10* Jays runline (ASSASSIN)

After getting blown out in yesterday's series opener by a score of 12-2, we're expecting Toronto to be much more competitive here on Saturday. It was the Jays' fourth straight loss. It was LA's fifth straight win. Tyler Glasnow is 4-1 with a 2.92 ERA for the Dodgers, while Yusei Kikuchi is 2-1 with a 2.28 ERA for the Jays. We expect Kikuchi to match his counterpart inning for inning, and in a scenario like that it's the undervalued home dog that does indeed become the savvy wager in our estimation; while the outright is clearly possible, our official call is Toronton the runline option!

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10* Jays runline (ASSASSIN)

We feel that Toronto is really undervalued here. That brings extra value to the runline option overall in our opinion. The Dodgers are 16-11 overall, while Toronto is 13-12. LA has won four straight now after winning three in a row in the Nation's capital this week. Now though travelling North of the border, we're expecting a small step back. Toronto enters on the other end of the spectrum, as it's now lost three straight after falling 2-1 in five innings at KC last night. The Jays have the clear starting pitching matchup in their favor though, with Gavin Stone (1-1, 6.00 ERA) going for the Dodgers, and Chris Bassitt (2-3, 3.90) countering for the home side. For all the reasons listed above, the play is Toronto on the runline option!

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8* Royals runline (BIG-CHALK)

Two teams that are surging collide here. Two starting pitchers that have gotten out to decent starts as well go head-to-head. Despite that though, we still feel that the 12-10 Blue Jays are the ones getting a little TOO much respect here on the road vs. the 13-9 Royals. Each team is doing well on the mound, and at the plate, but we just can't understate how important we feel that the home-field advantage will prove for Brady Singer (2-0, 1.54 ERA vs. his counterpart today in Yusei Kikuchi (1-1, 2.08.) Toronto just had its win streak snapped in last night's 5-3 loss at San Diego and we say this is a "letdown" spot here now in the opener of this AL series in this difficult road venue; lay the price for the extra 1.5 runs with the Royals on the runline option!

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10* Rangers runline (ASSASSIN)

After two straight losses to open this series, we like the Rangers to, at the very least, take the finale "right down to the wire," meaning that the "runline option" becomes the savvy call in our opinion. Michael Lorenzen is 1-0 with a 0.00 ERA after shutting out the Tigers over five innings in his last outing. He's off a career-high 153 innings last year. The Braves counter with Darius Vines, who is 0-0 with a 1.93 ERA after allowing one run over four innings in a win over Houston. He's filling in for Spencer Strider for at least one more start, and regression feels/seems imminent to us now moving forward. Look for the revenge-minded visiting side to fight tooth and nail; the play is Texas on the runline option!

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10* Blue Jays runline (AL EAST GOM) *Note, we also like Toronto on the moneyline.

We have an important early season divisional American League East getaway game North of the border between the Yanks and the Jays and despite the slow start for Kevin Gausman so far this season, we think the veteran will finally settle down here and we actually think that the value in this game is on the Blue Jays. Divisional games are always the most important, and they almost always mean the most to the home side. Toronto has taken the first two games of this series and now we look for the Jays to comoplete the sweep. Kevin Gausman hasn't suddenly forgot how to pitch and his first two starts are just outliers in our opinion (Gausman is 0-2 with an 11.57 ERA and 1.93 WHIP.) But Gausman has been one of the league's top 5 pitchers the last two years. He did lose to the Yanks in his opening start, and then in his last start he got roughed up by the Rockies. But the public saw that and has seen him struggle to start overall, but we're in the camp that believe's that there's a big overreaction now and the value has swung the other way (remember, Gausman had a 3.08 ERA at home last year. We're not taking anything away from Marcus Stroman on the Yanks (he's facing his former team in the Jays here again) as he's 1-1 with a 2.12 ERA. The bottom line here though is that we just think the public is too quick to back the Yankees still after their quick start and we're also not going to OVERREACT to Gausman's shaky start; the play is Toronto!

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10* Guardians runline Game 1 (ASSASSIN)

Overall we're getting great value on the home side on the runline option here. Public perception about the Yanks has driven this line out of whack in our opinion. New York is 10-3, while Cleveland is 9-3. Clarke Schmidt (0-0, 4.66 ERA) gets the call for the Yankees and he's allowed five runs off 13 hits over nine innings this year. He'll be opposed by Carlos Carrasco (0-0, 4.50), who has conceded four runs over eight innings. We like Carrasco here at home, as we feel Scmidt will struggle in this difficult road venue. While we clearly feel an outright victory is possible, in the end we're laying this very reasonable price for the extra 1.5 runs in our back pocket; the play is Cleveland on the runline option!

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10* D-Backs runline (NL GOM)

Brandon Pfaadt is 1-0 with a 1.80 ERA after his first start for the D-Backs, wihle Max Fried is 0-0 with a 40.50 ERA for the Braves. Fried couldn't get out of the first inning in his first start, but he's still considered to be one of the best pitchers in the World. That said, we're fully expecting Pfaadt to match his counterpart inning for inning, and in a contest like that, the value invariably swings to the undervauled underdog. In a contest that we see being decided late, or even in extras, we're grabbing the talented visting side on the runline option!

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8* Marlins (RUNLINE DOMINATION)

Let's not overreact to early results, for either players, or teams. That said, at 0-7 the Marlins will be looking to snap the slide here and in a contest that we see being decided late, or even in extras, we'll recommend to lay the price for the extra 1.5 runs of insurance. Lance Lynn is 0-0 with a 0.00 ERA after throwing four scoreless innings vs. the Dodgers on Saturday. Lynn's start was cut short by rain. He's a pedestrian 4-3 with a 5.48 ERA in ten appearances vs. the Fish though. Miami counters with Ryan Weathers, who is 0-1 with a 6.75 ERA, forced into the rotation out of necessity. He most recentlh allowed three run over four innings in a 9-3 loss to the red hot Pirates on Saturday. In two career appearances vs. the Cards though he's given up two runs over five innings. We look for the desperate and winless Marlins to, at they very least, keep this one a one run ball game and cover with the spread option; the play is Miami on the runline!

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10* Phillies RUNLINE (NL GOM)

The Phillies looked decent over the first half of yesterday's contest, but then fell apart once the bullpen took over. With Aaron Nola on the hill today though, we like Philadelphia to, at the very least, keep this one tight/close enough to cover with the extra 1.5 runs of insurance. The Braves won yesterday's series opener 9-3, but we like the home side to respond here on Saturday. Fried was 8-1 witha  2.55 ERA last year, but he's 4-4 with a 3.62 ERA in 19 career games vs. Philadelphia. Nola was 12-9 wth a 4.46 ERA last year and he's 15-10 with a 3.40 ERA in 33 career starts vs. Atlanta. Nola just signed a new massive contract in the off-season and we're expecting him to deliver the goods here; lay the reasonable mid-sized price, the play is Philly on the runline option!

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10* D-Backs RUNLINE (NLCS GOY)

If you're watching this game, then you know the story lines of each team to this point, as well as the cast of characters on each side. Zach Wheeler has been better than Zach Gallen so far in the post-season, but honetly it would not be difficult to write a convincing argument for either of these starters to come out on top in this pressure packed situation. Gallen definitely benefits from throwing at home. Wheeler has experience, but we say this starting pitching matchup (for all intents and purposes), is a "wash." Momentum is a very real, almost tangible factor in the playoffs and it's one that we've found that the oddsmakers have a hard time in properly quantifying into a line at times. Arizona has definitely wrestled back the momentum in this series after going down 0-2 in Philadelphia to start and to get an extra 1.5 runs of insurance at this price is just too good to to turn down in the end; so that's the play, Arizona on the runline option!

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10* D-Backs runline (ASSASSIN)

We had a play on Arizona on the runline yesterday and where that play came up short, we're expecting this Game 2 contest to now deliver the goods in "rocking chair" fashion. We won't rule out an outright victory here obviously either, but at this decent mid-sized price, getting the extra 1.5 runs of insurance is just too good to turn down in our opinion. The D-Backs go with Merrill Kelly (1-0, 0.00 ERA, 0.79 WHIP), while the home side counters with Aaron Nola (2-0, 1.42, 0.87.) Very evenly matched teams and clubs and in a contest that we seeing being decided late, or even in extras, we're indeed laying the price for Arizona on the runline option!

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10* D-Backs runline (NLCS GOW)

If you're watching and wagering on this game, then you almost assuredly know the story line for each club up to this point, so there's no reason to give you a breakdown of how each club got to this point. You likely also already know the cast of characters for each side, the coaches and the players and also each team's strengths and weaknesses. We're just here to tell you why we think that the D-Backs can pull off the upset here, or at the very least, keep it close enough to cover on the runline option. And it's simple, the starting pitching matchup is very even, but we definitely think that Zac Gallen (2-0, 3.18 ERA) will be able to easily match his counterpart Zach Wheeler (1-0, 2.08) inning for inning and in a scenario like that, the value invariably swings to the undervalued underdog; the play is Arizona!

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10* D-Backs runline (NLDS BOB)

Arizona has a shot at eliminating the Dodgers here and we're expecting that to happen. That said, for this price, we can't turn down the home side on the runline option. Arizona has scored nine first-inning runs so far in this series, and we're expecting this very real momentum that it's created to be carried over here. Often we've found that oddsmakers have a hard time properly quantifying in factors like "momentum" into a line, and that's definitely the case here with Arizona, which is clearly "firing on all cylinders" right now. LA hands the ball to Lance Lynn, while the home side counters with Brandon Pfaadt. Each has struggled, but Arizona's home field advantage, its bullpen and its offense has been "on point" of late and because of that, we're going to play Arizona on the runline option here in Game 3 of this NLDS!

