Chicago Cubs at New York Mets 7:10 ET

Mets over Cubs- The Mets won for just the third time in nine games. The Cubs have lost three of their past four. After losing their first six games the Mets have moved over .500 with Tuesday’s 4-2 win over the Cubs and have their mojo working. New York has won four of six and will send Jose Butto (0-1, 2.86 ERA) to the hill and he has been outstanding. He has surrendered just 12 hits in 22 innings with 25 strikeouts. Take NY METS!

New York at Baltimore 6:40 ET

Yankees over Orioles- New York Yankees left-hander Nestor Cortes looks to continue his success against the host Baltimore Orioles when the teams play the middle game of a three-game series on Tuesday. Cortes (1-2, 3.50 ERA) is 4-0 with a 1.99 ERA in nine games, seven starts, versus the Orioles. It is his best ERA against any team he has faced more than once. Cortes has gone seven or more innings in three of his six starts. Right-hander Dean Kremer (1-2, 4.61 ERA) will make his sixth start of the season for Baltimore. Kremer earned his first win in his most recent outing, when he limited the Los Angeles Angels to two runs on three hits over 5 1/3 innings on Wednesday. Kremer is 2-3 with a 5.04 ERA in nine lifetime starts vs. the Yankees. Take NEW YORK!

Chicago Cubs at Boston 7:10 ET

Cubs over Red Sox- The Boston Red Sox look to build upon a season-high offensive performance when they conclude a three-game weekend series against the Chicago Cubs on Sunday night. Boston's Tanner Houck (3-2, 1.65 ERA) returns to the mound for the first time since taking a Tuesday loss at Cleveland despite throwing six scoreless innings and then allowing two in the seventh. The righty allowed just five hits and three walks while striking out four. The Cubs had their four-game win streak snapped and were shut out for the first time this season on Saturday. Just one of their five hits went for extra bases. For Chicago right-hander Hayden Wesneski (2-0, 0.00) will make his first start since last July and his first career start against the Red Sox. He has thrown 6 1/3 scoreless, one-hit innings as a reliever this season. Take CHICAGO CUBS!

New York Yankees at Milwaukee 8:10 ET

Yankees over Brewers- Having won five of seven games on the road, the Milwaukee Brewers will turn to right-hander Colin Rea in an effort to keep their surge going when they return home to open a three-game series Friday night against the New York Yankees. Rea (2-0, 2.08 ERA) will be opposed by Yankees right-hander Luis Gil (1-1, 2.75). The Brewers are 12-4 on the road this season, tying the best road start in franchise history (2014). He is 1-0 with a 2.53 ERA in two career starts against New York. Opponents are batting just .125 this season against Gil, who spent all of 2023 on the injured list after elbow surgery. Take NEW YORK YANKEES!

Seattle at Texas 8:00 ET

Rangers over Mariners- On Thursday, Mariners right-hander Luis Castillo (1-4, 4.40 ERA), coming off his first victory on Saturday vs. Colorado is set to take the mound against Rangers lefty Andrew Heaney (0-2, 6.35). Castillo is 0-3 with a 4.91 ERA in three previous starts against Texas. Heaney is 4-7 with a 4.18 ERA in 20 appearances (18 starts) vs. Seattle. With the Mariners favored here the bent-nose guys like the visitor...take SEATTLE!

Philadelphia at Cincinnati 6:40 ET

Reds over Phillies- I have to admit I think that I am looking to play on the Reds as they seem to have come up on my board numerous time already. And I know the reason! It is Elly De La Cruz who to me is the most exciting position player in baseball. Every night I check to box scores and I see last night he hit his seventh dinger of the year and I still can figure why he is batting in the six hole. What that says to me is that Cincinnati must have a deep hitting team and yet they are hitting .221 ranking 17th but they rae 7th in runs score. I’d still like Elly hitting higher in the lineup because his a blur on the bases.  Lefty Nick Lodolo (2-0, 0.75 ERA) has 16 K’s, 1 BB, 1 ER in 12 innings will love the support against Phillies Spencer Turnbull who has turn things around after five years in Detroit where he never won more than four games once lost 17 and totaled just 12 wins and had an ERA of 7.26 last season. Take CINCINNATI!

Seattle at Texas 8:00 ET

Mariners over Rangers-The Mariners had a streak of eight consecutive quality starts, six or more innings pitched with three or fewer earned runs allowed snapped in the opening game of a doubleheader Sunday in Colorado. George Kirby pitched five scoreless innings before leaving with mild arm soreness. In the past 10 games, Seattle starters have a 1.44 ERA with nine walks and 64 strikeouts and have limited opponents to a .175 batting average. Logan Gilbert (1-0, 2.33 ERA) are scheduled to start tonight and he is 2-2 with a 2.88 ERA in 10 career starts against the Rangers. Take SEATTLE!

Philadelphia at Cincinnati 6:40 ET

Reds over Phillies- Winners of 14 of their first 22 games and six in a row, the Phillies are off to their best start since 2018. The Phillies will send left-hander Ranger Suarez (3-0, 1.73 ERA) to the mound, making his fifth start of the season. In his most recent start, on Tuesday against the Colorado Rockies, Suarez threw his second career shutout and first since 2021. He allowed seven hits, striking out eight and walking one in Philadelphia's 5-0 win. Suarez is 1-0 with a 2.86 ERA in seven career appearances (three starts) against Cincinnati. The Reds will counter with Hunter Greene (0-1, 4.35 ERA), making his fifth start of the season and second of his career against the Phillies. In his only other appearance vs. them, Greene allowed two runs on five hits over 4 2/3 innings in a 5-2 loss on April 7, 2023. Greene's 346 career strikeouts are the most by a Reds starting pitcher over his first 50 career starts since the mound was moved to its current distance in 1893. Like the Phillies, the Reds are off to their best start in years. At 12-9, it marks Cincinnati's best 21-game start since the team also opened 2013 at 12-9. Take CINCINNATI

Milwaukee at St. Louis 8:30 ET

Cardinals over Brewers- The Brewers could really use a quality start from Freddy Peralta to relieve pressure on their bullpen, which has shouldered a heavy workload so far this season. Starters have thrown 80 innings, with the bullpen shouldering 71. Peralta (2-0, 2.55 ERA) has been up to the task while striking out 26 batters and walking two in 17 2/3 innings in three starts. Milwaukee defeated the San Diego Padres 1-0 on Wednesday with a bullpen start, with five relievers combining to blank the Padres. Last season, Peralta was 1-2 with a 4.15 ERA in three starts against the Cardinals. In his career, Peralta is 3-6 with a 5.86 ERA in 15 appearances, including 11 starts. Kyle Gibson (1-2, 6.16 ERA) has struggled for the Cardinals since signing as a free agent. He has allowed five homers in 19 innings over his three starts. Gibson is 1-2 with a 5.44 ERA in eight career starts against the Brewers but gets the win tonight. Tale ST. LOUIS!

San Diego at Milwaukee 7:40 ET

Padres over Brewers- The Milwaukee Brewers will look to bounce back behind resurrected right-hander Joe Ross (1-0, 1.80 ERA), who missed most of the last two seasons after a second Tommy John surgery. Right-hander Joe Musgrove (1-2, 6.87), who gave up one hit over eight innings the last time he faced the Brewers, gets the nod for the Padres. Ross is 2-1 with a 4.00 ERA in five career outings, including three starts, against San Diego, the team that drafted him in the first round in 2011. Musgrove is 1-3 with a 4.04 ERA in eight career starts vs. Milwaukee. His lone victory was in his most recent start against the Brewers and he does it again here. Take SAN DIEGO!

NY Yankees at Cleveland 1:40 ET

Yankees over Watch Dogs- Nasty Nestor is back! New York’s Nestor Cortez was a huge contributor for the Yankees in 2022 with 28 starts a 12-4 record with a 2.44 ERA. He had injury issues last season and was 5-2 in just 63 innings with an ERA of 4.97 but returned to form last time out. Pitching eight innings and allowing just two hits with no walks throwing 1-2 pitches on Monday. Cleveland who was off to a great start until New York came to town will start Logan Allen  (2-0, 4.60) who was pounded by the weak hitting White Sox for seven hits and five runs in four innings lat time out on Tuesday. Logan is 0-1 vs New York with an ERA of 11.20 while Cortez is 1-0 in 18 innings versus ‘Erie Boys’ allowing just nine hits three of which were home runs. Take NEW YORK YANKEES!

Washington at Oakland 4:10 ET

Nationals over A’s- The Oakland Athletics are doing the little things necessary for big things to happen. They've gained momentum by winning five of their past six games. They have come out on top in back-to-back one-run games. The Nationals are 2-2 on a West Coast trip and Washington manager Dave Martinez said he sees regular improvement from his team, but the club has only two runs across the last 19 innings on the trip. The Athletics will go with right-hander Joe Boyle (1-1, 8.22 ERA), who threw five shutout innings Sunday. Left-hander MacKenzie Gore (1-0, 4.09 ERA) is slated to be Washington's starter. He has worked into the sixth inning in both of his starts this season.  Gore, in his third season in the big leagues, will face Oakland for the first time and pick up the win. Take WASHINGTON!

