MLB 3-Pack
Play: Pittsburgh Pirates
Rating: 8/10*

The Pittsburgh Pirates have lost five of their last six following a 9-1 loss to the Reds on Tuesday. We can however note that the Pirates are 7-3 in their last 10 after scoring two runs or fewer in their previous game and here they'll get a look at Cincinnati right-hander Robert Stephenson (0-4, 7.86 ERA) who is 0-0 with an 8.53 ERA in four career appearances (two starts) against Pittsburgh.

The Pirates hand the ball to Trevor Williams (4-4, 4.53 ERA) who held the Giants to one run on five hits through six innings his last time out.

The Reds have won seven straight meetings at PNC Park. I hate to use the word "due", but Pittsburgh really is due to win this contest. 

Wednesday Champions League Qualifier
Play: Under
Rating: 8/10*

Vardar Skopje won the first leg of the tie 1-0 home at Macedonia. They will now travel to Denmark and park the bus. FC Copenhagen are struggling to score and are coming off a 0-0 draw against Hobro in the domestic league. Let's go with under 2.5 goals. 

Late Night MLB *BOOKIE BREAKER*
Play: San Diego Padres
Rating: 8/10*

The San Diego Padres host the Minnesota Twins for the opener of a two-game interleague series Monday night. The Twins are 9-1 in the last 10 meetings, but they've lost six of their last seven overall following Sunday's 6-5 loss in 12 innings to Oakland. 

This looks like a good spot to back the Padres with Jhoulys Chacin (10-7, 4.22 ERA) on the mound. Chacin is 6-2 with a 2.05 ERA in 11 starts at Petco Park, and he has won four straight decisions. 

The Twins turn to Jose Berrios (9-4, 3.76 ERA) who hasn't seen the fifth inning in either of his last two starts on the road, giving up a total of 11 runs (six earned) on 11 hits and four walks through just 5 2/3 innings of work. The Twins are now 0-4 in Berrios' last four road starts.

The Padres took a 7-1 beating by Pittsburgh on Sunday, but they're 6-2 in their last eight after scoring two runs or fewer in their previous game and 4-1 in their last five overall.

MLB *RUNLINE RIPPER*
Play: Washington Nationals
Rating: 8/10*

The Washington Nationals claimed the opener of this three-game series 1-0 on Monday. They're 14 games ahead of the Miami Marlins at the top of hte NL East, and I think the Nats will win by a fairly large margin tonight. 

Chris O'Grady (2-1, 3.68 ERA) will take the ball for Miami, his fifth start in the majors. The 27 year old rookie tossed seven scoreless innings of five-hit ball agains the Reds his last time out. O'Grady's 3.68 ERA might look pretty decent, but his 1.41 WHIP tells another story with 12 walks and 19 hits allowed through 22 innings of work. 

The Nats hand the ball to Max Scherzer (12-5, 2.23 ERA) who has been phenomenal all season. Scherzer has been even better on the road than at home, entering the contest with an 8-2 record behind a 1.81 ERA in 12 away starts on the season. 

The Nats powerful offense should be too much for O'Grady to handle. We can note that the Nats are 20-16 against the runline as a road favorite on the season, and that is at an average line of +115. 

Champions League Qualifier
Play: Over
Rating: 8/10*

Interesting spot here after a 0-0 draw at Azerbaijan in the first leg. Visiting Karabakh is the favorite and will go for goals. They had plenty of chances but struggled with the finishing touch. If they score one goal, Sheriff need to score two in order to advance (due to the away goals rule). I think the game will open up if we can only get one goal for either side. Let's go with the over. 

Top Rated 10* MLB *BIG HITTER*
Play: Texas Rangers
Rating: 10/10*

The Texas Rangers are coming off back-to-back losses to the Orioles while the Mariners are coming off a pair of wins against the Mets. The results combined are one of the the reasons why we're getting a great price on the Rangers with Cole Hamels on the mound Monday night. 

Hamels (5-1, 3.97 ERA) is coming off a couple of rough outings, but he's still 4-0 with a 2.88 ERA in five home starts on the season. He's always been hard to beat home at Arlington and the Rangers are 22-5 in Hamels' last 27 home starts.

The Mariners turn to Felix Hernandez (5-4, 4.08 ERA). He's not having a good season and has particularly struggled on the road, going 1-2 with a 5.00 ERA in four starts. 

The Rangers are 4-0 in Hamels' last 4 home starts vs. Mariners and 8-1 in the last meetings at Globe Life Park. 

ESPN *ENFORCER*
Play: Cleveland Indians
Rating: 8/10*

The Cleveland Indians had won nine straight games prior to falling victim to a White Sox walk-off homer on Sunday. My money is on the Tribe to bounce back with a victory at Fenway Park tonight. 

They'll face Doug Fister (0-5, 7.46 ERA) who will take the ball for the Boston Red Sox. Fister allowed six runs on seven hits in 4/3 innings against the Blue Jays his last start. He's pitched out of the bullpen since and gets a spot start here only because David Price on the 10-day DL. 

The Indians turn to Mike Clevinger (5-3, 3.20 ERA) who was roughed up by the Halos his last time out, but he has otherwise pitched very well lately. We can also note that Clevinger is 4-1 with a 2.15 ERA in seven road starts this season. 

The Red Sox are Red Sox are 2-6 in their last eight overall, and I think this is a very fair price on the Indians to claim the series-opener. 

Super Early Braves/Phillies *BANKROLL BUILDER*
Play: Atlanta Braves
Rating: 8/10*

The Philadelphia Phillies have won four consecutive games and they're 9-4 in its past 13 games. I think they're about to run into trouble here Monday afternoon though as they face the red hot Mike Foltynewicz (9-5, 3.82 ERA) on the mound. 

Foltynewicz is 6-0 with a 3.74 ERA during a nine-start unbeaten run, and the Braves have given him an average of 7.2 runs of support per game during the unbeaten streak. Atlanta is due for an offensive breakout again here after scoring just 10 runs in their past four games. 

The Phillies hand the ball to Nick Pivetta (3-6, 5.73 ERA) who has given up 17 runs in 16 1/3 innings of work since the All Star break. 

The Braves are 12-2 in Foltynewicz's last 14 starts. The Phillies are 4-10 in Pivetta's last 14 starts. Let's go with the Braves as an early winner Monday afternoon. 

MLB 3-Pack
Play: Philadelphia Phillies
Rating: 8/10*

Good value on the Philadelphia Phillies here. They've scored a fair amount of runs lately, and I think they'll keep their offensive production up against R.A. Dickey (6-7, 4.31 ERA).

Dickey is 1-5 with a 5.68 ERA in nine starts on the road this season and 1-2 with a 5.40 ERA in five starts here at Citizens Bank Stadium. The veteran knuckleballer has been tagged with eight runs on 12 hits and seven walks in 10 2/3 innings through his last two starts combined. The Phillies hand the ball to Vince Velasquez (2-6, 5.49 ERA). There's actually not much positive to say about the right-hander, but I expect the Phillies bats to bail him out. 

The Braves are 4-10 in their last 14 Sunday games. The Phillies are 4-0 in their last 4 Sunday games. 

MLB 3-Pack
Play: Detroit Tigers
Rating: 8/10*

The Detroit Tigers snapped a four-game losing streak with a 5-3 victory against the Houston Astros yesterday. They hand the ball to Justin Verlander Sunday afternoon, and I think they'll at the very least keep this a close enough game to cover the runline. 

Justin Verlander (5-7, 4.50 ERA) has pitched well lately, posting a 2.77 ERA through his last four starts. He has pitched well against Houston throughout his career, going 4-0 with a strong 2.83 ERA in eight career starts.

The Astros hand the ball to Lance McCullers Jr. (7-2, 3.67 ERA) who has been torched for 15 runs in just 13 2/3 innings of work in his last three starts combined. 

The Tigers are 13-5 in the last 18 meetings at Comerica Park. There's however a reason why the Astros have the best record in the American League, and the +1.5 runs on Tigers could prove to be very valuable. 

MLB 3-Pack
Play: Toronto Blue Jays
Rating: 8/10*

The Toronto Blue Jays headed into the 9th inning with a 5-3 lead yesterday when the Halos scored three to clinch the game. I think that loss will serve as extra motivation for the Jays today as they look to avoid getting swept. 

Cesar Valdez (1-0, 4.97 ERA) will take the ball for Toronto as the 32 year old is set to make his 10th appearance (third start) for the season. He limited the A's to one run on five hits through six innings his last time out. 

