Dave Cokin
Bonus Play Tuesday
MARINERS (Walker) at RAYS (Odorizzi) 7:10 PM
Take: MARINERS +103
There’s not a great deal to choose between the two starting pitchers. I’ll call Taijuan Walker and Jake Odorizzi a wash. Both are capable of shutting down the opposition. Walker is off an incredibly dominating start, but he’s still a little vulnerable to the long ball. Odorizzi remains a work in progress in terms of needing to be more economical with his pitch counts. Bottom line is that’s the one even comparative in this matchup.
Aside from that it reads all Seattle to me. The Mariners have been remarkable on the road, both offensively and in the bullpen. I have no idea why the relief corps struggles at Safeco, but the road ERA for the pen is 2.44, which is outstanding.
The Rays have also been better on the road than at the Slop, particularly when facing righties. Tampa Bay is averaging less than three runs per nine innings at home against righthanders, and I don’t think that will be enough here.
I made Seattle the favorite in this game, and I would think there’s a good chance they close as chalk. So I’ll go for what I think is a little value and will play the Mariners.
Bonus Play Tuesday
MARINERS (Walker) at RAYS (Odorizzi) 7:10 PM
Take: MARINERS +103
There’s not a great deal to choose between the two starting pitchers. I’ll call Taijuan Walker and Jake Odorizzi a wash. Both are capable of shutting down the opposition. Walker is off an incredibly dominating start, but he’s still a little vulnerable to the long ball. Odorizzi remains a work in progress in terms of needing to be more economical with his pitch counts. Bottom line is that’s the one even comparative in this matchup.
Aside from that it reads all Seattle to me. The Mariners have been remarkable on the road, both offensively and in the bullpen. I have no idea why the relief corps struggles at Safeco, but the road ERA for the pen is 2.44, which is outstanding.
The Rays have also been better on the road than at the Slop, particularly when facing righties. Tampa Bay is averaging less than three runs per nine innings at home against righthanders, and I don’t think that will be enough here.
I made Seattle the favorite in this game, and I would think there’s a good chance they close as chalk. So I’ll go for what I think is a little value and will play the Mariners.
Jim Feist
Jim Feist's Comp MLB Pick, Tuesday, June 14, 2016 10:05 PM
(921) MINNESOTA TWINS VS (922) LOS ANGELES ANGELS
Take: Over
Reason: Your Bonus Play for Tuesday, June 14, 2016 is in the MLB scheduled contest between the Minnesota Twins and the Los Angels. Minnesota is on a 36-13-4 run over the total. Ervin Santana used to play for the Angels years ago, now he's old and broken down with a 1-6 record and a 4.77 ERA. Santana lost for the fourth consecutive start Thursday, giving up five runs on nine hits over 6.1 innings against the Marlins. The Over is 21-7-2 when the Twins face a right-handed starter. LA is on a 6-2-2 run over the total, as well as 11-4 over the total at home against a right-handed starter. And when these teams clash the Over is 38-18-5 in the last 61 meetings. Play Minnesota/LA Angels Over the total.
Jim Feist's Comp MLB Pick, Tuesday, June 14, 2016 10:05 PM
(921) MINNESOTA TWINS VS (922) LOS ANGELES ANGELS
Take: Over
Reason: Your Bonus Play for Tuesday, June 14, 2016 is in the MLB scheduled contest between the Minnesota Twins and the Los Angels. Minnesota is on a 36-13-4 run over the total. Ervin Santana used to play for the Angels years ago, now he's old and broken down with a 1-6 record and a 4.77 ERA. Santana lost for the fourth consecutive start Thursday, giving up five runs on nine hits over 6.1 innings against the Marlins. The Over is 21-7-2 when the Twins face a right-handed starter. LA is on a 6-2-2 run over the total, as well as 11-4 over the total at home against a right-handed starter. And when these teams clash the Over is 38-18-5 in the last 61 meetings. Play Minnesota/LA Angels Over the total.
Mike Lundin
CLE vs KC
5* MLB Free Pick Under
The Kansas City Royals defeated the Cleveland Indians 2-1 in Monday's series opener to climb just two games back of the Tribe who remain top of the AL Central. I think we'll see another low-scoring contest between the division rivals on Tuesday.
