MLB GAME OF THE WEEK - MIKE'S TOP-RATED 10* TOTAL

Mets right-hander Tylor Megill (4-2, 4.50 ERA) is 0-2 with an 11.70 ERA over his last three starts and he owns a 5.00 ERA in two career starts against the Brewers. Milwaukee left-hander Aaron Ashby (1-5, 3.91 ERA) has allowed 10 runs on 19 hits over 10 2/3 innings in his last two starts. 

Over is 9-3 in Brewers last 12 during game 3 of a series. Over is 14-6-1 in Mets last 21 overall. They were held to two runs in a 10-2 loss yesterday, but over is 5-1 in Mets last 6 after scoring 2 runs or less in their previous game.

10* PLAY ON OVER. 

MIKE'S ASTROS/RANGERS MLB TOTAL BOOKIE BLA$TER

The Texas Rangers have scored 24 runs over their last three games. Houston right-hander Jose Urquidy (5-3, 5.04 ERA) has owned the Rangers in previous meetings, but he's coming into this game ice cold with 12 runs allowed on 24 hits over 15 innings through his past three starts.  

Rangers right-hander Dane Dunning (1-4, 4.41 ERA) owns a 5.40 ERA in three career meetings with Houston, and he surrendered four runs on nine hits in four innings at Cleveland last time out. 

8* PLAY ON OVER. 

MIKE'S PHILLIES/CARDS MLB TOTAL BOOKIE BU$TER

The Pittsburgh Pirates have struggled to put runs on the board all season, and even more so lately. I think they can get their bats going here though against rookie right-hander Zack Thompson (0-0, 2.25 ERA) who has only one MLB start, which lasted four innings, to his name.  

The Cards hand the ball to Mitch Keller (2-5, 5.26 ERA) who has pitched better of late, but it has still been a disappointing year for the right-hander. Home or away has not mattered much as he has a 5+ ERA both home and on the road. 

Over is 4-1-1 in Cardinals last 6 home games with the total set at 9.0-10.5 and 2-0-2 in Pirates last 4 games with the total set at 9.0-10.5.

8* PLAY ON OVER. 

MIKE'S WHITE SOX/TIGERS MLB TOTAL TOP PLAY OF THE DAY

White Sox right-hander Lance Lynn will make his first start of the season, but he was 11-6 with a 2.69 ERA in 2021 and he owns an ERA of 3.21 and in nine career starts against the Tigers.

Detroit's bats have been ice cold lately as the Tigers have averaged only 2.4 runs per game over their last 10 games. 

The Tigers hand the ball to right-hander Rony Garcia (0-1, 4.50 ERA) who gave up six runs in five innings in a loss to Minnesota in his last start. I think Garcia can bounce back with a strong outing here though, facing a White Sox team that has more success against southpaws than right-handers. 

Under is 11-3-1 in White Sox last 15 road games vs. a right-handed starter and 9-3-1 in White Sox last 13 when their opponent scored 2 runs or less in their previous game (Detroit was shut out by Toronto yesterday). 

10* PLAY ON UNDER. 

MIKE'S ROCKIES/PADRES MLB TOTAL BOOKIE BLA$TER

This looks like way too low of a total considering the matchup on the mound. Padres left-hander Blake Snell (0-3, 5.68 ERA) gave up four runs on seven hits and three walks over four innings of an 11-5 loss to the Mets in his last start. The Rockies are batting .281 while averaging 5.41 runs per game against left-handers. As for Rockies right-hander German Marquez (2-5, 6.49 ERA), he's been getting slapped around most of the season. Over his last four starts, Marquez has allowed 20 runs over 23 innings of work. 

8* PLAY ON OVER. 

MIKE'S EARLY RANGERS/WHITE SOX TOTAL TOP PLAY

Texas left-hander Martin Perez (4-2, 1.56 ERA) is having a great year, and the under is 20-6-1 in White Sox last 27 home games vs. a left-handed starter. White Sox right-hander Lucas Giolito (4-2, 3.54 ERA) is also solid as always and he owns a 2.38 ERA in two career starts against Texas. Under is 11-3-2 in Rangers last 16 games as a road underdog.

10* PLAY ON UNDER. 

MIKE'S ATHLETICS/GUARDIANS MLB TOTAL

Cleveland rookie left-hander Konnor Pilkington (1-0, 2.65 ERA) fanned eight through five scoreless innings in his last start, the best outing in his MLB career. Under is 2-0-1 in his three starts.

Oakland has scored only 14 runs through a miserable eight-game losing streak.

A's righty James Kaprielian (0-3, 6.06 ERA) is coming off three rough outings, but under is 9-3 in Guardians last 12 games vs. a right-handed starter.

8* PLAY ON UNDER. 

MIKE'S ROCKIES/GIANTS TOTAL

Colorado right-hander German Marquez (1-5, 6.71 ERA) has allowed 15 runs over 17 innings in his last three starts. The over is 7-2 in his last nine starts and the team has lost six of his last eight getting outscored by at least two runs in six of those eight games. Since the start of the 2020 season, Marquez has a record of 2-4 with an ERA of 8.13 in 6 appearances against the Giants

Giants left-hander Carlos Rodon (4-4, 3.44 ERA) is 0-2 over his last three starts, despite allowing only six runs over 16 1/3 innings on the hill. He held Colorado to two runs over six innings of an 8-5 home win against the Rockies here at Oracle Park last month. 

The Giants are 5-1 SU and 4-2 against the runline in their previous six games against the Rockies this year. Five of those six games went over the total.

8* PLAY ON OVER. 

TOP-RATED 10* MLB TOTAL TOP PLAY OF THE DAY

KC left-hander Daniel Lynch (2-4, 4.81 ERA) was smacked around by Cleveland in his last start, giving up six runs on nine hits with three walks over four innings. Lynch has allowed 12 runs in 13 innings through his last three starts. Toronto's bats are red hot coming into this game having scored six runs or more in eight of their last 10 games. 