The Halos turn to Jesse Chavez (5-10, 5.35 ERA). LAA has lost each of his last five starts, and he was rocked for seven runs on five hits and four walks in just 2 1/3 frames his last time out. Chavez is 1-4 with a poor 6.27 ERA in previous meetings with the Blue Jays. We can also note that he's a 2-6 with an abysmal 7.00 ERA on the road this season. 

The Blue Jays are 20-8 in their last 28 games after losing the first two games of a series.

Women European Championship
Play: Austria +0.5
Rating: 8/10*

Austria may be in their first European Championship ever, but they're playing really well and went through the group stage undefeated with two wins and a draw. France meanwhile managed to make it through from the group stage despite just one win and two defeats. You just gotta side with the hotter team here, and I'm backing Austria +0.5 goals. 

MLB *MONEYMAKER*
Play: San Diego Padres +1.5
Rating: 8/10*

The San Diego Padres are riding a three-game winning streak after claiming the opener of this three-game series 3-2 on Friday. The slumping Pittsburgh Pirates have dropped five of their last six. 

The Padres hand the ball to Dinelson Lamet (4-4, 5.92 ERA) who held the Giants to two runs through 6 2/3 innings his last time out. Lamet has delivered his best stuff at home this season, and his 68 Ks through 51 2/3 innings of work overall on the season is an impressive number.

The Pirates turn to Ivan Nova (10-7, 3.62 ERA who much like Lamet is far better at home than on the road. Nova is 3-5 with a 4.24 ERA in 11 road starts on the season and he was knocked around for seven runs on nine hits in five innings of a 13-3 loss at Coors Field his last start. 

Great price on the Padres +1.5 runs IMO. 

MLB *ACE ON THE MOUND*
Play: Arizona Diamondbacks
Rating: 8/10*

The Arizona Diamondbacks hand the ball to Zack Greinke (12-4, 2.92 ERA) who is 11-4 with a solid 3.30 ERA in 17 career games (15 starts) against the Cardinals. He gave up only five hits and two runs over eight innings with no walks and six strikeouts in a 10-2 win against Atlanta Monday night.

St. Louis hands the ball to Mike Leake (7-8, 3.20 ERA) who is 5-2 despite a somewhat bloated a 4.92 ERA in 10 career starts versus Arizona. 

The Diamondbacks are 21-5 in Greinke's last 26 starts vs. a team with a losing record. The Cardinals are 2-9 in Leake's last 11 home starts vs. a team with a winning record.

Back Arizona with its ace on the mound. 

MLB 3-Pack
Play: LAA Angels +1.5
Rating: 8/10*

The Los Angeles Angels opened this series with a 7-2 victory Friday night, and I think the Halos can bark as an underdog here in Game 2. 

Yusmeiro Petit (2-0, 2.70 ERA) will take the ball for LAA. He's been excellent working out of the bullpen this season (36 appearances) and I think he'll make the most out of this start. 

The Blue Jays turn to Francisco Liriano (6-5, 5.99 ERA) who has posted a 9.35 ERA in his last three start. He is 2-7 with a 5.95 ERA in 12 career games (11 starts) against the Angels. 

The Angels are 12-4 in the last 16 meetings at Toronto, and I think their success continues Saturday afternoon, or at the very least will keep this a one-run game. 

The Halos are not a high-scoring team though and will have to rely on good pitching from Petit to stay in the game. I think he will come through with a big performance, and I'm also backing the under, making the +1.5 runs extra valuable. 

MLB 3-Pack
Play: Under
Rating: 8/10*

The Los Angeles Angels opened this series with a 7-2 victory Friday night, and I think the Halos can bark as an underdog in a low-scoring game here in Game 2. 

Yusmeiro Petit (2-0, 2.70 ERA) will take the ball for LAA. He's been excellent working out of the bullpen this season (36 appearances) and I think he'll make the most out of this start. 

The Blue Jays turn to Francisco Liriano (6-5, 5.99 ERA) who has posted a 9.35 ERA in his last three start. He is 2-7 with a 5.95 ERA in 12 career games (11 starts) against the Angels. 

The Angels are 12-4 in the last 16 meetings at Toronto, and I think their success continues Saturday afternoon, or at the very least will keep this a one-run game. 

The Halos are not a high-scoring team though and will have to rely on good pitching from Petit to stay in the game. I think he will come through with a big performance, and I'm also backing the under, making the +1.5 runs extra valuable. 

MLB 3-Pack
Play: New York Yankees
Rating: 8/10*

This looks like a good spot to back the surging New York Yankees who are 7-1 in their last eight games following Friday's 6-1 beatdown of the Tampa Bay Rays. 

Today 26 year old rookie Caleb Smith (0-1, 8.10 ERA) will make his third career appearance (2nd start) for the Yankees. He's been banged up on the road in his previous two outings, but I think he'll come through with a big game in his first start here at Yankee stadium. 

The Rays turn to Blake Snell (0-6, 4.86 ERA) who has yet to win a game this season, and Tampa Bay has lost six of his last seven starts. The Rays have lost seven of their last nine games, and I don't think they'll be able to outscore the Bronx Bombers here. 

Saturday Soccer Total
Play: Over
Rating: 8/10*

This will mark both teams' second game of the season in the domestic league. Rapid Vienna are coming off a 2-2 draw against Mattersburg in their season premiere while St. Polten fell 3-2 at Sturm Graz. Both teams played several high-scoring contests during the preseason, and I think this will go over 2.5 goals easily. 

Subsribers Only
Play: Malmö FF
Rating: 5/10*

No Comment

Allsvenskan *ANNIHILATOR*
Play: Elfsborg
Rating: 8/10*

This soccer selection is from Swedish Allsvenskan where Elfsborg will host Sirius. Both teams are playing well at the moment, and they're not far off second placed AIK in a table that is extremely tight from 2-9th place. Home field should be the deciding factor here though as Elfsborg are very strong on the artificial grass home at Borås Arenas. The visitors are also hampered by injuries to a couple of key players, among others their top scorer Moses Ogbu. 

Late Night MLB *NIGHTCRAWLER*
Play: Minnesota Twins
Rating: 8/10*

The Minnesota Twins have won just one of their last six games, but the Oakland Athletics are even worse with just one victory through their last seven contests. 

Here the Twins hand the ball to left-hander Jaime Garcia (4-7, 4.30 ERA) who will make his debut since coming over from the Braves. Garcia is a solid pitcher and went seven innings in his previous turn while holding the D'Backs to one run on four hits. Note that Oakland is 0-5 in its last five games vs. a left-handed starter and 6-16 in its last 22 Friday games.

Daniel Gossett (2-5, 5.40 ERA) will toe the slab for the A's. The 24 year old will make just his ninth career start, and he's 0-2 with a 4.82 ERA in three starts home at Oakland Coliseum.  

The A's opened the week by getting swept in a four-game series in Toronto to complete a 1-6 trip. They're 0-4 in their last four home games following a road trip of seven or more days.

Top Rated 10* MLB *BIG HITTER*
Play: Texas Rangers
Rating: 10/10*

The Texas Rangers are coming off a much needed day off following their 22-10 loss to the Marlins. The Rangers are 5-0 in their last five games following an off day and 5-2 in their last seven Friday games. Tonight's opponent the Baltimore Orioles on the other hand are 0-7 in their last seven Friday games.

Andrew Cashner (5-8, 3.64 ERA) will take the ball for the Rangers. He owns a superb 2.50 ERA through six starts in front of the home fans this season, and I certainly rate him higher than Chris Tillman (1-5, 7.01 ERA) who's having an outright awful season. The 29 year old right-hander has been particularly bad on the road, allowing 22 runs (21 earned) on 34 hits through just 15 1/3 frames for a 12.33 ERA. 

The Rangers have won seven of the last eight meetings at Texas.

MLB 3-Pack
Play: Over
Rating: 8/10*

Over is 9-3 in the last 12 meetings in the Bronx, and I think we'll see another high-scoring contest Friday night. 

Austin Pruitt (5-1, 6.25 ERA) will take the ball for the Rays as the 27-year-old rookie will make a spot start for injured Jake Odorizzi. Pruitt has worked out of the bullpen on and off this season for a total of 18 appearances and one start, without much success. Pruitt faced the Yankees three times in relief in April, allowing a total of five runs (three earned) and eight hits over just 1 2/3 innings of work.

The Yankees turn to Masahiro Tanaka (7-9, 5.37 ERA) who is 0-2 with a 20.65 ERA against the Rays in 2017, and he has struggled throughhis last three outings overall, yielding 12 runs and 18 hits through 18 frames while serving up a total of five homers.

