Total of the Week - Rickenbach MLB Game #913 Wednesday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Houston Astros vs Boston Red Sox @ 8:35 ET - All 3 games in this series have flown over the total and I see no reason for that to change tonight in Game 4. The fact is that the Astros Charlie Morton has been on the mound for a total of just 4 innings since September 15th. He hasn't pitched in the post-season and he only threw 4 innings over his last two regular season starts. That doesn't bode well for him to come out and just dominate here. Keep in mind he relies on location of his breaking stuff to be successful and it is hard to be razor sharp when you haven't been pitching much at all. Certainly too the powerful Red Sox lineup has hitters than can make you pay if you're "off" also. Additionally, it won't be just the Boston lineup enjoying success tonight. Rick Porcello gets the start for the BoSox and he allowed 7 runs (6 earned) in 12 innings spanning his two starts against the Astros this season. The Red Sox right-hander served up 3 Houston homers in those two starts. The over is a long-term 19-8-1 in meetings between these teams and that includes 8-2 this season. 9 of the last 13 meetings between these teams in Houston have flown over the total. The over is 11-3 this season in Boston's road games when they are an underdog in a money line range of +125 to +175. Look for another one here as both bullpens have had their share of some struggles in this series too. 10* OVER the total in Houston

Daytime Dominator - Rickenbach MLB Game #911 Wednesday MLB 8* OVER the total in Los Angeles Dodgers vs Milwaukee Brewers @ 5:05 ET - Dodger Stadium is a pitcher-friendly park but the ball does carry better in day games here. Also, the Brewers Wade Miley is pitching on short rest and the Dodgers Clayton Kershaw did struggle at Milwaukee Friday. That said, with a total of only 7 here and temperatures expected to be near 80 degrees with a light breeze blowing out, this game has a great shot at easily going over the total. Keep in mind, both team used a lot of extra arms last night too because the game went 13 innings. I know the trend in this series has been under but Kershaw's start was the one that went over the total and Miley's start ended up being a game that did total 7 runs (which is currently the posted total on this one). With consideration to those factors as well as the other keys noted above, this game should fly over the low total in an afternoon game starting at 2 PM local time in LA Wednesday. 8* OVER the total in Los Angeles Dodgers

Daytime Dominator - Rickenbach MLB Game #907 Tuesday MLB 10* Top Play Boston Red Sox Money Line (+) @ Houston Astros @ 5:05 ET - Boston's Nathan Eovaldi has given up a total of just 2 earned runs while striking out 28 in the 23 and 1/3 innings spanning his 5 starts since September 1st. Houston's Dallas Keuchel has seen his strikeout numbers come down as he has struck out only 19 while allowing 18 earned runs in 28 innings spanning his last 6 starts. On paper, the Astros have the better bullpen but in Game 2 the Red Sox bullpen certainly held the edge and that trend continues here. Boston is 39-17 (+$16,800) in recent seasons when playing after a day off. Houston is only 12-10 (-$8,600) this season when playing after a day off. The Red Sox bats have done a better job of remaining consistent after a day off in comparison with the Astros and I am forecasting that to continue on Tuesday. 10* BOSTON

Primetime Punisher - Rickenbach MLB Game #953 Monday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Los Angeles Dodgers vs Milwaukee Brewers @ 7:35 ET - This is an early start for a West Coast game as first pitch is at 4:35 local time when temperatures should be around 80 degrees at Dodger Stadium. Yes, this is a pitcher-friendly venue but with warm temperatures and an early start that does favor the hitters moreso than usual at Dodger Stadium. I know LA's Walker Buehler was done in by a big hit at Atlanta in his post-season start a week ago but it still shows he is certainly susceptible to pitching himself into a jam in a high-pressure situation and then paying for it. Certainly the Brewers have plenty of lumber that  can do some damage and I like the low total posted on this game especially considering that both bullpens have had some "moments" already in this series! As for Milwaukee starter Jhoulys Chacin, he allowed 8 earned runs in just 4 and 1/3 innings in his start at Dodger Stadium in August. That doesn't bode well for success in his go-around as the Dodgers also are buoyed in terms of confidence after the big road win at Milwaukee Saturday. Los Angeles has played 30 games with a posted total of 7 runs this season and only 10 of the 30 have resulted in an under. Milwaukee is 14-8 to the over when playing after a day off. 10* OVER the total in Los Angeles Dodgers

Primetime Punisher - Rickenbach MLB Game #952 Sunday 8* Boston Red Sox Money Line (+) vs Houston Astros @ 7:05 ET - David Price struggled in his most recent starts for Boston but he faced his nemesis (the Yankees) twice. Price has fared much better against the Astros both in recent starts and throughout his career. That said, as well as Gerrit Cole has pitched for Houston, I feel we're still getting excellent home dog value here with the Red Sox in this spot. I just don't see them dropping down 0-2 in this series by losing each of the first two home games. Look for a big bounce back here from Boston on Sunday evening. The Red Sox are 36-19 when off a loss this season. The Astros are 10-12 this season when on the road in a game where their money line ranges from +125 to -125. The home dog Red Sox even this series up. 8* BOSTON

Game of the Week - Rickenbach MLB Game #904 Saturday 10* Top Play Boston Red Sox Money Line (-) vs Houston Astros @ 8:05 ET - The Red Sox opened up in the 130 range here and are now in the pick'em range in this game. Of course Houston has played very well this season, including on the road, but lets not forget that Boston was the best team in baseball this year. Also, the Red Sox are at home and playing with revenge and that includes Chris Sale. The southpaw has gotten stronger with each start since he returned from injury and he is looking for revenge against Justin Verlander and the Astros as they beat him in Game 1 of the ALDS last year. I can't say anything bad about Verlander or Houston here. Definitely respect them. But the value here with the Red Sox at home and in revenge mode is something I won't pass up on! Sale has struck out 23 in 13 and 1/3 innings in his last 3 starts! Boston is 11-1 in the last 12 starts that Sale has made. The Astros are a long-term 60-107 in road games with a posted total of 7 runs or less and that includes 3-6 in recent seasons. The Red Sox are a long-term 17-8 in home games with a posted total of 7 runs or less and that includes 5-1 in recent seasons. 10* BOSTON

Contrarian Crusher - Rickenbach MLB Game #901 Friday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Milwaukee Brewers vs Los Angeles Dodgers @ 8:05 ET - Of course playoff baseball generally leads to lower scoring games but this pitching match-up is likely to lead to an over and I am being a contrarian and looking for this one to easily get over the low total. The key here is two-fold. The Brewers Gio Gonzalez is pitching after a long layoff. Too much time between starts generally leads to struggles for starting pitchers in terms of locating their pitches properly and getting into a groove on the mound. As for the Dodgers Clayton Kershaw, the staff ace has been struggling in recent road starts. In fact, Kershaw has allowed 12 runs (11 earned) in his last 3 road starts spanning 17 innings. The over is a perfect 3-0 in those 3 starts. As for Gonzalez, only 3 of his last 10 starts have resulted in an under! He has been held to 5 innings or less in 6 of his last 9 starts. 2 of the last 3 starts Gonzalez has made this season have gone over the total. Also, 2 of the 3 games played between these teams at Miller Park this season went over the total. The Brewers have averaged scoring 6 runs per game in their last 5 games at home. The Dodgers have averaged scoring 9 runs per game in their last 4 games on the road. Some confident sticks at the plate in this one. 10* OVER the total in Milwaukee

Total of the Week - Rickenbach MLB Game #921 Tuesday 10* Top Play OVER the total in New York Yankees vs Boston Red Sox @ 8:05 ET -Monday's game flew over the total and the over is now 7-1 in the last 8 meetings between these teams. Overall, the over is now 9-1 in the Yankees last 10 games and 7-1 in Boston's last 8 games. Look for the huge run production to continue this evening between these teams on an evening with very mild weather for October in the Bronx tonight and light winds blowing out toward left. Boston's Rick Porcello has allowed 11 earned runs in just 20 innings in his last 4 road starts. He is not pitching deep in recent outings away from home and he also hasn't been overly dominant as you can see with those numbers. The Red Sox right-hander also gave up 5 earned runs in just 5 and 1/3 innings in his most recent start at Yankee Stadium. The Yankees CC Sabathia allowed 3 earned runs in 3 innings in his most recent start versus the Red Sox and walked 4 in that short stint. Though his prior home start versus Boston went well, the one just prior to that in May saw Sabathia get crushed in the Bronx by the Red Sox. The point is that he has been roughed up more often than not in his outings versus the powerful Boston lineup. The Red Sox continued their assault on opposing pitchers in yesterday's blowout win. Look for both teams to pound the ball in this one. 10* OVER the total in New York Yankees

Primetime Punisher - Rickenbach MLB Game #913 Monday 10* Top Play OVER the total in New York Yankees vs Boston Red Sox @ 7:40 ET - Even though Saturday's game just missed going over the total, the over is still 6-1 in the last 7 meetings between these teams. Overall, the over is still 8-1 in the Yankees last 9 games and 6-1 in Boston's last 7 games. Look for normalcy to resume this evening between these teams on an evening with rather mild weather for October in the Bronx tonight. Luis Severino dropped off a lot with his 2nd half results compared to the 1st half of the season. Also, Rick Porcello has allowed 11 earned runs in just 20 innings in his last 4 road starts. He is not pitching deep in recent outings away from home and he also hasn't been overly dominant as you can see with those numbers. The Red Sox right-hander also gave up 5 earned runs in just 5 and 1/3 innings in his most recent start at Yankee Stadium. Severino was strong against Oakland in the wild card game and, no disrespect to the A's intended, the fact is the Red Sox lineup he is facing tonight is much stronger than that Athletics lineup. 10* OVER the total in New York Yankees 

Earliest Cash - Rickenbach MLB Game #916 Monday MLB 8* Cleveland Indians Money Line (-) vs Houston Astros @ 1:30 ET - The home teams have dominated in this post-season and the expectation is that the host domination continues here. The Indians are 8-2 in the last 10 starts Mike Clevinger has made. The Cleveland right-hander has allowed 2 earned runs or less in 8 of those 10 starts. He'll be opposed by Houston's Dallas Keuchel. The Astros are just 2-3 in Keuchel's last 5 starts. Also, the southpaw has allowed at least 3 earned runs in 5 of his last 9 starts. Also, Keuchel is known for being much tougher at home than on the road. That said, the Indians are facing him in an elimination game in the right place at the right time. Houston is 8-12 this season in road games with a money line between -125 and +125. The Tribe have gone a phenomenal 28-11 this season in home games with a posted total of 8 or 8.5 runs. 8* CLEVELAND

Game of the Week - Rickenbach MLB Game #958 Sunday 10* Top Play Atlanta Braves Run Line +1.5 runs (+) vs Los Angeles Dodgers @ 8:05 ET - This is a ton of value here. The Braves are looking to avoid elimination and, even on the run line at +1.5 runs, they are available at plus money on their home field. Even if Atlanta loses a tight one by a single run, you can still cash a ticket on the run line at +1.5 runs in this one. The Braves Sean Newcomb very nearly no-hit the Dodgers here in Atlanta in late July. Yes the Dodgers Walker Buehler has been pitching well but, just like Newcomb, he does not have post-season experience. I also like having the Braves sticks at home and the Dodgers are on a winning streak but are still just 13-16 (-$14,400) this season when they enter a game on a winning run of 3 or more consecutive games. Also, Los Angeles is 38-45 (-$24,400) in road games with a posted total of 8 or 8.5 runs. The Braves are 9-5 this season when they enter a game on a losing streak of 3 or more games. Also, Atlanta is 17-7 in Sunday games this season. With their backs against the wall, the Braves bounce back here and get at least the "cover" in a game where I just don't see the Dodgers ever being able to establish a big lead. 10* ATLANTA BRAVES Run Line +1.5 runs

Afternoon Annihilation - Rickenbach MLB Game #955 Saturday 8* OVER the total in Colorado Rockies vs Milwaukee Brewers @ 4:35 ET - It will be chilly in Denver for this game but at least it is an afternoon game which helps. The fact is that there are guys up and down the Brewers lineup that have enjoyed success versus the Rockies German Marquez. Also, Milwaukee is stepping into the batters box with a ton of confidence right now as the Brewers have won 10 straight games! The issue for the Brewers today will be on the mound as Wade Miley has pitched well overall for Milwaukee but he certainly isn't overpowering and there is no more dangerous place to pitch than Coors Field for opposing hurlers. The Rockies are the #1 home hitting team in MLB and, down 0-2 in this series, I expect a huge game from the Colorado sticks in this one. Look for the over to improve to 3-0 in Miley's last 3 starts and 3-0-1 in the last 4 starts Marquez has made! 8* OVER the total in Colorado

Primetime Punisher - Rickenbach MLB Game #953 Saturday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Boston Red Sox vs New  York Yankees @ 8:15 ET - David Price is known for struggling against the Yankees ever since he came to Boston. This has been particularly true at Yankee Stadium but, even when Price has faced the Yanks at Fenway Park, things haven't exactly gone smooth for the Boston southpaw. Earlier this season the Yankees knocked Price out of a start early - a game in which he lasted only 1 inning. Also, New York got to him for 4 earned runs in just 5 and 1/3 innings when they most recently faced him less than 3 weeks ago. He won't be the only starting pitcher struggling in this one. Masahiro Tanaka gets the start for the Yankees here and the right-hander compiled a 9.00 ERA in his final two starts of the season. Also, Tanaka compiled a 7.58 ERA in his four starts versus the Red Sox this season. The over is 4-1 in Price's last 5 starts this season. The over is 3-0-1 in Price's 4 starts versus the Yankees this season. The over is a perfect 3-0 in Tanaka's last 3 starts. Also, the over is 3-0-1 in his 4 starts versus the Red Sox this season. Overall, with yesterday's game flying over the total, the over is now 6-0 in the last 6 meetings between these teams. Overall, the over is 8-0 in the Yankees last 8 games and 6-0 in Boston's last 6 games. More of the same expected here. 10* OVER the total in Boston

Total of the Week - Rickenbach MLB Game #905 Friday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Boston Red Sox vs New York Yankees @ 7:30 ET - It is true that the weather will be cool in Boston this evening as you would expect for early October. The point being that this is nothing new and this is still a hitter-friendly park. As a result, this total dropping to a 7.5 is offering excellent line value on the over. Keep in mind, the Red Sox bullpen struggled at times down the stretch run of the season and just how long will Chris Sale actually last in this game? Yes the Boston left-hander is a fantastic pitcher but his last 4 starts of the season averaged only 3 innings per game. Also, he has allowed 5 earned runs in 8 innings spanning his most recent two starts. Though he has impressive numbers against the Yankees in two starts this season he did allow 8 hits in 6 innings in his lone start versus the Bronx Bombers at Fenway Park. Also, the southpaw took the loss in two starts versus the Astros in the post-season last year and finished up that losing series with an 8.38 ERA. I know J.A. Happ has been strong for the Yankees since they got him but he did allow 9 runs (4 earned) in his two starts at Fenway Park this season. That includes the Red Sox having just faced him here last week. Also, Happ has a solid ERA in limited post-season action but he was very lucky because he has a 1.81 WHIP in his 19.1 innings of playoff work. That means he has allowed an average of nearly 2 baserunners per inning his career post-season appearances. That won't get the job done at Fenway Park I can tell you that much! Take advantage of the low total as the over improves to a perfect 6-0 in the last 6 games between these bitter rivals! 10* OVER the total in Boston