Toronto right-hander Ross Stripling (1-1, 4.22 ERA) has worked out of the bullpen in his last six outings. He's not likely to last long here when filling in for the injured Hyun Jin Ryu, and Toronto's bullpen has an ERA of 4.02 on the season. 

Over is 6-0 in Blue Jays last 6 games as a favorite. Over is 11-4 in Royals last 15 games as an underdog.

10* PLAY ON OVER. 

TWINS/BLUE JAYS TOTAL

The Minnesota Twins had scored only two runs through a three-game stretch before putting up nine in a win here at Toronto on Friday. The Blue Jays came into that game riding an eight-game winning streak and they had scored six runs or more in five straight games. 

I like the Blue Jays to bounce back with a big win tonight. The Blue Jays are perfect 4-0 in righty Jose Berrios (3-2, 5.62 ERA) home starts this year. Minnesota right-hander Dylan Bundy is 1-2 with a 7.50 ERA in five starts on the road this year, and the team record is 1-4 in those games. Minnesota has lost each of his last five starts.

I also like the over as Blue Jays' bats should go off following a disappointing three-run performance yesterday. Over is 5-0 in Blue Jays' last 5 games vs. a right-handed starter and 3-1-1 in Bundy's five road starts this year. 

8* PLAY ON OVER. 

MIKE'S 10* ASTROS/ROYALS MLB TOTAL TOP PLAY OF THE DAY

The Houston Astros ae 38-13 to the under on the season. The under is 9-1 in Astros last 10 games following an off day and 23-5 in Astros last 28 games with the total set at 7.0-8.5. Under is 7-1 in Royals last 8 games following an off day.

Astros right-hander Jose Urquidy (4-2, 4.80 ERA) is coming off his worst outing of the year, but he has allowed one or no runs in three of his last five starts. Royals right-hander Brady Singer (2-0, 2.49 ERA) has allowed only three runs over 19 2/3 innings in his three starts this year. 

10* PLAY ON UNDER. 

MIKE'S BRAVES/ROCKIES MLB TOTAL BOOKIE BU$tER

The Rockies relievers have an ERA of 5.04 on the season, and coming off a doubleheader against Miami on Wednesday won't help matters. The Rockies gave up 14 runs in the first game and 12 runs in the second game. 

Starter Austin Gomber (2-5, 5.51 ERA) has allowed 10 runs on 14 hits over 8 1/3 innings through his last two starts. Braves right-hander Ian Anderson (3-3, 4.34 ERA) has allowed eight runs on 11 hits over 11 2/3 innings through his last two starts. Anderson has allowed 4 runs on 5 hits with 4 walks in 3 innings against the Rockies in his career.

Over is 8-2 in Braves last 10 during game 1 of a series and 4-1 in Braves last 5 road games vs. a left-handed starter. Over is 9-4 in Rockies last 13 home games.

8* PLAY ON OVER. 

MIKE'S MLB TOTAL OF THE MONTH - TOP-RATED 10* MAJOR WAGER

The Houston Astros opened this series with a 5-1 win on Monday. They are 18-3 to the under in their last 21 after scoring 5 runs or more in their previous game and 22-4 to the under in their last 26 games with the total set at 7.0-8.5.

Oakland right-hander Frankie Montas (2-4, 3.28 ERA) has posted a 3.02 ERA over 44 2/3 innings of work at RingCentral Coliseum in 2022. The A's are 6-1 to the under in Montas' seven home starts.  

Astros' Cristian Javier (3-2, 2.43 ERA) has made nine appearances, five starts this year. The under is 4-1 in his starts. 

10* PLAY ON UNDER. 

MIKE'S RANGERS/ATHLETICS MLB TOTAL BOOKIE BLA$TER

This looks like a low total considering the matchup on the mound and how hot the Rangers' bats have been lately. Texas has scored 30 runs over a four-game winning streak. Oakland right-hander James Kaprielian (0-2, 5.48 ERA) and Texas right-hander Dane Dunning (1-3, 4.32 ERA) have both to find their groove, and both gave up five runs in their last start. Over is 10-4 in the last 14 meetings.

8* PLAY ON OVER. 

MIKE'S BLUE JAYS/ANGELS MLB TOTAL TOP PLAY OF THE DAY

Angels right-hander Michael Lorenzen (5-2, 3.05 ERA) has allowed a total of only one run over 13 innings over his last two starts. Toronto left-hander Yusei Kikuchi (2-1, 3.47 ERA) has allowed more than two runs in only one of his eight starts this year. Over his last four starts, Kikuchi has conceded just five runs over 22 2/3 frames. 

Under is 15-7-3 in Angels last 25 games as a home favorite. Under is 8-3-1 in Blue Jays last 12 games with the total set at 7.0-8.5.

10* PLAY ON UNDER. 

MIKE'S GIANTS/REDS TOTAL BOOKIE BU$TER

Giants left-hander Alex Wood (3-3, 4.82 ERA) has been tagged with eight runs on 14 hits over 7 1/3 innings over his last two starts. The Reds hand the ball to Vladimir Gutierrez (0-6, 8.70 ERA). The wheels have really come off lately for the right-hander, with 21 runs allowed over 15 innings through his last four starts. 

The Reds have scored 29 runs over their last three games. The Giants have scored 23 runs over their last three games. 

8* PLAY ON OVER. 

PHILLIES/BRAVES TOTAL BOOKIE BU$TER

The Atlanta Braves have scored four runs or more in four of their last five games. Tonight they get a look at Philadelphia left-hander Ranger Suarez (4-2, 4.12 ERA) who gave up three runs on five hits in three innings in his last start. Suarez has limited experience against Atlanta who counters with right-hander Charlie Morton (3-3, 4.95 ERA), who has a  4.53 ERA in 12 career starts against Philadelphia. The Phillies have scored four runs or more in three straight games. 

Over is 5-0-1 in Phillies last 6 road games. Over is 7-0-1 in Braves last 8 games as a home favorite.

8* PLAY ON OVER. 

