50* Powerhouse Play on Nationals +103

The Braves (93-57) have now extended their lead in the NL East to 10.5 games after winning two straight against the Nationals (81-66). These clubs are set for another matchup early this afternoon in Washington D.C.

For the visitors, left-hander Max Fried (16-5, 4.02) looks for his 17thwin of the season. In his last outing, the Phillies roughed up Fried to the tune of four runs. Three runs came in the first inning before an inside-the-park home run pushed the total to four in five innings.

For the Nationals, right-hander Anibal Sanchez (8-8, 4.04 ERA) will start. Sanchez’ last outing was a strong one against a dangerous Twins lineup. After carrying a no-hitter into the fifth, Sanchez allowed two runs over seven innings. In four starts against Atlanta this year, Sanchez is 2-0 with a 4.50 ERA.

Washington has enjoyed playing on Sundays recently, going a perfect 5-0 in their last five contests on the final day of the week. They also tend to play well against lefties. Of their last 10 opportunities against left-handed starters, the Nationals have won eight.

Washington is currently ranked sixth in the majors on offensive with an average of 5.36 runs scored per game.

100* Sharp Money Syndicate Play on Diamondbacks -113

Following a tough series against the Mets and a loss in the current series opener, it’s fair to say the Diamondbacks (75-73) are due for a win. Tonight, Arizona will play host to the Reds (69-79).

For Cincinnati, right-hander Anthony DeSclafani (9-8, 4.06 ERA) gets the start. Over his last five starts, DeSclafani has struck out 27 in 31 innings while posting a 2.32 ERA. In his last outing, Arizona managed to score three runs, including a two-run blast, over six innings.

For Arizona, right-hander Merrill Kelly (10-14, 4.68 ERA) will start. In his last outing, Merrill gave up three runs on seven hits over six innings against the Mets. If not for Pete Alonso, who hit two solo shots, Merrill would have enjoyed a great start.

Kelly isn’t as poor as his record might let on. With a 3.17 run support average, which is the fifth-lowest in the majors, Kelly has done well to earn a 5-5 record and 3.50 ERA at home.

Eduardo Escobar leads the D-Backs with 34 home runs and 113 RBIs. Ketel Marte, who has a home run off DeSclafani, is batting a club-leading .327 on the year.

50* Powerhouse Play on Mets -130

Before yesterday’s loss to the Dodgers (96-53) in the series opener, the Mets (76-71) had won four straight. As they host Los Angeles again tonight, New York will be aiming to cut into the three-game gap between themselves and the Cubs for the second Wild Card.

Although the Dodgers were first to earn a playoff berth, they entered the series with only a single win out of their last five contests against a team with a winning record. Before yesterday’s game, the Mets were a perfect 5-0 in their last five against NL West competition.

Hyun-Jin Ryu (12-5, 2.45 ERA), who starts for the Dodgers tonight, spent the vast majority of 2019 as one of the premier pitchers in the majors. Yet over his past four starts, the Los Angeles left-hander has posted a 9.95 ERA. As the Dodgers near postseason baseball, they hope skipping over Ryu once in the rotation will help him return to form.

Right-hander Jacob deGrom (9-8, 2.70 ERA) starts for the Mets. Despite his near-even record, deGrom is in the middle of a tight race for the NL Cy Young award. Over his past 20 starts, deGrom has posted a 2.20 ERA. As Ryu has fallen back to the pack, deGrom has continued his surge forward with seven innings of one-run ball in his last outing.

50* Powerhouse Play on Orioles +115

While the Orioles (48-99) are winners of two of their last three, the Tigers (43-103) have lost three straight. Tonight in Detroit, Baltimore will aim to avoid joining their opponents in the triple-digit-loss club.

On the mound for the visitors will be Gabriel Ynoa (1-8, 5.79 ERA). The Orioles right-hander had a good outing against the Rays in his last start, which came in early September. In that matchup, Ynoa allowed only two runs over 6 1/3 innings.

For the Tigers, left-hander Daniel Norris (3-12, 4.72 ERA) will start. As Norris nears his innings limit for the season, he’s been pitching three innings at a time. Over his last fifteen innings (five outings), Norris has let up five runs on 10 hits and five walks while striking out 14.

The Orioles offer different club leaders for each major batting category. Hanser Alberto leads the team with a batting average of .318, Trey Mancini leads the team with 31 homers, and Renato Nunez leads the team with 82 RBIs.

While Baltimore isn’t the most prolific offensive roster in the majors, Detroit has been even worse. The Tigers have scored just 537 runs and have an on-base percentage of just .295, both of which are the worst in the MLB.

50* Powerhouse Play on White Sox +130

Together, the White Sox (64-82) and Mariners (60-87) have a combined record of 124-169. Tonight, these two struggling clubs will face off in Seattle.

At home, Yusei Kikuchi (6-9, 5.24 ERA) will start. The Mariners left-hander limited Houston to one run on five hits over five innings his last time out. Over his last four outings, Kikuchi is 2-1 with a 3.52 ERA. In his lone outing against Chicago, Kikuchi gave up six total runs in five innings.

Opposite Kikuchi will be White Sox right-hander Dylan Covey (1-8, 7.69 ERA). Covey’s struggles, including his 0-4 record in the second half, is a big reason why Chicago comes into this game as underdogs. However, Covey was good against the Mariners in his July start against the team. Covey lasted 8 1/3 innings and gave up just two runs.