Chris Young (2-6, 6.37) will take the ball for Kansas City. His season ERA is extremely high, and he was lit up for five runs in 4 2/3 innings at Cleveland earlier this season, but he's much stronger home at Kauffman. Young has posted a 2.75 ERA in five appearances (three starts) in Kansas City this year with 23 Ks over 19 2/3 innings of work and I expect a solid outing from the veteran tonight. It's also worth noting that Cleveland has been held to three runs or fewer in four of their past eight games.
The Tribe turn to Josh Tomlin (8-1, 3.48 ERA) who unlike Young has done his best work on the road where he has a 2.91 ERA over five starts. Tomlin has held the Royals to five runs in 12 1/3 innings of work covering two meetings this season and he has allowed just three runs through his last two starts.
Under is 7-2-2 in Indians last 11 overall, under is 4-1 in Royals last five overall and under is 3-0-1 in the last four head-to-head meetings.
CLE vs KC
5* MLB Free Pick Under
The Kansas City Royals defeated the Cleveland Indians 2-1 in Monday's series opener to climb just two games back of the Tribe who remain top of the AL Central. I think we'll see another low-scoring contest between the division rivals on Tuesday.
Chris Young (2-6, 6.37) will take the ball for Kansas City. His season ERA is extremely high, and he was lit up for five runs in 4 2/3 innings at Cleveland earlier this season, but he's much stronger home at Kauffman. Young has posted a 2.75 ERA in five appearances (three starts) in Kansas City this year with 23 Ks over 19 2/3 innings of work and I expect a solid outing from the veteran tonight. It's also worth noting that Cleveland has been held to three runs or fewer in four of their past eight games.
The Tribe turn to Josh Tomlin (8-1, 3.48 ERA) who unlike Young has done his best work on the road where he has a 2.91 ERA over five starts. Tomlin has held the Royals to five runs in 12 1/3 innings of work covering two meetings this season and he has allowed just three runs through his last two starts.
Under is 7-2-2 in Indians last 11 overall, under is 4-1 in Royals last five overall and under is 3-0-1 in the last four head-to-head meetings.
Scott Spreitzer
Indians vs Royals
Bonus Play Kansas City Royals
I'm backing Kansas City on Tuesday night. Kansas City won the first game of the series as it seeks revenge for a four-game sweep at Cleveland earlier this month and the Royals go for their fourth win overall tonight following an eight-game losing streak. Kansas City is 20-7 at home and a winner of eight in a row at Kauffman Stadium. Josh Tomlin has allowed five runs and 14 hits in 12 1/3 innings against the Royals this year and Kansas City hitters have a combined .315 batting average against the right-hander, including Salvador Perez, who is 13-for-20 against Tomlin. Chris Young will be making his fourth appearance after a stint on the disabled list and he got roughed up his last time out. However, he'll have nine days rest and Young has by far done his best pitching at home with a 2-1 record and 2.75 ERA in 19 2/3 innings. Young had a .206 opponent batting average against the Indians in 2015. Kansas City is 37-14 at home against right-handed starters dating to last season. I'm backing the KC Royals on Tuesday night. Thanks & GL! Scott Spreitzer.
Indians vs Royals
Bonus Play Kansas City Royals
I'm backing Kansas City on Tuesday night. Kansas City won the first game of the series as it seeks revenge for a four-game sweep at Cleveland earlier this month and the Royals go for their fourth win overall tonight following an eight-game losing streak. Kansas City is 20-7 at home and a winner of eight in a row at Kauffman Stadium. Josh Tomlin has allowed five runs and 14 hits in 12 1/3 innings against the Royals this year and Kansas City hitters have a combined .315 batting average against the right-hander, including Salvador Perez, who is 13-for-20 against Tomlin. Chris Young will be making his fourth appearance after a stint on the disabled list and he got roughed up his last time out. However, he'll have nine days rest and Young has by far done his best pitching at home with a 2-1 record and 2.75 ERA in 19 2/3 innings. Young had a .206 opponent batting average against the Indians in 2015. Kansas City is 37-14 at home against right-handed starters dating to last season. I'm backing the KC Royals on Tuesday night. Thanks & GL! Scott Spreitzer.
Art Aronson
CIN vs ATL
1* Bonus Play UNDER Reds/Braves
The visitors hand the ball to Brandon Finnegan (2-4, 3.77 ERA) who gave up two runs off five hits with one walk and seven K’s over seven innings vs. the hard-hitting Cardinals on Thursday. Finnegan now has three quality starts out of his last four outings, pitching at least into the seventh inning each time. Despite a 1-3 record, he’s posted a respectable 3.22 ERA on the road this year. The home side counters with ace Julio Teheran (2-6, 2.85) who went a season-high eight innings vs. the Padres on Wednesday, striking out eight and allowing just two runs off five hits and a walk en route to the 4-2 victory. And despite his 0-3 record at home, Teheran has posted a decent 3.18 ERA in Atlanta this year. Two of the worst offenses in the league vs. a couple of red hot hurlers, we’ll definitely recommend a second look at the UNDER in this one.