Kansas City at New York Mets 7:10 ET

Mets over Royals- The Mets and Royals will each be looking to maintain momentum Friday night, when New York hosts Kansas City in the opener of a three-game interleague series. Luis Severino (0-1, 3.60 ERA) is slated to start for the Mets against Michael Wacha (1-0, 2.25) in a battle of right-handers. The Royals scored at least 10 runs in three of the seven games on the homestand and have scored in double figures four times in the first 13 games. Severino is 3-1 with a 4.66 ERA in five career starts against the Royals. Wacha is 5-3 with a 3.28 ERA in eight career starts against the Mets, the Chicago White Sox were the team he pitched for during the pandemic-shortened 2020 season. Take NEW YORK METS!

Milwaukee at Cincinnati 6:40 ET

Reds over Brewers- Brewers left-hander Wade Miley will make his season debut after starting the year on the 15-day injured list with a left shoulder impingement. Miley was a valuable part of the Brewers' rotation last season as the team captured the National League Central, posting a 9-4 record with a 3.14 ERA Greene has been strong to start 2024, even though the Reds are 0-2 in his two starts. He has received a pair of no-decisions in 23 starts. Miley is 7-3 with a 2.86 ERA in 14 career games (13 starts) against the Reds. He faced them once in 2023, allowing just four hits and striking out eight over six scoreless innings in a 1-0 win in Milwaukee. Take CINCINNATI!

Houston at Kansas City 7:30 ET

Astros over Royals- The Kansas City Royals completed their first four-game sweep in nearly three years after brushing aside the Chicago White Sox on Sunday. They also improved to 6-4, marking the first time they've been two games over .500 since the first two contests of the 2022 season. Left-hander Cole Ragans (0-1, 1.46 ERA) will start Tuesday's game for Kansas City against right-hander Cristian Javier (1-0, 0.00). Ragans is 1-2 with a 5.40 ERA in five career outings (four starts) against the Astros. He allowed two runs on three hits in six innings of a 7-5 victory in Houston on Sept. 22. Javier is 0-2 with a 6.57 ERA in four career outings (two starts) against the Royals. After a season-opening, four-game sweep at the hands of the Yankees, the Astros have rebounded behind solid pitching to record two shutouts while winning four of seven games. Astros are soaring on their mini winning streak. Take HOUSTON!

Astros over Rangers- After losing seven of their first nine games, the Astros will look to make it two consecutive victories when they visit the Texas Rangers on Monday night at Arlington, Texas. Houston notched a 3-1 victory over the Rangers on Sunday night after losing the first two contests of a four-game set by a combined score of 17-4. Houston has allowed just one run and three hits total in its three victories this season. Texas had won three straight games before falling to the Astros on Sunday. The offense was silent after the Rangers racked up 31 hits in the first two games of the series. Left-hander Framber Valdez (0-0, 2.19 ERA) will start for the Astros in the finale. Valdez walked six in 4 2/3 innings in his season debut against the New York Yankees on March 28. He didn't walk anyone in his second outing when he gave up six hits in 7 2/3 scoreless innings against the Toronto Blue Jays last Tuesday. The 30-year-old struggled against Texas last season, going 1-2 with a 4.32 ERA in three starts. Overall, Valdez is 7-5 with a 2.90 ERA in 16 regular-season appearances (13 starts) against the Rangers. Left-hander Andrew Heaney (0-0, 1.93 ERA) will be on the mound for Texas on Monday. Heaney, 32, gave up three runs (one earned) and four hits over 4 2/3 innings in his lone start of the season, against the Tampa Bay Rays on Tuesday. Heaney went 1-0 with a 2.75 ERA in four starts against Houston last season. Overall, he is 4-4 with a 3.35 ERA in 15 career regular-season starts against the Astros. Take HOUSTON!

Houston at Texas 8:00 ET

Astros over Rangers- The matchup marks the first meeting between the teams since Texas won last season's American League Championship Series 4-3. The road team won all seven games in the series. The Rangers have struggled against their divisional rival in recent years at Globe Life Field in Arlington. The Astros have won eight straight at the ballpark, including the postseason. Texas will send right-hander Cody Bradford (1-0, 3.60 ERA) to the mound in Friday's series opener. Bradford, 26, allowed two runs on three hits over five innings in an 11-2 win over the Chicago Cubs last Saturday. Bradford is 0-0 with a 2.00 ERA in three appearances (no starts) against the Astros in his career. Houston will counter with right-hander Hunter Brown (0-0, 0.00), who allowed one unearned run over four innings in a no-decision against the New York Yankees last Saturday. Brown, 25, has gone 2-1 with a 1.59 ERA in three career starts versus Texas. The Astros are favored on road at the World Series Champions place...don’t make sense! Take HOUSTON!

NY Yankees at Arizona 3:40 ET

Diamondbacks over Yankees- New York opened the season with five straight victories for the first time since 1992, but there wasn't much good about Tuesday night's 7-0 loss to Arizona. The Yankees will aim to get back to winning on Wednesday afternoon when they look to claim the finale of a three-game series. Arizona has won four of its first six games in a solid start as it defends its National League crown from last season. Arizona right-hander Merrill Kelly (1-0, 1.35 ERA) and Yankees left-hander Carlos Rodon (0-0, 2.08) will match up in the finale. Kelly, 35, is 1-0 with a 2.61 ERA in two career starts against the Yankees. He received a no-decision at New York last season when he gave up two runs and four hits over five innings on Sept. 25. Rodon is 0-3 with a 5.53 ERA in five career starts against Arizona. Take ARIZONA!

Minnesota at Milwaukee 4:10 ET

Twins over Brewers- Both Milwaukee and Minnesota were the only MLB teams who were off Monday. The Brewers, under first-year manager Pat Murphy, completed a season-opening three-game sweep of the Mets with a 4-1 victory Sunday and look to continue their red-hot start when they host the Minnesota Twins in their home opener Tuesday. After winning their first two games, the Twins were blanked 11-0 at Kansas City on Sunday. Right-hander Jakob Junis will be making his Brewers debut in the opener of the two-game series, while the Twins counter with right-hander Louie Varland. Despite winning two of the first three games, the Twins are hitting just. 210 as a team with one home run. twins bats wake up here. take MINNESOTA!

St. Louis at San Diego 9:40 ET

Cardinals over Padres- The San Diego Padres are showing the type of offensive punch they so often lacked last year averaging 7.5 runs per game. Yet they are just 2-3 on the season. The Padres have some concerns about starting pitching which is their weakest link. St. Louis has emerged from spring training feeling good about its prospects of bouncing back from a 71-91 record, its first losing season in 16 years and first 90-loss campaign since 1990. Veteran right-hander Kyle Gibson is coming off a 15-9 season in 2023 for the American League East champion Baltimore Orioles. He'll make his sixth career start against San Diego, going 2-1 with a 4.28 ERA in the previous five and 1-0 with a 6.32 ERA in three outings at Petco Park. Take ST. LOUIS!

Pittsburgh at Miami 1:40 ET

Marlins over Pirates- It is very unusual for me to switch sides in a series especially after winning the last two of a 4-game set but I believe that I’ve moved over to another winner. The Pirates have won four straight over Miami going back to the final game of 2023 and already a three game start on the 2024. But, Sunday the pitching matchup can not be ignored and the edge is so huge for the Marlins I could not stay away. The Marlins will start Trevor Rogers who sat out most of last season appearing in just four games and working 18 total innings. He showed signs of greatness allowing less hits than innings and with more strike outs that hits allowed. On the other side Pittsburgh will send lefty Bailey Falter who in 40 innings he allowed 25 runs and 10 home runs with an ERA close to six runs per game. Take MIAMI!

Chicago Cubs at Texas 7:05 ET

Cubs over Rangers- The Rangers will receive their championship rings prior to the contest on Saturday against the Cubs. For some reason this rarely seems to work for the clubs receiving their rewards. Texas hopes to capitalize on that momentum when it sends left-hander Cody Bradford to the mound. Bradford, posted a 4-3 record with a 5.30 ERA in 20 appearances (eight starts) last season, his first in the majors. He has yet to face the Cubs in his career. Right-hander Kyle Hendricks, the final remaining player from Chicago's 2016 World Series-winning team, will get the start on Saturday. He was injured last season but put together a 6-8 record with a 3.74 ERA in 24 starts last season. He allowed three hits over six scoreless innings to win his lone career encounter against Texas, in 2016. Take CHICAGO CUBS!