Top Rated 10* Late Night MLB *BEST BET*
Play: San Diego Padres
Rating: 10/10*

The San Diego Padres will host the new York Mets in the final game of their four-game set at Petco Park in San Diego Thursday night. 

Luis Perdomo (4-5, 4.71 ERA) takes the ball for the Padres for his first meeting ever with the Mets. Note that the Padres are 4-0 in Perdomo's last four home starts and the right-hander has a 4-1 record with a 4.83 ERA in nine home starts on the season. 

This is however not as much a bet on the Padres and Perdomo as a fade of the Mets' Chris Flexen who will be making his Major League debut. I think the Padres will make the most of this opportunity to beat up on a rookie, and this is just a good spot overall to back the home team. 

Europa League Qualifier
Play: Under
Rating: 8/10*

This will be Everton's first game in the European League qualification phase and also their first competitive game of the season. I don't expect them to come out playing great football, and visiting Ruzomberok from Slovenia will surely just sit back to try and concede as few goals as possible. 

I don't think we'll see many goals here, and I'm backing the under. 

Super Early MLB *BANKROLL BUILDER*
Play: Cleveland Indians
Rating: 8/10*

The Cleveland Indians have outscored their opponents 50-18 during a six-game winning streak. I expect them to remain hot and complete the sweep of this three-game series with the LAA Angels Thursday afternoon.

Trevor Bauer will take the ball for the Tribe. He is just 1-2 with a bloated 8.44 ERA so far here in July, but he's had plenty of success against the Angels in the past going 3-0 with a 3.14 ERA in four career starts. Bauer is 5-3 with a 4.81 ERA home at Progressive Field this season. 

The Halos turn to JC Ramirez (9-8, 4.38 ERA) who has pitched well this month, going 2-2 with a 3.52 ERA. This will be his first career start against Cleveland, but he has posted a 5.06 ERA in four relief appearances against the Indians. 

It would be foolish to go against the Indians considering the way they're playing right now. It's a lot of juice to lay, but I think Cleveland will prove well worth the investment.

Top Rated 10* MLB *MONEYMAKER*
Play: Houston Astros
Rating: 10/10*

The Houston Asros are going for the sweep of this three-game series at Citizens Bank Park Wednesday evening. They're 22-5 in their last 27 interleague road games and 7-0 in their last seven games vs. a team with a winning % below .400. The Astros are an impressive 37-12 on the road overall this season while the Philadelphia Phillies are just 18-28 at home.

Tonight Mike Fiers (7-4, 3.59 ERA) will take the ball for Houston. He's 0-2 with a 12.15 ERA vs. Philadelphia, having given up 11 runs (nine earned) in 6 2/3 innings, but this looks like a good time to improve those numbers. Fiers is 2-0 with a 1.93 ERA in his last two starts, and over his past 10 starts dating back to May 30, Fiers is 6-2 with a 2.36 ERA. 

The Phillies turn to Aaron Nola (7-6, 3.38 ERA) who is 4-1 with a 1.70 ERA through his last six outings. The thing is though, he's not faced the Astros in any of those games. Note that Houston leads the majors in batting average, home runs, runs and several other offensive categories this season. 

The Astros are 14-5 as a favorite closing at less than -120 this season. Do not be afraid to back the Astros with a BIG BET at this great price. 

MLB *AFTERNOON APOCALYPSE*
Play: San Francisco Giants
Rating: 8/10*

The San Francisco Giants exploded offensively and scored 10 runs through the first four frames against the Pittsburgh Pirates on Tuesday. I think they'll give Trevor Williams (4-4, 4.74 ERA) all sorts of problems as well here on Wednesday. 

Williams was tagged with five runs on seven hits in 6 2/3 innings at Coors Field his last time out. He has posted a 5.40 ERA in 10 appearances (seven starts) on the road this season and has struggled to log innings, which does not bode well considering the circumstances. 

The Giants hand the ball to Jeff Samardzija (4-11, 5.05 ERA) who has struggled lately as well, conceding 16 runs on 26 hits in 17 1/3 innings in his last three starts combined. He did however face the Pirates at the beginning of the month and was terrific, limiting the Bucs to two runs in six innings. He is 5-4 with a strong 2.91 ERA in his career against Pittsburgh. 

Wednesday Soccer Parlay
Play: Celtic
Rating: 8/10*

Scottish Celtic host Norwegian Rosenborg in the Champions League qualifiers on Wednesday. I really expect Celtic to go for the knockout right away here in the first leg of the tie.

Wednesday Soccer Parlay
Play: France
Rating: 8/10*

France have not played up to their potential so far, but I think they'll step up there game here against Switzerland in the last game of the group stage. France are joint top of the group with Austria after a win and a draw, while Switzlerland are not far behind with three points. Both teams will surely go for the win, a scenario that should favor the favorite and better team = France. 

Super Early Top Rated 10* MLB *BANKROLL BUILDER*
Play: Tampa Bay Rays
Rating: 10/10*

Big big mismatch on the mound here at Tropicana Field Wednesday afternoon. The Tampa Bay Rays' Alex Cobb (8-6, 3.57 ERA) has held seven of his last eight opponents to three of fewer runs. Sure, the Orioles hit him pretty hard in the last meeting (seven runs through 6 1/3 frames) but I think he'll handle the O's better today. 

The Orioles turn to Ubaldo Jimenez (4-6, 7.19 ERA) who has been torched in each of his last four starts, conceding a total of 21 runs and 31 hits through 19 innings. He was charged with nine runs in 2 1/3 frames when he took on the Rays on June 23.

The teams are tied at 1-1 heading into the rubber match of this series. Let's go with the home team to claim it. 

Top Rated 10* Interleague *GAME OF THE WEEK*
Play: Houston Astros
Rating: 10/10*

The Houston Astros own the best road record in baseball at 36-12 while the Philadelphia Phillies are just 18-27 home at Citizens Bank Park. Houston really did a number on the Phillies last night scoring 10 runs through the first five innings and never looked back. I think they've got too much firepower for the Phillies to compete again in Tuesday's contest.

Houston's Charlie Morton (7-4, 4.18 ERA) is certainly no ace, but he's been pitching alright for the better part of the season and 83 Ks trough 75 1/3 innings of work on the season is nothing to scoff at. The Phillies hand the ball to 24 year old rookie Nick Pivetta (3-5, 5.58 ERA) who has struggled to keep the ball in the park lately, serving up 11 homers through his last six starts. He has been tagged with 12 earned runs in his last two starts, covering 10 1/3 frames.

The Astros are 17-4 in their last 21 during Game 2 of a series and 5-2 in Morton's last seven starts vs. a team with a losing record. The Phillies are 1-6 in Pivetta's last seven starts vs. a team with a winning record.

MLB *DOG OF THE DAY*
Play: Milwaukee Brewers
Rating: 8/10*

The Milwaukee Brewers have dropped seven of their last eight games. Here they'll face the Washington Nationals who are 7-2 since the All Star break, but I like the Brew Crew as a road underdog with Zach Davies (11-4, 4.76 ERA) on the mound. Davies is 5-0 with a 3.18 ERA in 10 road starts on the season. He is 1-0 with a 3.86 ERA in two starts versus Washington, winning at Nationals Park in 2016.

The Nats turn to Edwin Jackson (1-0, 4.50 ERA) who will make his second start since coming over from Baltimore. He gave up just two runs in seven innings during a 4-3 win over the Angels on July 18, but I think the Brewers will hit him hard tonight.

MLB 3-Pack
Play: Seattle Mariners
Rating: 8/10*

The Seattle Mariners should come out very motivated here after dropping three of four against the Yankees. They're 7-1 in their last eight Monday games and 4-0 in left-hander James Paxton's (9-3, 3.05 ERA) last four starts. Paxton has held the Red Sox to one run on nine hits and two walks through a pair of eight-inning outings in previous meetings. The Red Sox hand the ball to another left-hander in Eduardo Rodriguez (4-2, 3.66 ERA) who spent more than a month on the DL before allowing three runs on six hits and four walks in 5 1/3 innings against the Blue Jays on July 17. It might take another couple of games for Rodriguez to get back to his very best. 

MLB 3-Pack
Play: Texas Rangers
Rating: 8/10*

The Texas Rangers are coming off a three-game sweep at Tampa Bay. I think they'll keep that momentum going here in the opener of a series with the Miami Marlins.

Left-hander Martin Perez (5-7, 4.72 ERA) takes the ball for Texas. The Rangers have won four of his last six starts and we can note that the Marlins are 2-9 in their last 11 interleague road games vs. a left-handed starter.