AAA Sports
CIN vs ATL
1* Bonus Play UNDER Reds/Braves
The visitors hand the ball to Brandon Finnegan (2-4, 3.77 ERA) who gave up two runs off five hits with one walk and seven K’s over seven innings vs. the hard-hitting Cardinals on Thursday. Finnegan now has three quality starts out of his last four outings, pitching at least into the seventh inning each time. Despite a 1-3 record, he’s posted a respectable 3.22 ERA on the road this year. The home side counters with ace Julio Teheran (2-6, 2.85) who went a season-high eight innings vs. the Padres on Wednesday, striking out eight and allowing just two runs off five hits and a walk en route to the 4-2 victory. And despite his 0-3 record at home, Teheran has posted a decent 3.18 ERA in Atlanta this year. Two of the worst offenses in the league vs. a couple of red hot hurlers, we’ll definitely recommend a second look at the UNDER in this one.
AAA Sports
Marc Lawrence
Cubs vs Nationals
Play - Chicago Cubs w/Lackey
Edges - Cubs: John Lackey 4-1 career team starts in this series, including 4-0 the last four; and 13-4 last 17 team starts during June, including 5-0 the last five. Nationals: Gio Gonzalez 0-3 versus N.L. Central foes this season; and 2-5 with 6.13 ERA and 1.46 WHIP last 7 overall team starts. With Lackey 5-2 with a 1.48 ERA and a 0.80 WHIP in his last seven team starts, we recommend a 1* play on the Chicago Cubs. Thank you and good luck as always.
Cubs vs Nationals
Play - Chicago Cubs w/Lackey
Edges - Cubs: John Lackey 4-1 career team starts in this series, including 4-0 the last four; and 13-4 last 17 team starts during June, including 5-0 the last five. Nationals: Gio Gonzalez 0-3 versus N.L. Central foes this season; and 2-5 with 6.13 ERA and 1.46 WHIP last 7 overall team starts. With Lackey 5-2 with a 1.48 ERA and a 0.80 WHIP in his last seven team starts, we recommend a 1* play on the Chicago Cubs. Thank you and good luck as always.
Brad Wilton
My comp play winner for Tuesday night is the Braves to win a rare one against the Reds.
Cincy won a 9-8 slugfest last night, but tonight Julio Teheran will keep the Reds' bats in check, as Atlanta notches a rare home win.
Teheran may be just 2-6 on the year, but he is coming off an 8 inning, 8 strikeout win at San Diego his last time to the mound, and his season ERA is a stingy 2.85.
Teheran owns an even stingier 1.78 ERA in 4 career starts against Cincinnati!
Brandon Finnegan will go for the visitors, and he has pitched well over his last pair of starts, but they were both at home. Finnegan's last road start saw 4 runs cross on 6 hits in a loss at Milwaukee to drop him to 1-3 away from home for the year.
They don't win often at home, but tonight the Braves do just that.
Take Atlanta
1* ATLANTA
My comp play winner for Tuesday night is the Braves to win a rare one against the Reds.
Cincy won a 9-8 slugfest last night, but tonight Julio Teheran will keep the Reds' bats in check, as Atlanta notches a rare home win.
Teheran may be just 2-6 on the year, but he is coming off an 8 inning, 8 strikeout win at San Diego his last time to the mound, and his season ERA is a stingy 2.85.
Teheran owns an even stingier 1.78 ERA in 4 career starts against Cincinnati!
Brandon Finnegan will go for the visitors, and he has pitched well over his last pair of starts, but they were both at home. Finnegan's last road start saw 4 runs cross on 6 hits in a loss at Milwaukee to drop him to 1-3 away from home for the year.
They don't win often at home, but tonight the Braves do just that.
Take Atlanta
1* ATLANTA
Jeff Benton
Your Tuesday freebie is the Over in the Yankees-Rockies game.
A stop in hitter-friendly Coors Field should do wonders for the bats of New York, as the Yankees were held to just 2 runs in their last 2 games over the weekend at home against Detroit.