For the White Sox, the duo of Tim Anderson and Jose Abreu are the most likely to offer run support. Anderson is batting .333 with 52 RBIs, and hitting .400 with five doubles and two homers thus far in September. Abreu leads the team with 32 home runs and 115 RBIs, and is batting .412 with four dingers over the last seven days.

100* Sharp Money Syndicate Play on Padres -114

Both the Padres (68-78) and Rockies (62-85) are coming off a loss after two straight wins. After tonight’s contest between the two in Colorado, one will be handed its second-straight loss.

The visiting Padres will send out Joey Lucchesi (10-7, 3.84 ERA) to start. The San Diego left-hander has been great over his last four starts, posting a 1.57 ERA. Lucchesi’s last outing came against the Rockies, in which he tossed six innings of shutout baseball.

While Charlie Blackmon is one of Colorado’s best bats, hitting .317 with 27 homers and 76 RBIs, he’s only batting .176 in 17 at-bats against Lucchesi.

Right-hander Jeff Hoffman (1-6, 7.06 ERA) will occupy the mound to start things off for the Rockies. Hoffman lasted 5 2/3 innings his last time out, holding the Dodgers to five hits and three runs while striking out eight batters and giving up two walks.

Padres slugger Manny Machado will be excited for a new series in Colorado. At Coors Field, Machado is batting .484 with three doubles and three dingers in seven games this season.

In their last eight games against Colorado, San Diego owns a record of 6-2.

50* Powerhouse Play on Nationals -119

While the Nationals (80-64) are winners of two of their last three, the Twins (89-56) have dropped three of their past five games. Tonight, both teams square off for the third straight game in Minnesota.

Anthony Rendon will hope to break this game open for Washington. Since the All-Star break, Rendon is batting .371 with 19 doubles, 12 home runs, and 52 RBIs.

Rendon and the rest of the Nats lineup will be trying to provide run support for left-hander Patrick Corbin (11-7, 3.16 ERA), who starts tonight. In his past 15 starts, Corbin has pitched 94 1/3 innings. In those innings, Corbin has struck out 116, walked 31, and posted an ERA of 2.29.

Opposite Corbin will be Twins right-hander Kyle Gibson (13-6, 4.58 ERA). This will be Gibson’s return to the starting lineup after taking time off for the birth of a child and to deal with ulcerative colitis. In his last outing, Gibson allowed 10 hits and four runs over five innings against Detroit.

Washington will be hoping for another strong performance from Ryan Zimmerman, who finished yesterday’s contest with three hits, one of which was a two-run homer, and three RBIs.

50* Powerhouse Play on Braves -121

After a run of nine straight wins, the Braves (91-56) have gone an even 2-2 over their last four games. If the Phillies (75-70) can get the better of Atlanta tonight, both teams will split the four-game series in Philadelphia.

Atlanta has been better than Philly in almost every category. The Braves hold the advantage in runs scored (786-706), home runs (231-191), and team ERA (.421-.456).

Much of their offensive prowess can be attributed to first baseman Freddie Freeman. On top of a .305 average, Freeman has belted 38 homers and batted in 117 RBIs.

Hoping to slow Freeman and the Atlanta offense will be Philadelphia left-hander Drew Smyly (4-6, 6.20 ERA). This will be Smyly’s second-ever start against the Braves, but he’s faced Josh Donaldson plenty. In 18 at-bats against Smyly, Donaldson is batting .444 with three home runs and four RBIs.

The Braves will be sending out right-hander Julio Teheran (10-8, 3.31 ERA) to start. Over his past 23 starts, Teheran can boast a 2.67 ERA. Teheran hasn’t faced Philadelphia since Opening Day, but he’s held opposing batters to a .167 average over his past four starts.

100* Sharp Money Syndicate Play on Rockies +165

The Rockies (62-84) have taken two straight games off the Cardinals (81-64), both by a score of 2-1. This afternoon, the Rockies will aim to make it three straight wins in Colorado.

The visiting Cardinals will send out right-hander Miles Mikolas (8-13, 4.25 ERA) to start. In his last outing, Mikolas allowed one run in five innings, but also gave up a season-high four walks. In five appearances against the Rockies, Mikolas has posted an ERA of 6.05.

In limited action, several Colorado hitters have gotten to Mikolas. In nine at-bats against St. Louis’ starter tonight, Nolan Arenado is batting .444 with two homers and four RBIs. Daniel Murphy is 4-for-10 against Mikolas.

In 68 plate appearances, current Rockies are batting .313 against Mikolas.

For the home team, Tim Melville (2-1, 3.66 ERA) starts on the mound. In his last time out, the Colorado right-hander held the Padres to two runs over 5 2/3 innings while striking out eight batters. On the road, Melville is 2-0 with a 2.13 ERA.

While Colorado is 31.5 games back of the Dodgers in the NL West, St. Louis is clinging to a four-game lead over Milwaukee and Chicago in the NL Central.

100* Sharp Money Syndicate Play on Rockies +151

The Rockies (61-84) managed to sneak by the Cardinals (81-63) with a 2-1 victory to open the series on Tuesday. Tonight, these two clubs face off once again in Colorado.