New York at Houston 8:10 ET

Yankees over Astros- It was quite a surprise the way the Yankees rallied from a 4-0 deficit to defeat the Astros. To start with they have not been the type of club that is able to rally because of their all or nothing philosophy. New York has had Houston’s number during the regular season winning the past four meetings but it has been the Astros who dominated the post season meetings. This is not the post season and Carlos Rodon made one of his rare appearances and shut down the Astros last September and he can do it again...after all it is still the regular season. Cristian Javier (10-5, 4.56 ERA in 2023) labored down the stretch last season, posting an 0-3 record and 5.11 ERA over six starts before twirling six shutout innings in an 8-1 victory over the Arizona Diamondbacks on Oct. 1. Javier is 1-1 in five games (four starts) against the Yankees in his career. Last season, he was 0-1. He absorbed a 6-1 loss to the Yankees on Sept. 3 at Minute Maid Park. New York’s Carlos Rodon is 3-0 with a 2.50 ERA in his career against Houston. Take NEW YORK YANKEES!

Texas at Arizona 8:05 ET

Rangers over Diamondbacks- Texas, which is a record 10-0 on the road in the postseason, will look to complete a perfect away run behind Nathan Eovaldi. The veteran right-hander is 4-0 with a 3.52 ERA over five postseason starts, with 36 strikeouts and five walks in 30 2/3 innings. He allowed five runs on six hits in 4 2/3 innings in Game 1, which Texas won 6-5 in 11 innings. He fanned eight and walked one. In eight career regular-season appearances (five starts) against the Diamondbacks, Eovaldi is 3-0 with a 2.78 ERA. Arizona will turn to their ace, Zac Gallen. The right-hander has not been as sharp in the postseason as he was in the regular season, going 2-2 with a 5.27 ERA in five October starts. He has given up six home runs and walked 13 batters while striking out 18 in 27 1/3 innings. My old friend Larry Ness would say take the team facing elimination (Arizona) because you can only lose once. My buddy hated the pressure of posting games to clients and just wanted the season to end. Well, I want to end it on a winner. I’m sure that I will have plenty of company (the public) with this one...Take TEXAS!

Texas at Arizona 8:05 ET

Diamondbacks over Rangers- Happy to post the Game 2 winner with Arizona and now they return home for Game 3 with people beginning to believe. Texas would be in quite a spot if they didn’t respond in the clutch as they did in Game 1, but they did and the same kind of pressure is going to be on them again. Except this time they will see three-time Cy Young Award winner Max Scherzer taking the hill and while he adds confidence to his teammates the general public doesn’t have the same sentiment. His number have not been impressive in this post season with an ERA of 9.45 and is 0-1. His counterpart for the Diamondbacks is rookie Brandon Pfaadt who will be making his fifth post-season start (Max has 29 appearances) and he was 3-9, 5.72 ERA during the regular season. But, in his last two starts against the Phillies he had 16 strikeouts in just 9.2 innings with only two walks and six hits allowed. Game 3 of the World Series I’ll back experience...take TEXAS!

Arizona at Texas 8:00 ET

Diamondback over Rangers- So. whose ‘mojo’ is stronger...both of these clubs have used the underdog role to their advantage can be said that Arizona who had the worst qualifying record to make the playoffs and it may be Arizona as few expected them out of them. I can not say that I expected it but we did play them all the way and here we are, Player by player match-ups really mean little in the playoffs and stats put up by the winners are hard to grasp both good and bad. Arizona’s Zack Gallen the All-star game winner had a rocky second half and his last five playoff deciding games have not gone well. In his last 28 innings he’s surrendered 31 hits with six homers and 15 earned runs actually going 2-0 over that span. Mojo is a bitch and difficult to overcome when up against it. Texas starter Nathan Eovaldi has won four straight postseason starts not including his three appearances over eight innings in the 2018 Word Series against the Dodgers surrendering just three hits and one run on a Max Muncy home run. But alas, as it appears to me the baseball Gods may have ordained the Diamondbacks...Take ARIZONA!

Arizona at Philadelphia 5:07 ET

Diamondbacks over Phillies- Who do you think is feeling more pressure in this Game 7 the heavily favored Phillies or the happy to be here with nothing to lose upstart Diamondbacks. I sort of loaded that like political poll questions. But, we have seen this before as a matter of fact in three previous playoff series this post season. No doubt Philadelphia feels more comfortable at home but they are no longer unbeaten as host in the playoffs. I really don’t believe it matters who the starting pitchers are as the first sign of trouble they’ll get the quick hook. Arizona going with rookie Brandon Pfaadt who has a 2.13 ERA in the postseason and the Brotherly Love boys will send Rangers Suarez 1-0, with a 0.64 ERA in the postseason. Oddly enough in the 141 year history of the Philadelphia Baseball Club they have never played in a Game 7. Suarez is 3-0 in postseason with a 0.94 ERA overall but against the Snakes he is 1-3 with a 5.09 ERA in nine appearances. Phillies have to have some doubt now because you know, they had a chance to win it yesterday. Take ARIZONA!

Philadelphia at Arizona 8:07 ET

Diamondbacks over Phillies- When in Rome...do what Romans due! When in Arizona do what Snakes a do and when in Philadelphia do what the Phils do...win. I know how good Wheeler is I saw it in New York but Philly is different at the plate here as to the tiny bandbox they play in (actually it’s pretty nice park). But, I can not fight this home team mojo or karma. Take ARIZONA!

Philadelphia at Arizona 8:00 ET

Diamondbacks over Phillies- It is difficult for me personally to grasp the concept of bullpen pitchers starting post-season games when a team has had a rotation for 162 games. Arizona is going to an ‘All-staff’ mode in Game 4 of the NCLS and for them hopefully it will keep the Phillies sluggers off balance. But, it appears that the home field is the key factor in this series as Philadelphia’s bats have gone cold in the desert heat. Cristopher Sanchez gets the start for Philly and he has an ERA of 27.00 against the D’backs in 1.2 innings. Take ARIZONA!

Arizona at Philadelphia 8:05 ET

Diamondbacks over Phillies- Philadelphia is looking to return to the World Series and with Bryce Harper on a mission they are the favorite and will open the NCLS with  Zack Wheeler (1-0, 2.08 ERA postseason) he allowed one run and struck out eight in 6 2/3 innings in a win over the Miami Marlins in the wild-card round. He permitted three runs (two earned) and fanned 10 in 6 1/3 frames of a no-decision against Atlanta. He is 6-3 with a 2.96 ERA in 11 career appearances (all starts) against Arizona after splitting a pair of decisions versus the Diamondbacks in the regular season. Arizona will send right-hander Zac Gallen (2-0, 3.18) to the hill and he has been consistent in his two starts in the postseason. He yielded two runs on five hits in each start to help Arizona record a sweep over both the Milwaukee Brewers (in the wild-card round) and Dodgers (in the NLDS). Gallen is 3-1 with a 2.22 ERA in five career appearances (all starts) versus the Phillies.  Through it all I spoke of the ‘mojo’ and a case can be made for both sides and this has become the a move for the most unlikely scenario as the Phillies did last season. Take ARIZONA!

Texas at Houston 8:15 ET

Astros over Rangers- The fact is these two teams ended in a tie and their number pan out to a virtual dead-heat. Texas has won five consecutive games to open this postseason, matching the longest such streak in franchise history and will start left-hander Jordan Montgomery he is 4-2 with a 2.79 ERA in 11 starts with Texas this season and is 1-0 in the playoffs with a 3.27 ERA against the Rays and Orioles.

His start on Sunday will be his first career postseason start against Houston and he is 1-1 with a 3.73 ERA over six career starts against the Astros. Now, even more impressive is Justin Verlander whose lifetime record against the Rangers has been dominating as he is 21-8 2.60 ERA ,242 strikeouts in 218 innings only 174 hits surrendered. Besides those incredible numbers he is also 17-11 with a 3.54 ERA in 36 career postseason appearances. Some choice huh...think about this Houston has won seven of the last eight meetings. But as I have said before when a team is playing with ‘mojo’ as the Rangers are things happen...take TEXAS!

Atlanta at Philadelphia 6:00 ET

Phillies over Braves- Hey, how ‘bout those pitching moves made by the Phillies in Game Two...No sense sticking with what is working if I can show every one how smart I am. Yep, that’s how I see it. Now, Aaron Nola is one started that the Phils management allows to pitch deep into games and even sometimes to a fault but not regularly. Nola has already thrown seven shutout playoff innings and he is 15-10 with a 3.40 ERA lifetime against the Braves logging 202 innings and only surrendering 178 hits with 203 strikeouts. Philly is 8-2 in their last 10 home playoff games. Braves with all the rest still haven’t decided who their starter will be, that doesn’t bode confidence to me...Take PHILADELPHIA!

