WEDNESDAY AFTERNOON MLB RUNLINE RIPPER

The New York Yankees put a 7-0 beating on the Seattle Mariners on Tuesday, and I expect another easy win for the Bronx Bombers in the finale of this three-game series Wednesday afternoon. 

The Yankees are a perfect 5-0 in left-hander James Paxton's (10-6, 4.43 ERA) last five starts and covered the runline in all but one of those contests. This will be Paxton's first career start against the Mariners, the team he spent his first six seasons of his career with.

As for Seattle starter Justus Sheffield (0-0, 6.43 ERA), this will be his second career start and fifth major-league appearance. Sheffield was tagged with three runs on seven hits and three walks in just four innings against Toronto on August 24, and this could get ugly as he will face a Yankees team that has scored 28 runs over its last five games.

8* play on NY Yankees -1.5. 

TOP RATED 10* TUESDAY NIGHT MLB TOTAL

The St. Louis Cardinals and the Milwaukee Brewers played out a high-scoring affair Monday night, and both sides were forced to go to the bullpens early. 

Cardinals' starter Miles Mikolas has been smacked around for a total of 16 runs (15 earned) over his last three starts, serving up five homers during that stretch. As for Milwaukee starter Adrian Houser (6-5, 3.62 ERA), the right-hander limited the St. Louis to three runs (one earned) over 5 1/3 innings of a 5-3 win on Aug 21, but it should help the Cards to see him again this soon. 

We can also note that the Cardinals have scored six runs or more in five straight games since that defeat ... 

10* play on OVER. 

100% PERFECT TOP RATED 10* MLB RUNLINE PLAY OF THE DAY

The Cleveland Indians are battling for on the American League Wild Cards and need to get back on track ASAP following a 9-8 loss to Kansas City on Monday. 

The Indians have won 12 of 13 matchups with the Tigers in 2019 and Detroit righty Spencer Turnbull (3-12, 4.05 ERA) is 0-4 with a 6.30 ERA in four starts versus the Tribe this season. As for Cleveland starter Adam Plutko (5-3, 4.54 ERA), the right-hander has an ugly 5.56 ERA in two starts against Detroit this year, but he's had a solid month (3.86 ERA in four starts) and the team is 11-4 in Plutko's last 15 starts.

The Indians are 9-4 in their last 13 games following an off day and 19-7 in their last 26 games following a loss. The Tigers are 0-7 in their last 7 games following an off day and 1-10 in Turnbull's last 11 home starts.

10* play on Cleveland Indians -1.5. 

MONDAY NIGHT 3-PACK

I like the price we get on the LA Dodgers to bounce back from a 5-1 home loss to the NY Yankees. They'll be on the road, but will also face an easier opponent in the San Diego Padres who have a losing home record on the season. 

The Padres hand the ball to Eric Lauer (6-8, 4.47 ERA) who owns a 4-0 record and 1.72 ERA in six career starts against the Dodgers. It will only be a matter of time before they figure him out though, and Lauer might not be able to count on much run support from a team that has scored just 11 runs over its last five games. As for Dodgers' starter Dustin May (1-2, 4.26 ERA), he'll be looking to state his case for why he should be included in the team's postseason roster. Plenty at stake for Dodgers' top prospect, and I think he'll be up for the task.

Dodgers are 13-3 in their last 16 vs. a team with a losing record.

8* play on Los Angeles Dodgers. 

MONDAY NIGHT 3-PACK

This looks like a good spot to back the Oakland Athletics as they seek to bounce back from a pair of losses to San Francisco over the weekend. They're 20-6 in their last 26 games following a loss, and right-hander Homer Bailey (11-8, 5.06 ERA) has been solid over his last two outings with only one run allowed while covering 12 2/3 innings of work. As a former Royal, he should be well up for this game.  

As for KC starter Brad Keller (7-13, 3.95 ERA), the 24-year-old right-hander has lost his last four decisions. Royals manager Ned Yost has said they will be limiting Keller's pitches and innings through the remainder of the season, and then he'll hand over the ball to one of the worst bullpens in baseball. 

The A's are 8-2 in the last 10 meetings at Kauffman Stadium.

8* play on Oakland Athletics. 

MONDAY NIGHT 3-PACK

I like the price we get on the Cincinnati Reds to bounce back from an embarrassing three-game sweep at Pittsburgh. They're 14-3 in right-hander Sonny Gray' (9-6, 2.92 ERA) last 17 starts and Gray owns a 1-0 record with a 3.38 ERA in three career starts against Miami. As for Marlins starter Pablo Lopez (5-5, 4.23 ERA), the right-hander is 0-1 with a 7.71 ERA in his one start against the Reds this year. We can also note that Lopez has been out since June 15 due to strained right shoulder. 

The Marlins defeated Philadelphia 3-2 on Sunday, but they are 6-14 in Lopez's last 20 starts and 0-6 in their last 6 games following a win.

8* play on Cincinnati Reds. 

TOP RATED 10* YANKEES @ DODGERS SUNDAY NIGHT TOTAL

The LA Dodgers and the New York Yankees will clash in the finale of this heavy-weight series Sunday night. The teams are tied at 1-1 following a 2-1 Dodgers triumph on Saturday, and I expect this to be another low-scoring affair. 

The Dodgers hand the ball to their ace Clayton Kershaw (13-2, 2.71 ERA). He has posted a 1.80 ERA over his last three starts overall and a spectacular 0.90 ERA in three career starts against the Bronx Bombers. Additionally, Kershaw is an undefeated 9-0 with a 2.42 ERA in 13 home starts on the season. As for Yankees' starter Domingo German (16-3, 4.15 ERA), he has a rather ugly 5.82 ERA in 12 road starts on the season, but keep in mind that the Dodgers will see him for the first time and that the under is 6-0 in Dodgers' last 6 interleague games vs. a right-handed starter.

Under is 6-2-1 in Kershaw's last 9 home starts vs. a team with a winning record and 9-1 in Yankees' last 10 interleague road games vs. a team with a winning record. Under is 6-2 in the last 8 meetings.

8* play on UNDER. 

100% PERFECT TOP RATED MLB RUNLINE PLAY OF THE DAY

The Houston Astros came through with a 5-2 win over the LA Angels Saturday night. They've won six of their last seven straight up and covered the runline in four of those victories. 

Angels' righty Jaime Barria (4-6, 6.35 ERA) is 0-2 with a monstrous 9.00 ERA in eight appearances (six starts) on the road in 2019. As for Houston starter Framber Valdez (3-6, 5.58 ERA), the left-hander had been roughed up over several starts before getting sent down to Triple-A Round Rock to recalibrate. The 25-year-old Dominican should be eager to prove himself here, and we can note that his 4.23 ERA home at Minute Maid Park is significantly better than his 7.25 ERA away from home. 

Houston is one of the absolute best hitting teams in baseball and should have no trouble to bail out Valdez if he can't deliver the goods. 

10* play on Houston Astros. 

SUBSCRIBERS ONLY

The Houston Astros came through with a 5-2 win over the LA Angels Saturday night. They've won six of their last seven straight up and covered the runline in four of those victories. 

Angels' righty Jaime Barria (4-6, 6.35 ERA) is 0-2 with a monstrous 9.00 ERA in eight appearances (six starts) on the road in 2019. As for Houston starter Framber Valdez (3-6, 5.58 ERA), the left-hander had been roughed up over several starts before getting sent down to Triple-A Round Rock to recalibrate. The 25-year-old Dominican should be eager to prove himself here, and we can note that his 4.23 ERA home at Minute Maid Park is significantly better than his 7.25 ERA away from home. 

Houston is one of the absolute best hitting teams in baseball and should have no trouble to bail out Valdez if he can't deliver the goods. Therefore, I also recommend taking the over, particularly with the over 21-7-2 in Angels last 30 during game 3 of a series and 5-0 in their last 5 after scoring two runs or fewer in their previous game.

8* play on OVER. 

TOP RATED ARIZONA @ HAWAII CFB BOOKIE BREAKER

The Arizona Wildcats look like a great road favorite at Hawaii in college football action on Saturday.

The Wildcats have 15 starters back from a disappointing season when they failed to make it to a bowl. Dual-threat QB Khalil Tate had an injury-riddled year but still managed to finish the season with 2,530 yards and 26 touchdown passes. Tate was particularly impressive down the stretch, and the Wildcats boast one of the best ground attacks in the conference with Tate and running-back JJ Taylor.

As for the Hawaii Rainbow Warriors, they have 18 starters back from last year. They have an experienced QB in Cole McDonald, but struggled to protect him last year they'll face an Arizona D that is known for forcing turnovers. Hawaii's own defense is a weakness I expect the Wildcats to exploit.  

10* play on Arizona Wildcats. 

LATE MLB MIDNIGHT MASSACRE TOTAL

The Oakland Athletics and the San Francisco Giants will be back in action for the opener of a two-game series between the two Bay Area rivals after getting Friday off. 

Both sides rank in the bottom third for batting average in 2019 (Giants are 27th), and with two elite pitchers on the mound, runs should be particularly hard to come by tonight. 

The Giants hand the ball to their ace Madison Bumgarner (8-8, 3.72 ERA). He last faced the A's on Aug. 13 when he limited them to one run on two hits over seven innings of a 3-2 victory.

As for Oakland starter Chris Bassitt (9-5, 3.61 ERA), the 30-year-old right-hander has made just one career start against San Francisco (back in 2015) and note his outstanding 1.80 ERA over his last four starts.  

8* play on UNDER. 

100% PERFECT TOP RATED 10* MLB PLAY OF THE DAY

The Houston Astros look good to pick up an easy win against the Los Angeles Angels with a pair of southpaws taking the mound Saturday night. Note that Houston ranks third in baseball with a .285 batting average against left-handers this year while the Angels are among the worst, hitting just .242 as. 

Angels left-hander Dillon Peters (3-1, 3.92 ERA) has a 4.13 ERA in five appearances (three starts) on the road this season. His last start away from home was an ugly one, as Peters was five runs (four earned) on seven hits and four walks in four innings of an 8-7 team loss at Texas on August 19. 

As for Houston starter Wade Miley (12-4, 3.18 ERA), the veteran southpaw is 6-1 with a dominant 2.25 ERA in 11 starts home at Minute maid Park on the season. Additionally, Miley is 2-0 with a 2.28 ERA in two starts against the Halos in 2019. 

The Astros have been a profitable bet against the runline as large home favorites all season, and I like them to get the job done here. 

10* play on Houston Astros. 

SATURDAY NIGHT TIGERS @ TWINS TOTAL

The Detroit Tigers opened this series with a 9-6 victory, and while they're unlikely to come away with a win tonight I think they'll contribute enough runs to push the score over the total. 

