50* Powerhouse Play on Auburn -3 -115

The best opening-game matchup of the college football season pits the #11 Oregon Ducks against the #16 Auburn Tigers in a neutral-site contest at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. This game is a rematch of the 2011 BCS National Championship Game.

After defeating Michigan State in the Redbox Bowl, Oregon finished with a record of 9-4 in 2018. The Ducks put up 34 points per game while allowing 25 on average last season.

Auburn completed 2018 with a record of 8-5 after losing to #5 Georgia and #1 Alabama late in the season. The Tigers scored 30 points per game and gave up 19.

Oregon returns 17 starters from a season ago, including quarterback Justin Herbert (3,151 yards, 29 touchdowns, eight interceptions in 2018), but they weren’t great against ranked competition. The Ducks defeated #24 Cal and #7 Washington, but lost to #7 Stanford and #25 Washington State.

Head coach Gus Malzahn returned to play-calling duties for the bowl game against Purdue, which Auburn won by a score of 63-14. Now, Malzahn gets a new toy in the form of freshman quarterback Bo Nix, who was Alabama’s Mr. Football in 2018 and comes in as the top-ranked dual threat QB in the 2019 recruiting class.

100* Sharp Money Syndicate Play on Royals +106

With just 47 wins on the season, the Royals (47-89) have been poor in 2019. The Orioles (45-89), who are 42 games back of the AL East-leading Yankees, have been worse. Both of these clubs will face off tonight in Kansas City.

After dropping the first game of this three-game set, the Royals will turn to Jorge Lopez (2-7, 6.56 ERA) on the mound. The Kansas City right-hander has been great against Baltimore, boasting a 2-0 record alongside a 1.50 ERA in his career. In his last start, which came against the Orioles, Lopez allowed just one run on two hits over five innings.

Lopez will be opposed by Dylan Bundy (6-13, 4.98 ERA) on the side of the Orioles. Bundy’s latest outing resulted in a win, although eight hits and three total runs were surrendered in five innings by the Baltimore right-hander.

Bundy will be hoping to avoid a repeat of a start against Baltimore last season in which he became the first ever pitcher to allow four homers without recording an out. In that horrid 2018 start, Bundy faced seven batters and allowed seven runs.

With a loss today, Bundy would join the 14-loss club occupied by just two others right now this season.

50* Powerhouse Play on Tigers +130

The Tigers (39-93) are looking to get back on track with a victory at home against the visiting Twins (83-51). If Detroit can hold Minnesota to nine innings without a home run, they’ll have a great chance against the team that’s just five homers shy of the 2018 Yankees’ single-season record of 267.

In that daunting effort, the Tigers will start left-hander Matthew Boyd (6-10, 4.47 ERA). In his second start since coming back from paternity leave, Boyd will aim to be more dialed in. Boyd has an even 6-6 career record in 18 starts against Minnesota.

Several Twins hitters have faced Boyd numerous times without much success. In at least 28 at-bats, Miguel Sano (.143), Eddie Rosario (.242), and Jorge Polanco (.250) have been unable to get a hit in more than a quarter of their chances.

The Twins will answer with left-hander Martin Perez (9-5, 4.53 ERA) on the road. Perez allowed two runs over six innings in his last outing, but hasn’t been great against the Tigers. In seven career outings against Detroit, Perez is 2-3 with a 5.50 ERA.

Miguel Cabrera is 3-for-6 with a pair of RBIs against Perez.

50* Powerhouse Play on Mets -110

The Mets (68-66) regained some confidence in an 11-5 beating of the Phillies (69-64) in Philadelphia yesterday. If the Mets can repeat that performance, they’ll improve their chances of claiming a Wild Card berth, of which they currently sit five games back.

This matchup figures to be a tight one. Offensively, the Mets and Phillies are separated by just four runs scored on the season, with Philadelphia holding the slight edge (649-645).

It’s also a level pitching matchup, with both starters having even records and being within 0.03 in ERA and WHIP of one another.

For New York, Steven Matz (8-8, 4.06 ERA) will go. In his last outing, the Mets left-hander held a good Braves club to one run over six innings whilst battling a blister on his throwing hand. Matz hasn’t missed a start with that blister.

For Philadelphia, Jason Vargas (6-6, 4.09 ERA) gets the start. The new Phillies lefty will be facing his former club for the first since coming to Philly at the trade deadline. Since the move, Vargas is just 0-1 with a 4.34 ERA in five starts.

Mets slugger Pete Alonso will look to cap off a strong August in which he’s batting .294 with eight homers and 24 RBIs.

50* Powerhouse Play on South Carolina -10½ -110

An SEC versus ACC rivalry game will help us kick off the first full weekend of college football when the Gamecocks of South Carolina head into Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, N.C. to take on the Tar Heels of North Carolina.

North Carolina’s last victory against South Carolina came in 1991, and it doesn’t look likely to happen again this year for a Tar Heels squad that won just two games last season. North Carolina didn’t have much of a recipe for success last year, allowing 34 points per game while scoring an average of 27.

South Carolina finished out the 2018 season with a record of 7-5 after losing to Virginia in the Belk Bowl. The Gamecocks will be eager to start the season off right with #1 Clemson, #2 Alabama, and #3 Georgia all on the schedule.

South Carolina senior quarterback Jake Bentley (3,171 yards, 27 TDs in 2018) returns alongside three of his top four pass catchers. That doesn’t bode well for a North Carolina team losing its three top tacklers from a year ago.

Against the spread, the Gamecocks are 12-5 in their last 17 versus ACC competition.

50* Powerhouse Play on Georgia State +27 -110

Neither the Georgia State Panthers nor the Tennessee Volunteers had the season they wanted last year. Georgia State went 2-10 on the year while Tennessee finished 5-7 with a 2-6 record in conference play.

It’s easy to see why both programs struggled in 2018. The Panthers allowed 37 points per game while scoring just 23 of their own. The Volunteers weren’t a great deal better, scoring just 22 points per game and giving up 27.

Georgia State is aiming to improve this year based on their experience. At quarterback, Dan Ellington returns. On top of 2,119 yards and 12 touchdowns through the air, Ellington led the team with 625 rushing yards and five additional TDs. The Panthers are also returning nine starters on the defensive side of the ball.

After missing out on a bowl game last year, Tennessee is in danger of overlooking the earlier games on the schedule with three top-ten ranked opponents awaiting them in SEC play - #8 Florida, #3 Georgia, and #2 Alabama.

While nobody is expecting Georgia State to escape with an upset win, the 27 points they’re getting is a lot when you look at the shaky offensive line in front of Tennessee quarterback Jarrett Guarantano, who threw for 1,907 yards, 12 touchdowns, and three interceptions.

100* Sharp Money Syndicate Play on Indiana -17 -108

The Indiana Hoosiers will get the 2019 season rolling in Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis against the Ball State Cardinals in a matchup of unranked teams.

Indiana missed out on a bowl game last year after finishing the regular season at 5-7 and 2-7 in the Big Ten. However, the Hoosiers routed Ball State by a score of 38-10.

In addition to that loss to the Hoosiers, Ball State ended with a single win in their final five games to end up 4-8.

Indiana comes in as the significant favorite, and their advantage offensively against a poor Ball State defense is a big reason why. The Hoosiers have one of the more productive running backs in the Big Ten in sophomore Steven Scott III, who ran for 1,137 yards and 10 touchdowns on 228 carries in his freshman campaign.

Meanwhile, Ball State is coming off a 2018 season in which they allowed over five yards per carry and gave up 36 rushing touchdowns, which was the eighth most in the nation. The Cardinals finished 106thin total defense a year ago.

Ball State is 1-5 against the spread in their last six games at a neutral site.

50* Powerhouse Play on UL-Lafayette +20½ -110

The Superdome in New Orleans will be the venue for a noon clash between the Mississippi State Bulldogs and Louisiana Lafayette Ragin’ Cajuns.

Last season, this matchup was one of eight wins for Mississippi State, who finished 8-5 with a bowl loss to Iowa. A Cure Bowl loss against Tulane gave UL-Lafayette a 7-7 record on the year.

A big reason for any success the Bulldogs enjoyed last season came from a strong defense that allowed just 13 points per game in head coach Joe Moorhead’s first year. That production will be hard to replicate with just four starters from the defense returning in 2019.

While you have to consider the difference in the Sun Belt and SEC conferences, the Cajuns were actually better on offense last season, scoring 31 points per game to Mississippi State’s 28 points per game.

Although Louisiana Lafayette will be without Andre Nunez at QB, they’re bringing back 15 starters from a team that scored at least 42 points on five occasions last year. Before postseason play, the Cajuns won six of their final eight regular season games.

The Cajuns’ ground game has two solid options with Trey Ragas (1,181 yards and nine TDs) and Elijah Mitchell (985 yards and 13 TDs).

100* Sharp Money Syndicate Play on Wake Forest -3½ -110

The Utah State Aggies will face their first test of a new season at Wake Forest against the Demon Deacons.

Utah State’s victory over North Texas in the New Mexico Bowl earned them an 11-2 record in 2018. One of their two losses came in the season opener in which they fell to #11 Michigan State by a touchdown.

Wake Forest enjoyed less success, but reached the Birmingham Bowl and defeated Memphis to finish 7-6 a year ago.

In 2018, the Aggies were able to score 47 points per game while giving up just 22, albeit in the Mountain West. Facing stiffer competition in the ACC, Wake Forest allowed an average of 33 whilst scoring 32 themselves.

While Utah State returns quarterback Jordan Love, who threw for 3,567 yards, 32 touchdowns, and six interceptions last season, they’ll kick off the season with an inexperienced offensive line and without last year’s head coach, Matt Wells.

After coming in for an injured Sam Hartman, junior quarterback Jamie Newman will start for the Demon Deacons. Including his impressive 328-yard performance against Memphis, Newman led Wake Forest to a 3-1 record in his four games under center.

If history is any predictor, Wake Forest will be happy about its 46-10 throttling of Utah State two years ago.

50* Powerhouse Play on White Sox +195

The White Sox (60-73) may not be destined for postseason baseball, but they have a chance to drag down the likely playoff-bound Braves (81-54) as they open a series in Atlanta.

Although the Braves have a 5.5-game advantage over the Nationals in the NL East, they scored a total of six runs over their past three games, of which they won only one.

The White Sox will send out right-hander Ivan Nova (9-10, 4.37 ERA) to start. In short, Nova has been incredible in the month of August. Over five starts and 33 innings this month, Nova is 3-1 with a 1.09 ERA and has given up just four earned runs and six walks.

Nova also has the best ERA in the majors in his seven starts since July 22 with a 0.94. Nova is 5-1 over that period.

Scheduled to start for the Braves is Max Fried (14-4, 4.03 ERA). The left-hander started a 9-5 victory over the Mets in his last outing, but Fried allowed five runs over five innings.

Outfielder Jose Abreu is playing well for the White Sox, hitting a pair of doubles on Thursday and batting in a run in eight of his last 10 games.

100* Sharp Money Syndicate Play on Blue Jays +190

The Astros (87-48) are coming off a tough 9-8 loss to the Rays and now turn their attention to a series against the Blue Jays (54-81) in Toronto. The Blue Jays just split a two-game series with a good Braves team.

As heavy favorites on the road, Houston will go with Wade Miley (13-4, 3.13 ERA) to start. With opponents hitting .233 against him, Miley has been consistently strong for an Astros team that’s 19-8 in his starts this season. In 10 career starts against Toronto, Miley is 2-7 with a 4.47 ERA.

Although not many Blue Jays have faced Miley, Justin Smoak certainly has. In 13 at-bats against the Astros left-hander, Smoak is batting .385 with two homers and three RBIs.

Toronto is scheduled to go with right-hander Trent Thornton (4-8, 5.34 ERA) this evening at home. Although Thornton allowed three earned runs to the Mariners in his last outing, he pitched 6 2/3 innings of scoreless baseball against the Astros in a June start.

Keep an eye on rookie Cavan Biggio, who will be up against the team his father played 20 MLB seasons for. Biggio is 3-for-7 with a pair of walks in his most recent at-bats.

50* Powerhouse Play on Nationals -223

The Marlins (48-85) will travel to the nation’s capital to open a new series against the Nationals (74-58) in Washington. While the Marlins are 32 games back in the NL East, the Nats have a legitimate shot at doing damage in the playoffs.

Miami comes into this contest with just one win in their last four games, scoring a maximum of five runs in any of them. Washington enters the series as winners of six of their last seven and 13 of their last 16.

The Marlins will be starting right-hander Elieser Hernandez (3-5, 4.97 ERA) in this one. Dealing with a blister on his right hand, Hernandez managed six innings against the Phillies his last time out, allowing two runs.

Right-hander Anibal Sanchez (8-6, 3.81 ERA) will start for the Nationals. Sanchez’ last outing came against the Cubs. Although he allowed two runs over 8 1/3 innings, Sanchez carried a shutout into the ninth inning in one of his best starts in years.

Washington has a big advantage offensively. With 706 runs scored, 188 home runs, and a team average of .264, the Nationals are far batter at the plate than the Marlins, who’ve scored 493 runs, hit 115 homers, and are batting .241 as a team.

100* Sharp Money Syndicate Play on Utah -6.5 -110

Brigham Young University will host #14 Utah to open the 2019 season in a long-running series between these in-state rivals. The Utes have won the last eight contests between these two programs, including a 35-27 win at home in the most recent meeting.