Baltimore at Texas 8:05 ET

Rangers over Orioles- It’s too bad at least from my eyes of what is about to happen because although ‘we’ did not play on the Orioles much during the season it was a joy to watch them come to play day in and day out. But, the playoffs are a different animal and if you have never been there before things are just a little different. Now, that withstanding it holds the same for Texas except that that came in starting with a hand that became hot after opener beating Tampa 2-0 and then veteran Nathan Ecvaldi (12-5, 3.65 ERA) closed out the Rays leading the way as they swept the Rays 7-1. Nathan has had clutch playoff performances and his confidence keeps these ferociously vicious Rangers bats relaxed. They are ON the ball. Take TEXAS!

Texas at Baltimore 4:05 ET

Orioles over Rangers- Baltimore was able to take a deep breath after their opening series loss 3-2 to the Rangers as they realize this is a best of five series. Texas will send Jordan Montgomery to the hill and he opened the Wild Card round defeating Tampa Bay 2-0 with seven shutout innings and he is 3-1 with a 3.04 ERA in 16 career starts against the O’s. The Orioles send rookie Grayson Rodriguez who closed the season 5-2 in his last 13 starts with a 2.58 ERA. These birds have been the best in the AL all season and I expect them to respond today. Take BALTIMORE!

Miami at Philadelphia 8:05 ET

Marlins over Phillies- I can not recall how many times I thought that Miami was done and their run was ready to come to an end. But, the resilient Marlins hung in and on into the post season and once again it looks like they are finished. Tonight, they send Braxton Garrett (9-7, 3.66 ERA) to the mound and he has had one outing against the Phillies last season where he struck out 11 and is 2-1 with a 4.50 ERA. Philadelphia will go with work horse Aaron Nola (12-9, 4.46) while going 0-1 with a 5.47 in his final five starts. He is also 5-10 with a 3.58 ERA against Miami in 23 appearances including a pair of losses this year in three starts surrendering 13 runs in 16 innings giving up five home runs. Take MIAMI!

Arizona at Milwaukee 7:05 ET

Diamondbacks over Brewers- The Diamondbacks came through for ‘us’ yesterday as our Top-Rated Wild Card winner and made a hefty profit. After losing their final four games of the regular season Arizona is ready to advance with a win behind their ace Zac Gallen (17-9, 3.47 ERA) who is 3-3 with a 1.75 ERA in six appearances against Milwaukee. In two starts this season against the Brewers he was 2-0 in 14 innings allowing just six hits and only one run (on a homer). The desperate Brewers can not use scheduled starter Brandon Woodruff and will go with Freddy Peralta (12-10, 3.86) and he is 3-0 with an era of 0.55 in 16 innings with 24 strikeouts. No doubt he has been great against the Diamondbacks but baseball is a team game and funky stuff happens in the playoffs. Take ARIZONA!

Toronto at Minnesota 4:35 ET

Twins over Blue Jays- The Twins felt like that were going to end their record 18-game post-season streak end they saw their nemesis the New York Yankees failed to make the playoffs. the Yankees had defeated Minnesota 16-of 17 playoff games dating back to the Tins last post season victory which came in 2004. Toronto manager John Schneider said the they will not dwell on their loss...so I expect them to lose again so he will have a strong memory of their post defeat. Sonny Gray (8-8, 2.79 ERA) gets the start for hr Twins and he is 4-4 with a 2.91 ERA in 15 career appearances against the Blue Jays. Toronto will send Jose Berrios (11-12, 3.65) to the mound and he is 3-1 with a 4.03 ERA pitching 5.2 scoreless innings in May. Not today. Take MINNESOTA!

Cincinnati at St. Louis 7:15 ET

Reds over Cardinals- It doesn’t look like St. Louis is playing the spoiler as they continue to fade no matter who they may be playing. Starting left-hander Drew Rom (1-4, 7.98 ERA) to the hill to face a team that scored 19 runs the night before. Now, this wasn’t a meaningless contest as the win moved Cincinnati into a tie with the Cubs for the final Wild Card spot. Rom has surrendered 13 runs in 6.2 innings in his last two starts and the Reds can not wait to get to the plate. Take CINCINNATI!

Chicago Cubs at Milwaukee 8:10 ET

Brewers over Cubs- The Chicago Cubs' wild-card hopes run directly through Milwaukee and they will start Right-hander Kyle Hendricks (6-8, 3.66 ERA) against the Brewers Friday night. The Cubs (82-77) lost at Atlanta 5-3 on Thursday, capping a three-game sweep by the Braves. He is 10-8 with a 3.40 ERA against them in his career, Chicago, 6-13 in its last 19 games, is a half-game behind Miami (82-76) for the final NL wild-card spot. Milwaukee (90-69) clinched the division title on Tuesday when the Cubs lost at Atlanta will start right-hander Colin Rea (6-6, 4.74) gets the nod for Milwaukee. Rea is 1-1 with a 2.79 ERA in five September appearances, including two starts. Take MILWAUKEE!

Texas at Seattle 9:40 ET

Mariners over Rangers- Seattle trails the division leading Texas Rangers by four games with four left to play but are only one game behind Houston for the AL Wild Card spot. At home with their backs against the wall the Mariners are going with their best in Logan Gilbert ( 13-7, 3.75 ERA) whose last outting was a 2-0 loss to The Rangers in Arlington. He is avering a strike out and inning and only eight hits per nine innings pitched. Jordan Montgomery (4-2, 2.92 ERA with Texas) started and won that game at home and now the forces have shifted. Take SEATTLE!

Houston at Seattle 9:40 ET

Astros over Mariners- The Mariners (85-72) beat the Astros 6-2 Tuesday to even the series at a game apiece. The Astros have lost 10 of their past 14 games as they try to extend their playoff streak to seven consecutive seasons. They've won two World Series in that span, including last year's. The Mariners are one-half game behind the Astros in the standings but even in the loss column. While the Mariners are facing the Rangers, the Astros will end the season with three games against the Arizona Diamondbacks, who are in a fierce fight for a National League wild-card berth. Bryce Miller (8-6, 4.17 ERA) has faced the Astros twice this season, winning both without allowing an earned run on just four hits over 12 1/3 innings. Miller is 0-2 with a 5.49 ERA in September and the Astros will counter with left-hander Framber Valdez (12-11, 3.39). He is 5-1 with a 2.76 ERA in 11 career appearances (nine starts) against the Mariners. Take HOUSTON!

San Diego at San Francisco 9:45 ET

Giants over Padres- It seems a bit unbelievable to see the Giants and Pares tied with the exact same record. At the season’s start maybe we could have considered it but San Diego is making a too late serge that has seen them win nine of their last 10 games while San Francisco has dropped eight of their last 10, ergo 77-79. Both teams trail the Cubs for the final NL playoff spot bt five games with six games remaining. Each team will have its ace going in the series opener, with Padres left-hander Blake Snell (14-9, 2.33 ERA) opposing Giants righty Logan Webb (10-13, 3.35). Snell has more at stake this week than just a longshot's bid for the playoffs. He has pitched himself into the thick of the NL Cy Young Award race by going unbeaten in his last five starts, running off four straight wins with a 0.56 ERA. Webb has yet to face the Padres this season, leaving his career mark against them at 2-2 with a 2.77 ERA in nine head-to-heads. Giants bounce back here. Take SAN FRANCISCO!

Toronto at Tampa Bay 4:10 ET

Rays over Blue Jays- The Rays will give the ball to Zack Littell (3-6, 4.12 ERA) on Saturday, and he will look to improve on a solid September that has yielded nothing in his win column. Over four starts this month, the right-hander is 0-2 despite a 3.33 ERA. With left-handers Hyun Jin Ryu lined up to pitch for Toronto on Saturday and Ryu (3-3 2.62 ERA) is 0-2 with a 3.05 ERA in four September starts. In five career starts against the Rays, the southpaw has no record but a sterling 2.55 ERA. But, today it is TAMPA BAY!

Minnesota at Cincinnati 7:10 ET

Twins over Reds- Right-hander Kenta Maeda (5-7, 4.50 ERA) will start on Tuesday for Minnesota (79-72), which has a magic number of five to clinch the American League Central. Maeda is coming off one of his best starts of the season. On Thursday, he gave the host Chicago White Sox just two runs on four hits and one walk over seven innings. He fanned eight in Minnesota's 10-2 victory. The Twins are 9-10 in games Maeda has pitched in this season. Maeda is 2-1 with a 4.62 ERA in five career appearances (four starts) against the Reds. Cincinnati, which has been piecing together a rotation for most of the season due to injuries and lately COVID-19, will go with right-hander Fernando Cruz (1-1, 4.05 ERA) as an opener. The rookie has never faced the Twins. Right-hander Ben Lively (4-7, 5.22 ERA) is expected to pitch as well. Lively has made 12 starts this season, but he has logged just one relief appearance since returning from the COVID injured list last week. the Reds (79-73) back into a tie with the Chicago Cubs (78-72) for the National League's third and final wild-card berth, one half-game ahead of the Miami Marlins (78-73). Take MINNESOTA!