Daytime Dominator - Rickenbach MLB Game #901 Thursday 8* Colorado Rockies Money Line (+) @ Milwaukee Brewers @ 5:05 ET - Be sure you select "action" with this wager because the Brewers are going with a "bullpen approach" for this game and though Brandon Woodruff is slated as the starter that could change and is really irrelevant to my selection any way. I like the Rockies no matter the pitching match-up but Antonio Senzatela is slated to get the start here and I expect a strong outing from him. His overall numbers are skewed because he pitches his home games at hitter friendly Coors Field. Note that Senzatela has been hit at a .316 clip in home games this season but has held opponents to a paltry .220 batting average in his road efforts. Also, he made a successful starting debut in his first ever outing at 2017 and that was right here at Miller Park! The Brewers have not seen him since and this lack of familiarity is another edge for the Rockies right-hander. Of course both of these teams have been hot and both impressed by getting past the 2016 World Series Champion Cubs to get to this point. That said I rate these teams roughly equal and, though the Brewers have the home field edge, Colorado has the pitching edge. Couple that with the fact that the Rockies are a sizable money line dog here in Game 1 of this series and I am grabbing the value with the road dog. 8* COLORADO

Primetime Punisher - Rickenbach MLB Game #939 Wednesday 10* Top Play OVER the total in New York Yankees vs Oakland A's @ 8:05 ET - The Yankees wrapped up the regular season on a 10-2 run to the over which included each of their last 6 games games going over the total. I expect that trend to continue here in the Wild Card game. We get a low total of 8.5 in this one and I look to take advantage of the low number. As the Yankees lineup has gotten healthier they've been hitting the ball better. They should enjoy success against the A's whom have designated this as a "bullpen game" as Liam Hendriks gets the start but he will only go an inning or so in this. Then it will be a combination of pitchers to try to get the job done against the powerful Yankees lineup. I don't expect that to go well. However, the good news for A's fans is that Oakland should enjoy plenty of success at the plate too. Luis Severino gets the start for the Yankees and he struggled in the post-season last year and also has struggled in the second half of this season. The Yankees right-hander went 5-6 with a 5.57 ERA and a .291 BAA after the All-Star break. Severino allowed 5 earned runs in less than 3 innings of work when he faced the Athletics in early September. Since July 1st, the over is 12-3 (80%) in Severino's last 15 starts. The over is 10-3-1 in Oakland's last 14 games. With both teams trending over and Severino's struggles likely to continue and fairly mild weather in the Bronx this evening, all signs are pointing to plenty of runs in this one. 10* OVER the total in the New York Yankees game

Primetime Punisher - Rickenbach MLB Game #937 Tuesday MLB 10* Top Play Colorado Rockies Money Line (+) @ Chicago Cubs @ 8:05 ET - The Rockies lost at Dodger Stadium yesterday but they were a big dog there and it was not a huge surprise (though I did expect them to get the upset). In other words, it is not hugely detrimental to their mindset. Conversely, the Cubs lost at home to the Brewers yesterday and the Cubs were favored in that game. This is a big blow to Chicago as they were on their home field and had a chance to sew up the home field edge for the National League post-season and they blew it. I believe that loss for the Cubs is much more painful for them than the defeat the Rockies suffered yesterday. Don't be surprised if the Rockies, despite the travel and being on the road a 2nd straight game, prove to be the more aggressive and upbeat team here. A lot of positive vibes in that clubhouse right now. As for the 2016 World Series Champion Cubs, there is still a little of bit of the feeling of what should have been in terms of home field edge for the playoffs, etc. The Rockies Kyle Freeland gives the road dog a big edge on the mound over the Cubs Jon Lester in this one in my opinion. Lester has been a little shaky late in the season as was strong in the first half of the season but has a 4.50 ERA and has been hit at a .303 clip since the All Star break! Compare this to Freeland whom is 9-1 with a 2.49 ERA since the All Star break! Also, the Rockies southpaw is 12-4 with a 2.49 ERA in his night starts this season. The Rockies were 9-1 their last 10 games prior to yesterday's loss. As for the Cubs, yesterday's loss drops them to just 17-15 their last 32 games which is hardly impressive. The road dog here has been the much hotter team and I like the hot pitcher Freeland over the fading Lester too. 10* COLORADO

Earliest Cash - Rickenbach MLB Game #953 Monday 8* Colorado Rockies Money Line (+) @ Los Angeles Dodgers @ 4:05 ET - The Rockies are 12-4 in German Marquez last 16 starts. On the season he is 8-4 with a 2.91 ERA in his 16 road starts. Marquez has held batters to a .200 batting average in his starts away from home this season. Also, though he struggled some in his lone home start versus the Dodgers this season, Marquez was masterful in his two starts at Los Angeles this season. He held the Dodgers to just 2 earned runs on only 4 hits while striking out 14 in his 15 innings of work at Dodger Stadium. LA will counter with Walker Buehler in this one and he has fared well versus the Rockies this season. However, Colorado will be facing him for the 6th time already this season. Also, not only did Buehler make 5 starts versus the Rockies this season, 4 of his 8 relief appearances last season were against Colorado. Familiarity with Buehler will help the Rockies in this key match-up to win the division and avoid being relegated only being a wild card team. The majority of the Rockies lineup is hitting at least .250 versus Buehler and 4 players have homered against him. The Dodgers do have a few guys whom have homered off of Marquez also but the majority of their lineup has struggled in terms of being held to a low batting average versus the Rockies right-hander. This is tremendous underdog line value for Colorado here when you also consider that the Rockies back-end relievers are very solid and the bullpen comes into this match-up rested. 8* COLORADO

Total of the Week - Rickenbach MLB Game #979 Saturday MLB 10* Top Play OVER the total in Milwaukee Brewers vs Detroit Tigers @ 7:10 ET - The Brewers are still battling for the NL Central Division title. The Tigers have now gone over the total in 3 straight games after yesterday's 6-5 loss. They'll now take advantage of facing Wade Miley, a pitcher they have familiarity with from his days in the AL. The Brewers left-hander has lasted 5 innings or less in each of his last 3 starts. Miley has walked as many as he has struck out as he seems to be fading late in the season. Detroit will have Daniel Norris on the mound and he has allowed 16 in his last 26 and 2/3 innings. Also, the Tigers lefty has been rocked for 19 hits in just 15 innings spanning his last 3 starts. The Brewers enter this game having won 8 of their last 10 games. Milwaukee has scored at least 6 runs in 7 of those 8 victories. The Tigers have allowed 6.4 runs per game in their last 13 games. Look for another wild one here as Norris is likely to get knocked out early, Miley also has not been working deep into games, and the Detroit bullpen has a 4.44 ERA and ranks in the lower third of the majors for bullpens. The over is on a long-term 75-49 run in Brewers games against left-handed starters. 10* OVER the total in Milwaukee

Contrarian Crusher - Rickenbach MLB Game #931 Friday 8* OVER the total in Milwaukee Brewers vs Detroit Tigers @ 8:10 ET - The Brewers are still battling for the NL Central Division title. The Tigers game went over the total yesterday. They'll now take advantage of facing Zach Davies. The Brewers right-hander has lasted 5 innings or less in each of his last 6 starts. His ERA is 5.14 during this stretch. Detroit will have Jordan Zimmerman on the mound and he has allowed 10 earned runs in 9 innings in his last two starts versus the Brewers. Also, though he is off of a good outing versus the Royals in his last start, Zimmerman previously allowed 9 earned runs in less than 9 innings spanning his two prior starts. 5 of his last 6 starts have gone over the total. The Brewers enter this game having won 7 of their last 9 games. Milwaukee scored at least 6 runs in 6 of those 7 victories. The over is 13-7 in Brewers games when they are playing after a day off. The Tigers have allowed 6.6 runs per game in their last 12 games.  Look for another wild one here as Zimmerman is likely to get knocked out early, Davies is on a pitch count, and the Detroit bullpen has a 4.42 ERA and ranks in the lower third of the majors for bullpens. 8* OVER the total in Milwaukee

Game of the Month - Rickenbach MLB Game #953 Thursday 10* Top Play Atlanta Braves Money Line (-) @ New York Mets @ 7:10 ET - Though the Braves have had the NL East clinched for quite some time, they are certainly still highly motivated here. Atlanta wants the #2 seed for the post-season in the NL so they have home field edge in their first series. They are only one game up on the red hot Rockies for that spot so there is no doubt the Braves will still go hard here. Keep in mind, Atlanta had won 6 straight games before getting shutout by the Mets in a 3-0 loss last night. Look for payback tonight. The Braves Julio Teheran has had some command issues (leading to too many walks in recent outings) but he still has allowed just 14 hits in the 23 and 1/3 innings spanning his last 4 starts. Also, versus the Mets, Teheran has a 2.22 ERA in his 23 starts against them in his career. This season he has held them to 5 earned runs on just 12 hits in 19 and 2/3 innings spanning his last 3 starts against them. As for the Mets Jason Vargas, the southpaw is 0-2 in his last two home starts versus the Braves as he got crushed for 10 earned runs in less than 10 innings of work in those two outings plus he allowed 3 homers. Vargas also enters this start having allowed 4 homers in the 15 innings spanning his last 3 starts overall. Prior to yesterday's win, the Mets had lost 6 of their last 10 and, of course, have had a disappointing overall season. Braves are still 20-8 their last 28 games against teams with a losing record and bounce back big here. 10* ATLANTA

ESPN Smash Pass - Rickenbach MLB Game #905 Wednesday 10* Top Play OVER the total in St Louis Cardinals vs Milwaukee Brewers @ 7:10 ET - Normally in a crucial late-season series packed with playoff pressure you might expect a tight low-scoring battle. That is the norm after all. But it all depends on the pitching match-ups and, as we saw yesterday, when the pitching match-up is conducive to an over, things can get crazy in a hurry! The Brewers were especially hot at the plate yesterday but the Cardinals have also been producing some big performances at the plate in recent games too. The fact is that both lineups should stay hot this evening based on this pitching match-up. Milwaukee's Jhoulys Chacin did have a strong start versus the Cardinals in mid-August but he entered that start with an 11.00 ERA in his two prior starts versus St Louis this season! Also, he has not been able to pitch very deep into games of late and the Brewers bullpen got a lot of work in yesterday's game as did the Cardinals. St Louis could see their pen called upon early again here too because John Gant has struggled in his last two starts with 7 earned runs allowed in just 7 innings and command (7 walks in 7 innings) continues to be an issue for him. Also, against the Brewers he has a 1.92 WHIP in two career starts. The big bats of Milwaukee make you pay more often than not when you're allowing too many baserunners and that has been a recurring them for Gant. With yesterday's 12-4 Brewers win, the over is now 8-0 in the Cardinals last 8 starts. The over is on an 11-6 run in Chacin's last 17 starts. Look for another slugfest Wednesday. 10* OVER the total in St Louis

Contrarian Crusher - Rickenbach MLB Game #929 Wednesday 8* OVER the total in Cincinnati Reds vs Kansas City Royals @ 6:40 ET - I am well aware of the fact that, with yesterday's game staying just under the total, the Reds have a very long "under streak" in progress. However, that streak was attained on the road and Cincinnati is a different team at the plate when at home. Yesterday they scored just 3 runs on 9 hits but that was their first game at Great American Ball Park in weeks. Prior to that game, the Reds had recorded just 6 unders in their last 18 home games and I expect the bats to come back to life tonight. Though Cincinnati starter Cody Reed has had some surprising success of late, the long-term numbers don't like. Also, the Royals have gone 3-1 in their last 4 games versus a left-handed starter. As for Kansas City starter Heath Fillmyer, he has an 8.85 ERA and 1.97 WHIP on the road this season! The over is 3-1 in his last 4 starts. As for the bullpens here, the Reds pen ERA ranks them 18th out of the 30 teams in the majors while the Royals bullpen ERA ranks them dead last in the American League. Look for plenty of runs here at a hitter-friendly ball park on Wednesday evening. 8* OVER the total in Cincinnati

Earliest Cash - Rickenbach MLB Game #965 Tuesday MLB 8* OVER the total in Toronto Blue Jays vs Houston Astros @ 7:05 ET - I got burned with the over in this match-up yesterday as I had over 9 for a big play and the game was 4-3 Houston through 5 innings and ended up a 5-3 game. I am coming right back with the same play today. The Astros Josh James has been fantastic in two starts for Houston but the rookie has shown he is more susceptible to lefties. Against left-handed bats he has a 1.65 WHIP so far. The Blue Jays roster has 4 switch-hitters and 4 left-handed bats. A couple of those guys were not in the starting lineup yesterday (faced a lefty pitcher Dallas Keuchel) but you can bet they will be back out there today. The key point being that the majority of the lineup that James faces will be stepping into the batters box on the left side of the plate. The Jays will get their runs here but it is the Astros whom also should pound the ball. Houston will be facing Sam Gaviglio and he has a 6.06 ERA in his night starts and has a 5.79 ERA (plus has been hit at a .305 clip) since the All Star break. The Astros got to him for 5 earned runs in 6 innings when they last faced him. More of the same expected here. In Gaviglio's 6 home starts since the All Star break, the over is 5-1. The over is a long-term 47-24 in Astros road games with a posted total of 9 or 9.5 runs. 8* OVER the total in Toronto

Primetime Punisher - Rickenbach MLB Game #951 Tuesday MLB 10* Top Play OVER the total in Washington Nationals vs Miami Marlins @ 7:05 ET - Of course the Nationals are a huge favorite (even on the run line) in this one but if you truly believe Washington is going to have a big day at the plate (and I do strongly believe that), there is another much more economical way to get involved here. The over opened at only a 7.5 because Max Scherzer is on the mound for the Nats. Now of course he is a great pitcher but, keep in mind, he has one more regular season start after this and he can't get to 20 wins. His only real motivation is to get to 300 strikeouts and he has 290 so he has two starts to pick up 10. The point is that with playoff elimination a virtual certainty for Washington, there is no need to over-work Scherzer here. Plus he has a 5.40 ERA in his last 3 starts and the Marlins have scored an average of 5 runs per game in their last 3 games. Of course once he has out of the game a "middle of the pack" Nationals bullpen will be in play here. Speaking of bullpens, Miami ranks as the worst in MLB on the year and they could be called upon early. Marlins starter Jeff Brigham is 0-3 with a 5.84 ERA and 1.70 WHIP in his first 3 starts. Walks continue to be an issue for him and now he faces a Nationals lineup that has scored 6 or more runs in 3 straight games. More of the same here and, considering Brigham has averaged just 4 innings per start and the Miami bullpen is a major weakness, I wouldn't be surprised to see Nats get this total by themselves. However, look for the Marlins to contribute quite well. The over is 3-0 in Scherzer's last 3 starts and I expect another one today. As a road dog of +240 or more this season the Marlins are 7-0 to the over. Combined 10-0 / 100% perfect streak tested here. 10* OVER the total in Washington

Contrarian Crusher - Rickenbach MLB Game #917 Monday 8* OVER the total in Boston Red Sox vs Baltimore Orioles @ 7:10 ET - Yes it will be cool in Boston this evening but that is nothing unusual for late September. The Red Sox were 4-0 to the over (and had averaged scoring 7.3 runs per game) in their 3 games prior to yesterday's 4-3 loss. As for the Orioles, they are off of a 6-3 win over the Yankees yesterday that was the 3rd straight game in which Baltimore tallied at least a dozen hits! While the O's have been hot at the plate, one can also expect the Red Sox to bounce right back at the plate tonight. The last time Boston faced the Orioles Bundy, they got to him for 7 earned runs in just 5 innings of work. As for Red Sox starter Eovaldi, he has averaged less than 4 innings per start in his last 3 start. Also, prior to this he allowed 14 earned runs on 35 hits in just 18 innings spanning his 4 previous starts! That included getting crushed at Baltimore. Look for the red hot Orioles sticks to get to him once again and this should be an easy over. 8* OVER the total in Boston