The Cougars of BYU capped off the season with a win over Western Michigan in the Famous Idaho Potato Bowl to go 7-6 on the year. A defeat at the hands of Northwestern gave Utah a final record of 9-5 in 2018, but the Utes registered an impressive win against Stanford on its way to a Pac-12 South victory.

With the return of seven starters on each side of the ball, Utah will aim to improve on their 28 points per game while holding opponents to 19 points a game (ranked 17th) from a year ago. The Utes will return senior running back Zack Moss, who led the team with 1,092 yards and 11 TDs, and both Jason Shelley (1,162 yards; five TDs; six picks) and Tyler Huntley (1,788 yards; 12 TDs; six picks), who both saw significant action at quarterback.

BYU made a huge jump in 2018 after a 4-9 season the year prior. That progress figures to continue with 17 starters returning this season.

The Cougars ranked 24thin scoring defense but were average on offense. Zach Wilson will lead the squad from the QB position. Last season, Wilson threw for 1,578 yards, 12 touchdowns, and three interceptions.

Against the spread, Utah is 4-0 in their last four August games.

50* Powerhouse Play on San Jose State -11½ -120

The Northern Colorado Bears will kick off the 2019 college football season with the first ever game against the San Jose State Spartans in San Jose. While the Spartans finished last in the West division of the Mountain West conference a season ago, both coaches and media members picked the Bears to finish last overall in the Big Sky conference this year.

A 50-37 victory over UNLV was San Jose State’s lone win of the 2018 season. They finished 1-11 overall and 1-7 in conference play.

With back to back wins coming against Northern Arizona and Southern Utah, Northern Colorado completed the 2018 season with a record of 2-9. 

Although San Jose State quarterback Josh Love hasn’t been lighting up the college football scene over the past two years after completing 50% and 55% of his passes over the last two years, the Spartans have a favorable matchup in the passing game. Love showed his potential with 451-yard game against Hawaii and a 335-yard game against UNLV, and he’s unlikely to face a lot of pressure against a Northern Colorado team that managed just eight sacks last season.

Expect a weak San Jose State team from a better conference to overpower a weak Northern Colorado squad.

50* Powerhouse Play on Giants +125

When the Padres (61-71) go into San Francisco to take on the Giants (65-67), we’ll get a look at two very similar teams.

Apart from San Diego’s edge in the home run department (191-144), both clubs are virtually even offensively. The Giants have scored four more runs on the season (583-579) and both teams are hitting .242 as a team.

We’ll also be seeing the Padres’ 30-34 away record up against the Giants’ similar 29-35 home record.

As they enter this new series, the Giants and Padres have identical record patterns over the last 13 games. Each has experienced a run of W-L-WWW-LLLL-WW-LL. Of course, that coincidental streak will be broken tonight.

San Francisco will send out right-hander Dereck Rodriguez (5-6, 5.26 ERA) to start. In four starts against the Padres, Rodriguez is 1-1 with a 2.08 ERA. His last outing against San Diego lasted seven innings, in which he allowed two runs.

Right-hander Chris Paddack (7-7, 3.84 ERA) will be opposite Rodriguez. The Padres rookie is nearing an innings limit, and his last outing might be evidence of that. In just 2 1/3 innings, Paddack allowed six runs.

100* Sharp Money Syndicate Play on White Sox +180

The pressure is on the Twins (81-51), who are fighting to keep their 3.5-game lead over the Indians in the AL Central. Today, Minnesota will go into Chicago to take on the White Sox (60-72).

The White Sox have a couple of things going in their favor in this contest. First, they’ll be playing at home, where they could own a .500 record with a win this afternoon. Second, they’ll be facing one of Minnesota’s least-reliable pitchers at the moment, Jose Berrios (10-7, 3.53 ERA).

Despite a solid record for a starter, Berrios has lost his form in the month of August. The right-hander’s lack of command has delivered him an 8.44 ERA over his last four starts. Through 21 1/3 innings this month, Berrios has allowed a total of 20 earned runs. In his last outing, Berrios gave up five runs in 5 1/3 innings.

In 18 at-bats against Berrios, James McCann is batting .289 with three homers and nine RBIs.

Right-hander Dylan Cease (3-6, 5.76 ERA) will start for Chicago coming off his second home victory and recording nine strikeouts.

100* Sharp Money Syndicate Play on Royals +150

With one of the weaker remaining schedules in the majors, the Athletics (76-55) have a great shot at postseason baseball. With grip on the second AL Wild Card spot at the moment, Oakland is aiming for another win in Kansas City against the 46-87 Royals.

The biggest obstacle standing in Oakland’s way is right-hander Jacob Junis (8-12, 4.89 ERA), who starts for Kansas City this evening. Facing a minimum of 50 at-bats, Junis has the second-lowest average allowed with runners in scoring position in the AL since June 11. Under that criteria, Junis has held batters to 12-for-62 (.194).

On the mound for the Athletics will be Tanner Roark (8-8, 3.95 ERA). Roark was brought over from the Reds at the trade deadline, and he’s been solid since then. In his last outing, Roark held the Yankees to two runs in 6 1/3 innings.

Although Kansas City hasn’t been great this season, they’ve been able to count on second baseman Whit Merrifield consistently. In addition to his .299 average on the year, Merrifield is batting .293 with four doubles, three homers, and 11 RBIs in August.

50* Powerhouse Play on Rays +190

The Rays (76-57) are just one game back of the A’s for the second AL Wild Card spot. If they’ll be able to keep pace, Tampa Bay needs to find a way to get past a hot, AL West-leading Astros (86-47) team tonight.

Houston is the better hitting team, but the Rays have enjoyed more success from the mound this year. With a team ERA of 3.63, Tampa Bay ranks second in the majors. The Astros sit in fourth with an ERA of .367.

That pitching dominance figures to be on display this evening in a duel between Rays left-hander Ryan Yarbrough (11-3, 3.29 ERA) and Astros right-hander Gerrit Cole (15-5, 2.75).

Let’s begin with Yarbrough, who’s been disgusting for the Rays lately. In his last 12 appearances, Yarbrough has struck out 59, walked only four, and posted a 1.48 ERA on top of a 6-0 record in 61 innings. His past three starts have yielded a 1-0 record with a 0.47 ERA.

Cole has been great, as well. His last loss came against the White Sox on May 22nd. However, Cole has no wins and two losses in his three career starts against Tampa Bay.

50* Powerhouse Play on Tigers +175

After the Indians (77-55) took the first game of a three-game series, the Tigers (39-90) will be looking for revenge at home.

Perhaps the biggest thing going for Detroit is that they’ll be facing a rookie pitcher in Cleveland right-hander Aaron Civale (1-3, 1.82 ERA). However, Civale hasn’t pitched like a rookie. In each of his five starts, Civale has gone at least 5 2/3 innings.

After facing Civale back in June, we’ll see if the Tigers can get to the rookie after seeing his stuff once already.

The Tigers will counter with right-hander Jordan Zimmermann (1-9, 6.48 ERA). Thanks in large part to a nerve block injection in his neck, Zimmermann has looked good lately. In a total of 10 innings over his last two starts, Zimmermann has allowed just four hits and two runs.

Zimermann appears to be dialed in against both Francisco Lindor and Yasiel Puig. While Lindor is batting .154 in 13 at-bats against Zimmermann, Puig is hitting .182 in 11 at-bats.

Although Detroit is one of the worst offensive teams in baseball, they’ve been able to score 24 runs over the past seven days, which is good enough to rank them 17thin the majors.

50* Powerhouse Play on Padres +175

The Padres (60-69) have enjoyed of pair of quality performances as they beat the Red Sox and Dodgers (86-46) in back-to-back fashion over the past two days. Tonight, San Diego will host Los Angeles once again.

Both clubs will be excited for another start from their young starters. 24-year-old Cal Quantrill (6-4, 3.32 ERA) will take the mound for the Padres while 25-year-old Walker Buehler (10-3, 3.16 ERA) will start for the Dodgers.

Let’s start with Quantrill, who’s been very good since the All-Star break with a 4-2 record and 1.79 ERA. Over his last eight starts, the rookie right-hander has posted a 2.22 ERA. Quantrill also hasn’t allowed more than three runs in any appearance since the middle of June.

Buehler’s numbers really speak for themselves, but the Dodgers right-hander is significantly better at home than on the road. With an ERA that’s two runs higher when he’s the visiting pitcher, Buehler will have his work cut out for him this evening in San Diego.

While the Padres have won two straight, the Dodgers come into this game as losers of three of their last four, including a series loss to the Yankees.

100* Sharp Money Syndicate Play on Mariners +180

Two teams with plenty of home-run power will face off in Seattle tonight when the Mariners (56-76) host the Yankees (86-47).

The matchup on the mound will feature two Japanese pitchers as New York’s Masahiro Tanaka (9-7, 4.68 ERA) goes up against Seattle’s Yusei Kikuchi (5-8, 5.19 ERA).

Although Tanaka has pitched relatively well this month, the right-hander’s last start will have been tough to swallow. Against the Athletics, Tanaka allowed eight hits and five runs in six innings of play.

Kikuchi will have a couple of things going for him when he makes the start today. First of all, the left-hander tossed a shutout against Toronto his last time out in a 7-0 victory. Second, Kikuchi is now coming off plenty of rest after skipping a start in order to manage his pitch count.

Both pitchers will need to be careful of the power in either team’s lineup. While the Yankees are second in home runs with 244, the Mariners aren’t far behind with their fifth-best 210 dingers.

50* Powerhouse Play on Cubs +100

The National League Wild Card race is a tight one. Of the seven teams within 4.5 games of the second spot, two of them will face off tonight in New York as the Mets (67-63) host the Cubs (69-61). Chicago is currently in control of the second Wild Card position while New York is just two games back.

While both teams come into this evening’s contest as losers of three straight, the Mets failed to score more than a single run in two of those games.

Offensively, the Cubs hold a slight edge over the Mets in terms of runs scored (638-624) and home runs (203-184).

Chicago will send out right-hander Yu Darvish (4-6, 4.43 ERA) to start this one. With no walks and at least eight strikeouts in five straight games, Darvish has become the first pitcher in MLB history to do so.

New York will counter with right-hander Marcus Stroman (7-11, 3.18 ERA). In four starts with his new club since being traded from Toronto, Stroman has posted a 4.58 ERA. Stroman lasted just four innings in his last outing after tightness in his hamstring forced him to leave the game.

100* Sharp Money Syndicate Play on Padres +150

While the Padres (60-69) are coming off a win against Boston, the Dodgers (86-46) fell to the Yankees by a score of 5-1 yesterday. Tonight, San Diego will play host to New York in the opener of a three-game series.

The pitching matchup will be an interesting one, as the Dodgers continue their run of tryouts to see which arms will play a part in the postseason. We’ll see Dodgers right-hander Dustin May (1-2, 4.26 ERA) up against Padres left-hander Eric Lauer (6-8, 4.47 ERA).

May is currently the Dodgers sixth starter, although he hasn’t found much success in any role thus far. His last outing was one of relief, in which he gave up a grand slam. May faced the Padres in his first appearance in the majors, allowing nine hits and four total runs in 5 2/3 innings.

Of the 65 pitchers in the majors who’ve started against the Dodgers at least six times, Lauer is the best. While Lauer has an 8-15 record against the rest of the league, he’s 4-0 with a 1.72 ERA in six starts against Los Angeles. In 36 2/3 innings against the Dodgers, Lauer has allowed a total of just 26 hits and seven earned runs.

50* Powerhouse Play on Pirates +126

The Pirates (55-75) scored 26 runs in their three-game sweep of the Reds, and now turn to a new series against the Phillies (67-62) in Philadelphia. The Phillies dropped two of three against Miami in their most recent series.

With 32 homers and 103 BRIs, Josh Bell leads the line for Pittsburgh. Over the past seven days, left fielder Bryan Reynolds, who leads the team with a .328 average, is batting .360 with three doubles, a triple, and five RBIs.

On the mound for the Pirates will be right-hander Joe Musgrove (8-12, 4.74 ERA). In a July start against the Phillies, Musgrove struck out eight batters and allowed only two hits and no earned runs in six innings of work.

Left-hander Jason Vargas (6-6, 3.99 ERA) will start for the Phillies. In four starts since coming over from the Mets, Vargas is 0-1 with a 3.91 ERA. In six career appearances versus Pittsburgh, Vargas holds a 7.11 ERA.

Melky Cabrera is the Pirates batter with the most experience against Vargas. In 21 at-bats, Cabrera is batting .381 with a home run and eight RBIs.

100* Sharp Money Syndicate Play on Blue Jays +141

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50* Powerhouse Play on Red Sox -105

The Game 1 win against the Padres (59-68) boosted the Red Sox (69-61) to a record of 6-2 over their last eight. After dropping three straight, San Diego will play host to Boston once again this evening.

For the Red Sox, right-hander Nathan Eovaldi (1-0, 6.69 ERA) will begin on the mound. Although he lasted just two innings in his last outing, Eovaldi should feel more comfortable in his second start since coming off the injured list after suffering from a loose body in his elbow. In five career starts against the Padres, Eovaldi is 1-2 with a 3.90 ERA. 

Dinelson Lamet (2-2, 3.95 ERA) starts for San Diego. The Padres right-hander has been better in August, but won’t be happy with his 5.09 ERA in the month of July. In his last outing, Lamet allowed six hits and three runs in six innings.