Detroit hands the ball to right-hander Edwin Jackson (3-6, 8.46 ERA) who was tagged with five runs (four earned) through five innings at Houston on Monday and he owns a 5.73 ERA in 10 career outings against Minnesota. As for Twins starter Kyle Gibson (11-6, 4.40 ERA), the right-hander has been roughed up for 13 runs over his last three starts and he owns a 5.30 ERA in 20 career starts against the Tigers.

Over is 5-0-1 in Gibsons last 6 starts overall, 6-2-1 in his last 9 starts versus the Tigers and 11-5-2 in Twins last 18 home games.

8* play on OVER. 

GAME OF THE WEEK (SOCCER): PREMIER LEAGUE MAJOR WAGER

Crystal Palace have had a poor start to the season and have yet to score a single goal.

Here they'll face a Manchester United side that was a saved Paul Pogba penalty away from a perfect record and note that they trashed Chelsea 4-0 here at Old Trafford in Gameweek 1.

Additionally, Man U will have a huge psychological edge after going undefeated through the last 22 meetings (W18, D4).

10* play on Manchester United -1.5. 

TOP RATED FRIDAY NIGHT MLB TOTAL

The San Diego Padres and the Boston Red Sox will clash in the opener of a three-game series Friday night, and plenty of signs point toward runs being hard to come by for both teams. 

Padres righty Chris Paddack (7-6, 3.44 ERA) owns a 2.60 ERA in three starts against AL opponents and he has a 2.53 ERA in nine starts home at Petco Park on the season. As for Boston starter Eduardo Rodriguez (14-5, 4.10 ERA), the left-hander shut out the Orioles over 7 1/3 innings last time out and this will be his first career start against the Padres, a situation usually favoring the pitcher. 

Under is 4-0 in Red Sox last 4 games vs. a right-handed starter. Under is 10-4 in Padres last 14 games vs. a left-handed starter. Under is 6-1 in the last 7 meetings overall and 8-1 in the last 9 meetings in San Diego.

10* play on UNDER. 

FRIDAY NIGHT NFLX NO BRAINER

The Cleveland Browns look like a solid road favorite over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers Friday night. 

The visitors must feel pretty good about themselves, heading into this contest with a perfect 2-0 record in preseason play. After several miserable seasons, they're looking to establish a winning culture and with the starters usually seeing plenty of action in Week 3, the Browns will have a solid edge. 

Tampa Bay has split a pair of close matchups with Pittsburgh and Miami. This team is simply not that good, and on top of that, the squad is banged up and will need to rest key players as it can not afford more injuries. The Buccaneers have struggled to defend the pass the last two seasons and with Cleveland QB Baker Mayfield expected to see a lot of action I think the Browns will move the ball with ease. 

8* play on Cleveland Browns. 

GAME OF THE WEEK (MLB): MIKE'S TOP RATED RUNLINE RIPPER

The Cleveland Indians head home to Progressive Field with a chip on their shoulder after opening the week with an 0-3 trip to New York. While they couldn't beat the Mets at Citi Field, the Tribe should come through with an easy win here against the lowly Kansas City Royals. 

KC right-hander Jakob Junis (8-11, 4.78 ERA) is 1-3 with an ugly 6.52 ERA in four starts against the Indians this season while Cleveland righty Zach Plesac (6-4, 3.53 ERA) has held the Royals to four earned runs over 15 2/3 innings of work. 

We can also note that Cleveland is 22-10 over its last 32 games overall and 22-6 in its last 28 after scoring two runs or fewer in their previous game (it was shut out Thursday night).

10* play on Cleveland Indians -1.5. 

THURSDAY NIGHT MLB TOTAL

The Houston Astros closed as a -490 favorite on Wednesday, but that did not deter the Detroit Tigers who walked away as a 2-1 winner! The Astros look like they'll close in the same range again, and while I don't see value on either side I do like the score to stay under the total.

Note that since 2004, five teams have closed as a -450 favorite or more with all those games going under the total. 

Astros right-hander Gerrit Cole (14-5, 2.87 ERA) owns a 2.65 ERA in six career starts against the Tigers, and while Detroit righty Jordan Zimmermann (1-8, 6.66 ERA) is having an awful season, note his 3.51 ERA in eight career starts against Houston.

Under is 6-1-1 in Tigers last 8 overall. Under is 9-4-1 in Astros last 14 home games.

8* play on UNDER. 

TOP RATED 10* THURSDAY NIGHT MONEYLINE MASSACRE

The Oakland Raiders have opened the year with wins over Arizona and LA Rams, but I think they'll come up short here when taking on the Green Bay Packers at IG Field in Winnipeg, Canada, Thursday night. 

While it's just a preseason game, I expect the Packers to want to bounce back from last week's 26-13 loss at unofficial preseason champions Baltimore Ravens (what is it, 15 straight preseason wins now???). 

Packers QB Aaron Rodgers was a late scratch for that contest. He has yet to take the field this preseason, and while Rodgers usually don't care much for exhibition games, this year might be different with a different system to get used to under new head coach Matt LaFleur. Either way, DeShone Kizer is a capable backup and can get the job done. 

As for the Raiders, the Antonio Brown saga must be at least somewhat distracting and the motivation might be low after winning twice already. 

Packers are 9-3-1 against the spread in their past 13 August games and 6-1 straight up versus Oakland over their last seven meetings. 

10* play on Green Bay Packers. 

THURSDAY NIGHT PANTHERS @ PATRIOTS BOOKIE BLASTER

Historically, the third preseason game is usually treated as the dress rehearsal and more starters play, which I think will give the New England Patriots a massive edge here. 

New England QB Tom Brady hasn’t played in the preseason yet but has been quoted looking to get in the action. "I hope so," Brady said on his weekly radio appearance on WEEI. "Again, we had practice yesterday and we have practice today and then we will see what the coach decides. I hope to be out there. We'll see what happens". 

Whenever coach Bill Belichick decides that's enough, Brady's, backups Brian Hoyer and Jarrett Stidham are ready to take over and the duo has looked sharp in the first couple of games.

As for the Carolina Panthers, they'll have to be careful with starting QB Cam Newton who will make his first appearance following a season-ending shoulder injury. 

The Panthers beat the Patriots 25-14 last year in the third preseason week, but I think the roles will be reversed tonight. 

8* play on New England Patriots. 

TOP RATED 10* MLB TOTAL PLAY OF THE DAY

The Washington Nationals put an 11-0 beating on the Pittsburgh Pirates on Wednesday. While I think runs will be hard to come by for the Bucs for a second straight night, don't expect the visitors to light up the board either.

Pittsburgh left-hander Steven Brault (3-2, 4.06 ERA) fanned eight while limiting the Cubs to one run on two hits over seven innings in a 2-0 setback last time out. Brault has been rock solid lately, allowing a total of 16 runs over his past 10 starts and the under is 4-1 in the Nationals last 5 games vs. a left-handed starter.

The Nats counter with right-hander Max Scherzer (9-5, 2.41 ERA). He has not made an appearance since July 25 after a couple of turns on the IL with back and shoulder injuries, but the reeling Pirates could be just the perfect opponent for his comeback. Note that Pittsburgh has scored a total of only six runs over its last five games, getting blanked twice and that Scherzer owns a 2.81 ERA in previous meetings with the team. 

Under is 6-2-1 in Scherzer's last 9 starts overall.

10* play on UNDER. 

WEDNESDAY NIGHT BREWERS @ CARDINALS TOTAL

St. Louis Cardinals' starter Adam Wainwright (9-8, 4.33 ERA) owns a rock-solid 2.19 ERA home at Busch Stadium on the season.

Wainwright has compiled a 2.33 ERA in 39 appearances (32 starts) against the Brewers who counter with Adrian Houser (5-5, 3.76 ERA). While he owns a gaudy 6.53 ERA in three career appearances against the Cardinals, note that he pitched a career-high seven innings with just one run allowed at Washington on Friday. 

The under is 26-8 in the Cards' last 34 home games and 35-16 in the Brewers last 51 road games vs. a team with a home winning % of greater than .600.

8* play on UNDER. 

WEDNESDAY NIGHT MLB MONEYLINE MASSACRE

The Washington Nationals are 12-5 in their last 17 games following a loss and look primed to bounce back from a 4-1 loss to the Pittsburgh Pirates.

Washington left-hander Patrick Corbin (9-5, 3.34 ERA) held the Brewers to one run on seven hits with eight strikeouts last time out. The Nationals are 6-2 in Corbin's last 8 starts following a Quality Start in his last appearance and we can note that Corbin struck out a season-high-tying 11 over seven innings of one-run ball when he took on the Pirates back in April. 

As for Pirates right-hander Joe Musgrove (8-11, 4.59 ERA), he held the Cubs to two runs in 7 1/3 innings Friday but the Bucs are 5-17 in Musgrove's last 22 starts following a Quality Start in his last appearance.

With the Pirates 6-22 in their last 28 overall and 1-7 in their last 8 games following a win, I think the value without a doubt is on the road team here. 

8* play on Washington Nationals. 

SUPER EARLY TOP RATED PADRES @ REDS TOTAL

The under is 6-0 in the last six matchups between San Diego Padres and the Cincinnati Reds, and I think we'll see yet another low-scoring encounter Wednesday afternoon.

Reds' righty Luis Castillo (11-5, 3.10 ERA) was roughed up by the Cardinals last time out, but that does not change the fact that he's having an outstanding year. Castillo has given up four runs or more in only four of his 25 starts on the and under is 16-8-1 in Reds' games with Castillo on the hill this year.

As for the Padres, they will open with Matt Strahm (5-8, 5.21 ERA) in what is likely to be a bullpen game for the visitors. Note his eight innings of one-run ball against Cincinnati back in April and that the Friars' relievers have fanned 19 while allowing just one run over their last 13 innings of work.

Under is 18-7-1 in Padres last 26 road games. Under is 7-3 in Padres last 10 during game 3 of a series. Under is 7-2 in Castillos last 9 starts during game 3 of a series.

10* play on UNDER. 

LATE NIGHT MLB MONEYLINE MASSACRE

The New York Yankees look like a great road favorite here at Oakland Tuesday night. The Bronx Bombers got Monday off following an 8-4 loss to the Indians on Sunday. They're 10-4 in their last 14 games following an off day and 26-16 following a loss this season.

Additionally, Yankees righty Domingo German (16-2, 3.96) will seek his eighth consecutive win while Oakland right-hander Homer Bailey (10-8, 5.22 ERA) posted a 7.86 ERA in his first five starts with the team prior to his seven scoreless innings at San Francisco last time out. 

