The Baltimore Orioles look to make it three games in a row here today as they host the Texas Rangers. The Orioles are in 2nd place in the tough AL East with a 33-17 record and +45 run differential. Grayson Rodriguez get the starts for the O's today. He's 2-1 in his nine starts with a 6.21 ERA. Those numbers are a bit worse at home where he has a 7.36 ERA in four starts. The Texas Rangers lead the AL West right now with a 31-18 record and 3-game lead over the Houston Astros. They have the 2nd best run differential in baseball at +112, only Tampa Bay is better at +114. Jon Gray gets the start today with a 4-1 record in his nine starts. Gray has a 3.02 ERA and an even better 2.20 road ERA. He's also allowed just two total runs over his last three starts (20 innings). I like the Rangers today, especially on the mound with a big edge with Gray today. Play Texas.

We had a winner with the Orioles on Wednesday as they came from behind to get this key AL East win. The AL East is the best division in baseball as it's the only one with all teams above .500 and all teams in the plus run differential. The Rays jumped out to that huge lead, but have seen it dwindle to jus three games over the Orioles and six over the Yankees. These teams have split the first two games of this series, with the Yankees taking game one and the Orioles game two yesterday. Tonight, Kyle Gibson will start for the O's. Gibson is 5-3 on the season with a 4.27 ERA. He's been slightly worse on the road with a 5.09 ERA. The Yankees will counter with Clarke Schmidt who is only 2-4 in his 10 starts with a 6.00 ERA. Both pitchers have been very inconsistent and considering both have excellent hitting teams, I'll take the OVER.

Another key AFC East clash as the best division in baseball has their top team, the Tampa Bay Rays, taking on Toronto. The Rays once had a huge lead in the East, but it's gone down to just 3-games over Baltimore. The Blue Jays are in last place, but still have a winning record. They are 9.5-games back and need this head-to-head wins to cut into that lead. The Blue Jays have lost two of the first three games in this series, despite outscoring the Rays by a 27-14 margin. Ok, 20 of those runs came in a 20-1 lopsided win. All three games have gone over and in fact, the last five games have gone over for the Jays. Alek Manoah will start today for the Jays with a 1-4 mark in his 10 starts and a 5.15 ERA. The Rays will counter with Zach Eflin who is 6-1 with a 3.45 ERA in his eight starts. I look for both teams to get plenty of runs here tonight. I'll be on the OVER.

AL East matchup here today has the Yankees hosting the Orioles. The AL East is the best division in baseball. All five teams are above the .500 mark and all five teams have a plus in run differential. So to be the East is a tough proposition, especially after the way the Rays started the season. The Orioles are in 2nd place with a 31-17 record and have closed to three games back of the Rays. The Yankees are in 3rd place at 30-20 and five back of the Rays. Tyler Wells starts today for the O's. Wells is 3-1 in his eight starts with a 3.26 ERA. He's only allowed four total runs over his last three starts (17 innings). Then Yanks will start Nestor Cortes tonight with a 4-2 record and 5.21 ERA. He hasn't been great of late, allowing eight runs over his last two starts (10 1/3 innings). I like the way Baltimore has competed this year and I'll take them here today as a small dog.

Arizona has won four straight games and closed to within just 1.5-games back of the Dodgers in the NL West at 29-20. Not many even counted the D'backs as a contender in the West with the Dodgers and Padres. But the Dodgers are down this year and the Padres have yet to show their potential. Zac Gallen will start today for the D'backs. Gallen is one if not the best pitcher on this staff. Gallen has a 6-2 record after 10 starts with a 2.95 ERA. The Phillies have to be one of the bigger disappointments in baseball this year. At just 22-26 and seven games back of the Braves, the Phils have a 3-7 record their last 10 games, lost two straight and have a negative 32 run differential. Picking up Shortstop Trea Turner was supposed to be that cog that put this team to the next level, but thus far Turner has been a bust with his huge contract. Ranger Suarez starts today for just the third time this year. Suarez is 0-1 with a 10.50 ERA. Too many questions still plague this Phils team. But the D'backs have been very good and have one of their best on the hill today. Play Arizona.

 AL Central clash here tonight has the Kansas City Royals hosting the Detroit Tigers. The first place Twins are the only team with a record above .500 and that's barely at 25-23. Detroit is second, 2 1/2 games back with a 21-24 record and Kansas City is last 11.5-games back at 14-35. Detroit will start Eduardo Rodriquez, arguably their best pitcher. While his record is only 4-3, his ERA is a fine 2.06 and in his last seven starts just 1.16. Rodriquez has also allowed zero runs in four of his start this season. The Kansas City Royals are yet to name their starter as of this writing. That doesn't matter to me since my pick on this game is because of Rodriquez against any Royals pitcher. I like this guy a lot and expect a win tonight for Detroit.

 Battle of first place teams here on Monday has the NL West leading Dodgers traveling to Atlanta to take on the NL East leading Braves. The Braves lead the Mets by five games. The Braves beat the Mariners on Sunday, 3-2 as they took two of the three games in the series. The Braves returned home to play Seattle after a six game road trip that saw them go 1-5. The Dodgers just dropped three of four games at St Louis as their pitching really let them down, allowing 27 runs. This road trip doesn't get any easier to as they head to Atlanta. The Dodgers are forced to start Gavin Stone here today as they have recently lost May and Urias to injuries. Stone has one start this year and that was vs the Phillies where he gave up four runs over four innings of work. Stone is supposed to be a star in the Dodgers farm system so we'll see if that will emerge in the "show." Atlanta will send Charlie Morton to the hill today. Morton is 5-3 in his eight starts with a nice 2.85 ERA. Morton has allowed two runs or fewer in six of his eight starts. He's only allowed two runs in his last two starts (12 2/3 innings). I will take Morton and the Braves here today as the Dodgers bullpen has to be spent after that St Louis series. Play Atlanta.

The Mariners and Braves conclude their three-game series here today. The teams have split the first two games with Atlanta winning on Friday, 6-2 and the Mariners taking Saturday's contest, 7-3. The M's can get back to the .500 mark with a win today as they sit at 22-23 overall. The Braves have a comfortable lead in the NL East with their 28-17 record and 4.5-game lead over the Marlins. The Braves are the only team in the East division that has a positive run differential at +62 runs. Seattle will start George Kirby today who is 5-2 in his eight starts with a 2.45 ERA. The numbers are even better on the road with a 2-1 mark in four away starts and a 1.95 ERA. Kirby has been solid all season with seven quality starts. The Braves will start Jared Shuster today. Shuster is 0-2 in three starts with a 7.24 ERA. Big edge in pitching to the Mariners today. Getting them as a small dog with Kirby is a bonus. Take Seattle.

The Detroit Tigers and Washington Nationals close out their set here on Sunday. The teams have split the first two games with Detroit taking Friday contest, 8-6 and the Nationals taking Saturday's, 5-2. The Tigers are still in 2nd place in the AL Central even though they have a losing record at 20-23 and a negative run differential at -49. The good news is that they are jut 3.5 games back of first place Minnesota. The Nationals are in last in the NL East with a 19-27 record, 9.5 games back of first place Atlanta. Joey Wentz will start today for the Tigers with a 1-3 record and 6.38 ERA. He's been slightly better on the road with a 6.00 ERA. The Nationals will start Josiah Gray. Despite his 3-5 overall record, Gray has a nice 2.73 ERA. He's allowed two runs or fewer in seven of his last eight starts. I like Gray a lot here to win the series for the Nats today. Play Washington.

Late game on the schedule has Boston taking on the San Diego Padres from Petco Stadium. Boston is 25-20 but in fourth place in the AL East, 7.5-games back of the Rays. They have the misfortune of playing in the best division in baseball where every team is above .500 and all teams have a plus run differential. Chris Sale gets the start tonight. Sale is 3-2 in his eight starts with a 5.40 ERA. However, he's pitched much better of late, allowing five total runs over his last three starts (20 2/3 innings). The San Diego Padres have to be one of the biggest disappointments thus far. WIth all their big name free agent signings and the return of Tatis Jr, you would think this team wouldn't be in the red in run differential, but they are. And they are just 20-25 and 8.5-games back of the Dodgers. Joe Musgrove makes his fifth start tonight. Musgrove is 1-1 with a 6.63 ERA. Have to see if Musgrove will return to his form of last year or is this a common theme on this underperforming Padres team. For me, I'll take the underdog Red Sox here tonight. Play Boston.

The Detroit Tigers are in second place in the AL Central. That's the good news. The bad news? They are 20-22 and have a -46 run differential. The Tigers took game one of this set with the Nats on Friday, 8-6. Alex Faedo will start today with his 0-1 record in his two starts. He has a 4.22 ERA and has eight KO's and one walk in his 10 2/3 innings of work. The Nationals are in last in the NL East with a 18-27 record. They have lost four straight and seven of their last 10. Pat Corbin gets the start today with his 2-5 record and 4.65 ERA. Corbin has been very good of late, allowing two runs in each of his last three starts and no more than three runs in any of his last six starts. I like Corbin here today. Take the Nationals.

The Minnesota Twins lost their last game at the LA Dodgers on a Grand Slam in the 8th by rookie James Outman. The Twins dropped two of three to the Dodgers but remain in 1st place in the AL Central. No other team in the division has a .500 or better mark. The Twins will stay in LA and take on the Angels tonight. The Angels are in 3rd place in the AL West with a 23-23 record. The Angels coming off a four game split at Baltimore. They will start Reid Detmers here today. Detmers is 0-3 in his seven starts with a 4.89 ERA. The Twins will counter with Joe Ryan. Ryan is 6-1 on the season with a nifty 2.16 ERA. He's only allowed three runs over his last four starts (25 total innings). Big edge here tonight to the Twins. I'll take Minnesota.