MIKE'S LATE NIGHT METS/GIANTS TOTAL BOOKIE BREAKER

Giants right-hander Alex Cobb (3-1, 5.61 ERA) was tagged with seven runs on 10 hits in 5 1/3 innings at Colorado in his last start. The Giants still won 10-7, and the over is 5-1 in Cobb's six starts this year.

The Mets hand the ball to David Peterson (1-0, 1.89 ERA) to replace the injured Max Scherzer. The left-hander will make his first start in almost three weeks following a stint in the minors. Peterson gave up four runs (three earned) in five innings in his last MLB start.

Over is 4-0 in Giants last 4 home games vs. a left-handed starter. Over is 9-3 in Giants last 12 games as a favorite.

8* PLAY ON OVER. 

MIKE'S BLUE JAYS/CARDINALS MLB TOTAL TOP PLAY OF THE DAY

The Toronto Blue jays are 26-14-1 to the under this season. Right-hander Jose Berrios (3-2, 4.83 ERA) has had a bit of a slow start to the year, but he held Seattle scoreless over seven innings of a 3-0 win in his last start and he has an ERA of 2.92 in two career starts against St. Louis. 

Cardinals right-hander Miles Mikolas (3-2, 1.68 ERA) is having a great year and has yet to allow more than two runs in a start. 

10* PLAY ON UNDER. 

PADRES/GIANTS MLB BOOKIE BU$TER TOTAL

Both starting pitchers are off to a hot start to the year, but Padres Joe Musgove posted a 6.08 ERA over 26 2/3 innings against the Giants last year. The Giants current roster has a combined batting average of .348 over 103 at bats against Musgrove. 

Giants are 18-9 to the over in games with a total under 8.0 (13-6 to the over if their opponent has a winning record). The over is 13-6 in Padres last 19 games with the total set at 7.0-8.5.

8* PLAY ON OVER. 

MIKE'S METS/ROCKIES MLB TOTAL TOP PLAY OF THE DAY

The over is 10-2 in Rockies last 12 home games with the total set at 9.0-10.5. Mets right-hander Carlos Carrasco (3-1, 3.73 ERA) has posted a 6.19 ERA over three road starts this year. Colorado right-hander German Marquez (1-3, 6.16 ERA) has allowed 13 runs over his last three starts and he has a 6.04 ERA home at Coors Field on the season. His last four home starts all went over the total.

10* PLAY ON OVER.

LATE NIGHT MLB BOOKIE BREAKER TOTAL

The Minnesota Twins' over/under record this season is 13-20-4. The Oakland Athletics over/under record is 13-19-3. 

Twins' right-hander Chris Archer (0-1, 4.43 ERA) gave up four runs against Houston in his last start, but he had not allowed more than two runs in any of his previous five starts this year. Archer has a 3.60 ERA in three career starts against Oakland who counters with left-hander Zach Logue. Logue (2-1, 1.35 ERA) is coming off seven scoreless innings at Detroit. Logue has 12 strikeouts and only three walks over 13 1/3 inning of work on the season. 

8* PLAY ON UNDER. 

MIKE'S TOP-RATED 10* MLB TOTAL PLAY OF THE DAY

The Pittsburgh Pirates defeated the Reds 1-0 on Sunday, despite recording a single hit. They have scored a total of only six runs over their last four games and been held to three runs or fewer in seven of their last 10 games. The Chicago Cubs have been held to three runs or fewer in six of their last 10 games. 

Pittsburgh right-hander Dillon Peters (3-1, 1.83 ERA) held the Dodgers scoreless through three innings in his last start. Cubs left-hander Wade Miley's 9.00 ERA for the season looks bad, but it's over a one-game and three-inning sample. Miley owns a 3.64 ERA in 13 career starts against the Pirates.

10* PLAY ON UNDER. 

MIKE'S EARLY MLB TOTAL TOP PLAY OF THE DAY

The Miami Marlins have scored 21 runs through their last three games. Milwaukee right-hander Brandon Woodruff (3-2, 5.97 ERA) was roughed up for six runs (five earned) in 4 1/3 innings of a 10-5 loss at Cincinnati in his last start. Each of Woodruff's last three starts has ended with the game going over the total. Miami right-hander Elieser Hernandez (2-2, 6.37 ERA) has allowed 16 runs over his last four starts. Four of his last five starts have gone over the total. 

The Brewers are averaging a healthy 5.42 R/9 off right-handers. This looks like way too low of a total considering the matchup on the mound. 

10* PLAY ON OVER. 

MIKE'S EARLY ATHLETICS/TIGERS MLB AFTERNOON ASSASSIN

The Detroit Tigers have been shut out in three of their last five games, and they've scored more than three runs in only one of their last 10 games.

The Tigers are averaging a paltry 2.91 runs per nine innings on the season, and Oakland is also one of the lowest-scoring teams in the MLB with only 3.55 runs per nine innings.

The A's have been shut out in three of their last eight games and they've averaged 2.6 runs per game in day games this year. The pitching matchup is nothing special, but I expect this one to go under the total. 

8* PLAY ON UNDER. 

MIKE'S TOP-RATED 10* MLB TOTAL PLAY OF THE DAY

Diamondbacks' veteran left-hander Madison Bumgarner has found his footing after struggling in his first two seasons in Arizona. Bumgarner (1-1, 1.50 ERA) has been one of the best pitchers in the major leagues this year, and he has allowed only one run over 15 innings in his last three starts combined. Miami hands the ball to left-hander Jesus Luzardo (2-2, 3.08 ERA) who's had a solid start to the year as well, and the D'Backs batting only .185 while averaging 2.76 R/9 against left-handers. 

10* PLAY ON UNDER. 

SUPER EARLY ROYALS/ORIOLES MLB BOOKIE BU$TER

Baltimore Orioles' left-hander Alexander Wells (0-0, 4.91 ERA) has pitched only 3 2/3 innings this season, but he should have a solid outing here against a Royals team that is averaging only 2.53 R/9 against left-handers this season. The Orioles are averaging 3.53 R/9 overall.

8* PLAY ON UNDER. 