8* play on New York Yankees. 

TOP RATED 10* TUESDAY NIGHT MLB BIG HITTER TOTAL

The under is 6-2 in the last eight meetings at Chase Field, but I expect this contest to fly over the total with ease. 

Arizona left-hander Alex Young (4-3, 3.98 ERA) was roughed up for a career-worst five runs over five innings of a 7-0 home loss to San Francisco last time out. Young has allowed a total of 11 runs over 14-plus innings in his last three starts and he owns a 4.71 ERA in four starts at Chase Field on the season. 

As for Rockies starter Kyle Freeland (3-10, 7.09 ERA), the left-hander has pitched somewhat better lately following an absolutely abysmal first half of the season, but he has nevertheless surrendered five runs or more in five of his last eight starts. Freeland was reached for five runs on eight hits when he faced Arizona at Coors Field on August 14 (Colorado still won the game 7-6) and over is 4-1-1 in his last six starts versus the Diamondbacks.

10* play on OVER. 

GAME OF THE MONTH (MLB): MIKE'S TOP RATED RUNLINE RIPPER

We lost with the Minnesota Twins as a premium pick yesterday as the Chicago White Sox claimed the opener of this series 6-4 as a rather sizeable underdog. 

The Twins are still 11-3 against the runline as a home favorite of -200 or more this season, and I expect them to bounce back in a big way Tuesday night. 

Note that while the Twins may have scored fewer runs than the White Sox in the series opener, they still out-hit their opponent 15-8. Here they'll get a look at righty Reynaldo Lopez (7-10, 5.29 ERA) who is 0-2 with a 5.40 ERA in three career starts at Target Field. 

As for Twins starter Michael Pineda (8-5, 4.20 ERA), he owns a solid 3.08 ERA in six career starts against the White Sox and he is 2-0 with a 2.08 ERA in two starts versus the club this season. 

10* play on Minnesota Twins. 

SUBSCRIBERS ONLY

I really like the over here at Wrigley Field Tuesday night. Cubs left-hander Cole Hamels (6-4, 3.69 ERA is coming off a pair of ugly starts. His last time out was a nightmare as he allowed eight runs over just two frames against the Phillies. As for Giants starter Tyler Beede (3-7, 5.77 ERA), the right-hander has posted a 6.32 earned run average over his last six starts.

Weather reports suggest strong wind toward center field, and I think we'll see the ball carry out of the park plenty.

8* play on OVER. 

MONDAY NIGHT MLB RUNLINE RIPPER

The Twins will return home to Twin City from a productive 5-1 road trip with stops at Milwaukee and Texas. They're still desperate for wins with Cleveland breathing down their neck in the AL Central standings, and I don't think they'll have any trouble to take care of business as a sizeable home favorite Monday night. 

Right-hander Ivan Nova (8-9, 4.51 ERA) will toe the slab for the visitors. Nova has posted an 0.49 ERA over his last five starts and tossed a complete game in a 4-1 victory over Houston last time out. However, if anything that makes it even more likely that a bad start is just around the corner for the 32-year-old who's earned run average for the season still is on the high side. 

Facing the Twins at Target Field is never easy, and Nova will not only have to silence their bats but also outduel Kyle Gibson (11-5, 4.28 ERA) who is 2-0 behind a commanding 1.38 ERA in two starts against the White Sox on the season.

8* play on Minnesota Twins. 

MONDAY NIGHT NINERS @ BRONCOS TOTAL

The Denver Broncos have played two exhibition games in 2019 with both going under the total. The San Francisco 49ers opened their preseason with a 17-9 triumph over the Dallas Cowboys last week, and I predict another low-scoring affair in this one. 

This will Denver's new head coach Vic Fangio first game in front of the home town crowd, and even though it's just a preseason game I think he'll make sure to keep it tight. As for the Niners, quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo is expected to be back on the field for the first time since his season-ending injury in Week 3 last year, but points should still be hard to come by against this elite-level Broncos defense. 

8* play on UNDER. 

TOP RATED 10* MLB PLAY OF THE DAY

The St. Louis Cardinals enter the week tied with the Chicago Cubs at the top of the National League Central and with tonight's opponent Milwaukee just a couple of games behind. To say that this series is huge for both teams would be an understatement, but I'm giving the home team a solid edge here in the series opener. 

The Cards have won each of the last four matchups between the two teams and right-hander Dakota Hudson (11-6, 3.82 ERA) is coming off six scoreless innings against Kansas City. As for Milwaukee starter Zach Davies (8-5, 3.74 ERA), he will make his first start since August 2 following a stint on the injured list (back spasms). Davies was 0-3 with an 11.77 ERA prior to hitting the IL and I don't expect him to be sharp in his first start back.

Cardinals are 13-3 in Hudson's last 16 starts and 7-2 in their last 9 overall. Brewers are 1-6 in their last 7 road games vs. a team with a winning record and 4-12 in Davies' last 16 starts vs. a team with a winning record.

10* play on St. Louis Cardinals. 

TUESDAY PREMIER LEAGUE BOOKIE BLASTER

Write up posted no later than Monday. 

8* play on Man Utd. 

TOP RATED SUNDAY NIGHT SEAHAWKS @ VIKINGS MAJOR WAGER

The Seattle Seahawks have a decent overall preseason record in recent years, but they went 0-4 in exhibition play last year and I think they'll take a loss here, after opening the year with a 22-14 win over Denver. 

The Minnesota Vikings went 3-1 last preseason and they are 18-4 SU (15-7 ATS) over their last 22 exhibition games. They opened the season with a 34-25 triumph over New Orleans and starting QB Kirk Cousins finished 4-for-4 with 65 yards and a touchdown pass. The Vikings also pounded their opponent on the ground and I expect to see more from Cousins and the other starters as Mike Zimmer clearly likes a strong preseason to set the tone.

Seattle QB Russell Wilson did not play a down in Week 1 and expects to make his 2019 preseason debut here. Head coach Pete Carroll plans to play all his healthy starters, although probably not more than a quarter, and I still like the deeper Vikings in this contest. 

10* play on Minnesota Vikings. 

GAME OF THE YEAR (MLB): MIKE'S TOP RATED 10* MONEYLINE

The San Francisco Giants have won six of their last seven. They've outscored Arizona 28-17 through the first three games of this series and are going for the sweep Sunday afternoon. The Diamondbacks are trending in the opposite direction with six losses in their last eight games, and I'm happy to take the hotter team with the better pitcher in this matchup. 

Giants' ace Madison Bumgarner (8-7, 3.63 ERA) held Oakland to one run on two hits in seven innings of a 3-2 win last time out. The team has won nine of the left-hander's last 10 starts and he is 2-0 with a 3.38 ERA in a couple of starts against the D'Backs this season. As for Arizona starter Merrill Kelly (8-12, 4.75 ERA), the team has lost seven of his last eight starts and he has been lit up for 23 runs in his last four outings alone. 

The Giants are 33-28 on the road this season while Arizona is just 27-30 home at Chase Field.

This is simply too good of a price on San Francisco to not go HUGE. 

10* play on San Francisco Giants. 

BREWERS @ NATIONALS TOTAL

I think there are plenty of reasons to believe that Sunday's matchup between the Milwaukee Brewers and the Washington Nationals will be of the high-scoring variety. 

The Brew Crew hand the ball to Chase Anderson (5-2, 3.78 ERA) who has posted a 9.00 ERA in two career games against the Nats who counter with Erick Fedde (3-2, 4.09 ERA). The 26-year-old Fedde has made just one relief appearance against Milwaukee, and while he's been sharp in his last two starts, note his 5.59 ERA home at Nationals Park. Over is 6-2 in Feddes last 8 home starts and 6-0 in his last 6 Sunday starts

Additionally, keep in mind that the bullpens will be exhausted after Saturday's 14-inning affair. 

8* play on OVER. 

TOP RATED 10* INDIANS @ YANKEES TOTAL

The teams have combined for more than 13 runs per game over the first three contests of this series. I expect another high-scoring affair here in the series finale Sunday afternoon. 

Cleveland righty Mike Clevinger (7-2, 3.34 ERA) owns a 5.65 ERA in three games (two starts) versus the Yankees, and while the Bronx Bombers' CC Sabathia (5-6, 4.78 ERA) has posted a 3.78 ERA in 14 career starts against the Indians, note that he was reached for four runs in five innings when he faced them back in June. 

Over is 6-0 in Clevinger's last 6 starts overall. Over is 5-1 in Yankees last 6 home games vs. a right-handed starter. Over is 9-1 in Sabathia's last 10 starts overall and 7-1 in Yankees last 8 home games.

10* play on OVER. 

SUNDAY PREMIER LEAGUE PUNISHER

Chelsea took a 4-0 beating by Man United last weekend but looked solid in their 2-2 draw vs. Liverpool in the Europa Super Cup midweek (lost on penalties).

They have a deep enough squad for fatigue not to be an issue this early in the season. Chelsea are unbeaten in nine league games home at Stanford Bridge (W6,D3) and I think they'll crush Leicester here in their first home game on the season. 

Leicester opened the season with an uninspired 0-0 draw at home against Wolves. They had plenty of possession but failed to create many clear cut goalscoring opportunities. That won't cut it here against a Chelsea side looking to get its first win under club icon Frank Lampard. 

8* play on Leicester. 

CHIEFS VS STEELERS BOOKIE BREAKER

The Pittsburgh Steelers beat the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 30-28 in Week 1 of the 2019 preseason, and coach Mike Tomlin has already said more of the starters will be used in Week 2.

They're 7-2 in their last nine preseason games and look good to pick up another win here. Note that this will be the Steelers last game home at Heinz Field before the regular season kicks off, so I'm sure they'll be up for this one. 

As for the visiting Kansas City Chiefs, they opened the 2019 preseason with a dominant 38-17 victory over the Cincinnati Bengals. Starting QB Patrick Mahomes went 4-for-4 for 66 yards but is unlikely to see any action in this contest as head coach Andy Reid will want to see more from backups Chase Litton and rookie Kyle Shurmur.

Look for a fired-up Steelers side to get the W in front of the home town crowd. 

8* play on Pittsburgh Steelers. 

SATURDAY NIGHT METS @ ROYALS TOTAL

The New York Mets and the Kansas City Royals combined for just five runs in Game of this series Friday night. I expect to see a low-scoring pitchers duel here in the second game on Saturday. 

Mets' righty Jacob deGrom (7-7, 2.68 ERA) is having a spectacular year and has held seven straight opponents to fewer than three earned runs. As for Royals' righty Jakob Junis (8-10, 4.80 ERA), he has allowed only three runs over 12 innings of work in his last two starts combined and under is 5-2 in Junis' last 7 starts overall. We can also note that this will be Junis' first career start against the Mets while deGrom has not faced KC since the 2015 World Series, with unfamiliarity usually favoring the pitcher.  