Philadelphia at Atlanta 7:20 ET

Phillies over Braves- The loss ended Philadelphia's two-game winning streak. The Phillies (81-68) own sole possession of the first wild-card spot in the National League by three games over the Arizona Diamondbacks. The Braves (96-53) lost their third straight game since clinching their sixth consecutive NL East title. Before this weekend, they hadn't lost a series to an NL East opponent all season. Atlanta has been on cruse control of late and are 5-5 in their last 10 games and are throwing out damaged good tonight in Kyle Wright (0-2. 7.48 ERA) who after going 21-5 with a 3.19 ERA in 2022. Aside from last season his career record over six years is just 2-10 with an ERA of 6.98. Zack Wheeler (11-6, 3.70) was bombed by the Braves last time out on Tuesday...atonement today he is 11-7,  3.24 ERA in 26 starts. Take PHILADELPHIA!

Tampa Bay at Baltimore 7:10 ET

Rays over Orioles- The Tampa Bay Rays beat the host Baltimore Orioles for the second straight game on Friday night, and the teams enter their match-up tied atop the division. While the Rays (92-57) have won nine of their past 11 games, the Orioles (91-56) have lost four straight, matching their season high. Saturday, Tampa Bay's Tyler Glasnow (9-5, 3.15 ERA) will oppose rookie right-hander Grayson Rodriguez (5-4, 4.88) in a matchup of right-handers. Glasnow has won his last two starts, allowing a combined five runs over 12 innings and striking out 22 while walking three. Last time out, he permitted four runs on six hits, over six innings during a win over the Minnesota Twins on Monday. He is 0-1 with a 6.35 ERA in two starts vs. the Orioles this season and 4-1 with a 3.13 ERA in eight career starts against Baltimore. Rodriguez has lowered his ERA from 7.33 to 4.88 over his past nine starts, giving up three earned runs or less in each outing. He is 2-1 with a 2.20 ERA over his past three starts. Rodriguez is 1-0 with a 3.18 ERA in two starts vs. Tampa Bay this season. but it won’t be enough today. take TAMPA BAY!

Texas at Cleveland 6:10 ET

Watch Dogs over Rangers- Cleveland (70-78) had been failing quite a bit, losing eight of 11 games before erupting for 15 hits in the series opener. The Rangers (82-65), who trail the Houston Astros (83-65) by a half-game in the American League West, saw their six-game winning streak come to a screeching halt. Texas, which holds the second AL wild-card spot, mustered only two hits over seven innings against Lucas Giolito, who struck out 12. Home team will start rookie right-hander Tanner Bibee (10-4, 3.03 ERA). Bibee has yielded just two earned runs in each of his past four outings but has just one win to show for it. Rangers right-hander Dane Dunning (10-6, 3.91 ERA) recorded his first win since Aug. 2 and he is 0-2 with a 9.82 ERA in three career appearances (all starts) against the former Tribesman.. Take CLEVELAND!

Tampa Bay at Baltimore 7:00 ET

Rays over Orioles- Tampa Bay and the Baltimore Orioles will meet Friday night in the second game of a four-game series that will figure heavily in who wins the American League East. Tampa Bay (91-57) prevailed 4-3 on Thursday night to pull within one game of first-place Baltimore (91-55). The Rays are as close as they have been to the Orioles since they were one game back on July 22. Tampa Bay has won six of its past seven games. The Orioles have dropped three games in a row for the first time since they snapped a four-game skid on July 2. Right-hander Zach Eflin (14-8, 3.53 ERA), who will start for the Rays on Friday night, blanked the Orioles on two hits for seven innings in a July 21 home victory. He has gone 3-3 with a 3.91 ERA in nine starts since then. Right-hander Jack Flaherty (8-8, 4.98 ERA) heads to the mound for the Orioles. He hasn't registered a victory since winning his Orioles debut on Aug. 3 after arriving in a trade with the St. Louis Cardinals. Only once in his past four outings has he completed five innings. Take TAMPA BAY!

Arizona at New York Mets 4:10 ET

Mets over Diamondbacks- The New York Mets' three-game sweep at Arizona in early July helped send the Diamondbacks into a spiral that nearly ruined their season. Thursday afternoon they face the Mets in the final clash of the season between the teams. Merrill Kelly (11-6, 3.16 ERA) is slated to start for the Diamondbacks against fellow right-hander Kodai Senga (10-7, 3.07). Senga the 30-year-old rookie won his lone start against the Diamondbacks on July 5, when he gave up one run over a season-high eight innings in New York's 2-1 victory. Senga matched his career high with 12 strikeouts in that contest. Kelly  is 1-3 with a 3.81 ERA in four career starts against the Mets. Take the NEW YORK METS!

Seattle at Tampa Bay 6:40 ET

Mariners over Rays- Although the team is winning behind George Kirby (10-9, 3.39 ERA) 7-of-8 starts he has not picked up a win since July 25. Seattle had an August that put them back in the AL West race challenging Houston and the fading Rangers. Tampa Bay had lost five straight games when Taj Bradley (5-7, 5.42) before his last outing against Cleveland on Sunday a 6-2 win where he allowed just two runs on three hits in five innings with five base-on-balls. Kirby has the advantage. take SEATTLE!

Baltimore at LA Angels 9:35 ET

Angeles over Orioles- The Angels (64-75) have lost five in a row and eight of their last nine games to fall a season-worst 11 games below .500. Baltimore is 4-2 against the Angels this season, and the Orioles have the best road record in the AL at 45-25. The Angels will counter with hard-luck left-hander Patrick Sandoval (7-11, 4.19). Los Angeles has lost 13 of Sandoval's past 17 starts. Sandoval is 0-1 with a 2.38 ERA in two career starts against the Orioles, striking out 17 over 11 1/3 innings without allowing a homer. He fanned 10 Orioles in 6 1/3 innings in his most recent start against the Orioles. Shohei Ohtani may return to the Angels lineup Wednesday after sitting out due to oblique tightness. Veteran right-hander Kyle Gibson (13-8, 5.15 ERA) who has won three of his last five starts overall, is 3-5 with a 5.94 ERA lifetime against the Angels in 14 career starts. He owns a 1-3 record with a 7.85 ERA in six starts in Anaheim. Take the ANGELS!

Houston at Texas 8:05 ET

Rangers over Astros- Nathan Eovaldi will take the mound for the first time in seven weeks when the Texas Rangers face the Houston Astros he is 11-3 with a 2.69 ERA in 19 starts this season. Houston left-hander Framber Valdez (10-9, 3.38 ERA) will be on the mound Tuesday. He had an interesting August while going 2-2 with a 3.67 ERA in six starts. Valdez has struggled against Texas this season, going 0-2 with a 6.52 ERA. For his career, he is 6-5 with a 3.05 ERA in 15 appearances (12 starts). Take TEXAS!

Houston at Texas 4:05 ET

Rangers over Astros- Did Texas get off the snide with their ninth inning victory over the Twins Sunday...it was just their fourth win in the past two weeks. Houston comes limping into Arlington having just been throttled by the Baby Bombers from New York getting swept three straight at home. The Rangers will start Andrew Heaney (9-6, 4.16 ERA) and he has won his last four decisions and in unbeaten in nine straight starts. JP France (9-5, 3.51) gets the nod for Houston and just defeated Boston on Tuesday after having surrendered 10 earned runs the previous start against the on Thursday. Take TEXAS!

Baltimore at Arizona 4:00 ET

Diamondbacks over Orioles- The Orioles picked up a struggling Jack Flaherty (1-2, 6.41 ERA) at the trade deadline and he promptly shut down Toronto for his first Baltimore victory. Three starts later he still has that one win but has been tagged with three losses surrendering 13 runs in 13 innings. Arizona is getting back on track and will be sending Zac Gallen (16-6, 3.32) to the hill and he had won three straight before getting racked by the Dodgers last time out. Look for a rebound performance and for the D’backs to get the best of Flaherty. Take ARIZONA!

 Philadelphia at Milwaukee 8:10 ET

Phillies over Brewers- August was a big month for the Phillies as they went 17-10 and moved into the top Wild card spot ahead of the Chicago Cubs. Philadelphia set a franchise record of 59 home runs for the month the third most by any team since 1904. Milwaukee has lost two straight after a nine-game win streak and will send Freddy Peralta (11-8, 3.95 ERA) to the mound and he was 5-0 with a 2.10 ERA the past month but is 0-2 with a 4.82 ERA in five appearances. The Whiz Kids will send out Zack Wheeler (10-6, 3.59) to the hill and he is 3-2 with a 2.47 ERA in eight career starts against the Brewers. Take PHILADELPHIA!