Tonight they face the struggling Jorge De La Rosa who has not started is close to a month, and has been working out of the bullpen of late for the Rockies.
De La Rosa owns a season ERA of 8.81, and in his starts this season, has seen 5 of the 6 land Over the total!
The Yankees will go with Nathan Eovaldi who does own a 6-2 mark, but he also has seen his ERA start to creep upwards, as his last 3 starts show a 5.94 ERA, and 2 of the 3 have played Over the total.
You get the feeling that this game could very well see plenty of crooked numbers being hung on the scoreboard, and both starters hitting the showers early.
Yankees-Rockies with some fireworks tonight. Play it Over.
3* N.Y. YANKEES-COLORADO OVER
Your Tuesday freebie is the Over in the Yankees-Rockies game.
A stop in hitter-friendly Coors Field should do wonders for the bats of New York, as the Yankees were held to just 2 runs in their last 2 games over the weekend at home against Detroit.
Tonight they face the struggling Jorge De La Rosa who has not started is close to a month, and has been working out of the bullpen of late for the Rockies.
De La Rosa owns a season ERA of 8.81, and in his starts this season, has seen 5 of the 6 land Over the total!
The Yankees will go with Nathan Eovaldi who does own a 6-2 mark, but he also has seen his ERA start to creep upwards, as his last 3 starts show a 5.94 ERA, and 2 of the 3 have played Over the total.
You get the feeling that this game could very well see plenty of crooked numbers being hung on the scoreboard, and both starters hitting the showers early.
Yankees-Rockies with some fireworks tonight. Play it Over.
3* N.Y. YANKEES-COLORADO OVER
Bob Harvey
Orioles vs. Red Sox
Play: Over 8½
The co-leaders in the American League East square off in Boston where the Red Sox and David Price host Chris Tillman and the Baltimore Orioles. First pitch is set for 7:10 PM ET at Fenway Park.
The Orioles (36-26, 35-27 RL) are coming off a disappointing four-game series in Toronto where they took the opener but dropped the final three-games of the set. The Baltimore pitching staff, which allowed 30 runs to the potent Blue Jays offense, was touched up for 29 runs by Boston in a four-game series at home in early June. They did manage a pair of wins in the set and lead the season series 4-3.
The Red Sox (36-36, 36-36 RL)are boast the league’s top offense leading in runs per game (5.95) and batting average (.291) while the Orioles lead the AL in home runs (99) and are sixth in scoring (4.82 RPG).
Tillman (8-1, 3.01 ERA) bounced back from one of his worst starts of the season with one of his best on Wednesday against Kansas City, striking out nine without issuing a walk in 7 1/3 scoreless innings to earn the win. He missed Boston the first two times around this season but is 9-3 with a 2.84 ERA in 18 career starts against the Red Sox.
Price (7-3, 4.63) is working on a string of six straight quality starts, but overall has been a disappointment in his first-year with the Red Sox. He was a tough-luck loser in San Francisco on Wednesday when he was dinged for two runs on three hits – two solo home runs – over eight innings in a game Boston went on to lose 2-1. Price was knocked around for five runs in as many innings against Baltimore on April 11 and is 8-4 with a 2.90 ERA in 20 career starts against the Orioles.
Orioles vs. Red Sox
Play: Over 8½
The co-leaders in the American League East square off in Boston where the Red Sox and David Price host Chris Tillman and the Baltimore Orioles. First pitch is set for 7:10 PM ET at Fenway Park.
The Orioles (36-26, 35-27 RL) are coming off a disappointing four-game series in Toronto where they took the opener but dropped the final three-games of the set. The Baltimore pitching staff, which allowed 30 runs to the potent Blue Jays offense, was touched up for 29 runs by Boston in a four-game series at home in early June. They did manage a pair of wins in the set and lead the season series 4-3.
The Red Sox (36-36, 36-36 RL)are boast the league’s top offense leading in runs per game (5.95) and batting average (.291) while the Orioles lead the AL in home runs (99) and are sixth in scoring (4.82 RPG).
Tillman (8-1, 3.01 ERA) bounced back from one of his worst starts of the season with one of his best on Wednesday against Kansas City, striking out nine without issuing a walk in 7 1/3 scoreless innings to earn the win. He missed Boston the first two times around this season but is 9-3 with a 2.84 ERA in 18 career starts against the Red Sox.