Total of the Month - Rickenbach MLB Game #913 Monday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Toronto Blue Jays vs Houston Astros @ 7:05 ET - The Blue Jays Marco Estrada and the Astros Dallas Keuchel matched up on June 27th and that game totaled 13 runs. I wouldn't be surprised to see a similar end result tonight. Houston's Keuchel has seen the over go 4-1 in his 5 starts versus the Jays in his career. Toronto's Estrada enters this start off of a solid outing at Baltimore but this certainly has been the exception rather than the norm lately for the Blue Jays right-hander. He entered that start having been crushed to the tune of a 12.60 ERA over his 4 prior starts. The Astros game yesterday ended up being a push to the total so they are still on a 3-0 run to the over entering this match-up. Also, in road games with a posted total of 9 or 9.5 runs, Houston is on a long-term 47-23 run to the over. As a road favorite of -175 or more, the Astros are on a 21-10 run to the over. As a home underdog of +175 or more, the Blue Jays are 20-8 to the over! Only 1 of Keuchel's last 5 road starts have remained under the total. The Jays lost 5-2 yesterday but had previously won 6 of their last 8 games and averaged scoring 5 runs per game. The point being that the Jays are still playing hard to close out the season while the Astros are working hard to try and lock up the AL West title. Houston has won 6 of their last 8 games and averaged scoring 6 runs per game in the process. 10* OVER the total in Toronto

ESPN Smash Pass - Rickenbach MLB Game #969 Sunday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Cleveland Indians vs Boston Red Sox @ 7:05 ET - Talk about relaxed hitters at the plate...the Red Sox have clinched the AL East and the the Indians have clinched the AL Central. Neither lineup wants to lose their "rhythm" right before the playoffs either. In other words guys are "locked in" at the plate but certainly not feeling any pressure either. That leads to some high-scoring games in match-ups like these with two sub-par pitchers. The Red Sox hand the ball to Hector Velazquez and he has allowed 10 earned runs in less than 7 innings spanning his last two starts. The Tribe will hand the ball to Adam Plutko and he got rocked by Boston last month and he enters this start in poor overall form. The Indians right-hander has allowed 9 earned runs in less than 11 innings spanning his last two starts plus he gave up 3 homers in EACH of those starts! The over is 5-0 in Boston's last 5 games. The over is 2-0 in the last 2 starts Velazquez has made. Last but certainly not least, the over is a perfect 7-0 this season in Indians home games in which their money line is ranging from -125 to +125. This is combined trending of 14-0 / 100% PERFECT in favor of the over in this match-up. Look for a slug-fest Sunday evening at Progressive Field. 10* OVER the total in Cleveland

Daytime Dominator - Rickenbach MLB Game #973 Sunday 8* OVER the total in Houston Astros vs Los Angeles Angels @ 2:10 ET - I know Chris Morton has great numbers on the season and Houston is still battling to try to lock up the AL West division. However, Morton allowed 4 earned runs in 4 innings in his only start versus the Angels this season. Los Angeles has a potent lineup and their games continue to fly over the total. With yesterday's 10-5 Astros win, the over is now 8-2 in the Angels last 10 games and 5-0 their last 5. As for Houston's lineup, they should have no trouble with the offerings of the Angels Tyler Skaggs. He has slumped and has a 15.84 ERA and 2.48 WHIP in his last 3 starts! The over is 7-3 in the Astros last 10 games and they've scored an average of 10.5 runs per game so far in this series. I'll take advantage of the low total here and look for the over to improve to 4-1 in Skaggs last 5 starts. 8* OVER the total in Houston

Afternoon Annihilation - Rickenbach MLB Game #915 Saturday 10* Top Play OVER the total in New York Yankees vs Baltimore Orioles @ 4:05 ET - Yesterday the Orioles got to the Yankees bullpen for 6 runs in 3 innings! Today the Yankees starter is Lance Lynn and he has averaged just 5 innings per start over his last 7 starts! In other words there could be plenty of bullpen damage being done again today. Also helping the cause is that Lynn is off of back to back solid outings but he had previously allowed 19 earned runs in 18 and 2/3 innings over his prior 4 starts. He has been "on the fade" for awhile and I like the fact that the Orioles saw him in July and he only had two strikeouts in that game. Baltimore has gotten to Lynn for 24 hits in just 16 and 1/3 innings spanning his last 3 starts against them. As for the O's starter, David Hess, he is off of a start in which he allowed 3 homers and that is bad news as he now faces the Bronx Bombers. The Yankees lineup has been bolstered recently with guys getting healthy again and the ball was flying out of the park last night and should continue to do so this afternoon. The over is 3-0 in the last 3 starts Hess has made as he has compiled an unimpressive 6.08 ERA and 1.73 WHIP in those outings. As a home favorite in a money line range of -250 to -330, the Yankees are now 10-3 to the over this season. Just like yesterday's slugfest, this one should fly over the total easily. 10* OVER the total in the New York Yankees game

Total of the Week - Rickenbach MLB Game #965 Friday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Baltimore Orioles vs New York Yankees @ 7:05 ET - The Yankees, despite last night's loss to the Red Sox, are still in great shape in terms of notching a wild card berth. However, they haven't clinched yet and, as a result, they'll continue to field strong lineups with their regular starters until they do so. That said, as downtrodden as the Orioles have been this season, they'd still love to play the role of spoiler as much as possible here and I expect Baltimore to have a big night at the plate against CC Sabathia. The Yankees southpaw is on the fade of late as he has a 9.29 ERA in his last 3 starts. He allowed 3 homers in his most recent start which was versus Toronto. Also, in his last 3 starts versus the Orioles (all this season) Sabathia has a 6.00 ERA and has given up 5 homers in 15 innings! As for Baltimore starter Yefrey Ramirez, he is certainly also likely to struggle in this one. He is 0-2 versus the Yankees this season with a 10.00 ERA in his two outings. The over is 6-3 in the Yankees last 9 games. The over is 3-0 in the Orioles last 3 road games. As a home favorite in a range of -250 to -330, Yankees games are 9-3 to the over this season. Look for another slugfest in this one! 10* OVER the total in the New York Yankees game

Earliest Cash - Rickenbach MLB Game #907 Thursday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Oakland A's vs Los Angeles Angels @ 3:35 ET - The A's drilled the Angels 10-0 last night. The over is now 13-4 in Oakland's last 17 games. Also, Los Angeles is 7-1-1 to the over this season when they are off of a shutout loss. In home games with a posted total of 9 or 9.5 runs, only 6 of Oakland's 19 games have stayed under the total. The Angels Matt Shoemaker has allowed 6 earned runs on 12 hits in less than 10 innings of work spanning his last two starts. He also has a rather poor 1.59 WHIP in his last two starts versus Oakland and certainly this Athletics lineup is surging right now! Edwin Jackson gets the start for the A's here and, though he was successful in his most recent start versus the Angels, don't be surprised if the quick second look (just saw him last month) gives LA the edge in the rematch. Jackson struggled badly and allowed 4 earned runs in just 3 innings in his most recent home start. The over is 2-1 in Jackson's last 3 starts and 2-1 in Shoemaker's 3 road starts this season. More of the same expected on a mild afternoon in Oakland with the wind blowing out toward right field. The Angels had averaged scoring 6 runs per game in their 3 games prior to being shutout last night. The A's are 10-1 to the over in their last 11 home games as they remain especially hot at the plate in their home games. 10* OVER the total in Oakland

Run Line Rout - Rickenbach MLB Game #978 Wednesday 10* Top Play Pittsburgh Pirates Run Line -1.5 runs vs Kansas City Royals @ 7:05 ET - The Pirates, though mathematically still alive, certainly have slim hopes of a Wild Card berth at this point in the season. However, that hasn't stopped them from playing hard. Last night's win was their 4th straight and Pittsburgh is now 10-3 in their last 13 games. Keep in mind, the Bucs are hosting one of the worst teams in baseball in this interleague match-up and last night's loss dropped Kansas City to 22-52 on the road this season. Even though Pirates starter Chris Archer gave up some big hits versus the Brewers early in his most recent start, he settled down and pitched quite well overall. I like the fact that Archer has allowed only 13 hits in his last 17 innings while striking out 19 during this span. Also, in his last two starts versus the Royals, Archer has held them to just 3 earned runs on only 11 hits while striking out 17 over 15 and 1/3 innings. KC sends Heath Fillmyer to the mound and the Royals are 0-4 in his road starts this season as he has been rocked to the tune of a 12.40 ERA in his starts away from home. More of the same expected tonight. The Royals are 5-24 in their last 29 games versus a team with a winning record. Of course I would never lay huge juice on a money line but I love the value of the run line here with the Pirates available as low as even money by laying the 1.5 runs. Pittsburgh has won 14 of 19 interleague games this season while Kansas City has lost 13 of 17 against NL teams. 72 of the Royals 99 losses have come by 2 or more runs this season. 49 of the Pirates 76 wins have come by 2 or more runs this year. I like the odds on a home blowout in this one with Archer over Fillmyer! 10* PITTSBURGH Run Line

Early Annihilation - Rickenbach MLB Game #953 Wednesday 8* OVER the total in Philadelphia Phillies vs New York Mets @ 6:05 ET - The Mets Noah Snyndergaard and the Phillies Zach Eflin each have strong enough numbers on the season that this total is being kept lower than it should be. The total opened up at a 7.5 and the key here is that this is a match-up issue for each hurler. Syndergaard has allowed 8 earned runs on 20 hits in just 12 and 1/3 innings spanning his last two starts versus the Phillies. As for Eflin, he has allowed 13 earned runs in just 14 and 2/3 innings spanning his last three starts versus the Mets. These guys were matched up on the 8th of this month and the game totaled 15 runs. Prior to last night's game staying just under the total, the Phillies were on an overall 7-2 run to the over and the Mets had stayed under the total just 4 times in their 13 prior games. The over is 6-3 in Eflin's divisional starts this season and I expect more of the same on Wednesday as both of these starters are likely to struggle. Take advantage of the low total in this one. 8* OVER the total in Philadelphia

Earliest Cash - Rickenbach MLB Game #951 Wednesday 8* OVER the total in Atlanta Braves vs St Louis Cardinals @ 12:10 ET - The Cardinals crushed extra base hits all over the park in Monday's 11-6 win. Both bullpens struggled in that game. Then, in Tuesday's game, it also went over the total despite the Braves going 0 for 5 with runners in scoring position plus leaving 12 men on base in the 8-1 defeat. The fact is Atlanta's struggling bullpen let them down again and the St Louis pen has struggled recently too but managed to escape damage last night. The Cardinals are one of the top teams in the majors for slugging percentage on the road. Atlanta is among the top teams in the majors for slugging percentage in day games. Cards starter Jack Flaherty has walked 9 in the 10 innings spanning his last two road starts. Braves starter Touki Toussaint walked 5 in less than 6 innings in his most recent start. Both starters have struggled some with command and are facing dangerous (and hot) lineups that will make you pay if you get behind in the the count against. The over is 3-0 in Toussaint's 3 starts this season. Also, he'll be facing a Cardinals lineup that has plenty of confidence at the plate right now. They have crushed the ball again in this series and the Cards are 8-0 in Atlanta in their last 8 games there and 7 of the 8 have gone over the total. In fact, in all match-ups between these teams (including those in St Louis), the over is 14-3 in the last 17 games! With the way both bullpens have struggled recently and the fact that neither one of these starters has been working deep into games lately, plus a manageable total in the 8.5 range as of early Wednesday morning, you have a nice set-up here for what should be an easy over. Also, the over is 9-4 in the Braves last 13 games. Atlanta, when past the midway point of a season and facing a team with a wining record on the year, have gone 73-46 to the over. Look for all of the aforementioned trends to add another W on the over side of the ledger early Wednesday. 8* OVER the total in Atlanta

Total of the Year - Rickenbach MLB Game #905 Tuesday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Atlanta Braves vs St Louis Cardinals @ 7:35 ET - The Cardinals were crushing extra base hits all over the park in last night's 11-6 win. Both bullpens struggled in that game. St Louis is one of the top teams in the majors for slugging percentage on the road. Atlanta is among the top teams  in the majors for batting average versus left-handed pitching. Cards southpaw Austin Gomber has allowed 25 hits in the 16 innings spanning his last 3 starts. The lefty has given up 10 earned runs in the 9 innings over his last two starts. As for the Braves starter in this one, Anibal Sanchez issued 5 walks in just 6 innings in his most recent start. He'll be facing a Cardinals lineup that has plenty of confidence at the plate right now. They crushed the ball last night and the Cards are 7-0 in Atlanta in their last 7 games there and 6 of the 7 have gone over the total. In fact, in all match-ups between these teams (including those in St Louis), the over is 13-3 in the last 16 games! With the way both bullpens struggled last night and the fact that both of these starters are likely to encounter some tough times in the early going of this one, plus a manageable total in the 8.5 range as of early Tuesday morning, you have a nice set-up here for what should be an easy over. Also, the over is 8-4 in the Braves last 12 games. St Louis is 8-4 to the over the last 12 times they've been a road dog in the +125 to +175 range. The Braves, when past the midway point of a season and facing a team with a wining record on the year, have gone 72-46 to the over. Look for all of the aforementioned trends to add another W on the over side of the ledger Tuesday evening. 10* OVER the total in Atlanta

Run Line Rout - Rickenbach MLB Game #902 Tuesday 8* Philadelphia Phillies Run Line -1.5 runs +125 vs New York Mets @ 7:05 ET - The Phillies lost a tough one to the Mets yesterday but the Braves also lost so Philadelphia still has plenty of life in the NL East as they chase Atlanta. They now turn to their staff ace Tuesday and I expect the result to be a huge win. As you would expect, Aaron Nola is a very pricey favorite on the money line in this game but, by taking Philadelphia on the run line we actually get a nice comeback price on the Phillies in this one. Nola has allowed just 7 hits while striking out 29 in the 21 innings spanning his last 3 starts versus the Mets. As for New York starter Steven Matz, he was rocked for 4 earned runs in just 2 innings in his last visit to Philly. Matz has given up 4 homers in 12 innings in his last 3 starts versus the Phillies. This season Philadelphia is 9-3 when they are a home favorite in a money line range of -175 to -250. Matz is 0-2 versus the Phillies in his 4 career starts against them. Nola is 6-1 in his 8 career starts against the Mets. Take advantage of the value on the run line here and look for the Phillies to bounce back and win this one by 2 runs or more as Nola's mastery of the Mets lineup continues. 8* PHILADELPHIA Run Line -1.5 runs +125

Run Line Rout - Rickenbach MLB Game #958 Monday 8* Milwaukee Brewers Run Line -1.5 runs +120 vs Cincinnati Reds @ 7:40 ET - Wade Miley has allowed 2 earned runs or less in 12 of his 13 Brewers starts. The Milwaukee southpaw also has dominated the Reds as he has allowed just 1 earned run in each of his last 3 starts versus Cincinnati and two of those were this season. As for the Reds Anthony DeSclafani, he has allowed at least 4 earned runs in each of this last 3 starts versus the Brewers and 2 of those were this season. Also, the Cincinnati right-hander enter this start having allowed 10 runs (9 earned) in his last two starts and those have spanned less than 9 innings of work! The Brewers are off of a tight loss yesterday but still are 19-7 this season in games where they are a home favorite in a money line range of -125 to -175. That said, I like the added value offered here with the run line. By laying the 1.5 runs with Milwaukee, we get a +120 comeback price on the home favorite. Keep in mind, prior to their upset win yesterday at Wrigley Field, Cincinnati was 5-20 in their previous 25 road games. That is a horrible two month run and I expect it to resume here and this home win for the Brewers should come in blowout fashion. 8* MILWAUKEE

Earliest Cash - Rickenbach MLB Game #953 Monday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Miami Marlins vs Washington Nationals @ 7:10 ET - Erick Fedde is off of a surprisingly strong start in his last outing but he faced the Phillies in the middle of a major slump. Prior to that outing Fedde had compiled a 6.26 ERA while allowing 35 hits in just 27 and 1/3 innings spanning his 6 prior starts. In other words, one shouldn't over-react to one strong start from Fedde and I look for him to struggle at Miami tonight. Of course the Marlins are likely to have pitching issues of their own here. Not only is the Marlins bullpen (5.47 ERA) ranked dead last in the majors this season, starting pitcher Trevor Richards has been struggling. The over is 5-0-1 in Richards last 6 starts as he has allowed 23 earned runs on 31 hits in just 27 and 1/3 innings of work. The over is 3-0 overall in the Marlins last 3 games and Washington is 8-4 to the over in their last 12 games. Look for more of the same on Monday as both starters struggle. 10* OVER the total in Miami