Milwaukee at Chicago Cubs 2:20 ET

Cubs over Brewers- The Cubs have lost five of the last six outings by scheduled starter Kyle Hendricks (5-7, 3.80 ERA). Hendricks is 10-8 with a 3.51 ERA in 32 starts versus Milwaukee. His lone 2023 appearance against the Brewers was a good one, allowing one earned and four hits during a 7-6, 11-inning Chicago victory on July 4. The Cubs haven't lost a home series since dropping two of three versus and are the Cubs are 27-12 since July 18 and own one of the NL's three wild-card spots. The Brewers’ Brandon Woodruff is pitching well (3-1, 2.65 ERA ) and he is 2-2 with a solid 3.14 ERA in 15 career starts versus Chicago but today is not his day. Take the CUBS!

Tampa Bay at Miami 6:40 ET

Marlins over Rays- The Rays, closing in on their fifth straight playoff berth, are set to start right-hander Aaron Civale (6-3, 2.59 ERA) on Tuesday. The Rays acquired Civale on July 31 from the Cleveland Guardians, and in four starts with Tampa Bay he is 1-1 with a 3.54 ERA. Civale, who has never faced the Marlins, has been better on the road with a 3.54 ERA in 43 career starts than at home where he has a 4.01 mark in 37 starts. Miami will counter with right-hander Sandy Alcantara (6-11, 4.16 ERA), who won the National League's 2022 Cy Young Award with a 2.28 ERA and MLB highs in complete games (six) and innings (228 2/3). Alcantara has failed to match his high standard, but July (3.31 ERA) and August (3.03) have been the best months of his season. In five career starts against the Rays, Alcantara is 2-2 with a 2.90 ERA, he is also a strong pitcher at home, sporting a 2.92 career mark in 69 games. On the road, he has a 3.70 ERA in 75 games. This year, Alcantara's ERA is a full run better at home (3.61) than on the road (4.61). Take MIAMI!

Houston at Boston 7:10 ET

Red Sox over Astros- Houston's Cristian Javier (9-2, 4.52 ERA) will make his second straight start against the Red Sox after taking the ball last Monday and working five, three-run innings. The right-hander tied his season high of 105 pitches in that outing. Javier will face Boston for the fifth time in his career (third start). He is 1-1 with a 3.50 ERA in the previous meetings. Despite homering in 16 consecutive games, the Red Sox have lost four of their last seven after losing two of three to the Dodgers this past weekend after the series in Houston. Thursday's final game of the Astros series was a 17-1 Boston win. Boston left-hander Chris Sale (5-3, 4.68) will make his fourth start since returning from the 60-day injured list with left shoulder inflammation. The Red Sox are 10-4 in Sale's starts this season and 5-1 in his last six after he retired the last nine batters he faced in a no-decision in Houston last Wednesday. He allowed four runs on six hits but struck out nine over five innings.  Take BOSTON

Atlanta at San Francisco 7:10 ET

Giants over Braves- The final matchup of the regular season between the clubs is expected to turn into a run of the San Francisco bullpen, with Tristan Beck (3-2, 3.34 ERA) up first. The Giants used four relievers after opener Ryan Walker in Saturday's 7-3 loss. Right-hander Jared Shuster (4-2, 5.00), recalled from Triple-A Gwinnett earlier in the week, is the scheduled starter for the Braves. Atlanta's win Saturday made it two straight over the Giants in San Francisco and four of five going back to its 2-1 series win at home last week. SF is 5-14 in their last 19 games while the Braves have won four in-a-row. But, Sunday night brings a different mindset. Take SAN FRANCISCO!

San Diego at Milwaukee 8:10 ET

Padres over Brewers- Milwaukee has matched their longest winning streak of the season at five and will send Brandon Woodruff (2-1. 2.85 ERA) who has had made three starts since coming off the IL and in his last outing was banged around a bit by Texas. He will be opposed by the Padres Yu Darvish (8-9 4.35) who is 2-4 lifetime against Milwaukee but with an outstanding 2.09 ERA in nine career starts against the Brewers. With the price where it is I expect a Padres surprise. Take SAN DIEGO!

San Francisco at Philadelphia 4:05 ET

Giants over Phillies- To start with Philadelphia is in the first NL playoff spot and have a four-game lead over the Giants. The Phillies are starting Michael Lorenzen (7-8, 3.57 ERA) an he is 0-1 with an 8.22 ERA in eight career appearances. In his first start after his no-hitter he surrendered seven runs in 3.1 innings against Washington. San Francisco will send Alex Cobb (6-5, 3.75) to the mound and he is 1-1 with a 2.82 ERA in four career starts against the Phillies. The Giants are 9-3 in their last 12 meetings with the Phillies. Take SAN FRANCISCO!

San Francisco at Atlanta 7:20 ET

Giants over Braves- The way these two teams have been playing with Atlanta lading the Majors in win percentage and the Giants struggling of late this line seems way out of whack. After all San Francisco is 2-7 in their last nine games and 1-11 in their last 12 on the road and add that Atlanta is 6-0 in their last six at home. Pitching is the key here as Logan Webb (9-9, 3.26 ERA) has the advantage over Braves starter Yonnie Chirinos (5-5, 5.22) who came over from Tampa Bay. Webb is 2-0 with a 1.33 ERA in four career starts against Atlanta. Take SAN FRANCISCO!

Milwaukee at Texas 4:05 ET

Brewers over Rangers- After having won 12 of 14 Texas has dropped their last two contests including last night’s 9-8 loss to the Brewers. Milwaukee is 6-4 in their last 10 games will send Freddy Peralta (9-8, 4.08 ERA) to the mound and he is 3-0 with a 1.89 ERA in the month of August. The Rangers will send Dane Dunning ( 9-4, 3.10) out against the Brewers and he is 1-0 with a 2.18 ERA in August. But off last night’s win the Brewers do it again. Take MILWAUKEE!

Milwaukee at Texas 8:05 ET

Brewers over Rangers- Milwaukee’s Brandon Woodruff (2-1, 1.99 ERA) came off the 60-day IL on Aug. 6 and limited the Pittsburgh Pirates to two runs and four hits in five innings, striking out nine without a walk. However, he took a 4-1 defeat. He was sidelined for nearly four months earlier this season with shoulder inflammation, but he appears to be rounding into form as Milwaukee tries to hold on to first place in the NL Central. Texas will try to get back to its winning ways behind Andrew Heaney (9-6, 4.17 ERA). The left-hander is looking to bounce back after being lifted in the second inning of his Saturday outing against the San Francisco Giants. Maybe he lasts longer this time out but it will not matter. Take MILWAUKEE!

Minnesota at Philadelphia1:35 ET

Twins over Phillies- Minnesota got their much needed Megabucks win yesterday after four straight losses and still lead the AL Central by 4.5 games over Cleveland despite being shutout twice in the previous three days. Philadelphia was 0-for-10 with runners in scoring position yesterday and will send Ranger Suarez (25, 3.96 ERA) to the mound and this will be his first ever start against the Twins. Sonny Gray (5-5, 3.18) gets the nod for the Twins and he is 0-1 lifetime against the Phillies. Phils home run streak ended Saturday and today they lose their second straight. Take MINNESOTA!

Minnesota at Philadelphia 6:05 ET

Twins over Phillies- Philadelphia is a season high 13-games over .500 and hold the top wild card spot an actual improvement over last year. They will send Taijuan Walker (13-4, 3.98 ERA) who was banged around by Kansas City last time out on Sunday. His mound opponent will be Pablo Lopez (7-6, 3.81) and he is rounding into pitching shape as he shutout the Tigers for seven innings last time out allowing fie hits with eight K’s and no walks. Lopez is 2-1 in his last four starts with a 1.80 ERA and only three bases-on-balls. He is also 3-1 lifetime against the Phillies. Take MINNESOTA!

Texas at San Francisco 10:10 ET

Giants over Rangers- Texas has been hanging tough in the AL West maintaining a 3-game lead over Houston and will be sending Jon Gray (7-5, 3.72 ERA) to the mound and he is in the middle of drought that started on June 2nd where he shutout Seattle for seven innings allowing only two hits. That was nine starts ago and he is 0-4 and was pounded by Houston his last time out for six runs and seven hits. The Giants who have won seven of the last nine meetings will start Scott Alexander who will only go one inning. Take SAN FRANCISCO!

Miami at Cincinnati 12:35 ET

Marlins over Reds- I hate when this happens when I like a game strongly but the timing is bad for the player and players. Miami came through i a big way yesterday winning out Megabucks prize and I could rate them almost as high today except for the morning start. Johnny (why do I always feel like I’m spelling that wrong) Cueto (0-3, 5.32 ERA) hasn’t given up many hits (only 15) but the ones he has surrendered have gone the distance one out of every three times in 22 innings. Grapham Ashcrat (6-7, 5.18) gets the nod for Cincinnati and he has had flashes of excellence but has yet to develop consistency. Take MIAMI!

Houston at Baltimore 7:05 ET

Astros over Orioles- The AL’s two top teams square off in Baltimore where the first place Orioles who have a 21-7 record in their last 28 games. Houston who are the defending champions will send Grayson Rodriguez (2-3, 6.09 ERA) to the hill and although he has more strikeouts than innings pitched he has also surrendered more hits than innings. Houston will counter with Framber Valdez (9-7, 3.07) who has found his groove and threw a no-hitter against Cleveland last time out. Take HOUSTON!