With a combined 24 runs in their last two wins, the Red Sox have more offensive firepower than their opponent tonight. With 751 runs scored, 202 home runs, and a team batting average of .277, Boston holds a significant advantage over the Padres’ 564 runs scored, 188 home runs, and .245 team average.

100* Sharp Money Syndicate Play on Miami-FL +7½ -110

College football is finally back, and it all kicks off Saturday in Orlando when the #8 Florida Gators (0-0) take on the interstate rival Hurricanes of Miami (0-0), who are unranked.

Before defeating Michigan by a score of 41-15 in the Peach Bowl, Florida went 9-3 in the regular season last year. Miami comes into 2019 after a disappointing 7-5 regular season that ended with a 35-3 loss to Wisconsin in the Pinstripe Bowl.

The Hurricane faithful are excited about new head coach Manny Diaz after Mark Richt’s departure. Diaz is already making his mark, choosing redshirt freshman Jarren Williams to start over Ohio State transfer Tate Martell at quarterback.

Dan Mullen will lead the Gators and quarterback Feleipe Franks, who threw for 2,457 yards, 24 touchdowns, and six interceptions last season. Florida went through rough stretches as an offense in 2018. In losses to Georgia and Missouri, the Gators scored just 17 points in each.

With a Florida offense that’s looked sluggish at times, the 7.5-point spread looks enticing for a Miami defensive that had 40 sacks and allowed just 136 yards per game passing last season. The Hurricanes defense, which returns six starters, will also be excited to see what senior defensive end Trevon Hill can add after recording 11.5 sacks in 16 games at Virginia Tech.

50* Powerhouse Play on Rangers +119

The White Sox (59-69) and Rangers (63-67) are set for another clash in Chicago this evening. While neither team is competitive in the division, the Rangers have an outside shot at a Wild Card spot.

Although we haven’t seen an immense amount of offensive production from these two teams, Texas has been the better lineup on a consistent basis. Led by Joey Gallo’s 22 homers and Elvis Andru’s .282 average, the Rangers scored more runs (657-546) and hit more home runs (182-140) than the White Sox.

While the White Sox have managed just 4.2 runs per game, the Rangers have scored 5.1 runs per game this season.

Left-hander Kolby Allard (1-0, 6.60 ERA) will make his fourth start for the Rangers. Allard made a strong finish to his last outing, retiring 10 of the last 11 batters he faced. This will be Allard’s first career start against the White Sox.

Allard will be facing Chicago right-hander Ivan Nova (9-9, 4.47 ERA). In his last outing, Nova allowed two runs in 5 1/3 innings. Both righties and lefties have had success against Nova this year, hitting a collective .287 and .296 off him this year, respectively.

100* Sharp Money Syndicate Play on Yankees +139

The Yankees (84-46) were able to get back on track in dominant fashion by defeating the Dodgers (85-45) by a score of 10-2 in the opener for this series between two of baseball’s best. They’ll go into Los Angeles as the road dog to try and do it all over again.

New York’s offensive prowess reared its head against one of the best pitchers in the majors yesterday. The Yankees have now scored 50 more runs than the Dodgers by a tally of 766 to 716.

Carrying that confidence into this afternoon’s matchup, the Yankees will go with veteran left-hander CC Sabathia (5-7, 5.01 ERA) to start. Sabathia has been good on the road in his career (130-83, 3.82 ERA), and has been great at Dodgers stadium, earning a record of 1-0 with a 1.20 ERA in two games.

Tony Gonsolin (1-1, 3.00 ERA) will start for Los Angeles. The inexperienced right-hander will be making his fourth career start. In his last outing, Gonsolin needed 72 pitches to record the 12 outs of his four-inning start in which he allowed five hits and one run.

Since June 15, the Yankees are tops in the majors with a record of 43-19.

50* Powerhouse Play on Yankees +139

In a potential World Series preview, the Yankees (83-46) will go into Los Angeles to take on the Dodgers (85-44) in tonight’s game with New York filling the rare role of underdog.

Although the Dodgers have Cody Bellinger and his 42 home runs in the lineup, the Yankees are the better offensive baseball team. With 756 runs scored, the Yankees lead the majors. The Dodgers trail behind with 714 runs scored on the season.

While both teams have great power, the Yankees have the slight edge with 232 home runs (2nd) to L.A.’s 225 home runs (3rd).

Tonight’s pitching matchup will feature Yankees left-hander James Paxton (9-6, 4.53 ERA) against Dodgers left-hander Hyun-Jin Ryu (12-3, 1.64 ERA).

Paxton has been on a roll this month. In his four outings in August, the Yankees lefty is a perfect 4-0. Paxton will be looking to continue his streak of a sub-4.00 ERA in each of his six seasons in the majors.

In his third multi-homer game of the year, Ryu looked vulnerable in his last start. The Braves were able to take Ryu deep in back-to-back fashion in the sixth inning.

100* Sharp Money Syndicate Play on White Sox +140

After taking the win in Game 1 of a four-game series, the White Sox (58-69) improved their home record to an even 31-31. Riding the momentum of three wins in their last four contests, Chicago will try to improve that record yet again as they host the Rangers (63-66).

This hasn’t been the year Chicago wanted it to be, but the club has been good offensively as of late. Over the past seven days, the White Sox are ranked 10thin the MLB with 34 runs scored.

That White Sox lineup will try to do some damage to Rangers right-hander Lance Lynn (14-8, 3.60 ERA). Despite a good overall record, Lynn is 5-7 in 13 starts on the road. In his last three outings, Lynn is 0-2.

Against Lynn, several White Sox have a good batting history. In nine at-bats, Welington Castillo is 5-for-9 with two homers and two RBIs. In 10 at-bats, Leury Garcia has five hits. And in 13 at-bats against Lynn, Tim Anderson is batting .309 with a homer and four RBIs.

On the mound for Chicago will be Dylan Cease (2-6, 5.93 ERA), who will make his first career start against the Rangers.

50* Powerhouse Play on Braves +169

When the Braves (77-52) go into New York to take on the Mets (67-60), supremacy in the NL East will be at the forefront of the conversation. While the Mets have been looking at the Wild Card race for a path to the playoffs, this series provides a chance to cut into Atlanta’s nine-game lead over New York in the division.

As winners of five straight games, both come into this evening’s game very hot. The Mets were able to sweep the Indians while the Braves took a pair of games off the Dodgers.

For Atlanta, Mike Foltynewics (4-5, 6.09 ERA) will start. The right-hander held a good Dodgers lineup to just two runs in his last outing.

Foltynewics appears to have the number of a couple of Mets hitters. In at least 12 at-bats versus the Braves starter, Todd Frazier is 1-for-13 while Joe Panik is batting .167.

The Mets will be sending out right-hander Jacob deGrom (8-7, 2.61 ERA). Josh Donaldson has been particularly good against deGrom, batting .375 with a pair of home runs and three RBIs in eight at-bats.

Other Braves hitters have dominated the season series with New York, which Atlanta leads by a tally of 8-5. Against the Mets this season, Ronald Acuna Jr. is batting .393 and Freddie Freeman is batting .327 with four home runs and 10 RBIs.

50* Powerhouse Play on Rays -195

Tied with Oakland for the second AL Wild Card spot, the Rays (74-54) will know that they need to take advantage of every game against the Orioles (41-86) and their 20-44 home record.

The disparity between these two clubs and their respective 2019 seasons is best explained by the pitching statistics. While Baltimore sits dead last with a team ERA of 5.90, the Rays are second in the majors with an ERA of 3.53. Tampa Bay also ranks second in strikeouts (1,283) and third in batting average against (.229) – Baltimore is 29thin both categories.

That disparity might get even wider tonight when the Rays send left-hander Ryan Yarbrough (11-3, 3.34 ERA) out to start. Yarbrough has been incredible in the month of August, posting an ERA of 0.46 and allowing just one walk. He also hasn’t given up a run in either of his past two starts.

While Yarbrough is 6-0 in his last 11 starts, Orioles right-hander Asher Wojciechowski (2-6, 4.78 ERA) has lost three straight decisions despite leading the club with 10.3 Ks per nine innings.

Tampa Bay comes into this series with eight wins out of their last nine played on grass.

100* Sharp Money Syndicate Play on Giants +162

The Giants (63-64) have been very solid on the road this season, earning themselves a 34-31 record away from home. San Francisco will need to be in form today in Chicago when they take on the Cubs (68-58), who are hanging on to a 0.5-game lead in the NL Central.

This Thursday afternoon affair will feature Giants right-hander Jeff Samardzija (9-9, 3.54 ERA) and Cubs right-hander Kyle Hendricks (8-9, 3.37 ERA).

After spending his first seven seasons in Chicago, this will be Samardzija’s fourth start against his former club. That’s bad news for the Cubs. In nine starts since the calendar turned to July, Samardzija has been one of the best pitchers in baseball with a 2.09 ERA.

Hendricks is 3-2 in seven career starts versus San Francisco. In his last 10 starts, Hendricks is 1-5 with a 3.96 ERA.

For Chicago, Nicholas Castellanos comes into this afternoon’s game as the hottest hitter after homering in three straight games. However, Castellanos is batting just .083 in 12 at-bats against Samardzija.

With five games between themselves and the second Wild Card spot, the Giants will be eager to avoid a sweep.

100* Sharp Money Syndicate Play on Marlins +180

With a 28.5-game gap between them in the NL East, the Braves (75-52) and Marlins (45-79) will go head to head tonight in Atlanta in the middle game of a three-game series.

Although the Braves are riding a three-game win streak, they’ve been unable to score more than five runs in any of their past four games.

While these two clubs are at opposite ends of the division, the playing field will be leveled tonight on the mound. Miami left-hander Caleb Smith (8-6, 3.63 ERA) will face off against Atlanta right-hander Julio Teheran (7-8, 3.71 ERA).

In his last start, Smith held one of the best teams in baseball to one run when he threw five innings against the Dodgers. In fact, Smith only allowed one hit; a home run. The Marlins left-hander has struck out 131 in 111 2/3 innings pitched on the season.

In contrast, Teheran is coming off the shortest start of his career. In just 1 1/3 innings against the Mets, Teheran allowed eight hits, one of which was a homer, and six runs. Although he faced 14 Mets, Teheran retired just three of them.

Martin Prado is batting .314 in 35 at-bats versus Teheran.

50* Powerhouse Play on Indians +140

As the Indians (74-52) await the return of Corey Kluber and Carlos Carrasco, they’re keeping the Twins and their three-game lead in the AL Central within reach. Tonight, Cleveland will visit New York to take on the Mets (65-60).

The Mets have rallied lately to bring their record at home up to 35-21, but the Indians have an impressive 35-26 record on the road.

Making his fourth start as a member of this New York club after joining at the trade deadline will be Marcus Stroman (7-11, 3.21 ERA). Although the Mets have won each of Stroman’s starts, the right-hander has posted a mediocre 5.17 ERA in 15 2/3 innings with the team.

In 12 at-bats against Stroman, Indians right-fielder Tyler Naquin is batting .583 with a pair of RBIs. Rookie Oscar Mercado is batting .333 with a homer in his last seven games.

Cleveland will be sending out Adam Plutko (5-3, 4.67 ERA) for this one. In his last outing, the Indians right-hander held one of the best offensive teams in baseball, the Yankees, to three runs in six innings.

The Indians have seven wins out of their last nine road games in interleague play.

50* Powerhouse Play on Phillies +160

As winners of five of their last seven, the Phillies (65-60) go into Boston this evening to face off against the Red Sox (67-60).

Getting the start for Philadelphia will be left-hander Drew Smyly (2-6, 7.09 ERA). Smyly will be hoping to return to his good form immediately after joining the club. In his first 13 innings as a Philly, Smyly allowed just one earned run. In 10 career games (eight starts) against Boston, Smyly is 3-1 with a 2.18 ERA.

Opposite Smyly will be Red Sox right-hander Rick Porcello (11-9, 5.49 ERA). In four career starts against Philadelphia, Porcello is 2-1 with a 4.32 ERA. In six of his last 10 starts, Porcello has allowed five or more earned runs.

The Phillies will likely lean on slugger Bryce Harper for run support. In addition to leading the club with 26 home runs and 90 RBIs, Harper is batting .381 with four homers over the last seven days.

After twisting an ankle, the Red Sox may be without shortstop Xander Bogaerts in tonight’s matchup. That would be a big miss for the club, as Bogaerts is hitting .308 with 27 home runs and 94 RBIs on the season.

50* Powerhouse Play on Yankees -127

With a winning percentage of .659, the Yankees (83-43) own the best record in baseball. Tonight, New York will go into Oakland to take on the Athletics (71-53) and their 40-24 record at home.

Offensively, the Yankees outclass the A’s. New York ranks first in the majors in runs scored (747), second in home runs (227), and third in team batting average (.272). Oakland sits at 12thin runs scored (629), ninth in home runs (196), and 20thin team average (.246).

The Yankees will pair that offensive dominance with the nearly unbeatable Domingo German (16-2, 3.96 ERA) on the mound. With a 3.70 ERA, German has won each of his last four starts. In his last outing, the Yankees right-hander allowed five hits and two runs through seven innings.

Hoping to limit the firepower of New York will be A’s right-hander Homer Bailey (10-8, 5.22 ERA). In his last three starts, Bailey is 1-1 with a 4.58 ERA.