While the Cardinals are the better pitching team, boasting a fifth-best team ERA of 3.83, the Rockies have the advantage in the offensive side of the game. While St. Louis ranks 21stin the majors with 670 runs scored, the Rockies rank ninth with 742 runs scored on the season.

The visiting Cardinals will start right-hander Dakota Hudson (15-6, 3.40 ERA), who’s posted a 3.23 ERA over his 11 starts since the All-Star break. In his last outing, Hudson allowed one hit over six innings.

Colorado will be going with right-hander Antonio Senzatela (8-10, 7.19 ERA) to start. Senzatela will be aiming to regain the solid form he had during June, throughout which he posted a respectable 4.83 ERA. He’s had trouble with his fastball against left-handed hitters this year, which has inflated his ERA.

Against Senzatela, Yadier Molina is batting just .250 in 12 at-bats and Paul Goldschmidt is batting .267 in 15 at-bats.

Nolan Arenado leads the Rockies with 38 home runs and 110 RBIs on the season.

50* Powerhouse Play on Brewers -139

The Brewers (76-68) have lost their best weapon, Christian Yelich, in their battle to reach the playoffs. Now without Yelich’s .329 average, 44 home runs, and 97 RBIs, Milwaukee goes into Miami looking for its third straight win against the Marlins (51-93).

Although a fractured right kneecap leaves the Brewers without their best bat, the club can ride the momentum of its current five-game win streak. However, it will take a lot to make for the player who led the majors with an OPS of 1.100.

On the mound, Milwaukee is going with right-hander Zach Davies (9-7, 3.69 ERA) in this one. With Davies starting, the Brewers are 15-12. Davies has pitched 9 2/3 innings over his last two outings – both wins against the Cubs – in which he gave up seven hits and one run in total.

Miami will be sending out right-hander Pablo Lopez (5-8, 4.75 ERA) to start. In nine starts at home, Lopez has earned a record of 3-3 with a 2.86 ERA. The Marlins defeated Milwaukee the last time Lopez started against them, as the righty struck out seven in six innings.

Against the NL East, the Brewers have won seven of Davies’ last 10 starts.

50* Powerhouse Play on Orioles +172

With last night’s results, including a 7-3 win over the Orioles (46-98), the Dodgers (94-52) clinched the NL West title for the seventh consecutive season. Tonight, Los Angeles will continue its quest to earn the best record in baseball as the team prepares for another contest in Baltimore.

In his first game against the Orioles, Ross Stripling (4-4, 3.42 ERA) gets the start for the Dodgers. The Los Angeles right-hander has been relatively consistent through his 13 starts and 15 appearances as a reliever. As a starter, Stripling is posting a 3.38 ERA. As a reliever, he’s posting a 3.57 ERA. However, Stripling isn’t expected to go more than four innings, especially coming off three scoreless innings in his last start.

Left-hander John Means (10-10, 3.50 ERA) gets the start for Baltimore. With Means nearing a career high for innings pitched, the Orioles gave the lefty an extra day of rest. However, the rest appears to be unnecessary with Means posting a 2.45 ERA over his last four starts.

This year, lefties are batting just .169 against Means.

The Orioles may have a little extra motivation to beat the Dodgers this evening after watching the visitors celebrate on their field yesterday.

50* Powerhouse Play on Cubs -140

The Cubs (77-66) opened a new series against the Padres (66-77) with a 10-2 victory. Chicago is now set for the second game in San Diego this evening.

Getting the start for the Cubs will be left-hander Jose Quintana (13-8, 4.00 ERA). Although Quintana gave up four runs on five hits to the Brewers in his last outing, he earned the win. In four career starts against the Padres, Quintana is 2-0 with a 4.50 ERA.

In 53 at-bats against Quintana, Eric Hosmer is batting just .226 with a pair of home runs. Hosmer leads the Padres with his .280 average and 92 RBIs.

Right-hander Ronald Bolanos (0-1, 3.00 ERA) starts for the Padres. In his debut, Bolanos pitched six innings and gave up two runs on five hits. This is more or less a tryout for Bolanos as the Padres aim to figure out what the 2020 rotation will look like.

Against left-handed starters, the Padres are 21-46 in their last 67 games. Against the NL Central, the Padres have won two of their last seven contests.

The Cubs have won each of their last five games against teams with a losing record.

50* Powerhouse Play on Cardinals -138

Out of their last 12 games, the Rockies (60-84) have won just a single contest. Tonight, Colorado will host the Cardinals (81-62), who’ve won three of their last four.

The Rockies have actually been the better hitting team, scoring 740 runs to St. Louis’ 669. However, the Cards and their 3.84 ERA are significantly better than the 5.62 team ERA of Colorado.

For the visiting Cardinals, Michael Wacha (6-6, 4.98 ERA) gets the start. The St. Louis right-hander only went two innings his last time out due to short rest, but allowed zero runs. Tonight, Wacha will be pitching on normal rest against a team he’s posted a 5.28 ERA against in his career.

Right-hander Chi Chi Gonzalez (0-6, 7.29 ERA) starts for Colorado. Gonzalez has started nine times, all of which the Rockies have lost. In his last time out, Gonzalez held the Dodgers to two runs over 6 1/3 innings.

In a series against the Rockies earlier this season, Paul Goldschmidt went 7-for-16 with three RBIs. On the year, Goldschmidt is has launched 29 home runs and batted in 80 runs.