LA Dodgers at San Diego 4:10 ET

Padres over Dodgers- San Diego has failed twice this weekend when they had chances to reach the .500 mark for the first time this season now they come up favored over LA as Seth Lugo ( 4-5, 3.54 ERA) takes the hill and a struggling Tony Gonsolin (6-4, 4.11) for the Dodgers. In six starts against the Padres he is 5-0 with a 1.25 ERA and yet he is an underdogs here. Lugo is 1-2 with a 3.04 ERA in his last eight starts but is 2-1 with a 324 ERA lifetime against the Dodgers. Take SAN DIEGO!

Seattle at LA Angels 4:07 ET

Angels over Mariners- A pair of contenders going at it with the Mariners having won four in-a-row and nine of their last 11 while Angels have dropped five straight and are fading fast. In this series finale Seattle’s Bryce Miller (7-4, 4.35 ERA) will make his first career start against Los Angeles while Chase Silseth (3-1, 3.99) will also be making his first career start against the Mariners. In a surprise the Angels rise and capture the win here. Take LA ANGELS!

Seattle at LA Angels 9:05 ET

Mariners over Angels- This is a huge series for both clubs as they vie for the final AL playoff spot and the Mariners drew first blood by winning in Megabucks style in the opener of a four game series 9-7. Seattle will start All-Star George Kirby (9-8, 3.43 ERA) who is just 2-3 with a 3.86 ERA in five career starts against the Angels. Los Angeles will send Tyler Anderson (5-2, 4.98) and he is 1-1 with a 5.68 ERA in four starts against the Mariners. The beat goes on...Take SEATTLE!

LA Dodges at San Diego 10:00 ET

Padres over Dodgers- If San Diego is to make a move toward the playoffs they need to reach .500 first and there will be no better way than to start by beating the first place Dodgers. LA would has become pitcher thin will start rookie Bobby Miller (6-2, 4.37 ERA) and he fell to the Reds 6-5 last time out. San Diego will start Yu Darvish (8-7, 4.53) has won three of his last four starts and gets the win here. Take SAN DIEGO!

Seattle at LA Angels

Mariners over Angels- What more can you do if you are Shohei Ohtani? Hit homeruns and throws 1-hitters but can’t relieve in a game he’s been taken out of. Tonight the Angels will start Reid Detmers (2-8, 4.35 ERA) and although he is 2-0 with a 2.69 ERA against the Mariners he has lost his last three starts. Luis Castillo (7-7, 2.88) will start for Seattle who have won seven of their last nine.  Luis is 2 with a 2.55 ERA in four career starts against the Angels and he notches another win tonight. Take SEATTLE

Cincinnati at Chicago Cubs 8:05 ET

Cubs over Reds- Having played against the Cubs Sunday posting St. Louis 3-0 as ‘our’ Megabucks winner, I feel very comfortable coming back with Chicago behind Marcus Stroman (10-7, 3.51 ERA). He has lost three of his last four decisions and was pounded by the White Sox last time out. This will be his last showing before the trade deadline expires and who know how it will affect him, but he is still amid his best season as a 10-year pro. The Cubs should bounce back today against the Reds Andrew Abbott (6-2, 1.90) whose numbers are off the charts with 66 K’s, in 61 innings with just 40 hits... but this is just one of those things. Take CUBS!

New York Yankees at Baltimore 7:15 ET

Orioles over Yankees- First and last place AL East teams will go at it as Baltimore the AL’s best will host the division dwelling New York Yankees. As of this moment the three highest payrolls in MLB are currently outside to cut line for the playoffs as the Mets, Padres and Yankees all have been major disappointments. New York right-hander Clarke Schmidt (6-6, 4.33 ER) has won four straight decisions in his last eight starts. One of his prior losses was to the Orioles and is 2-2 with a 4.09 ERA in eight career games.Baltimore will start Tyler Wells (7-5, 4.33) and he 0-4 with a 4.95 ERA career against the Yankees. But, those were different Yankees teams and different Orioles team. Take BALTIMORE!

Seattle at Arizona 9:40 ET

Mariners over Diamondbacks- Seattle was expected to give the AL leaders something to worry about this season but they have yet to put tings together and maybe they are showing some signs of life as they have won five of their last seven. The Mariners are just 4.5-game out of the Wild card spot and look to make up ground while playing against Arizona as the D’backs are 3-9 since the All-Star break and have lost 24 of their last 19 overall.  They will start lefty Tommy Henry (5-3, 4.01 ERA) who has been hit hard and lost is last two outings and will be facing Seattle for the first time. The Mariners will start Logan Gilbert (8-5, 3.88) who has won his last three decisions. Take SEATTLE!

Cleveland at Chicago 7:30 ET

White Sox over Watchdogs- Great pitching match-up tonight and I would be surprised if either of these two starters gave up more then two runs each. The starters of course are for Cleveland Tanner Bibee (6-2, 3.04 ERA  ) whose name I just love and who’s pitching has been better than anyone expected. Now, for Chicago it will be Dylan Cease (4-3, 4.04) and he has been absolutely outstanding in his limited action but virtually un-hit-able. I know that I vowed to stay away from the White Sox because we don’t want to bet garbage, but some times the call is to wild to ignore...Take CHICAGO WHITE SOX!

Baltimore at Philadelphia 6:05 ET

Phillies over Orioles- Baltimore has been one of the best behind Miami winning 1-run decisions at 19-10 but last night they had the norm reversed as the Phillies rallied late with a pair of runs in the bottom of the ninth. The Orioles have still managed to go 13-4 in their last 17 games overall and will start Kyle Bradish (6-5, 3.09 ERA) who will be facing Philadelphia for the first time in his two year career. Ranger Suarez (2-5, 4.07) will take the hill for the home club and he is 0-1 with a 3.00 ERA in his lone start against the O’s. The Phillies have been at their best against the A.L. going 14-3 in their last 17 clashes. Take PHILADELPHIA!

NY Mets at NY Yankees 7:10 ET

Mets over Yankees- The last time these two met at Yankee Stadium last August they were a combined 61 games over .500 and both were leading their respective divisions. This time around neither of them would make the playoffs if the season were to end right now. At this time the Yankees are six-games over .500 after a 3-game sweep of Kansas City and both of these clubs are 14-17 since they last met splitting a two-game set at Citi-field. The Yanks will send Domingo German (5-6, 4.52 ERA) who is 0-1 with a 4.41 ERA in three starts since his perfect game at Oakland. The Mets will start Justin Verlander (4-5, 3.47) who is 9-7 lifetime with a 3.37 ERA in 24 starts against the Yankees and threw six innings of three-hit ball over six innings allowing just one-run in a no decision against the Yankees in June. This time around he gets the victory. Take NEW YORK METS!

Baltimore at Philadelphia 6:40 ET

Phillies over Orioles- Now with the best record in the AL Baltimore has won 12 of their last 15 and are a stellar 31-18 on the road. The Orioles will start Dean Kramer (10-4, 4.80 ERA) who has had great support from his mates scoring runs in bunches when he has been on the mound. Philadelphia salvaged the final game of a 3-game set in Cleveland to avoid the sweep. The Phillies will send out Cristopher Sanchez (0-3, 3.06) who is seeking his first win and has pitched well enough to earn it and will get his first victory here as Bryce Harper continues his attack on the baseball. Despite the Orange-birds being 33-13 as underdogs and the Phillies being 23-40 as favorites the trend reverses here. Take PHILADELPHIA!

New York Mets at Boston 7:10 ET

Mets over Red Sox- We ended up a double-winner Saturday as the suspended contest was finished and the Mets prevailed as a Megabucks winner and then in the second and regular scheduled game we won easy. Today we continue with a winner on the Mets behind  Carlos Carrasco (3-3, 5.35 RA) who won 15 games for New York last season. Boston will send out Brennan Bernardino (1-0, 2.48) who is making his 29 appearance but just his fourth start. The Mets have had a decent July going 14-6 in their last 20 games while the Red Sox are 1-4 in their last five against the NL East. take NEW YORK METS!

Toronto at Seattle 4:10 ET

Mariners over Blue Jays- Toronto’s strikeout leader Kevin Gausman (7-5, 3.03 ERA) has put down 153 batters via the 3-strike method and that in just 115 innings. The Blue Jays have lost his last three starts despite him allowing just five runs in 17 innings. Seattle will rely on Logan Gilbert (8-5, 3.65) who has allowed just 94 hits in 113 innings with one complete game shutout of the Giants. Take SEATTLE!