Under is 12-3-1 in Mets last 16 interleague games vs. a team with a losing record. Under is 13-3 in Royals last 16 interleague home games vs. a right-handed starter.

8* play on UNDER. 

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The New York Mets and the Kansas City Royals combined for just five runs in Game of this series Friday night. I expect to see a low-scoring pitchers duel here in the second game on Saturday. 

Mets' righty Jacob deGrom (7-7, 2.68 ERA) is having a spectacular year and has held seven straight opponents to fewer than three earned runs. As for Royals' righty Jakob Junis (8-10, 4.80 ERA), he has allowed only three runs over 12 innings of work in his last two starts combined and under is 5-2 in Junis' last 7 starts overall. We can also note that this will be Junis' first career start against the Mets while deGrom has not faced KC since the 2015 World Series, with unfamiliarity usually favoring the pitcher.  

Under is 12-3-1 in Mets last 16 interleague games vs. a team with a losing record. Under is 13-3 in Royals last 16 interleague home games vs. a right-handed starter.

Additionally, we can note that the Mets are 6-3 against the runline as a favorite of -200 or more this season, covering four straight. 

8* play on NY Mets -1.5. 

NFLX 3-PACK

The reigning Super Bowl champions New England Patriots limited Detroit to 93 yards of total offense in their 31-3 Week 1 victory. Star quarterback Tom Brady was kept on the sidelines for the whole contest but should see some action in this one.  

Coach Bill Belichick will most likely want to emphasize on the defense here on the road against a Tennesee Titans side that racked up 388 yards of offense in last week's 27-10 win over Philadelphia. Titans' starting QB Marcus Mariota hit just 50 percent of his eight passes for 24 yards, and even if he sees more action here he's likely to struggle against this Pats defense. 

Additionally to the under, I also like the Pats to come through with a win as they seek revenge for last season's Week 10 loss to the Titans. Yes, this is just a preseason game which shouldn't mean much, but revenge is revenge ... 

8* play on New England Patriots. 

NFLX 3-PACK

The reigning Super Bowl champions New England Patriots limited Detroit to 93 yards of total offense in their 31-3 Week 1 victory. Star quarterback Tom Brady was kept on the sidelines for the whole contest but should see some action in this one.  

Coach Bill Belichick will most likely want to emphasize on the defense here on the road against a Tennesee Titans side that racked up 388 yards of offense in last week's 27-10 win over Philadelphia. Titans' starting QB Marcus Mariota hit just 50 percent of his eight passes for 24 yards, and even if he sees more action here he's likely to struggle against this Pats defense. 

Additionally to the under, I also like the Pats to come through with a win as they seek revenge for last season's Week 10 loss to the Titans. Yes, this is just a preseason game which shouldn't mean much, but revenge is revenge ... 

8* play on UNDER. 

GAME OF THE WEEK (MLB): MIKE'S SUPER EARLY TOP RATED TOTAL

The Pittsburgh Pirates put a bad beat on their opponent Friday night as they scored twice in the ninth inning to earn a 3-2 win. Runs came at a premium for both teams in that contest, but I expect to see more fireworks today. 

Cubs' left-hander Jon Lester (9-8, 4.43 ERA) has been torched for 16 runs on 24 hits through 14 innings of work over his last three starts. Over is 21-6 in Lesters last 27 starts during game 2 of a series and 11-3-1 in his last 15 starts with 5 days of rest. As for Pirates' starter Steven Brault (3-1, 4.33 ERA), the left-hander was reached for four runs in 4 2/3 innings of an 11-9 Pirates loss at St. Louis last time out. 

Over is 20-7-1 in Pirates' last 28 games vs. a left-handed starter. Over is 6-1 in Lester's last 7 road starts vs. Pirates.

10* play on OVER. 

GAME OF THE WEEK (SOCCER): MIKE'S BEST BUNDESLIGA BET

Borussia Monchengladbach finished last season 5th in the Bundesliga, just missing out on the final ticket to the Champions League. Schalke 04 meanwhile finished 14th, dangerously close to the relegation zone. 

I expect Monchengladbach to win the opener of the 2019/2020 season rather comfortably in front of their fanatic fans home at Borussia-Park. Note that Monchengladbach lost just five home games last season, and four of those losses came against sides from inside the top ten.

Additionally, Monchengladbach won both meetings last season and have a new, interesting manager in Marco Rose who has had plenty of success with Red Bull Salzburg in the Austrian league. 

10* play on Borussia Monchengladbach. 

TOP RATED 10* DOLPHINS @ BUCS BEST BET

The Miami Dolphins looked great in their Week 1win over the Falcons! Or did they, or were their opponent simply weak? Note that Atlanta is 0-3 on the preseason with losses to Denver (14-10), Miami (34-27) and the New York Jets (22-10). 

The Dolphins will face a much tougher opponent here in the Tampa Bay Buccaneers who didn't look all that bad in their 30-28 loss at the Pittsburgh Steelers last Friday. They outgained the Steelers 479-339 and I expect the Bucs offense to fire on all cylinders here in front of the home town crowd. 

Additionally, with two first-year coaches in Brian Flores (Dolphins) and Bruce Arians (Bucs) I think both will want to see what they have to work with, turning this into an exciting shootout. 

10* play on Tampa Bay Bucs. 

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The Miami Dolphins looked great in their Week 1win over the Falcons! Or did they, or were their opponent simply weak? Note that Atlanta is 0-3 on the preseason with losses to Denver (14-10), Miami (34-27) and the New York Jets (22-10). 

The Dolphins will face a much tougher opponent here in the Tampa Bay Buccaneers who didn't look all that bad in their 30-28 loss at the Pittsburgh Steelers last Friday. They outgained the Steelers 479-339 and I expect the Bucs offense to fire on all cylinders here in front of the home town crowd. 

Additionally, with two first-year coaches in Brian Flores (Dolphins) and Bruce Arians (Bucs) I think both will want to see what they have to work with, turning this into an exciting shootout and pushing the score over the total. 

8* play on OVER.

FRIDAY NIGHT MLB MONEYLINE MASSACRE

The Cleveland Indians won Game 1 of this four-game set 19-5 Thursday night. I think that will make the Bronx Bombers all the more motivated here in Game 2. 

Cleveland right-hander Aaron Civale (1-1, 1.00 ERA) has made just three starts in the big leagues, and he'll be opposed by Yankee veteran Masahiro Tanaka (8-6, 4.64 ERA) blanked Toronto over eight innings last time out. The Yankees are  10-1 in Tanaka's last 11 starts overall and he has been particularly dominant home in the Bronx this season. 

8* play on New York Yankees. 

FRIDAY NIGHT NATIONAL LEAGUE NO BRAINER

The Chicago Cubs enter Friday as owners of the wild cards in the National League, despite dropping five of their last six games. They must like their chances of finally hitting a winning streak here against the Pittsburgh Pirates who are firmly in last in the NL Central and second to last in the NL. 

Cubs' righty Kyle Hendricks (8-9, 3.48 ERA) gave up seven runs on a career-high 12 hits in a 10-1 Cubs loss Saturday at Cincinnati, but he had posted a 2.35 ERA over a dominant seven-game stretch prior to that outing. He is 4-6 with a 3.25 ERA in 14 career starts against the Pirates who counter with right-hander Joe Musgrove (8-11, 4.71 ERA) who is 2-4 with a 6.53 ERA since the All-Star. 

Pirates are 5-21 in their last 26 overall. Cubs are 4-0 in the last 4 meetings.

8* play on Chicago Cubs.

TOP RATED 10* MLB PLAY OF THE DAY

The Philadelphia Phillies are coming off a three-game sweep of the Cubs while the San Diego Padres had lost three on the bounce before putting an end to the skid Thursday night. 

I like the Phillies to keep rolling here against Friars' righty Chris Paddack (7-5, 3.26 ERA) who was tagged with six runs over four innings at LA Dodgers his last time out on the road. The Friars are 2-6 in Paddack's last eight starts away from home and he also struggled when he took on the Phillies back in June when he allowed six runs (five earned) over four-plus innings of a 9-6 loss. 

As for Phillies' starter Vince Velasquez (4-7, 4.30 ERA), the 27-year-old righty owns a 2-0 mark with no runs allowed over 17 1/3 innings against the Padres who have lost nine of their last 13 on the road.

10* play on Philadelphia Phillies. 

LATE MLB MIDNIGHT MASSACRE

The Oakland Athletics are 37-23 home at the Coliseum on the season. I think we're getting a great price on the home team in this matchup. 

Houston right-hander Aaron Sanchez (5-14, 5.60 ERA) is 2-8 with a 6.41 ERA in 13 road starts on the season while Oakland righty Mike Fiers (11-3, 3.30 ERA) is 7-2 behind a 2.54 ERA in 13 home starts. All but one of those 13 Sanchez starts came before he was acquired from the Toronto Blue Jays, but that's still a hideous ERA ...  

Additionally, we can note that Houston is sitting pretty at the top of the division while the A's are battling for one of the two wild cards in the American League. 

8* play on Oakland Athletics. 

GAME OF THE WEEK (NFLX): MIKE'S TOP RATED THURSDAY NIGHT ATS ANNHILATOR

Most head coaches could not care less about preseason results, but that's certainly not the case with Baltimore's John Harbaugh who is undefeated over his last 14 exhibition games with the Ravens. They shut out Jacksonville in a 29-0 triumph in Week 1 and look good to pick up another favorable result here against Green Bay on Thursday. 

The Packers have a first-year coach in Matt LaFleur. The pressure might be off a bit after opening the preseason with a 28-26 victory at Lambeau Field against Houston. They had no trouble scoring against the Texans, but points won't come nearly as easy against this sturdy Baltimore defense. 

10* play on Baltimore Ravens. 

THURSDAY NIGHT EAGLES @ JAGS NFLX BOOKIE BLASTER

The Philadelphia Eagles lost 27-10 to the Tennessee Titans in Week 1 while the Jacksonville Jaguars took a 29-0 beating by the hands of Baltimore. 

While preseason results mean next to nothing, I still think the Jags will be up for this game after that shutout defeat, particularly as they get to play in front of the home town crowd. 

We can also note that Jacksonville won its final three preseason games after dropping last year’s opener while the Eagles lost three straight to open the 2018 preseason. 

8* play on Jacksonville Jaguars. 

MLB 3-PACK

The Atlanta Braves opened this series with a 5-3 victory and look good to pick up another W here in Game 2 of the series Wednesday night. 