The Rangers have had more success against southpaws, going 8-2 in their last 10 interleague home games vs. a left-handed starter, so they'll be glad to see Adam Conley (2-3, 6.75 ERA) on the mound for the Fish. The Marlins have lost four of Conley's last five starts. 

MLB 3-Pack
Play: Detroit Tigers
Rating: 8/10*

The Kansas City Royals are coming off five consecutive victories, a streak I think will end as they travel to Detroit and Comerica Park Monday. KC's Jason Hammel (4-8, 4.81 ERA) will match up with Detroit's Justin Verlander (5-7, 4.54 ERA) on the mound. The same two pitchers squared off just five days ago, a game the Royals won with two runs in the bottom of the ninth. Verlander was solid though allowing just two runs through seven innings, and while Hammel allowed only one run through 6 1/3 innings of work we can note that he has a 6.98 ERA in 11 career games (eight starts) versus Detroit.

The Tigers are 9-2 in Verlander's last 11 starts during Game 1 of a series and 10-4 in Verlanders last 14 home starts.

Soccer Friendly
Play: Manchester United
Rating: 8/10*

Real Madrid's first game of the pre-season while Manchester United have been in action plenty. Good price on the team that's way ahead in terms of preparations. 

Top Rated 10* MLB *BIG HITTER*
Play: Pittsburgh Pirates
Rating: 10/10*

The Pittsburgh Pirates had won six straight games prior to Saturday's 7-3 setback here at Coors Field. They're still 9-2 in the last 11 meetings at Colorado and I think they'll bounce back here with Ivan Nova (10-6, 3.27 ERA) on the mound. Nova has not had much success in previous meetings with Colorado, but this will be the first encounter this season and he's been really solid all year long. The Rockies turn to Kyle Freeland (9-7, 3.67 ERA) who was knocked around for five runs (four earned) on nine hits and five walks in just 5 2/3 innings of a 7-2 loss at Pittsburgh on June 12.

The Pirates are 5-2 in Nova's last seven starts, the Rockies are 1-7 in their last eight vs. a team with a winning record.

MLB 3-Pack
Play: Under
Rating: 8/10*

Only the Padres have scored fewer runs than the Philadelphia Phillies this season. The Milwaukee Brewers have scored just a total of 12 during a six-game skid. 

Milwaukee left-hander Brent Suter (1-1, 3.09 ERA) is  1-0 with a 2.12 ERA in three starts since replacing injured Chase Anderson in the rotation. Philadelphia right-hander Jeremy Hellickson (6-5, 4.44 ERA) is 1-0 with a 3.26 ERA in his last five starts and 3-1 with a 2.89 ERA in five career starts against the Brewers. 

Under is 7-0 in Brewers last seven road games. Under is 15-5-4 in Phillies last 24 home games.

MLB *RUNLINE RIPPER
Play: Toronto Blue Jays +1.5
Rating: 8/10*

The Cleveland Indians opened this series with an emphatic 13-3 victory on Friday. 

I think the Blue Jays will put up a better fight tonight with Marcus Stroman (9-5, 3.10 ERA) matching up with Danny Salazar (3-5, 5.40 ERA) on the mound. 

Stroman has posted a 1.45 ERA through his last three starts, and he's compiled a 2.53 ERA in four career games (three starts) against Cleveland. Salazar is 1-2 with a 6.19 ERA through his last three starts and 2-1 despite a somewhat bloated 4.58 ERA in four career starts against Toronto. 

Blue Jays are 10-2 in Stroman's last 12 Saturday starts.

Top Rated 10* NL *GAME OF THE WEEK*
Play: Chicago Cubs
Rating: 10/10*

The Chicago Cubs saw their six-game winning streak come to an end with an 11-4 loss to NL Centrral rivals St. Louis Friday afternoon. We should see the Cubbies come out fired up for revenge on Saturday. 

Chicago left-hander Jon Lester (6-6, 4.07) is 3-4 despite a very solid 2.37 ERA in 12 career starts against the Cards. On the other end of the spectrum we have St. Louis right-hander Adam Wainwright (11-5, 5.08) who is 14-9 despite a 4.09 ERA in 42 games (33 starts) against the Cubs. 

The Cubs are 12-3 in their last 15 games following a loss while the Cardinals are 2-6 in their last eight games following a win. Don't be scared, lay the juice. 

MLB *NIGHTCRAWLER*
Play: Washington Nationals
Rating: 8/10*

The Washington Nationals are 6-1 in their last seven road games and 4-0 in the last four meetings in Arizona. Max Scherzer (11-5, 2.01 ERA) is 5-0 with a 2.41 ERA in six career starts against the D'Backs. The Diamondbacks are 3-9 in their last 12 overall and tonight's starter Zack Godley (3-4, 3.09 ERA) was lit up for seven runs (six earned) on eight hits in six innings of a 7-1 loss at Atlanta his last time out.

MLB *DOG OF THE DAY*
Play: Pittsburgh Pirates
Rating: 8/10*

The Pittsburgh Pirates are steaming hot, coming off five straight victories and with just one loss through their last nine games. The Colorado Rockies have won four straight, but I think Pittsburgh has the edge in Friday's matchup.

Trevor Williams (3-4, 4.69 ERA) has allowed three runs or fewer in each of his last six starts. The Colorado Rockies hand the ball to Jeff Hoffman (6-1, 4.33 ERA) who is 2-1 despite a bloated 6.44 ERA in six games (five starts) home at Coors Field on the season.

The Pirates are 8-1 in the last nine meetings in Colorado, and I think they'll give Williams enough run support to win this game. 

MLB *ACE ON THE MOUND*
Play: Texas Rangers
Rating: 8/10*

The Tampa Bay Rays have won six of their last eight while the Texas Rangers are losers of five straight games. I still like the visitors at Tropicana Field Friday night as they hand the ball to their ace, Yu Darvish. 

The Rangers have lost six straight with Darvish (6-8, 3.45 ERA) on the mound, but the right-hander has allowed two earned runs or fewer in all but one of his last five outings. We can also note that he has produces his best work on the road this season and is 4-0 with a 1.09 ERA in five career games versus the Rays who will send Alex Cobb to the mound. 

I actually don't have much bad to say about Cobb (8-6, 3.59 ERA) as he's been one of the hottest pitchers in baseball of late, and has good career numbers against the Rangers, but this is simply a good spot to back the Rangers as they look to end a losing streak.

Top Rated 10* MLB *BIG HITTER*
Play: Seattle Mariners
Rating: 10/10*

We won with the Seattle Mariners as a Top Rated 10* selection on Wednesday, and I'm releasing another BIG PLAY on the Mariners here as they host the New York Yankees Thursday night. 

The Mariners hand the ball to Felix Hernandez (5-3, 4.20 ERA) who has won his past two outings (while allowing just one earned run through 11 frames). Fernandez is 3-1 with a 3.72 ERA in five starts since returning from the disabled list and a solid 4-1 with a 3.82 ERA in six starts home at Safeco on the season. 

The Yankees turn to Luis Severino (5-4, 3.40 ERA) who is winless in his last six starts, surrendering four runs or more in three of those outings. The whole Yankees team is struggling at the moment while the Mariners are on a roll winning five of six since the All Star break. 

The Yankees are 1-9 in Severino's last 10 starts during Game 1 of a series, the Mariners are 10-3 in their last 13 during Game 1 of a series.

MLB *NO-BRAINER*
Play: Pittsburgh Pirates
Rating: 8/10*

The Pittsburgh Pirates have clinched the first two games of this series, and I think they'll set themselves up for the four-game sweep with another victory on Wednesday. 

Zach Davies (11-4, 5.08 ERA) takes the ball for Milwaukee. He was knocked around for  seven runs and 10 hits over five innings by the Pirates on June 20 and he's 1-3 with a 10.29 ERA in five career starts against Pittsburgh. 

The Pirates hand the ball to Gerrit Cole (7-7, 4.35 ERA) who has held opponents to two runs or fewer in five of his last six starts. He's 3-3 with a solid 3.16 ERA in nine career starts against Milwaukee. He has allowed just two runs on five hits in 14 innings against Milwaukee this season and the current Brewers team is batting a combined .111 over 54 at bats against the right-hander. 

This is a no-brainer - play the Pirates. 

Top Rated 10* MLB HIGH ROLLER *BOOKIE BREAKER*
Play: Seattle Mariners
Rating: 10/10*

It's never easy to go against the best team in the American League, but you simply gotta do it if the price is right. I think the Seattle Mariners have an edge here with left-hander James Paxton (8-3, 3.19 ERA) on the mound. Paxton has dominated the Astros in two meetings already this season, holding them to six hits through 13 scoreless innings. We can also note that Paxton is perfect 3-0 with a 2.33 ERA in three starts here in July. 