The Rockies are winless in their last six home games.

100* Sharp Money Syndicate Play on Phillies +151

Game 2 of a four-game series will take place tonight in Philadelphia when the Phillies (74-69) host the NL East-leading Braves (90-55). Although Atlanta took the series opener, Philly won the previous two games against the Mets in New York.

The visiting Braves will send out left-hander Max Fried (16-4, 3.86 ERA) to start. In his last outing, Fried held the Nationals to zero runs through his seven innings pitched. Fried has struck out eight batters or more in four of his last six starts.

J.T. Realmuto has been one the best Philly hitters against Fried. In this matchup, Realmuto is 4-for-10 with a home run and four RBIs. Jay Bruce is 2-for-5 and Sean Rodriguez is 3-for-5 with a homer and three RBIs.

On the mound for the Phillies will be Jason Vargas (6-7, 4.27 ERA). In his last outing, Vargas held the Reds to two hits while striking out six batters in 5 1/3 innings. In seven career outings against the Braves, Vargas is 2-2 with a 5.40 ERA.

In 136 plate appearances, this Braves lineup is hitting .234 against Vargas.

100* Sharp Money Syndicate Play on Cubs -144

The Cubs (76-66) kick off a four-game set against the Padres (66-76) in San Diego this evening. With injuries to Javier Baez, Addison Russel, and Kris Bryant, Chicago may have to mix and match on the left side of the infield.

Right-hander Kyle Hendricks (9-9, 3.39 ERA) will be on the mound to start for the Cubs. In his last outing, Hendricks notched seven strikeouts and held the Mariners to one run over six innings. In nine career starts against the Padres, Hendricks is 5-2 with a 2.98 ERA.

San Diego will counter with rookie right-hander Cal Quantrill (6-6, 4.57 ERA). Quantrill had made himself a reliable starter for the Padres, but he’s struggled lately. In each of his last two starts, Quantrill has allowed eight earned runs.

In nine starts at home, Quantrill is 3-2 with a 4.44 ERA.

Out of Hendricks’ last 10 games coming off six days of rest, the Cubs are 7-3. Of their last 19 games to open a new series, the Padres are 6-13. And of their last 15 games at home against a team with a winning record, San Diego is 4-11.

50* Powerhouse Play on A's +173

The Athletics (84-59) are just a one-run, 11-inning loss away from being winners of six straight. As they enter a four-game series against the Astros (94-50) in Houston, Oakland will try to keep up that good form against a team that scored 21 runs a day ago.

As the eighth-ranked team in runs scored (744) and seventh-ranked team in home runs (224), the Athletics are good enough to be in the race for a Wild Card spot. The Astros are even better. With 814 runs scored, Houston is third in the majors.

We’ll have a good pitching matchup this evening as Oakland right-hander Mike Fiers (14-3, 3.51 ERA) goes up against Houston right-hander Zack Greinke (14-5, 3.09 ERA).

Although Fiers wasn’t at his best in his last outing, he held the Angels to four runs in five innings. Over his last 21 starts, Fiers is 12-0 with a 2.59 ERA. During that run of games, the Athletics are 17-4.

In six starts since being acquired from Arizona, Greinke is 4-1 with a 3.86 ERA. That lone loss in a Houston uniform came against the Brewers in his last outing. In six innings, Greinke allowed eight hits and four runs.

50* Powerhouse Play on Rockies +148

A late afternoon game in San Diego pits the visiting Rockies (60-83) against the Padres (65-76). These clubs have split the opening two games of the series thus far.

For Colorado, the duo of Nolan Arenado and Charlie Blackmon have become a force in the National League. While Arenado is batting .311 and Blackmon leads the team with his .317 average, the two have combined for 64 home runs and 184 RBIs on the season.

Aiming to shut down that duo from the mound will be Eric Lauer (8-8, 4.55 ERA), who starts for the Padres. The San Diego left-hander is 3-0 in his seven appearances since late July, but he hasn’t had any success against Colorado. In three starts against the Rockies this season, Lauer is 0-2 with a 14.90 ERA.

In 13 at-bats versus Blackmon, Lauer has been shelled to the tune of a .615 batting average with a home run and three RBIs.

Right-hander Peter Lambert (2-6, 7.19 ERA) starts for Colorado. The 22-year-old is struggling to find good form in his rookie campaign after kicking off his season with two straight wins over the Cubs in June.

50* Powerhouse Play on Angels -116

The Angels (67-76) have scored a total of 13 runs in their two straight wins over the White Sox (62-80). Los Angeles will now aim to make it three straight in another game in Chicago.

Led by Mike Trout’s .291 average, 45 home runs, and 104 RBIs, the Angels hold a significant advantage over the White Sox offensively. Compared to the Angels’ 714 runs scored and 204 homers, Chicago has scored just 604 runs and hit only 150 homers.

Right-hander Jaime Barria (4-7, 6.27 ERA) will start for the Angels. Los Angeles will likely need to provide plenty of run support for Barria, who gave up four earned runs to the Athletics in his last outing.

For the White Sox, right-hander Dylan Cease (3-7, 6.75 ERA) gets the start. Cease notched 11 strikeouts in his last outing, but was dreadful in his start previous to that. Against Minnesota in late August, Cease allowed eight earned runs on 10 hits in just two innings.

On top of an 0-4 record in their last four games at home, the White Sox have just three wins over Cease’s last 10 starts.