Primetime Punisher - Rickenbach MLB Game #907 Sunday 10* Top Play OVER the total in St Louis Cardinals vs Los Angeles Dodgers @ 8:05 ET - The Dodgers Ross Stripling has averaged less than 5 innings per start in his 4 starts since the All Star break. In those outings, the LA right-hander has compiled a 5.50 ERA and has given up 21 hits in 18 innings. He hasn't been as sharp as usual nor as he been as strong as usual. As for the Cardinals Adam Wainwright, he allowed 2 homers in his return to the rotation on Monday and that was against a Pirates team that certainly has not been swinging the bats like this Dodgers team has. Los Angeles, after yesterday's blowout win over the Cards, has averaged scoring 6.6 runs per game their last 11 games. As for the Cardinals sticks, they have averaged scoring 5.6 runs per game their last 11 games. Only 38 of the Dodgers 91 games versus right-handed starters this season have stayed under the total. St Louis is 8-3-1 to the over, including 3-0 this season, in games where they are a home underdog in a range of +125 to +175. Look for the over to improve to 8-4 this season when the Cardinals enter a game on a losing streak of 3 or more consecutive games. 10* OVER the total in St Louis

Afternoon Annihilation - Rickenbach MLB Game #965 Saturday 10* Top Play OVER the total in New York Yankees vs Toronto Blue Jays @ 4:05 ET - The Yankees rolled 11-0 yesterday. They have been crushing Blue Jays pitching including now having scored an average of 9.8 runs in their last 4 games versus Toronto. As you would expect, all 4 of those games went over the total. The Yanks sticks should certainly stay hot today as they face a struggling Sean Reid-Foley going for the Jays in this one. When he faced the Yankees last month he gave up 6 earned runs in 4 and 1/3 innings. In his most recent start (last Saturday versus Indians) he allowed 6 earned runs in just 4 and 2/3 innings. You can see why struggles are expected for Reid-Foley here and lets also not forget that Jays relievers have also been getting lit up by Yankees hitters in recent meetings. As for Yanks starter CC Sabathia, I am well aware that he has some decent numbers in recent starts against Toronto. However, his recent form has not been too impressive. Sabathia has a 5.65 ERA over his last 3 starts. The over is 44-25 in Blue Jays road games this season. Also, when they enter a game on a losing streak of 3 or more games, Toronto has gone 13-4 to the over this year. After allowing 10 or more runs in a game this season, the Jays over is 8-3. Expect another high-scoring game this afternoon in the Bronx. 10* OVER the total in the New York Yankees game

Daytime Dominator - Rickenbach MLB Game #963 Saturday MLB 8* OVER the total in Cleveland Indians vs Detroit Tigers @ 3:10 ET - Low total here because both of these pitchers have some good numbers on the season. However, last night's 5-4 Tigers win fell just short of going over the total and I like the fact that Detroit's Michael Fulmer has a 6.32 ERA in his last 3 starts and a 5.62 ERA in road starts this season! He allowed 9 runs (6 earned) in just 3 innings in his most recent start at Cleveland. The Indians Mike Clevinger has been solid against the Tigers this season but certainly hasn't been unhittable and they'll be seeing him for the 3rd time in a span of 3 months. I also like the fact that Detroit has scored an average of 7.2 runs per game in their last 5 road games with added confidence at the plate thanks to winning 4 of their last 5 away from home. Of course the Indians have been run producers at home all season long as they've averaged 5.5 runs per game at Progressive Field. The Tribe should have no trouble with the offerings of Fulmer as well as a weak Tigers bullpen. The over is a long-term 41-25 in Detroit's September games. The over is 22-14 in Indians games this season when they are a home favorite in a money line range of -175 to -250. More of the same here. 8* OVER the total in Cleveland

Earliest Cash - Rickenbach MLB Game #916 Friday 7* New York Yankees Run Line -1.5 runs -140 vs Toronto Blue Jays @ 7:05 ET - The Yankees are nearly 3 to 1 favorites on the money line and while I would never advise laying that much juice I do like the value here with New York on the run line. Look for the Yankees to dominate in this one and get a big win by a margin of 2 runs or more and our price range here is about -140 on the run line. So I am reducing my rating on this one from a "normal" 8* to a 7* but have no hesitation in laying this price range considering the situation. The Blue Jays Marco Estrada is winless with a 9.49 ERA in his last 3 starts. Also, he has given up 5 homers in his 3 starts versus the Yankees this season. As for Masahiro Tanaka, he has allowed just 1 earned run on only 6 hits in the 13 innings spanning his last two starts versus Toronto. The Yankees right-hander enters this start having allowed only 1 earned run in 15 innings (with 16 strikeouts) in his last two starts. This is a pitching mismatch and the Yankees (losers of 2 straight) have had a losing streak of 3 or more games only ONCE since late JUNE! In other words, a bounce back for the Yankees is quite likely tonight. The Blue Jays have lost 3 straight games and also are 13-25 in their last 38 games against teams with a winning record while the Yankees are 14-5 when playing after a day off. 7* New York Yankees Run Line -1.5 runs -140

Total Annihilation - Rickenbach MLB Game #913 Friday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Baltimore Orioles vs Chicago White Sox @ 7:05 ET - I know the White Sox, after a pretty strong run at the plate, have cooled off recently. However, the fact is that the Orioles Luis Ortiz should certainly bring out the best in them. This will be his first ever start at the MLB level and, in fact, he has only made 6 starts at the AAA level in the minors and he got hit at a .274 clip in those outings. Making the jump essentially from AA ball to the MLB level is a big jump and Ortiz has made one appearance at the MLB level and he recorded only 2 outs while being charged with 3 earned runs so he has a 40.50 ERA with the O's thus far. As for the Baltimore sticks, they have been much stronger at home than on the road in recent weeks and they should pound James Shields. The veteran right-hander gets the call for the White Sox here and he is 1-7 with a 5.82 ERA on the road this season. Also, Shields has allowed 14 earned runs on 21 hits (including 4 homers) in the 13 and 1/3 innings spanning his last 3 starts versus the Orioles. The over is 14-7 in ChiSox Friday games this season. Also, when the Pale Hose are facing a team with a losing record, the over is 25-12 their last 37 games. The Orioles are 4-2 in their last 6 home games and certainly tend to hit better at home. Adding to the value with this totals plays is that both of these bullpens (Chicago and O's) rank among the worst in the majors this season. Look for runs early, often, and throughout this one! 10* OVER the total in Baltimore

No Doubt Blowout Rout - Rickenbach MLB Game #955 Thursday 10* Top Play Los Angeles Dodgers Run Line -1.5 runs (-) @ St Louis Cardinals @ 7:15 ET - This one has the makings of a road rout. The Cardinals haven't faced Dodgers ace Clayton Kershaw in awhile and the lack of repetition certainly won't help them. The LA southpaw has dominated the Cards to the tune of allowing just 1 earned run on only 4 hits in 17 innings spanning his last two starts against them. Kershaw has struck out 30 in 23 innings spanning his last 3 starts versus St Louis. He also enters this start in superb form as the lefty hasn't allowed more than 2 earned runs in a start in nearly two months. The Cards are also going with a southpaw here. Austin Gomber, whom beat the Dodgers on August 20th in Los Angeles, gets the call here. I realize that he has a low ERA and some impressive numbers on the season. However, Gomber allowed 10 hits in 7 innings in his most recent home start and that was the only time he has had to make a 2nd start against a team this season. The point is that he got hit harder the 2nd time around and now the Dodgers are getting a second look at Gomber. LA has gone 9-3 in Kershaw's last 12 starts and 9 of their last 11 wins with Kershaw on the mound have come by a margin of 2 or more runs. The Cardinals have lost 3 of their last 5 home games and also each of their two games this month versus left-handed starters. Kershaw dominates and Gomber struggles. 10* Los Angeles Dodgers Run Line -1.5 runs

Daytime Dominator - Rickenbach MLB Game #951 Thursday 8* OVER the total in Colorado Rockies vs Arizona Diamondbacks @ 3:10 ET - After 5 straight overs, each of Arizona's last two games have stayed just under the total as they've both landed on 9 runs. Look for that to change in this afternoon affair at Coors Field on a hot day in Denver. The ball will carry very well today. I know the Rockies Kyle Freeland has pitched very well of late but this will be the 4th time the Diamondbacks are seeing him in a span of 3 months. The southpaw has given up 4 earned runs in 2 of those 3 meetings and he had as many walks as strikeouts in the most recent match-up with Arizona. Clay Buchholz has also been pitching well but the Dbacks starter will be making his first ever start at Coors Field. This hitter-friendly ballpark always tends to be tough on starters making their first appearance here and Buchholz did allow 3 homers in 5 innings in his only career start versus the Rockies. Now he faces them in very hitter-friendly conditions on a hot and dry afternoon in Denver where the ball is going to be jumping off of the bats and carrying very, very well. The Rockies have won 8 of their last 11 games and they've averaged scoring 6 runs per game during this stretch. Trend players will be on the under in this match-up but for the reasons noted above, the key to the outcome on this total is the pitching match-up and the weather and both those angles point toward a slugfest! 8* OVER the total in Colorado

Total of the Week - Rickenbach MLB Game #913 Wednesday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Colorado Rockies vs Arizona Diamondbacks @ 8:40 ET - The calendar says it is mid-September but it certainly won't feel like it today in Denver. High temperatures are topping out in the 90s and I expect hot bats to resume their work at Coors Field this evening as well. Yesterday's game stayed just under the total but the Rockies and Diamondbacks are primed to have big performances at the plate this evening. The over was 5-0 in Arizona's 5 games prior to yesterday's under. The Diamonbacks have averaged scoring 5 runs per game their last 7 games. The Rockies have averaged scoring 6 runs per game in going 7-3 their last 10 games. Jon Gray gets the start for Colorado here and he has just 6 strikeouts in his last 3 starts and also walked 5 batters in his most recent start. He also has given up 7 earned runs in 5 and 1/3 innings spanning his last two starts versus the Dbacks. Arizona starts Patrick Corbin tonight and the southpaw has given up 12 hits (including 2 homers) in his last 10 innings versus the Rockies. His last two road starts were strong but those were in pitcher friendly venues. Corbin had allowed at least 3 earned runs in 3 of his 4 prior road starts and also labored in his most recent start at Colorado. Look for the over to improve to 24-16 in Arizona's road games with a money line range of -125 to +125 this season. Look for the over to improve to 4-1 in the last 5 meetings between these teams as the Dbacks have averaged 5.8 runs per game their last 5 versus Colorado and the Rockies, prior to yesterday's quiet night, had averaged 7.8 runs per game in their 4 prior games versus Arizona. 10* OVER the total in Colorado

Afternoon Annihilation - Rickenbach MLB Game #905 Wednesday 8* OVER the total in San Francisco Giants vs Atlanta Braves @ 3:45 ET - Even though this is a totals play I am going to first talk about the money line in this match-up. The reason is because it is part of what led me to a play on the total in this one. The Giants entered yesterday's action having lost 9 straight (and went on to lose their 10th straight last night) and when lines first came out yesterday afternoon for today's games, San Francisco opened up as the favorite in this match-up. Do you really believe that the odds makers believe that Derek Holland is going to throw a gem against a Braves team that has hit lefties very well this season? Of course the reason for the line is because it is expected that this slumping San Francisco team will do some damage against Anibal Sanchez. Of course, understandably, the whole world is jumping on the Braves here but I feel the best value in this match-up is with the over. Atlanta's Sanchez has allowed at least 3 earned runs in 3 of his last 5 starts even though he has only completed 6 innings once in those 5 outings. The Giants will do some damage at the plate here as the ball does carry better in day games at AT & T Park and the wind will be blowing out at a strong clip this afternoon. As for Holland, he is highly unlikely to shut down a Braves team that has scored an average of 5.7 runs per game their last 7 games. The Giants lefty, though he has a low ERA in his last 3 starts, has walked 11 batters during this stretch and Atlanta's .338 on base percentage versus lefties is 3rd in the majors. The over was 5-1 in the Braves 6 games prior to yesterday's tight win. The over trending resumes this afternoon in a big way. 8* OVER the total in San Francisco 

Earliest Cash - Rickenbach MLB Game #901 Wednesday 7* OVER the total in Cincinnati Reds vs Los Angeles Dodgers @ 12:35 ET - Prior to yesterday's low-scoring loss, Reds games had gone over the total in 4 straight. As a home dog of +175 or more, Cincinnati is on a multi-season run of 12-2 to the over. The Dodgers are 6-3 to the over as a road favorite of -175 or more this season. The over was 4-2 in LA's 6 games prior to last night's 3-1 loss. The Dodgers Ross Stripling has struggled recently and has a 6.13 ERA in his last 3 starts. The Reds Anthony DeSclafani has a 6.20 ERA in his last 4 starts and he each of his last 3 starts have gone over the total. 7* OVER the total in Cincinnati

Primetime Punisher - Rickenbach MLB Game #969 Tuesday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Tampa Bay Rays vs Cleveland Indians @ 7:10 ET - The Rays are one of the hottest teams in the majors and, of course, rolling with momentum after rallying in the bottom of the 9th for last night's 6-5 win. Tampa Bay has now won 8 of its last 9 games and the Rays have averaged scoring 7 runs per game during this hot streak! As for the Indians, they have have averaged scoring 5.6 runs per game their last 7 games. This pitching match-up looks conducive to another high-scoring game tonight. Cleveland's Shane Bieber has a 5.83 ERA in his last 3 starts and the Tribe have not recorded a single under in any of his last 4 starts. As for the Rays Tyler Glasnow, he got destroyed by the Blue Jays in the 1st inning of his last start. Though he'll certainly perform better than that outing (didn't even get out of first inning) here, I do expect the young right-hander to still see some negative "carry-over effects" from that poor outing at Toronto. His prior start was a beauty against these same Indians but now he gives the dangerous another look at him less than 2 weeks later. That usually doesn't bode well for young starting pitchers and that is especially true when they're coming off of an outing like Glasnow just had at the Rogers Centre. Look for the over to improve to 14-7 in Cleveland's Tuesday games this season while the Rays over streak reaches 5 in a row with another high-scoring affair tonight. 10* OVER the total in Tampa Bay

Total Annihilation - Rickenbach MLB Game #951 Tuesday 7* OVER the total in Cincinnati Reds vs Los Angeles Dodgers @ 6:40 ET - The Reds Luis Castillo gets the start for Cincinnati here. The Reds are just 2-4 in his last 6 starts as he has been struggling! Of course that is why the Dodgers are a big favorite tonight and I do expect them to hit Castillo very well. However, don't be surprised if Cincinnati also hits well tonight. Yes, LA's Hyun-Jin Ryu has some impressive numbers on the season but the Reds (.271 batting average) are actually one of the top hitting teams in the majors this season against left-handed pitching. As for the Dodgers, their .440 slugging percentage in road games this season ranks them 2nd in the National League as they are certainly one of the top slugging teams in the majors when away from pitcher-friendly Dodger Stadium. Castillo has given up 5 homers in his last 3 starts and he is facing a Los Angeles team that has averaged scoring 6 runs per game in their last 6 games. The Reds lineup also comes into this game hot at the plate as they are averaging scoring 9 runs per game in their last 4 games! The over is 12-6 in the Dodgers last 18 games against teams with a losing record while the over is 26-16 in the Reds last 42 games against teams with a winning record. More of the same expected here as Ryu has allowed 26 hits in the 18 and 2/3 innings spanning his last 3 starts. 7* OVER the total in Cincinnati