The Astros hand the ball to Charlie Morton (7-3, 4.06 ERA). He allowed five runs (four earned) on three hits and five walks in five innings against Minnesota his last time out. We can also note that Morton has posted a 5.91 ERA in two day starts on the season while Paxton owns a 2.60 ERA in three day starts. 

The Astros are 1-4 in their last five home games vs. a left-handed starter. Let's go with Seattle at a great price. 

Super Early Cubs/Braves Total
Play: Under
Rating: 8/10*

The Chicago Cubs remain undefeated since the All Star break following a 5-1 win against the Atlanta Braves on Tuesday. I think we'll see some quality pitching from both sides here in the finale of this three-game series. 

The Braves hand the ball to R.A. Dickey (6-5, 4.08) who has allowed just four earned runs through 33 innings of work in his past five outings. Only three current Cubs hitters have any experience against him (Heyward, Jay, Zobrist), batting a combined .209 over 67 at bats. 

The Cubs turn to left-hander Mike Montgomery (1-6, 4.01 ERA) who has struggled in recent starts, but I think he should be able to handle a Braves team that has scored just four runs so far in this series. Under is 4-1 in Braves last five games vs. a left-handed starter. 

Under is 12-3 in the Cubs' last 15 games following a win and 7-2 in the Braves' last nine games following a loss.

MLB 3-Pack
Play: Cleveland Indians
Rating: 8/10*

Cleveland's Mike Clevinger (5-3, 3.00 ERA) has pitched very well lately, going 3-0 with a 1.66 ERA through his last five starts. The Giants' Ty Blach (6-5, 4.60 ERA) meanwhile has struggled lately, giving up five runs or more in three of his last six starts. Good price on Cleveland. 

MLB 3-Pack
Play: Pittsburgh Pirates
Rating: 8/10*

The red hot Pittsburgh Pirates are 8-2 through their last 10 games and look set to climb the standings in the NL Central. They opened the week with a 4-2 win against the Milwaukee Brewers and I predict another Pirates win tonight. 

Ivan Nova (9-6, 3.21 ERA) will toe the slab for Pittsburgh. He's 6-2 with a 2.63 ERA home at PNC Park on the season and 1-1 with a 3.32 ERA in three career starts against Milwaukee.

The Brewers turn to Junior Guerra (1-3, 4.78 ERA) who has struggled with his command all season and issued three free passes or more in each of his last nine starts. He's failed to pitch more than four innings in each of his last three starts while posting a 10.32 ERA. He is 1-0 with a 2.16 ERA in five games (four starts) against the Pirates, but I think they'll get the better of him tonight. 

MLB 3-Pack
Play: Under
Rating: 8/10*

The red hot Pittsburgh Pirates are 8-2 through their last 10 games and look set to climb the standings in the NL Central. They opened the week with a 4-2 win against the Milwaukee Brewers and I predict another Pirates win tonight. 

Ivan Nova (9-6, 3.21 ERA) will toe the slab for Pittsburgh. He's 6-2 with a 2.63 ERA home at PNC Park on the season and 1-1 with a 3.32 ERA in three career starts against Milwaukee.

The Brewers turn to Junior Guerra (1-3, 4.78 ERA) who has struggled with his command all season and issued three free passes or more in each of his last nine starts. He's failed to pitch more than four innings in each of his last three starts while posting a 10.32 ERA. He is 1-0 with a 2.16 ERA in five games (four starts) against the Pirates, but I think they'll get the better of him tonight. 

The Pirates win their games with good pitching, and 10 of their last 11 games home at PNC Park have gone under the total. 

Top Rated 10* Champions League Qualifier *GAME OF THE WEEK*
Play: Malmö FF
Rating: 10/10*

Malmö are forced to win after a 1-1 draw at home in the first leg. Make no mistake though, they dominated the game completely and won the possession 59-41, 13-1 in corners as well as 28 goal attempts compared to Skopje's four attempts on goal. Malmö striker Markus Rosenberg missed the first leg but is expected to be back here. We can also note that the game will be played at Strumica, a couple of hours away from Skopje, so less of a home field advantage for the Macedonians. Let's go with Malmö to win at a great price.  

Late Night MLB *NIGHTCRAWLER*
Play: Cleveland Indians
Rating: 8/10*

The Cleveland Indians are still winless since the All Star break after three straight losses at Oakland. I think they'll have better luck on the other side of the bay as they take on the San Francisco Giants Monday night.

Cleveland's Josh Tomlin (5-9, 5.90 ERA) has had a tough season, but he is coming off a strong effort in an 11-2 win over San Diego on July 6 when he held the Friars to two runs and four hits in seven innings. The Giants are 2-10 in their last 12 home games vs. a right-handed starter.

The Giants hand the ball to left-hander Matt Moore (3-9, 6.04 ERA) who was roughed up for five runs on 12 hits in just 3 1/3 innings of a 6-1 home loss to Miami his last time out. The Indians are 6-2 in their last eight games vs. a left-handed starter.

Top Rated 10* HIGH ROLLER *BOOKIE BREAKER*
Play: Under
Rating: 10/10*

Both the Atlanta Braves and the Chicago Cubs have come out of the All Star break swinging hot bats. The under is however 7-2-1 in the last 10 meetings at Atlanta, and I think we'll see another low-scoring contest Monday night.

Atlanta's Julio Teheran (7-6, 4.79 ERA) has allowed just two runs on seven hits in 13 1/3 innings of work in two starts here in July. He is 2-0 with a 3.11 ERA in six career starts against Chicago and the current Cubs are batting just a combined .178 through 45 at bats against him. 

The Cubs hand the ball to Jon Lester (5-6, 4.25 ERA) who was 1-0 with a 0.64 ERA in two outings against the Braves last season and 4-1 with a 1.95 ERA in five career meetings. The All Star break came at a perfect time for the 33 year old who had been knocked around in back-to-back home starts against Tampa Bay and Pittsburgh (nine earned runs in 5 2/3 innings). I expect him to be fully focused on the task at hand tonight.  

Under is 11-3-1 in the Braves' last 15 home games vs. a team with a losing road record and 10-3 in the Cubs' last 13 road games.

Situational *NO-BRAINER*
Play: Minnesota Twins
Rating: 8/10*

Purely a situational play. The New York Yankees are coming off a double-header at Washington. Their pitching staff have been put under heavy pressure with four games in three days and one of the games going to 16 innings. Tonight they hand the ball to Bryan Mitchell (1-1, 5.06 ERA) while the Twins turn to Adalberto Mejia (4-4, 4.43 ERA). Mejia has pitched pretty well lately while Mitchell will make his first start for the season. I also think the Twins will be eager to book wins home at Target Field after dropping two of three at Houston over the weekend. Great price on the Twins considering the circumstances. Don't overthink this one, bet the home team. 

Top Rated 10* MLB *GAME OF THE WEEK*
Play: Under 8.5 Runs
Rating: 10/10*

Each of the last eight and 10 of the last 11 head-to-head meetings between the Texas Rangers and the Kansas City Royals have gone under the total. We should see another low-scoring encounter Sunday afternoon.

Ian Kennedy (3-6, 4.45 ERA) will take the ball for KC. He's posted a 3.22 ERA through his last six starts and held the Rangers to one run and four hits over seven innings at Texas on April 22.

The Rangers hand the ball to Yu Darvish (6-8, 3.49 ERA) who limited the Halos to a pair of runs on three hits through 7 1/3 frames his last turn. Darvish has done his best work on the road this season compiling a 2.32 ERA in eight starts. Under is 14-4-3 in Darvish's last 21 road starts.

Neither the Rangers or the Royals have effective at the plate coming out of the All Star break with just a total of nine runs scored through the first two games of the series.

BIG play on the under. 

MLB Total
Play: Under
Rating: 8/10*

The Milwaukee Brewers' Matt Garza (4-4, 3.98 ERA) tossed 6 1/3 scoreless innings of a 4-0 win against Baltimore his last time out. He owns an impressive 2.32 ERA over eight career starts against Philadelphia which hands the ball to Jeremy Hellickson (5-5, 4.49 ERA) who is 2-1 with a 2.74 ERA in four career starts against Milwaukee.

Under is 4-0 in Garza's last four starts overall and 4-1-1 in Hellickson's last six road starts.

Under is 12-4 in umpire Todd Tichenor's last 16 games behind home plate overall and 14-2 in his last 16 games behind home plate in games featuring Milwaukee.