Price (7-3, 4.63) is working on a string of six straight quality starts, but overall has been a disappointment in his first-year with the Red Sox. He was a tough-luck loser in San Francisco on Wednesday when he was dinged for two runs on three hits – two solo home runs – over eight innings in a game Boston went on to lose 2-1. Price was knocked around for five runs in as many innings against Baltimore on April 11 and is 8-4 with a 2.90 ERA in 20 career starts against the Orioles.
Will Rogers
Cincinnati vs. Atlanta
Pick: Under
The Reds scored in the ninth inning to come from behind and win Game 1 by a score of 9-8 in Atlanta. They face the Braves ace in Game 2 Tuesday, and we should see a much lower scoring game at Turner Field tonight. My money is on the total to go under.
Here are my keys to the game:
1. Pitching - The Braves will turn to Julio Teheran, who has been dominant in previous encounters with Cincinnati. Teheran (2-6, 2.85 ERA) struck out eight in eight innings in a 4-2 win over the Padres in his last outing. He's 2-1 with a stellar 1.78 ERA in his last four start versus the Reds.
2. Batter vs. Pitcher - The Reds have hit just .195 over a combined 41 at bats versus Teheran. Brandon Phillips is 1-for-11 lifetime, while Jay Bruce is just 2-for-12 versus the 25 year old.
3. X-Factor - The Reds scored a total of just seven runs in four games prior to landing in Atlanta.
Cincinnati vs. Atlanta
Pick: Under
The Reds scored in the ninth inning to come from behind and win Game 1 by a score of 9-8 in Atlanta. They face the Braves ace in Game 2 Tuesday, and we should see a much lower scoring game at Turner Field tonight. My money is on the total to go under.
Here are my keys to the game:
1. Pitching - The Braves will turn to Julio Teheran, who has been dominant in previous encounters with Cincinnati. Teheran (2-6, 2.85 ERA) struck out eight in eight innings in a 4-2 win over the Padres in his last outing. He's 2-1 with a stellar 1.78 ERA in his last four start versus the Reds.
2. Batter vs. Pitcher - The Reds have hit just .195 over a combined 41 at bats versus Teheran. Brandon Phillips is 1-for-11 lifetime, while Jay Bruce is just 2-for-12 versus the 25 year old.
3. X-Factor - The Reds scored a total of just seven runs in four games prior to landing in Atlanta.
Jesse Schule
Los Angeles Dodgers vs. Arizona Diamondbacks
Play: Arizona Diamondbacks +1.5 -133
The Dodgers come into Game 2 of this series in Arizona as losers of three straight, and I don't think they deserve to be a favorite on the road in this spot. They've won just four more games than the D'Backs overall this season, and they have a losing record away from Chavez Ravine. Kenta Maeda will toe the slab for the Dodgers, and he's had a successful rookie season so far. Maeda (5-4, 2.70 ERA) allowed one run on five hits over 6 1/3 innings in a 1-0 loss to Colorado his last time out. His last five starts have come against the likes of Colorado, Atlanta, San Diego and the Mets. Pitching on the road in this hitter's park should prove to be a tougher test than he's faced in a while. Arizona hands the ball to Archie Bradley, who has been dominant at times. Bradley (2-2, 5.22 ERA) allowed four runs on five hits in 5 2/3 innings in a loss to Tampa his last time out. Prior to that he struck out 19 batters over 13 1/3 innings in his previous two starts. He's only faced the Dodgers once, tossing six scoreless innings, surrendering just one hit and fanning six. The Dodgers have lost five of their last six road games, and they own a .191 team batting average so far in June.
Los Angeles Dodgers vs. Arizona Diamondbacks
Play: Arizona Diamondbacks +1.5 -133
The Dodgers come into Game 2 of this series in Arizona as losers of three straight, and I don't think they deserve to be a favorite on the road in this spot. They've won just four more games than the D'Backs overall this season, and they have a losing record away from Chavez Ravine. Kenta Maeda will toe the slab for the Dodgers, and he's had a successful rookie season so far. Maeda (5-4, 2.70 ERA) allowed one run on five hits over 6 1/3 innings in a 1-0 loss to Colorado his last time out. His last five starts have come against the likes of Colorado, Atlanta, San Diego and the Mets. Pitching on the road in this hitter's park should prove to be a tougher test than he's faced in a while. Arizona hands the ball to Archie Bradley, who has been dominant at times. Bradley (2-2, 5.22 ERA) allowed four runs on five hits in 5 2/3 innings in a loss to Tampa his last time out. Prior to that he struck out 19 batters over 13 1/3 innings in his previous two starts. He's only faced the Dodgers once, tossing six scoreless innings, surrendering just one hit and fanning six. The Dodgers have lost five of their last six road games, and they own a .191 team batting average so far in June.