Total Annihilation - Rickenbach MLB Game #901 Monday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Cincinnati Reds vs Los Angeles Dodgers @ 6:40 ET - The Reds Cody Reed will be making his 15th career start for Cincinnati. The Reds are 0-14 so far in those starts! Of course that is why the Dodgers are a big favorite tonight and I do expect them to hit Reed well. However, don't be surprised if Cincinnati also hits well tonight. Yes, LA's Alex Wood has been pitching very well but the Reds (.270 batting average) are actually one of the top hitting teams in the majors this season against left-handed pitching. As for the Dodgers, their .440 slugging percentage in road games this season ranks them 2nd in the National League as they are certainly one of the top slugging teams in the majors when away from pitcher-friendly Dodger Stadium. Reed gave up 6 earned runs in 5 innings at Pittsburgh last week and he is facing a Los Angeles team that has averaged scoring 6 runs per game in their last 5 games. The Reds lineup also comes into this game hot at the plate as they just finished up taking 2 of the final 3 games of a 4-game set with the Padres thanks to averaging 8 runs per game in those 3 games! The over is 11-6 in the Dodgers last 17 games against teams with a losing record while the over is 10-5 in Reds Monday games this season. More of the same here. 10* OVER the total in Cincinnati

Earliest Cash - Rickenbach MLB Game #915 Monday 8* OVER the total in Detroit Tigers vs Houston Astros @ 6:10 ET - The Astros are a huge favorite here so, of course, they're expected to win this game by a multiple run margin. While Houston is too pricey to play as they are a heavy money line favorite and also a 2 to 1 favorite on the run line, the best way to get involved here is the over. Not only are the Astros expected to pound Francisco Liriano, there is reason to believe the Tigers will do some damage against Justin Verlander. Detroit faced the former Tiger in Houston two months ago and though they struck out a lot they did hit 4 homers against him. As for Liriano, he has allowed 7 hits in each of his last 3 starts even though he averaged only 4 and 2/3 innings per start! Each of his last 4 starts have gone over the total and the Tigers southpaw has allowed 14 earned runs in 16 and 1/3 innings spanning those 4 outings! Though Verlander has great numbers on the season he could "over-throw" here in his return to Comerica Park as he looks to have a huge start in his return and he has had some problems with giving up "the big hit" from time to time. Though it will be cool in Detroit this evening, the earlier start time and a light breeze blowing out also help the cause some here. The Astros have averaged nearly 6 runs per game their last 8 games. The Tigers have averaged 6 runs per game their last 7 games. Take advantage of the low total here as the Astros might even get this total by themselves as Liriano's struggles continue and, keep in mind, the Tigers bullpen is a weakness. 8* OVER the total in Detroit

ESPN Smash Pass - Rickenbach MLB Game #977 Sunday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Boston Red Sox vs Houston Astros @ 8:05 ET - Yesterday's game stayed just under the total. Even though it will be a cool, fall-like evening at Fenway Park tonight, I like the over in this series finale based on the pitching match-up. The Astros Dallas Keuchel got rocked for 8 earned runs in 6 innings the last time he pitched at Fenway Park. Overall, each of his last two starts versus Boston have resulted in an over. As for the Red Sox pitching, their bullpen has been struggling in recent weeks. That could be a factor here because I expect starting pitcher Rick Porcello to struggle some too. The right-hander has a 6.46 ERA in his last 3 starts versus the Astros. Not only does that hold significance here, note that Houston has won 7 straight games and is averaging 6 runs per game. In other words, this is a very confident Astros lineup that will be stepping into the batters box versus Porcello tonight. Though the Red Sox bats have been quieter than usual so far in this series, they still have averaged scoring 7 runs per game in their last 4 home games. Boston's issue will be the fact that Porcello has not pitched more than 5 innings in any of his last 3 starts and that means a struggling bullpen is likely to be called upon early tonight. Only 3 of Porcello's 12 home starts (25%) have resulted in an under this season! Though this total may drop to an 8.5 it will likely remain at a 9 in many spots and the over is a long-term 47-23 in Astros road games with a posted total of 9 or 9.5 runs. Despite yesterday's result, the over is still a solid 7-2 this season in Red Sox home games where their money line ranges from a +125 to a -125. That over trend resumes tonight. 10* OVER the total in Boston

Earliest Cash - Rickenbach MLB Game #901 Saturday MLB 7* OVER the total in Pittsburgh Pirates vs Miami Marlins @ 1:05 ET - The Pirates Ivan Nova got roughed up in his most recent start and then skipped his last start to attend to a personal matter. You can see what I see here. A distracted starter whom isn't even that solid when he is truly focused. Nova got hit at .315 clip in the month of July plus then in August he went 1-3 with a 4.44 ERA. As for the Marlins Wei-Yin Chen, he has made some solid starts of late but the key with him is whether he is on the road or at home. Note that Chen is a horrible 1-6 with a 9.35 ERA on the road this season. On a rather cool early afternoon start at Pittsburgh I don't expect the southpaw to ever really get comfortable against a Pirates team that has scored 13 runs in their last two games against left-handed starters. Of course both of those games went over the total and this one should too. The Marlins entered Friday's action on a 7-1 run to the over and should have no trouble with the offerings of Nova while the Bucs lineup pounds away at Chen as his season-long road struggles continue. 7* OVER the total in Pittsburgh

Total Annihilation - Rickenbach MLB Game #969 Friday 8* OVER the total in Boston Red Sox vs Houston Astros @ 7:10 ET - Of course two very potent lineups matched up here but we're getting line value because two highly respected starting pitchers are on the mound. The key to the value here is that the Astros Gerritt Cole is pitching at Fenway Park where he allowed 5 earned runs in 5 innings in his most recent start. Also David Price took a line drive off of the wrist area of his pitching arm in his most recent start. Now he faces an Astros lineup that has gotten to him for 6 earned runs in 11 innings spanning his last two starts against them. Houston has hit 3 homers in those 2 opportunities versus Price. As for the Red Sox lineup, they've also crushed 3 long balls in their last 2 shots against Cole. The over is 3-0 in Price's last 3 starts against the Astros. As for Houston's Cole, his most recent start stayed under the total but the Astros entered that outing having gone 3-0 to the over in his 3 prior starts. The first totals that popped up on this game were 9 but it has since dropped to 8.5 runs as of game day morning. This is offering even more value considering the potency of these two lineups and the fact that Cole and Price are both likely to give up some long balls in this one. The money line on this game is in a pick'em range and that is certainly noteworthy as there have been 9 games this season where the Red Sox have been at home with a money line in a range of -125 to +125 and only 1 of the 9 (11%!) resulted in an under. 8* OVER the total in Boston

Game of the Week - Rickenbach MLB Game #968 Friday 10* Top Play Tampa Bay Rays Run Line -1.5 runs vs Baltimore Orioles @ 7:10 ET - The Rays are 41-24 at home this season. The Orioles are 17-55 on the road this year. Of course I am not going to lay the huge odds (over 2 to 1) with the Rays on the money line here. However, I do see fantastic line value in laying a very small price with Tampa Bay and expecting them to win this game by 2 or more runs. Hence the value here with the run line as Blake Snell gets the rematch against Dylan Bundy that he wanted. Keep in mind that Snell has pitched infinitely better than Bundy all season long but when they matched up in Baltimore back in May. In that start Bundy had a rare gem while Snell had a rare sub-par performance. Payback is on order today and Snell is 8-1 with a 1.06 ERA in his home starts this season. As for Bundy, the Orioles are 3-9 in his road starts and he enters this start with an 8.79 ERA in his last 3 starts. Laying the 1.5 runs here is certainly supportable by the fact that 15 of the Rays last 17 wins have come by 2 or more runs and 11 of Baltimore's last 13 losses have come by a margin of defeat of two or more runs. Expecting more of the same here on Friday. 10* TAMPA BAY Run Line -1.5 runs

Total (of the Week) Annihilation - Rickenbach MLB Game #907 Thursday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Toronto Blue Jays vs Cleveland Indians @ 7:05 ET - The Indians only scored 3 runs yesterday but they did have 10 hits in the game but simply didn't hit well in clutch situations and they left 9 men on base in that one though had 10 opportunities at the plate with men in scoring position. I expect the Tribe will fare much better against the Blue Jays Sam Gaviglio Thursday. As for the Toronto lineup, they exploded for 10 runs in yesterday's series finale with the Rays and they now face an inconsistent Shane Bieber. The Cleveland right-hander has a 5.91 ERA in his last 4 starts and gave up 3 homers in his most recent road start. As for the Jays Gaviglio, he is 1-4 with a 5.61 ERA since the All Star break. In this stretch, opponents have hit .304 against him. Also, keep in mind, 5 of Gaviglio's 8 starts since the All Star break came against teams with a losing break and 4 of the 5 were against the last place Orioles and Royals. He is facing a much tougher lineup Thursday and I expect the Indians to get to him early and often. In Thursday games this season Toronto is 9-4 to the over and Cleveland is 8-4 to the over. More of the same here. 10* OVER the total in Toronto

Earliest Cash - Rickenbach MLB Game #902 Thursday 6* Cincinnati Reds Money Line (-) vs San Diego Padres @ 6:40 ET - The Reds only scored two runs at Pittsburgh last night but it was "one of those nights" as they left 11 men on base and went 0 for 8 with runners in scoring position. Back home in Cincinnati for this one and facing a struggling pitcher, I expect them to bounce back big tonight. As long-time followers know, I play a lot of totals in MLB and when I do play sides I rarely lay much juice and often play dogs. In this case, with a moderately priced favorite in the -150 range, that is why I am reducing the star rating on this one to a 6* play (my play range is 6* through 10* for those of you new to my program). San Diego is 2-7 in Eric Lauer's road starts this season. Also, the southpaw is off of a strong start but had allowed 14 earned runs in just 11 innings in his 3 prior starts! As for the Reds Luis Castillo, he is off of a fantastic start and has now allowed 2 earned runs or less in 6 of his last 8 starts. Also, Cincinnati is a fantastic 8-2 in his last 10 home starts. The Reds are 23-11 in home games where they are favored in a money line range of -125 to -175. San Diego is 23-46 in games with a posted total of 8 or 8.5 runs this season. 6* CINCINNATI 

Primetime Punisher - Rickenbach MLB Game #953 Wednesday MLB 10* Top Play OVER the total in Pittsburgh Pirates vs Cincinnati Reds @ 7:05 ET - The Pirates Jameson Taillon has been pitching very well so, at first glance, one might be uncomfortable with predicting the Reds to do some damage here at the plate. However, a big key is that Cincinnati is facing him for a fourth time this season. Taillon shut down the Reds when they first saw him but that was back in early April. In the two times Cincinnati has faced him since, Taillon has given up 7 earned runs on 14 hits in 11 and 1/3 innings. Look for the Reds to get to the Pirates right-hander here. The big key to this play however is the fact that the Pittsburgh bats should absolutely crush the Reds Homer Bailey. The Cincinnati right-hander has miraculously allowed just 3 earned runs in each of his last 3 starts even though he continues to be hit hard. In fact, Bailey has now allowed 46 hits in the 24 and 2/3 innings spanning his last 5 starts. Yes, you read that right, the Reds right-hander is allowing an average of nearly 2 hits per inning! Bailey has a 6.93 ERA during this 5-start stretch and facing the Pirates is unlikely to help him. Bailey has given up 9 runs (8 earned) on 17 hits in 9 and 2/3 innings spanning his last two starts versus Pittsburgh. More of the same expected here and we'll take advantage of a low total posted on this one thanks to Taillon being on the mound for the Pirates. 10* OVER the total in Pittsburgh

Afternoon Annihilation - Rickenbach MLB Game #977 Wednesday 8* OVER the total in Atlanta Braves vs Boston Red Sox @ 12:10 ET - These are two of the top hitting teams in the majors. In fact, in day games this season the Red Sox are ranked #1 for batting average among AL teams and the Braves are ranked #2 for batting average among NL teams. That said, I like the value with the low total posted on this game. I know yesterday's game stayed under the total but the Red Sox hitters have some good numbers in their appearances against Mike Foltneywicz and the Braves hitters have some solid stats when facing Boston's Hector Velazquez. Neither of these is a huge sample size but it is enough to feel comfortable here considering the potency of both of these lineups. I also like the fact that Velazquez got crushed in his most recent road start and has now allowed 11 earned runs on 16 hits in his 11 innings of work (as a starter) on the road this season. The Braves Foltneywicz was strong against the Red Sox in a start earlier this season but faced them out of the bullpen earlier in his career and they hit him well. I like the powerful Boston lineup to get to him much better now in the "rematch" for this season. With yesterday's win the Red Sox are now 6-2 in their last 8 games and they've scored an average of 8.3 runs per game in those 6 victories! Also, the Braves bats have been held in check in this series but they entered this inter-league match-up having averaged scoring 5 runs per game in the first 6 games of this homestand. They'll bounce back against Velazquez in this afternoon match-up. Look for the over to improve to 13-7 this season in Braves inter-league games. 8* OVER the total in Atlanta 

Primetime Punisher - Rickenbach MLB Game #917 Tuesday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Cleveland Indians vs Kansas City Royals @ 7:10 ET - The Indians Mike Clevinger has been throwing very well. However, he is facing a surprisingly red hot Royals team that has won 8 of its last 9 games and has scored at least 5 runs in all 9 of those games. That said, Kansas City is very likely to at least do some damage at the plate in this game. Couple that with the fact that the Indians should absolutely annihilate KC's Danny Duffy here and you have the right recipe for an easy over. The Royals left-hander is 0-3 with a 10.80 ERA versus the Indians this season. Each of his last two starts against the Indians have flown over the total. As for Clevinger, though he is pitching well of late (including his most recent start versus KC), the right-hander has allowed a total of 18 hits in the 15 innings spanning his two home starts versus the Royals this season. Though yesterday's game stayed under the total, Kansas City entered yesterday's action having had just two unders in their 10 prior games. The Indians have averaged 5.5 runs per game at home this season and they'll bounce back after yesterday's disappointing effort and that should send this game easily flying over the total as, keep in mind, these two teams also have two of the worst bullpens in baseball. 10* OVER the total in Cleveland

Total Annihilation - Rickenbach MLB Game #903 Tuesday 8* OVER the total in Pittsburgh Pirates vs Cincinnati Reds @ 7:05 ET - The Pirates got their sticks back on track in the 5-1 win yesterday. They should keep the momentum going Tuesday as they take advantage of facing Cody Reed of the Reds. The Cincinnati left-hander has mostly worked out of the bullpen this season but we was a starter in 2016 and it didn't go well. In fact, overall Reed has gone 1-9 with a 5.95 ERA in his 34 MLB appearances including 13 starts. Look for the Pirates to get to him early and often. As for Pittsburgh starter Joe Musgrove, he got rocked for 6 earned runs in just 4 and 1/3 innings when he faced the Reds earlier this season. The Pirates right-hander also enters this start with an 8.10 ERA in his last two starts. The over is 24-13 in Cincinnati's games with a posted total of 8 or 8.5 runs this season. Going ever further back, the Reds record in those games is 88-53 to the over. The Pirates are 24-15 to the over in games against left-handed starters this season. Look for all these trends to continue Tuesday evening. 8* OVER the total in Pittsburgh