Watch for Yankees second baseman DJ LeMahieu to continue his hot streak. Over the last seven days, LeMahieu is batting .364 with three homers and six RBIs.

100* Sharp Money Syndicate Play on Mets +149

Although the Mets (64-60) have cooled off after a stretch of 15 wins in 16 games, they’re currently winners of three of their last four while scoring a total of 25 runs in those three wins. Tonight, New York will be hosting the 74-51 Indians.

Battling to gain ground in the NL East and Wild Card races, the Mets will turn to Steven Matz (7-7, 4.33 ERA). With a 31-to-6 strikeout-to-walk ratio, Matz has been very good in six starts since the middle of July. In that time frame, the Mets left-hander has posted a 3.06 ERA.

Facing off against Matz will be Indians right-hander Shane Bieber (12-5, 3.27 ERA). In his last start, Bieber gave up two solo dingers. Home runs have become an issue for Bieber lately, allowing six homers in his last four starts.

Bieber will have his hands full with two Mets hitters in particular. In addition to just breaking the NL rookie record with his 40thhome run of the season, Pete Alonso is 11-for-17 with two doubles, two homers, and 10 RBIs over his last four games.

Over the last seven days, Mets shortstop Amed Rosario is batting .483 with three doubles, a triple, and five RBIs.

50* Powerhouse Play on Nationals -143

Pittsburgh will be the location of tonight’s contest between the visiting Nationals (68-56) and Pirates (51-73). While Pittsburgh has lost three straight and four of its last five, the Nationals are winners of seven of their last eight and, with just a five-game division deficit, have the best chance of overtaking Atlanta in the NL East.

Washington’s offense is currently rolling. In four of their last five games, the Nats put up at least 13 runs. While the Pirates rank just 21stin the majors with 572 runs scored, Washington ranks eighth with 656 runs scored.

In one of his healthiest seasons yet, Stephen Strasburg (15-5, 3.82 ERA) will take the mound once again for Washington. The right-hander has struck out 185 while giving up just 19 home runs in 158 innings pitched. If Strasburg claims victory in this game, he’ll reach a career-high 16thwin of the season.

Opposite Strasburg will be right-hander Chris Archer (3-9, 5.29 ERA). Although he struck out 10 batters during his last start, the outing led to a Pirates loss for the seventh straight time when Archer starts.

The Pirates have won just five of their last 26 games, and are 3-13 in their last 16 contests at home.

50* Powerhouse Play on Padres +157

As winners of three of their last four, the Padres (58-65) will kick off a three-game series against the Reds (58-65) tonight in Cincinnati.

The Reds have managed to win just two of their last eight games, and will turn to trade deadline acquisition Trevor Bauer (10-9, 4.12 ERA) to start. Despite relative success for the Indians this season, Bauer is just 1-1 with a 7.31 ERA so far for the Reds.

In his last start, the Reds right-hander was shelled for nine earned runs in 4 1/3 innings against the Nationals. That was the second time in his past four starts that Bauer allowed seven or more runs.

Bauer will need to be careful against Padres slugger Manny Machado. In 14 at-bats versus Bauer, Machado is batting .643 with four homers and five RBIs.

San Diego will go with Eric Lauer (6-8, 4.55 ERA) to start. The Padres left-hander should be excited to pitch against the Reds. In his last three starts against Cincinnati, Lauer holds a 1.93 ERA.

If the Padres can get the victory here this evening, it will be their third straight win on the road.

100* Sharp Money Syndicate Play on Orioles -123

When the Orioles (39-85) host the Royals (44-80) tonight in Baltimore, they’ll be counting on the pitching matchup to gain the advantage.

Kansas City will start struggling right-hander Jorge Lopez (1-7, 6.51 ERA) against Orioles lefty John Means (8-8, 3.76 ERA). While Means isn’t in the best form of the season, he’s been enjoying more success than Lopez. In his last start, Lopez didn’t make it out of the second inning after allowing five total runs (four earned) on three walks and two hits.

Lopez will now be on the mound for a team that’s lost four of its last five contests.

Both clubs have been relatively equal offensively. Baltimore carries a slight edge in terms of runs scored (539-535) and home runs (155-125), but the Royals and Orioles have identical .244 team batting averages.

This will be the first game of the series, which is good for the Orioles. When Means is starting a series, the Orioles are winners of four of their last five. Additionally, Means has a 4-1 record in his last five starts at home against a team under .500.

The Royals are 1-11 in Lopez’ last 12 starts, and 1-9 in their last 10 in Baltimore.

100* Sharp Money Syndicate Play on Pirates +143

Despite having a share of the lead in the NL Central, the Cubs (65-58) have won just four of their last five games. Tonight, they’ll take their 24-39 record on the road into Pittsburgh when they face off against the Pirates (57-71), who’ve won three of their last five.

Coming off his first win in the majors, Mitch Keller (1-1, 7.94 ERA) will start for the Pirates. In that outing, the right-hander gave up a single earned run (two total) through five innings.

The Cubs will be sending out left-hander Jose Quintana (10-7, 4.11 ERA), who received a no-decision in a loss to the Phillies in his last start. In six innings, Quintana threw 110 pitches, so we’ll see how long he can last tonight.

Pittsburgh shortstop Kevin Newman is 4-for-9 against Quintana and holds a batting average of .301 on the year. Other Pirates to look out for are Bryan Reynolds, who leads the club with a .334 average, and Josh Bell, who leads the team with 31 homers and 98 RBIs.

Coming into this series, the Cubs had lost five of their last seven on the road.

50* Powerhouse Play on Giants -109

The Giants (63-61) will be aiming for the four-game sweep of the Diamondbacks (61-63) today when they go into Arizona once again.

Having lost four straight games, including three to San Francisco, the Diamondbacks are reeling. In contrast, the Giants are winners of six of their last seven. Those two runs have allowed San Francisco to overtake Arizona in the NL Wild Card race. Respectively, the Giants and Diamondbacks are 2.5 and 4.5 games back of the Cubs for the second Wild Card.

On the mound for the Diamondbacks will be right-hander Merrill Kelly (8-12, 4.75 ERA). Over his last four starts, Kelly holds a 10.71 ERA. In his most recent outing, Kelly allowed six earned runs on nine hits in five innings.

Madison Bumgarner (8-7, 3.63 ERA) will get the start for the Giants. The left-hander can boast an ERA of just 2.61 over his last 10 outings, which is good enough for ninth-lowest among NL starters in that time. In his last start, Bumgarner gave up a single run in seven innings.

Coming into the matchup with San Francisco, the Diamondbacks are 2-6 in their last eight games against NL West competition. The Giants are now 9-2 in their last 11 away games against clubs with a losing home record.

50* Powerhouse Play on Twins +123

With a chance to sweep the Rangers (60-63) in a four game series, the AL Central-leading Twins (75-48) will go into Texas this afternoon.

While the Rangers are 2-9 in their last 11 games, the Twins have won four of their last five.

With 240 homers on the season, the Twins lead the majors. Minnesota can also boast a third-best 716 runs scored and fourth-best team average of .271. The Rangers are trailing behind with 175 home runs (16th), 630 runs scored (9th), and a team average of .250 (18th).

The Twins will send out Martin Perez (8-5, 4.57 ERA) to start this one. The left-hander had a good start his last time out, holding the Brewers to one unearned run in six innings. Perez was a long-time Texas pitcher before this season, earning a 27-20 record and 4.34 ERA in Arlington as a Ranger.

Current Rangers batters are hitting just .212 in 35 appearances against Perez coming into this game.

Lance Lynn (14-8, 3.54 ERA) takes the mound for Texas today. Lynn started 20 games for the Twins last year and ended with a 5.10 ERA. The right-hander has never faced the Twins.

50* Powerhouse Play on White Sox +160

On the back of two straight wins against Houston, the White Sox (54-65) will be riding a wave of confidence coming into this four-game series with the Angels (59-63) in Los Angeles.

Chicago will be hoping for continued production out of their lineup. Over the last seven days, Jose Abreu, who leads the team with 24 homers and 86 RBIs, is batting .381 with three doubles. In his past seven games, shortstop Tim Anderson can boast a pair of four-hit outings.

For the White Sox, Reynaldo Lopez (7-9, 5.16 ERA) gets the start. Lopez has been very good in the second half of the season, carrying a 2.13 ERA since the All-Star break. In his last outing, Lopez didn’t allow a run in 6 1/3 innings against Oakland.

Opposite Lopez will be Angels left-hander Andrew Heaney (4.89 ERA). Still working his way back since his spell on the injured list with shoulder inflammation, Heaney lasted just 3 2/3 innings his last time out.

The Angels have won three of their last 13 games and are winless in their last four against AL Central competition.

Chicago is 5-1 in Lopez’ last six road starts and are 4-0 in their last four against left-handers on the road.

100* Sharp Money Syndicate Play on Cardinals +153

It’s a very tight race in the NL Central, and the Cardinals (63-55) are doing their best to take control. As winners of five straight, St. Louis has moved into a tie for first alongside the Cubs, with the Brewers 1.5 games back. In four of those five wins, St. Louis held the opposing team to two or fewer runs.

Tonight, the Cards will pay a visit to the Reds (56-63), who have lost four straight and now find themselves in fourth place in the division with a 7.5-game gap between themselves and the top.

Hoping to stop the bleeding, Cincinnati will go with Sonny Gray (7-6, 3.10 ERA) to start. The Reds right-hander faced St. Louis for the first and only time of his career in April when the Cards took the victory by a score of 5-2.

St. Louis will hand the ball to right-hander Michael Wacha (6-5, 5.54 ERA), who has won seven straight appearances at Cincinnati’s Great American Ball Park. In 21 career games (17 starts) against the Reds, Wacha is 12-1 with a 2.79 ERA.

If the Reds can win this four-game series, they’ll get themselves back in the thick of the NL Central race. If St. Louis is victorious, they’ll give themselves an opportunity to take sole control of the division.

50* Powerhouse Play on Marlins +250

For the Marlins (44-74), the only thing scarier than taking on the Dodgers (80-41) this evening is taking on the Dodgers with Clayton Kershaw (11-2, 2.77 ERA) starting on extra rest.

Since July came around, Kershaw is 4-0 with a 1.66 ERA in six starts. The three-time Cy Young Award winning left-hander allowed just one run in seven innings in his last outing.

In Kershaw’s last 18 games with at least seven days of rest, the Dodgers are 15-3.

Tied with the Yankees for the best record in baseball, Los Angeles will see what kind of damage they can do against right-hander Elieser Hernandez (2-4, 4.94 ERA). Coming off his best performance in Major League Baseball, Hernandez notched seven strikeouts and gave up just two hits in six scoreless innings against Atlanta.

Perhaps Hernandez’ toughest task this evening will be facing off against Dodgers slugger Cody Bellinger, who’s tied for the league lead in home runs. Bellinger is a surefire MVP candidate with 39 homers, 90 RBIs, and a .316 average on the season. If Hernandez can shut Bellinger down, the home-dog Marlins have a good chance tonight.

100* Sharp Money Syndicate Play on Twins +103

Neither team on display this afternoon in Milwaukee can afford to let too many games get away from them. The visiting Twins (72-47) have a 0.5-game lead in the AL Central while the Brewers (62-58) trail the NL Central-leading Cubs by 2.5 games.

The Brewers are losers of two straight, and face a tough task against a powerful Twins lineup. Sure, the Brewers have Christian Yelich and his 39 home runs, but Minnesota has hit a majors-best 230 homers and sits third in the MLB offensively with 682 runs scored.

On the other hand, the Brewers score an average of 4.76 runs per game. That’s good enough for 16thin the majors.

Milwaukee will send out Gio Gonzalez (1-2, 3.20 ERA) to face that dangerous lineup. When he faced Minnesota earlier this season, the Brewers left-hander gave up our runs in 4 2/3 innings.

Starting for the Twins will be right-hander Kyle Gibson (11-5, 4.24 ERA). In 32 at-bats, Gibson has held Milwaukee center-fielder Lorenzo Cain to a .188 average with no homers or RBIs allowed.

Although the Brewers can normally lean on their 35-26 home record, the Twins and their 36-21 away record are even better on the road.

50* Powerhouse Play on Astros -268

The Astros (78-42) and White Sox (53-65) have split the first two games of their current three-game series in Chicago, but these two teams certainly aren’t even in many regards.

While the White Sox are 18.5 games back in the AL Central and haven’t been able to earn a winning record at home (29-31), the Astros hold a 10.5-game advantage in the AL West and are a favorite to win the American League.

While Houston respectively ranks fifth and fourth in the majors in runs scored (660) and home runs (201), Chicago lags behind significantly with just 484 runs scored (28th) and 126 dingers (26th).

This afternoon’s pitching matchup appears to be lopsided, as well.

Houston will send out left-hander Wade Miley (11-4, 2.99 ERA), who’s given up just 11 total runs over his past eight starts. In those 48 2/3 innings, Miley can boast a 2.03 ERA.

Opposite Miley will be Ross Detwiler (1-3, 5.35 ERA). The Chicago left-hander took the loss in both games since returning to the rotation.

While the Astros are 7-1 in Miley’s last eight starts, the White Sox were just 1-6 in their last seven games at home coming into this series.

100* Sharp Money Syndicate Play on Pirates +170

Tonight’s game in Los Angeles will feature the visiting Pirates (49-69) taking on the Angels (58-62) in the second game of a three-game series. The series opener went the way of Pittsburgh by a score of 10-2.