Against the AL Central, the Angels are winners of four of their last five.

100* Sharp Money Syndicate Play on Braves +120

As winners of nine straight, the Braves (89-54) are the hottest team in baseball. If the Braves can push that streak to 10, they’ll complete a four-game sweep of the Nationals (78-63) in Atlanta.

Two of the National League’s best pitchers will face off in this one, as Washington right-hander Max Scherzer (9-5, 2.60 ERA) takes on Atlanta right-hander Mike Soroka (11-3, 2.53 ERA).

In a 90-pitch outing against the Mets, Scherzer struck out seven but allowed four runs and a walk. Scherzer holds an ERA of 4.40 with a 0-0 record over his last three starts. Looking towards the postseason, the Nationals didn’t pitch more than five innings of two of those three outings.

Soroka experienced a first for his career when he allowed two homers to the Blue Jays in his last outing. Soroka will now be aiming for another performance like he had against the Nats on the last day of July, allowing one run over seven innings.

In addition to a 10-2 record for the Braves when Soroka pitches on five days of rest, the club is 12-2 in Soroka’s last 14 outings against NL East competition.

50* Powerhouse Play on Giants +225

It feels like the Dodgers (92-51) have been coasting for months, yet they still own a 23-game advantage over the Giants (68-73). Tonight, San Francisco aims to make it two straight wins in Los Angeles.

To do so, the Giants will send out right-hander Tyler Beede (3-9, 5.61 ERA). In his 18 starts, Beede is giving up an average of one run in the first inning. If he can stay clean through the first three outs, Beede will give himself a good chance for a successful start.

In his June outing against the Dodgers, Beede lasted six innings and gave up only a single run.

Right-hander Tony Gonsolin (2-1, 2.89 ERA) will start for the Dodgers. Gonsolin has allowed four runs over his past four starts, and the rookie will continue his tryout tonight. Gonsolin gave up two earned runs and three walks in his last start, which came against Arizona.

The Giants will rely heavily on centerfielder Kevin Pillar, who leads the club with a .270 average, 21 home runs, and 78 RBIs. Over the last seven days, Pillar is batting .370 with a pair of homers and five RBIs in 27 at-bats.

100* Sharp Money Syndicate Play on Rockies +158

Before Colorado’s 3-2 win on Friday, the Rockies (60-82) had lost nine straight. With another win over the Padres (64-76) on the road, Colorado can start a winning streak this evening.

The Rockies will have a great chance if they can limit the longball. While the Padres have more home-run potential, with 200 homers on the season, the Rockies have been better offensively with a 739-610 advantage in runs scored this season.

Right-hander Jeff Hoffman (1-5, 7.35 ERA) will start for the Rockies. Despite allowing a homer on the first pitch of his last outing, Hoffman recovered well enough to hold Pittsburgh to two runs over five innings. Against the Padres, Hoffman is 1-1 with a 1.08 ERA.

Padres left-hander Joey Lucchesi (9-7, 4.00 ERA) will be opposite Hoffman. Although Hoffman allowed one run over six innings against the Giants in his last outing, he was one hit away from giving up plenty more after escaping a bases-loaded jam in the sixth.

San Diego is just 1-5 in their last six games at home against a righty. The Padres are also terrible in the second game of series, losing five straight.

50* Powerhouse Play on Indians +158

It took the Indians (82-60) 11 innings to get the 6-2 win in Minnesota last night. Tonight, Cleveland will try to cut into the Twins’ 5.5-game lead by beating them in regulation.

While the Indians have now won two of three, the Twins have dropped two of three.

Representing Cleveland from the mound will be 24-year-old Aaron Civale (3-3, 1.94 ERA). In his last outing, the Indians right-hander allowed just one earned run against the White Sox. The White Sox game was Civale’s seventh start, and it continued his streak of allowing no more than two earned runs in any outing.

Right-hander Jake Odorizzi (14-6, 3.61 ERA) gets the ball to start for Minnesota. Odorizzi has been good against Cleveland this year, holding batters to a .169 average over 17 total innings.

However, Indians shortstop Francisco Lindor has regularly gotten to Odorizzi. In 22 at-bats of the matchup, Lindor is hitting .364 with two homers and five RBIs. Lindor leads the club with his .297 average alongside 28 home runs and 66 RBIs.

In his 12 career meetings with Cleveland, Odorizzi is 3-4 with a 4.42 ERA.

50* Powerhouse Play on Cubs -116

At 2.5 games back of St. Louis in the NL Central, the Cubs (76-63) are aiming to climb even closer on the road against the Brewers (71-68), who are 7.5 games back.

While Chicago has won three straight, Milwaukee has dropped two of their last three games, all at home.

Although Milwaukee has Christian Yelich, who leads the team with 43 homers, 93 RBIs, and a .323 average, the Cubs are better offensively. Chicago’s 685 runs scored and 219 home runs edge out Milwaukee’s 649 runs and 217 homers.

Left-hander Cole Hamels (7-5, 3.69 ERA) starts tonight for the Cubs. Despite taking the loss in his last outing, Hamels gave up just two runs over six innings while striking out seven. In four starts against the Brewers this season, Hamels has 23 Ks and a 1.88 ERA.