Atlanta left-hander Dallas Keuchel (3-5, 4.83 ERA) was roughed up for eight runs on 10 hits (three homers) in just 3 2/3 innings against Miami last time out. Keuchel is still an elite pitcher and should bounce back with a big performance here. "I don't think it ever gets easier giving up a bunch of runs, but one thing I can look back on is tomorrow's a new day," Keuchel said after the loss. "It's just one of those days you're happy the game's over with. They hit the ball good, they scored a bunch of runs."

This will be Keuchel's first career start against the Mets who counter with left-hander Steven Matz (7-7, 4.49 ERA). Matz is 1-1 with a 6.23 ERA in three starts against the Braves this season. 

Mets are 1-5 in their last 6 road games vs. a left-handed starter. Braves are 11-5 in their last 16 games vs. a left-handed starter. Mets are 1-5 in the last 6 meetings in Atlanta.

8* play on Atlanta Braves. 

TOP RATED 10* MLB MONEYLINE PLAY OF THE DAY

The Seattle Mariners have won eight straight matchups with the Detroit Tigers following an 11-5 triumph on Tuesday. 

Tigers right-hander Edwin Jackson (2-5, 9.35 ERA) signed a minor league contract with Detroit last month after Toronto cut him loose and impressed with 6 1/3 innings of one-run ball in his Tigers debut. He was however battered big time in his eight appearances with the Blue Jays, giving up six runs on five occasions and here he'll face a Mariners lineup that sure looked dangerous yesterday. As for Mariners' starter Marco Gonzales (12-9, 4.25 ERA), the left-hander is 7-3 with a 3.54 ERA over his last 11 outings and he owns a 2.41 ERA in three career starts against Detroit. 

The Tigers are a major league-worst 16-42 at home and the Mariners are 4-0 in Gonzales' last 4 road starts vs. a team with a losing record.

10* play on Seattle Mariners. 

MLB 3-PACK

The Colorado Rockies are averaging 6.40 runs per game home at Coors Field while the Arizona Diamondbacks are scoring 5.54 runs per game away from home. The first two games of this series have seen a total of 26 runs scored (both Arizona wins) and I predict the D'Backs to pick up another win in a high-scoring affair in the finale of the three-game set. 

Colorado hands the ball to Kyle Freeland (3-10, 7.06 ERA) who is 3-3 with a 5.40 ERA in 10 career starts against Arizona. He has served up 22 homers on the season, and that could spell trouble here as the D'Backs have hit seven homers already in this series. As for Arizona starter Robbie Ray (10-7, 3.99 ERA), the left-hander is 5-5 with a 5.21 ERA in 16 starts against the Rockies. 

Over is 7-2 in Diamondbacks last 9 road games vs. a left-handed starter. Diamondbacks are 6-1 in Ray's last 7 starts. Rockies are 1-5 in Freeland's last 6 starts. 

8* play on Arizona Diamondbacks. 

MLB 3-PACK

The Colorado Rockies are averaging 6.40 runs per game home at Coors Field while the Arizona Diamondbacks are scoring 5.54 runs per game away from home. The first two games of this series have seen a total of 26 runs scored (both Arizona wins) and I predict the D'Backs to pick up another win in a high-scoring affair in the finale of the three-game set. 

Colorado hands the ball to Kyle Freeland (3-10, 7.06 ERA) who is 3-3 with a 5.40 ERA in 10 career starts against Arizona. He has served up 22 homers on the season, and that could spell trouble here as the D'Backs have hit seven homers already in this series. As for Arizona starter Robbie Ray (10-7, 3.99 ERA), the left-hander is 5-5 with a 5.21 ERA in 16 starts against the Rockies. 

Over is 7-2 in Diamondbacks last 9 road games vs. a left-handed starter. Diamondbacks are 6-1 in Ray's last 7 starts. Rockies are 1-5 in Freeland's last 6 starts. 

8* play on OVER. 

UEFA SUPER CUP BOOKIE BLASTER ~ LIVERPOOL VS CHELSEA

Liverpool and Chelsea had very different starts to their 2019/2020 campaign over the weekend as the reigning Champions League champions Liverpool destroyed Norwich by a score of 4-1 on Friday while Chelsea took a 4-0 beating at Man United on Sunday. 

Chelsea have an inexperienced manager in club legend Frank Lampard, and I find it hard to believe he'll outcoach Jurgen Klopp. "In terms of the defeat {at Old Trafford] I think you always learn as a manager ... The clear lesson for everyone was if you make defensive errors against good teams it will cost you."

Momentum and rest advantage for the Reds who will be looking to add yet another title under coach Klopp who wants his side to "stay greedy" for more trophies and not be content despite just winning the Champions League.

8* play on Liverpool. 

SUPER EARLY MLB  MONEYLINE MASSACRE

The Toronto Blue Jays are going for the sweep of this three-game series Wednesday afternoon, and they must like their chances against a Texas team that has scored just 13 runs during a 1-6 run.

The Jays are 4-1 in their last five games vs. a left-handed starter and will get to tee off vs. 21-year-old southpaw Kolby Allard (0-0, 4.15 ERA) who will make just his third major league start. The Jays hand the ball to right-hander Sean Reid-Foley (2-2, 2.36 ERA) who has compiled a 1.29 ERA in three starts since being recalled from Triple-A Buffalo. 

The Jays have won nine of the last 12 meetings at Rogers Centre. 

8* play on Toronto Blue Jays. 

TUESDAY NIGHT MLB MONEYLINE MASSACRE ~ $20 SPECIAL!

Runs had been hard to come by for the Pirates before they erupted for 10 in a blowout triumph in the series opener Monday night. The victory put an end to their eight-game slide, but note that Pittsburgh is just 5-24 in its last 29 overall and 2-10 in its last 12 after scoring five runs or more in its most recent contest.

I highly doubt the Bucs can come up with a similar effort two nights in a row and think the Halos will prove well worth the money as a home favorite. 

Tonight the Pirates will face Angels' rookie right-hander Griffin Canning (4-6, 4.76 ERA) who will be activated from the 10-day injured list. He was due to right elbow inflammation but limited Detroit to four hits in six scoreless innings last time out. As for Pirates' starter Trevor Williams (4-5, 5.06 ERA), he was lit up for six runs on eight hits over five innings in a loss to Milwaukee his most recent start and the 27-year-old is 1-3 with a 6.35 ERA over his past five outings. 

The Angels are 4-0 in Canning's last 4 home starts while the Pirates are 0-4 in Williams' last 4 road starts.

8* play on LA Angels. 

TOP RATED 10* MLB BIG HITTER

The Philadelphia Phillies will host the Chicago Cubs for the opener of a three-game series Tuesday night. I think both teams will be ready for a slugfest after getting Monday off. 

Cubs' left-hander Jose Quintana (10-7, 4.23 ERA) is 0-1 with a 5.29 ERA in three career starts at Citizens Bank Park while Phillies' southpaw Jason Vargas (6-6, 4.09 ERA) is 3-0 lifetime against the Cubs with a 3.95 ERA over seven starts. Vargas has a 4.76 ERA in two starts since coming over from the Mets and over is 7-3 in Cubs last 10 road games vs. a left-handed starter.

We can also note that the over is 18-8 in Phillies last 26 home games vs. a left-handed starter.

10* play on OVER. 

CUBS @ PHILLIES MONEYLINE

The Philadelphia Phillies will host the Chicago Cubs for the opener of a three-game series Tuesday night. I think both teams will be ready for a slugfest after getting Monday off. 

Cubs' left-hander Jose Quintana (10-7, 4.23 ERA) is 0-1 with a 5.29 ERA in three career starts at Citizens Bank Park while Phillies' southpaw Jason Vargas (6-6, 4.09 ERA) is 3-0 lifetime against the Cubs with a 3.95 ERA over seven starts. Vargas has a 4.76 ERA in two starts since coming over from the Mets and over is 7-3 in Cubs last 10 road games vs. a left-handed starter.

We can also note that the over is 18-8 in Phillies last 26 home games vs. a left-handed starter. 

Additionally, I also like the price we get on the home team. The Cubs are just 23-35 away from home this season while Philly is a respectable 34-26 at home. Phillies are 21-6 in their last 27 home games vs. a team with a road winning % of less than .400. 

8* play on Philadelphia Phillies. 

LATE NIGHT MLB MONEYLINE MASSACRE

Wins have been hard to come by for the LA Angels of late, but they closed out last week with back-to-back triumphs at Boston to end an eight-game losing streak. I like the Angels to ride that momentum to another victory here against the reeling Pirates. 

Pittsburgh has dropped eight straight and tonight's starter, right-hander Mitch Keller (0-1, 10.50 ERA), has made just three starts in the big leagues. He has not pitched in the majors since June 18 after getting knocked around for 14 earned runs across 12 frames. As for Halos' Jose Suarez (2-3, 6.22 ERA), while he also has struggled in recent outings the left-hander should not have much to fear from this weak Pittsburgh lineup. 

Pirates are 1-7 in their last 8 games vs. a left-handed starter. Angels are 7-0 in their last 7 interleague home games vs. a right-handed starter. Pirates are 5-23 in their last 28 road games vs. a team with a winning home record.

8* play on Los Angeles Angels. 

DIAMONDBACKS @ DODGERS BOOKIE BLASTER

The Arizona Diamondbacks were held to just four hits and a walk in Saturday's contest here at Chavez Ravine. The Dodgers were not much better with four hits and five walks, but at least they managed to get a couple of runners over home plate to earn a 4-0 victory. 

Only one of the Dodgers last eight games have gone over the total, and I think this will be another low-scoring affair. 

Left-hander Hyun-Jin Ryu (11-2, 1.53 ERA) will toe the slab for the home team. He leads the NL in ERA by a wide margin and has limited Arizona to one run on seven hits over 13 innings on the season. 

As for Arizona starter Mike Leake (9-8, 4.24 ERA), he did not have the best game in his debut in a Diamondbacks uniform on Tuesday, but note his respectable 2.37 ERA in five career games at Dodger Stadium. 

8* play on UNDER. 

GAME OF THE WEEK (MLB): MIKE'S TOP RATED SUNDAY TOTAL

The under is 15-6 in the last 21 meetings at Busch Stadium and I think Sunday's matchup will be another low-scoring affair. 

The Pittsburgh Pirates are losers of seven straight and they've been held to three runs or fewer in five of those games. Here they'll face Cardinals right-hander Miles Mikolas (7-12, 3.94 ERA) who has held the Pirates to eight runs over 27 innings of work on the season, and he owns a spectacular 1.98 ERA over 11 home starts in 2019. Under is 12-3-2 in Mikolas' last 17 starts overall.