 Arizona continues to hold onto second place in the NL West, three games back of the Dodgers. They have leveled off though, going 5-5 their last 10 games and losing on Tuesday to Oakland, 8-9. The teams have split their first two games of this series with the D'backs winning on Monday, 5-2. The Oakland A's finally got to the double digits in wins with their win on Tuesday. Still, they have the worst record in baseball at 10-34 and worst run differential in baseball at -159 runs. Ryne Nelson will start for the D'backs today with his 1-2 record in eight starts. He also has a 6.20 ERA and 1.549 WHIP. The A's counter with Luis Medina, who is 0-2 with a 8.18 ERA. Neither pitcher is very good and considering how many runs the A's allow, I'll be on the OVER here today.

Arizona having a much better season than many expected. They are 23-18 and just three games back of first place Dodgers. The D'backs beat Oakland in game one of this series yesterday, 5-2. Now they turn to Tommy Henry tonight. Henry is 1-1 in his four starts with a 4.43 ERA. The A's still haven't hit double digits in wins as they have just nine. They drew just over 2,000 fans on Monday as many have abandoned them as they look to move to Las Vegas. Kyle Muller will start tonight. Muller is 1-3 with a 7.34 ERA. He's allowed 11 runs over his last two starts (9 2/3 innings). I'm taking the D'backs on the run line here today.

The Atlanta Braves tied an all-time MLB record with five, 2-run home runs in their game against the Rangers on Monday. The 12-0 win by the Braves snapped a four game losing streak as the Braves are on a 14 game Interleague schedule. The Braves will start Jared Shuster tonight. Shuster has a 0-1 record in his two starts with a 8.30 ERA. He's allowed four earned runs in both of his starts thus far. The loss by the Rangers snapped a two-game win streak. They have also won seven of their last 10 games. Dane Dunning will start today for the Rangers. Dunning has a 1-0 record in his two starts with a 1.64 ERA. He's only allowed two total runs in both starts (11 innings). I'll take the Rangers to bounce back from that lopsided loss on Monday. Play Texas.

The Arizona Diamondbacks are the closest team to first place LA Dodgers in the West, as they trail by three games with their 23-18 record. The D'backs have won three straight games taking three of four in their set vs San Francisco. Merrill Kelly will start for the D'backs today. Kelly is 3-3 with a 3.57 ERA. He's been very impressive on the road with a 1.15 ERA and 3-0 record in his three away starts. What can you say about the Oakland A's. It's almost a party event when they win these days. They did win one of their four games with Texas and that took 10 innings. In fact they scored more runs in that win (9) then they did combined in the three losses (3). The A's have the worst record in baseball at 9-33 and the worst run differential in baseball at -157 runs. Just in the Rangers series they were outscored 12-27. Drew Rucinski looking for his first win. He's 0-3 in three starts with a 8.16 ERA. Don't see him getting it here today either. Play the Diamondbacks on the Run Line.

The Seattle Mariners and Boston Red Sox begin their series here today. The Mariners lost their game on Sunday at Detroit, 3-5. The M's took two of their three games from Detroit. The bullpen has been great for Seattle with a 2.81 ERA and 12 saves. They have been even better of late with a 1.93 ERA their last seven games. The Boston Red Sox are coming off three loss sweep at the hands of St Louis. That makes five losses out of their last six games. The Sox are in last place in the AL East with a 22-19 record. Tanner Houck will start for Boston today. Houck is 3-2 with a 5.26 ERA. The Mariners send George Kirby to the hill. Kirby is 4-1 with a 2.62 ERA and 2.14 road ERA. He's coming off a seven inning start vs Texas where he allowed six hits and no runs for the win. I like Kirby here today. Play the Mariners.

The NY Mets and Washington Nationals game was suspended after three innings on Saturday. The teams waited four hours for the rain to subside but it did not. That means they will resume this game as part of a split doubleheader on Sunday. As for this game, I'm looking at the game between Scherzer and Irvin. It looks to me that this is the end for Max Scherzer. He has not looked his old self in some time and the writing of the career is on the wall. Scherzer is 2-2 in his five starts with a 5.56 ERA. He is coming off a start where he allowed eight hits and six runs over just 3 2/3 innings to the Tigers. The control has not been their either with many more walks then he is accustomed to. Yet here he is, a big favorite. On name only at this point I presume. Jake Irvin is an upcoming star for the Nationals. He has two starts this season and has allowed one run in 10 2/3 innings with a 0.84 ERA. I'll take the youngster here today at this nice price vs a pitcher whose better days are behind him. Play Washington.

The Giants dropped their game at Arizona on Saturday, 2-7. The teams split the first two games of the series with the Giants taking game one, 6-2. The rubber game here today has Logan Webb making the start for the Giants. Webb is 3-5 in his eight starts with a decent 3.98 ERA. Webb has pitched very well of late, allowing two runs or fewer in each of his last four starts. He also has 27 KO's vs just five walks. The D'backs will start Brandon Pfaadt who is 0-1 after two starts. PFaadt has allowed seven runs in his first start and six in his second for a 12.10 ERA. I like the Giants a lot here today as they have a very hot pitcher on the hill. Play San Francisco.

The Texas Rangers got back on the winning track with their win on Saturday over the A's, 5-0. They have taken two of the first three in this series as the play the set final here on Sunday. Andrew Heaney will start today for the Rangers with a 2-3 record in his seven starts. Heaney has a 5.25 ERA and a 2.31 road ERA. Drew Rucinski will get the start for the A's. Rucinski is 0-3 in his three starts with a 8.16 ERA. Two poor pitchers here today. For me, that means just one play, take the OVER.

 Philadelphia took Saturday's game from Colorado, 7-4. The Phils have taken both of the first two games of this set, including Friday's game, 6-3. The Phils are also on a five game winning streak. Aaron Nola starts today for Philly with a 3-2 record in his eight starts and a 4.44 ERA. Nola coming off a in vs Toronto, 8-4, where he allowed five hits and two runs over six innings. While the Rockies have lost two straight, they are 8-4 over their last 12 games. Kyle Freeland will start for the Rockies. Freeland is 3-4 in his eight starts with a 3.57 ERA. He's allowed just two runs over his last 12 innings of work with nine Ko's and just three walks. The Rockies playing well enough of late to take this rubber game on Sunday. Take Colorado.

The Oakland A's with a rare win on Friday over the Rangers as they take the game 9-7 in 10 innings. It was only the 9th win on the season for the A's and their fourth in the last 16 games. Today, the A's will send JP Sears to the hill. Sears is 0-3 in his seven starts with a 5.55 ERA. Sears coming off a loss at the Yankees where he allowed five runs over 5 1/3 innings of work. The Rangers will counter with Jon Gray. Gray is 2-1 in his seven starts and a 3.82 ERA. Gray coming off a win at Seattle, where he went seven innings and allowed four hits and one run. I can't see the A's winning back-to-back games. I'll take the Rangers.

AL East clash here on Saturday has the best team in baseball, the Rays, taking on the last place Yankees. This is the best division in baseball, as not only are all five teams above the .500 mark but all five teams have a plus run differential. No other division in baseball comes close. The Yankees are nine games back so this matchup, while early, is big for the Yankees. The Yankees won game one of this series on Friday with a 6-5 victory by scoring two runs in the bottom of the 8th to grab the win. Nestor Cortes will start for the Yankees. Cortes is 3-2 in his seven starts with a 4.74 ERA. For the most part Cortes has been good, but he did allow seven runs over five innings two starts ago. The Rays will counter with Shane McClanahan. McClanahan is 7-0 in his eight starts with the team winning all eight. He has a great ERA of 1.76 and a WHIP of 1.130. How consistent has McClanahan been? He has not allowed more than two runs in any of his eight starts. Best team in baseball with arguably the best pitcher in baseball. I'll take that combo here today. Play the Rays.

It's just a dismal season for the Oakland A's. Not only are they the worst team in baseball with a 8-31 record, they also have the worst run differential in baseball at -146 runs. The A's have very little fan base left in the Bay Area as they are looking to relocate the team to Las Vegas. This are opposite for the Texas Rangers as they are in first place in the AL West with a 23-14 record and have one of the best run differentials as +86 runs. The Rangers will start Martin Perez today, who is 4-1 in his seven starts with a 3.86 ERA. He is coming off his worst start of the season, allowing seven runs over 3 2/3 innings to the Angels though the Rangers did win, 16-8. Oakland will counter with Ken Waldichuk who is 1-2 in his seven starts and a 7.25 ERA. Waldichuk's season has mirrored the A's season as he's been bad mostly with one good start out of seven. I had the Rangers on the Run line yesterday and won, so I'm going to do it again here on Friday. Take the Rangers on the Run Line.

The Cubs and Twins open this series here tonight in Minnesota. The Cubs are coming off a series loss to the Cardinals, losing two of three games. They did take the finale on Wednesday, 10-4. The Cards are still in last place in the NL Central with a 13-25 record, eight back of the Pirates. They have also lost seven of their last 10 games. Drew Smyly gets the start today for the Cubs with a 3-1 record in his seven starts and a 3.05 ERA> Smyly has been very good of late, allowing two runs or fewer in each of his last six starts. The Twins have won two straight and are 21-17 and in 1st place in the AL Central. The Twins took two of three from the San Diego Padres. All three Padre games went UNDER. In fact, the Twins have now gone under in six straight games. The bullpen and starters have been solid, with the pen holding a 3.56 ERA. I like this one to be another low scoring clash. I'll take the UNDER.