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10* D-Backs runline (NLDS GOW)

Arizona is rolling, and dangerous and we think it's once again undervalued in this matchup. After steamrolling the Brewers in two games, the D-Backs smoked the Dodgers 11-2 in Game 1. Now with the superior starter on the hill (in our opinion anyways), we feel that Arizona has a legitimate shot at winning this one outright. However, in a contest that we see being decided late, or even in extras, we're going to lay the price for the extra 1.5 runs of insurance. The visitors hand the ball to ace Zac Gallen (1-0, 3.00 ERA) has had difficulties with the Dodgers this year, but he's off the great start vs. the Brewers and this is a case of "that was then, and this is now!" The Dodgers' bullpen was taxed in Game 1 and now they turn to Bobby Miller (11-4, 3.76,) who has been great in his rookie year, but who clearly is in unchartered territory here; lay the price, the play is indeed on  Arizona on the runline option!

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8* Mariners runline (BLOWOUT)

I had the Mariners last night in their 6-2 win, breaking a four-game slide. Seattle is now just a .5 game back of the Astros for the Wildcard. They play Houston again here tonight, followed by four straight at home vs. NL West-leading Texas to end the regular season. Houston won't be rolling over here, but in a contest that we see being decided late, or even in extras, we feel we're getting supreme value here with the home side on the runlien option at this price. Houston turns to Framber Valdez (12-11, 3.39 ERA), while the homeside counters with Bryce Miller (8-6, 4.17.) These guys are a "wash" essentially. For all the reasons liste above, the play is Seattle on the runline option!

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10* Cubs runline (BOB)

We had a play on the Cubs on the runline last night, and while we think Chicago has a legitimate shot at winning tonight's contest outright as well, in the end we can't turn the overall value we feel we're getting by grabbing the desperate visiting side on the runline option again here. Chicago is fighting for a wildcard still, while ATL is just trying to hold off the Dodgers for the No. 1 seed. In a contest that we see being decided late, or even in extras, we're once again all over Chicago on the runline option!

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10* Cubs RUNLINE (BOB)

The Cubs have a lot to play for here with just six games left to go in the regular season. Chicago is trying to nail down one of the NL's final two WC spots. They're in a dog fight with Arizona and Miami. Atlanta is just trying to hold off the Dodgers for the No. 1 seed, so its less urgent for them here. In a contest that we see being decided late, or even in extras, we think Justin Steele (16-5, 3.00 ERA) and the visitors are the correct call here on the runline option vs. Bryce Elder (12-4, 3.63) and the contented home side; for all the reasons listed above, the plya is Chicago on the runline!

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10* Jays RUNLINE (U OF THE U)

A big divisional series, more so for the Jays though who are in a dog fight for the final AL Wildcard. Good news for Toronto fans though, the Jays have caught fire of late and we're fully expecting that momentum to get carried over here. Last night they won the opener by a score of 6-2. We're coming down the home stretch, and these types of games very much have a "playoff-like" atmosphere about them. In what we anticipate will be a very tight and competitive affair here today, we're going to lay the reasonable price for the extra 1.5 runs of insurance; a great situational play, the play is Toronto on the runline option!

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8* Royals runline (BLOWOUT)

The Astros have lost three straight series and they're just 39-39 at home after salvaging the finale of its series with Baltimore with a tight 2-1 win. Houston is only a .5 game up on the Rangers in the AL West and in a tight race now for a wildcard. Now Cole Ragans (4-1, 1.69 ERA, 0.99 WHIP for his new team) and the Royals will look to play spoiler in this series. Framber Valdez (12-10, 3.20) counters for the home side. I like Ragans to easily match Valdez and in a scenario like that, the value swings to the undervalued underdog invariably. The play is KC on the runline option!

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8* Phillies RUNLINE (ROUT)

The Phillies are trying their hardest to earn the top NL Wildcard. Winning this series on the road here vs. the NL-leading Braves would help for sure. The Phillies won the opener, and then the Braves responded on Tuesday. Now here in the finale, we're expecting a very competitive affair. And in a contest that we see being decided late, or even in extras, we're going to recommend to lay the price for the extra 1.5 runs of insurance. These starters are a "wash," with Aaron Nola (12-9, 4.62 ERA) goes for the visitors, and Bryce Elder (12-4, 3.50) counters for the home side. In this competitive contest, we're laying the price for the Phillies on the runline option!

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10* Phillies RUNLINE (ASSASSIN)

The Phillies are gunning for the TOP NL wildcard spot, and they won an important game last night in the opener of this series. In what we believe will be another tightly-contested and highly-competitive affair, the value in our opinion lies with the visitors on the "runline" option. Cristopher Sanchez (2-4, 3.40 ERA) gets the call for the Phillies, while Spencer Strider (17-5, 3.73 ERA) We'll argue that Strider is having an above average season, on a really good team. For all the reasons listed above, the play is Philadelphia on the runline!

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10* Orioles RUNLINE (ASSASSIN)

A big divisional series here, and after yesterday's 4-3 loss in Game 1, we expect Baltimore to respond on Friday. The Orioles have now lost three straight, and note that Baltimore if 4-1 in its last five after three or more straight losses in a row. Zach Eflin (14-8, 3.53 ERA) is just in the wrong place at the wrong time here for the Rays. Jack Flaherty (8-8, 4.98) will finally get a chance to bounce back here for his new team. We expect the veteran to match his counterpart. Great overall value here in getting the extra 1.5 runs of insurance - the play is Baltimore on the runline option!

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10* Astros runline (ASSASSIN)

No need to overanalyze this one. After dropping the first two games of this series, we like the Astros to not only win the finale here on Sunday night MLB, but to do so in blowout fashion. And that makes the runline option the correct call in our opinion. Michael King (3-5, 2.96 ERA) has been solid for New York, but we feel he's for sure in the "wrong place at the wrong time" tonight. His counterpart Christian Javier (9-2, 4.66 ERA) is the correct call; lay the 1.5 runs and expect a blowout!

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10* Astros runline (DOMINATION)

We not only expect Houston to win today, but we believe it'll do so in "blowout fashion," meaning that the runline option is definitely the savvy call in our estimation. Houston's five game win streak came to an end in yesterday's 6-2 loss, but note that the Astros are 7-3 in their last ten in trying to avenge a home loss as a favorite vs. an opponent. The bottom line here as well is that this is a starting pitching matchup that we definitely believe favors the home side, with the Yanks going with the erratic Luis Severino (4-8, 6.64 ERA), and the Astros countering with Hunter Brown (10-9, 4.47.) Lay the 1.5 runs and expect a decisive blowout!

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10* Marlins runline (ASSASSIN)

If the Marlins are going to make the playoffs, they'll have to win on the road, and they'll have to compete with the top teams in the league. Both of those factors will be on the line here in their trip to LA, and in a competitive opening contest that we foresee being decided late, or even in extra innings, we're going to grab the hungry Fish on the runline option. Sandy Alcantara (5-10, 4.09 ERA) is coming off his strongest outing of the year, giving up one run and striking out ten in a complete-game victory over the Yanks. It would appear that Alcantara has plenty left in the tank here now for a final push to the season (he owns a 1.69 ERA over his last four trips to the hill.) He hasn't fared well against LA in the past, but this is a case of that being then, and this being now. Tony Gonsolin (8-4, 4.24) counters for the home side, and he's coming off a strong outing against the Rockies, allowing one run over six innings. After 11 straight wins, we think LA is now complacent. No such luxury for the hungry Marlins though; the play is Miami on the runline.

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10* Phillies RUNLINE (ASSASSIN)

After dropping three straight, including the first game of this series, we like the Phillies to, at the very least, take this one right down to the wire, meaning that the runline option is the savvy call for sure here as far as making a play on the side. We don't trust the Jays to pull off the sweep. We think these starters are very evenly matched, with Philly going with Aaron Nola (9-8, 4.49 ERA), and the Jays countering with Kevin Gausman (9-6, 3.04.) Philadelphia comes in desperate to snap the three-game slide, and while we do believe the outright win is possible, the runline option at this price is the correct call in our opinion; the play is Philadelphia on the runline option! 

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10* Braves runline (BLOOD-BATH)

The Yanks are just 60-58, including only 25-30 on the road and I believe that New York will not only lose this game, but it'll lost in blowout fashion. ATL is 75-42 overall, including 37-20 at home. NY just lost two of three to the Marlins over the weekend, including a late collapse in last night's 8-7 setback. With the thought of that crushing defeat fresh on the front of their collective mind, I say NY is ripe for the picking here. And I expect ATL to have no mercy. The Braves took three of four from the Mets, but dropped yesterday's contest by a score of 7-6. Clarke Schmidt (8-6, 4.23 ERA) gets the call for the Yanks, while Max Fried (3-1, 2.50) counters for the Braves. We give Fried the big nod here in this matchup; lay the 1.5 runs on Atlanta!

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10* Astros RUNLINE (TOP VALUE)

A big time matchup between AL leading teams. This is a big time starting pitching mismatch working in favor of the Astros though, and we believe Houston will not only win this opening game, but will do so in blowout fashion. And that makes the runline option the savvy call here. Baltimore has been great this year, but we still feel that when faced with the elite teams in the league, the Orioles will struggle. Especially their starting pitching. This is a mismatch on the mound. The Astros go with Framber Valdez (9-7, 3.07 ERA, 1.07 WHIP), while the visitors counter with Grayson Rodriguez (2-3, 6.09, 1.50.) Expect Houston to send an early message here with a resounding victory; grab the visitors on the runline option!