Bruce Marshall
Cincinnati Reds at Atlanta
Pick: Cincinnati
Even if Julio Teheran is Atlanta's ace, the Braves are still just 18-45 this season, so laying a price with them is an unnecessary risk. The Reds have been scoring runs the past two weeks and starter Brandon Finnegan appears to be emerging as a force, as the ex-Royal (acquired in the Johnny Cueto trade last July) has shut down the Cards and Nats in his last two starts, allowing just 3 runs over 13 1/3 IP in the process.
Cincinnati Reds at Atlanta
Pick: Cincinnati
Even if Julio Teheran is Atlanta's ace, the Braves are still just 18-45 this season, so laying a price with them is an unnecessary risk. The Reds have been scoring runs the past two weeks and starter Brandon Finnegan appears to be emerging as a force, as the ex-Royal (acquired in the Johnny Cueto trade last July) has shut down the Cards and Nats in his last two starts, allowing just 3 runs over 13 1/3 IP in the process.
Stephen Nover
Cubs vs. Nationals
Play: Cubs -111
So this is what you have going by laying this short road price with the Cubs.
You get the best team in baseball off only its fifth loss in 19 games. You would have to go back 19 games to find the last time the Cubs dropped two in a row.
You get a team that has won 67 percent of its last 55 road games and has beaten Washington during six of the past seven meetings.
You get the better offense. The Cubs are averaging 5.4 runs per game, third-best in the majors. The Nationals average 4.6 runs a game.
You get the much hotter starter in a pitching matchup of John Lackey versus southpaw Gio Gonzalez.
Lackey is going for his ninth straight quality start. He's pitched 13 2/3 scoreless innings this month with 17 strikeouts. Lackey beat the Nationals last month at home giving up two runs on six hits in seven inning with 11 strikeouts.
Let's compare this to Gonzalez, who is in a funk giving up 21 earned runs in his last four starts spanning 22 2/3 innings. The Nationals lost all four of these games. This doesn't even include Gonzalez's May start against the Cubs when he allowed five runs and couldn't get out of the sixth inning.
The Cubs are 13-5 versus lefties, averaging 5.7 runs per game against them. Chicago has won 10 of the past 12 times on the road facing a southpaw.
Cubs vs. Nationals
Play: Cubs -111
So this is what you have going by laying this short road price with the Cubs.
You get the best team in baseball off only its fifth loss in 19 games. You would have to go back 19 games to find the last time the Cubs dropped two in a row.
You get a team that has won 67 percent of its last 55 road games and has beaten Washington during six of the past seven meetings.
You get the better offense. The Cubs are averaging 5.4 runs per game, third-best in the majors. The Nationals average 4.6 runs a game.
You get the much hotter starter in a pitching matchup of John Lackey versus southpaw Gio Gonzalez.
Lackey is going for his ninth straight quality start. He's pitched 13 2/3 scoreless innings this month with 17 strikeouts. Lackey beat the Nationals last month at home giving up two runs on six hits in seven inning with 11 strikeouts.
Let's compare this to Gonzalez, who is in a funk giving up 21 earned runs in his last four starts spanning 22 2/3 innings. The Nationals lost all four of these games. This doesn't even include Gonzalez's May start against the Cubs when he allowed five runs and couldn't get out of the sixth inning.
The Cubs are 13-5 versus lefties, averaging 5.7 runs per game against them. Chicago has won 10 of the past 12 times on the road facing a southpaw.
Sleepyj
Angels -130
I was waiting for this matchup for a few days now....Not sold right now on Santana and his ERA is becoming a problem...If this keeps up, he might find himself falling out of the rotation...Angels have been slumping the last 10 games, but a bounce back game here looks rather solid..Chain gets the nod here and he has been up and down..At home he looks the most comfortable and the Twins might be just what the doctor ordered again after last night..Twins belted 3 HR's for 5 runs..I don;t think they get that lucky with Chacin who has the capability of getting ground ball outs...I''ll take a shot here with the struggling Angels.
Yankees -120
De La Rosa comes out of the pen, but I'm not sure this is the club to try to pick up a win...I usually like to look at teams on the first night in Coors...Yanks get a quality pitcher in Eovaldi here tonight...He has been getting lit up and because he's been failing to keep the ball down..I look for him to be very low in the zone all night long..Plenty on ground ball out here perhaps...DeLa Rosa might confuse the Yanks for a bit as well, so I lean slightly to the under..Perhaps a very small wager on that as well.