 The Texas Rangers are in 1st place in the AL West with a 22-14 overall record. They have won seven of their last 10 games including yesterday's game over Seattle, 4-3. Now they begin this series with the A's. The A's are in last place in the West with a 8-30 record. Oakland not only has the fewest wins in baseball (8) but also the worst run differential of -142 runs. Nathan Eovaldi will start for the Rangers with a 4-2 record and 3.22 ERA. Eovaldi has been hot of late too, allowing no runs over his last two starts, 17 innings and eight hits. While the A's have not officially listed a starter, for me it doesn't really matter as they will not be getting much vs Eovaldi tonight. Play the Rangers on the Run line vs any Oakland pitcher.

 Both these teams took of Wednesday after playing game on Tuesday with the Padres winning that one, 6-1. The Padres got back above the .500 mark with a 19-18 record, 3.5-games back of the Dodgers in the NL West. The Twins are in 1st place in the AL Central at 20-17 and the only team in the division with a winning record and positive run differential (+22). The Padres will start Yu Darvish who is 2-2 in his six starts with a 3.19 ERA. Darvish has pitched well, allowing one run in three of his last four starts. The Twins counter with Bailey Ober who is 2-0 in three starts with a 0.98 ERA. He's only allowed two total runs in 18 2/3 innings. Two very good pitchers here today. I'll play the UNDER.

The Washington Nationals lost on Tuesday at San Francisco, 1-4. They are still 6-4 over their last 10 games and 15-21 overall and in last place in the NL East. Josiah Gray will start today for the Nats with his 2-5 record after seven starts. Gray has a 3.03 ERA and a 2.38 ERA on the road. He's pitched very consistently over his last six starts, allowing two runs or fewer in five of those and three in the other. The Giants are 16-19 and five back of the Dodgers in the NL West. They have the worst run differential in the West at -28 runs. San Francisco will counter with Sean Manaea today who is 1-1 after five starts. Manaea has a very high 6.75 ERA and has allowed 14 runs over his last three starts (10 2/3 innings. I like the way Gray has been so consistent and good over his last five starts. I'll take the Nats as a live dog here on Wednesday.

Arizona looking to rebound against Miami here on Wednesday after dropping Tuesday's contest, 2-6. The D'backs still sit in 2nd place in the NL West, 1.5-games back of the Dodgers. Miami won for just the second time in their last eight games. The Marlins are just 18-19 overall on the season but in 2nd place in the NL East. Edward Cabrera will start today for Miami with a 2-3 record in his seven starts. Cabrera also has a 4.78 ERA and 5.82 road ERA. Arizona will counter with Merrill Kelly. Kelly is 3-3 in his seven starts with a 3.20 ERA. He's coming off two excellent starts, allowing two runs over 13 innings with 15 KO's and just two walks. I'll take Kelly and the D'backs here today.

The LA Dodgers and Brewers have split the first two games of this series with Milwaukee taking Monday's game, 9-3 and the Dodgers taking Tuesday's game, 6-2. The Dodgers have won eight of their last 10 games and sit in first in the NL West with a 22-15 record. The Brewers are in 2nd in the NL Central with a 20-16 record. Clayton Kershaw looks to rebound from his sub-par performance last time out vs the Padres. He gave up five runs over 4 2/3 innings to take the loss. Kershaw was the player of the Month in April with a 5-1 record. Overall he's 5-2 now with a very good 2.53 ERA. Kershaw might be out to prove something here today after the Padres scoreboard made fun of him after his loss showing him with tears streaming down his face. Bold statement for a team that the Dodgers have owned over recent times and something for the bulletin board when the Padres visit LA this weekend. The Brewers will counter with Wade Miley here today who is 3-1 in his six starts with a 2.31 era. He's been even better at home with a 2-0 mark in three starts and a 1.59 ERA. This one has all the markings of a fine pitcher's duel. For me I'll take the UNDER.

The Detroit Tigers and Cleveland Guardians continue their series here on Wednesday after the Guardians took Tuesday's game, 2-0. Cleveland is 17-19 and in 2nd place in the AL Central. The only team in the division with a winning record and positive run differential is first place Minnesota at 19-17. Runs have been at a premium for this Guardian team, as they have scored three runs or fewer in seven of their last eight games. Peyton Battenfield will make his fifth start today for Cleveland. Battenfield is 0-3 with a 3.22 ERA and has received just one run of support in his last five starts. The Tigers are 16-19 and in third place in the AL Central. The Tigers will start Eduardo Rodriguez who is 3-2 with a 1.81 ERA in his seven starts. Like his counterpart today, runs have been hard to get when he starts as the Tigers have three runs or fewer in six of his seven starts. Both pitchers are good and both offenses are poor. I'll take the UNDER here today.

Tampa Bay is the best team in baseball and they continue to prove it day in and day out. They beat the very good Orioles on Monday, 3-0 as the Rays pitchers scattered seven hits over the game. Tampa is now 29-7 and 6.5-games in front of the Orioles. They have won two straight games and eight of their last 10. The Rays also have a MLB best +118 run differential. The Rays will start Zach Eflin today. Eflin is 4-0 in his five starts with a nice 2.25 ERA. He's coming off a game vs the Pirates where he allowed no runs and three hits over seven innings. The Orioles look to snap a 3-game losing streak here tonight. Grayson Rodriguez will start tonight. He's 1-0 in his six starts with a 5.46 ERA. After having two scoreless outings, Rodriguez gave up eight hits and six runs to the Royals in his last outing. I'm sticking with the best team in baseball tonight with a very good pitcher on the hill. Play Tampa Bay.

The St Louis Cardinals definitely having an off season thus far at just 11-24 and in last place in the NL Central. The Cardinals finally got a win on Sunday beating the Tigers, 12-6. That win snapped an 8-game losing streak. Miles Mikolas will start today and look to extend the winning streak for the Cards to two games. Mikolas is 1-1 this season with a 5.79 ERA. After a horrible start, Mikolas has settled down, allowing eight runs over his last four starts (23 innings). The Chicago Cubs are 17-17 and lost seven of their last 10 games. Marcus Stroman is 2-2 with a 2.18 ERA this season. While Stroman has pitched well, the Cubs have lost his last three starts. Cards definitely underperforming this season, but I'll take a shot with them here today as a live dog.

The Houston Astros look to stay above the .500 mark here on Sunday after their loss to the Mariners on Saturday, 5-7. The teams have split the first two games with the Astros winning on Friday, 6-4. The Astros are in 3rd place in the AL West, 2.5-games back of the Rangers. The Mariners are right behind the Astros in the standings with a 16-17 record. Brandon Bielak will make his first start of the year for the Astros. He's pitched out of teh bullpen with a 4.50 ERA this season with just one game under his belt. Seattle will start Bryce Miller who's first start was on May 2 vs the A's, going six innings and allowing two hits and one run in a no decision. Both young pitchers here without much experience. But if Millers' first start is any indication, he looks to be quite good. I'll take Seattle.

 The Toronto Blue Jays are in the unfortunate spot of having to play in the best division in baseball. Every team in the AL East is above .500 and the Jays are in 4th with a 19-14 record. Their record would be good for 1st place in either of the other two divisions. They will take on the surprising Pittsburgh Pirates here today. The Pirates are in 1st place in the NL Central with a 20-13 record. However, they have fallen on some hard times losing five straight games. Jose Berrios will start for the Jays today with a 2-3 record and 5.29 ERA. Berrios had three really good starts leading up to his last start where he allow five runs over 5 1/3 innings to the Red Sox. Johan Oviedo will start for the Bucs with a 2-2 record and 4.78 ERA. He also is coming off some bad starts, allowing 11 runs over his last 7 2/3 innings. I'm taking the Jays here today as the Pirates starting to look like the Pirates of old now. Play Toronto.

Minnesota got the shut-out win over the Guardians on Friday, 2-0. That improved the Twins to 19-14 and four games ahead of second place Detroit. The Guardians are in third place with a 14-18 record, 4.5-games back. The Twins are the only team in the AL Central with a positive run differential at +29 Runs. The Twins will start Sonny Gray today. Gray has been amazing this year and an early Cy Young candidate. Gray is 4-0 in his six starts with a 0.77 ERA and 1.057 WHIP. Gray has allowed one run in three of his six starts and no runs in the other three. The Guardians will count with Logan T Allen today who will be making his major league debut. He was supposed to start on April 22nd but the game was postponed. Allen was the team's no 8 prospect. Either way Gray pitching too well for me to pass on the Twins today. Play Minnesota.

 When you think of the St Louis Cardinals and the Detroit Tigers you automatically think the Cards are the better team. It's been that way for years, right! Not this year. The Detroit Tigers are 14-17 overall and have won four straight games. Meanwhile, the St Louis Cardinals are 10-23, have lost seven games in a row and are in last place in the AL Central. The Tigers will start Spencer Turnbull today who is 1-4 on the season with a 6.84 ERA. Since his poor start, Turnbull has been good, allowing two runs or fewer in three of his four starts and three runs in the other start. Adam Wainwright will make his first start of the season here today. Wainwright will come off the injured list today to make that start. I have to see him pitch to really think he's worth this price on a last place team. But I do know that Turnbull has been pitching much better and I will take the Tigers as a nice dog.

The Milwaukee Brewers are 18-11 and sit 1.5-games back of the Pirates in the NL Central. They have lost two straight games after losing all three games at Colorado. They will start Corbin Burnes here on Friday who has a 3-1 record in his six starts. Burnes has a 4.01 ERA and 1.129 WHIP. He's coming off one of his best starts where he went six innings vs the Angels and allowed five hits over six innings with just one run. The Giants still trying to climb back to the .500 mark after a 12-17 start. They are five games back of the Dodgers in the NL West and have a -20 run differential on the season. Sean Manaea will make his fifth start here today for the Giants. Manaea is 0-1 with a 7.20 ERA on the season. Manaea has done worse over his last two starts, allowing 10 runs and nine hits over 5 2/3 innings. I'll take the Brewers here on Friday with Burnes. Play Milwaukee.