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10* Padres runline (NL WEST GOM)

We like the Padres to, at the very least, keep this one close enough to comfortably cover with the spread option. After droppping the opener 10-5, the Padres bounced back with an 8-3 victory last night. THis is the third game of a four-game series. Both starters are making debuts for their new teams, but we give the advantage to veteran Rich Hill (7-10, 4.76 ERA) here at home. He'll face off against the volatile Lance Lynn (7-9, 6.32.) Look for the home-field advantage to be the difference-maker here, and while clearly the outright is possible, we feel more comfortable laying the price for the extra 1.5 runs of insurance; the play is San Diego on the runline option!

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8* Orioles RUNLINE (CHOKE-OUT)

This is an important divisional series, and the Orioles drew "first blood" last night, winning by a score of 4-2. Toronto can't lose games to the division leader and expect to make the playoffs. The Orioles can continue to stick the dagger into the Jays' dwindling hopes. In a contest that we see being decided late, or even in extras, we're going to lay the price for the extra 1.5 runs of insurance. Kyle Bradish (6-6, 3.29 ERA, 1.14 WHIP) has been a consistent bright spot for the Orioles all year. He's battle-tested. Hyun-Jin Ryu though is making his season debut for the Jays. He's being thrown to the wolves here in his first start. The outright is possible, but we feel more comfortable taking the visitors on the runline option!

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8* Rangers runline (MISMATCH)

After dropping the first two games of this series, and with nealry 70% of the public money on the home side, we're expecting the Rangers to, at the very least, take this one right down to the wire and in a contest that we see being decided late, or even in extras, we're going to grab the 1.5 runs of insurance here with the Rangers. Cody Bradford is 2-1 with a 4.62 ERA and 1.14 WHIP for Texas. He owns a sharp 32 to 8 strike-out-to-walk-ratio as well. The Padres counter with Blake Snell, who is 7-8 with a 2.61 ERA. We just see Bradford matching Snell inning for inning, and in a contest like that we like the visitors on the runline option!

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8* Rangers runline (SITUATIONAL DESTRUCTION)

We like the Rangers to bounce back on Saturday after falling 7-1 to the Padres in yesterday's series opener. The Padres have been inconsistent all year and we don't trust Yu Darvish (7-7, 4.80 ERA) at all. He'll be opposed by Martin Perez (8-3, 4.91), who we feel is the correct call for sure. The Rangers have responded well in this spot for bettors and while we do think the outright is possible, we're going to lay the price for the extra 1.5 runs; the play is Texas on the runline!

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8* Angels RUNLINE (SPECIAL)

LA had won 8 of 9 before last night's 4-1 series opening loss here. The Angels are 3-1 in their last four after a loss. We think they'll respond here vs. the Jay's "weak link" in Alek Manoah (2-8, 6.10 ERA), who has been a major disappointment. He'll be opposed by Reid Detmers (2-7, 4.38), who we feel is the correct call in this bounce-back spot. That said, lay the price for the extra 1.5 runs; the play is LA on the runline option!

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8* Jays RUNLINE (DESTRUCTION)

The Jays went 1-1 in Seattle over the weekend, and are coming off the 4-3 win last night. We think the visitors can keep the momentum rolling here in LA. The Dodgers just went 2-1 at the Rangers, but are coming off an 8-4 loss yesterday. The bottom line with this one though is that this is a starting pitching matchup that definitely favors Toronto. The Jays turn to Jose Berrios (8-7, 3.39 ERA), while the home side counters with the volatile Michael Grove (2-2, 6.40), who remains in a starters role out of neccessity. In a contest that we see being decided late, or even in extras, we're laying the price with confidence for the extra 1.5 runs of insurance; the play is Toronto on the runline option!

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10* Orioles runline (ASSASSIN)

Both teams came into the second half on big runs, but it's been the Dodgers who have taken the first two games of this series, including yesterday's contest by a score of 10-3. Note though that the Orioles are still 7-3 in their last ten in trying to avenge two or more straight losses against an opponent. With a tough series at Texas up next, we expect the visiting side to finally get caught looking ahead. These starters are evenly matched, as the Dodgers go with Julio Urias (7-5, 4.35 ERA), while the home side counters with Dean Kremer (10-4, 4.59), but the situational and trend based-factors working in Baltimores favor do indeed make the home side the correct call. But we're laying the short price, and grabbing the extra 1.5 runs of insurance; the play is Baltimore on the runline option!

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10* White Sox runline (ASSASSIN)

Toronto shouldn't be favored here just because it's win/loss record is better overall. The Jays are just 22-22 on the road as well. They come in with zero momentum after getting swept at home by the Red Sox. The White Sox lost two of three at Oakland over the weekend, but they bounced back with an 8-7 win in the finale. Chris Bassitt is 8-5 with a 4.06 ERA for Toronto, while Lucas Giolito is 6-5 with a 3.53 ERA for the White Sox. Giolito gets the slight nod here and in a contest that I see being decided late, or even in extras, the play is indeed on Chicago on the runline option!

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8* Marlins runline (SPECIAL)

No need to overanlayze this one. St. Louis is terrible this year, just 35-49 overall, including only 18-24 on the road. Miami is decent this season, 49-37 overall, including 26-16 at home. We think the Fish will not only win this game, but do so in blowout fashion. The bottom line is that this is a complete starting pitching mismatch: the Cards go with Adam Wainwright (3-3, 7.45 ERA), while the home side counters with Jesus Luzardo (6-5, 3.53.) Lay the 1.5 runs for the return; the play is Miami on the runline option!

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8* Jays runline (SITUATIONAL MISMATCH)

After back-to-back losses to open this series, including on Canada Day on Saturday, we're expecting the Jays to dig deep and not only win this game, but to do so in blowout fashion. And that then makes the "runline" option the savvy move, laying the 1.5 runs for the "near pick em" price. Note that Toronto is 7-2 in its last nine in trying to avenge two or more straight home losses against an opponent. Two good starters, but we'll give the nod to the Jays' ace at home here. Boston goes with Garrett Whitlock, who is 4-3 with a 5.15 ERA, while Toronto goes with Kevin Gausman, who is 7-4 with a 3.01 ERA. Lay the 1.5 runs, the play is Toronto on the runline.

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8* Mariners runline (SPECIAL)

After three straight losses, including a humbling 15-4 beatdown in the opener of this series here last night, we like the Mariners to dig deep and find a way to deliver. That said, in a contest that we see being decided late, or even in extras, we're going to lay the price for the extra 1.5 runs of insurance. Note that Seattle is 7-3 in its last ten in trying to avenge a home loss as an underdog vs. an opponent. Tyler Glasnow is 2-1 with a 4.45 ERA for the Rays, but we still give the battle-tested George Kirby the nod in this one, sitting at 6-7 with a 3.26 ERA. Lay the price and grab Seattle on the runline option!

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10* D-Backs runline (BOB)

In a contest that we see being decided late, or even in extras, we're going to lay the price for the extra 1.5 runs of insurance. Two teams in different leagues, but each has had a similar trajectory to this point. Each just went 1-2 in their respective series this week. These starters are pretty evenly matched, as Arizona turns to Tommy Henry, who is 4-1 with a 4.31 ERA, while the home side counters with Griffin Canning, who is 6-2 with a 3.99 ERA. Good value here, lay the price and grab the visitors on the runline.

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10* Red Sox (ASSASSIN)

This is a big mid-season AL East series. These teams are lagging behind the Rays, but anything is possible at this point of the season. We see this game being decided late, or even in extras, therefore we're going to lay the price for the extra 1.5 runs of insurance. The Red Sox have lost five straight now, but note that they're 8-3 in their last 11 after five or more straight losses in a row. These starters are evenly matched, as James Paxton (3-1, 3.19 ERA) gets the nod for the visitors, while the home side counters with Jose Berrios (8-5, 3.60.) Everything points to a tight battle, the play is Boston on the runline option.

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8* SITUATIONAL BLOWOUT On the Twins RUNLINE.

We feel this is a great spot to pull the trigger on the Twins to bounce back in the finale of this three-game series with, at the very least, a solid ATS cover on the runline option. Note that Minnesota is 3-1 in its last four in trying to avenge two or more straight losses against an opponent. Despite being 1-4 with a 6.86 ERA, we still Kenta Maeda the nod over his  counterpart Kolby Allard, who makes his season debut here tonight. Maeda actually returned from a two-month injury last Friday and looked dominant, going five scoreless vs. the Tigers (8 K's.) In a contest that we see being decided late, or even in extras, we're grabbing the hungry visiting side on the runline option!

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10* Rangers RUNLINE (VALUE POW)

Here's two teams in need of a win. That said, home field advantage can't be overlooked here in this particular matchup between two good pitchers that have been struggling of late. Toronto has lost four of its last six, including two of three at Baltimore earlier this week, while Texas has lost six of eight. Kevin Gausman (5-3, 3.12 ERA) gets the nod for the visitors, while Martin Perez (6-2, 4.67) toes the slab for the home side. Perez has allowed 14 runs over his last three starts, but we expect him to settle down here. Note that he's 3-0 with a 1.40 ERA over his last four starts here at Globe Life Field. Gausman got rocked in his last outing as well, allowing six runs off seven hits with four walks over just four innings. Overall we feel we're getting great value here on grabbing the extra 1.5 runs of insurance; the play is Texas on the runline option!

AAA Sports

8* play on Tigers runline.