Angels -130
I was waiting for this matchup for a few days now....Not sold right now on Santana and his ERA is becoming a problem...If this keeps up, he might find himself falling out of the rotation...Angels have been slumping the last 10 games, but a bounce back game here looks rather solid..Chain gets the nod here and he has been up and down..At home he looks the most comfortable and the Twins might be just what the doctor ordered again after last night..Twins belted 3 HR's for 5 runs..I don;t think they get that lucky with Chacin who has the capability of getting ground ball outs...I''ll take a shot here with the struggling Angels.
Yankees -120
De La Rosa comes out of the pen, but I'm not sure this is the club to try to pick up a win...I usually like to look at teams on the first night in Coors...Yanks get a quality pitcher in Eovaldi here tonight...He has been getting lit up and because he's been failing to keep the ball down..I look for him to be very low in the zone all night long..Plenty on ground ball out here perhaps...DeLa Rosa might confuse the Yanks for a bit as well, so I lean slightly to the under..Perhaps a very small wager on that as well.
Buster Sports
Rangers at Athletics
Play: Over 8.5
The starting pitchers for tonight's matchup are for the Rangers LH Martin Perez (5-4, 3.22 ERA) and he goes up against the Athletics LH Eric Surkamp (0-3, 6.41). The A's last night just hammered the Rangers 14-5 and we feel that the bats will be going again tonight, as our selection is the over in this contest. Eric Surkamp has been going back and forth from Triple-A Nashville these last couple of months as he tries to put things together from what has been a rough season for him. In his last 3 starts in the bigs he has a ERA of 9.74 and a WHIP of 2.331. As for Perez he has been pitching very well of late, unfortunately for him its been all at home as he last ventured on the road on May 18th against these same Athletics. In that game he allowed 4 runs on 8 hits in 7 innings. For the year on the road he has a 4.20 ERA and a WHIP of 1.433. When Perez starts against the A's he is 3-5 with a ERA of 5.81 and a WHIP of 1.521. With the two teams combining for 19 runs and 26 hits last night, look for much of the same in Oakland tonight. Backing our selection is the fact that the OVER is 18-6 in the last 24 meetings in Oakland.
Rangers at Athletics
Play: Over 8.5
The starting pitchers for tonight's matchup are for the Rangers LH Martin Perez (5-4, 3.22 ERA) and he goes up against the Athletics LH Eric Surkamp (0-3, 6.41). The A's last night just hammered the Rangers 14-5 and we feel that the bats will be going again tonight, as our selection is the over in this contest. Eric Surkamp has been going back and forth from Triple-A Nashville these last couple of months as he tries to put things together from what has been a rough season for him. In his last 3 starts in the bigs he has a ERA of 9.74 and a WHIP of 2.331. As for Perez he has been pitching very well of late, unfortunately for him its been all at home as he last ventured on the road on May 18th against these same Athletics. In that game he allowed 4 runs on 8 hits in 7 innings. For the year on the road he has a 4.20 ERA and a WHIP of 1.433. When Perez starts against the A's he is 3-5 with a ERA of 5.81 and a WHIP of 1.521. With the two teams combining for 19 runs and 26 hits last night, look for much of the same in Oakland tonight. Backing our selection is the fact that the OVER is 18-6 in the last 24 meetings in Oakland.
John Ryan
Chicago vs, Washington
Play: Washington +107
Technical Discussion Points Supporting this graded play is a proven system posting a 32-12 over the last 5 seasons good for 73% winners and made 23 units/unit wagered. Play on home teams (WASHINGTON) - average offensive team (4.3 to 4.8 runs/game) against a good starter (ERA under 3.70) (NL), with a cold starting pitcher- ERA more than 7.00 over his last 3 starts. Also another proven system supports this play posting a 51-20 since 1997 good for 72% winners and made 31 units/unit wagered. Play against all teams when the money line is +125 to -125 (CHICAGO CUBS) - good NL offensive team (over 5.0 runs/game) against a team with a good bullpen (ERA under 3.75), with a hot starting pitcher- ERA less than 2.50 over his last 5 starts. The following game situations match the SIM projections and my compiled research for the outcome of this game. The Cubs are 118-153 (-54.0 Units) against the money line after a game where they stranded 3 or less runners on base since 1997. Lackey is a money losing 3-14 (-12.8 Units) against the money line in road games after giving up 1 or less earned runs last outing over the last 3 seasons.