 The Dodgers and Padres begin a big series here in the NL West from Petco park. The Dodgers are in 1st place in the West, 1.5-games ahead of the D'backs and 2-games ahead of the third place Padres. The Padres welcomed back Fernando Tatis Jr from his suspension this last week. That provides a big life to this Padres offense which has a -9 run differential. The will face a Dodgers team that has been hitting home runs in bunch. Max Muncy hit a walk off grand slam the other night against the Phillies in the LA win, 10-6. The Dodgers are 1st in the NL and 2nd in baseball only to the Rays in home runs (54). The Dodgers also lead the NL in walks (146). The Padres will start Joe Musgrove today. Musgrove makes only his third start with a 1-0 record and 10.80 ERA. He's coming off a bad start vs the Giants where he allowed six hits and seven runs over 3 1/3 innings. The Dodgers will toss veteran Clayton Kershaw. Kershaw is having a fine season with a 5-1 record in his six starts and a 1.89 ERA. He's allowed just one earned run over his last three starts (20 innings) with 24 KO's and just one walk. Kershaw looks a lot like the Kershaw of old and with Musgrove not showing much, I'll take the Dodgers at this low price.

Interleague action here on Friday has the Chicago White Sox taking on the Cincinnati Reds. The Sox are in fourth place in the AL Central with a 10-22 record. The Sox lost in Friday's game vs the Twins, 3-7. The did take two of three from the Twins in that series. Now they had to Cincinnati to take on the Reds. The Reds are in 4th place in the NL Central with a 13-18 record. They also lost on Friday to the Padres, 1-7. They dropped two of three in their series with the Padres. Hunter Greene will start today for the Reds. Greene is 0-1 in his six starts with a 2.89 ERA. Greene has allowed just one run over his last three starts (14 innings). Lance Lynn will start for the Sox with his 0-4 record and 7.16 ERA. Lynn has allowed fewer than four runs just one time in his six starts. I'm taking the Reds with a very hot Greene on the hill.

The Seattle Mariners trying to find that success they had last season are jut 13-16 on the season. They have won two straight games, including Wednesday's game over the A's in extra innings. They will look for the sweep against the A's here on Thursday. One strength of this team has been their bullpen, as they have just a 2.92 overall ERA. George Kirby will make his sixth start here today. Kirby is 2-2 on the season with a 2.94 ERA. That goes down on the road to just 1.29 ERA in his two road starts. The A's continue to struggle with the League's worst record at 6-24. They also have the worst run differential in baseball at -118 runs. Drew Rucinski is 0-1 with just one start coming last week against the Reds where he went just 5 2/3 innings and allowed 11 hits and five runs. Doesn't really matter who the A's start here today, I'm taking the Mariners on the Run Line.

 The Pittsburgh Pirates still surprising many with their first place in the NL Central. They have a great run differential of +45 and while they lost on Wednesday to the Rays they are 7-3 their last 10 games. Vincent Velasquez will start today for the Bucs. Velasquez is 4-2 in his six starts with a 3.06 ERA. He's actually been better on the road with a 3-1 record and 2.38 ERA. In addition, he's allowed no runs over his last two starts (13 innings). The Rays continue to just win. They are now 24-6 and have won seven of their last 10 games. They have the best run differential in baseball with a +106 runs. Zach Eflin looks to improve to 4-0 on the season today. Eflin has a 3.00 ERA in his four starts and has allowed over two runs just one time and that was three runs to the A's. I like both pitchers a lot here and will take the UNDER.

 The Baltimore Orioles continue to put up impressive numbers, going 20-9 and in 2nd place in the AL East. The AL East is the toughest division in baseball with all five teams above the .500 mark. The O's have won three straight games and eight of their last 10. Today, they send Kyle Gibson to the hill. Gibson is 4-0 in his six starts with a 3.93 ERA. The Royals play in one of the weakest divisions in baseball, the AL Central. Only one team, Minnesota, is above the .500 mark. The Royals are last in the division with a 7-23 record and have lost two straight and seven of their last 10. Zack Greinke will toe the rubber today. Greinke is 0-4 in his six starts with a 6.10 ERA. He's coming off his worst start of the season, going 3 2/3 innings vs the Twins, allowing eight hits and seven runs. I will have no issue laying the Run line tonight with the Orioles.

The Pittsburgh Pirates continue to surprise as they still sit atop the NL Central division with a 20-10 record. In fact, only Tampa Bay has more wins this year (24). The Pirates also have the best run differential in the division with a +45 runs. Today, Mitch Keller makes his seven start of the season. Keller has five quality starts this year with a 3.53 ERA. Other than his first start, he has allowed two runs or fewer in four starts and three runs in the other. The Rays have the best record in baseball with a 24-6 mark and have won seven of their last 10 games. Shane McClanahan has been a big part of that with his 5-0 record in six starts and 2.12 ERA. The Bucs are a huge dog here today and I can't resist. They have a very good pitcher on the mound and have been playing great. I'll take a shot with them here today. Play Pittsburgh.

 The Houston Astros are in 2nd place in the AL West with a 16-14 record, 2.5-games back of the Rangers. The Astros have won six of their last 10 games, but lost on Tuesday to the Giants, 0-2. The teams have split their first two games of this series with the rubber game here today. Framber Valdez will start for the Astros today. Valdez is 2-3 in his six starts but has a very good 2.54 ERA. He's been even better at home with a 2.16 ERA though he has a 0-3 record at home in four starts. The Giants are 12-17 and in fourth place in the NL West. They will start Logan Webb here today. Webb is 1-5 in his six starts with a 4.82 ERA. Webb started the season with four straight games where he allowed four run in each game. However, he's gotten much better of late, allowing just two runs in each of his last two games. I'll be on the UNDER here today as both pitchers look to be in much better form. Play UNDER.

Reason: The Minnesota Twins are in first place in what appears to be the weakest division in baseball thus far, the AL Central. The Twins are the only team above .500 at 17-12 and the only team with a plus run differential (+26). The Twins took three of four games from the Royals, including yesterday's game, 8-4. Today, Joe Ryan will get the start. Ryan off to a great start for the Twins at 5-0 with a 2.81 ERA. He's been very good on the road too with a 3-0 record and 2.37 ERA. The White Sox are 8-21 and nine games back of the Twins. They are reeling with a 1-10 record in their last 11 games. Michael Kopech is 0-3 in his five starts with a 7.01 ERA. He's 0-1 in two home starts with a 9.31 ERA. Big difference in starters and teams here today. Everything is on the side of the Twins in this game. I'll lay the Run Line with Minnesota.

The Chicago Cubs look to snap a recent skid they are in, losing three straight games and seven of their last 10 games. The Cubs were swept at Miami over the weekend, losing the final game on Sunday, 3-4. In fact, all three losses were by one run. Drew Smyly will try and turn around their fortunes today. Smyly is 2-1 in his five starts with a 3.21 ERA. Smyly started the season giving up seven runs over 4 2/3 innings to the Reds. Since then, he's allowed a total of four runs over his last four starts (3-1) with 24 KO's and just four walks. The Nationals are in last place in the NL East with a 10-17 record. The Nats lost two of three games to the Pirates over the weekend, but did take Sunday's contest, 7-2. Mackenzie Gore will start today with a 3-1 record in his five starts. He has a 3.00 ERA and 1.296 WHIP. Gore has been very consistent this season, allowing two or one run in each start except one where he allowed three runs. I like Smyly and the way he's pitching here today. Take the Cubs on the RUn Line.

 The Cubs have dropped the first two games of this series, both by just one run. After Friday's 2-3 loss in which they led 2-1, they lost on Saturday 6-7. This time they staked Miami to a 5-0 lead after one inning and never could get full back. The Cubs dropped to 14-12, now 5-games back of division leading Pittsburgh. Miami improved to 15-13 and third place in the NL East, 3.5-games back of the Braves. The Cubbies will start Justin Steeele today. Steele has been their Ace thus far with a 4-0 record and 1.19 ERA with 0.899 WHIP. Steele has only allowed four total runs in five starts. Miami will turn to Bryan Hoeing who is 0-1 with a 9.81 ERA after his only start. Hoeing went just 3 2/3 innings vs the Braves, allowing six hits and four runs in the loss. I like Steele a lot here today and for the Cubs to salvage one game in this series.

Game two of this doubleheader here on Saturday. Vincent Velasquez will get the start in the nightcap. Velasquez is 3-2 in his five starts with a 3.76 ERA. He's coming off a great start, going seven innings vs the Reds and allowing no runs and two hits with 10 KO's and just two walks. CHad Kuhl will toe the rubber for the Nats. Kuhl is 0-1 in his four starts with a lofty 7.36 ERA. He's been worse at home with a 0-1 record in two starts and a 8.38 ERA. I like the Bucs here in the nightcap with Velasquez on the hill. Play Pittsburgh.

Doubleheader on tap today after these teams where rained-out in Friday's game. It hasn't been very often you can say The First Place Pittsburgh Pirates. But, here they sit, with a 18-8 record and 1 game ahead of Milwaukee. They have won nine of their last 10 games and have a +28 Run differential. They will face the Washington National who are in last place in the NL East with a 9-15 record. The Pirates will start Rich Hill here in game one of the doubleheader. Hill is 2-2 with a 4.85 ERA in his five starts. Hill has been slightly better on the road with a 1-1 record and 3.27 ERA. Hill has been even better of late, allowing just two total runs over his last two starts (11 innings) with five walks and 14 KO's. Pat Corbin will start this first game for the Bucs. Corbin is 1-3 in his five starts with a 5.88 ERA. I like this edition of the Bucs, they have excellent hitting and pitching thus far. Play Pittsburgh.