MIKE'S SUPER EARLY MLB TOTAL TOP PLAY OF THE DAY

The Milwaukee Brewers put an 18-4 beating on Cincinnati yesterday. For the season, the over/under is 17-25 in games where one of the teams scored 10 runs or more the previous game. 

Cincinnati's rookie right-hander Hunter Greene (1-3, 6.00 ERA) has 22 strikeouts over his first 18 innings in the majors, and the Brewers are striking out almost nine times per nine innings. I expect plenty of swings and misses from the Brew Crew today as they might feel a bit too frisky looking to repeat yesterday's performance. 

The Brewers counter with right-hander Adrian Houser (2-2, 2.53 ERA) who's had a solid start to the year, and he struck out eight through six shutout innings against the Cubs in his last start. The Reds are averaging only 3.30 runs per nine innings on the season. 

10* PLAY ON UNDER. 

MIKE'S TOP-RATED 10* MLB TOTAL PLAY OF THE DAY

The Los Angeles Angels got shut out in a 4-0 loss to Boston on Tuesday. I don't expect them to score many runs tonight either, coming up against Red Sox right-hander Garrett Whitlock (1-1, 0.54 ERA) who has conceded a total of only one earned run while recording 20 strikeouts over 16 2/3 innings this season. 

The Angels turn to left-hander Reid Detmers (1-1, 5.19 ERA) to get a start instead of Shohei Ohtani. Detmers has given up only three runs on five hits with eight strikeouts over his last two starts.

The Red Sox are averaging only 3.60 runs per nine innings on the season.

10* PLAY ON UNDER. 

MIKE'S MONDAY NIGHT MLB TOTAL BOOKIE BU$TER

This is admittedly an extremely low total, but I still think there's value on the under.

Both starting pitchers have had a red hot start to the year, with Arizona's Zac Gallen coming into the game with a 0.60 ERA over 15 innings and Miami's Pablo Lopez with an even better 0.39 ERA over 23 1/3 innings.

The Diamondbacks are averaging an MLB-worst 3.14 runs per nine innings and their batting average of .181 is also an MLB-worst. They average 9.14 strikeouts per game, and Miami is second to last in the majors with 9.81 strikeouts per game. 

8* PLAY ON UNDER. 

MIKE'S CUBS/BRAVES MLB TOTAL TOP PLAY OF THE DAY

Over their last six games, the Chicago Cubs have scored 32 runs. That might look impressive at first glance, but keep in mind that 21 of those runs were scored in a single game, against Pittsburgh, on April 23. 

That leaves 11 runs scored between the other five games, and here they'll face a hot pitcher in Atlanta right-hander Kyle Wright (2-0, 1.06 ERA). Wright has been excellent with only two runs allowed and 26 strikeouts against two walks over 17 innings of work. 

Cubs' left-hander Drew Smyly (1-1, 2.45 ERA) had opened the season with 9 2/3 scoreless innings before giving up four runs on six hits in five innings against Pittsburgh in his last start. He should bounce back with a strong outing.  

10* play on UNDER. 

MIKE'S ASTROS/RANGERS MLB TOTAL PLAY OF THE DAY

The first game of this series saw eight runs, the second game six runs. I don't expect to see much action over the plate in Game 3 tonight either.

Houston hands the ball to Cristian Javier (0-0, 0.00 ERA) for his first start of the season. Javier has worked 8 1/3 frames as a reliever this season, but he is not a complete stranger to starting games and owns a 3.35 ERA over 51 career appearances, 19 starts. Javier has posted a 2.84 ERA over eight career outings (four starts) against the Rangers who turn to Glenn Otto. 

Otto (1-0, 1.80 ERA) held Oakland to one run on two hits with five strikeouts over five innings in his first, and up until now, only start of the season. 

10* play on UNDER. 

MIKE'S EARLY CARDS/METS MLB TOTAL BOOKIE BU$TER

The St. Louis Cardinals have scored only two runs through the first two games of this series, and today they'll run into Mets' right-hander Carlos Carrasco (1-0, 1.47 ERA) who has a 2.84 ERA in his two career starts against St. Louis. 

The Cardinals hand the ball to Steven Matz (2-1, 5.27 ERA) who spent six years with the Mets before getting acquired by the Blue Jays last season. There's some bad blood between Matz and the Mets after some off-season drama, and I expect a big outing from Matz who has allowed only one run over 10 2/3 innings in his last two starts. 

8* play on UNDER. 

MIKE'S ORIOLES/YANKEES MLB BOOKIE BU$TER

The Baltimore Orioles' over/under record is 12-2-2 and the Yankees over/under record is 5-11. Baltimore right-hander Jordan Lyles (1-1, 3.52 ERA) is off to a promising start to the year, and he has a career ERA of 2.57 in three games (two starts) against the Yankees. 

Yankees' Luis Severino (1-0, 2.08 ERA) has also had a good start to the season and Severino has a career ERA of 3.31 in 10 career appearances (eight starts) against the Orioles.

8* play on UNDER. 

MIKE'S ROCKIES/PHILLIES MLB TOTAL TOP PLAY OF THE DAY

The Colorado Rockies average only 3.72 R/9 away from home and they are 5-2 to the under on the road. The Philadelphia Phillies won Monday's matchup 8-2, but they still average only 2.74 R/9 at home at Citizens Bank Park and they are 5-2-2 to the under in their home games. Neither pitcher has had a great start to the year, but Rockies' right-hander German Marquez (0-0, 4.67 ERA) owns a solid 3.21 ERA in seven career starts against the Phillies and I don't trust Rockies' bats to do much damage of Eflin.  

10* play on UNDER. 

MIKE'S TOP-RATED 10* MLB TOTAL PLAY OF THE DAY

The Miami Marlins are averaging only 3.55 R/9 and they are 9-4 to the under on the season. They've been shut out in two of their last four games. Miami right-hander Elieser Hernandez (1-1, 4.22 ERA) has posteda 2.27 ERA through 10 career outings (five starts) against Atlanta. 

10* play on UNDER. 