The Pirates lineup appeared to rediscover its power yesterday. Four different batters hit a homer in that contest, including All-Star Josh Bell, who’s now his three home runs in two games. Bell leads the team with 30 homers and 95 RBIs (tied for most in the majors).

Starling Marte was also able to get back on track in the series opener by going 3-for-5. 

That Pittsburgh lineup will aim to get the best of Angels right-hander Griffin Canning (4-6, 4.76 ERA). Canning hasn’t pitched since July 30 when he was place on the injured list with elbow inflammation.

For the Pirates, right-hander Trevor Williams (4-5, 5.06 ERA) will be on the mound. Before his previous start, Williams posted a 3.00 ERA in three straight solid starts.

Williams and the Pirates sluggers will look to get the better of an Angels team that’s dropped 13 of their last 17 games.

100* Sharp Money Syndicate Play on Reds +102

Two teams that are in contention for the NL Wild Card will face off this evening when the Reds (56-60) visit Washington to take on the Nationals (62-55). Cincinnati is attempting to make up ground from five games back of the second Wild Card spot, while Washington has a 0.5-game cushion atop the Wild Card standings.

The Reds will go with right-hander Anthony DeSclafani (7-6, 4.20 ERA) to start. In seven appearances (four starts) against the Nationals, DeSclafani is 2-0 with a 2.17 ERA. In seven at-bats, DeSclafani has blanked Nats slugger Anthony Rendon, who leads his team with 25 homers and 90 RBIs.

Max Scherzer is out with an upper back strain, so Washington is sending out Ericke Fedde (2-2, 4.20 ERA) for this one. The right-hander has been inconsistent; he recently gave up nine runs in a start against Atlanta.

The stats tell us the Nationals are facing an up-hill battle in this one. In addition to being 4-10 in their last 14 against NL Central competition, the Nationals have just three wins in Fedde’s last 13 starts at home.

In contrast, the Reds have won five of their last six, and are a perfect 6-0 in their last six against right-handers.

100* Sharp Money Syndicate Play on Tigers +110

Detroit will be the location of another AL Central battle between the Royals (42-76) and Tigers (35-79) this afternoon. Before yesterday’s loss to Kansas City, Detroit won the first two games of this four-game series.

Now, as winners of three of their last five, the Tigers will turn to left-hander Daniel Norris (3-9, 4.76 ERA) to start this contest. In 11 career outings (10 starts) against Kansas City, Norris has a 3.95 ERA.

For the Royals, Jakob Junis (7-10, 4.88 ERA) will start on the mound. The right-hander has given up 146 hits, 48 walks, and 24 homers in 138 1/3 innings pitched on the season.

In 13 at-bats against Junis, Tigers center-fielder JaCoby Jones is 5-for-13 with a cumulative cycle and two RBIs. John Hicks is batting .444 with a homer in nine at-bats against Junis.

Although Detroit is trailing Kansas City in the division, the Tigers have been the better hitting team over the last seven days. With 37 runs scored, Detroit is ranked 10thin the majors over that stretch. Kansas City follows behind at 13thwith 32 runs scored.

100* Sharp Money Syndicate Play on Rockies +190

Although the Padres (54-61) are significant favorites at home against the Rockies (52-64), the visitors have two big advantages in tonight’s contest.

First, Colorado is the better offensive team. With 611 runs scored on the season, the Rockies rank seventh in the majors. Also boasting the fifth-best average (.267), Colorado is particularly adept at producing extra-base hits. The Rockies rank first and second in the MLB with 35 triples and 244 doubles, respectively.

On the other hand, the Padres have scored just 518 runs, which is good enough for the 22ndrank.

The Rockies’ other advantage is the fact that Padres starter Chris Paddack (7-5, 3.19 ERA) appears to be pushing his limits. The right-hander has pitched 104 1/3 innings so far this season, but his career high in the minors was just 90 innings.

If Paddack is indeed reaching a ceiling, his last outing is evidence. The Dodgers rocked Paddack for six earned runs in that start.

On the mound for Colorado will be right-hander Chi Chi Gonzalez (0-4, 5.95 ERA). Although the Rockies have lost all four of his starts, Gonzalez hasn’t allowed more than three earned runs in any one of those contests.

50* Powerhouse Play on Mets -106

When the Mets (60-56) host the Nationals (61-54) this evening, they’ll be riding all sorts of momentum. In the first game of this series, the Mets needed a three-run homer from Todd Frazier to tie things up in the bottom of the ninth before Michael Conforto hit the walk-off RBI single.

That victory puts the Mets on their second seven-game winning streak since late July. Those two streaks are separated only by a single loss to Pittsburgh. New York has won 14 of their last 15 games, and aim to continue climbing the NL Wild Card standings tonight.

Hoping to slow the Mets will be Patrick Corbin (9-5, 3.43 ERA). The Nationals left-hander has given up seven runs in 11 innings of two losses at Citi Field this season.

Conforto, Frazier, and Pete Alonso all have a .353 average or better in at least 10 at-bats against Corbin. In 17 at-bats in this matchup, Conforto has four homers and nine RBIs.

New York will send out right-hander Noah Syndergaard (8-5, 3.96 ERA). In his five starts since the All-Star break, Syndergaard has gone at least seven innings while posting a 1.78 ERA.

50* Powerhouse Play on Tigers -119

There hasn’t been much to celebrate for either the Royals (41-76) or Tigers (35-78) this season. However, Detroit will be hosting today’s matchup between the two teams as winners of three of their last four. In those three victories, two of which came against Kansas City, the Tigers scored 25 runs.

Mike Montgomery (1-5, 6.02 ERA) will start for the Royals. The left-hander gave up a pair of homers and yielded four total runs through five innings in his last outing. Kansas City is winless in Montgomery’s last four starts.

The Tigers will counter with right-hander Spencer Turnbull (3-9, 3.72 ERA). Coming off a minor back injury in his last start, Turnbull struck out seven batters in just three innings. In his first three starts against Kansas City this season, Turnbull gave up a total of four runs in 19 innings.

Turnbull has been better than his record shows. Although winless in his last eight starts, the Tigers provided Turnbull with more than two runs of support just once in those games.

In the third game of a series, the Royals are a dismal 18-63 out of their last 81. Kansas City is also poor when it comes to Saturday games, winning only two out of their last 14.

50* Powerhouse Play on Twins +128

The race between the Twins (70-45) and Indians (69-46) has become incredibly tight, with Minnesota now just one game up on The Tribe. With the benefit of home-field advantage for this contest, the Twins will look to extend that lead and find some breathing room.

If the Twins will be successful tonight, we can expect a lot of offense. With 666 runs scored on the season, Minnesota ranks third in the majors. And we all know the power in the Twins lineup; their 224 homers lead the MLB by a wide margin.

Cleveland is lagging behind in homers (155) and runs scored (539), which place them at 18thand 19thin the majors, respectively.

The Indians will turn to Shane Bieber (11-4, 3.31 ERA) in this one. The right-hander may be a little fatigued after going the distance in two of his last three outings.

Against Bieber, Marwin Gonzales is 5-for-6 with a homer and two RBIs.

On the mound for Minnesota will be Devin Smeltzer (1-1, 2.28 ERA). The left-hander threw six shutout innings and allowed just two hits in his last start.

50* Powerhouse Play on Orioles +228

With the Astros (75-40) coming to town, the home-dog Orioles have a chance to steal one against a Houston team that’s coasting atop the AL West standings right now.

Baltimore has been in relatively good form lately. Before the most recent series against the Yankees, the O’s were unbeaten in their previous three series.

The Orioles will go up against a familiar face in Wade Miley (10-4, 3.05 ERA), who used to start for Baltimore. The Astros left-hander may not be ecstatic to return to Camden Yards, where he was a combined 10-20 with a 5.75 ERA through 2016 and 2017 when wearing an Orioles uniform.

In limited action against Miley, both Hanser Alberto and Chris Davis have been good. Alberto is hitting .429 in seven at-bats versus Miley, while Davis is 3-for-6 with two RBIs.

The Astros lineup will face right-hander Dylan Bundy (5-11, 5.15 ERA), who allowed just two runs against the Blue Jays in his last outing. Over his last three starts, Bundy is 1-0 with a 4.41 ERA.

The Orioles will need to get some production out of right-fielder Trey Mancini. In his last seven games, the 27-year-old has hit three homers and earned 10 RBIs.

100* Sharp Money Syndicate Play on A's -176

The Athletics (65-50) will be strong favorites when they go into Chicago to take on the White Sox (51-62), and for good reason. Oakland has a better lineup, and better staff, and the advantage in tonight’s pitching matchup.

For the A’s, Mike Fiers (10-3, 3.46 ERA) will start. The right-hander is currently on an impressive personal streak of 17 straight starts without a loss. In his last 16 outings, Fiers is 8-0 with a 2.26 ERA. And his 2.42 ERA since late April is good enough for second best among American League starters.

The White Sox will be sending out Ross Detwiler (1-2, 5.72 ERA), who’s faced the A’s once. In that appearance, the White Sox left-hander lasted 3 1/3 innings in which he gave up seven hits and five total runs.

Leading the team with 24 home runs, Jose Abreu has been a bright spot for a struggling Chicago club. However, Abreu is batting just .167 in 18 career at-bats against Fiers.

The White Sox have gotten beaten up by the AL West lately, going 7-20 in their last 27 against the division.

Oakland will be excited to face another lefty. Against left-handed starters, the A’s are 44-19 in their last 63 games.

50* Powerhouse Play on Phillies -107

While the Giants (56-59) are 20 games back of the Dodgers in the NL West, the Phillies (59-55) are scrapping with Washington to catch Atlanta in a much tighter NL East. Tonight, San Francisco will host Philadelphia with just 3.5 games separating them in the NL Wild Card race.

We can expect good pitching all around this evening. Undefeated in each of their last eight starts, Aaron Nola (10-2, 3.60 ERA) will go head to head with Madison Bumgarner (6-7, 3.92 ERA).

Over his last nine starts, the Phillies right-hander owns a record of 4-1 with a 1.91 ERA. In seven of those nine starts, Nola has allowed a maximum of one earned run.

Although the Giants have won seven of his last eight starts, Bumgarner allowed five runs in five innings against the Rockies his last time out.

When these two clubs met a week ago in Philadelphia, the Giants didn’t take many chances with Phillies slugger Bryce Harper. In 13 appearances at the plate, Harper walked six times. The Phillies won the series by taking two of three games, and Harper scored a run in each game.

100* Sharp Money Syndicate Play on Cubs -123

Two hot teams will clash this evening when the Cubs (62-52) visit Cincinnati to take on the Reds (54-58). Coming into tonight’s game, the Reds are winners of four of their last five while the Cubs have been victorious in five of their last six.

For Chicago, Cole Hamels (6-3, 2.84 ERA) will start. There was no rust when Hamels came back from the injured list for his last outing in which he threw five scoreless innings with six strikeouts and no walks. Since the first day of June, the Cubs left-hander can boast a 1.07 ERA with 43 Ks in 42 innings.

The Reds will counter with left-hander Alex Wood (1-0, 3.18 ERA), who aims to get his first win as a Red in Cincinnati. In his last start, Wood gave up two solo home runs.

In addition to their seven-game lead over the Reds in the NL Central, the Cubs also hold the advantage offensively. With a .254 team average, 570 runs scored, and 179 homers, Chicago ranks better than Cincinnati’s .247 team average, 508 runs scored, and 153 homers.

Look for Kris Bryant to do some damage in this contest. Against Wood, Bryant is 3-for-8 with a home run and three RBIs.

100* Sharp Money Syndicate Play on Diamondbacks -133

Both the Phillies (59-54) and Diamondbacks (57-57) will send out starting pitchers who were acquired at the trade deadline when these two teams face off in Arizona tonight.

For Philadelphia, left-hander Jason Vargas (6-5, 3.93 ERA) will be making his second start for the club. His debut against the White Sox ended in a 15-inning loss for the team, with Vargas allowing two runs in six innings.

This will be the first start in a Diamondbacks uniform for Zac Gallen (1-3, 2.72 ERA). The 24-year-old will aim to get off to a fast start for Arizona after tossing seven innings of two-run ball in his last start for Miami against a dangerous Twins lineup.

Gallen has the advantage between these two pitchers when it comes to potential run support. The Diamondbacks lead the Phillies in runs scored (594-540), home runs (160-145), and team average (.259-.247).

While the Philly batters haven’t faced Gallen, this Arizona lineup has some limited experience against Vargas. Adam Jones has enjoyed the most success of the D-Backs bats in that particular matchup, hitting .375 with a homer in eight at-bats.

In a tight NL Wild Card race, a win for the Diamondbacks here would bring them within 1.5 games of Philly, who currently own the second spot.

50* Powerhouse Play on Cardinals +126

The Cardinals (58-54) will attempt to avoid a three-game sweep when they take on the Dodgers (76-40) in Los Angeles once again.

Jack Flaherty (5-6, 3.93 ERA), who starts for St. Louis, can come into this outing with confidence after allowing a single hit in seven shutout innings against the Cubs in his last start. Despite a 1-1 record in his past five starts, the right-hander has been great in that span of games since the All-Star break, posting a 1.15 ERA.

After making his major league debut on Friday, right-hander Dustin May (0-1, 4.76 ERA) will take the mound once again for the Dodgers. May allowed nine hits in a 5-2 loss to the Padres in that debut.