The LA Angels head to Milwaukee to begin their three game set with the Brewers.  The Angels got a score from lowly Oakland on Thursday, holding on for a 8-7 win despite jumping out to a 5-0 lead with. Ohtani on the hill. The Brewers had the day off on Thursday after taking just one of three games in their previous set with Detroit. The Angels are 14-12 and in third place in the AL West and have won three straight games. The Brewers are 16-9 and in 2nd place in the NL Central. They have won six of their last 10 games and have a +28 run differential. Wade Miley takes to the hill for the fifth time this year. Miley is 3-1 with a nifty 1.96 ERA and 0.957 WHIP. He's also 2-0 at home with a 1.64 ERA. The Angels with counter with Tyler Anderson. Anderson is 1-0 in his four starts with a 7.20 ERA. Anderson has not pitched well since his opening start. In his last three starts he has allowed 17 runs over must 14 innings. I like the Brewers and Miley here today. Play Milwaukee. 

The Atlanta Braves and New York Mets look once again to be battling for the NL East title. The Braves are in first place with a 17-9 record and a +39 run differential. The Mets are right behind them with a 15-11 record and a +12 run differential. The Braves will start Max Fried who is 1-0 in his three starts with an excellent 0.60 ERA and 0.933 WHIP. Fried has not allowed a run in his last two starts (11.2/3 innings) and only one run all season. The Mets will counter with David Peterson who his 1-3 in his five starts with a 7.36 ERA. Peterson has allowed 13 runs over his last 11 innings. Fried has been great and I will take him here today. Play Atlanta.

The Baltimore Orioles took Wednesday's game from the Red Sox 6-2. The O's took two of the three game set with the Red Sox as they head to Detroit to open this three game series with the Tigers. Baltimore would be having a great season at 15-8 if not for the division leading Rays overshadowing them in first place. Still the O's off to an excellent start. As for the Tigers, They are 9-13 and in 3rd place in the AL Central. But that placing is more by virtue of the White Sox and Royals doing worse. The O's will start Kyle Gibson tonight and he's having an excellent season at 4-0 fter five starts with a 3.60 ERA. He's coming off a win over these Tigers where he allowed them just two hits over 6 2/3 innings and one run. Joey Wentz still looking for his first win this year for the Tigers after four starts. Wentz is 0-3 with a 7.56 ERA. I like this pitching matchup for the Orioles a lot. Plus Baltimore is just the better overall team. Play Baltimore. 

The Cubs and Padres play game two of their three game set here on Wednesday. The Cubs took game one on Tuesday, 6-0. The win improved the Cubs to 13-9 on the season and snapped a two-game losing streak. The Cubs are in 3rd place in the AL Central and have the best run differential in the National League at +45 runs. The Padres continue to play sub-par baseball despite being a preseason favorite to win the NL West. The Padres dropped to 12-13 overall and third place in the NL West. They also have a -19 run differential this season.  The Cubs will send Drew Smyly to the hill today. Smyly is 2-1 in his four starts with a 3.13 ERA. He has started two games at home and is 1-0 with a 0.71 ERA and 0.316 WHIP. Smyly is coming off a 7 2/3 inning performance vs the Dodgers where he allowed no runs and one hit. He lost his perfect game bid when colliding with catcher Gomes on a dribbler in front of the mound. Smyly opened the season by allowing six runs to the Reds. Since then he has allowed two total runs over his last three starts (18 2/3 innings). The Padres will counter with Michael Wacha today. Wacha is 2-1 in his four starts but has a lofty 7.08 ERA. He's coming off a 4 inning performance at Arizona where he allowed 10 hits and five runs for a no decision. Not really sure how the oddsmaker makes the Padres a small favorite here today. I'll take the gift and laugh all the way to the winner's window. Play the Cubs.  

The Chicago Cubs have dropped two straight games and to third in the NL Central, three-games back of Pittsburgh.  The Cubs have the top run differential in the national league at +39 runs. The Cubs had Monday off as they begin their set at home with San Diego here on Tuesday. The San Diego Padres are just 12-12 on the season and one game back of the Diamondbacks in third place. They have won two straight and have a -13 run differential on the season. The Padres will start Blake Snell here on Tuesday. Snell is 0-3 in his four starts with a 6.00 ERA. Snell has struggled with his control, walking 12 batters compared to just 12 KO's. Justin Steele will toe the rubber today for the Cubbies. Steele is 3-0 in his four starts with a nifty 1.44 ERA. HE's been even better at home with a 1-0 record in two starts and a 0.75 ERA. The Cubs at home today with the much better starter on the hill is who I will be putting my play on. Play the Cubs. 

The Pittsburgh Pirates in a very unfamiliar place as they sit in first place in the NL Central with a 16-7 record. They have won seven straight games and have a +25 run differential. The Bucs get little respect as they are a home dog here today to the LA Dodgers. The Dodgers look to be without one of their hottest hitters and home run bomber in Max Muncy. Muncy is doubtful today as he takes leave from the team on the paternity list. The Dodgers are 12-11 and  a half game back of the Diamondbacks in the NL West. LA will start Noah Syndergaard today who is 0-3 with a 4.91 ERA in his four starts. While he's looked good for stretches he has also look bad at times too. In his one road start, Syndergaard gave up eight hits and six runs in a loss to Arizona. Pittsburgh will counter with Johan Oviedo, who is 2-1 in his four starts with a 2.22 ERA. In his one home start he went 6 2/3 innings, allowing six hits an done run with 10 KO's in a win over the White Sox.  Big edge in starters here to the Bucs today. And without Muncy, a big bat will be silent for the Dodgers. Take Pittsburgh. 

The Baltimore Orioles improved to 14-7 after their 10 inning win over the Tigers on Sunday, 2-1. The O's are in 2nd place in the AL East, 4.5-games back of the fast starting Rays who are 19-3. Baltimore has won six straight games and eight of their last 10 and have a +18 run differential. The O's begin a 3-game set here today with the Boston Red Sox. Dean Kremer will get his fifth start of the season here today. Kremer is 1-0 with a 6.16 ERA on the season. He's coming off his best start, going 6 2/3 innings vs the Nationals, allowing four hits and no runs for the win. The Red Sox got back above the .500 mark after their win over the Brewers on Sunday, 12-5. The Red Sox are still in last place in the AL East, the toughest division in baseball thus far as all five teams are above the .500 mark. Boston has won seven of its last 10 games and has a +11 run differential. Chris Sale makes his fifth start of the season today. Sale is 1-1 with a 8.00 ERA. Like Kremer, Sale is coming off his best start of the season, going six innings vs the Twins and allowing three hits and one run. Both pitchers looking to keep their good momentum going here today. I'll take the basically pick price on the Orioles at home. Play Baltimore. 

The NY Mets fell behind 0-4 after one inning on Saturday to the Giants and never got back in the game, losing 4-7. The Win was just the seventh vs 13 losses for the Giants while the Mets dropped to 14-8 overall. The Giants are in fourth place in the NL West while the are a half game back of first place Atlanta in the NL East. The Mets took the first two game sin this series by a 16-4 combined score before losing game three on Saturday. Now it's the final game on Sunday and the Mets will look for the series win behind Tylor Megill. Megill is 3-1 on the season with a 3.00 ERA. He has not allowed more than three runs in any one of his previous four starts. The Giants will start one-time Dodger Ross Stripling today. Stripling has started since April 2nd and that was just five innings in a 0-6 loss to the Yankees where he allowed six hits and four runs. Stripling was moved to the bullpen after that poor outing and returns to the starting lineup today because Alex Wood has been put on the 15-day DL.  I don't like the way Stripling has pitched, either starting or from the pen. Megill has look very good and he's the one I'll put my money on here on Sunday. Play the Mets. 

The St Louis Cardinals lost on Saturday at Seattle, 4-5. The Cards led 3-1 into the 6th before Seattle scored two in the 6th and the winning two runs in the seventh. The Cardinals have now lost the first two in this series as they will turn to Jack Flaherty to salvage the rubber game here on Sunday. Flaherty is 1-2 in his four starts with a nice 2.95 ERA. He allowed only three total runs in his first three starts before giving up four runs in his loss last time out to Arizona. The Mariners can get back to the .500 mark with a win here today and a series sweep of St Louis. The will send struggling Chris Flexen to the hill today. Flexen not looking like the pitcher he was last season. He's compiled a 9.45 ERA in his three starts and is 0-3 in the process. Today I will take the Cardinals to salvage one game in the series as they have the much more consistent pitcher on the hill. Take St Louis.

Arizona had little trouble taking Friday's contest, 9-0. That win evened the series with the Padres at 1-1 and snapped a 2-game losing streak for the D'backs. Arizona will send Merrill Kelly to the mound today. Kelly is 1-2 in his four starts with a 3.37 ERA. Kelly is coming off a nice start at St Louis, allowing five hits and one run over six innings for the win.  The Padres will look to get one game closer to the .500 mark here tonight. They will start Joe Musgrove for the first time this season. Musgrove was 10-7 last year with a 2.93 ERA. This will be his first start back in the big league's since breaking his toe back in last February. Musgrove made two rehab starts in Class A Lake Elsinore. I'll have to see how Musgrove is in his return before I can put money on him. But Kelly has been good and that's what I will stick with here today. Play Arizona. 