We like the Tigers to bounce back off yesterday's series opening 5-0 loss. Note that Detroit is 3-1 in its last four in trying to avenge a loss at home as a dog vs. an opponent. Martin Perez is 6-1 with a 3.83 ERA for the Rangers, while Alex Faedo is 1-2 with a 4.15 ERA for the Tigers. Faedo is coming in with a ton of momentum here though off his best start of his career, striking out ten and allowing just two runs with no walks over six innings in the eventual 7-2 win over the White Sox. In a contest that we see being decided late, or even in extras, we're laying the very reasonable price for the extra 1.5 runs of insurance; the play is Detroit on the runline option!

AAA Sports

8* Pirates runline (SITUATIONAL DESTRUCTION)

While we do feel an outright win is possible, our official call will be to grab the home side on the "runline" option. Great value here paying a mid-sized price for the extra 1.5 runs of insurance in a contest that we see being decided late, or even in extra time. Pittsburgh won the opener 13-3, but then fell 4-3 yesterday. Note thought that the Pirates are 3-1 in their last four in trying to avenge a home loss as a favorite vs an opponent. Merril Kelly is 4-3 with a 2.92 ERA for the D-Backs, but we're calling him a "wash" on the road here with Pirates' starer Roansy Contreras, who is 3-4 with a 4.40 ERA. Each has had success against his opponent in the past, but all signs point to this one being a lot closer than what the oddsmakers are trying to lead us to believe; the play is Pittsburgh on the runline option!

AAA Sports

10* Jays RUNLINE (ULTIMATE BLOOD-BATH)

We had a play on the Jays yesterday and while that big pick unfortunatley came up short, we're confident that Toronto can bounce back here and avenge the opening two losses of this four-game series. Two really good starters here. Is almost impossible to say anything negative about Yanks' starter Gerritt Cole, who is 5-0 with a 2.22 ERA. We just feel he's finally in the "wrong place" at the "wrong time" today. He'll be opposed by Chris Bassitt, who is 5-2 with a 3.49 ERA. These guys are a "wash," but note that the Jays are 7-2 in their last nine in trying to avenge two or more straight home losses against an opponent. We're laying the price here though and grabbing the extra 1.5 runs of insurance; the play is Toronto on the runline option!

AAA Sports

10* Pirates RUNLINE (BLOWOUT)

The Pirates were the talk of the league over the first month, but they've come back down to Earth over the last three weeks. Pittsburgh is now just 2-14 in its last 15 after yesterday's 4-0 series opening loss. Note though that Pittsburgh is still 7-3 in its last ten in trying to avenge a shutout loss against an opponent. Detroit is 19-21, but we expect Eduardo Rodriguez to have his hands full today. The Detroit starter is 4-2 with a 1.57 ERA, while Rich Hill is 3-3 with a 4.35 ERA for Pittsburgh. We don't trust Detroit as such a large favorite, despite it being at home. Look for Hil to match Rodriguez inning for inning and in a contest that we see being decided late, or even in extras, we're grabbing the desperate visiting side on the "runline" option!

AAA Sports

10* Rockies RUNLINE (NL GOY)

At 20-15, Pittsburgh is still No. 1 in the NL Central. The Pirates "quick start" was the talk of the league, but the Pirates are now dealing with injuries to a few key players and they enter the new week and this new series having lost seven in a row. We think this slide of futility is going to continue, at least for another night. The Rockies are just 14-21 and only fifth in the NL West, but they enter playing their best ball of the season thus far, having won six of their last seven, including two of three at the Mets over the week (13-6 win on Sunday.) We feel these starting pitchers are a "wash." Kyle Freeland is 3-3 with a 3.76 ERA for the Rockies, while Mitch Keller is 3-1 with a 3.32 ERA for the Pirates. Momentum swings in favor of the Rockies here. Outright win is obviously possible, but the value here lies in laying the very reasonable price for the extra 1.5 runs of insurance; the play is Colorado on the runline option!

AAA Sports

10* Astros runline (BEST OF BEST)

Two really good teams. Two really good pitchers. The Rays are 19-3 this season, including 13-0 at home. The defending champs are starting to play better after a slow start though, now 12-10 overall, including 6-3 on the road. The fact that the Rays have yet to suffer a home loss will be a big motivating factor for Houston here obviously. Jose Urquidy is 1-1 with a 3.66 ERA for the visitors, while Taj Bradley is 2-0 with a 2.61 ERA for the home side. I say these starters are a "wash." In a contest that we see being decided late, or even in extra innings, we're laying the reasonable mid-sized price for the extra 1.5 runs of insurance; the play is Houston on the runline!

AAA Sports

10* D-Backs RUNLINE (NL WEST GOY)

We feel that that home side has a very real shot of winning this game outright, but at this price, we're getting fantastic value on the runline option here. Guess who leads the NL West rigth now? It's not the Padres, the Giants or the Dodgers. It's the D-Backs at 11-8. San Diego is 9-11. Earlier in the year these teams split a two-game series in San Diego. Arizona though is tied for sixth in the league in steals with 19. That's bad news for a Padres team that allows a lot of steals. Michael Wacha gets the nod for SD and he's 2-1 with a 6.06 ERA, while the home side counter with Ryne Nelson, who is 1-0 with a 3.71 ERA. Half of Nelson's six career starts have come against the Friars, so this is a team that he knows well (1-1, 3.12 ERA.) Wacha is 2-1 with a 3.82 ERA lifetime vs. the D-Backs. Wacha had a bounce-back season last year, but regression seems imminent, epsecially after a slow start in 2023. Tatis returns finally for the Padres, but we expect him to come out slow here in his very first game back. In a contest that we see being decided late, or even in extras, we're laying the very reasonable price for the extra 1.5 runs of insurance; the play is Arizona on the runline!

AAA Sports

10* Jays RUNLINE (ULTIMATE)

I had a play on the Rays yesterday in their 9-3 win over the Red Sox. Tampa is now 13-0 and the longer this winning streak continues to open the season for the Rays, the more unrealistic and unsustainable it becomes. Tampa is also clearly being overvalued now at this point by the bookmakers, as the majority of the public, along with seasoned pros are now essentially "blind betting" the Rays, without any real thought put into it at all. These starting pitchers are a "wash." I can make a good argument for either of these talented sides to win, but this comes down to the fact that the public and the oddsmakers have overvalued Tampa now at this point because of the unreal start. Regression is imminent Tampa fans. Regardless, at this price and with the extra 1.5 rums of insurance, I believe this to be the very definition of "great line value;" the play is Toronto on the runline option!

AAA Sports

8* Royals runline (BLOOD-BATH)

Both teams are 1-3. Both really need a win here, but in a contest that I see being decided late, or even in extras, I'm going to lay the price for the extra 1.5 runs of insurance. Both teams have struggled at the plate so far. I give the slight nod to Kris Bubic in this starting pitching matchup though. He was 3-13 with a 5.58 ERA last season, but he looked great in the Spring, going 1-0 with a 1.74 ERA spannning 11 innings, with 15 K's over five appearances. Yusei Kikuchi was just 6-7 with a 5.19 ERA last year. In five career starts vs. the Royals he's a pitiful 0-2 with an 8.69 ERA. The outright is possible, but the value here lies with the runline; and that's indeed the play here, KC on the runline option!

AAA Sports

8* play Tigers runline.

Detroit is another team that's started 0-3. The Astros looked great at times in their opening series, and pretty pedestrian in others. They're 2-2. Both starters saw limited action in 2022. Boyd was 2-0 with a 1.35 ERA, and Brown was 2-0 with a 0.89 ERA. The Tigers went down hard in that series opener, but it wasn't for a lack of trying, striking out 30 times over three games. Boyd faced the Astros once back in 2021 and he conceded just one run off six hits with one walk and four K's over seven innings in the victory. The Astros looked pedestrian at the plate in their first series collectively (.227), so that leaves the door open here for the desperate visting side. Brown is young and his sample size is still too small to properly assess. I say regression is imminent; in a contest that I see being decided late, or even in extras, I'm grabbing the 1.5 runs of insurance with Detroit!

AAA Sports

8* play Phillies runline.

After starting the season 0-3, I think that Taijuan Walker can, at the very least, match his counterpart Nick Cortes Jr. inning for inning, and in a scenario like that, I feel the value swings to the desperate underdog visiting side. The Phillies are still missing key pieces in their hitting line-up. Taijuan Walker though is going to be the difference-maker in my opinion, as the veteran was 12-5 with a 3.49 ERA for the Mets last year. He faced the Yanks twice last season, going 1-0 with a 4.09 ERA over 11 innings. The Yanks are 2-1 after beating the Giants in their Opening series. Cortes Jr. went 12-4 with a 2.44 ERA last year. The 0-3 sweep won't be sitting well with anyone in Philadelphia and I expect a much more concerted effort here. In a contest that I see being decided late, or even in extras, I'm grabbing the visitors on the runline option!

AAA Sports

8* play Tigers runline.

After an "off" year last year, Eduardo Rodriguez will be looking to bounce back after signing a big contract with the Tigers in 2021. Shane McClanahan was 12-8 with a 2.54 ERA last year, but then he got a late shoulder injury. He's 1-2 with a 2.95 ERA in three starts vs. the Tigers. Rodriguez was 5-5 with a 4.05 ERA in 17 starts last season. How long can the Rays keep maximizing their efforts with a smaller budget? I think Tampa is a bit overpriced here, but in a game that I see being decided late, or even in extras, I am going to lay the small price for the extra 1.5 runs of insurance; the play is the Tigers on the run-line option!