MIKE'S RED SOX/RAYS MLB TOTAL BOOKIE BLA$TER

The Boston Red Sox have scored a total of only 10 runs over their last five games and the Tampa Bay Rays have been held to three runs or fewer in six of their last nine games. Both starting pitchers are off to a promising start to the year, and both bullpens are decent. 

Under is 15-6 in Rays last 21 games vs. a right-handed starter. Under is 4-1-1 in Red Sox last 6 games vs. a right-handed starter.

8* play on UNDER. 

MIKE'S EARLY TOP-RATED 10* MLB TOTAL PLAY OF THE DAY

The Milwaukee Brewers are going for the three-game sweep after winning the first two games 6-1 and 5-2. I expect this to be another low-scoring game. The Brewers have scored one run or fewer in four of their 11 games and the Pirates have scored two runs or fewer in six of their 11 games. Both starting pitchers are off to a rough start, but as both teams have yet to find consistency at the plate, I still like the under. 

10* play on UNDER. 

MIKE'S PHILLIES/ROCKIES MLB TOTAL BOOKIE BU$TER

The Colorado Rockies are 6-3 to the under on the season but I think runs will come fast and easy for both teams at Coors Field tonight. Colorado left-hander Kyle Freeland (0-2, 10.00 ERA) has had a rough start to the year, allowing five earned runs in each of his first two starts. The Rockies bullpen has an MLB-best 1.88 ERA, but that won't last for much longer. Phillies' righty Kyle Gibson gave up four runs on five hits and three walks over 4 2/3 innings at Miami in his last start and their bullpen ranks 25th in the majors with a 4.57 ERA. 

8* play on OVER. 

TOP-RATED 10* MLB TOTAL PLAY OF THE DAY

Both the Milwaukee Brewers and the Pittsburgh Pirates have been inconsistent at the plate to start the season. The Brewers have scored one run or fewer in four of their 10 games and the Pirates have scored two runs or fewer in five of their 10 games. Milwaukee right-hander Corbin Burnes (0-0, 2.25 ERA) is 4-0 with a 2.82 ERA in 16 career outings (four starts) against the Pirates. Under is 4-1 in the last 5 meetings.

10* play on UNDER. 

TOP-RATED 10* CUBS/ROCKIES MLB TOTAL TOP PLAY OF THE DAY

The Chicago Cubs and the Colorado Rockies are averaging 4.50 and 4.89 runs per nine innings respectively. Colorado starter Kyle Freeland was knocked around by the Dodgers in his first start of the season, but I expect him to bounce back with a strong outing. Cubs' starter Justin Steele held Milwaukee scoreless through five innings in his first start of the year. 

Coors Field is a hitters park, but that is no secret. The bookmakers know they can post high totals and the public usually fall right into the trap. The Rockies were 44-34-3 to the under in their home games in 2021. 

10* play on UNDER. 

MIKE'S METS/PHILLIES 10* MLB TOTAL TOP PLAY OF THE DAY

Max Scherzer gave up three runs on three hits with a walk and six strikeouts in six innings against the Nats in his first start with the Mets. Mad Max can't be too happy with that outing, and I expect him to have a solid outing here against a Philadelphia team he has a 2.82 ERA against through 14 starts. The Phillies counter with Aaron Nola who has a 3.12 ERA in 20 starts against the Mets. Under is 12-3-2 in the last 17 meetings. 

10* play on UNDER. 

MIKE'S OPENING DAY PIRATES/CARDINALS TOTAL

Pittsburgh righty JT Brubaker was 5-13 with an ERA of 5.36 last year and he was tagged with 16 runs on 26 hits while serving up seven homers in just under 22 innings against St. Louis. 

Cards' Adam Wainwright was a team-best 17-7 with a 3.05 ERA, and he was dominant in four starts against Pittsburgh. Still, I think the veteran righty needs a couple of starts to get at his best. Note that he gave up six runs in just 2 2/3 innings against Cincinnati in his season-opener last year. 

8* play on OVER. 

TOP-RATED 10* DODGERS @ GIANTS NLDS GAME 5 *BEST BET*

Giant's righty Logan Webb (11-3, 2.97 ERA) held the Dodgers to five hits and fanned 10 through 7 2/3 scoreless innings in a 4-0 win on October 8. Webb is 6-0 with a minuscule 1.96 ERA home at Oracle Park this season. Dodgers' left-hander Julio Urias (20-3, 2.96 ERA) held the Giants to one run in three hits with five ks through five innings in his last start. Urias is 13-2 with a 2.71 ERA on the road this season. I think runs will come at a premium for both teams, and I would not be surprised to see a 2-1 type final score for either team. 

10* play on UNDER. 

MIKE'S 10* YANKEES @ RED SOX AL WILD CARD TOP PLAY

Both teams have potent lineups, but I expect runs to come at a premium for both the Yankees and the Red Sox here in the AL Wild Card game. Yankees' right-hander Gerrit Cole (16-8, 3.23 ERA) owns a 2.68 ERA in 13 career postseason starts while Boston right-hander Nathan Eovaldi (11-9, 3.75 ERA)  has posted a 1.61 ERA in six career postseason outings (two starts). 

Under is 12-3-1 in the last 16 meetings. Under is 6-1 in the last 7 meetings at Fenway Park.

10* play on UNDER. 

3-PACK - A'S/MARINERS UNDER

Oakland righty Frankie Montas (13-9, 3.48 ERA) has posted a 2.60 ERA over his last three starts. Montas has 19 Ks against only 11 hits over 17 1/3 innings during that stretch. Seattle righty Logan Gilbert (6-5, 4.83 ERA) has posted a 3.44 ERA over his last three starts. Gilbert has 18 Ks against only 13 hits over 18 1/3 innings during that stretch. Under is 7-2 in the last 9 meetings. Under is 5-2 in the last 7 meetings in Seattle.

8* play on UNDER. 

3-PACK - YANKEES/JAYS UNDER

Yankees' left-hander Gerritt Cole (16-8, 3.08 ERA) has a 2.81 ERA in eight career starts against Toronto (2.74 ERA in four starts this season). Toronto righty Jose Berrios (12-9, 3.48 ERA) owns a 4.79 ERA in four career starts against the Bronx Bombers, but note his 3.50 ERA in 11 starts with Toronto since coming over from Minnesota. 