The Houston Astros took Friday's game one against the Atlanta Braves, 6-4, rallying late from a 1-4 deficit. The Astros have alternated wins and losses over their last eight games, going 4-4. Framber Valdez will make his fifth start here today. Valdez is 1-2 with a 1.80 ERA and 1.160 WHIP. Valdez has not allowed more than two runs in any of his four starts this season. In addition, he has 25 KO's to just eight walks. The Atlanta Braves had their eight game winning streak snapped by Houston on Friday.  Six of those winning coming against the Reds and Royals. Kyle Wright makes his third start of the season. Wright has no record with a 6.23 ERA and 1.730 WHIP. One issue thus far for Wright is control, as he's walked seven batters over just 8 2/3 total innings. I'll take the Astros here on Saturday with Valdez have that excellent 1.80 ERA. Play Houston. 

The Milwaukee Brewers look to rebound here on Saturday after dropping Friday's contest to the Red Sox, 3-5. The Brewers remained in first place in the NL Central with a 14-6 record and a very good +33 Run differential. The Boston Red Sox got above the .500 mark for the first time this year as they sit 11-10 but in last in the AL East. They have won two straight games and have a +5 run differential. Garrett Whitlock will make his third start for the Red Sox. Whitlock is 1-1 with a 4.50 ERA in his previous two starts. Wade Miley gets the call for the Brewers. Miley is 2-1 after three starts with a 1.50 ERA and 0.944 WHIP. Miley has allowed three total runs and those gcame in his loss to the D'backs in his second start. I like Miley and the first place Brewers here today. Play Milwaukee. 

The Pittsburgh Pirates took Friday's with the Reds, 4-2. That makes two straight wins against Cincinnati after Thursday's 4-3 win. That also ran the Bucs win streak to five straight. Rich Hill will make his fifth start of the season here today for Pitt. Hill is 1-2 with a 5.57 ERA and 1.333 WHIP. Hill coming off his best start at Colorado, going six innings, allowing one run to get the win. He's now allowed just three runs over his las 12 innins of work. Cincinnati lost its fourth game in row on Friday. They have scored just five runs over the last four games during their losing streak. Luis Cessa will toe the rubber today for the Reds. Cessa is 0-2 in his three starts with a 13.50 ERA and 2.750 ERA. Cessa was roughed-up last start, going just three innings and allowing 14 hits and 11 runs to the Phillies. I'll take the Pirates today with Hill looking very good over his last two starts and Cessa getting hit hard. Take Pittsburgh. 

The Arizona Diamondbacks are surprisingly in 1st place in the NL West with a 11-8 record. They lost to the Padres on Thursday, 5-7. The D'backs do have a negative run differential of -7 despite their winning record. Arizona looks to snap a two-game losing streak here tonight and they will turn to Zac Gallen. Gallen is 2-1 on the season with a 3.33 ERA and 0.945 WHIP. After a shaky first two games of the season, Gallen has been great, going 2-0 and allowing just five hits and no runs over his last 13 2/3 innings. A lot was expected of both the Dodgers and Padres as most thought they would be the teams to beat. But both teams have struggled, including the Padres who are 9-11 to start the season. Seth Lugo makes his fourth start today for the Padres. Lugo has been very good also this season with a 2-0 record and 2.70 ERA. He allowed three runs in 3 2/3 innings in his last start vs the Brewers for the no decision. Should be a very good pitcher's duel here today. I'll take the home team in this one. Play Arizona.

The LA Dodgers not coming close to their early season success of last year. With all the free agency losses and little to replace them with other then retreads, the Dodgers look average at best thus far. Sure, they are leading the league in home runs, but that's about it. They are 9-10 and in 2nd place in a surprisingly weak NL West. The Dodgers bullpen, a strength last year, has not been good either. The pen has a 5.01 ERA, 6.45 on the road. Mookie Betts could return here today as he's missed the last few games on paternity leave. Michael Grove makes his fourth start today. Grove has a 0-1 record with a 9.00 ERA. He did have his best start last games, going 5 2/3 innings vs these Cubs and allowing two hits and one run for a no decision. The Cubs have looked good thus far, going 11-6 and riding a four-game win streak. They have the best run differential in the N.L at +39 runs. Jameson Taillon will make his fourth start today. Taillon is 0-2 with a 4.50 ERA. He's coming off his best start of the season, allowing just two hits and no runs to the Dodgers in a no decision. Dodgers not instilling a lot of confidence in me with their hitting and their pitching. I'll take the Cubs here today.

The Texas Rangers sit in 1st place in the AL West with their 11-6 record. They have the second best run differential in the A.L at +34 and have won seven of their last 10 games. Martin Perez makes his fourth start of the season today. Perez is 2-1 with a 2.87 ERA and 1.595 ERA. Perez has allowed just five earned runs total in his 15 2/3 innings of work. Meanwhile, the Royals are last in the AL Central with a 4-14 record. They have lost five in a row and eight of the last 10 games. They also have one of the worst run differentials at -42 runs. Brady Singer makes his fourth start today. Singer is 1-1 with a 7-88 ERA and 1.438 WHIP. Singer had a excellent first start, but has since been hit hard, allowing 13 runs over his last 11 innings. I like the Rangers here today at this excellent price. Play Texas.

The Cubs rolled yesterday over the A's, winning 10-1. The Win increased their record to 9-6 and 8-3 over their last 11 games. The Cubs also have a nifty +25 Run differential. Marcus Stroman will make his fourth start today. Stroman is 2-1 on the season with a 1.00 ERA and 1.000 WHIP. He's allowed just two runs over his 18 innings. The Rockies dropped to 5-13 on the season and their run differential is a whopping -47 as they have lost seven straight and nine of their last 11 games. The A's will start Ken Waldichuk or the fourth time this year. He has a 0-2 record with a 10.20 ERA and 1.933 WHIP. Waldichuk has been hit hard and Stroman has been great. I'm laying the Run Line here today with the Cubs.

The Colorado Rockies return home here today after being swept at Seattle. The Rockies lost Sunday's game at Seattle, 0-1. The Rockies are in last place in the NL West with a 5-11 record and have now lost five straight and seven of their last 10. Pittsburgh took a 4-3 lead into the bottom of the 10th inning but couldn't hold on as they lost 4-5 to the Cardinals. Pitt dropped to 9-7 on the season. Kyle Freeland will make his third start of the season with a 2-0 record and 0.96 ERA and 0.964 WHIP. Freeland has been the best Rockies pitcher, allowing 10 hits and two runs over 12 2/3 innings. Rich Hill makes his fourth start for the Bucs and is 0-2 with a 7.20 ERA in his 15 innings of work. He's allowed 16 hits and 12 runs thus far. I like Freeland a lot here on Monday. Take the Rockies

The Baltimore Orioles look to keep their head above the .500 line today with a win. The O's are 8-7 after their loss to the Sox on Saturday, 6-7 in 10 innings. The loss snapped a two-game win streak. They are now 4-2 over their last six games. Grayson Rodriguez starts today for the third time. G-Rod has no record with his 6.75 ERA, allowing seven runs over 9 1/3 innings of work. The Chicago White Sox are 6-9 thus far. Their win on Saturday snapped a three game losing streak. Dylan Cease looks to be the standout on the staff thus far with a 2-0 record in his three starts. Cease has a stellar 1.65 ERA and 0.796 WHIP. He's allowed one earned run in each of his starts. Cease looks to be the Ace and I'll take him here on Sunday. Play Chicago.

The Pittsburgh Pirates are shocking everyone thus far as they are out to a 9-6 start and in 2nd place in the NL Central. Almost as shocking is the St Louis Cardinals 6-9 start and last place in the division. The Pirates won Saturday's game with the Cards, 6-3, in 10 innings. They lead this four game set 2-1 and look for the sweep here on Sunday. Mitch Keller gets his third start and is 1-0 thus far with a 3.57 ERA. He's coming off a six inning performance vs Houston, allowing six hits and two runs in a no decision. The Red Birds will counter with Miles Mikolas, who is 0-1 in his two starts with a 10.05 ERA and 2.233 WHIP. He went five innings in his last start at Colorado, allowing 10 hits and six runs in a no decision. Pirates too good thus far and Mikolas too bad thus far to be laying this big a price. I'll take the value dog in the Pirates.

Two teams doing much better than expected meet here today as the Arizona Diamondbacks take on the Miami Marlins. The Marlins are 8-7 and bring a 4-game win streak into today's contest. They are also 7-3 their last 10 games. The Marlins also get their ACE on the hill today in Sandy Alcantara. Alcantara is 1-1 with a 5.78 ERA. Alcantara was magical in his first start, going nine innings and holding the Twins to just three hits and no runs. But he lost it in his 2nd start vs Philly, giving up nine runs and 10 hits over just 4 innings. The Diamondbacks are tied for first place in the NL West with the Dodgers at 8-7. The D'backs have lost two straight to the Marlins, losing 1-5 on Friday and then 2-3 on Saturday. They will send Zac Gallen to the hill. Gallen is 1-1 in his three starts with a 4.58 ERA and 1.188 WHIP. He's coming off his best start, going seven innings vs the Brewers and allowing just three hits and no runs for the win. Should be a very good pitcher's duel here today. I'll take Alcantara though who should bounce back from that poor performance. Take Miami.

LA Angels are 7-6 on the season and in 2nd place in the AL West. They are 5-5 over their last 10 games. The Angels opened this four game set with the Red Sox with a loss yesterday, 3-5. Tyler Anderson gets his third start of the season here today. Anderson is 1-0 and coming off a no decision vs the Blue Jays where he went 4 2/3 innings and allowed seven hits and five runs. That makes him with a 4.22 ERA and 1.406 WHIP. The Red Sox off to a tough start at 6-8 overall. They are 4-6 last 10 games but did beat the Angels yesterday. That snapped a four game losing streak by the Sox. Nick Pivetta starts today for the third time. Pivetta is 0-1 with a 0.90 ERA and 1.100 WHIP. Pivetta has pitched well with just six hits and one earned run over his 10 innings of work. I like Pivetta to keep that good pitching going here today. Take the Red Sox.