AAA Sports

6* Phillies RUNLINE (SPECIAL)

I think the Phillies offer great value here as an underdog at home. I GET that the Astros are a great team. They're experienced and filled with depth. The Phillies are filled with talent and they have their veteran ace on the hill to take care of business. These teams are evenly matched, but "momentum" is a very real, almost tangible factor in sports, and it's one in which I feel that the oddsmakers can at times have a hard time properly quantifying into a line. The Phillies have a clear home field advantage, and I expect them to, at the very least, keep Game 4 competitive throughout. For arguments sakes, let's call these starters and bullpens a "wash" at this point. In a game that I see being decided late, or even in extras, I'm laying the price for the extra 1.5 runs of insurance!

AAA Sports

10* Phillies (GOW)

Philadelphia did what it set out to do over the first two games in Houston, and that was to earn a "split." The Phillies have enjoyed a home field advantage throughout the Playoffs, and I believe they'll ride the wave of emotion to another big victory here in Game 3 as well. The weather postponed yesterday's game and we have a new starter going for the home side. I say the overall situation favors the home side. Ranger Suarez goes for Philly, and he finished 10-7 with a 3.65 ERA in the regular season, and he's 1-0 with a 1.86 ERA in the playoffs. Lance McCullers Jr. will go again for Houston, he was 4-2 with a 2.27 ERA in the regular season and he's 0-0 with a 2.45 ERA in the playoffs. Philadelphia is 5-0 at home, and now the Astros are going to get a little taste of the craziness here at home; while I do think the outright is possible, I also believe we're getting unreal value here with the extra 1.5 runs of insurnace; the play is Philadelphia on the runline option!

AAA Sports

10* Phillies RUNLINE (WS GOY)

In a game that I see being decided late, or even in extras, I'm going to grab Philadelphia on the runline option here in Game 1. This Game 1 has the "Any Given Sunday" sort of "feel" to it. The fact that the Astros are in the World Series isn't a shocker, but the Phillies path to this point has been unexpected. They had to fight to make the Wildcard, but since then they've looked unstoppable. Momentum is a very real, almost tangible factor in sports (especially in the playoffs) and it's one in which I've always felt that the oddsmakers have had a hard time propertly quantifying into a line at times. And that's the case here in my opinion. Aaron Nola has been great on the road all year and he eners with a 2-1, 3.12 ERA playoff record for the Phillies, while Justin Verlander is 1-0 with a 6.30 ERA for the Astros. Verlander got crushed in his last start, while Nola has been solid throughout. Give me the red hot Wheeler and the upstart Phillies to, at the very least, earn the ATS cover on the runline option!

AAA Sports

10* MARINERS RUNLINE (ASSASSIN)

I think that Logan Gilbert and the Mariners have much more than just a "puncher's chance" in Game 1 of this ALDS. The Wild Card teams have to blow through the top of their rotation, and then face the ace of their respective opponent in Game 1. Fortunately for the Mariners, they took care of business in two games. Sure, they'd rather have Luis Castillo going here in Game 1, but you can't front on Logan Gilbert, who finished 13-6 with a 3.20 ERA this year. Now the good thing for Gilbert and the Mariners here as well, is that he was "lights out" on the road, going 8-1 with a 3.17 ERA. Clearly it won't be cake walk facing Justin Verlander, who was 18-4 with a 1.75 ERA. It's obviously impossible to say anything negative at all about Verlander, so I won't even bother. But the thing here is, I believe that Gilbert can match his veteran counterpart inning for inning to start with, and in a scenario like that, the value definitely swings to this hungry underdog. And with the extra 1.5 runs of insurance, I love how this sets up for the Mariners on the runline option!

AAA Sports

10* ASTROS RUNLINE (IL GOW)

The Phillies clinched their first playoff spot in over ten years with their 3-0 win last night and I'm expecting an immediate letdown here. The Astros have already clinched and have home field advantage until the World Series, but they'll be anxious to get back on track here after last night's loss. I really like Phillies' starter Ranger Suarez, who is 10-6 with a 3.37 ERA, but I really like the Astros' Justin Verlander even more. Verlander is 17-4 with a 1.80 ERA and is the front runner for the AL Cy Young award. This game now means nothing to Philadelphia, but it sure means a lot to Verlander, who will try to cap off his brilliant campaign with one last brilliant performance. I expect Houston to not only win this game, but to do so by a sizeable margin; the play is Houston on the runline option!

AAA Sports

8* RAYS RUNLINE (SPECIAL)

Yes, the Rays just clinched their fourth straight playoff appearance in yesterday's 7-3 win, but they are still trying to run down home-field advantage in the wild-card round. Even in defeat, the Astros clinched home field advantage throughout the playoffs with the Yankees loss on Friday. I say the "letdown" here doesn't come from the Rays, but rather from the Astros, who previously had won nine straight. Shane McClanahan is 12-7 with a 2.51 ERA for the Rays, while Christian Javier is 10-9 with a 2.65 ERA for the Astros. I expect a tight, competitive battle here, and while I do think an outright upset could happen, the best value in my opinion lies in laying the price for the visitors on the runline option; the play is Tampa on the runline!

AAA Sports

10* BRAVES RUNLINE (ASSASSIN)

For a number of different reasons, I believe the home side is well worth the price of admission here, as I'll lay the price for the extra 1.5 runs of insurance. This is a critical series, as it will determine the NL East winner. I don't think that you can count out the Braves' experience in this moment. Home field advantage is also another big factor working in ATL's favor. These pitchers are essentially a "wash" as well, which definitely swings the value in favor of the home side. Max Scherzer is 11-4 with a 2.13 ERA for the Mets, while Kyle Wright is 20-5 with a 3.18 ERA for the Braves. In a contest that I see being decided late, or even in extras, I'm going to lay the price for the Braves on the runline option!

AAA Sports

10* DIAMONDBACKS RUNLINE (ASSASSIN)

I had a play on Arizona yesterday on the runline and while that play came up short in the Astros 10-2 victory, I look for the visitors to bounce back here with a much better effor with their "ace" on the mound. Arizona will try to play spoiler here, as a win here tonight will clinch home-field advantage throughout the AL playoffs for the Astros. Justin Verlander is 17-4 with a 1.82 ERA for the Astros, while Zac Gallen is 12-3 with a 2.46 ERA for the Diamondbacks. Each enters on top form and I'm expecting a classic "duel" here into the deep innings. In a contest that I see being decided late, or even in extras, I'll recommend grabbing the visitors on the runline option!

AAA Sports

10* DIAMONDBACKS RUNLINE (IL GOW)

The Astros are still looking to post the best record in the American League, but I think they'll have their hands full in this interleague matchup. Houston needs just three more wins to lock up home field advantage, but Zach Davies and the D-Backs will look to postpone those arrangements for a bit longer. Davies is 2-4 with a 4.03 ERA. He's posted 11 straight no-decisions. He's made one start against the Astros though and looked good, conceding two runs off four hits with seven K's over eight innings. Arizon has dropped eight of its last 11, but four of those were one run setbacks. Lance McCullers Jr. is 4-1 with a 2.38 ERA for Houston, but he's just 1-1 with a 6.86 ERA in four career starts vs. Arizona (and a pedestrian 4-4 wit a 3.85 ERA in all interleague contests.) In a game that I see being decided late, or even in extra time, I'm grabbing the visitors on the runline option!

AAA Sports

9* RANGERS RUNLINE (HAMMER BEATDOWN)

I think Glenn Otto and the Rangers have much more than just a "punchers chance" in this one. Texas had won two straight over the Angels, before a 6-3 setback here in the opener of this one. And after five straight victories, I expect a small letdown here finally from the visiting side. The Guardians let their guard down here after moving eight games ahead of the White Sox in the AL Central. Cal Quantrill is 13-5 with a 3.56 ERA for the Guardians, while Otto is 6-9 with a 4.88 ERA for the Rangers. With the majority of the public money on Cleveland, I'm going contrarian here. That said, the value on the runline option is just too good to turn down. In a contest that I see being extremely competitive, I'm grabbing the home side on the runline

AAA Sports

10* ORIOLES RUNLINE (ASSASSIN)

Baltimore won't be rolling over here. It's in the hunt for a playoff wildcard. It comes in on top form as well, winning three straight. That includes the firt two games of this series, winning 2-0 and 6-0. Sure the Astros would like to get back into the win column, but this is a crucial series for the home side. In a contest that I see being decided late, or even in extras, I'm going to grab the hungry Orioles on the runline option. The Orioles have also used just one reliever over the last two games. Mike Baumann is 1-3 with a 4.29 ERA for the Orioles, while Framber Valdez is 16-5 with a 2.57 ERA for the Astros. I expect another great performance from the Orioles' pitching staff and while I do think another outright is possible, my official call is to grab Baltimore on the runline!

AAA Sports

10* A'S RUNLINE (ASSASSIN)

I like the A's to, at the very least, keep this one close enough to earn the solid ATS cover on the runline option. The Mets had their five-game win streak come to an end in a 6-0 loss at Milwaukee in their most recent action, while Oakland is coming off a 9-5 loss at Seattle last night. The Mets see Chiss Bassitt toe the slab, and he's 14-8 with a 3.32 ERA, while Cole Irvin, who is 9-11 with a 3.79 ERA, counters for the the A's. Bassitt has been great f late, but I think he'll struggle against his former team here. The A's have still won three of their last five. Irvin has a chance, with a victory today, to match his career-best for wins in a season, so he has plenty of motivation here today a well. In a contest that I see being decided late, or even in extras, I'm grabbin the home side on the runline option!