As for Pirates starter Steven Brault (3-1, 4.09 ERA), the left-hander has fanned 15 through his last 14 innings of work while allowing only four runs. We can also note that under is 4-0 in Cardinals last four games vs. a left-handed starter and 10-1-1 in their last 12 Sunday games.

10* play on UNDER. 

GAME OF THE WEEK (SOCCER): MIKE'S TOP RATED CHELSEA @ MAN U BOOKIE BREAKER

I like the price we get on Manchester United as a home favorite against Chelsea in their Premier League opener on Sunday. The Red Devils have managed to keep all key players and also brought in center-back Harry Maguire from Leicester. The big man (and world's most expensive defender) will surely have a big impact and goals will be hard to come by for visitors to Old Trafford this season. As for Chelsea, they have a new manager in former player Frank Lampard, but they've not been able to bring in any new players due to the club's transfer ban. 

Man U have lost just one of the last 26 games when opening a top-flight campaign at home, winning 19 and six draws. 

10* play on Man UTD. 

SATURDAY NIGHT MLB MONEYLINE MASSACRE

The Cleveland Indians and the Minnesota Twins are all tied at the top of the American League Central standings following a red hot run for the Tribe which includes back-to-back wins in the first two games of this series. The home team can't be happy about this at all, and I expect the Twins to make it right in front of the home town crowd tonight. 

Cleveland hands the ball to right-hander Adam Plutko (4-2, 4.55 ERA) who held the Angels to one run over five-plus innings last time out. That was at home though, where he has been more comfortable than on the road all season. Plutko has posted a somewhat bloated 5.31 ERA in four appearances (three starts) away from home and the Twins sure know how to swing their bats in their own ballpark. 

As for Twins starter Jake Odorizzi (12-5, 3.61 ERA), he's been money at Target Field with a 6-1 record behind a 3.59 ERA. Odorizzi has faced Cleveland twice this season and held them to two earned runs on four hits with 13 Ks over 11-plus innings of work. 

The last two games of this series will be huge for both teams, but this is where I think the home advantage will kick in.

8* play on Minnesota Twins. 

COWBOYS @ 49ERS SATURDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL TOTAL

The Dallas Cowboys have lost six straight games in Week 1 of the preseason under head coach Jason Garrett. That includes a 24-21 loss to the San Francisco 49ers a year ago. While I'm not confident laying this many points against them, I'm happy to take the over on this contest. 

San Francisco starter Jimmy Garoppolo is unlikely to play, but the team will still feature two capable QBs in Nick Mullens and C.J. Beathard who are competing for the backup spot. As for the Cowboys, starting QB Dak Prescott isn’t expected to play more than one series but they also have two motivated signal callers in Cooper Rush and Mike White looking to make a case why they should be the backup. 

Both teams come in with significant injuries on the defensive side of the ball and I think offense will dominate this game. 

8* play on OVER. 

TOP RATED 10* MLB BIG HITTER TOTAL

The Houston Astros won the opener of this series 3-2 Friday night despite going 2-for-13 with runners in scoring position. I expect better efficiency at the plate from both sides tonight to push the final score over the total. 

Houston right-hander Aaron Sanchez (4-14, 5.76) opened his career with six no-hit innings of a combined no-hitter against the Seattle Mariners last Saturday. Quite a turnaround after posting a 12.00 ERA in June and a 5.26 ERA in July and Sanchez owns a 6.83 ERA in 12 road starts on the season. 

As for Baltimore starter Aaron Brooks (2-5, 5.45 ERA) he has posted a respectable 3.86 ERA in 11 outings (six starts) home at Camden Yards on the season, but note that the Astros roughed him up for five runs on nine hits in five innings of a 6-0 defeat at Houston on April 6.

Over is 18-7-1 in Orioles last 26 home games vs. a team with a winning road record.

10* play on OVER. 

TOP RATED 10* VILLA @ SPURS EPL BOOKIE BREAKER

Tottenham Hotspur finished third in the Premier League last season, and I don't think they'll have any trouble to take care of business against newly promoted Aston Villa in their 2019/2020 season opener. 

Aston Villa finished only fifth in the Championship but earned promotion through the playoffs which include the teams that finish 3rd-6th. They've been busy during the summer spending upwards of $160 million on a dozen players, but that could also mean they'll need a couple of games to fit those new pieces together. 

Tottenham have also brought in reinforcements in midfielders Tanguy Ndombele and Giovani Lo Celso, and winger/defender Ryan Sessegnon. At the same time, they've managed to keep all key players like Harry Kane and Christian Eriksen.  

Tottenham have won nine of the past 10 encounters, scoring 24 and conceding just three, and this should be another blowout win for Spurs. 

10* play on Tottenham -1.5. 

NATIONALS @ METS TGIF BOOKIE BLASTER 

The Washington Nationals will visit the New York Mets for the opener of a three-game series Friday night, and I think runs will be hard to come by for both teams with two very capable hurlers on the mound. 

The Mets hand the ball to Marcus Stroman (6-11, 3.07 ERA). He gave up three runs on seven hits and a pair of walks in 4 1/3 innings at Pittsburgh in his first start in a Mets uniform on Saturday, but I think he has a big advantage here in his home debut and first career start against the Nats. 

As for Washington starter Stephen Strasburg (14-5, 3.72 ERA), the right-hander owns a 2.82 ERA in 20 career starts against the Mets. Under is 13-3 in Nationals last 16 road games and 19-9-1 in Strasburg's last 29 road starts.

8* play on UNDER. 

NL CENTRAL MONEYLINE MASSACRE

The Chicago Cubs have won six of their last seven after opening this series with a 12-5 rout. They look good to pick up another win here in Game 2 Friday night. 

Cubs righty Yu Darvish (4-5, 4.36 ERA) has been dominant of late and he is 3-0 with a 2.92 ERA in six career starts against Cincinnati. Darvish fanned seven in six scoreless innings in a 5-2 win against the Reds on July 17. As for Reds starter Trevor Bauer (9-8, 3.85 ERA), the right-hander owns a dominant 0.46 ERA in three career starts vs. the Cubs, but he has not faced them yet this year. Bauer has been tagged with 11 runs (10 earned) on 16 hits and seven walks over nine innings in his last two starts combined. 

The Cubs have had their woes on the road this season, but note that the Reds are just 1-6 in their last 7 home games vs. a team with a winning record.

8* play on Chicago Cubs. 

TOP RATED 10* MLB TOTAL PLAY OF THE DAY

The New York Yankees opened this four-game series by putting a 12-6 beating on the Baltimore Orioles. The teams combined for six home runs in last night's matchup and the Yankees have hit 21 homers over their last five contests.

Here the Yankees hand the ball to veteran left-hander J.A. Happ (9-6, 5.24 ERA) who has served up six homers in his last four outings. He has allowed a total of 10 runs over 15 innings through his last three starts and the over is 9-4 in the Blue Jays last 13 home games vs. a left-handed starter.

As for Toronto starter Sean Reid-Foley (1-2, 2.49 ERA), the right-hander was tagged with four runs in four innings of a 6-5 loss at Baltimore last time out. He has issued eight walks in his last two starts and 14 over 21 2/3 innings of work on the season. Over is 9-1 in Yankees last 10 games vs. a right-handed starter.

The Yankees have covered the total by themselves in their last two games and the over is 16-3 in their last 19 overall.

10* play on OVER. 

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The New York Yankees opened this four-game series by putting a 12-6 beating on the Baltimore Orioles. The teams combined for six home runs in last night's matchup and the Yankees have hit 21 homers over their last five contests.

Here the Yankees hand the ball to veteran left-hander J.A. Happ (9-6, 5.24 ERA) who has served up six homers in his last four outings. He has allowed a total of 10 runs over 15 innings through his last three starts and the over is 9-4 in the Blue Jays last 13 home games vs. a left-handed starter.

As for Toronto starter Sean Reid-Foley (1-2, 2.49 ERA), the right-hander was tagged with four runs in four innings of a 6-5 loss at Baltimore last time out. He has issued eight walks in his last two starts and 14 over 21 2/3 innings of work on the season. Over is 9-1 in Yankees last 10 games vs. a right-handed starter.

The Yankees have covered the total by themselves in their last two games and the over is 16-3 in their last 19 overall.

8* play on New York Yankees. 

GAME OF THE WEEK (NFLX) TOP RATED JAGUARS @ RAVENS TOTAL

Here we'll see two teams that were among the best in the league for total defense last season. While we're highly unlikely to see any first-stringers in this matchup, I still think the mindset will carry over. 

Additionally, we can note that Baltimore backup QB Robert Griffin III suffered a thumb injury during practice and is unlikely to get many snaps (if any at all), leaving them a bit light under center. As for the Jaguars, they have a new offensive coordinator in John DeFilippo who might need a couple of games to make an impact. 

Under is 5-1-1 in the last 7 meetings and this should be another low-scoring affair. 

10* play on UNDER. 

TOP RATED 10* MLB TOTAL PLAY OF THE DAY

One could easily argue that the New York Yankees own the hottest bats in baseball. They have scored 32 runs through their last three games alone and hit 16 homers during that stretch. 

Here they'll face Toronto left-hander Thomas Pannone (2-4, 5.98 ERA) who has been decent as a reliever, but really struggled as a starter going 0-3 with an 8.86 ERA. 

As for Yankees starter Domingo German (14-2, 3.98 ERA), he is undefeated in six starts since returning from the injured list July 3, despite a mediocre 4.24 ERA. In other words, he's received plenty of run support and we can also note that over is 9-2-1 in German's last 12 road starts.

Toronto owns the fifth-worst record across the major leagues this season, but it has played better lately and scored plenty of runs. 

Over is 15-3 in Yankees last 18 overall.

10* play on OVER. 

NFLX BATTLE OF NEW YORK ~ JETS VS. GIANTS

The New York Jets look like a solid favorite over city rival New York Giants at MetLife Stadium Thursday night. This will be the first preseason game for both teams, and the Jets must like their chances of finally beating the Giants after losing the last four preseason matchups. 

The Jets are fairly deep on the QB position with Trevor Siemian backing up Sam Darnold and it will be interesting to see how much RB Le'veon Bell will play after sitting out the entire 2018 season. "It's a fine line with Le'Veon. He hasn't played in a year," coach Adam Gase said, via the New York Post. "At the same time, when's the right time? Is it this game? Is it the next one? ..."

I expect Gase to want to get Bell up to speed ASAP and the Jets to roll over a banged up Giants team that has suffered a handful of injuries in the early stages of training camp. 

8* play on NY Jets. 