Allsvenskan Sunday Total
Play: Under
Rating: 8/10*

Norrkoping are second in the league with AIK tied for third only two points back. Both teams played Europa League qualifiers midweek so I don't expect high tempo here. Note that AIK have a 14-9 goal differential through 14 league games this season and under 2.5 goals 9-5 in those games.  

MLB *RUNLINE RIPPER*
Play: Cleveland Indians
Rating: 8/10*

The Cleveland Indians managed just four hits in a shutout loss to the A's in their first game back from the All Star break Friday night. I think they'll come back with a vengeance in Saturday's contest. 

Here they'll face 23 year old rookie Paul Blackburn who will make his third start in the major leagues. He posted a 3.05 ERA 79 2/3 innings at Triple-A this season and has allowed only two runs on 11 hits in 13 2/3 innings of work against Atlanta and Seattle, but the Indians should come out in full force tonight. 

Also note that the Indians are unlikely to give up many runs themselves with the phenomenal Corey Kluber (7-3, 2.80 ERA) on the mound.

Kluber has surrendered only a total of three runs through 21 innings of work in his last three starts combined. He faced the Athletics last month and tossed six scoreless innings, and now owns a strong 2.45 ERA in seven career starts against them. 

MLB 3-Pack
Play: LA Angels
Rating: 8/10*

We backed the Tampa Bay Rays as a premium winner on Friday, but I'm switching sides here for Game 2 of the series. Tampa Bay's Alex Cobb (7-6, 3.75 ERA) has posted a 6.51 ERA over five career starts against the Halos, and their current lineup is batting a combined .353 over 51 at bats against the right-hander. We can also note that he owns a 4.52 ERA in 11 road starts on the season (compared to a 2.64 ERA home at the Trop). Los Angeles' J.C. Ramirez (8-7, 4.46 ERA) faced the Rays back in late May and held them to just two runs through 6 2/3 frames. 

MLB 3-Pack
Play: Under
Rating: 8/10*

This has all the signs of a low-scoring contest despite yesterday's high-scoring 9-6 Milwaukee win in the series opener. Philadelphia's Aaron Nola (6-6, 3.59 ERA) has posted a 1.64 ERA with 26 strikeouts over 22 innings in his last three start and he's 2-0 with a 0.69 ERA in two career starts against Milwaukee. 

The Brewers hand the ball to Jimmy Nelson (8-4, 3.30 ERA) who may not have good career numbers against Philly, but he's been excellent all season (a shaky April excluded) and owns a 2.35 ERA in 10 home starts on the season. Also note that Philadelphia is averaging just 3.82 runs per game. 

Top Rated 10* MLB *BIG HITTER*
Play: Cleveland Indians
Rating: 10/10*

The Cleveland Indians are 9-2 in their last 11 on the road, and I think they'll open the second half of the season with another win away from home, this time at Oakland. 

The A's hand the ball to Sonny Gray (4-4, 4.00 ERA). Several members of the Tribe have good career numbers against the right-hander and the Indians are batting a combined .275 over 138 at bats against Gray. 

The Indians turn to Carlos Carrasco (10-3, 3.44 ERA) who has a fantastic all-time record of 3-0 with a 1.80 ERA in five games (four starts) against the A's. 

The Athletics are 2-8 in their last 10 home games, and I like the Indians in this spot. 

MLB *NIGHTCRAWLER*
Play: Tampa Bay Rays
Rating: 8/10*

The Los Angeles Angels will most likely receive a boost with Mike Trout back in the lineup after missing six weeks recovering from a torn ligament in his left thumb. I still don't think the Halos will score enough runs to make up for Ricky Nolasco's (4-10, 5.06 ERA) shortcomings on the mound though. Note that Nolasco is 3-7 with a 6.67 ERA in 10 career starts versus the Rays who hand the ball to young Jacob Faria (4-0, 2.11 ERA) who has posted six quality starts in the big leagues. Good price on the visiting Rays here. 

Europa League Qualifier *BOOKIE BREAKER*
Play: Östersund +0.5 or 1X
Rating: 8*

Östersund are not really a top side in Sweden. Nevertheless, here they are in the Europa League qualification round thanks to winning the Swedish Cup last season. Galatasaray are usually in the Champions League, but they're coming off another disappointing domestic season in Turkey.

Player by player = huge advantage Galatasaray. Here they'll be forced to play on artificial grass in northern Sweden though (Östersund are undefeated through seven home games in the league this season), and I think the surface will give the home team an advantage.

The visitors have not started their season yet and might very well be happy with a draw here and focused on killing off the tie at home in the second leg. 

Top Rated 10* Europa League Qualifier *GAME OF THE YEAR*
Play: Under
Rating: 10/10*

This is the first meeting of two in this qualification round. Malmö FF enter the game as a strong favorite, but Vardar Skopje will surely not give up without a fight. Note that the home team will have to do without their star striker Marcus Rosenberg.

Under 2.5 goals is my Europa League Qualifier *GAME OF THE YEAR*.

All Star Game *SPECIAL*
Play: American League
Rating: 8/10*

The American League has won the last four All-Star Games and is 16-3-1 over the past 20 meetings. We're all very familiar with the players participating, and I don't think the NL deserve to be favorites here. Back the dog AL in the All Star game. 

CONCACAF Gold Cup *CRUSHER*
Play: Costa Rica
Rating: 8/10*

Costa Rica defeated Honduras 1-0 in their first game of the tournament while Canada defeated French Guiana 4-2. Conceding two goals against such a weak soccer nation is not a good look for the Canadians. I think a bet on the favorite Costa Rica is well motivated here. 

Top Rated 10* Allsvenskan *ANNIHILATOR*
Play: Under
Rating: 10/10*

Sundsvall are the lowest scoring team in the league with just nine goals in 13 games and they've scored only three through seven games away from home. Djurgarden have allowed just 15 in 13 games. 

MLB *RUNLINE RIPPER*
Play: Texas Rangers -1.5
Rating: 8/10*

The Texas Rangers have reeled off three straight wins and covered the run line each time. I like them to head into the All Star break with their winning streak SU and ATS intact. 

The Angels hand the ball to JC Ramirez (7-7, 4.73 ERA) who is 1-3 with a 6.86 ERA through his last four starts. The Rangers meanwhile turn to their ace Yu Darvish (6-7, 3.56 ERA) who was rocked for seven runs on 11 hits in just 4 1/3 innings by the Red Sox his last time out, but I predict him to bounce back with a solid outing today.

Note that the Rangers are 15-6 SU as a home favorite of -110 or higher on the season and 13-8 against the run line in those games. 

Top Rated 10* AL *GAME OF THE WEEK*
Play: Minnesota Twins
Rating: 10/10*

The Minnesota Twins will be looking to deny the Baltimore Orioles to earn a tie of this four-game series when they close out the series Sunday afternoon. 

The Twins hand the ball to Kyle Gibson (5-6, 5.82 ERA) who had a disastrous start to the season, but he's 4-2 with a 3.91 ERA in his last eight starts. That's just a bonus though as this is more a fade of Baltimore's Ubaldo Jimenez (3-4, 6.64 ERA) who's been getting lit up on a regular basis in his starts this season, and the right-hander is 1-2 with an 8.22 ERA in his last three starts. 

The Orioles have won just one of their last six games and they're 10-22 as a road underdog of +100 or higher this season. 

Tippeligan
Play: Under
Rating: 8/10*

Brann won the reverse fixture 5-0 at home, but they're not quite as strong on the road. Their seven away games this season have averaged just 2.1 goals and I think Stabaek will be determined to put up a much better defensive performance in front of the home fans today, especially as they've conceded four goals in each of their last two home games. 

Gold Cup
Play: United States of America
Rating: 5/10*

Top Rated 10* HIGH ROLLER *BOOKIE BREAKER*
Play: Tampa Bay Rays
Rating: 10/10*

The Boston Red Sox and the Tampa Bay Rays are tied at 1-1 as they head into Game 3 of a four-game series. I like the Rays to come out ahead in Saturday's matchup. 

Alex Cobb (6-6, 4.01 ERA) takes the ball for Tampa Bay. He's 4-3 with a 3.84 ERA in 12 lifetime starts against Boston, but what I really like is how Cobb has pitched lately. He had allowed just a total of five runs (four earned) in 21 2/3 innings of work through three starts before conceding seven (six earned) at Baltimore his last time out as two homers became his undoing. 

Boston hands the ball to Rick Porcello (4-10, 5.01 ERA) who limited the Rangers to three runs on three hits in 6 1/3 frames his last time out, but he had been knocked around plenty in each of his last five starts prior to that. I'm not convinced he's back to the form that earned him the AL Cy Young title last season just after just one good start. 