8* play on UNDER. 

TOP-RATED 10* MLB TOTAL PLAY OF THE DAY

The Pirates are averaging an MLB-worst 3.91 runs per game. Cubs' right-hander Kyle Hendricks (14-7, 4.81 ERA) owns a 3.69 ERA in 23 career starts against the Pirates who counter with Roansy Contreras who will make his MLB debut. Contreras has compiled a 2.64 ERA while pitching for Double-A Altoona and Triple-A Indianapolis this season. The reeling Cubs have lost seven straight. Under is 8-3-1 in the last 12 meetings in Pittsburgh.

10* play on UNDER.

MLB GAME OF THE YEAR (AL TOTAL)

Oakland right-hander Chris Bassitt (12-4, 3.16 ERA) held Seattle to one hit with four Ks through three scoreless innings in his last start since a 36-day layoff due to a shattered cheekbone. Bassitt has posted a 2.70 ERA over his last three starts. Seattle left-hander Tyler Anderson (7-10, 4.48 ERA) will open in what will be a bullpen game for the home team. Oakland's bats have been cold lately, and I think the Mariners relievers can keep them in check. 

Under is 6-2-1 in Athletics last 9 games as a favorite. Under is 8-3-1 in Athletics last 12 overall. Under is 4-1-1 in Mariners last 6 games as an underdog. Under is 9-3 in the last 12 meetings.

10* play on UNDER. 

GIANTS @ PADRES TOTAL

Giants' right-hander Logan Webb (10-3, 2.79 ERA) has posted a 1.97 ERA over his last 17 starts, and he owns a 2.81 ERA in four career outings against San Diego. Padres' righty Yu Darvish (8-10, 4.13 ERA) is coming off seven shutout innings at St. Louis. He has a 3.19 ERA over 96 innings home at Petco Park in 2021. 

8* play on UNDER. 

CARDINALS @ BREWERS TOTAL

The red-hot Cardinals have won a season-high 11 games following a 10-2 triumph over Milwaukee on Wednesday. I like the price we get on them to complete the four-game sweep of this series with veteran righty Adam Wainwright (16-7, 2.89 ERA) on the mound. Wainwright is 19-12 with a 2.47 ERA in his career against the Brewers, and he is 9-1 with a 1.81 ERA in his last 12 starts overall. 

Milwaukee right-hander Adrian Houser (9-6, 3.43 ERA) has posted a 2.87 ERA over his last 17 outings (15 starts). Going against Houser isn't easy, but the Brewers bats are ice cold and we're getting a great price on the Cards to prevail in a low-scoring affair. 

8* play on UNDER. 

MAJOR WAGER ALERT - 10* IL TOTAL GAME OF THE MONTH

The Phillies have a .208 batting average over their last three games, and they've scored only five runs during that stretch. This looks like a good spot for Baltimore left-hander Keegan Akin (2-10, 6.93 ERA) to better his numbers, and he had a couple of solid starts prior to his last three outings. 

Baltimore has scored more than three runs in only one of their last eight games, and their .239 batting average for the season is one of the worst marks in baseball. Phillies' All-star right-hander Zack Wheeler (14-9, 2.83 ERA) is having a great year, and he has a 2.04 ERA in his three career starts against the Orioles.

Under is 6-2 in the last 8 meetings in Philadelphia. Under is 7-2-1 in the last 10 meetings.

10* play on UNDER. 

NATIONALS @ MARLINS TOTAL

The Marlins took a 7-1 loss to Washington on Tuesday. I like them to snap back here in the rubber match of this three-game series. Miami right-hander Elieser Hernandez (1-2, 3.80 ERA) has posted a 3.47 ERA at home this season and he held Washington to two runs in five innings on Aug. 26. Nationals righty Josiah Gray (0-2, 6.24 ERA) has allowed a total of 22 runs through his last four starts. The Nats have lost each of his last five starts. 

I also like the over as I expect the Marlins bats to come alive, coming off a very disappointing game. Over is 4-1 in Marlins last 5 after scoring 2 runs or less in their previous game. Over is 4-0 in Marlins last 4 overall. Over is 11-2-1 in Nationals last 14 during game 3 of a series. Over is 4-0 in the last 4 meetings.

8* play on OVER. 

CARDINALS @ BREWERS TOTAL

Milwaukee right-hander Brandon Woodruff (9-9, 2.55 ERA) is having a fantastic year, and he's been at his best at home where he has posted a 2.37 ERA. St. Louis' righty Jake Woodford (2-3, 4.30 ERA) has made 23 appearances (five starts) this season. He has posted a 2.03 ERA and only nine hits allowed through 13 1/3 innings in his last three outings. The Brewers have struggled at the plate lately, and I think this will be a low-scoring affair.  

8* play on UNDER.

PIRATES @ REDS TOTAL

The Reds put up nine runs in Monday's triumph over Pittsburgh, but runs have otherwise been hard to come by lately. Pittsburgh right-hander Mitch Keller (4-11, 6.14 ERA) has a terrible track record against Cincinnati, but this could be a good spot better his numbers, especially as he has pitched reasonably well lately (3.38 ERA last three starts). Reds' right-hander Tyler Mahle (12-5, 3.59) has posted a 1.47 ERA in three starts against the Pirates this season. 

8* play on UNDER. 

TOP-RATED 10* MLB TOTAL PLAY OF THE DAY

Marlins rookie left-hander Trevor Rogers (7-7, 2.71 ERA) has made three career starts against Washington, resulting in a 3.86 ERA. Nats' lefty Josh Rogers (1-0, 2.60 ERA) held the Marlins to one hit, one walk, and no runs while striking out six in five innings last week. The Marlins won the opener of this series 8-7 on Monday. Under is 6-1-1 in Nationals last 8 after allowing 5 runs or more in their previous game. Under is 7-2-1 in Nationals last 10 after scoring 5 runs or more in their previous game. Under is 7-1 in Marlins' last 8 after scoring 5 runs or more in their previous game.