AAA Sports

8* TIGERS RUNLINE (DESTRUCTION)

Detroit comes to Chicago after losing two of three at Baltimore, while Chicago enters having just been swept at home by Cleveland in three straight. The Tigers will look to keep playing spoiler here and in a contest that I envision being decided late, or even in extra time, I'm going to grab the visitors on the runline option. Detroit goes with Eduardo Rodriguez, who signed a massive off-season contract and with the Tigers and who is 3-5 with a 4.35 ERA. He'll be opposed by Lucas Giolito, who is a poor 10-9 with a ballooned 5.07 ERA. He's a pedestrian 6-6 with a 4.46 ERA in 18 career appearances vs. the Tigers. Rodriguez is 2-0 with a 3.79 ERA in seven appearances vs. the White Sox. I think these guys are much more evenly matched than what the oddsmakers are trying to lead us to believe; the play is Detroit on the runline option!

AAA Sports

9* Cardinals RUNLINE (ASSASSIN)

Two teams jockeying for positioning go head-to-head here on Thursday night in this NL matchup, but after losing three straight, I like the Cardinals to dig deep here and bounce back finally. That includes two straight losses to open this series, falling 5-0 and 1-0. Note that St. Louis is 7-3 in its last ten in trying to avenge back-to-back losses against an opponent. After winning five straight, I think the Padres finally have a letdown here. Joe Musgrove gets the call for the Padres and he's 10-7 with a 3.16 ERA. He'll be going up against the Cards' Jack Flaherty, who is just 0-1 with a 5.09 ERA. Note that St. Louis slugger Albert Pujols, who is stuck on 698 home runs, is 3 for 9 with a homer off Musgrove (Joe's just 2-7 with a 5.53 ERA in ten lifetime starts vs. the Cards.) Flaherty is 1-0 with a 1.10 ERA in 16 1/3 career frames vs. the Friars. This is his fourth start of the season and I expect him to be sharp. While an outright win isn't out of the question, I'm going to lay the price for the extra 1.5 runs of insurance; the play is St. Louis on the runline option!

AAA Sports

8* TIGERS RUNLINE (SPECIAL)

The Tigers lost two of three to the White Sox over the weekend, including yesterday's matchup by a score of 11-5. I think the visiting side bounces back here though and gives the Orioles a run for their money. The Orioles have their hopes set on one of the Wildcards, but the Tigers will look to play spoiler here. Baltimore has not been playing well, having won just five of its past 13. Miguel Cabrera has been activated for the Tigers as well, so that's a big boost for Detroit's offense. Tyler Wells is 7-3 with a 3.93 ERA for the Orioles. Baltimore has lost four of his last five trips to the hill. Tyler Alexander counters for Detroit, and he's 3-10 with a 5.35 ERA. Alexander has fared well against Baltimore in two career starts and I think he can match the erratic Wells right now. In a contest that I see being decided late, or even in extras, I'll recommend grabbing the visitors on the runline option!

AAA Sports

10* GIANTS RUNLINE (ASSASSIN)

The Giants had won four of five before the Dodgers came to town. They now play with double revenge after dropping the first two games of this series by score of 5-0 and 7-2. I'm expecting a much more competitive battle here though in the finale of this three-game set. It's an important game for San Francisco, which hits the road for seven straight after this. LA on the other hand gets caught looking ahead to seven straight at home starting tomorrow. I believe these starters to be a "wash." Andrew Heaney is 3-2 with a 2.84 ERA for the Dodgers (sample size is still small), while Alex Cobb is 6-6 with a 3.48 ERA for the Giants. In a situation like that, the value swings here to the undervalued home underdog. And while I do think an outright win is possible, the official call will be to grab the Giants on the runline option!

AAA Sports

8* ORIOLES RUNLINE (SPECIAL)

I think the Orioles have a legitimate shot at winning this game outright. However, the runline option at this price is just too good to turn down in the end in my opinion. Toronto has an 8-7 series lead, but Baltimore will be looking to even things out here. The home side sends Alek Manoah (14-7, 2.43 ERA) to the hill, while the visitors counter with Dean Kremer (7-5, 3.34.) Manoah has enjoyed success against the Orioles, while Kremer has struggled against the Jays. But that was then, and this is now. I look for Kremer to step up here and match his counterpart in this important game. The Orioles are 7-3 in their last ten in trying to avenge two straight losses against an opponent as well. The play is Baltimore on the runline!

AAA Sports

8* ORIOLES RUNLINE (DESTRUCTION)

While I do think an outright upset is very possible, in the end I believe that the runline option offers the better value here. Baltimore lost the opener here 6-3 yesterday, but I think it'll bounce back here on Saturday. The Jays had to use seevn pitchers on Friday night to earn the victory. These teams are now 7-7 in their season series. The home side goes with Jose Berrios, who is 10-5 with a 5.07 ERA, while the visitors counter with Kyle Bradish, who is 3-6 with a 5.01 ERA. Berrios has had more success vs. the Orioles this year than Bradish has vs. the Jays, but these guys are a "wash" for all intents and purposes. I don't really trust either. With the Jays' bullpen tired, I think the door is open for the Orioles here. The play is Baltimore on the runline option!

AAA Sports

8* ANGELS RUNLINE (SPECIAL)

The Angels have lost four in a row, but I think they step up here and play spoiler to the Mariners on Friday night. Seattle has won three of its last four, most recently splitting a two-game series with the Padres. The Mariners are currently tied with Toronto for the top wild card spot. Michael Lorenzen is 6-6 with a 4.70 ERA for the Angels, and while he's had difficulties with the Mariners in the past, note that he's 4-2 with a 2.83 ERA at home this season. Ray has been exceptional after a poor start to his 2022 campaign, entering 12-9 with a 3.56 ERA. But in a contest that I see being decided late, or even in extras, I say the correct call is to grab the home side on the runline option!

AAA Sports

10* PHILLIES RUNLINE (ASSASSIN)

The Phillies have been playing really well of late. They have won seven of their last ten. They just had their five game win streak snapped in yesterday's 5-3 loss at Miami, but they got caught looking ahead to this series. The Braves haven't been playing particularly well of late, having lost four of their last five, including a 4-1 setback at San Francisco in their most recent action. Max Fried gets the nod for the home side and he's 13-6 with a 2.50 ERA this season. He's 4-3 with a 3.96 ERA in 16 career games against Philadelphia, including 0-0 with a 3.75 ERA in three starts this season. "I feel as confident as ever," interim Phillies manager Rob Thomson assessed after last night's setback. "We're playing good. We're battling. There's a lot of energy in the dugout. Everyone is pulling for each other." Ranger Suarez is 9-5 with a 3.62 ERA for the Phillies. He's 1-2 with a 4.20 ERA in 13 career games vs. the Braves. In a contest that I see being decided late, or even in extras, I'm going to recommend grabbing the visitors on the runline option!

AAA Sports

10* ROYALS RUNLINE (AL Central GOM)

I love how this sets up for Daniel Lynch and the Royals, and while I do think an outright victory is possible, in the end I'll recommend that you grab as many points as you can. Minnesota has taken the first two games of this series, but with a four-game series starting at AL Central leading Cleveland tomorrow, I believe the home side gets caught looking ahead to that contest. It's a big time revenge series, as Cleveland swept the Twins in Minnesota in the series previous to this one. It's a great situational play. Dylan Bundy is 8-7 with a 4.68 ERA for Minnesota, while Lynch is 5-10 with a 5.14 ERA for the Royals. I call these guys a "wash." Bundy is 2-2 with a 4.08 ERA in nine career appearances vs. the Royals, while Lynch is 1-2 with a 4.05 ERA in four starts vs. the Twins this season. Minnesota first baseman Luis Arraez's availability questionable heading in, and the Twins may very well elect to sit him out here with Cleveland on deck. The stage is set for an outright upset, but the official call will be to grab the Royals on the runline option!

AAA Sports

8* MARLINS RUNLINE (DOMINATION)

The Phillies have now won five straight after sweeping the Nationals, and then taking the first two games of this series. I believe Philly has a small letdown here finally as it gets caught looking ahead to its series starting at Atlanta tomorrow, followed by the Jays and then another three-game series at home against the Braves. This is a "trap" for Philadelphia. Noah Syndergaard is 9-9 with a 4.09 ERA for the Phillies, while Pablo Lopez is 8-10 with a 4.04 ERA. Syndergaard is 7-3 with a 3.56 ERA at home this year, but just 2-6 with a 5.06 ERA on the road. Lopez is 2-1 with a 3.16 ERA in seven career starts vs. Philadelphia. While I do think the outright is possible, the value here is grabbing the home side on the runline option!

AAA Sports

10* RED SOX RUNLINE (ASSASSIN)

Boston's 2 game win streak came to an end in last night's 7-6 loss here in extra innings to the Yanks. I believe we'll see a similar very tight and competitive affair here on Wednesday as well. The Yanks have won 3 straight and I expect some complacency here. Brayan Bello is 1-5 with a with a 5.79 ERA overall this year for the Red Sox, but he's thrown into the 6th inning in his past 2 starts and he owns a 3.55 ERA over his last six outings. Note that 14 Red Sox/Yankees games this year have been decided by one run! Nestor Cortes Jr. is 9-4 with a 2.73 ERA for the Yanks. He faced the Red Sox on July 8th and was shelled for 4 runs over 3 innigns off 8 hits. An outright upset is possible, but the official call will be to grab the 1.5 runs of insurance!

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10* AL GOY Tigers RUNLINE.