TOP RATED 10* MLB TOTAL PLAY OF THE DAY

Both the New York Yankees and the Baltimore Orioles have been swinging hot bats of late and the two teams have combined for 28 runs through the first two games of this series. I expect to see another slugfest here Wednesday night. 

James Paxton (6-6, 4.61 ERA) will toe the slab for the Yankees. He is coming off six solid innings of two-run ball versus Boston in his first start of the month, but both June and July were months to forget for the 30-year-old southpaw. Paxton has faced Baltimore twice already this season, allowing six runs (five earned) over 11 innings for a 4.09 ERA. 

The Orioles counter with left-hander John Means (8-6, 3.12 ERA) for his first start after a short spell on the IL. Means posted a 5.24 ERA in four July starts while serving up six homers over 22-plus innings of work. Here he'll face a Yankees team that homered six times in last night's contest alone ... 

Over is 14-3 in Yankees last 17 overall. Over is 8-3-1 in Orioles last 12 overall. Over is 22-5-1 in the last 28 meetings in Baltimore.

10* play on OVER. 

TOP RATED 10* MLB TOTAL PLAY OF THE DAY

The New York Yankees opened this series with a 9-6 triumph on Monday and I expect Game 2 to be another high-scoring affair. 

The Bronx Bombers have scored six runs or more in five of their last six games. Here they'll get to tee off versus Baltimore right-hander Asher Wojciechowski (2-4, 4.15 ERA) who was tagged with four runs on six hits (two homers) in an 11-2 loss to Toronto on Thursday. The Yankees will open with righty Jonathan Holder (5-2, 6.28 ERA) who has faced Baltimore four times already this season resulting in seven runs allowed over 5 2/3 innings of work. The Yankees have yet to announce who will follow Holder, but whoever it is may find it hard to slow down a Baltimore side that has scored six runs in three straight games. 

Over is 13-3 in Yankees last 16 overall. Over is 7-3-1 in Orioles last 11 overall. Over is 21-5-1 in the last 27 meetings in Baltimore.

10* play on OVER. 

The surging New York Mets have won 11 of their last 12 games and are one of several teams battling for the two wild cards in the National League. They had no trouble to take care of business in Monday's doubleheader with the Miami Marlins, and I expect the Mets to keep rolling here. 

Miami hands the ball to right-hander Jordan Yamamoto (4-2, 3.94 ERA) who has been lit up for 15 runs through his last three starts. The Mets counter with Zack Wheeler (8-6, 4.45 ERA) who tossed seven innings of shutout ball in Thursday's 4-0 win at the Chicago White Sox. Wheeler is 6-2 with a 1.95 ERA in 12 career starts against the Marlins and the Mets are 6-1 in his last seven home starts.

Edit: the Marlins have now announced Hector Noesi as the starter. I still like the Mets to win easily. 

Marlins are 0-6 in the last 6 meetings at Citi Field.

10* play on NY Mets -1.5. 

TUESDAY NIGHT MLB MONEYLINE MASSACRE

The Pittsburgh Pirates have dropped 13 of their last 15 games after taking a 9-7 loss to the Milwaukee Brewers Monday night. 

Here the Pirates are asked to solve Milwaukee righty Chase Anderson (5-2, 3.73 ERA) who has limited them to six runs through 15 frames this season Anderson has allowed two or fewer earned runs in eight straight starts. 

Pittsburgh counters with Steven Brault (3-1, 4.15 ERA) who is likely to be rusty in his first major league start since going on the injured list four weeks ago with a shoulder strain. Brault walked five, threw a wild pitch and gave up three hits and two runs in four-plus innings in his rehab assignment in Indianapolis on Thursday.

Brewers are 9-3 in the last 12 meetings. Brewers are 8-3 in Anderson's last 11 starts vs. Pirates.

8* play on Milwaukee Brewers. 

MLB 3-PACK

The red hot Cleveland Indians are coming off a 6-2 victory over the Los Angeles Angels and have won 16 of their last 21 contests. They hit three homers on Sunday, and here they'll face Texas' Mike Minor (9-6, 3.21 ERA) who has served up eight homers in his last four starts. The 31-year-old southpaw allowed four runs or more in each of those starts and we can note that the Indians are 14-3 in their last 17 home games vs. a left-handed starter.

Aaron Civale (1-0, 0.00 ERA) will toe the slab for Cleveland for his second career start. The former third-round draft pick has impressed in the minors and fanned six through six scoreless innings against Detroit in his major leagues debut on June 22. 

The Rangers enter this contest on a four-game winning streak, but they're 2-8 in their last 10 vs. a team with a winning record and 6-20 in their last 26 road games vs. a team with a home winning % of greater than .600.

8* play on Cleveland Indians. 

MLB 3-PACK

The Tampa Bay Rays look like a solid home favorite against American League East rival Toronto Blue Jays Monday night. The Rays have won six on the bounce following a dominant 7-2 triumph over the Miami Marlins on Sunday. Here they'll get a look at Toronto's rookie right-hander Jacob Waguespack (2-1, 4.60 ERA) who they've already reached for six runs (five earned) over nine innings. The Rays will counter with right-hander Charlie Morton (12-3. 2.78 ERA) who is 2-0 with a 1.82 ERA in four career starts against Toronto. 

8* play on Tampa Bay Rays -1.5. 

MONDAY NIGHT MLB MONEYLINE MASSACRE

The Milwaukee Brewers have dropped six of their last seven games and got swept by the Chicago Cubs over the weekend to fall four games behind them in the division. The Brewers are in desperate need of putting some Ws together, and I like them to at least get one on the board here against a Pirates team that has lost 18 of 22 games since the All-Star break. 

The Brewers hand the ball to right-hander Jordan Lyles (6-7, 5.15 ERA) for his second start since joining from Pittsburgh. Lyles should be pumped up to take on his former team, and he impressed with five innings of one-run ball at Oakland in his Brew Crew debut. "A breath of fresh air," Lyles said. "A new start. A division race. New life, I guess you can say."

The Pirates turn to righty Dario Agrazal (2-2, 3.65 ERA) who has been tagged with a total of eight runs on 10 hits (five homers!) through nine innings of work over his last two starts. 

Brewers are 8-3 in the last 11 meetings.

8* play on Milwaukee Brewers. 

TOP RATED 10* MLB TOTAL PLAY OF THE DAY

The LA Dodgers and the San Diego Padres have combined for only 12 runs through the past two games of this four-game series. I think we'll see another low-scoring affair in the finale Sunday afternoon. 

Dodgers righty Kenta Maeda (7-8, 4.07 ERA) was roughed up at Colorado last time out, but he owns a 2.53ERA in 10 appearances (nine starts) home at Dodger Stadium this season. He has faced the Friars three times already in 2019, limiting them to seven runs on 10 hits with 24 Ks over 20 1/3 innings of work. 

The Padres hand the ball to right-hander Chris Paddack (7-5, 2.78 ERA) who held Baltimore to one run on three hits over 5 1/3 innings of work last time out. He has also pitched rather well in his two starts against the Dodgers this year, holding them to three earned runs over 10 1/3 frames. 

Under is 13-3 in Padres last 16 road games. Under is 4-1 in Dodgers last 5 home games. Under is 7-1 in the last 8 meetings.

10* play on UNDER. 

TOP RATED 10* MLB RUNLINE RIPPER

The red hot New York Mets had recorded seven straight victories before taking a loss in the second game of this series with the Pirates Friday night. 

They bounced back with a 7-5 triumph on Saturday, and I think they'll close out this series with another win behind Noah Syndergaard (7-5, 4.10 ERA). The 26-year-old right-hander had a poor first half of the season, but he has really stepped up his game since and owns a 1.91 ERA in four starts since the All-Star break. 

Syndergaard has posted a 1.77 ERA in three career starts against the Pirates who counter with righty Joe Musgrove (8-9, 4.23 ERA). Musgrove was rocked by the Cards his last home start and owns a 4.52 ERA in 12 outings (11 starts) at PNC Park on the season. 

Pirates are 1-8 in their last 9 games vs. a right-handed starter. Mets are 7-1 in their last 8 games vs. a right-handed starter. Mets are 5-1 in the last 6 meetings.

10* play on New York Mets -1.5. 

MLB 3-PACK

The Baltimore Orioles and the Toronto Blue Jays have averaged 10 runs per game through the first three games of this series, with the most recent landing just on the number. We'll need a higher scoreline than that average here in the finale of this four-game series, and I think the two clubs will oblige and light up the scoreboard. 

Toronto hands the ball to Sean Reid-Foley (1-1, 2.55 ERA) who gave up five runs (three earned) on four hits over just two innings in his only career start against Baltimore on April 1. The Orioles meanwhile will use right-hander Tom Eshelman (0-2, 6.35 ERA) behind opener Jimmy Yacabonis (1-2, 7.34 ERA), and a look at the two pitchers' ERA says it all really. Eshelman will put in the bulk of the work, and he has served up seven home runs over just 22 2/3 innings of work this season. 

"We give up a ton of home runs," Orioles manager Brandon Hyde said following Saturday's matchup in which both teams hit two homers. "It's pretty annoying. But it's kind of where we are. We play in a hitter's ballpark in the American League East, and when we don't throw -- a lot of times, we just don't execute very well." The Blue Jays lead the majors with 83 homers since June 16 and should do plenty of damage with the long-ball today as well.

8* play on OVER. 

MLB 3-PACK

The Houston Astros put a 10-2 beating on the Seattle Mariners in the opener of this three-game series Friday night. Here they'll get a look at Seattle left-hander Marco Gonzales (12-8, 4.21 ERA) who is 0-3 with a 7.58 ERA in five career appearances (four starts) against the Astros. We can also note that Astros are 15-3 in their last 18 home games vs. a left-handed starter.

Houston meanwhile hands the ball to right-hander Aaron Sanchez (3-14, 6.07 ERA) for his team debut since joining as part of a four-player trade with the Toronto Blue Jays. Sanchez is 2-0 with a 1.31 ERA over six appearances (three starts) against the Mariners. 

8* play on Houston Astros -1.5. 

TOP RATED 10* BLUE JAYS @ ORIOLES TOTAL

The Toronto Blue Jays have scored 16 runs while taking the first couple of games of this series and they've averaged more than seven runs per game over a five-game winning streak. 

I think they'll keep swinging hot bats tonight as they get a look at Baltimore righty Dylan Bundy (5-11, 5.24 ERA) who has posted a 6.16 ERA home at Camden Yards on the season. Over is 10-2 in Bundy's last 12 home starts vs. a team with a losing record and he could be in big trouble against a Blue Jays side that has hit a major-league best 81 homers since June 16.

The Jays counter with left-hander Thomas Pannone (2-4, 5.98 ERA) who has made just four starts on the season and was 0-1 with a 6.14 ERA in three starts in July. Over is 5-1-2 in Orioles last 8 home games vs. a left-handed starter.