10* play on UNDER.

TOP-RATED 10* MLB TOTAL PLAY OF THE DAY

Rays' righty Shane Baz may be making his MLB debut, but he's a top-prospect that has posted a 1.76 mark in 10 starts while holding opposing hitters to a .174 batting average in Triple-A this season. Also, Baz will be backed up by a Rays bullpen that is among the best in baseball. As for Toronto left-hander Robbie Ray (12-5, 2.64 ERA), the American League Cy Young Award candidate's numbers speak for themselves. In seven career outings against the Rays, Ray is 2-2 with an ERA of 2.45. 

Under is 6-0-2 in the last 8 meetings. Under is 5-0 in the last 5 meetings in Tampa Bay.

10* play on UNDER. 

TOP-RATED 10* MLB TOTAL PLAY OF THE DAY

The Phillies are coming off a 17-8 rout of the Cubs while the Mets took an 11-4 loss to St. Louis last time out. I expect both teams' bats to cool off here with two tough pitchers on the mound. 

Mets' righty Taijuan Walker (7-9, 4.29 ERA) has posted a 3.55 ERA in 14 outings (three starts) at home and a 3.80 ERA in four starts against the Phillies this season. Philadelphia righty Zack Wheeler (13-9, 2.86 ERA) has held the Mets to seven runs with 31 Ks over 29 1/3 innings (2.15 ERA) this year. 

Under is 5-1 in the last 6 meetings in New York. Under is 4-0 in the last 4 meetings.

10* play on UNDER. 

ANGELS @ WHITE SOX TOTAL

Angels' right-hander Alex Cobb (7-3, 3.82 ERA) has posted a 10.70 ERA in his previous four career starts against the White Sox, but this looks like a good spot to better that number. The White Sox's bats have been very inconsistent lately, with the team scoring two runs or fewer in four of their last seven games. Additionally, Cobb has allowed only three runs through 24+ innings in his last four starts combined. The White Sox hand the ball to right-hander Reynaldo Lopez (3-2, 2.05 ERA) for his seventh start of the season. Lopez has allowed only three runs through 20 innings home at Guaranteed Rate Field. 

Under is 18-7 in Angels last 25 games as a road underdog. Under is 6-1-1 in White Sox last 8 games vs. a right-handed starter. Under is 13-5 in the last 18 meetings in Chicago.

8* play on UNDER. 

TOP-RATED 10* MLB PLAY OF THE DAY - REDS @ PIRATES TOTAL

This looks like a great spot to fade the Pirates as they look to complete the three-game sweep. The Bucs are 0-10 this season when going for a sweep and 8-2 to the under. Desperation must be kicking in for the Reds who have lost four straight and seven of nine to fall out of a wild card spot. Reds' righty Tyler Mahle (11-5, 3.73 ERA) is 7-2 with a 1.97 ERA on the road and 2-0 with a 2.19 ERA against Pittsburgh this year. 

10* play on UNDER. 

MLB 3-PACK - BOS/SEA UNDER

Tuesday's matchup between the Red Sox and the Mariners had only four runs scored until the two teams added eight runs in the last two frames for a final 8-4 Red Sox win. I expect to see fewer runs in this one. Red Sox righty Tanner Houck (0-4, 3.54 ERA) is still in search of his first win of the season, but to little fault of his own. Houck has yet to allow more than three runs in a start, and he has an impressive 63/15 K/BB ratio over his 53 1/3 innings of work. Seattle lefty Marco Gonzales (8-5, 3.95 ERA) has posted a 3.50 ERA in his last three starts and he has a 3.60 ERA at home on the season. 

8* play on UNDER. 

TOP-RATED 10* MLB TOTAL PLAY OF THE DAY

The Rays won Tuesday's matchup 2-0, and I think the finale of this three-game series will be another low-scoring affair. Ray's righty Michael Wacha (3-4, 5.37 ERA) has posted a 2.35 ERA through his last three starts, with only nine hits allowed and 19 Ks over 15 1/3 innings of work. Blue Jays' left-hander Robbie Ray (11-5, 2.69 ERA) has posted a 2.50 ERA over his last three starts, with 28 Ks against 13 hits over 18 innings of work. 

The under is 6-0-1 in the last seven meetings. 

10* play on UNDER. 

MAJOR WAGER ALERT - MIKE'S AL TOTAL GAME OF THE MONTH

Houston left-hander Framber Valdez (9-5, 3.08 ERA) has posted a 4.27 ERA in nine career appearances (five starts) against the Angels, but this will be his first start against them for this season. Valdez has posted a 2.73 ERA over 52 2/3 innings home at Minute Maid Park this year. Angels' right-hander Shohei Ohtani (9-1, 2.97 ERA) held Texas to two runs with eight Ks in seven innings last time out.

Houston took an 8-5 loss to Seattle on Wednesday after a late collapse. Under is 10-0-2 in Astros last 12 after allowing 5 runs or more in their previous game.

The Angels are averaging only 3.68 runs per nine innings on the road against left-handers. Under is 8-3 in Angels last 11 road games vs. a left-handed starter.  Under is 15-5 in Angels last 20 games as a road underdog.

10* play on UNDER. 

MLB 3-PACK #2

White Sox left-hander Dallas Keuchel (8-8, 5.22 ERA) has been roughed up badly in recent outings, but this looks like a good spot to bounce back against an Oakland team that has scored only three runs through its last two games. Under is 13-3 in Athletics last 16 home games vs. a left-handed starter. Oakland righty Frankie Montas (11-9, 3.68 ERA) has posted a 1.31 ERA over his last three starts. Under is 4-0-1 in White Sox last 5 road games vs. a right-handed starter.

8* play on UNDER. 