New York Mets at Boston 7:10 ET

Mets over Red Sox- No matter how hard the Mets look they will not find Bill Buckner anywhere and they will have to earn a victory tonight. New York will start 30-year rookie Kodai Senga (7-5, 3.20 ERA) and he is getting better with a 2.37 ERA in his last six starts. In 96 innings he has surrendered just 72 hits with 122 strikeouts. Boston will use Ketter Crawford (4-4, 3.74) but the Red Sox are 4-13 against the N.L.

Take the METS!

San Diego at Toronto 1:10 ET

Padres over Blue Jays- This should be a pretty good pitching match-up as both of these starters have comparable WHIP’s and this game is where it should be at close to a pick’ em. San Diego is starting to show some life and have won five of six and are 5-1 against Toronto is their last six meetings. They will send lefty Blake Snell (6-7, 2.71 ERA) to the hill and he has deserved better fate as he has been outstanding with little reward. The Padres are 7-0 verses the AL and the Blue Jays are 15-5 against the NL...Take SAN DIEGO!

San Diego at Toronto 7:05 ET

Padres over Blue Jays- Now’ the time if ever to jump on the Padres! San Diego who has been the biggest disappointment along with the Mets are beginning to make things interesting. Toronto is and has been n impostor for two decades and this year is no different. The Blue Jays will start Jose Berrios (8-6, 3.41 ERA) who has not won since June 24 when he defeated mighty Oakland.  The Padres are down $2267 on the year and will be starting Yu Darvish (6-6, 4.65) and he is off a six-inning 1-hit win over Philadelphia striking out nine giving him 98 in 83 innings. Take SAN DIEGO!

Minnesota at Seattle 10:00 ET

Twins over Mariners- Minnesota had their 3-game win streak halted last night as the Mariners edged out a 7-6 win. Tonight the Twins will send Baily Ober (5-4, 2.61 ERA) to the mound and he has had five quality starts of at least six inning each. At 6’9” Ober has a WHIP of 0.97 allowing only 62 hits in 83 innings and has been cheated out of a few victories. Seattle’s Bryan Woo (1-1, 3.63) has been effective in limited action posting five straight quality starts and he is facing the Twins for the first time. Play MINNESOTA!

Tampa Bay at Texas 8:05 ET

Rays over Rangers- These two have both leveled off in recent weeks bt are still the leaders in the clubhouse as they they might say. Texas will start Dane Dunning (8-2, 2.84 ERA) and he was roughed up in his last outing by the Nationals and suffered just his second loss. Tampa Bay will welcome back their Cy Young entree Shane McClanahan (11-1, 2.53) who will be making his first start since June 30 and he posted a 7-3 win over Texas on June 11. Tonight’s win will be even sweeter as he returns from the IL. Take TAMPA BAY!

Miami at St. Louis 7:45 ET

Cardinals over Marlins- How can I possibly be thinking of betting against Jesus, I mean the guy walks on water...oops wrong Jesus. This one Lazardo (acquired from Oakland in 2021) is 8-5 with a 3.29 ERA and will be making start No. 20 leading the majors. The Dead Birds are coming alive having won their last two games against Washington and have won 4 of 5 after a pair wins over the White Sox. The Marlins took the Cardinals three straight in Miami before the Red Birds salvaged the final game 3-0. Miles Mikolas (5-5, 4.21 ERA) who has not allowed a run in his last two starts gets the nod for the Cardinals. Take ST. LOUIS!

Los Angeles Dodgers at New York Mets 2:10 ET

Mets over Dodgers-  What kind of fool am I...(if I could only sing it to you) but backing the Mets has you down $2,300 at 100 units per game this season. LA has already taken the first two games of this 3-game set and New York is currently 20-games behind Atlanta a team they tied with 101 wins last season. The Dodgers will start another of their young strong arms in former No. 1 draft pick and 24-year old rookie Bobby Miller (5-1, 4.50 ERA). He busted on the scene with three straight wins allowing just two runs in his first 24 MLB innings and then reality set in and he gave up20 runs in 21 inning but still recorded two wins as the Dodgers scored 23 runs in his last three starts. Woeful New York will send their best Max Scherzer (8-3, 4.31) looking to savage the final game of the series and he has 101 K’s in just 83 innings but has surrendered 18 home runs. If the Mets haven’t given up on the season they should be all in behind Scherzer as he has gives them their best chance to win. The NEW YORK METS!

Boston at Chicago Cubs 2:30 ET

Cubs over Red Sox- Boston has performed better than anyone has expected and they will be throwing James Paxton (5-1, 2.73 ERA) and he has been sensational willing his last five decisions while allowing just 41 hits in 56 Innings. Considering that Paton has had one one win the past two seasons with a combined ERA of 6.70 the Red Sox has pleased with his limited appearances. Chicago will send out Marcus Stroman (9-6, 2.96) who has seven straight wins in seven starts prior to has last three starts (0-2, 8.57). Boston has won nine of 10 but even with Paxton on the hill they fall short. Take CHICAGO CUBS

San Diego at Philadelphia 6:05 ET

Padres over Phillies- Both of these clubs are looking to make strong second half moves because as of now they are both out of the payoff picture. After winning 23 of their last 32 and they are just a half-game out of the Wild Card berth. San Diego is 4-games under .500 after winning five of six before the break. The Padres will start Yu Darvish (5-6, 4.87 ERA) and he is 2-1 with an excellent ERA of 2.23 lifetime against Philadelphia. The Phils will start Cristopher Sanchez (0-2, 2.84) and the 26-year old is making his first start against the Padres. Take SAN DIEGO!

Seattle at Houston 2:10 ET

Mariners over Astros- Win or lose Saturday night (Tied 2-2) I am having trouble processing the fact that the Mariners are favored at Houston Sunday. Oh I see, it is all about Seattle’s Logan Gilbert (6-5, 3.82 ERA) and the former No. 1 pick is not having his best of years but the is still hard to hit allowing just 84 hits in 104 innings.

Houston will send Brandon Bielak (4-4, 3.81) and he has been very hit-able giving up 60 hits in 54 innings with 10 dingers allowed. Mariners are 6-1 against right-handers.

Take SEATTLE!

Cincinnati at Milwaukee 4:10 ET

Brewers over Reds- I was wondering if this could possibly be the same Luke Weaver (2-2, 6.72 ERA) who couldn’t cut it with St. Louis, Arizona, KC and now Cincinnati. I wasn’t sure until I saw that he had surrendered 90 hits in 69 innings and I knew I had my man. Colin Rea (5-4, 4.40) gets the nod for Milwaukee and it really does not matter to me. Redlegs struggle as a rule against the Brewers and are 8-22 in the last 30 meetings while Brew Crew is 15-7 at home against winning teams! Take MILWAUKEE!

Cincinnati at Milwaukee 8:10 ET

Brewers over Reds- Cincinnati with a shot of youth have become the most exciting team in baseball led by rookie sensation Elly De La Cruz who is absolutely thrilling to watch. Another part of the early success has come on the mound where Andrew Abbott (4-0, 1.21 ERA) has outstanding as the Reds are 6-0 in his starts. The Brewers will send out Cy Young Award winner Corbin Burnes (6-5, 4.00) who is seeking his second straight win for just the second time this season is 2-1 with a 2.77 ERA in 15 appearances against the Reds. Although Cincy is 18-3 on the road against right-handed starting pitchers but just 8-21 in the last 29 meetings. Take MILWAUKEE!

Baltimore at NY Yankees 7:05 ET

Orioles over Yankees- Something just does not seem right with New York being an underdog at home with Luis Severino (1-3, 6.30 ERA) taking the mound. The odds makers have decided that Kyle Brandish (4-4, 3.58) should be the favorite and who am I to argue with those guys. When adds to the mystery is that Severino has won six straight against the Orioles and is 7-1 with a 3.39 career ERA. Something just not right. Take BALTIMORE!

Texas at Boston 7:10 ET

Red Sox over Rangers- The problem for Boston is that Brayan Bello (5-5, 3.08 ERA) has been their best hurler this season. Since his first appearance he has posted an ERA of 2.56  and has not allowed more than three runs in any start. Right-hander Jon Gray (6-4, 3.21) will take the hill for Texas and he is 1-0 with a 2.45 ERA in his one career start against the Red Sox. Boston is 26-10 in their last 26 games against the AL West and the Rangers are 1-5 in their last six games against teams with winning records. Take BOSTON!

LA Angels at San Diego 6:40 ET

Padres over Angels- Here we go! San Diego who plays with the passion of a chair has to respond as an American MLB team against starter from a former WWII enemy.

Okay, that really has no baring on Shohei Ohtani (7-3, 3.02 ERA) and 12 strikeout per nine innings starts for the Angels. LA who appears to a real contender but once again must be playing without the ‘greatest’ player who never won anything ‘Mickey’ Trout who is begging out now that the Angels have a chance. Padres the biggest underachievers in baseball will send Joe Musgrove (6-2, 3.80) to the hill and he is 3-1 with a 2.88 ERA against LA who has lost five of six games. Take SAN DIEGO!