Interleague action here today has the San Francisco Giants traveling to Detroit to take on the Tigers. The Tigers are last in the AL Central with a 3-9 record, though they did beat Toronto yesterday. Still, they have a -40 run differential this year. Joey Wentz makes his third start of the season. He's coming off a terrible start where he went 1 2/3 innings and allowed five runs. That makes 7 total innings with eight earned runs this season. San Francisco is 5-7 on the season and in 4th in the NL West. They are coming off their series with the Dodgers where they lost two of three games. Sean Manaea will make his second start today. Manaea went six innings and allowed three hits and one run to the Royals in a no decision. I like Manaea here today. I'll take the Giants.

The Toronto Blue Jays are off to a good start at 8-4. But unfortunately they are in the same division as the 12-0 Rays. They have also won three straight games. The Detroit Tigers it's just more of the same thus far with a 2-9 record and six straight losses. They also have the 2nd worst run differential in the AL with a -42 runs. Spencer Turnbull will start today for the Tigers with a 0-2 record after two starts. He's allowed 15 hits and 12 runs over just 8 innings of work. The Jays will counter with Chris Bassitt. Bassitt is 1-1 after two starts with a 10.61 ERA. After allowing nine runs in 3 1/3 innings of his initial start, he settled down at the Angels, allowing two hits and two earned runs over six innings. I'll lay the Run Line today with the Jays and Bassitt.

The San Diego Padres and NY Mets conclude their three-game series here today from New York. The teams have split the first two games with the Padres winning game two yesterday, 4-2 and the Mets taking the opener, 5-0. The Padres are 7-5 overall and tied for first in the NL West with Arizona. Blake Snell will make his 3rd start here today. Snell went 3 2/3 innings in his last start at Atlanta, allowing six hits and four runs in a no decision. Snell lost his opening start to Colorado, 2-7, allowing six hits and three runs over 4 1/3 innings. The Mets are 6-6 and in 2nd place in the NL East. Tylor Megill makes his third start and looks to improve to 3-0 on the season today. Megill has gone 11 total innings and allowed nine hits and just two runs. I like Megill here today while Snell hasn't looked good in either start. Play the Mets.

These teams opened their series on Monday with the Rockies taking game one, 7-4 as a small dog. The Cardinals fell to 3-7 overall and are in last place in the NL Central. They have lost two straight and have a -9 run differential. Mile Mikolas will make his second start of the season. Mikolas went six innings vs the Braves to start the season, allowing nine hits and five runs to get the loss. The Rockies won their second straight game to improve to 5-6 in the NL West. Kyel Freeland looks to make it a 3-0 start to his season. Freeland has won both his starts, opening with a win at San Diego and then vs the Nationals. He's gone 10 innings and allowed seven hits and no runs in the process. Yet, here is Freeland and the Rockies a big home dog. I'll take Freeland who has been great and take the nice dog price in the process. Take Colorado.

These clubs opened their series on Monday with the White Sox taking game one, 4-3. The win improved the Sox to 5-6 and 3rd place in the AL Central, while the Twins dropped to 6-4 and remain in 2nd place. Lance Lynn will make his second start of the season for the White Sox. Lynn went 4 1/3 innings in his first start vs the Giants, taking the loss after allowing nine hits and eight runs. The Twins will counter with Pablo Lopez who also makes his second start. Lopez went seven innings in his first start at Miami, allowing just three hits and one run in a no decision. Big edge here to Lopez who looked great in his opener. I'll take the Twins to rebound here on Tuesday.

The 3-7 Washington Nationals will travel to the LA Angels tonight. The Angels are 5-4 and tied for first in the AL West. The Angels lost a shootout on Sunday to the Blue Jays, 11-12. The Halos scored 27 runs in their four game set with Toronto, but could only get a split of the four game series. The Angels have also been a good over team, going 5-3-1 in their nine games. Jose Suarez gets his second start tonight. Suarez went just 4 1/3 innings vs Seattle in his season debut, allowing eight hits and seven runs and was collared with the loss. The Nationals split their last series at Colorado, scoring 23 runs over the last three games. They have also gone over in five of their last six games. Their bullpen has been bad, posting a 5.45 ERA and a 6.94 road ERA. Pat Corbin gets the start after going 0-2 in his first two games. Corbin has an 8.00 ERA after two games with a 2.22 WHIP. This has all the markings of another big scoring game. Take the OVER.

 The St Louis Cardinals are off to a slow start this season as they sit in last place in the NL Central with a 3-6 record. The Cards dropped two their three games to the Brewers, including Sunday's 1-6 setback. Steven Matz will get his second start of the season here today. Matz went just 5 1/3 innings in his first start vs the Braves, allowing 10 hits and four runs for the loss. The Rockies have won just four of their first 10 games and are in last in the NL West. They split their series at home with the Nationals, taking the first and last games of the set. That includes yesterday's win, 7-6. German Marquez makes his third start of the season. He is 1-1 after winning his debut with vs the Padres, 7-2 and then losing his last start at the Dodgers, 2-5. Marquez went 5 1/3 innings and allowed four runs in that loss. Marquez would be considered the teams Ace, and losing at the Dodgers isn't unexpected. He returns home today and is a dog vs a Cardinals team I wouldn't have been surprised had he been the favorite. I look for him and the Rockies to get the win vs the Cards.

The AL West doesn't seem to have any one team making a run as of yet as the top four teams are 1.5 games separation. That includes the Mariners who are 4-6. The M's took two of three games from their set with the Guardians, losing Sunday's game, 6-7. Luis Castillo makes his third start of the season. Castillo has been brilliant thus far, going 11 2/3 total innings and allowing just three total hits and NO runs with 12 KO's and two walks. The Cubs are 4-4 to start the season. Chicago took two of their three games from the Rangers, but lost Sunday 2-8. Drew Smyly makes his second start after a bad first one. He went 4 2/3 innings vs the Reds, allowing nine hits and seven runs for the loss. I like Castillo a lot who looks to be in mid-season for here already. Play the Mariners.

The Brewers lost for just the second time this season against six wins with their setback on Saturday to the Cardinals, 0-6. The game looked much more even then the -1.55 line on the Cardinals, but the line proved strong. Now the Brewers, who had their six game win streak snapped, look to get back to winning here today. Freddy Peralta makes his second start of the season. He went six strong innings in his first start vs the Mets, allowing just two hits over six innings for no runs in the win. He'll go against the 3-5 Cardinals today who will counter with Jake Woodford. Woodford lost his first start to the Braves, 4-8, giving up seven hits and six runs over his 4 1/3 innings of work. I look for the Brewers to get back to winning here on Sunday. Play Milwaukee.

This is a confusing game for me. You have St Louis Cardinals who are 2-5 on the season on the road at 6-1 Milwaukee. Yet, the Cardinals are a -1.55 favorite. The Cards Jordan Montgomery did look pretty good in his first start, going five innings and allowing six hits and three runs to the BlueJays for the win. The Brewers only loss came on opening day to the Cubs. Since then they are 6-0 and hove three shutouts in their last four games!! Eric Lauer looked good in his first start, going 5 1/3 innings against the Cubs, allowing five hits and two runs. So why are the Cardinals a 1.55 favorite on the road? I have no idea, but I'm taking the Brewers here on Saturday.

Oddsmakers made this one basically a pick'em between slumping Houston and Minnesota. I have to disagree with them as I made the Twins a much higher favorite, mainly due to Joe Ryan of the Twins. Ryan had a fine first start, allowing just three hits and one run over six innings to get the win. The Twins are 5-2 on the season after taking game one of this series on Friday, 3-2. The pitching and bullpen as been excellent, allowing two runs or fewer in four of their six games. Houston is off to a slow 3-5 start after losing four of their last five games. Luis Garcia making his second start after taking the loss in game one vs the White Sox, 3-6. Garcia went five innings, allowed seven hits and three runs in the loss. I like the Twins here today with Ryan on the hill.

The LA Angels are tied for first in the AL West with the Rangers at 4-2 overall. The Angels are coming off a 2-1 series win over the Mariners. Patrick Sandoval gets his second start of the season tonight. Sandoval won his first start, going five innings and allowing two hits and one run to the A's. Toronto is 4-3 in the AL East trying not to let 6-0 Tampa Bay run away early. After losing two of three to the Cardinals to open the season, the Jays took three of four from the Royals. Chris Bassitt looks to rebound from a poor opening performance. Bassitt went just 3 1/3 innings vs St Louis, allowing 10 hits and nine earned runs in the loss. I like the Angels at home with the better starter on the mound. Play LA

 Interleague action here today has the Texas Rangers playing at the Chicago Cubs. The Rangers have the early lead in the AL West with a 4-2 record. They also have the best run differential in the division at +14 runs. They are coming off a win vs Baltimore on Wednesday, 5-2, snapping a two-game losing streak. Nathan Eovaldi will get the start today, his second of the season. Eovaldi went five innings in his first start against the Phillies for the WIN, allowing six hits and three runs. The Cubs are 2-3 on the season. The Cubs got rained out on Wednesday so Marcus Stroman, today's starter, got an extra day of rest. Stroman got the opening day win over Milwaukee, 4-0, going six innings, allowing three hits and striking out 8 batters. I'm going to take the Cubs here on Friday at home with a very good Stroman on the hill. Play Cubs.