Let's roll with the Rays. 

Top Rated 10* MLB *BIG HITTER*
Play: Seattle Mariners
Rating: 10/10*

The Seattle Mariners have dropped eight of their last 10 games and they enter Friday's matchup with the Oakland Athletics on a four-game slide. I think they'll edge this game though with James Paxton (6-3, 3.27 ERA) on the mound. The 28 year old southpaw is 4-2 behind a 2.68 ERA in eight home starts on the season, and he'll be looking to revenge a terrible outing against Oakland back in April. The A's hand the ball to Sean Manaea (7-4, 3.75 ERA). He has pitched well lately, but I think the Mariners' desperation to start winning games gives them the advantage here.  

MLB 3-Pack
Play: Arizona Diamondbacks -1.5
Rating: 8/10*

The Arizona Diamondbacks are coming off a loss as they allowed the Dodgers to score four runs in the ninth inning on Thursday. Expect them to make the Reds pay the price for that debacle tonight.

Zack Greinke (10-4, 3.05) is 7-2 with a 2.40 ERA in 12 career starts against the Reds, and 8-0 with a 2.67 ERA in 10 home starts on the season. Cinicinnati's Tim Adleman (5-5, 4.67 ERA) has surrendered eight runs and six homers in 15 innings through his last three starts. He is 2-5 with a 4.05 ERA in 12 career road starts.

Let's go with the RL as i predict an easy win for the home team. 

MLB *BANKROLL BUILDER*
Play: Houston Astros
Rating: 8/10*

Almost a pure motivational play on the Houston Astros who had won four straight prior to Thursday's 7-4 loss here at Rogers Centre. They're still an amazing 20-4 in their last 24 on the road. Both starting pitchers, Houston's Charlie Morton (5-3, 4.06 ERA) and Toronto's Aaron Sanchez (0-1, 3.33 ERA), are fresh off the DL. In other words, don't know what to expect from either, meaning big advantage to the better bats and more motivated team of a loss = Astros. 

MLB *NIGHTCRAWLER*
Play: LA Dodgers
Rating: 8/10*

Big matchup from the NL West as the division-leading LA Dodgers will host 2nd placed Arizona Diamondbacks for the finale of a three-game set. 

Rich Hill (5-4, 4.00 ERA) takes the ball for the Dodgers. The veteran left-hander fanned 11 through seven scoreless innings of four-hit ball at San Diego his last time out, and he's allowed just four runs on 12 hits through 19 frames in his last three turns combined. The Diamondbacks are 1-5 in their last six road games vs. a left-handed starter and they've hit just .191 on the road against southpaws this year.

Robbie Ray (8-4, 3.06 ERA) takes the ball for the D'Backs. He's 1-1 with a bloated 5.09 ERA in his last three starts and note that the Dodgers are 16-5 in their last 21 games vs. a left-handed starter.

Top Rated 10* MLB *RUNLINE RIPPER*
Play: Oakland Athletics
Rating: 10/10*

The Oakland Athletics ended a six-game slide when they defeated the White Sox 7-6 yesterday. I think they'll wrap up the series with another victory Wednesday afternoon. 

Sonny Gray (3-4, 4.09 ERA) will take the ball for the A's. He held Atlanta to one run and two hits through eight innings his last time out. We can also note that Gray is 2-0 with a 2.27 ERA in five day starts this season. Chicago's Mike Pelfrey (3-6, 4.13 ERA) on the other hand was charged with five runs on eight hits with a pair of homers through five innings against Texas his last turn. The current Oakland roster is batting a combined .291 over 79 at bats against Pelfrey while the White Sox are batting .188 through 48 at bats against Gray. 

The Athletics are 6-2 in their last eight games following a win. The White Sox are 1-8 in their last nine during Game 3 of a series.

MLB *MONEYMAKER*
Play: Boston Red Sox
Rating: 8/10*

The Boston Red Sox are on a 5-0 run while the Texas Rangers are 1-5 in their last six overall. 

The Red Sox hand the ball to David Price (3-2, 4.61 ERA) who has allowed three or fewer earned runs in each of his last four starts. The Red Sox are 9-2 in Price's last 11 starts following a Quality Start in his last appearance and it's worth noting that the Rangers have the very worst batting average against southpaws on the season at .226. 

The Rangers turn to Yu Darvish (6-6, 3.11 ERA). They've lost six of his last seven starts, and I don't think the Rangers will be able to provide him with sufficent run support tonight either. 

The Red Sox are 5-0 in the last five meetings.

Top Rated 10* MLB *BIG HITTER*
Play: Milwaukee Brewers
Rating: 10/10*

The Baltimore Orioles are just 15-26 on the road this season and 2-10 in their last 12 road games vs. a team with a winning record. The Milwaukee Brewers are 5-1 in their last six home games. 

The Brewers' right-hander Jimmy Nelson (6-4, 3.43 ERA) will face Baltimore for the first time in his career. He has posted a 2.64 ERA in nine home starts this year and limited the Dodgers to one run on six hits through nine innings his last time out at Miller Park. Baltimore hands the ball to right-hander Ubaldo Jimenez (3-3, 6.48 ERA) who will make his fourth start since returning from a monthlong stint in the Orioles' bullpen. Jimenez is coming off his best start of the season when he held the Blue Jays to two hits and a walk through eight shutout innings, but I think the Brew Crew will be able to get to him. 

MLB 3-Pack
Play: Over
Rating: 8/10*

The Kansas City Royals are coming off a 6-2 win against the Twins on Sunday. Over is 9-1-1 in Royals last 11 after allowing two runs or fewer in their previous game. Ian Kennedy (2-6, 4.72 ERA) is 1-2 with a 4.30 ERA in three career starts against the Mariners who hand the ball to Andrew Moore (1-0, 3.86). He'll make his mere second career start in the big leagues. In his debut June 22 against the Tigers, Moore pitched seven innings, allowing three runs on six hits. Over is 8-2-1 in Royals' last 11 road games vs. a right-handed starter. Over is 8-1-1 in Kennedy's last 10 starts overall.

MLB 3-Pack
Play: Over
Rating: 8/10*

The Los Angeles Angels' Alex Meyer (3-4, 3.74 ERA) held the Dodgers to one hit and five walks through six scoreless innings home at Anaheim his last time out. He was however tagged with five runs in just 3 1/3 frames by Boston his last start on the road to fall to 1-4 with a 6.75 ERA in five road starts on the season. Over is 5-1 in Meyers last six road starts. The Minnesota Twins' Adalberto Mejia (3-3, 4.38 ERA) has tossed 10 2/3 scoreless innings through his last two starts, both on the road. He's 1-2 with a 6.11 ERA in six starts at Target Field this season. 

MLB 3-Pack
Play: Over
Rating: 8/10*

The under is 5-1 in the Baltimore Orioles' last six games, but I think we'll see a high-scoring game here as they open the week with a visit to Miller Park. Left-hander Wade Miley (3-6, 4.54 ERA) has a 5.17 ERA in five career starts against the Brewers, and he's really struggled at Miller Park compiling an 8.38 mark in two appearances. The Brewers hand the ball to another left-hander in Brent Suter (0-1, 4.20 ERA) who will be making his fourth career start and second of the season.

Over is 12-4 in Orioles last 16 interleague road games vs. a left-handed starter. Over is 5-2 in Brewers last seven interleague games vs. a left-handed starter.

Sunday Night Baseball
Play: Under
Rating: 8/10*

The St. Louis Cardinals are going for a fifth consecutive win when they host the Washington Nationals Sunday evening. The Nats won't give up easy though as they look to end a three-game slide. Carlos Martinez (6-6, 2.88 ERA) is 4-1 with a minuscule 1.85 ERA in eight starts home at Busch Stadium on the season. The Nats' Max Scherzer (9-5, 2.06 ERA) is 6-2 with a 1.62 ERA in nine road starts on the season. 

Under is 6-2 in Martinezs last eight starts overall. Under is 7-1 in Scherzers last eight starts overall. Under is 5-1-1 in Nationals last seven overall. 

Subscribers Only
Play: Under
Rating: 8/10*

Soccer Total
Play: Over
Rating: 8/10*

Top Rated 10* MLB HIGH ROLLER *BOOKIE BREAKER*
Play: Over
Rating: 10/10*

Each of the first three games in this series have gone over the total, and I think we'll see another slugfest in the series finale Sunday afternoon. 

We'll see a duel between two southpaws on the mound. Hector Santiago (4-7, 5.37 ERA) takes the ball for Minnesota. He has a 9.51 ERA in his last six starts. The current Royals roster is batting a combined .278 against him.