Houston has won 7 of its last 10, but after yesterday's 7-0 win here, I believe it'll have its hands full on Tuesday. Detroit has lost 6 of its last 10 and been shutout in 2 straight (the Tigers though are 7-3 in their L10 in trying to avenge a shutout home loss against an opponent.) I believe these starters are much more evenly matched than what Las Vegas is trying to lead us to believe. Houston goes with Hunter Brown (1-0, 0.00 ERA), who looked great in his MLB debut against the Rangers on Sept. 5th, allowing three hits over six scoreless. I believe regression is now in order here in his second start. And I like Drew Hutchinson here, who is 2-7 with a 4.08 ERA. He's 1-1 with a 5.71 ERA in three starts vs. the Astros, but I expect him to, at the very least, match his counterpart inning for inning. The outright is possible, but in a contest that I see being decided late, or even in extras, I'm grabbing Detroit on the runline option!

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10* DODGERS RUNLINE (ASSASSIN)

The Mets are coming off back-to-back losses. They fell 1-0 to Colorado after taking the first 2 games over the Rockies, before then falling 4-3 here in yesterday's series opener vs. the Dodgers. In what I expect to be another very tight and competitive affair, one that could very likely be decided in extras, I'm going to suggest laying what I feel to be a very reasonable mid-sized price for the extra 1.5 runs of insurance. Obviously we have two of the World's best pithers going head-to-head here. Tyler Anderson is 13-2 with a 2.69 ERA for the Dodgers, while Jacob deGrom is 3-1 with a 2.15 ERA for the Mets. This is one of those "Any Given Sunday" type of scenarios. It would not be difficult to write a convincing argument for either of these starters to come out on top, and that for all intents and purposes, makes them a "wash." The Mets stayed 3 games ahead of Atlanta in the NL East after the Braves lost 3-2 to the Rockies yesterday, while the Dodgers maintain a 19.5-games lead over everyone. As I said off the top, this one is going to be a classic "duel." Because of that, the play here is LA on the runline option!

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10* MARLINS RUNLINE (IL GOM)

In a contest that I see being decided late, or even in extra time, I'm going to recommend grabbing the home side on the runline option. Miami has lost 5 straight in this series, so it won't be lacking for motivation today. Miami sees Jesus Luzardo toe the slab, and he's 3-5 with a 3.34 ERA, while the visitors counter with SHane McClanahan, who is 11-5 with a 2.20 ERA. Luzardo enters on top form though and I believe that momentum gets carried over here, as he's posted 3 quality starts out of his past 4 games and has posted a 2.67 ERA over 5 August starts. McClanahan has had plenty of success against the Fish in the past, but who hasn't? The bottom line here is that I look for Luzardo to match McClanahan inning for inning and in a scenario like that, the value swings to this undervalued hungry home underedog. While I do think an outright win is a possibility, the official call will be to grab the Marlins on the runline!

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10* MARLINS RUNLINE (GAME OF WEEK)

The Dodgers have taken 2 of 3 here in Miami so far, but with a 3-game series at the Mets starting tomorrow night, I think they get caught "looking ahead." They come in complacent with their ace on the mound Tony Gonsolin, who continues to defy the odds and enters with a 16-1 record with a 2.10 ERA and 0.86 WHIP. The home side counters with Pablo Lopez, who is 8-8 with a 3.66 ERA and 1.16 WHIP (he's been great in all "night" contests this season as well, going 8-4 with a 2.66 ERA in all such instances.) Lopez is also 1-0 with a 3.00 ERA in 2 career starts vs. the Dodgers. Look for Lopez to match Gonsolin inning for inning and in a contest that I see being decided late, or even in extras, I'm going to suggest grabbing the home side on the runline option!

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10* CUBS RUNLINE (ASSASSIN)

The Cubs have been following an interesting pattern of late, and I expect it to continue here. Chicago has been trading wins and losses over its last 7 games, and coming off the 7-0 loss here yesterday, I believe it has a good chance at continuing that run. That said, in a contest that I expect to be much more competitive that yesterday's game, I'm going to lay this reasonable price for the extra 1.5 runs of insurance. Chicago is actually 5-1 in its last 6 in trying to avenge a shutout road loss of 6 or more runs as well. The Cubs hand the ball to Adrian Sampson (1-4, 4.04 ERA), who is coming off a shaky outing, but who did well against Milwaukee when he faced it on July 6th, going 6 innins and allowing 1 run and striking out 5 in the victory. I expect him to bounce back here though and raise the level of his game to match his counterpart Eric Lauer (9-5, 3.44.) He's 1-0 with a 2.12 ERA in 3 starts vs. the Cubs this season, but I expect Sampson to match him inning for inning. For all the reasons listed above, the play is Chicago on the runline option!

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10* ATHLETICS RUNLINE (ASSASSIN)

The Yanks enter complacent now again after 5 straight victories. That includes a 13-4 win in the opener of this 4-game series here in Oakland, followed by yesterday's much tighter 3-2 victory last night. I'm fully expecting Saturday's contest to follow suit from Friday's highly competitive affair. Domingo German is 2-2 with a 3.89 ERA for the Yanks. So far German though has been considerably better in front of the home town crowd, going 2-0 with a 3.38 ERA in New York, compared to 0-2 with a 4.85 ERA everywhere else. The home side counters with Adam Oller, who is just 2-6 with a 6.41 ERA. Oller is coming off a decent outing though and I expect him to build off that, as he went 6 innings, allowing 3 runs in what turned out to be an unfrotunate no-decision vs. the Marlins. I think New York is over-priced here and as I said off the top, I expect another really tight and competitive game here in Oakland as the A's try to snap New York's 5-game win skein; the play is Oakland on the runline option!

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10* ANGELS RUNLINE (ASSASSIN)

The Angels won't be in the playoffs, but they'll be eager to snap a 6-game skid. Most recently they lost 4 straight in Tampa. The Jays look poised for a letdown here after winning 7 of their last 10, including 3 in a row. The Blue Jays won in 10 innings for a 2nd game in a row as well, adding to the letdown scenario here vs. the lowly, albeit hungry Angels. Mitch White is 1-3 with a 3.63 ERA for the Jays, while Reid Detmers is 4-4 with a 3.66 ERA for the Angels. This is the first time Detmers has faced Toronto, but White faced the Angels last year and was shelled for 6 runs over 1 inning. In a contest that I see being decided late, or even in extras, I'm going to lay the price for the extra 1.5 runs of insurance; the play is LA on the runline option!

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10* TWINS RUNLINE (ASSASSIN)

I had a play on the Twins on the runline last night, and while that play unforuntately came up a run short, I believe the stage is now set for a possible outright upset here for the visiting side. That said, the value is just too good to turn down ultimately for the Twins on the runline option in my opinion. The Twins turn to Chris Archer, who is 2-6 with a 4.02 ERA. Minnesota is 0-5 vs. Houston this year, getting outscored 30-8. Archer though is 5-3 with a 2.67 ERA in 9 career outings vs. the Astros, including going 3-1 with a 2.90 ERA in 5 career starts in Houston. Luis Garcia is 10-8 with a 4.09 ERA and while he's had plenty of success against the Twins in the past, the bottom line here is that I expect Archer to match him inning for inning. And in a scenario like that, the value swings to this undervalued, but extremely hungry road underdog; the play is Minnesota on the runline option!

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10* BLOOD-BATH Twins RUNLINE.

The hungry Twins are poised for an outright victory here, but in a contest that I see being decided late, or even in extra time, I'm going to grab the visitors on the runline option. The Twins have now lost 4 in a row after droopping 3 straight at home to Texas, and then falling 4-2 here in yesterday's series opener (Minnesota though is 7-3 in its last 10 after 3 or more straight losses). Dylan Bundy is 7-4 with a 4.60 ERA for the Twins. He most recently allowed 1 run over 6 innings in a 2-1 victory over the Rangers. That's back-to-back quality outings for Bundy and I expect him to carry that momentum over here and down the stretch. He'll be opposed by Framber Valdez, who is 12-4 with a 2.72 ERA. Look for Bundy to continue to elevate the level of his play and to match Valdez inning for inning. In a scenario like that, the value swings to the hugry undervalued underdog. The play here though is Minnesota on the runline option!

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10* ANGELS RUNLINE (ASSASSIN)

The Angels have lost 6 of their last 7, including 3 straight (note that LA is 7-2 in its last 9 after 3 or more consecutive losses), which includes a 2-1 setback here in yesterday's 4-game series opener. I'm expecting another really tight game here as well, and while the outright is of course possible, the runline option is just too good to turn down in the end in my opinion. Tampa can't afford to take the foot off the gas in the AL East race, but after 3 straight victories and winning 6 of its last 7, I believe it comes out a bit complacent here. The starters are pretty evenly matched as well. Corey Kluber is 7-7 with a 4.33 ERA for the Rays, but he's a pedestrian 3-3 with a 4.97 ERA in nine career starts vs. the Halos. The visitors counter with Jose Suarez, who is 4-5 with a 4.12 ERA. Note that over 4 starts since the all star game he's 2-1 with a 1.19 ERA spanning 22 2/3's frames of work. For all the reasons listed above, the play is the Angels on the runline option!

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10* CUBS RUNLINE (GOW)

Chicago had its 5 game win streak come to an end yesterday's in its 6-2 loss at home to Milwaukee. I think the Cubs can bounce back here though and, at the very least, keep this one close enough for the comfortable "runline" cover. And after 7 straight victories, I believe that the Cardinals finally have a small letdown here. St. Louis sees Jordan Montgomery toe the slabe, and he's 3-3 with a 3.69 ERA. The home side counters with Drew Smyly, who is 5-6 with a 3.67 ERA. For all intents and purposes, I believe these starters are a "wash," which swings the value here to the undervalued home underdog. In a contest that I see being decided late, or even in extras, I'm grabbing the Cubs on the runline option!