The Washington Nationals hit the road for the first time this season as they travel to Colorado. They are coming off a opening season home stand that found them 1-5 and outscored 17 to 38 in the process. They will send Josiah Gray to the hill today. Gray opened the season with a loss to the Braves, going five innings and allowing seven hits and five runs. The Rockies are 2-4 to start the season and play their first home game after a six game stint to open the season on the road. The Rockies opened with two wins before dropping their last four games. Kyle Freeland, who got one of those wins, makes his second start here today. Freeland went six innings and allowed just three hits and no runs to the Padres. He will face a much weaker hitting team today in the Nats. I like the Rockies with Freeland who should have little trouble with this game. Play Colorado.

Tampa Bay is the only undefeated team left in baseball at 5-0. They also have a mind blowing +26 run differential, as they have scored 37 runs and allowed just 11 on the season. They look to sweep this series with the Nationals after taking the first two games. Today then send Shane McClanahan back to the hill. He started on opening day and went six solid innings for the win over the Tigers. He allowed just four hits and one walk in the win. The Nationals are just 1-4 to start the season. They have a -16 run differential and have scored just 15 runs in five games. Pat Corbin makes his second start of the season. Corbin went just three innings in his season debut vs the Braves, allowing seven hits and four runs over just three innings. I will gladly lay the Run-Line here today in what looks like a Tampa Bay blowout win.

 The Atlanta Braves off to a 3-1 start after four games. The Braves took two of three from the Nationals to open the season. They opened this set with the Cardinals winning last night, 8-4. Dylan Dodd will toe the rubber for the first time this season. In fact, he makes his major league debut here tonight. Meanwhile the Cardinals are 2-2 to start the season. They took two of three from the Blue Jays to open the season and lost the opener here last night. They have gone over in three of their four games thus far. They have also scored at least four runs in each game. Steven Matz will make his first start this year. Matz was 5-3 with a 5.25 ERA last year. Neither pitcher all that great here today and the way both teams have been hitting, this looks like an over to me.

 The San Francisco Giants continue their interleague play here on Monday after a 3-game set at the Yankees to open the season. The Giants lost two of the three games to the Yankees. Today, they will open by sending Anthony Desclafani to the hill. Desclafani was 0-2 in limited action last year with a 6.63 ERA and 2.00 WHIP. The White Sox split their four game set with the Astros to open the season. They took the fourth game on Sunday 6-3 with Clevinger. Michael Kopech will start here today for the Sox. He was 5-9 last year with a 3.54 ERA and 1.19 WHIP. Kopech was 2-5 at home last year with a 3.01 ERA. I'm going to stick with the White Sox here today. Neither starter showed much last year, but Kopech had a decent home ERA last year.

 Toronto and St Louis have split the first two games of this 3-game set. The Jays took the opening game 10-9 and then lost game two on Saturday, 1-4. Chris Bassitt will start today for the Blue Jays. Bassitt was 15-9 last season with a 3.42 ERA and 1.14 WHIP. Jordan Montgomery will start for the Cards. He was 9-6 last season with a 3.48 ERA and 1.09 WHIP. Montgomery was much better at home last year, posting a 7-2 record and 3.31 ERA. I'll take the Cardinals here on Sunday.

The Mets and Marlins have split the first two games of this four-game set. The Mets won on opening day, 5-3 and then lost last night 1-2. The Mets will start Tylor Megill today. Megill was 4-1 last year with a 5.13 ERA and 1.25 WHIP. The Marlins will send Edward Cabrera to the hill today. Cabrera was 6-4 last year with a 3.01 ERA. Marlins are a small dog here at home today. With Megill on the hill for the Mets I like the Marlins in this one. Play Miami.

 The Braves opened their season on Thursday with a convincing win over the Nationals, 7-2. I had them on the Run line in that opening game. They took off yesterday and resume here today against the Nat. They will start Spencer Strider, who was 11-5 last year with a 2.67 ERA. The Nationals will start Josiah Gray, who was 7-10 last year with a 5.02 ERA. Braves expected to contend for the division title again this year. I will lay the Run Line with the Braves again here on Saturday.

 The Braves opened their season on Thursday with a convincing win over the Nationals, 7-2. I had them on the Run line in that opening game. They took off yesterday and resume here today against the Nat. They will start Spencer Strider, who was 11-5 last year with a 2.67 ERA. The Nationals will start Josiah Gray, who was 7-10 last year with a 5.02 ERA. Braves expected to contend for the division title again this year. I expect the Braves to get plenty of runs again here today. I'll take the OVER.

The Dodgers lost a lot of offensive firepower in the offseason so it will be interesting to see what effect that has on them. The did pick up JD Martinez who will be the DH, but he had a poor spring training. Two rookies will fill the lineup and a big downgrade at shortstop. The Dodgers finished the Spring with a 14-13 record and lost seven of their last nine games. Arizona looked decent in the spring with a 16-14 record and won their last three and six of the last nine. Zac Gallen starts for the D'backs after a excellent 2022 season that saw him go 12-4 with a 2.54 ERA. Julio Urias gets the start for the Dodgers after a 17-7 mark last season and 2.16 ERA. A bit of a steep line here tonight for the Dodegers with all the questions still lingering. I'll take the dog with Gallen on the hill. Play Arizona.

The St Louis Cardinals concluded the spring training with the best win percentage in the Grapefruit League at 17-7 (.708). They won five of their last six games. As for the Blue Jays, they finished 17-15 and a .531 win percentage. The Jays lost four straight to conclude the preseason. Alan Manoah will start for the Jays today. Manoah had a fine year in 2022 with a 16-7 record and 2.24 ERA. The Cards will counter with Miles Mikolas. Mikolas was 12-13 last year with a 3.29 ERA. Cards a small home dog here to start the season. I'll take St Louis here on opening day at this nice price. Play St Louis.

The Braves one of the better teams in the preseason, ended up 2nd in the Grapefruit league with a 18-10 record. They finished the preseason with five straight wins and eight of the last nine. As for the Washington Nationals, they ended with a 13-12 mark and 4-4 down the stretch. Max Fried gets the start today for the Braves after a 14-7 mark last year and 2.48 ERA. The Nationals counter with Patrick Corbin who was 6-19 last year with a 6.31 ERA. Atlanta a big favorite here today, so I'll lay the Run Line with the Braves in this early game.

The Houston Astros are one game away from being World Series Champions. Coach Dusty Baker has been a big league manager for over 20-years and this would be his first Championship as a manager. Standing in the way will be Zack Wheeler for the Phillies. Wheeler is 13-9 overall this season and 3-2 in the postseason. Wheeler had his first bad start this postseason in this series vs the Astros where he went five innings and gave up six hits and four earned runs for the loss. Framber Valdez will try and lock in the championship for the Astros. Valdez is 19-6 overall on the season. He has three postseason starts and has allowed just three runs during that span (19 innings) with 18 KO's and just six walks. The Astros have won all three of his postseason starts. It was a good run for the Phillies, but I believe it ends here tonight. Play the Astros.

We won our World Series Game of the Year on Wednesday with the Astros as Cristiano Javier and the Astros bullpen combined for a NO-hitter en route to a 5-0 win and tied the series at 2-2. Today, Justin Verlander is back on the mound. Verlander had one of his rare bad outings last time out vs the Phillies when he allowed five runs over six innings as the Astros lost 5-6. Today, he's back to redeem himself and get back to that ERA that is 2.18 on the season an d a 19-4 record. The Phillies had five home runs in game three then couldn't get a hit in game four. Noah Syndergaard was scheduled to start earlier in the series but that game got postponed. Now he's back to start only his second postseason game. His first came vs the Braves where he went just three innings and allowed one hit and one run. Syndergaard is just 10-10 on the season with a 3.98 ERA. I look for Verlander to come back with a good game here as he shuts down the Phillies. Play Houston.

Houston hadn't lost a postseason game until the World Series. Now they find themselves down 1-2 in this best of seven series. The Phillies used the long ball to rout the Astros on Tuesday, 7-0. Bryce Harper got it started with a 2-run shot and the Phils added four more round trippers. The Astros find this to be a pivotal game here as they can ill afford to go down 1-3 in the World Series. They turn to arguably their hottest pitcher in Cristian Javier. Javier is 12-8 on the season, however he's gone five straight starts without allowing a run. That includes a one hit effort over the Yankees in the ALCS that the Astros won 5-0. His streak is now 28 2/3 innings without allowing a run to go with 34 KO's and just 9 walks. The Phillies turn to Aaron Nola who is 13-14 overall on the season. Nola makes his fifth postseason start tonight. He's 2-1 in the postseason. Nola got roughed up in his last two starts, allowing five runs in 4 1/3 innings to the Astros and six runs in 4 2/3 innings to the Padres. That's 11 runs over his last nine innings. I really like the way Javier has pitched and this is a great price and spot for the Astros. My World Series Game of the Year is on the Houston Astros in Game 4. 

The World Series is tied at 1-1 as the venue moves to the city of Brotherly love. Yesterday's game was postponed to today so both teams got an extra day of rest. The Phillies have also wrestled away home field, at least for now. The Phillies took game one in Houston, 6-5 in extra innings. They did the improbable, coming from a 0-5 deficit against Justin Verlander to tie the game and force extra innings. The Astros had little difficulty in game two, jumping out to an early 3-0 lead before cruising to a 5-2 win. Lance McCullers Jr will toe the rubber for the Astros in game three. He has had two postseason starts, going 11 innings, allowing 10 hits and four runs with 13 KO's and three walks. He also pitched against the Phillies on October 3, going six innings and allowing six hits and one run in a 0-3 loss. Noah Syndergaard was set to start this game on Monday, but being moved to Tuesday. Ranger Suarez will now start game two for the Phils. Suarez had two post season starts, going 3 1/3 innings vs the Braves, allowing three hits and one run but five walks. Then he went five innings vs the Padres and gave up just two runs over five innings. Didn't really matter to me who starts here for the Phillies in game three. I'll be on the Astros here today as they regain home field advantage. Play Houston.