Over is 5-2 in Blue Jays last 7 overall. Over is 6-2 in Orioles last 8 overall. 

10* play on OVER. 

MLB 3-PACK

The Toronto Blue Jays have scored 16 runs while taking the first couple of games of this series and they've averaged more than seven runs per game over a five-game winning streak. 

I think they'll keep swinging hot bats tonight as they get a look at Baltimore righty Dylan Bundy (5-11, 5.24 ERA) who has posted a 6.16 ERA home at Camden Yards on the season. Over is 10-2 in Bundy's last 12 home starts vs. a team with a losing record and he could be in big trouble against a Blue Jays side that has hit a major-league best 81 homers since June 16.

The Jays counter with left-hander Thomas Pannone (2-4, 5.98 ERA) who has made just four starts on the season and was 0-1 with a 6.14 ERA in three starts in July. Over is 5-1-2 in Orioles last 8 home games vs. a left-handed starter.

In addition to the over, I also like the price we get on the Jays to keep dominating the Orioles and roll to a sixth straight victory. 

8* play on Toronto Blue Jays. 

EARLY TOP RATED 10* MLB BIG HITTER

The Chicago Cubs had no trouble to roll past the Milwaukee Brewers Friday afternoon and have now won nine of their last 11 home at Wrigley Field. I expect an easy win for the home team here in Game 2 of this three-game series early Saturday. 

Cubs' left-hander Cole Hamels (6-3, 2.98 ERA) will make his first start since June 28 after a stint on the IL. Hamels had posted a white hot 1.22 ERA in his last six starts prior to the injury, and I think he'll take up right where he left off. Hamels is 1-0 behind a 2.08 ERA in two turns against Milwaukee this season. The Brewers counter with southpaw colleague Gio Gonzalez (2-1, 3.48 ERA) who left his last outing on July 26 against the Cubs with shoulder tightness.

Brewers are 3-10 in their last 13 road games vs. a left-handed starter. Cubs are 33-16 in their last 49 home games vs. a left-handed starter.

10* play on Chicago Cubs. 

SUPER EARLY RED SOX @ YANKEES DAYTIME DESTROYER

The Boston Red Sox and the New York Yankees bats combined for six runs in the first inning before going ice cold through the rest of the game in Friday night's matchup. I expect to see the teams score at a decent clip in all nine innings here in Game 1 of a doubleheader on Saturday to push the total score over the posted number. 

Red Sox left-hander Chris Sale (5-10, 4.26 ERA) is 0-3 with a 7.71 ERA against the Yankees this season. Sale was tagged with six runs on five hits and three walks over 5 1/3 innings when he took on the Yankees last Sunday. NYY righty Domingo German (13-2, 4.08 ERA) allowed three runs on four hits and a walk in 5 1/3 innings in that same matchup, a 9-6 Yankees win.  

Over is 10-2 in Yankees last 12 overall. Over is 14-3 in Red Sox last 17 vs. a team with a winning record.

8* play on OVER.

TOP RATED 10* MLB RUNLINE PLAY OF THE DAY

The Houston Astros are coming off a 7-1 victory at Cleveland on Thursday look like a good home favorite with left-hander Wade Miley (9-4, 3.06 ERA) on the mound. They're 6-1 SU (5-2 against the runline) in his seven starts as a home favorite this season and Miley himself was a red hot 3-0 with a 2.03 ERA in five turns in August. The Mariners counter with lefty Yusei Kikuchi (4-7, 5.21 ERA). He limited Detroit to two runs on seven hits over 6 2/3 innings as a home favorite last time out, but the team is 0-5 SU and 1-4 against the runline in his last five starts closing as an underdog. Kikuchi took on Houston on June 29 and was tagged with five runs (three earned) on six hits and three walks over five innings. 

Astros are 14-3 in their last 17 home games vs. a left-handed starter. Mariners are 2-9 in Kikuchi's last 11 starts.

10* play on Houston Astros -1.5. 

TOP RATED 10* RED SOX @ YANKEES TOTAL

The Boston Red Sox have suffered a sweep by the hands of the Tampa Bay Rays to open the week, and that despite scoring a respectable 14 runs through the three-game series. They took three of four when they took on the Yankees in an extremely high-scoring set (16.5 runs per game) at Fenway last week, and I expect both teams to produce plenty of runs here in the opener of a four-game series in the Bronx. 

Yankees left-hander James Paxton (5-6, 4.72 ERA) served up four homers and was tagged with seven runs in just four innings of a 10-5 loss to Boston last time out. Red Sox righty Eduardo Rodriguez (13-4, 4.13 ERA) allowed three runs on seven hits and three walks in 5 2/3 innings in a 9-5 win over Yankees last time out. 

Over is 12-1 in Rodriguez's last 13 road starts. Over is 10-1 in Yankees last 11 overall. Over is 9-4-1 in Paxton's last 14 starts overall.

10* play on OVER. 

MLB MONEYLINE MASSACRE

The red hot New York Mets enter this contest on an eight-game winning streak, and here they'll face a shorthanded Pittsburgh team that has lost 10 of its last 11 and has been hit hard by suspensions following a benches-clearing brawl in Tuesday's matchup with the Cincinnati Reds. 

Additionally, we can note that Mets' left-hander Steven Matz (6-6, 4.32 ERA) fanned seven in a complete-game shutout against the Pirates on Saturday to improve to 2-1 with a 3.00 ERA in four career starts against the club. Pirates' righty Trevor Williams (3-4, 4.87 ERA) was charged with the L in that matchup and the Pirates have lost each of his last three starts.

Pirates are 0-6 in their last 6 games vs. a left-handed starter. Mets are 6-0 in their last 6 games vs. a right-handed starter.

8* play on NY Mets. 

BRONCOS VS. FALCONS HALL OF FAME GAME

The Denver Broncos have flipped from an underdog to a favorite here in the Hall Of Fame Game, and for a good reason IMO. They have some interesting talent battling for the backup QB spot behind Joe Flacco (who will be rested here). Kevin Hogan, who was 43-of-67 passing for 462 yards, five touchdowns and two interceptions for the Redskins last preseason has been named the starter for Thursday, but rookie second-round pick Drew Lock will also be eager to show off his skills. 

We can also note that Denver has hired Vic Fangio as its new head coach. Fangio led the Bears’ No. 1 defense in 2018 and if anyone can get Denver's D back on track it's him. 

I'm sure Fangio will put more emphasis on this contest than Atlanta head coach Dan Quinn who is 4-12 ATS overall in the preseason with the Falcons (0-8 ATS the last two years). 

8* play on Denver Broncos. 

CUBS @ CARDINALS TOTAL

The St. Louis Cardinals won the series opener 2-1 on Tuesday, but Chicago bounced back to win the second game of the series 2-0 on Wednesday. I expect another low-scoring affair here in the finale of the three-game set. 

Cards righty Jack Flaherty (4-6, 4.17 ERA) has posted a 1.48 ERA (four earned runs allowed over 24 1/3 innings) over his past four starts. He's still 0-1 in those outings getting just nine runs of support. 

The Cubs turn to left-hander Jon Lester (9-6, 3.63 ERA) who tossed seven scoreless innings of a no-decision at Milwaukee last time out. 

Under is 11-2-1 in Cubs last 14 overall. Under is 4-1-1 in Cardinals last 6 overall.

8* play on UNDER. 

GAME OF THE WEEK (MLB): MIKE'S TOP RATED ASTROS @ INDIANS TOTAL

American League rivals Houston Astros and Cleveland Indians will clash in the finale of their three-game series Thursday night. The Tribe homered four times in Wednesday's 10-4 victory, but I don't think runs will come quite as easy for either team in this matchup. 

Cleveland will hand the ball to Danny Salazar for his first start of the season. He missed the first half after undergoing major shoulder surgery but has posted a 2.60 ERA with 28 strikeouts against five walks in six rehab appearances. He owns a 2.25 ERA in four career starts against the Astros who counter with Gerrit Cole (12-5, 2.94 ERA). Cole has posted an outstanding 1.96 ERA in his last 12 contests and he owns a 3.27 ERA in three career meetings with Cleveland. 

Under is 9-3 in Astros last 12 overall. Under is 4-1 in Indians last 5 home games vs. a team with a winning road record.

10* play on UNDER. 

CUBS @ CARDS TOTAL

Cubs right-hander Kyle Hendricks (7-8, 3.26 ERA) boasts a 2.93 ERA in 16 career matchups with St. Louis. Cards righty Miles Mikolas (7-10, 4.19 ERA) owns a 1.88 ERA in previous meetings with the Cubs.

Under is 10-2-1 in Cubs last 13 overall. Under is 21-6 in Cardinals last 27 home games.

8* play on UNDER. 

TOP RATED 10* MLB TOTAL PLAY OF THE DAY

The New York Mets defeated host Chicago White Sox in a low-scoring affair in the opener of this three-game series Tuesday night. I don't think we'll see much fireworks here in Game 2 of the series either. 

White Sox righty Lucas Giolito (11-5, 3.52 ERA) has struggled since his red hot start to the year and was smacked around for seven runs by Minnesota last time out. We can however note that under is 5-2 in Giolito's last 7 home starts, and under is 5-2-1 in the Mets last 8 road games vs. a right-handed starter. The visitors hand the ball to Jacob deGrom (6-7, 2.86 ERA) who is enjoying a great campaign but with little to show for it in the win column due to poor run support. He has been sharper than usual here in July, boasting a 1.04 ERA in four starts. 

Under is 8-2 in Mets last 10 vs. a team with a losing record. Under is 5-2 in White Sox last 7 overall. 

10* play on UNDER. 

MLB 3-PACK

The New York Mets defeated host Chicago White Sox in a low-scoring affair in the opener of this three-game series Tuesday night. I don't think we'll see much fireworks here in Game 2 of the series either. 

White Sox righty Lucas Giolito (11-5, 3.52 ERA) has struggled since his red hot start to the year and was smacked around for seven runs by Minnesota last time out. We can however note that under is 5-2 in Giolito's last 7 home starts, and under is 5-2-1 in the Mets last 8 road games vs. a right-handed starter. The visitors hand the ball to Jacob deGrom (6-7, 2.86 ERA) who is enjoying a great campaign but with little to show for it in the win column due to poor run support. He has been sharper than usual here in July, boasting a 1.04 ERA in four starts. 

Under is 8-2 in Mets last 10 vs. a team with a losing record. Under is 5-2 in White Sox last 7 overall. 

The Mets are a rather big road favorite here, but I still think they'll prove worth the price. 

8* play on NY Mets.