Although Los Angeles has been the better hitting team throughout the year, Flaherty and the Cardinals will hope MVP candidate Cody Bellinger stays cold. In his past 15 at-bats, Bellinger has just one hit. Against Flaherty, Bellinger is hitless in six at-bats.

While the Dodgers are coasting in the NL West, the Cardinals will have some extra urgency going into this game. St. Louis now trails the NL Central-leading Cubs by 2.5 games, with Milwaukee right behind.

50* Powerhouse Play on A's +135

With 10 players having hit 10 or more home runs, the Athletics (65-49) can officially hit the long ball. They’ll hope to carry that slugging power into Chicago when they take on the Cubs (61-52) this afternoon.

As a team, Oakland has hit 180 homers, which is good enough for seventh-best in the majors. Matt Chapman leads the way with his 24 dingers.

The amount of A’s with true home-run potential could be a scary sight for Cubs left-hander Jose Quintana (9-7, 4.40 ERA). Quintana allowed seven hits in six innings against the Brewers in his last outing.

Against Quintana, both Khris Davis and Marcus Semien have had success in eight at-bats, each. While Davis is batting .375 with a homer and two RBIs, Semien is hitting .625 with an RBI of his own.

The Chicago lineup will be facing Homer Bailey (9-7, 5.20 ERA). The veteran right-hander has gone up against the Cubs 20 times in his career, earning an 8-5 record with a 4.86 ERA.

Despite their underdog status, the Athletics come into this one with good momentum. The club has won four of its past five and seven of its past nine games. Of their 23 games since the All-Star break, Oakland is 15-8.

50* Powerhouse Play on Cardinals +175

Every game right now is vital for the Cardinals (58-53), who are currently sandwiched between the Cubs and Brewers in the NL Central. Chicago has a 2.5-game lead over St. Louis. Tonight, the Cardinals will hope to close that gap when they visit the Dodgers (75-40).

Los Angeles will send out Clayton Kershaw (10-2, 2.85 ERA). The veteran left-hander didn’t have his best stuff during his last start, giving up five walks in six innings.

Expect some good at-bats to take place when Matt Carpenter and Paul Goldschmidt get to the plate. Against Kershaw, Carpenter is batting .357 in 14 at-bats while Goldschmidt is hitting .294 with two homers and seven RBIs in 34 at-bats.

The Cardinals will go with Miles Mikolas (7-11, 4.00 ERA) on the mound. The right-hander beat the Dodgers in his lone start against the club earlier this year. In his last outing, Mikolas pitched 5 2/3 innings and allowed only one unearned run.

It’s easy to argue that St. Louis has given the Dodgers the hardest time this season. Although it was back in April, the Cardinals swept Los Angeles in a four-game series.

100* Sharp Money Syndicate Play on White Sox -104

With the White Sox (49-61) and Tigers (32-76) facing off in day-night doubleheader fashion today, we’ll focus on the latter game between these two AL Central clubs.

For Chicago, winners of their last two games, Hector Santiago (1-0, 6.75 ERA) will start. This will be the left-hander’s first start for the White Sox since coming over from the Mets in late June.

The good news for Santiago is that he’ll be pitching against the worst team in baseball, and the only club unable to break through the 400-run mark. Detroit has scored just 392 runs on the season, and have a league-worst run differential of -215.

For the Tigers, right-hander Drew VerHagen (1-2, 11.66 ERA) is scheduled to take the mound. In his two starts since returning to the starting rotation, VerHagen has allowed 16 hits and 11 total runs through just 8 2/3 innings.

As losers of 10 of their last 12 games, including four straight coming into the day, Detroit owns a 13-37 record at home. And in addition to losing four straight Tuesday games, the Tigers are winless in VerHagen’s last six starts.

50* Powerhouse Play on Angels +142

Cincinnati, Ohio will be the location of an interleague showdown between the road-dog Angels (56-58) and Reds (53-58). 

For the Reds, right-hander Anthony DeSclafani (6-6, 4.07 ERA) takes the mound. DeSclafani, who’s received the win in just one of his past five outings, will get his first start against the Angels. In his last go, DeSclafani allowed seven hits and three runs in five innings of a 4-1 loss to Atlanta.

DeSclafani will have his hands full with AL MVP candidate Mike Trout. On top of leading all players with 7.1 wins above replacement, Trout is batting .299 with 37 homers and 88 RBIs. And despite a lack of protection behind him, Trout has walked (86) nearly as much as he’s struck out (88).

Los Angeles will counter DeSclafani with left-hander Jose Suarez (2-2, 5.66 ERA), who’s given up more than three earned runs just twice in his last nine starts.

Due in large part to Trout’s contributions, the Angels are the better hitting team. Against the Reds, Los Angeles has the advantage in runs scored (571-500), batting average (.254-.246), and home runs (166-148).

50* Powerhouse Play on Braves -105

Two of baseball’s top five offensive teams will face off when the Braves (66-47) go into Minnesota to take on the Twins (69-42). Both teams are division leaders, as the Braves hold a seven-game lead over Washington and Philadelphia while the Twins are clinging to a three-game advantage over Cleveland.

Atlanta has been very good at the plate this year, scoring a fifth-best 600 runs while hitting a seventh-best 176 homers and a sixth-best 579 RBIs. The Braves are one of very few teams who can give Minnesota’s lineup a run for its money, which has hit 217 home runs on the season.

Although both teams have plenty to offer offensively, this game will feature two good pitchers in Atlanta’s Mike Soroka (10-2, 2.37 ERA) and Minnesota’s Jake Odorizzi (12-5, 3.73 ERA).

Soroka has managed to include himself in NL Cy Young Award conversations by striking out 94 and giving up just six home runs through his 114 innings pitched this season. His previous outing lasted seven innings over which he allowed a single run and three hits.

Odorizzi, on the other hand, hasn’t had much success against Atlanta in his past. The Braves have handed him a 6.00 ERA and 0-1 record in two starts.

50* Powerhouse Play on A's +140

With playoff baseball within grasp for both teams, the Cubs (60-51) will host the Athletics (64-48) tonight in Chicago. Despite their lesser record, the Cubs are the only division leader with a 1.5-game advantage over St. Louis. Oakland is 8.5 games back of Houston.

Right-hander Chris Bassitt (7-5, 3.84 ERA) will get the start for the A’s. Since the All-Star break, Bassitt has earned a 2-1 record with a 2.35 ERA. In those four starts, Bassitt also held batters to a .202 average. Among American Leaguers who’ve pitched at least 100 innings, Bassitt ranks fourth against left-handed hitters in terms of batting average (.187).

Bassitt will go head to head with Kyle Hendricks (8-8, 3.07 ERA). Before his most recent outing, the Cubs right-hander had a tough six-start stretch in which he was winless.

As winners of six of their last seven games, most of which came against NL Central competition, the Athletics will aim to keep that momentum going after roughing up the Cardinals and Brewers. Since the middle of June, Oakland is 28-12 and in the thick of the AL Wildcard race.

100* Sharp Money Syndicate Play on Brewers -125

When the visiting Brewers (57-56) kick off their series with the Pirates (48-63), they’ll be well aware that Pittsburgh has lost 18 of their last 22 games while failing to win any of their previous seven series.

Milwaukee can look at this matchup as coming at the perfect time, as the Brewers are looking for more run production from their bats. If they’re going to chase down the Cubs, who own a four-game lead over the Brewers in the NL Central, they’ll do so with offensive weapons.

And you can’t mention Milwaukee weapons without talking about right fielder Christian Yelich. The 27-year-old is an obvious MVP candidate with 37 home runs, 82 RBIs, and a .330 average on the season.

Yelich will be aiming to lift those numbers against Pirates right-hander Dario Agrazal (2-2, 3.65 ERA), who’s struggled lately. In his last two starts, Agrazal has given up five homers and eight earned runs. His most recent outing against Cincinnati ended in just 3 2/3 innings after allowing three runs on six hits.

Jordan Lyles (6-7, 5.15 ERA) takes the mound for Milwaukee. Lyles earned the win in his first start with the Brewers since being traded from Pittsburgh.

50* Powerhouse Play on Padres +134

Although a flurry of teams sit in front of the Padres (51-59), San Diego is in the thick of the race for a National League Wildcard position at seven games back. They’ll be facing stiff competition today when they take on the Dodgers (73-40) in Los Angeles.

The Padres will be excited to get another start from rookie Chris Paddack (7-5, 2.78 ERA), who was able to throw 5 2/3 shutout innings in a July outing in Los Angeles. That kicked off a great month for the right-hander. Paddock had four starts in July, during which he had a 1.90 ERA and took a no-hitter into the eighth against Miami.

Right-hander Kenta Maeda (7-8, 4.07 ERA) will get the call for L.A. after giving up eight runs in his past two starts. Lasting four innings against Colorado in his last outing, Maeda gave up six runs.

Against Maeda, San Diego will be looking for good games out of Hunter Renfroe, who leads the team with 30 homers, and Eric Hosmer, who owns a .283 average and 70 RBIs.

The San Diego offense has been dangerous lately. Over the last seven days, Manny Machado is batting .308 with a home run and a triple, and Wil Myers is hitting .348 with a homer and four RBIs.

50* Powerhouse Play on Nationals -144

The National League East is an interesting division with two teams trailing the Atlanta Braves by seven games. One of those teams is the Nationals (58-52), who go up against the Diamondbacks (55-56) today in Arizona. While Arizona is just 24-27 at home, Washington has managed a .500 record in away games this season.

The Nationals will have the advantage on the mound, with Patrick Corbin (9-5, 3.23 ERA) getting the start. Over 136+ innings pitched, the left-hander has given up just 14 home runs while striking out 159.

On the mound for Arizona will be rookie Taylor Clarke (4-3, 5.53 ERA). The 26-year-old right-hander has lacked consistency this season, recently going through a stretch in which he failed to make it out of the fifth inning in five of six straight starts.

Offensively, the Nationals are a solid hitting team with a .256 average, which ranks them 10thin the majors. They’ve scored an average of 4.98 runs per game this year.

The Diamondbacks are 5-8 over their last 13 games, and are 2-7 in their last nine against the NL East. On the flip side, Washington has 20 wins in their last 27 games against teams under .500.

100* Sharp Money Syndicate Play on Phillies -151

If the Phillies (58-52) are going to make progress in the Wildcard race this afternoon, they’ll need to take care of the White Sox (47-61) in Philadelphia.

After being acquired from the Rangers just weeks ago, left-hander Drew Smyly (2-5, 6.85 ERA) will make his third start of the season for the Phillies. He’s been fantastic in the new uniform, giving up a single run through 13 innings pitched thus far.

There’s a great chance Smyly will be able to continue that form against a White Sox lineup that’s averaging 4.08 runs per game, which is good enough to rank them 28thin the majors.

Right-hander Reynaldo Lopez (5-9, 5.43 ERA) will start for Chicago, who sit 20 games back of Minnesota in the AL Central. Lopez is in search of just his third road win this afternoon.

Although the White Sox have a better batting average as a team (.250-.245), the Phillies have a significant advantage when it comes to runs scored (524-439) and home runs (142-119).

Chicago is 5-16 in their last 21 games, and have just four wins in their last 16 games away from home. And while the White Sox are 1-4 over Lopez’ last five starts, the Phillies are 4-1 in their last five games at home versus the White Sox. 

100* Sharp Money Syndicate Play on A's -130

Both the Athletics (62-48) and Cardinals (58-50) come into tonight’s contest after having Friday off. While the A’s are chasing the Astros in the AL West, the Cardinals are fighting to keep or extend their 0.5-game lead in the NL Central.

Starting this evening’s game in Oakland for the Athletics will be Mike Fiers (9-3, 3.54 ERA), who’s on a run of 17 straight games in which he’s allowed three or fewer runs. The right-hander owns the AL second-best ERA of 2.46 since April 26, and can boast a 1.45 ERA in nine career games against St. Louis.

The visitors will be sending out right-hander Dakota Hudson (10-5, 3.88 ERA). Hudson’s Win-Loss record is slightly misleading, especially lately. Despite a 5-2 record over his last seven outings, Hudson has a 4.63 ERA after giving up 18 earned runs in 35 innings.

The Athletics come into this game as winners of four of their last five, and have won four of their last five against right-handed starters in interleague play.

In the other dugout, the Cardinals have just one win in their last five road games against teams with a winning record, and are 2-5 in those same circumstances in interleague play.

50* Powerhouse Play on Rockies -121

Although neither team has a realistic chance of catching the Dodgers in the NL West, tonight’s game between the visiting Giants (55-55) and Rockies (51-59) could have an impact on the race for a Wildcard position, as San Francisco is just 3.5-games back.

If they’ll be cutting into that gap, the Giants will need Madison Bumgarner (6-7, 3.74 ERA) to shut down a good offensive team – Colorado is sixth in the majors with runs scored (587), tied for fifth in team batting average (.266), and seventh in RBI’s (566).

Although the Giants carry a much lesser threat offensively – they’ve scored just a 26th-best 476 runs – the Rockies will be looking for another great performance from Jon Gray (10-7, 3.88 ERA). In his last outing, the Colorado right-hander gave up three hits and one run in eight innings against the Dodgers.

Gray has been relatively consistent, too. He’s given up two or fewer runs in six of his last eight starts.

