4, still one of the worst in the majors.
It’s a Brave new world and the Nationals aren’t prepared for it.
Pick: Braves