The Brewers will send out Zach Davies (8-7, 3.76 ERA) to start. In 18 career starts against the Cubs, Davies holds a 3.69 ERA. Chicago was Davies’ opponent in his last outing, against whom he threw 4 2/3 shutout innings.

In 49 at-bats against Davies, Kris Bryant is batting .347 with two homers and six RBIs.

100* Sharp Money Syndicate Play on Twins -167

As the Indians (81-60) open a three-game set against the Twins (87-53) in Minnesota, this feels like their big chance to cut the 6.5-game gap between themselves and the AL Central leaders. However, that prospect doesn’t look likely for a Cleveland team that’s won just two of its last seven.

The Twins, who’ve won 10 of 12, will be leaning on their MLB-best 272 home runs to get out ahead of Cleveland. With 824 runs scored (1stin MLB), the Minnesota offense has been significantly better than the Cleveland lineup, which has scored just 665 runs (18thin MLB).

Hoping to limit those home runs, right-hander Adam Plutko (6-4, 4.53 ERA) will start for the Indians. Plutko last faced the Twins just under a month ago. In that contest, Plutko allowed four runs on nine hits in six innings in a frustrating outing.

Opposite Plutko will be Michael Pineda (11-5, 4.11 ERA), who starts for Minnesota. The Twins right-hander hasn’t faced Cleveland since March, when he lasted four innings and allowed no runs. Pineda has won five straight decisions and four straight starts.

50* Powerhouse Play on Mets -144

If either the Phillies (72-67) or Mets (71-68) will make a push for an NL Wild Card spot, it needs to start right now as these two teams face off in New York. The Phillies and Mets are four and five games back of the Cubs, respectively.

Philadelphia has an edge over New York on the season, going 10-6 so far. Including tonight’s game, these two clubs match up three more times in 2019.

Right-hander Zach Eflin (8-11, 4.33 ERA) starts on the mound for the Phillies. In his last 13 innings, Eflin has allowed three runs. Eflin hasn’t been great against the Mets. On the season, Eflin is 1-1 with a 5.63 ERA against New York. In his career against the Mets, Eflin is 3-4 with a 5.37 ERA.

Leading the club with 45 homers and 105 RBIs, Mets slugger Pete Alonso is having an incredible year, and that includes his plate appearances against Eflin. In those seven at-bats, Alonso is batting .429 with a home run.

Steven Matz (9-8, 4.04 ERA) is the starter this evening for New York. In nine second-half starts since returning to the rotation, Matz is 4-2 with a 2.73 ERA.

The Mets have won four of their last six, and are 25-12 in their last 37 games.

100* Sharp Money Syndicate Play on Rays -184

Coming off a run of three straight losses, the Blue Jays (55-85) have now lost 12 of their last 15 contests. Meanwhile, the Rays (82-59) have won six of their last seven and have the shortest of grips on an AL Wild Card spot with a 0.5-game advantage over Oakland and Cleveland.

Tampa Bay will look to stay in control of their playoff destiny with a win at home tonight.

In that effort, the Rays will start right-hander Austin Pruitt (2-0, 4.78 ERA), who makes just his second start of the season. In his first start, Pruitt was great. He pitched 5 1/3 innings against the Indians without allowing a run in a victorious outing.

For Toronto, Trent Thornton (4-9, 5.34 ERA) will begin the game on the mound. The Blue Jays right-hander has faced Tampa Bay three times this season, and he’d like to forget them all. In those 11 1/3 total innings, Thornton allowed 23 hits and 14 runs.

Those beatings at the hands of the Rays are a big part of why the Blue Jays are just 2-7 in Thornton’s last nine starts against AL East teams.

Tampa Bay is a perfect 6-for-6 in their most recent home games against right-handed starters.

50* Powerhouse Play on Pirates -134

The Pirates (61-78), winners of five of their last six, will host the Marlins (49-89), losers of four of their last five, this evening in Pittsburgh.

Miami has been one of the worst teams in baseball all year long, so it’s not surprising to see Pittsburgh’s advantage on offense. With 664 runs scored, the Pirates lineup dwarfs the 512 runs scored by the bats of the Marlins.

Right-hander Dario Agrazal (4-3, 4.50 ERA) will start for the Pirates at home. Against the Rockies in his last outing, Agrazal went five innings deep and allowed three runs. Agrazal has won each of his last two starts.

For Miami, Elieser Hernandez (3-5, 5.06 ERA) starts. Hindered by a 34-pitch first inning, Hernandez allowed four runs in six innings in his most recent start.

Hernandez will likely face difficult at-bats against Pittsburgh outfielder Bryan Reynolds, whose .332 batting average trails only the .338 average of Anthony Rendon. In his last 14 games, Reynolds is batting a whopping .381.

While the dreadful Marlins have lost 16 of their past 17 road games, the Pirates are 4-1 in their last five against right-handers.

100* Sharp Money Syndicate Play on Rockies +300

The Rockies (59-81) have a tough task in front of them when they take the field this evening in Los Angeles to go up against the National League-leading Dodgers (91-50), who’ve just beat them twice.

While this would normally feel like a formality with All-Star starting pitcher Hyun-Jin Ryu (12-5, 2.35 ERA) starting for the Dodgers, Ryu’s dip in form makes this an interesting affair, especially considering how big of a dog Colorado is. Just a few weeks ago, Ryu was the frontrunner for the NL Cy Young. Now, Los Angeles is worried about their ace heading into the playoffs.