There’s a strong chance Gray will receive some run support from Charlie Blackmon, who’s been great against Bumgarner in addition to holding a team-best average of .318. In 36 career at-bats versus Bumgarner, Blackmon owns a .389 average.

50* Powerhouse Play on Orioles +114

We’ll see the two bottom teams in the AL East face off when the Blue Jays (45-67) go into Camden Yards to take on the Orioles (36-73) in Baltimore.

Taking the mound for the Orioles will be right-hander Dylan Bundy (5-11, 5.24 ERA). Bundy might be excited to pitch against the Blue Jays again after giving up just three hits over 6 2/3 innings in a 4-1 victory over Toronto last month.

Opposite Bundy will be left-hander Thomas Pannone (2-4, 5.98 ERA). The 25-year-old is still fighting for a place in the Blue Jays rotation, and will likely need to lower that ERA to do so.

In limited play, both Chris Davis and Trey Mancini have had success against Pannone. Davis is 2-for-5 with an RBI while Mancini has managed three hits in six at-bats against the Blue Jays left-hander.

Perhaps the biggest advantage the Orioles will carry into this home game is when it comes to team batting average. As a club, the Blue Jays are hitting just .235 compared to Baltimore’s .244.

100* Sharp Money Syndicate Play on Rangers -215

The worst team in baseball will pay a visit to Arlington, Texas when the Tigers (32-72) take on the .500 Rangers (54-54).

Detroit is at the bottom of the barrel in terms of runs scored, with 376, while the Rangers have a good offense, putting up a seventh-best 574 runs. The numbers for team batting average aren’t much different, as the Tigers are also last in the majors in this category with an abysmal .231.

Ranked 29thin the MLB, the Tigers are only better than Miami when it comes to hitting home runs. Detroit’s 98 homers beat the Marlins’ 89, while Texas sits in the middle of the league with 155.

That’s all great news for right-hander Lance Lynn (13-6, 3.83 ERA), who starts for the Rangers tonight. Lynn is a top-10 pitcher in the American League in wins, with 13, and strikeouts, with 160. In his last 17 games, Lynn has shown off a consistency of going at least six innings in every start while earning an 11-4 record.

The Tigers will go with rookie Tyler Alexander (0-1, 3.86 ERA), who will make his fourth major league start. The left-hander struggled his last time out when he gave up eight hits and four runs through 4 1/3 innings.

50* Powerhouse Play on Braves -138

While the Reds (50-57) are 7.5 games back of the NL Central-leading Cardinals, the Braves (65-45) are holding a seven-game lead in the NL East. Tonight, these two teams will face off in Atlanta.

The Braves come into this contest on a short three-game winning streak, and they’ll send out right-hander Kevin Gausman (3-6, 5.97 ERA) to keep that run alive. Gausman recently gave up just one run in seven innings to the Nationals in a performance he’ll try to replicate this evening.

For the Reds, left-hander Alex Wood (0-0, 3.86 ERA) gets the start. This will be Wood’s second start of the season for Cincinnati after lasting just 4 2/3 innings in his debut.

On paper, Wood has the tougher task in this one. He’ll be facing a strong Braves lineup that ranks fifth in the majors in runs scored (589), eighth in home runs (171), and seventh in team batting average (.263).

The Reds offer a much weaker offense, ranking 23rdin the majors in runs scored (478), 19thin home runs (145), and 20thin average (.246).

While the Reds are 4-9 in their last 13 games away from home, the Braves have nine wins in their last 13 against left-handed starters.

100* Sharp Money Syndicate Play on Cubs +118

There’s a deadlock at the top of the NL Central, and either the Cubs (57-50) or Cardinals (57-50) will take control of the division after tonight’s contest between the two teams. Milwaukee trails both Chicago and St. Louis by a single game.

The visiting Cubs will go with veteran lefty Jon Lester (9-6, 3.63 ERA), who’s coming off a no-decision in which he threw seven innings of scoreless baseball. Lester is 8-5 with a 3.02 ERA in his 19 career starts against St. Louis. In his last seven games, Lester is a strong 4-1 with a 2.91 ERA.

The home team will start Jack Flaherty (4-6, 4.17 ERA). The Cardinals right-hander is just 1-2 with a 4.50 ERA in his seven career outings against Chicago, including an 0-1 record and 5.65 ERA in three starts this season.

Of the Cubs hitters, Anthony Rizzo should be excited to face Flaherty again. In his 12 at-bats against Flaherty, Rizzo is batting .667 with two homers and five RBIs.

Chicago is the better hitting team overall, leading the Cards in average (.251-.244), runs scored (533-483), and home runs (166-137).

50* Powerhouse Play on Twins -173

A game between two teams having very different seasons will feature two pitchers with very different performances on the year when the Twins (65-41) visit the Marlins (41-64) tonight in Miami.

The pitching matchup puts two All Stars against one another, although Miami’s lone representative at the Midsummer Classic was almost certainly a result of baseball’s rule that every team must have a player at the game.

For the Marlins, right-hander Sandy Alcantara (4-9, 4.18 ERA) will start. In his last eight outings, Alcantara is 1-4 with a 4.75 ERA. Even worse in three games since the All-Star break, he’s given up eight walks in 17 innings and holds an ERA of 6.35.

For the AL Central-leading Twins, Jose Berrios (9-5, 2.94 ERA) will take the mound. The right-hander’s 95mph fastball and slow curve combination were working his last time out when he struck out eight batters.

In addition to being 1-4 in Alcantara’s last five starts, the Marlins also have just one win in their last five games of interleague play at home.

In contrast, the Twins are 8-3 against teams with a losing record when Berrios starts.

50* Powerhouse Play on Giants +128

Philadelphia will be the location of another showdown between the Phillies (56-50) and Giants (54-53). As one of the hottest teams in the National League, the Giants come into tonight’s game with a 19-6 record over their last 25.

In an effort to continue that run, San Francisco will go with right-hander Jeff Samardzija (7-8, 3.95 ERA). Keeping batters to a .167 average against his four-seamer, Samardzija is having a great July. In five starts this month, he’s 3-1 with a 2.48 ERA.

Despite his team-leading 72 RBIs, Bryce Harper has struggled against Samardzija. The Phillies slugger has just one hit in 11 at-bats.

For Philadelphia, Vince Velasquez (3-5, 4.46 ERA) gets the nod. The right-hander will be looking to get his team closer to the division-leading Braves, who currently have a six-game advantage on the Phillies.

An interesting divergence for these two clubs is their respective performance at different game times. In night games, the Giants are 35-29 while the Phillies are a mediocre 32-37.

The Phillies will likely need to get to Samardzija early, as the Giants bullpen has been great throughout July. The bullpen continued that form yesterday by throwing three scoreless innings.

100* Sharp Money Syndicate Play on Dodgers -128

The first team to reach 70 wins will be in Colorado this afternoon as the Dodgers (70-39) visit the Rockies (50-58). Los Angeles has dominated this matchup, winning nine of the 12 contests thus far.

Cy Young candidate Hyun-Jin Ryu (11-2, 1.74 ERA) will get the start for the Dodgers. In his last four starts, the left-hander has allowed just four runs and holds a 1.35 ERA. Ryu’s 1.74 season ERA leads the majors.

Right-hander German Marquez (10-5, 4.88 ERA) will be opposite Ryu. Marquez may still be trying to forget his mid-July start against the Giants in which he gave up 11 earned runs in fewer than three innings.

With a 6-18 record in the month of July, the Rockies will need Marquez to be the best version of himself if they’ll have a decent chance against the National League’s best team. Marquez will likely need to go deep into the game, too, considering Colorado’s team ERA of 5.45 compared to LA’s 3.42 ERA.

While the Rockies have just one win in their last eight against left-handed pitching, the Dodgers are perfect in Ryu’s last four games coming off four days of rest.

50* Powerhouse Play on Blue Jays +113

As winners of four of five games against the Royals (40-68) this season, the Blue Jays (41-67) will pay a visit to Kansas City tonight in a battle of trade deadline sellers.

Before being dealt to the Mets, Marcus Stroman was slotted to get the start this evening. Now, the Blue Jays will turn to right-hander Sean Reid-Foley (0-1, 3.55 ERA) as Toronto focuses on the future.

On display for the Blue Jays will be plenty of young talent. Toronto just called up their top prospect in Bo Bichette, who will join rookies Cavan Biggio and Vladimir Guerrero Jr.

Facing off against those youngsters will be Mike Montgomery (1-3, 6.09 ERA). The left-hander will be making his third start for Kansas City since being acquired from the Cubs. Montgomery’s last two starts concluded with the pitcher racking up a 7.71 ERA while earning no wins and one loss.

Although Kansas City owns the better team batting average with a .248 to Toronto’s .233, the Blue Jays have the advantage when it comes to runs scored (473-468) and home runs (154-102).

100* Sharp Money Syndicate Play on Marlins +145

The Twins (64-41) are clear favorites against the Marlins (41-63) tonight in Miami, but that doesn’t tell the whole story.

Although the Marlins have struggled this year, they’ve found some momentum coming into this one. As winners of five of their last six, Miami isn’t the walkover they’ve been in previous periods throughout the season.

Furthering that Marlins momentum will be rookie starter Zac Gallen (1-2, 2.76 ERA). The right-hander is coming off an impressive performance in a win against the White Sox. Gallen went a career-long seven innings in which he notched career bests in hits allowed (two) and strikeouts (nine).

Despite a formidable record, Minnesota right-hander Jake Odorizzi (11-5, 3.84 ERA) comes into tonight’s contest on the back of a horrid month. Throughout July, Odorizzi is 1-2 with a 9.35 ERA. The worst of it all came in his last outing against the Yankees when Odorizzi gave up a season-high nine runs on 10 hits.

Miami shortstop Miguel Rojas leads the club with a .289 average, and he’s coming into this evening’s game on a hot streak. Over the last seven days, Rojas is batting .400 with three homers.

50* Powerhouse Play on Red Sox -130

An AL East duel will take place this evening in Boston when the Red Sox (59-48) host the Rays (60-48). Tampa Bay currently holds a 0.5-game advantage over Boston, and is 8.5 games back of the division-leading Yankees.

Despite losing their last game versus the Yankees, the Red Sox can feel good about themselves after taking three of four against New York and closing that gap.

In an effort to overtake the Rays, Boston will use lefty David Price (7-4, 3.66 ERA). Price has enjoyed playing in Fenway Park throughout his career, boasting a record of 29-8 with a 3.06 ERA.

For Tampa Bay, Charlie Morton (12-3, 2.60 ERA) gets the nod. The Rays right-hander is the owner of a 5.74 ERA in his last three starts against Boston.

Much of this contest should come down to how well and long Morton will perform against a dangerous Red Sox lineup. In that four-game series against New York, Boston’s bats outscored the Yankees 44 to 22. The Red Sox lead the league in runs scored (626), on-base percentage (.350), and batting average (.276).

Expect the Sox to bounce back tonight; the club has won five straight games following a loss.

100* Sharp Money Syndicate Play on Dodgers -129

The Dodgers (69-38) are coasting in the NL West, and they’ll be looking to be the first team in baseball to reach 70 wins tonight against their division rival in Colorado when they face the Rockies (49-57).

The last time Los Angeles came to town, the Rockies were second in the division. Now, Colorado is sitting in last place and 19.5 games back of the Dodgers, due in large part to 9-22 skid.

The Dodgers will turn to Kenta Maeda (7-7, 3.81 ERA) to extend or hang on to their 6.5-game lead in the National League. Against the Rockies, the Los Angeles right-hander is 1-0 with a 2.76 ERA in three games this season, and 6-3 with a 2.41 ERA in 18 career appearances.

Colorado will start right-hander Josh Gray (9-7, 4.05 ERA). Gray has struggled against several Los Angeles hitters, with at least six batting a .320 or higher in a minimum of eight at-bats.

MVP candidate Cody Bellinger is one such player, hitting a monstrous .643 in 14 at-bats against Gray. If he keeps those numbers up tonight, he’ll add to his season totals of 34 homers, 79 RBIs, and a .327 average.

50* Powerhouse Play on Red Sox -177

As the baseball world turns its attention to Fenway Park tonight, it will see if the Red Sox (59-47) can cut into the Yankees’ (66-38) eight-game lead in the AL East. A loss would be particularly hard to swallow for New York, as it would mean a four-game sweep for the Red Sox in this classic MLB rivalry.

Boston will try to keep its foot on the pedal offensively. In his last six games, J.D. Martinez is batting .444 over 27 at-bats. Rafael Devers, who leads the team with 82 RBIs and an average of .329, is 15-for-37 over his last eight, including a three-hit performance Saturday.

That kind of production will be welcomed by left-hander Chris Sale (5-9, 4.00 ERA), who gets the start for the Red Sox. Sale has looked good lately, winning two straight while throwing 22 strikeouts in 12 total innings.

The Yankees will send out Domingo German (12-2, 4.03 ERA). The right-hander will have an interesting match-up with Xander Bogaerts, who’s a perfect 2-for-2 with a home run against German.

In his start against Boston in early June, German only lasted 3 2/3 innings after giving up six hits and three runs.

100* Sharp Money Syndicate Play on Royals +166

Kansas City will be the site of another AL Central clash between the visiting Indians (62-42) and Royals (39-67) this afternoon.