Daytime Dominator - Rickenbach MLB Game #971 Monday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Cleveland Indians vs Kansas City Royals @ 4:10 ET - Both these teams were involved with games yesterday that went over the total and I look for another one today as now they are matched up on a very warm early September afternoon in Cleveland. The weather will certainly be favorable for the hitters and there is no denying that the Royals are red hot at the plate right now. With their 9-1 win yesterday, Kansas City has won 7 of their last 8 games and they've averaged scoring 7 runs per game during this hot stretch of play. As for the Indians, they've scored an average of 5.4 run per game in their last 7 games. Not great but also not bad and the fact is they should light up the Royals Jake Junis this afternoon. The Indians have had Junis' number as he has been rocked for 12 earned runs in 11 innings against the Tribe this season. Cleveland counters with Adam Plutko and he has given up 7 earned runs in 9 and 2/3 innings spanning his last two starts. Not only are those numbers unimpressive, he has walked 7 in those two short outings which is also a concern. The way the Royals are swinging the bats, Plutko is likely to get roughed up early and often. At the same time, the Indians bats continue their mastery of Junis' offerings and the result is a slugfest this afternoon at Progressive Field. Kansas City is 13-7 to the over in road games with a posted total of 9 or 9.5 runs this season. The Indians are 13-6 to the over this season in home games with a posted total of 9 or 9.5 runs. 10* OVER the total in Cleveland

Game of the Week - Rickenbach MLB Game #927 Sunday 10* Top Play Los Angeles Angeles Run Line +1.5 runs @ Houston Astros @ 8:05 ET - Even though Shohei Ohtani will be on a limited pitch count here the Angels bullpen (yesterday's results notwithstanding) is quite solid. They also do have fresh arms in the pen as they only went 1 inning yesterday and, in the prior two games in this series, the starters went 6 innings in each game. So the Angels should be solid with Ohtani backed by a rather rested bullpen. The Angels are 7-2 in Ohtani's starts this season and while certainly the big dog comeback price is enticing here, I like the added "insurance" of having the +1.5 runs in this one. Prior to yesterday's ugly late-game loss the Angels, at +1.5 runs, were 15-8 their 23 previous games. As for the Astros, at -1.5 runs, they had gone 11-21 their 32 prior games. Gerrit Cole gets the start for Houston here and the Astros are only 5-6 in his last 11 starts but yet Houston is priced at nearly 2 to 1 on the money line in this game. I feel we're getting excellent line value here as Cole gave up 4 earned runs in his most recent start plus, prior to that, he had allowed 24 hits in 23 and 1/3 innings spanning his 4 prior starts. The Astros have been fantastic on the road this season but are barely above .500 at home on the year. Great line value here. 10* LOS ANGELES ANGELS Run Line +1.5 runs

Afternoon Annihilation - Rickenbach MLB Game #923 Sunday 8* OVER the total in Oakland A's vs Seattle Mariners @ 4:05 ET - Yesterday's game totaled 15 runs and a similar result this afternoon would not be a total shock in the least. The fact is that both teams should again enjoy plenty of success at the plate this afternoon. The Mariners Felix Hernandez is a shell of his former self. The veteran right-hander has particularly struggled on the road this season as Hernandez is 4-6 with a 7.30 ERA away from home this year. The A's Edwin Jackson has seen his starts trend "under" this season but that is helping to give us some line value here because he really is not pitching very well of late. The veteran right-hander has lasted a total of only 14 innings in his last 3 starts. Jackson has as many walks as strikeouts during this rough stretch and the Mariners have scored 20 runs already in the first 3 games of this series. As for the Athletics, they have scored 6 or more runs in 7 of their last 13 games. They've only been held below 4 runs twice in those 13 games and, keep in mind, a 4-4 game guarantees us of no less than a 5-4 final. I see no reason that both teams won't get to at least 4 runs here and, in fact, another 8-7 type game seems likely given this pitching match-up as well as they way these two teams have been swinging the bats of late. 8* OVER the total in Oakland

Total of the Week - Rickenbach MLB Game #971 Saturday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Cleveland Indians vs Tampa Bay Rays @ 7:10 ET - When it comes to playing overs in MLB one of the "systems" I like to use is grabbing the value when a home team has a pitcher that is likely to struggle on the mound while a "top tier" pitcher is going for the away team. The reason for this is because teams do tend to hit better at home but we get a little extra value because the away team has an "ace" going. That is the case in this match-up Saturday because the Indians Shane Bieber has certainly been nothing special this season and is likely to get pounded here. As for the Rays Blake Snell, he is having a fantastic season but he is facing a very tough Indians lineup at Progressive Field in an evening game that will have summer-like weather by Cleveland standards. Temperatures today are expect to top out in the mid-80s with winds out of the south (which means blowing out at this ballpark). Combining these factors with the low total posted on this game and you have great line value here. The over is a perfect 7-0 this season in Indians home games where their money line is in a range from -125 to +125. The Rays, prior to yesterday's shutout loss here, had averaged scoring 6.4 runs per game in their 8 prior games. The Tribe have now won 4 of their last 5 and have averaged scoring 6.2 runs per game during this hot streak. The Indians Bieber has an 8-2 record this season but has truly been so fortunate. In July he compiled a 7.33 ERA. In his last 3 starts here in August he has a 5.63 ERA. Yesterday's under was just the 2nd for the Rays in their last 8 games and I look for trending toward the over to resume immediately today. 10* OVER the total in Cleveland

Primetime Punisher - Rickenbach MLB Game #925 Friday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Kansas City Royals vs Baltimore Orioles @ 8:15 ET - If you look at opponents batting average against, these two bullpens are ranked 29th and 30th out of all 30 MLB teams. That bullpen will be an issue today for both clubs because there is certainly reason to believe each of these starting pitchers will struggle in this one. The Orioles and the Royals lineups have both been red hot. Baltimore enters this game having averaging scoring 9.7 runs per game in their 3-game sweep of the Blue Jays! As for Kansas City, they have won 4 of their last 5 games and KC has averaged scoring 6.4 runs per game in the process. The wind will be blowing out at Kauffman Stadium on a warm evening in Kansas City tonight. It is the type of weather this evening that most certainly will favor the hitters. Brad Keller gets the start for the Royals and his ERA has been good in recent starts but he has allowed 13 hits in just 10 innings spanning his last two stats and the O's are swinging hot lumber right now. As for the Orioles Andrew Cashner, he is 0-2 in his last two starts and has been roughed up for 9 runs (8 earned) on 16 hits in just 13 innings of work. Only 9 of 27 (33%) Royals games this month have resulted in an under! Also, only 9 of KC's last 27 (33%) games against teams with a losing record have stayed under the total. 10* OVER the total in Kansas City

Contrarian Crusher - Rickenbach MLB Game #963 Thursday 10* Top Play OVER the total in New York Yankees vs Detroit Tigers @ 7:05 ET - I am a well aware of the fact that the Yankees bats have suddenly gone quiet in recent games. However, that is a big part of the reason this is a contrarian play as the total opened up at a 9.5 and then dropped to an 8.5 as of game day morning. We're getting great line value here because I expect the Bronx Bombers to pound the Tigers Francisco Liriano. Also, don't forget that behind Liriano is one of the worst bullpens in baseball. As for the Detroit lefty, he is 0-3 with an 8.25 ERA and a 2.25 WHIP in his last 3 starts. The Yankees counter with JA Happ and I know the lefty has had good numbers recently. However, Happ has faced the Tigers twice already this season (once each in June and July) and he has been rocked. The Yanks southpaw has given up 11 earned runs in 10 and 2/3 innings spanning those two starts. The over is 3-0 in his last 3 starts versus Detroit. Also, the over is 2-0 in his last two starts overall. The over is also 2-0 in Liriano's last two starts overall. Only 1 of the Tigers last 7 games has resulted in an under. As a big home favorite in a price of -250 to -330, the Yankees are on a long-term 11-5 run to the over. More of the same here. 10* OVER the total in the New York Yankees

Daytime Dominator - Rickenbach MLB Game #961 Thursday 8* OVER the total in Cleveland Indians vs Minnesota Twins @ 1:10 ET - This total has dropped from an opener of 9.5 down to as low as an 8.5 in some books as of about 3 hours before game time. A lot of value here with the over and yes I am aware of the fact that the wind will be blowing in from right field for this one in Cleveland. The Indians had scored 20 runs in their prior two games before being held to just 3 in last night's loss. They're certain to bounce back against the Twins Jake Odorizzi. The Minnesota right-hander has an 8.10 ERA in his last 3 starts verus Minnesota and all of those have come within the past 90 days! As for the Twins lineup and facing Mike Clevinger, they have had some success against the right-hander this season as they got to him for 4 earned runs in 6 innings when they faced him in June. Also, though Clevinger has a good strikeout rate on the season, he has struck out only 8 Twins in 13 innings against him. In other words, they make contact against him and when there is contact good things can happen. The over is a long-term 28-15 when Minnesota is a big road dog in a price range of +175 to +250. Also, the over is 8-3 in Thursday games for the Tribe this season. 8* OVER the total in Cleveland

Primetime Punisher - Rickenbach MLB Game #907 Wednesday 8* OVER the total in St Louis Cardinals vs Pittsburgh Pirates @ 8:15 ET - There is a match-up issue here for Trevor Williams of the Pirates. I am well aware of the fact he has pitched well recently but the Pittsburgh right-hander has allowed 11 earned runs on 25 hits in just 14 innings spanning his last 3 starts versus the Cardinals. In his career against St Louis, Williams has compiled an ugly 7.29 ERA. Tonight's start will not go well for him. However, the reason the play is on the over rather than on the Cards here is because Miles Mikolas is on a strong downward trend of late. His strikeout numbers have been going down and his home runs allowed (5 in last 3 games) have been going up. The over is 3-0 in Mikolas last 3 starts and also 2-1 in his 3 starts versus the Pirates this season. Last night's game stayed just under the total but tonight's makes up for that in a big way! 8* OVER the total in St Louis

Contrarian Crusher - Rickenbach MLB Game #923 Wednesday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Boston Red Sox vs Miami Marlins @ 6:35 ET - Unseasonably warm weather in the northeast right now and so it is very hitter-friendly conditions that greet the hitters again tonight at Fenway Park. Last night's game totaled 15 runs and I would not be surprised to see a similar total result tonight. The over is 4-0 in the Marlins last 4 road games. The over is a perfect 5-0 this season in Marlins road games when Miami is an underdog price at +250 or more. As a home favorite in a price of -250 to -330, Boston is 3-1 to the over this season. Miami is 2-0 to the over in Trevor Richards last 3 starts as he has been roughed up to the tune of a 5.87 ERA in those outings. David Price has been pitching well for Boston but the Marlins have erupted for at least a dozen hits in 5 of their last 8 games and they stay hot at the plate tonight. This is a contrarian play because Price has been in great current form and most will be scared off of playing over the big total posted on this game but this absolutely should be another slugfest as the Marlins also take advantage of facing southpaw starters on back to back nights. 10* OVER the total in Boston

Afternoon Annihilation - Rickenbach MLB Game #921 Wednesday 8* OVER the total in San Diego Padres vs Seattle Mariners @ 3:40 ET - Yesterday's game easily stayed under the total but the Padres were 3-0 to the over in their 3 prior games. Look for the bats to come back to life in an afternoon game as the ball does tend to carry better at Petco in day games. The Mariners are starting Erasmo Ramirez and the over is 4-1 in his starts this season. He has a 5.22 ERA in road starts this season. Combining that with the 3-1 over trend in Padres games and the fact that San Diego is 8-4 to the over in Joey Lucchesi's road starts this season and you have combined angles of 15-6 / 71% that favor the over in this match-up. Lucchesi gave up 5 earned runs in just 4 innings in his most recent home start. More of the same here. 8* OVER the total in San Diego

Daytime Dominator - Rickenbach MLB Game #911 Wednesday 8* OVER the total in Houston Astros vs Oakland A's @ 2:10 ET - The A's Trevor Cahill has made 8 road starts this season. NONE of them have resulted in an under as the over is 7-0-1 in his outings away from home this year. It comes as no surprise considering that Cahill has a 6.92 ERA in his road games this season. The Astros Dallas Keuchel has made 3 starts against Oakland this season. NONE of them have stayed under the total. This comes as no surprise as the Houston southpaw has allowed 5 earned runs or more in two of the three starts. With a pair of angles that have not lost this season, I am backing the over in this one and looking for plenty of runs. 8* OVER the total in Houston

Primetime Punisher - Rickenbach MLB Game #965 Tuesday 8* OVER the total in Cleveland Indians vs Minnesota Twins @ 7:10 ET - These two lineups are very familiar with the starting pitchers they are facing tonight and that tends to favor the hitters the further along it is in a season. Case in point here, Carlos Carrasco will be facing the Twins tonight for what will be the 4th time since mid-June! The Indians right-hander just faced them 3 weeks ago and gave up 10 hits in 6 and 1/3 innings. As for Minnesota's Kyle Gibson, he'll be also be facing the Tribe for the 4th time since mid-June. All this repetition is great for the hitters but no so much for the pitchers! In Gibson's case, he is getting hit harder each time he faces Cleveland. The right-hander gave up 6 runs (4 earned) in just 5 innings when he faced the Indians 3 weeks ago. Also, Gibson enters this start having been crushed by the White Sox in his most recent start while Carrasco got hammered by the Red Sox in his most recent start. Look for plenty of runs tonight as these pitchers are unlikely to be fooling many batters with their offerings in this one. The over is 4-2 in Gibson's last 6 road starts and the over is 12-6-1 in all of Carrasco's starts since late April. Keep in mind it was very cold in most of the Cleveland right-hander's starts way back in early season action through late April. Ever since then, as the weather has been heating up the bats were heating up as well. The over is 36-18-3 in Indians home games since mid-April. The over is 27-15 long-term when Minnesota is a road dog in a range of +175 to +250. Look for another one here. 8* OVER the total in Cleveland

PA Insider - Rickenbach MLB Game #952 Tuesday 8* Philadelphia Phillies Money Line (+) vs Washington Nationals @ 7:05 ET - Certainly I have a ton of respect for Max Scherzer and this game sets up to be a pitchers duel with Aaron Nola on the mound for the Phillies. However, even with how tough Scherzer is to face, you can't ignore the facts that are in black and white here. The only start that the Nationals have won out of Scherzer's last 4 starts was when he was a huge favorite. In other words, in Scherzer's last 3 starts where he was favored at -300 or less, Washington is 0-3. As for the Phillies, they are a perfect 12-0 this season in Nola's home starts. That makes this a combined 15-0 spot in favor of Philadelphia. Yes I know that the Phillies just beat the Nationals in a tight one at Washington last week with this very same pitching match-up. However, each game stands on its own and even though Scherzer has revenge from that start, one can't argue that Nola has been a "stopper" for the Phillies this season when he has been at home as he also has excelled when Philly is off of a loss. After last night's defeat the Phils need a bounce back tonight and backing Nola as a home underdog is the way to go. This is especially true considering it is backed by a 15-0 situation! 8* PHILADELPHIA

Total Annihilation - Rickenbach MLB Game #961 Tuesday MLB 10* Top Play OVER the total in New York Yankees vs Chicago White Sox @ 7:05 ET - Watching Lance Lynn closely, it was evident that the Yankees right-hander was getting better results than he deserved early on. As expected, his "luck" has run out and he has given up 5 earned runs in each of his last two outings. Now he faces a White Sox lineup that is on fire. With their 6-2 win last night Chicago has now scored 5 or more runs in 12 of their last 15 games! As for the Yankees lineup, they had scored 5 or more runs in 7 of their last 9 games before a dismal showing at the plate last night. Of course each team getting to 5 runs here guarantees us of no less than a 6-5 final and 11 runs scored. I expect to see at least a dozen runs in this one as the Yankees feast on James Shields' offerings. The veteran right-hander is 1-7 with a 6.04 ERA on the road this season and got crushed for 7 earned runs in his most recent start. He allowed 3 homers in that outing and now faces the Bronx Bombers. Yes the Yanks are still missing a few guys (on the DL) but as you can see they had still been scoring plenty of runs prior to last night's defeat. Look for New York to bounce back tonight as this one turns into a slugfest. Prior to last night's games staying just under the total, the White Sox were on a 10-3-1 to the over and the Yankees were on a 6-3 run to the over. That type of trending resumes in a big way tonight. 10* OVER the total in the New York Yankees game