In his last three starts, Ryu is 0-3 with an 11.05 ERA while giving up five of his 15 total home runs allowed. In his three starts against Colorado, Ryu is 0-1 with a 4.50 ERA.

For the Rockies, Antonio Senzatela (8-9, 6.95 ERA) gets the start. The Colorado right-hander hasn’t been great over his past five starts, but he’s only allowed two homers over that stretch.

In eight at-bats against Senzatela, MVP candidate Cody Bellinger has just one hit. In 11 at-bats, Joc Pederson is batting .182 against the Rockies right-hander.

50* Powerhouse Play on Red Sox -131

Despite a one-run loss at home yesterday, the Red Sox (74-64) have won four of their last six and six of their last nine. If they’ll stay on a winning course with a chance to reach the playoffs, Boston will need a good performance against the visiting Twins (86-52) tonight.

Good pitching should be on display in this contest with Red Sox lefty Eduardo Rodriguez (16-5, 3.97 ERA) going head to head with Minnesota right-hander Jose Berrios (11-7, 3.57 ERA).

Rodriguez pitched 37 innings across six August starts. In those outings, Rodriguez posted a 3.41 ERA. The Red Sox left-hander earned the win against Minnesota in a June start, tallying nine Ks in seven innings of play.

On the side of the Twins, Berrios is coming off a six-inning start in which he gave up three runs. Berrios had a rough August in which he went 1-2 with a 7.57 ERA. In four starts against the Red Sox, Berrios is 0-3 with a 3.20 ERA.

Mookie Betts, Andrew Benintendi, and J.D. Martinez have all had success against Berrios in at least 10 at-bats. Facing the Twins right-hander, Betts is batting .308, Benentendi is batting .400, and Martinez is batting .357 with four RBIs.

50* Powerhouse Play on Dodgers -250

The latest game to get started tonight will be in Los Angeles where the Dodgers (90-50) host the Rockies (59-80). Los Angeles is 30.5 games ahead of Colorado in the NL West.

Including a 16-9 win over the Rockies in the first game of the series yesterday, the Dodgers have won two straight. Meanwhile, the Rockies are losers of seven straight games.

Getting the start for Colorado will be right-hander Chi Chi Gonzalez (0-6, 8.07 ERA). To be frank, Gonzalez has been terrible lately. In his last two games, Gonzalez has lasted just five total innings while giving up 10 hits, seven walks, and 10 runs. Gonzalez tallied just two strikeouts in those two outings.

For the Dodgers, left-hander Julio Urias (4-3, 2.53 ERA) will start. Coming back from suspension, Urias hasn’t pitched since the end of July. While Urias isn’t expected to go deep into this contest, Los Angeles has the bullpen to pick up the slack.

Entering the series, Colorado is just 6-20 in their last 26 games on the road against teams with a winning percentage of .600 or better. Out of 54 home games versus a right-hander starter, the Dodgers are 44-10.

100* Sharp Money Syndicate Play on Brewers +150

It took 10 innings for the Astros (90-49) to take down the Brewers (70-67) in the series opener yesterday. Despite that loss, Milwaukee has won three of its last five and is ready to take on Houston once again.

Defending Milwaukee’s 39-30 home record will be right-hander Jordan Lyles (9-8, 4.55 ERA). After posting a 9.00+ ERA in his last nine starts with Pittsburgh, Lyles has been a different pitcher since putting on a Brewers uniform. In six starts since that time, Lyles is 4-1 with a much-improved 2.51 ERA.

Opposite Lyles will be right-hander Zack Greinke (14-4, 2.99 ERA). Without his best stuff against the Rays his last time out, Greinke gave up six hits, a walk, and five runs over five 2/3 innings.

A pair of Brewers have been good against Greinke. In 12 at-bats, Lorenzo Cain is batting .333 with a home run. In 20 at-bats against Greinke, Christian Yelich is batting .350.

Yelich is having an MVP year, and that didn’t stop in yesterday’s game. With a home run in the bottom of the ninth, Yelich tied the game before Houston responded with the game-winning homer an inning later.

50* Powerhouse Play on Phillies +115

Coming off back-to-back wins, the Phillies (71-65) will improve their playoff chances with another victory against the Reds (64-74) in Cincinnati. The Reds have lost five of their last six games.

With 664 runs scored on the season, Philadelphia ranks 15thin the MLB. Meanwhile, Cincinnati’s 619 runs is good enough for just 22ndin the majors. Over the last seven days, the Phillies have scored three more runs than the Reds in two fewer games.

The Phillies will send out Vince Velasquez (6-7, 4.86 ERA) to start. In his last seven starts, the right-hander is 4-2 with a 4.84 ERA. Although Velasquez isn’t likely to go deeper than five innings, the good run support he’s received lately could carry him to another win.

Right-hander Lucas Sims (2-1, 4.99 ERA) is scheduled to start for Cincinnati. Normally a relief pitcher, Sims allowed six runs in 12 1/3 total innings over 11 August appearances. This will be Sims’ third start of the season.

Phillies slugger Bryce Harper is on a run of 10 straight games with at least one hit and one run. Over his last seven games, Harper is batting .300 with three homers.