Making his 17thstart of the season for Kansas City will be Danny Duffy (4-5, 4.32 ERA), who’s coming off one of his best performances of the year. In a no-decision against the Braves Tuesday, the Royals left-hander gave up one run over six innings and notched 11 strikeouts.

While the Royals won’t expect a perfect game from Duffy, he’s slowed some of Cleveland’s core hitters. Against Duffy, Jose Ramirez is batting .250 in 24 at-bats, and Jason Kipnis is holds a .241 in 29 at-bats.

The Indians will counter with right-hander Trevor Bauer (9-7, 3.49 ERA). Kansas City’s Whit Merrifield has gotten the better of Bauer, going 9-for-27 against the veteran pitcher. Merrifield is leading the team with a .302 average on the season, while Jorge Soler, who’s hitting .429 with a homer in seven at-bats against Bauer, leads the club with 27 home runs and 72 RBIs.

The home-dog Royals will also be looking for production from rookie centerfielder Bubba Starling, who’s been able to add offense to his consistently great defense. After getting a hit in 11 of his first 12 games, Starling is batting .319.

50* Powerhouse Play on Brewers -102

Coming in as winners of three straight, the Brewers (56-50) will play host to the Cubs (55-49) with both clubs just a single game off St. Louis’ NL Central lead.

After coming out victorious in the first two games of this series against the Cubs, Milwaukee now looks for the sweep to slingshot above Chicago. To do so, they’ll send out right-hander Zach Davies (8-3, 3.17), who’s only allowed one run in 12 innings against the Cubs this season.

The Cubs will go with left-hander Jose Quintana (8-7, 4.42 ERA). Despite getting the win against San Diego his last time out, Quintana gave up five runs in five innings.

These two clubs are neck and neck in the scoring department; the Cubs have managed 519 runs while the Brewers have scored 518. So, Milwaukee’s advantage on the mound could easily be the difference.

Versus Davies, Kyle Schwarber and Jason Heyward have struggled mightily, with a .130 average in 23 at-bats and a .115 average in 26 at-bats, respectively.

On the flip side, Lorenzo Cain is batting .309 in 68 at-bats against Quintana, who will have his hands full already with Christian Yelich’s 36 homers, 79 RBIs, and .338 average on the season.

50* Powerhouse Play on A's -150

The Athletics (58-47) will be looking to bridge the eight-game gap between themselves and the AL West-leading Astros when they host the Rangers (53-51) tonight in Oakland.

The visitors will turn to right-hander Adrian Sampson (6-7, 5.19 ERA) to start. In his last nine outings, which included six starts, Sampson holds an 8.05 ERA and a 1-4 record. In his last 6 2/3 innings, Sampson has allowed 11 runs.

The A’s are hoping to return to their good form that put them back in the race for the division, and they’ll hand the ball to Homer Bailey (8-7, 5.42 ERA) to help them do so. The veteran right-hander will be making his third start for the club after a couple of mixed results.

On paper, this looks likely to be a relatively high-scoring contest. If that’s the case, the A’s will need production from the likes of centerfielder Ramon Laureano, who’s had a great month. Upping his game from a .282 average with 20 homers and 57 RBIs on the season, Laureano is batting .386 with seven home runs and 17 RBIs in July alone.

50* Powerhouse Play on White Sox +167

Chicago will be the location of another AL Central contest tonight when the White Sox (45-56) host the division-leading Twins (63-40).

Right-hander Ivan Nova (5-9, 5.49 ERA) will take the mound for the home team coming off a good performance. In his last start, Nova tossed a four-hit complete game on 112 pitches. Another game like that from Nova would give the home-dog White Sox a great chance in this contest.

Yet, Chicago can feel confident if their starter doesn’t last all nine with reliever Aaron Bummer in the bullpen. The left-hander has a 1.69 ERA in 32 appearances, and has allowed just one earned run in his past seven games.

The visitors will send out Martin Perez (8-3, 4.37 ERA) to start. In his most recent outing, the Twins left-hander lasted just four innings while giving up four walks and three home runs.

Leading the charge against Perez will be the White Sox duo of Jose Abreu and Yoan Moncada. Abreu leads the club with 22 home runs and 72 RBIs, while Moncada is batting .297 and has drawn 31 walks.

100* Sharp Money Syndicate Play on Braves -116

The Braves (61-43) will be looking to extend their 6.5-game NL East lead over the Phillies (54-49) tonight in Philadelphia. The Phillies are third in the division, trailing Washington by a game.

Atlanta will have the benefit of a fresh arm, as left-hander Max Fried (10-4, 4.08 ERA) hasn’t pitched since developing a blister on July 15. In his last outing, Fried threw five scoreless innings with just three hits.

If the Phillies will be able to tighten the gap between themselves and Atlanta, they’ll need an above average performance from Zach Eflin (7-10, 4.25). That doesn’t look particularly likely considering Eflin’s 1-3 record and 9.38 ERA over his last five starts.

Led by Freddie Freeman’s 25 homers, 81 RBIs, and .304 average, the Braves have the better lineup. As a team, they have a better average (.261 to .243), more home runs (157 to 129), and more runs scored (547 to 487).

Atlanta leftfielder Ronald Acuna Jr. has been adding to those totals lately. He’s currently riding a majors-best streak of reaching base in 30 straight games. Over his last seven games, Acuna Jr. has a homer, six RBIs, six stolen bases, and a .393 average.

100* Sharp Money Syndicate Play on Giants +140

The month of July has been a pivotal one for the Giants (52-51) and Padres (48-54), but for very different reasons. These two clubs faced off against each other on July 1, when the Giants were 11 games below .500 and the Padres were a game over .500.

Since then, the Giants have gone on an MLB-best 16-4 run while the stalling Padres have only managed six wins in 19 games, including seven straight losses at home.

Tonight, San Francisco will visit San Diego in a battle of teams trending in two starkly different directions.

With a 4-0 record over his last four away starts, the Giants will be happy to put right-hander Jeff Samardzija (7-8, 4.08 ERA) on the mound. Personally, Samardzija owns a 2.59 ERA and 2-0 record in his last five games against the Padres at Petco Park.

Opposite Samardzija will be Joey Lucchesi (7-5, 4.27 ERA). The Padres left-hander is perhaps unlucky to get the start in the first game of this series considering San Diego has lost six straight series openers. On the flip side, the Giants are 6-2 over the last eight series openers when Samardzija starts.

50* Powerhouse Play on Cubs -104

The tightest division in baseball should get a bit more interesting tonight when the NL Central-leading Cubs (55-47) pay the Brewers (54-50) a visit in Milwaukee. Chicago is currently tied with St. Louis, and both clubs have a two-game advantage over the Brewers.

The Cubs will send out right-hander Kyle Hendricks (7-8, 3.41 ERA), who gave up just four hits in seven innings his last time out. Hendricks has started against Milwaukee 20 times in his career, going 8-6 with a 3.22 ERA.

In just his second start since being sidelined by a case of dead arm, left-hander Gio Gonzalez (2-1, 3.60 ERA) gets the call for the Brewers. After spending seven weeks on the injured list, Gonzalez allowed three runs in four innings against the D-Backs in his return.

Both teams enter this contest following a day off, which could be a vital aspect of this game. Following an off day, the Cubs have won nine of their last 11 while the Brewers have lost five straight such games. Chicago has also dominated NL Central play recently, going 6-1 in their last seven in the division.

50* Powerhouse Play on Dodgers -155

The Washington Nationals (55-47) will play host to the top team in the National League tonight when the Dodgers (67-37) bring their 27-23 away record to town.

If their record alone isn’t scary enough, Los Angeles also has the benefit of sending out left-hander Hyun-Jin Ryu (11-2, 1.76 ERA), who’s been nothing short of great this season. Ryu is coming off two extra days of rest, and threw an eight-inning shutout with just one hit in his lone start against the Nationals this season.

To counter Ryu, Washington will start Anibal Sanchez (6-6, 3.80 ERA). The Nationals right-hander gave up two homers and three runs against the Dodgers earlier this season, and will likely need to do better this time around against a lineup that’s fourth best in the majors with 5.41 runs per game.

A significant amount of that offensive production for the Dodgers has come from right-fielder Cody Bellinger. As one of the best players in baseball this year, Bellinger is hitting .331 with 34 home runs and 77 RBIs.

The Nationals haven’t been able to match those numbers, ranking 13thin the majors with 4.94 runs per game.

100* Sharp Money Syndicate Play on White Sox -111

Tonight’s third game will decide a currently split series in Chicago between the Marlins (37-62) and White Sox (45-53).

With only Baltimore and Detroit projected to finish worse than Miami, the Marlins are expected to finish at the bottom of the barrel in National League, due in large part to unreliable pitching. We’ll see what right-hander Zac Gallen (0-2, 3.63 ERA) can provide for Miami when he makes his sixth career start.

Taking the mound for Chicago will be Reynaldo Lopez (5-8, 5.76 ERA), who’s pitched well in his two starts since the break. His last outing ended in a win after allowing two runs and striking out eight through seven innings.

The White Sox have five wins out of their last seven home games, and the team has reacted well when Lopez is pitching on four days of rest, winning four straight. Trending in the other direction are the Marlins, who are winless in Gallen’s last four starts.

Lopez and his defensive unit will be aiming to add to their streak of allowing four or fewer runs in each of the last four games.

50* Powerhouse Play on Yankees -102

In a toss-up game between the visiting Yankees (65-35) and Twins (61-39), two teams expecting to be a part of playoff baseball will put successful pitchers up against strong lineups.

For New York, left-hander J.A. Happ (8-5, 4.86 ERA) will go up against a Minnesota squad that’s notched 34 runs in the last five games.

The Twins will send out right-hander Jake Odorizzi (11-4, 3.18 ERA) to face a Yankees lineup that’s done even more damage over their last five, putting up 43 runs in that span. Although Odorizzi has only given up 12 home runs on the season, six of them have come in his last four starts.

If he stays hot, Didi Gregorius could very well lead the charge against Odorizzi. The Yankees shortstop had one of the best games of his career and made history as the first AL shortstop to record five hits in a seven RBI game last night. In six plate appearances, Gregorius earned a walk and five hits, including a couple of two-run doubles on top of a three-run homer.

The Twins may come into this contest a bit demoralized after hitting four home runs (two by Miguel Sano) and failing to get the win in 10 innings yesterday evening.

50* Powerhouse Play on Rangers -139

Two eight-win pitchers will take the mound in Seattle this afternoon when the Mariners (41-63) play host to the Rangers (51-50). In addition to win total, both pitchers also share a likelihood for changing teams before the trade deadline.

For Texas, left-hander Mike Minor (8-5, 2.86 ERA) will face Seattle for the third time this season. Minor won both starts after striking out a season-high 13 batters in the first game and then another 11 in the second matchup.

The Mariners will be starting veteran Mike Leake (8-8, 4.27 ERA), who’s struggled to find consistent performances lately. The right-hander has allowed at least four runs in three of his last five outings.

Leake has had a difficult time against the Rangers this year, losing both starts. Through 10 innings of work in two games, Leake finished with a 10.80 ERA after giving up 12 earned runs and 16 total. Coming into today’s game, current Texas batters are hitting a whopping .337 in over 200 plate appearances against Leake.

On just five at-bats against the Mariners starter, Asdrubal Cabrera is hitting a .600 average with two home runs and two RBIs.

100* Sharp Money Syndicate Play on A's +143

Tuesday night’s matchup between the Athletics (57-44) and Astros (65-37) will feature a pair of solid pitchers.

Houston’s Wade Miley (8-4, 3.25 ERA) will take the mound for the hosts. The left-hander hasn’t given his club much reason to complain this season, although he only lasted 5 1/3 innings his last time out. Miley has given up 17 homers and 36 walks over 113 innings so far this year.

Right-hander Mike Fiers (9-3, 3.64), who will start for the A’s, has picked up the pace on an already-strong season. Since April 26, Fiers holds an ERA of just 2.44, which is good enough for second in the American League among starters in that span.

If Fiers continues that form, you’d expect him to be handing the ball off to the bullpen with a lead intact, even against a lineup like Houston’s. Oakland’s right-hander has seven wins and no losses over his last 13 starts, and should give the road-dog A’s a great chance in this contest.

Matt Chapman is the likeliest player to do damage to the Astros, carrying a run of three doubles, one homer, five RBIs, and a .375 average over the last seven days.

50* Powerhouse Play on Indians -165

Having won all five games against the Blue Jays (38-64) this season, the visiting Indians (58-41) are looking to close the three-game gap between themselves and the AL Central-leading Twins.

On paper, this contest looks like a lopsided pitching matchup as Cleveland’s Trevor Bauer (9-7, 3.67 ERA) faces off against Toronto’s Aaron Sanchez (3-14, 6.26 ERA).

Sanchez is winless since April 26, going 0-13 with a 7.99 ERA in 15 starts over that span. More recently, the Blue Jays right-hander has allowed four runs in each of his last two starts.

In Bauer’s last go, the right-hander tossed 10 strikeouts in 6 2/3 innings in a win against Detroit.

With 23 wins over their last 31 games, the surging Indians have found success in large part due to a lineup finding its collective swing after a slow start to the season. Most notably, Jose Ramirez is coming on strong, earning a hit in 25 of his last 30 games. The Cleveland slugger is batting .337 with nine doubles, one triple, five homers, and 19 RBIs over his last 23 games.

While the Blue Jays are 0-7 in Sanchez’s last seven home starts, the Indians are undefeated in their last six away games.