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10* TIGERS RUNLINE (ASSASSIN)

I think the Tigers will build off their 4-3 win over the Angels here yesterday. Neither team is going to be in the playoffs. Yes this is Shohei Ohtani on the mound for the Angels, but I still think that LA is overpriced here on the road. Eduardo Rodriguez returns to Detroit today after time off due to injury, and then something personal. He's just 1-3 with a 4.38 ERA, but he threw 3 minor league stints and gave up one run while striking out 11 over 6 innings on Tuesday: "It was difficult to step away from what I've been through my whole career, my teammates and everything," Rodriguez said. "But for me, family is always first. My second family is my teammates and this organization. They've given me the opportunity to be here, and I am back here now with my second family. Mentally, physically, I feel good to be back here." Ohtani is 10-7 with a 2.69 ERA. He's been a consistent bright spot for the Angels on both sides of the plate, but I'm expecting Rodriguez to match his counterpart inning for inning. And in a scenario like that, I've always felt that the value then swings to the undervalued underdog. And that's Rodriguez and the Tigers here today. While the outright is possible, let's lay the price for the extra 1.5 runs of insurance!

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10* RANGERS RUNLINE (ASSASSIN)

Texas has dropped 3 of its past 4, including yesterday's contest by a score of 2-1. The Rangers catch the Twins at a good time here though in my opinion and in a contest that I see being decided late, or even in extra time, I'll recommend grabbing the 1.5 runs of insurance for the reasonable price. After sweeping the Royals in 3 games and earning the win yesterday, all signs point to a predictable letdown here for the home side. Glenn Otto is 5-8 with a 4.96 ERA for the Rangers, while Chris Archer is 2-6 with a 4.15 ERA for the Twins. For all intents and purposes, I'll call these starters a "wash." With the majority of the public money on the home side here, the value has now swung the other way for this undervalued underdog. And while I do think the outright win is possible, the official call is to grab Texas on the runline option!

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10* ROYALS RUNLINE (NON-DIV GOY)

The Royals have now lost 4 straight after yesterday's 7-1 setback here in Tampa Bay. The Royals have been struggling to score, but I expect them to, at the very least, dig deep and keep this one interesting late. This is a 4 game series. The Rays have hit a "vanilla" part of their schedule, with upcoming series against the Angels and Red Sox up next. Regardless, I believe they'll have their hands full here today with Royals' ace Brady Singer, who is 6-4 with a 3.29 ERA. He'll be opposed by Shane McClanahan, who is 11-5 with a 2.28 ERA. Singer faced the Rays on July 23rd and allowed 2 runs over 6 innings while also striking out 12. Over his last 32 innings of work Singer has posted a 1.67 ERA. McClanhan has lost 2 of his last 3 outing and seen his ERA rise from 1.71 from pre-All Star break, to 2.28 post. In a contest that I see being decided late, or even in extras, I'm going to grab the visitors on the runline option!

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10* DIAMONDBACKS RUNLINE (ASSASSIN)

I had a play on Arizona last night on the runline, and in the end I didn't even need the extra 1.5 runs of insurance in the Diamondbacks 3-2 victory. In another contest that I see being decided late, or even in extras this time, I'll once again recommend laying the price for the extra 1.5 runs in your back pocket. The loss snapped a 5-game win streak for the Giants, and another letdown wouldn't be suprising in this spot in my opinion. These starters are evenly matched. Zach Gallen (8-2, 2.94 ERA) toes the slab for the visitors, while Logan Webb (11-5, 3.00) counters for the home side. For all intents and purposes, let's call these guys a "wash." With an 8-game road trip starting in Colorado, expect San Francisco to get caught looking ahead here as well. This is a "trap" for the Giants. And I do think it's worth sprinkling a little on the money line, but the official call will be to grab Arizona on the runline option!

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10* DIAMONDBACKS RUNLINE (ASSASSIN)

Arizona will, at the very least, take this one right down to the wire in my estimation, so in a contest that I see being decided late, or even in extras, I'll recommend grabbing the visitors on the runline option. Arizona has fallen 6-1 and 2-1 over the first 2 games of this series. San Francisco desperately needs to make up ground, but Arizona isn't going to roll over here. Zach Davies is 2-4 with a 4.11 ERA for Arizona, while Carlos Rodon is 11-6 with a 2.95 ERA for the Giants. After B2B walk off wins, expect San Francisco to come back down to Earth tonight. I think Davies matches Rodon inning for inning and in a scenario like that, the value swings to this undervalued underdog. The outright is possible, but the official call will be to grab Arizona on the runline option!

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9* BREWERS RUNLINE (DESTRUCTION)

The Dodgers have now lost 2 of their last 3 after last night's 5-4, 10-inning loss here. I think they'll have another letdown here as well. Milwaukee needs to string some wins together and in what I anticipate to be another very tight affair tonight, I'm recommeding grabbing Milwaukee on the runline option here. Tony Gonsolin is 14-1 with a 2.24 ERA for the Dodgers. He's been awesome. He'll be opposed by Milwaukee's ace Eric Lauer, who is 8-4 with a 3.64 ERA. Lauer though is 4-1 with a 2.66 ERA at home. Look for Lauer and the hungry Brewers to, at the very least, keep this one comfortable enough to cover with the runline option!

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8* ATHLETICS (RUNLINE)

The Athletics finally snapped a 9 game losing streak with a 5-1 win over the Rangers yesterday and I think they'll, at the very least, keep today's game close enough to earn the ATS (runline) cover. The Rangers 3 game win streak came to an end yesterday and I believe they'll have a letdown here as well. Adam Oller is 1-5 with a 7.26 ERA for Oakland. Oller has faced some stiff opponents since returning to the rotatin, including facing the Astros 3 times over his last 5 games. Oller has struggled, but I still don't think that Rangers' rookie Cole Ragans should be favored by this much at this point, despite his opposition. Ragans is 0-1 with a 4.82 ERA, most recently giving up 5 runs over 4 innings in a 7-3 loss to the Astros on Thursday. In a contest that I see being decided late, or even in extras, I'm going to grab Oakland on the runline option!

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10* ROYALS RUNLINE (AL GOM)

The Royals beat the Dodgers 4-0, breaking LA's 12-game win streak, but then fell 4-2 in the opener here at Minnesota yesterday. In a contest that I see being decided late, or even in extras, I'm going to suggest grabbing the hungry visiting side on the "runline" option. The Twins lost 3 of 3 to the Angels before yesterday's victory. Zack Greinke gets the start for the Royals, and he's 4-7 with a 4.29 ERA. He'll be opposed by Sonny Gray, who is 6-3 with a 3.33 ERA. Greinke has had difficulties with the Twins in the past, but he's been sharp of late and I expect the veteran to match Gray inning for inning. In a scenario like that, the value swings here to the undervalued underdog. The play is Kansas City on the runline!

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10* BREWERS RUNLINE (ASSASSIN)

The Dodgers 12-game win streak came to an end last night in the Royals' 4-0 victory in Kansas City. I had a play on KC on the "runline" in that one. I think this is a good situational play, as another letdown here after their first loss in ages is imminent in my estimation. The Brewers on the other hand won't be lacking for motivation here after loing 2 of 3 at St. Louis over the weekend, including a 6-3 setback last night. Julio Urias toes the slab for the visitors. He's been great, going 12-6 with a 2.49 ERA so far. The home side counters with Freddy Peralta, who is 4-2 with a 4.37 ERA. Peralta is 1-0 with a 1.80 ERA in 2 career starts vs. the Dodgers. Urias is 4-1 with a 2.29 ERA in 6 career outings vs. the Brewers. I believe though that Peralta can match Urias inning for innings and in a scenario like that, I feel the value now swings to this undervalued hungry home underdog. While I do think the outright win is a possibility, my official call will be to grab Milwaukee on the runline option!

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9* ANGELS RUNLINE (BAIL-OUT BLOWOUT)

I think that Tucker Davidson can match his counterpart Chris Archer inning for inning tonight, and in a scenario like that, I believe the value swings to the undervalued home underdog. LA has quietly been playing better of late, winning 4 of its last 5, including yesterday's contest here vs. the Twins by a score of 5-3. Minnesota is just 27-29 on the road now. Davidson is 1-2 with a 6.46 ERA, while Archer is 2-5 with a 4.02 ERA. Archer is 0-2 with a 6.43 ERA over his last 5 starts. Davidson gave up 6 runs in his debut last Sunday to a hot Seattle team, but I expect him to settle down here at home: "If you look at my walk rate in Triple-A, it's the lowest of my career," Davidson said. "I just have to translate it up here. Maybe not be so fine and trust my stuff. More of a 'here it is, hit it,' and then good things will happen. I think the big thing is getting ahead with strike-one and putting the throttle down when I can." The official call in this one is the Angels on the runline option!

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10* PIRATES RUNLINE (ASSASSIN)

Pittsburgh has lost 3 straight. That's important to note here though, as the Pirates have gone 6-2 in their last 8 after 3 or more straight losses in a row. They've dropped the first 2 games of this series, including yesterday's contest by a score of 2-0 (note that the Bucs are also 7-3 in their last 10 in trying to avenge a shutout road loss against an opponent.) Alex Wood toes the slab for the home side. He's been hit or miss this season, as he's 8-9 with a 4.17 ERA. The visitors counter with Zach Thompson, who is 3-9 with a 5.08 ERA. Thompson hasn't won in 9 starts, so he won't be lacking for motivation here. I think Thompson can match Wood inning for inning today. For all the reasons listed above, I expect the momentum in this series to shift; the play is Pittsburgh on the runline option!

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