50* Powerhouse Play on White Sox +215

The Indians (79-58) have let their deficit in the AL Central grow to 5.5 games, but they’ll have an opportunity to move closer to Minnesota in a new set of games against the White Sox (60-76) in Cleveland. Coming into this evening’s contest, the Indians have dropped three straight.

The White Sox will hope to pounce on Cleveland’s vulnerability with starter Ross Detwiler (2-4, 6.45 ERA). In his 11-year career, the Chicago left-hander has faced 29 teams in the majors. After tonight’s outing, Detwiler will have faced all 30.

Aaron Civale (2-3, 1.96 ERA) will start for the Indians. The right-hander gave up two runs to the Tigers in a seven-inning outing on Wednesday.

Civale will need to be most careful against White Sox shortstop Tim Anderson, who’s batting .328 on the season. If he had enough plate appearances to qualify, Anderson’s average would be good enough for third-best in the American League. Over the last seven days, Anderson is batting .333 with three doubles and a home run.

The Indians are currently in possession of the second Wild Card spot in the AL, leading the Athletics by half a game.

100* Sharp Money Syndicate Play on Phillies +140

While the Phillies (70-65) were able to cap off a three-game series against the Mets with a 5-2 victory, the Reds (64-73) enter a new series as losers of four of their last five. This afternoon, Philadelphia will square off with the Reds in Cincinnati.

Despite a lower home run total than the Reds (196-170), the Phillies are the better offensive team with 657 runs scored on the season compared to Cincinnati’s 618.

On the mound, Philadelphia will be starting left-hander Drew Smyly (2-6, 6.95). Smyly will be hoping to regain his form from early on in a Phillies uniform. In his first two starts with the club, Smyly allowed one run through 13 innings in two starts.

Cincinnati is scheduled to start right-hander Anthony DeSclafani (9-7, 4.05 ERA). In 50 career appearances at the Great American Ballpark, DeSclafani is an even 19-19 with a 4.25 ERA.

Bryce Harper will hope to find continued success against DeSclafani. In 11 at-bats, the Phillies slugger is batting .364. In addition to leading the team in homers (29) and RBIs (97), Harper is batting .308 with a pair of home runs over the past seven days.

50* Powerhouse Play on Dodgers -138

As winners of six straight, the Diamondbacks (70-66) are a scary team right now. Yet coming into this afternoon’s game against the visiting Dodgers (88-50), Arizona is looking up at a 17-game gap between themselves and the NL West leaders.

Hoping to stop the bleeding against the hot D-Backs, right-hander Ross Stripling (4-4, 3.64 ERA) will start for Los Angeles. However, Stripling is only expected to throw two or three innings in his first start since coming off the injured list. Right-hander Dustin May is projected to follow Stripling.

Alex Young (6-3, 3.81 ERA) will take the mound for Arizona. The left-hander has been solid over his last 11 appearances, holding batters to a .217 average. In his last outing, Young allowed two total runs on four hits over 5 1/3 innings.

The fact that this contest is the fourth in a four-game series could prove critical. In Game 4s, the Diamondbacks have come out victorious in just one of their last seven. On the other hand, the Dodgers have won seven of their last nine final games of a four-game set.

Los Angeles is 39-16 playing on Sunday.

50* Powerhouse Play on Giants -105

The Giants (66-69) have a slight edge over the Padres (63-72) in the NL West, and they’ll attempt to extend that advantage over the visitors when they host San Diego this afternoon in San Francisco.

Offensively, these two clubs are nearly even. The Padres rely more on the longball, with 195 homers compared to San Francisco’s 148, but only four runs separate the two. San Diego has scored 591 while the Giants have scored 595.

The starting pitching matchup features left-hander Eric Lauer (7-8, 4.48 ERA) for the Padres against Giants right-hander Jeff Samardzija (9-10, 3.38 ERA).

Lauer has already thrown 12 more innings than in his rookie campaign, and will need to shut down a pair of Giants hitters if he’ll have a shot at bringing his record to even. Against Lauer, Evan Longoria is batting .364 in 11 at-bats while Buster Posey is batting .357 in 14 at-bats.

Against the Diamondbacks in his last start, Samardzija allowed a single run over five innings. Thus far, Samardzija’s biggest enemy is a lack of run support. Although his record doesn’t reflect it, the Giants righty has posted an ERA of 1.99 since the start of July.

100* Sharp Money Syndicate Play on Pirates -103

If the Pirates (59-77) get a win tonight, they’ll complete a four-game sweep of the Rockies (59-78) in Colorado. Both clubs have been poor all year, but they’re trending in different directions at the moment.

The Pirates have won three in a row (all against the Rockies), four of their last five, and seven of their last nine. Meanwhile, the Rockies are losers of five straight and have dropped nine of their last 10 contests.

Pittsburgh has scored a total of 31 runs in three victories over Colorado this week.

Left-hander Steven Brault (3-3, 4.06 ERA) will aim to keep the momentum going for the Pirates. Over his last 12 starts, Brault has posted an ERA of 2.84. In his last outing, Brault gave up three runs to the Phillies without his best.

The Rockies are expected to go with Jeff Hoffman (1-4, 7.81 ERA). In his last outing for Colorado, Hoffman allowed four home runs and seven runs in just two innings.

Pittsburgh has won each of its last six games versus NL West competition while Colorado is 0-9 in their last nine efforts against the NL Central. The Rockies are also 0-5 in their last five home games.

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 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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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).

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 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.