ESPN Smash Pass - Rickenbach MLB Game #907 Monday MLB 8* OVER the total in New York Yankees vs Chicago White Sox @ 7:05 ET - Carlos Rodon has had a strong August for the White Sox but the Yankees are not a good match-up for him. The Chicago southpaw has given up 19 hits and walked 13 for a total of 32 baserunners in 16 innings spanning his last 3 starts versus the Yankees. Yes that equates to a 2.00 WHIP and allowing two baserunners per inning gets pitchers into trouble very quickly. Speaking of pitchers getting into trouble, the Yanks Masahiro Tanaka has a 6.55 ERA in his last two home starts and he is facing a dangerous White Sox lineup. The reason I use the word "dangerous" is because Chicago is so far down in the standings that they are very loose and relaxed at the plate. The White Sox, as a result, are playing their best baseball of the season and it has led to putting plenty of runs on the board too. Chicago is 9-3 in their last 12 games and the White Sox have averaged scoring 7 runs per game in those 9 victories. Truly they are a lineup that no playoff-contending team wants to be facing right now. The result tonight should be an easy over as Chicago stays hot at the plate but so do the Yankees. The Bronx Bombers have won 8 of their last 9 games and they've averaged scoring 7 runs per game in those 8 victories. 8* OVER the total in New York Yankees

Earliest Cash - Rickenbach MLB Game #901 Monday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Philadelphia Phillies vs Washington Nationals @ 7:05 ET - With yesterday's high-scoring win at Toronto, the over is 8-4 in the Phillies last 12 games. The Nationals are off of a blowout road win over the Mets yesterday and the over is now 9-4 in Washington's last 13 games. Not only are both teams trending over of late, it is also likely that Stephen Strasburg and Zach Eflin are going to each struggle in this one. The over is 3-0 in Strasburg's last 3 starts as he has compiled an 11.81 ERA during this rough stretch. Now he faces the same team that just hammered him last week so this is not a good situation for him. The same holds true for Eflin as he just faced the Nats last week and he was hit very hard and lasted just 3 and 1/3 innings in that start. The over is 3-0 in Eflin's last 3 home starts. Also, the Phils right-hander has faced the Nationals twice this season and has allowed 16 hits in 8 and 1/3 innings spanning those two starts. Suffice to say, they see his offerings quite well! Strasburg does have good long-term success against the Phillies but he is not in good current form right now as he also allowed 4 earned runs to the Mets in the start before he was roughed up by Philadelphia. Additional value here is based on the Phillies recent bullpen struggles and the Nationals bullpen having been thinned out by trades and injuries since mid-season. 10* OVER the total in Philadelphia

ESPN Smash Pass - Rickenbach MLB Game #963 Sunday 8* OVER the total in Baltimore Orioles vs New York Yankees @ 8:05 ET - The Orioles are the worst team in baseball but they do have a .418 slugging percentage at home which ranks them in the top half of the majors. Baltimore also has one of the worst bullpens in baseball. The Yankees have a .428 slugging percentage in road games which ranks them 8th out of all 30 MLB teams this season. Combining all of these factors with a rather low total and the fact that each of these starters should encounter some struggles and you have the perfect set up for an over. Luis Severino gets the start for the Yankees and he has good numbers on the season and good numbers against Baltimore. However, he has not faced the Orioles since last season and, also, he has a 7.26 ERA in his 6 starts since the All Star break. The O's counter with Dylan Bundy for this one and his numbers have been even worse of late. Not only has been hit hard in each of his two home starts versus the Yankees this season, Bundy has a 9.08 ERA since early July. The Orioles right-hander has allowed 5 earned runs or more in 6 of his last 8 starts! The over is 5-1 in his last 6 starts. The Yanks Severino has seen the over go 8-1 in his last 9 starts and he truly has been hit very hard in 6 of his last 7 starts. 8* OVER the total in Baltimore

Game of the Week - Rickenbach MLB Game #979 Sunday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Arizona Diamondbacks vs Seattle Mariners @ 4:10 ET - Of course Zack Greinke is a fantastic pitcher. However, that is also why we're seeing such a low total posted on this game. There is great value here because Greinke will be facing a solid American League lineup. The Mariners are hitting .264 on the road this season and that ranks them #3 out of all 30 MLB teams. Also, Seattle starter Mike Leake, prior to this season, spent his entire career in the National League. That does two things for us here. First off, the Diamondbacks lineup has a lot of familiarity with him as a result. Secondly, Leake is actually use to handling the bat and he actually is hitting about .200 in his career which is not bad at all for a pitcher. The issue for Leake today won't be at the plate however, it will be on the mound. The Mariners right-hander has a 4.96 ERA in his starts against the Diamondbacks in his career and he has been hit hard in 2 of his last 3 starts against Arizona. The Dbacks are certainly not an overly imposing lineup but they have a number of hitters whom have enjoyed success against Leake. Also, the Diamondbacks .326 on base percentage in home games this season ranks them in the top 5 in the NL. These teams combined for 22 hits in yesterday's 10-inning affair so it was a bit of a "fluke" that it stayed under the total. The over is still 6-2 in Seattle's last 8 games. The Mariners are a long-term 34-18 to the over in interleague games. Also, the Dbacks 10 hits yesterday means they have reached double digits in hits in 5 of their last 7 games. They are also averaging 10 hits per game during this 7-game stretch. More of the same on Sunday but, this time, more runs too! 10* OVER the total in Arizona

Daytime Dominator - Rickenbach MLB Game #929 Saturday 8* Philadelphia Phillies Money Line (-) @ Toronto Blue Jays @ 4:05 ET - The Phillies Nick Pivetta made his most recent start in a strange setting as it was part of the Little League World Series festivities last weekend. It did not go well but you can give him a mulligan for that considering the situation. The fact is that Pivetta is a strikeout machine and he had compiled a 1.50 ERA in his 3 prior starts while also fanning 31 in the 24 innings spanning his 4 prior starts. As for the Blue Jays, they counter with Aaron Sanchez. The Toronto right-hander has a 5.55 ERA in his last 5 starts and is returning from a two month stint on the disabled list. He also has a 6.55 ERA in his 3 minor league starts this season. It is highly unlikely that his first start back at the MLB level goes well. The Phillies will be ready to bounce back after yesterday's 4-2 loss. The Phils are 34-23 this season when off of a loss. The Blue Jays are 10-17 this season in home games where their money line range is from +125 to -125. Look for a road rout in this one. 8* PHILADELPHIA

Afternoon Annhilation - Rickenbach MLB Game #927 Saturday 10* Top Play OVER the total in San Francisco Giants vs Texas Rangers @ 4:05 ET - The ball carries better in day games at AT & T Park and the wind will be blowing out at a good clip this afternoon in San Francisco. Both lineups got back on track in yesterday's high-scoring game which flew over the total. Based on these factors as well as the fact that each of today's starting pitchers are likely to struggle, you have an ideal set up for another one flying over the total this afternoon. The Rangers Martin Perez has given up 53 hits in 34 and 1/3 innings spanning his last 6 starts. In his last 3 starts the Texas southpaw has allowed 16 earned runs in 18 innings of work. The Giants Andrew Suarez has only one good start in his last 7 outings! The San Francisco left-hander, in the other 6 starts, has been rocked for 27 earned runs on 44 hits in 29 and 1/3 innings. You can see why, even though this inter-league match-up is in a National League park, this total is still set far too low. Time to take advantage! 10* OVER the total in San Francisco

Primetime Punisher - Rickenbach MLB Game #959 Friday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Colorado Rockies vs St Louis Cardinals @ 8:40 ET - A number of key factors here have led to exceptional line value with the over in this one. High temperatures today will up near 90 degrees in the Denver area. The wind will be switching around from the east to the south right around the time this one gets underway and, though not a significant factor, the wind will be a help rather than a hindrance on a hitter-friendly night at Coors Field. Another key factor is the Cardinals just faced Antonio Senzatela earlier this month and the Rockies just faced Miles Mikolas earlier this month. Getting a quick "second look" and also this time at hitter-friendly Coors Field is most certainly an edge for these lineups. The third key factor is that Senzatela just recently returned from a trip on the disabled list with right shoulder inflammation. The right-hander only struck out 1 batter in his first start back which was versus Atlanta Saturday. Senzatela was not nearly as dominant in that start as he had been prior to the trip on the DL but the markets haven't picked up on this yet. Also, Mikolas did have a good strikeout game in his most recent start but that has been the exception rather than the norm of late. Mikolas had struck out just 13 batters in 27 innings spanning his 4 prior starts. With the Rockies lineup seeing him for the 2nd time in a span of just 3 weeks, I expect plenty of contact from the hitters in this one and that leads to trouble for Mikolas in this hitters park! Look for the over to improve to 9-4 in Mikolas' road starts this season. 10* OVER the total in Colorado

Afternoon Annihilation - Rickenbach MLB Game #951 Friday 8* OVER the total in Chicago Cubs vs Cincinnati Reds @ 2:20 ET - Huge total posted on this game but don't let that scare you. This game has slugfest written all over it. The Cubs are going with Alec Mills as the starter in this one. You have to feel bad for the rookie. The right-hander is making his first ever MLB start in an afternoon game at Wrigley Field with the wind expected to be blowing out at a clip of 15 to 20 miles an hour. This could lead to a home run derby type of game this afternoon in Chicago. Mills is unlikely to enjoy much success in these tough conditions considering his AAA stats in the minors certainly leave a lot to be desired. With Iowa this season Mills is 5-12 with a 4.84 ERA. This one gets ugly quick against the Reds. Look for Cincinnati to have pitching issues of their own in this one as they hand the ball to Matt Harvey. The right-hander is off of a great start versus the Giants. However, Harvey has struggled on the road all season long. Additionally, in day games this season with the Reds he has gone 1-2 with a 6.29 ERA. Earlier this season he was with the Mets and went winless in 8 games (4 starts) with a 7.00 ERA and he got roughed up in his day game appearances with New York as well. Last year Harvey went winless with an 8.66 ERA in his four day game starts. In his last two starts at Wrigley Field, Harvey has given up 8 runs (7 earned) on 16 hits in just 9 innings of work for an 8.00 ERA at Chicago. More of the same here on a day where the hitters (from both lineups) are going to take advantage of very favorable hitting conditions. 8* OVER the total in the Chicago Cubs game

Game of the Month - Rickenbach MLB Game #917 Thursday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Minnesota Twins vs Oakland A's @ 8:10 ET - As yesterday's results came in, and knowing this match-up was coming up today, I knew I was going to be releasing a very strong play on this one. Having been burned by the A's game yesterday (my first premium pick loss this week) I am ready for redemption today thanks to the absolutely perfect situation here. The Twins game did go over the total yesterday but, surprisingly, Minnesota scored only 3 runs. Why is that a surprise? The red hot Minnesota offense had scored 5 runs or more in 8 straight game! The over is now 6-2 in the Twins last 8 games and they've averaged scoring 6 runs per game during this stretch. As for the A's, they just couldn't get the clutch hits they needed yesterday and had a rare poor game at the plate. However, prior to the 4-2 loss yesterday, Oakland had gone 8-2 in their last 10 games and averaged scoring 6.3 runs per game in those road games. The key to the value in today's match-up is that Trevor Cahill is fantastic when at home but atrocious on the road. The Athletics right-hander has just 1 win in his 7 road starts this season while compiling a 6.62 ERA. Last year he went winless on the road in 14 games (9 starts) and compiled a 7.07 ERA! As for the Twins Kohl Stewart, he is a 23-year old rookie that has struggled in each of his first two starts. Worse yet for him is that those two starts were both against a bad Tigers team. He'll face a much more imposing lineup in this match-up. In the minors this season Stewart was hit at a .301 clip! The point is that this young righty is just not ready yet and with the A's angry after yesterday's loss and very focused as a result, they will pound him early and often in this one. This total opened up at a 10 with good reason but now has dropped to a 9.5 and this is offering even more value to the over in what should be a slugfest. As a road favorite in a range of -125 to -175, Oakland is 8-2-1 to the over this season and I look for another one here in this ideal situation with good weather in the Twin Cities tonight too. 10* OVER the total in Minnesota

Daytime Dominator - Rickenbach MLB Game #905 Thursday 8* OVER the total in Colorado Rockies vs San Diego Padres @ 3:10 ET - Yesterday's game stayed under the total and the Rockies have been trending under the past two weeks. However, this is a day game at hitter-friendly Coors Field and Padres southpaw Joey Lucchesi has been struggling for the past 6 weeks. During this span he made one good start against the Phillies. However, in his other 5 starts since mid-July, Lucchesi has given up 34 hits in just 23 and 1/3 innings. That's not going to get the job done in an afternoon game against a team that is known for crushing the ball when at home. The over is 4-0 in Lucchesi's last 4 starts and I expect another one here. As for Colorado's Kyle Freeland, he does have very impressive numbers on the season. However, the Rockies southpaw has been roughed up by the Padres in 2 of his 4 starts against San Diego in his career. In those two outings he has compiled a 9.00 ERA over just 10 innings of work. That does include a start this season. Freeland has a losing record in day games this season and has been hit 36 points higher under the sun compared in night games this year. Also, 6 homers allowed in those 8 day game starts. The Padres have some good history against Freeland and I expect some more success in an afternoon game at Coors Field. 8* OVER the total in Colorado

Afternoon Annihilation - Rickenbach MLB Game #967 Wednesday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Oakland A's vs Texas Rangers @ 3:35 ET - The Rangers have yet to score a run in the first two games of this series. That said, it may seem a bit brazen to be going with the over in this match-up but my contrarian theories have been among the most successful in my handicapping arsenal. The key here is really all about the match-ups. In this case you have two starting pitchers, Mike Minor and Edwin Jackson, whom truly have pitched a little "over their heads" this season. Couple that with the Rangers struggles at the plate in this series and, sure enough, an opener of 9 on this total has moved down to an 8.5 as of early game day morning. Of course this is leading to extra value on the over here because both of these starters are likely to get rocked. The A's Jackson gave up 5 earned runs in less than 5 innings in his start at Texas last month. Jackson gave up a pair of homers in his most recent start (versus Houston Friday) and he's opposed by a hurler, Minor, whom gave up a pair of homers in just 5 innings when he faced Oakland last month. Also, the Rangers southpaw missed his most recent start in the rotation because of an issue with back tightness. I expect the back to be in the "back" of his mind today too and it could definitely impact his effectiveness. With the wind blowing out toward right center and temperatures nearing 70 degrees coupled with the fact that the ball does carry better in day games at Oakland, you have all the right ingredients for some "healthy" scoring in this one! Note that the Rangers Minor has a 6.48 ERA in road games this season. The A's are 8-2 in their last 10 games and have averaged scoring 6.4 runs per game in those 6 victories. They stay hot at the plate Wednesday but the Texas bats join the party in this one too! 10* OVER the total in Oakland

Daytime Dominator - Rickenbach MLB Game #952 Wednesday 8* Milwaukee Brewers Run Line -1.5 runs (-) vs Cincinnati Reds @ 2:10 ET - The Brewers jumped on top of the Reds 4-0 in the first inning yesterday but they ended up on the wrong end of a 9-7 final. Look for Milwaukee to bounce back in a big way Wednesday as, unlike yesterday, the Brewers have a big pitching edge in this one. Robert Stephenson gets the call for the Reds and he has been dreadful in his two starts since moving into the rotation.  He has compiled a 7.94 ERA in these two outings and that easily could be even worse as he has an unsightly 2.47 WHIP. Too many walks have been an issue for Stephenson as he has struggling to command his pitches. That spells trouble against a Brewers lineup that has crushed Reds pitching this season. Another key to a big Milwaukee win this afternoon is that starting pitcher Freddy Peralta has been much better than his 4.48 ERA would indicate. Opponents are hitting only .171 against him this season! He has been particularly tough at home where he is 3-1 with a 3.60 ERA and a minuscule 0.80 WHIP! Look for Peralta to come up huge on his home mound as Milwaukee bounces back from last night's defeat. Of course I don't lay big prices so no money line play here but the value on the run line (-1.5 runs at about a -115 price) is exceptional! 51 of the Reds 70 losses this season have come by 2 or more runs. 46 of the Brewers 70 wins this season have come by 2 or more runs. 8* MILWAUKEE Run Line -1.5 runs