Fundamental Discussion Points Washington won the first game of this series 4-1 yesterday. The Nationals have been on a roll even prior to yesterday's game going 6-1, hitting .324 with 7.7 RPG, and slugging .536. Gonzalez is 3-2 when starting against Chicago Cubs with an ERA of 3.10 and a WHIP of 1.054. Washington's bullpen is stellar at home with a 2.50 ERA and a 0.968 WHIP. Hitters on a roll, solid starting pitching, and great bullpen pitching make this an easy pick.
Chicago vs, Washington
Play: Washington +107
Technical Discussion Points Supporting this graded play is a proven system posting a 32-12 over the last 5 seasons good for 73% winners and made 23 units/unit wagered. Play on home teams (WASHINGTON) - average offensive team (4.3 to 4.8 runs/game) against a good starter (ERA under 3.70) (NL), with a cold starting pitcher- ERA more than 7.00 over his last 3 starts. Also another proven system supports this play posting a 51-20 since 1997 good for 72% winners and made 31 units/unit wagered. Play against all teams when the money line is +125 to -125 (CHICAGO CUBS) - good NL offensive team (over 5.0 runs/game) against a team with a good bullpen (ERA under 3.75), with a hot starting pitcher- ERA less than 2.50 over his last 5 starts. The following game situations match the SIM projections and my compiled research for the outcome of this game. The Cubs are 118-153 (-54.0 Units) against the money line after a game where they stranded 3 or less runners on base since 1997. Lackey is a money losing 3-14 (-12.8 Units) against the money line in road games after giving up 1 or less earned runs last outing over the last 3 seasons.
Fundamental Discussion Points Washington won the first game of this series 4-1 yesterday. The Nationals have been on a roll even prior to yesterday's game going 6-1, hitting .324 with 7.7 RPG, and slugging .536. Gonzalez is 3-2 when starting against Chicago Cubs with an ERA of 3.10 and a WHIP of 1.054. Washington's bullpen is stellar at home with a 2.50 ERA and a 0.968 WHIP. Hitters on a roll, solid starting pitching, and great bullpen pitching make this an easy pick.
Brandon Shively
Houston vs. St. Louis
Pick: Houston
I like the spot here for the Houston Astros catching plus money against the Saint Louis Cardinals tonight. The main edge is the pitching matchup. Houston will have Doug Fister on the mound and they have now won his last 8 starts. Fister has a 1.00 ERA in his last 3 starts and he appears to be getting stronger as the season progresses. Saint Louis hands the ball to Jaime Garcia whose ERA and WHIP is way up over his last four starts. Garcia’s walks per 9 IP are up from last year. His average with balls in play is up from last year. His homerun per fly ball is up from last year....You get the point. Looking at Garcia’s last four starts, he has given up 35 hits in only 19 IP and has only 10 strikeouts in this time frame.While the Astros did get swept on Sunday, they are a perfect 3-0 this season after getting shut out. Houston might also get a big boost back to their lineup with shortstop Carlos Correa who sounds hopeful to play. Jose Altuve is 6-for-13 career vs Garcia and Carlos Gomez is 10-for-31. While Gomez has been struggling, Altuve continues to hit hot batting .429 the last seven days and is hitting .382 vs lefties on the season.
Houston vs. St. Louis
Pick: Houston
I like the spot here for the Houston Astros catching plus money against the Saint Louis Cardinals tonight. The main edge is the pitching matchup. Houston will have Doug Fister on the mound and they have now won his last 8 starts. Fister has a 1.00 ERA in his last 3 starts and he appears to be getting stronger as the season progresses. Saint Louis hands the ball to Jaime Garcia whose ERA and WHIP is way up over his last four starts. Garcia’s walks per 9 IP are up from last year. His average with balls in play is up from last year. His homerun per fly ball is up from last year....You get the point. Looking at Garcia’s last four starts, he has given up 35 hits in only 19 IP and has only 10 strikeouts in this time frame.While the Astros did get swept on Sunday, they are a perfect 3-0 this season after getting shut out. Houston might also get a big boost back to their lineup with shortstop Carlos Correa who sounds hopeful to play. Jose Altuve is 6-for-13 career vs Garcia and Carlos Gomez is 10-for-31. While Gomez has been struggling, Altuve continues to hit hot batting .429 the last seven days and is hitting .382 vs lefties on the season.