The Royals hand the ball to Travis Wood (1-2, 6.28 ERA) who will make his first start for the Royals and his first start overall since 2015. Wood has allowed five runs on nine hits and eight walks through seven frames in five career appearances (one start) vs. Minnesota. I don't think Wood will be able to go many innings here, putting a lot of pressure on KC's already taxed bullpen.

Over is 18-6-3 in the last 27 meetings. Over is 7-1 in Royals last eight Sunday games. Over is 8-3 in Twins last 11 Sunday games.

MLB *AFTERNOON APOCALYPSE*
Play: San Francisco Giants
Rating: 8/10*

The San Francisco Giants' right-hander Jeff Samardzija has pitched well for most of the season but been the victim of poor run support. He's coming off a solid win and I like his chances of recording back-to-back Ws here as the Giants go for their fifth straight victory overall. The Pirates' right-hander Trevor Williams (3-3, 4.82) is 0-1 with a 4.79 ERA at home in 2017 and this is not a good time for his first career start against the Giants who have won five straight head-to-head meetings at PNC Park. Let's back the surging Giants. 

MLB *MONEYMAKER*
Play: Toronto Blue Jays
Rating: 8/10*

Top Rated 10* MLB *BIG HITTER*
Play: Over
Rating: 10/10*

The Arizona Diamondbacks hand the ball to Zack Greinke (9-4, 3.08 ERA) who is 1-1 with a 3.98 ERA in three starts against the Rockies this season. He gave up four runs on nine hits in 7 1/3 innings at Coors Field on June 20. Tyler Chatwood (6-8, 4.32 ERA) will toe the slab for Colorado. He is 5-2 with a 3.94 ERA in nine career appearances (eight starts) against Arizona. He was tagged with four runs on three hits and eight(!) walks in a 4-0 loss at Dodger Stadium his last time out. 

There's a favorable wind prediction for the over and we can note that the over is 6-1-2 in umpire Mike Estabrook's last nine games behind home plate vs. Colorado and 5-2 in his last seven games behind home plate vs. Arizona.

MLB *MONEYMAKER*
Play: St. Louis Cardinals
Rating: 8/10*

Mike Leake (5-6, 3.12 ERA) tossed seven shutout innings when he outdueled Max Scherzer in a 6-1 decision at Nationals Park on April 12. Surely he will outperform Tanner Roark (6-5, 5.15 ERA) who has been tagged with 6, 6 and 7 runs in his last three starts. 

Top Rated 10* MLB HIGH ROLLER *BOOKIE BREAKER*
Play: Pittsburgh Pirates
Rating: 10/10*

The San Francisco Giant are coming off a three-game sweep of the Rockies home at AT&T Park, but I think they'll run into trouble when they hit the road and travel to Pittsburgh on Friday. 

Here they'll run into Pirates right-hander Gerrit Cole (6-6, 4.11 ERA) who is 3-0 with a 1.59 ERA in four career starts against the Giants. Cole has been excellent of late, allowing one run in each of his last three starts. The Giants hand the ball to Johnny Cueto (5-7, 4.20 ERA) who has had great success against Pittsburgh throughout his career, but he's not been a pitcher to trust for quite some time now and we can also note that Cueto has posted a 4.58 ERA on the road this season. 

Top Rated 10* Euro 21 Final Spain/Germany
Play: Spain
Rating: 10/10*

Spain have won each and every game in the tournament. Most players are regular starters in the Spanish top flight and I predict they'll be too much to handle for the Germans here in the final of the tournament. 

Top Rated 10* MLB HIGH ROLLER *BOOKIE BREAKER*
Play: San Diego Padres
Rating: 10/10*

I like the price we get on the San Diego Padres here with Dinelson Lamet (2-2, 6.60 ERA) on the mound. Sure, the 24 year old rookie has allowed six runs (five earned) in 12 innings through his last two starts, but he's allowed just seven hits and one walk with 17 Ks during that span. It's also worth noting that the Padres won both games. The Braves' veteran southpaw Jaime Garcia (2-5, 4.03 ERA) meanwhile has been tagged with a total of 12 runs on 14 hits and five walks in 10 innings in his last two starts combined.

Top Rated 10* MLB *BIG HITTER*
Play: Arizona Diamondbacks
Rating: 10/10*

The St. Louis Cardinals managed to cool off the red hot Arizona Diamondbacks with a 4-3 victory last night to tie the three-game set at 1-1. I don't think they'll claim the rubber match of the series Thursday afternoon. 

The D'Backs left-hander Patrick Corbin (6-7, 4.89 ERA) is 2-1 with a 2.95 ERA through his past three starts and he's 5-2 with a 3.19 ERA in nine starts at Chase Field on the season. The Cardinals' right-hander Lance Lynn (5-5, 3.86 ERA) has surrendered seven runs in each of his last two starts while serving up a total of six homers. Arizona has knocked the ball out of the park on 61 occasions in 41 home games this season. 

The Cardinals are 4-12 in their last 16 road games and 0-5 in Lynn's last five road starts. The Diamondbacks are 4-0 in their last four games following a loss and 7-1 in Corbin's last eight home starts.

MLB 3-Pack
Play: Arizona Diamondbacks
Rating: 8/10*

The Arizona Diamondbacks are 16-3 through their last 19 games. Right-hander Zack Godley (3-1, 2.53 ERA) has filled in admirably for injured Shelby Miller, and he's 2-0 with a 2.13 ERA home at Chase Field. Cardinals are 3-12 in their last 15 road games vs. a right-handed starter. 

The Cardinals' veteran Adam Wainwright (7-5, 5.35 ERA) is coming off a solid outing against Pittsburgh but he's 2-4 with a 9.48 ERA on the road this season. 

MLB 3-Pack
Play: Cleveland Indians
Rating: 10/10*

Good spot to back the Cleveland Indians here in Game 3 of a four-game set. Texas' right-hander Yu Darvish (6-5, 3.12 ERA) gave up four runs on four hits and five walks through 6 1/3 innings when he took on the Indians on April 3. The Rangers have lost five of his last six starts. Cleveland hands the ball to Trevor Bauer (6-6, 5.53 ERA) who has yet to find his good stuff and conceded five runs (four earned) on eight hits in 6 2/3 innings against Minnesota his last time out. Texas might actually hold the advantage on the mound here, but I like the Tribe in virtually every other area and I think they'll come away with the victory at a reasonable price. 

Subscribers Only
Play: Miami Marlins
Rating: 8/10*

MLB 3-Pack - Top Rated Pick
Play: Pittsburgh Pirates
Rating: 10/10*

The Pittsburgh Pirates will be looking to bounce back from a 4-2 10th inning loss to the Tampa Bay Rays. I think they'll come through here with Ivan Nova (7-5, 3.06 ERA) on the mound. Nova gave up four runs on 11 hits over seven innings Wednesday in a 4-2 loss at Milwaukee, but he's been outstanding at home this season, going 5-2 behind a 2.53 ERA. The Rays hand the ball to Blake Snell (0-4, 4.71 ERA) who will return from a dominant stint in the minors, but I think even the Pirates' bats will be too much to handle for the left-hander here in the majors. Note that the Pirates are 7-1 in their last eight interleague home games vs. a left-handed starter and the Rays 2-8 in Snell's last 10 road starts.

Top Rated 10* NL *TOTAL OF THE WEEK*
Play: Over
Rating: 10/10*

The San Francisco Giants' otherwise pretty quiet bats came alive in Monday's 9-2 victory against the Colorado Rockies. We cashed over 7.5 runs in that game, and I'm backing the over between the Rockies and the Giants again Tuesday night. 

Jeff Hoffman (4-1, 4.29 ERA) takes the ball for Colorado. The 24 year old rookie had allowed more than one run in just one of his first five starts of the season prior to getting lit up for nine runs on eight hits in 3 2/3 innings against Arizona on June 21 his last turn. He was a bit lucky when he held the Giants to one run through five frames despite giving up seven hits and three walks on June 15, and I think the San Francisco hitters will get to him early tonight. 

The Giants hand the ball to veteran right-hander Matt Cain (3-7, 5.54 ERA) who has been knocked around plenty this season. Cain was battered for seven runs and 10 hits in four innings at Atlanta his last time out, and he has gone 0-4 with a 4.47 ERA against Colorado in nine starts over the last four years. 

Over is 5-1 in Cain's last six home starts vs. Rockies. Over is 8-3 in Hoffman's last 11 starts overall. Over is 6-1 in Giants' last seven home games.