Primetime Punisher - Rickenbach MLB Game #907 Tuesday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Milwaukee Brewers vs Cincinnati Reds @ 8:10 ET - Yesterday's game stayed under the total but this pitching match-up should lead to plenty of runs Tuesday. The Reds Sal Romano has struggled in the majority of his starts since mid-May. During this rough 3-month stretch, the Cincinnati right-hander has made 15 starts and the over is 11-3-1 in those 15 outings! The Brewers are very familiar with Romano and he would probably rather face anyone other than Milwaukee as he is 0-5 with a 5.70 ERA in his five career starts versus them. As for Brewers starter Junior Guerra, he is 1-1 with a no-decision in his last 3 starts versus the Reds. Though the Milwaukee right-hander pitched well in the no-decision versus Cincinnati, he certainly struggled in the other two starts. Guerra allowed 12 earned runs in just 10 innings spanning those two starts. Overall, Guerra has allowed 6 homers in his last last 15 innings versus the Reds! The over is 2-1 in those 3 starts and also he enters this start having gone 2-0 to the over in his last two outings as he allowed 17 hits in 9 and 2/3 innings combined versus the Padres and Cubs. Guerra has given up 3 homers in his last two starts at Miller Park. The over is 19-9 in the Reds last 28 games against teams with a winning record. The over is 13-6 in Milwaukee's last 19 games against teams with a losing record. Also, the Brewers are 6-2 to the over this season in home games where they are a favorite in a range of -175 to -250. Look for more of the same on Tuesday. 10* OVER the total in Milwaukee

Earliest Cash - Rickenbach MLB Game #913 Tuesday 8* OVER the total in Toronto Blue Jays vs Baltimore Orioles @ 7:05 ET - The Orioles Dylan Bundy and Blue Jays Sam Gaviglio were just matched up a month ago at the Rogers Centre in Toronto and the game ended up an 8-7 Jays win. That slugfest saw the two starting pitchers combine to give up 5 homers. I look for more of the same here. The over is 2-0 in Bundy's last two starts as he has been destroyed for 15 runs (14 earned) in just 10 and 1/3 innings spanning those two outings. As for Gaviglio, he has a 5.28 ERA in his last 3 starts but it could easily be much higher. The Blue Jays right-hander has given up 21 hits in the 15 and 1/3 innings spanning his last 3 starts. Yesterday's game stayed under the total but Toronto's 5-3 win marked the 5th time in their last 7 games that they've scored at least 5 runs. As for the Orioles, I know they're not an easy team to trust at the plate but they will enjoy success seeing Gaviglio for a 2nd time in a span of a month and I love the value here with a total that was already low (9) now dropping even lower (8.5) in some books as of early game day morning. 8* OVER the total in Toronto

Primetime Punisher - Rickenbach MLB Game #963 Monday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Boston Red Sox vs Cleveland Indians @ 7:10 ET - This total opened up at an 8.5 and has dropped to an 8 as of early game day morning. Yes, I understand that both of these pitchers are solid starters. I also am aware that it will be rather cool for an August evening in Boston and the wind won't necessarily hurt us but also won't help us. However, the fact is that this is still a very hitter-friendly ballpark and it is still a match-up featuring two very potent lineups! That said, getting a total of 8 with these two teams squaring off at Fenway Park is a great value. Trust me, the Red Sox are happy to see the Rays leave town as their pitching staff (wealth of relieving talent too) can be so frustrating to face. Look for Boston to bounce back big after yesterday's shutout loss. I also like having the over here after losing with the Indians over yesterday. That total was an 8.5 and the game was 8-0 Cleveland after just 4 innings and lost! Tough beat but it happens and we turn the page to a new day and I look for the Indians to stay hot at the plate. The Tribe have averaged scoring 6.1 runs per game their last 7 games. The Red Sox are 13-3 in August and are ranked #1 out of all 30 teams with a .500 slugging percentage this month! Boston is scoring an average of 6.6 runs per game this month! Cleveland's Corey Kluber has a 4.50 ERA in his last 4 road starts. The over is 16-4-1 in Kluber's last 21 starts! Boston's Rick Porcello has allowed 21 hits in his last 16 innings versus the Indians and gave up 3 homers to Cleveland the last time he faced them. The Red Sox right-hander has a 6.85 ERA in his last 4 home starts. The over is 12-5-1 in Porcello's last 18 starts. More of the same here! 10* OVER the total in Boston

Earliest Cash - Rickenbach MLB Game #960 Monday 8* Toronto Blue Jays Run Line -1.5 runs (+) vs Baltimore Orioles @ 7:05 ET - The Blue Jays are a pricey favorite in this match-up on the money line. However, by laying the 1.5 runs (utilizing the run line), we avoid laying juice and plus are offered a plus money return. Of course Toronto now must win the game by two or more runs for us to cash our ticket but, ladies and gentleman, this Orioles team is just plain awful. We saw that again yesterday when they lost 8-0 to the Indians. As loyal followers know, we had the over in that game but lost our play on over 8.5 despite an 8-0 score through 4 innings. Thanks for nothing Baltimore! But, the fact is, we should get our money back (and then some) by facing the Orioles here and getting a plus money return. This O's team is an unbelievably bad 16-47 in road games this season. 10 of the Orioles last 13 losses have come by a margin of 2 or more runs. The Blue Jays are happy to be back home and will be ready to bounce back after getting crushed by the Yankees in the Bronx yesterday. 11 of Toronto's last 16 wins have had a victory margin of 2 or more runs. Marco Estrada is 2-0 and has struck out 16 Orioles in 11 innings in his two most recent home starts versus the O's. Baltimore is 0-3 in Andrew Cashner's last 3 starts versus the Jays. In his last two starts at Toronto, Cashner has struck out just 6 batters while giving up 15 hits in less than 12 innings of work. He has been fortunate the damage wasn't worse in those two starts but tonight he is unlikely to be so fortunate. The Blue Jays are 9-1 versus the Orioles this season. More of the same here. 8* TORONTO Run Line -1.5 runs (+)

ESPN Smash Pass - Rickenbach MLB Game #913 Sunday 8* OVER the total in Philadelphia Phillies vs New York Mets @ 7:05 ET (game played at BB&T Park in Williamsport, PA) - This is the 2nd year of the MLB Little League Classic which is held during the Little League World Series. I remember last year's game well as I got burned on the over. The total was a 9.5 and the game was 6-2 after 3 innings and yet ended up a 6-3 final despite 20 hits in the game. Both lineups saw the ball just fine in this park and the ballpark is adjusted to MLB dimensions. There were two homers hit in last year's game and I expect at least a pair to leave the yard again in this year's match-up. Pitching on an unfamiliar mound is, to me, the bigger hurdler in a game like this and I expect both Jason Vargas and Nick Pivetta to have some struggles. I also like the fact that the total, which opened up at a 9, has dropped down to an 8.5 as of game day morning. The Mets Vargas is 2-8 this season with an 8.10 ERA. Though the Phillies Pivetta has pitched better of late, he is still just 3-6 with a 5.32 ERA in his 14 apperances (13 starts) since June 1st. New York is 17-9 to the over as a road dog in a money line range of +125 to +175. Pivetta has struggled in 2 of his last 3 starts against the Mets and the over is a perfect 3-0 in those outings. Look for that streak to make it 4 in a row tonight! 8* OVER the total in Philadelphia (game played in Williamsport, PA)

Divisional Game of the Year - Rickenbach MLB Game #911 Sunday 10* OVER the total in San Diego Padres vs Arizona Diamondbacks @ 4:10 ET - The Diamondbacks fell short 7-6 yesterday but they continue to love hitting Padres pitching. Arizona has averaged scoring 8 runs per game in their last 8 games against San Diego. Also, with yesterday's game flying over the total, the over is now 5-1 in the 6 games played at Petco Park this season! I expect more of the same on Sunday afternoon. Not only does the ball carry better in day games in San Diego, we're also getting a low total to work with because Zack Greinke is on the mound. Now, don't get me wrong, Greinke is a fine pitcher but there is no doubt that he is more comfortable on his own mound in comparison with enemy mounds. This season opponents are hitting 55 points higher against Greinke when he is on the road and his ERA is 1.36 runs higher when away from home. This is not a "one year fluke" either as last season he went 13-1 at home but only 4-6 on the road where opponents hit 47 points higher against him. The real key to the value here is that Arizona could very well get this game over the total all by themselves. As noted above, they love hitting Padres pitching and the other key here is that Padres rookie starter Brett Kennedy has been absolutely crushed in each of his first two starts this season. Both of those games flew over the total and the over is now 9-4 in the Padres last 13 games. Though Petco Park has a reputation as a pitchers park the markets tend to over-adjust for this and that is why the over is 37-24 in Padres home games this season. Also, only 6 of Arizona's last 17 games versus teams with a losing record have resulted in an under. In other words, you can see why plenty of runs can be expected again this afternoon at Petco Park. 10* OVER the total in San Diego

Earliest Cash - Rickenbach MLB Game #919 Sunday 8* OVER the total in Cleveland Indians vs Baltimore Orioles @ 1:10 ET - Though the winds are not favorable for an over today in Cleveland, this also is likely part of the reason the total moved from an opener of 9 down to an 8.5 as of game day morning. I like the extra value being offered here because I expect both hurlers to struggle. Yefrey Ramirez gets the start for the Orioles. The over is 3-0-1 in his last 4 starts. Though he is off of a decent start, those have been rare and also that outing was at home. In his two prior starts, both on the road, Ramirez was rocked for a combined 11 earned runs in 6 and 2/3 inning of work. The Indians are starting Mike Clevinger in this one. Though his most recent home start stayed under the total, the over was on a 7-1-2 run in his 10 prior starts as a host! Clevinger walked 6 in just 5 innings against the Reds in his most recent start. Also, he gave up a pair of homers in that start and that was the 2nd time in 3 starts that he has allowed multiple homers in a game. The over is 12-6-1 in Baltimore's 19 Sunday games this season. The under has cashed in 3 straight Indians games but they've not had 4 straight unders in over two months. In other words, the odds are certainly in our favor that the bats will be the story on Sunday! 8* OVER the total in Cleveland 

Contrarian Crusher - Rickenbach MLB Game #975 Saturday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Minnesota Twins vs Detroit Tigers @ 7:10 ET - The Twins Kohl Stewart has a really tough assignment here. Not only is he making just the 2nd MLB appearance of his career, he has to face the same team he made his debut against last week. Giving the Tigers another look at him is unlikely to do him any favors as they were already "dialed in" on him in his debut. Stewart allowed 3 earned runs on 8 hits in just 4 and 1/3 innings. Also, in over 100 innings of work in the minors this season, Stewart got hit at a .301 clip. Simply put, he is struggling as he has moved up to facing higher-caliber hitters. As for his counterpart in this match-up, the Tigers Ryan Carpenter is also likely to struggle. The Detroit southpaw went 2-8 with a 5.00 ERA and a .308 batting average in the minors this season. Carpenter has, of course, found major league hitters to be just as tough to get out! The lefty has a 6.39 ERA and has been hit at a .315 clip in his 4 MLB appearances (3 starts) this season. You can see exactly why I am expecting both of these hurlers to struggle. As for the relievers behind them, these teams' bullpen ERA cumulative on the season ranks them each in the bottom third of the majors! The over is 3-0 in the Twins last 3 games and there have been 0 unders in Detroit's last 5 games. Look for another one here! 10* OVER the total in Minnesota

Afternoon Annihilation - Rickenbach MLB Game #951 Saturday 8* OVER the total in Philadelphia Phillies vs New York Mets @ 4:05 ET - This is a contrarian play as, on the surface, it looks like a pitchers duel. The fact is that both teams have been swinging the bats better of late and both of these lineups are familiar with the hurlers they'll be facing today. I realize that the Mets Jacob deGrom has been pitching very well of late but the Phillies have averaged 6 runs on 11 hits per game their last 4 games. As for Philadelphia's Jake Arrieta, he is coming off of a rough outing at San Diego where he allowed 5 earned runs against the Padres. In his last 4 home starts Arrieta has given up 24 hits in 19 and 1/3 innings. 17 runs have been charged to Arrieta in those 4 starts although only 11 were earned. The Mets ran into a red hot Aaron Nola last night and, though Arrieta is a solid pitcher, he certainly doesn't have the "stuff" that Nola has been "dealing" this season. That said, New York had scored at least 6 runs in 7 of their 11 games prior to last night's low-scoring loss to the Phillies. The bats come back to life in this one for the Mets but the Phils are going to continue to make noise with their hot sticks at home too! The result should be a surprisingly easy over in this one. 8* OVER the total in Philadelphia

Primetime Punisher - Rickenbach MLB Game #919 Friday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Boston Red Sox vs Tampa Bay Rays @ 7:10 ET - Ryne Stanek gets the starts for the Rays but, of course, Tampa Bay uses the "full game bullpen" approach when he is on the mound so he only goes 1 or 2 innings anyway. The reason I like the over so much here is that the Red Sox are plenty familiar with Tampa's relievers at this late point in the season and being one of the best home hitting teams in the majors means we should see plenty of runs from Boston here. Of course Fenway Park is a hitter-friendly venue and also favorable weather is expected tonight as well. As for the Red Sox starter, Brian Johnson, he has given up 10 runs (8 earned) in the 12 innings spanning his last two starts. The lefty has allowed 5 homers in those two starts and the Rays swung the bats much better in yesterday's game versus the Yankees than what the final score would indicate. That said, this one has "slugfest" written all over it. The Red Sox averaged 7.2 runs per game in their 9-game road trip that wrapped up on Wednesday. Only 18 of Boston's last 47 games when playing after a day off have stayed under the total. Look for the over to improve to 3-0 in Johnson's last 3 starts and to improve to 5-2 on the season in Stanek's starts away on natural fields this season. 10* OVER the total in Boston

Divisional Dominator - Rickenbach MLB Game #915 Friday 8* OVER the total in New York Yankees vs Toronto Blue Jays @ 7:05 ET - I don't mean to sound overconfident about this pick but I truly have only one concern about not cashing it. That concern is that rain prevents this one from going 9 innings. The fact is that I have been looking for the opportunity to fade Lance Lynn as I have watched him pitch and his stuff is just not that good. He has put up some surprisingly good numbers since coming to the Yankees from the Twins but he has faced bad teams like the Orioles and White Sox and then he faced the free-swinging Rangers. Also, he got the Rangers at home and had he faced them in Texas (where they are a much better hitting team) the results likely would have been different. In any event, now Lynn is facing a Blue Jays team that crushed him earlier this season for 6 earned runs in 5 innings. Also, I like the fact that Toronto enters this game having gone 5-3 in their last 8 road games. The Blue Jays have scored an average of 6.2 runs per game in those 5 wins away from home and I look for them to pound Lynn tonight. The concern for the Blue Jays tonight is that Marcus Stroman is dealing with a blister issue that forced him to exit his most recent start. Though he is ready to go tonight, the fact is that Stroman has allowed 12 runs (10 earned) in the 10 and 1/3 innings spanning his last two starts against the Yankees. Also, he is an ugly 2-5 this season with a 5.33 ERA in his road starts. The over is 17-7 when Toronto is a road dog in a range of +125 to +175. Also, the Blue Jays are 3-1 to the over in Stroman's last 4 starts. 8* OVER the total in the New York Yankees game