MLB TOTAL TOP PLAY OF THE DAY

Cardinals veteran righty Adam Wainwright (14-7, 2.91 ERA) is having a terrific year. He's been even sharper down the stretch, with a 1.43 ERA in six starts last month and only one earned run allowed over 6 1/3 innings in his first start of September. Dodgers' right-hander Mitch White (1-2, 3.49 ERA) has been getting some starts lately as the Dodgers are coping with injuries to their regular starters. White is inexperienced, but he should be able to handle a Cardinals team that is averaging only 4.27 runs per game (26th), which drops to 3.94 runs per game at home. Under is 18-6-4 in Dodgers last 28 vs. a team with a winning record. Under is 5-0-2 in Cardinals last 7 home games. Under is 8-2-1 in Cardinals last 11 games as a favorite. Under is 38-18-1 in the last 57 meetings.

10* play on UNDER. 

MLB 3-PACK #1

The first two games of this series have seen a total of only 10 runs scored between them. Minnesota right-hander Joe Ryan (0-1, 5.40 ERA) fanned five Cubs hitters and gave up only three hits and a walk in his MLB debut. He should do alright here against a Cleveland team whose bats have gone quiet. Cleveland right-hander Triston McKenzie (4-5, 4.62 ERA) held Kansas City to one run on two hits in six innings last Thursday after being sidelined for 11 days due to shoulder fatigue. Under is 8-2-1 in Twins last 11 overall. Under is 5-2 in Indians last 7 overall. 

8* play on UNDER. 

MAJOR WAGER ALERT - MIKE'S AL TOTAL GAME OF THE WEEK

Yankees' ace Gerrit Cole (14-6, 2.73 ERA) has posted a 0.73 ERA in four starts after missing more than two weeks following a positive test for COVID-19. Cole is 5-0 with a 2.64 ERA in seven starts against the Blue Jays who hand the ball to Steven Matz (10-7, 3.80 ERA). Matz has posted a 2.12 ERA over his last three starts, and he'll face a slumping Yankees team that was shut out last night and has lost seven of its last nine.

The Blue Jays bats have been hot, but if anyone can keep them quiet it's Cole. 

10* play on UNDER. 

3-PACK - BOS/TB UNDER

Red Sox righty Chris Sale (3-0, 2.35 ERA) has posted a 2.94 ERA in 20 career appearances (18 starts) against the Rays. Rays' Drew Rasmussen (1-1, 3.46 ERA) owns a 2.70 ERA in three career appearances (one start) against the Rex Sox, all this season. Under is 13-3 in Red Sox last 16 games with the total set at 7.0-8.5. Under is 11-3-2 in Red Sox last 16 during game 3 of a series.

8* play on UNDER. 

LATE-NIGHT MLB TOTAL TOP PLAY *BAILOUT PLAY

Padres' left-hander Blake Snell (6-5, 4.58 ERA) has an ugly 7.01 ERA on the road, but he has posted a 3.06 ERA in his last three starts (two home, one away). I don't think the tanking D'Backs will do much damage off him as Snell is 1-0 with a 1.08 ERA in three starts against the Diamondbacks this season.

Arizona righty Zac Gallen (2-7, 4.32 ERA) has 15 strikeouts through 12 scoreless innings in his last two starts. Gallen is 1-1 with a 3.05 ERA in four starts against the Padres this year.

10* play on UNDER. 

MLB 3-PACK - GIANTS/BRAVES UNDER

The Braves got shut out in a 5-0 loss to the Giants on Saturday. I think runs will be hard to come by for Atlanta in this one as well, coming up against Anthony DeSclafani (11-5, 3.26 ERA) who has psoted a 2.80 ERA on the road this season. Only one of Atlanta's last seven games has gone over the total. Ian Anderson (5-5, 3.56 ERA) will take the ball for the Braves. Under is 9-0 in Giants last 9 games vs. a right-handed starter and 17-5 in Giants last 22 during game 3 of a series.

8* play on UNDER. 

MLB 3-PACK

This game should go under the total as the Cubs are unlikely to put many runs on the board against White Sox righty Lance Lynn who has posted a 2.27 ERA on the season. The White Sox have scored a total of 27 runs over their last two games, but their bats had been cold prior to those two outings. 

8* play on UNDER. 

*MAJOR WAGER ALERT* NATIONAL LEAGUE TOTAL OF THE MONTH

I think runs will come a premium for both teams at Petco Park Saturday night. 

Phillies' righty Aaron Nola (7-7, 4.48 ERA) Has not had a great month, but now he'll face a Padres team who's bats have really gone quiet of late. Padres' righty Joe Musgrove (8-8, 3.11 ERA) was tagged with six runs in five innings at Arizona in his last start. Bounce back spot for Musgrove, and he has posted a 2.43 ERA home at Petco Park in 2021. 

Under is 9-1-2 in Phillies last 12 overall. Under is 5-1 in Padres last 6 overall. (both trends prior to the conclusion of Friday's matchup). 

10* play on UNDER. 

MLB 3-PACK - OVER

The Miami Marlins have opened the week with three straight home losses to Atlanta, and things won't go any easier as they travel to Cincinnati for the opener of a four-game series Thursday night. 

Reds righty Luis Castillo (6-12, 4.51 ERA) has posted a respectable 3.72 ERA at home and he is is 3-0 with a 1.84 ERA in four career starts against Miami. 

The Marlins hand the ball to right-hander Zach Thompson (2-5, 2.91 ERA) who's having an impressive rookie season, but he's been pitching better at home than on the road where he is 0-3 in five starts, with the Marlins losing each of those five games. In fact, their team record is 3-8 in Thompson's 11 starts overall. 

The Reds are 7-1 SU and 5-3 against the runline as home favorites of -200 or more while the over is 6-2 in this spot. I fully expect the Reds' bats to come alive again following back-to-back one-run outings against the Cubs.  

8* play on OVER.

MLB 3-PACK - BRAVES/MARLINS UNDER

The red hot Braves have won seven of their last eight and four in a row, a 12-2 rout of the Marlins here at loanDepot Park on Monday included. 

Braves right-hander Huascar Ynoa (4-2, 3.02 ERA) hasn't pitched since May 16 when he broke his pitching hand, but I expect a solid outing from Ynoa. The Marlins turn to right-hander Sandy Alcantara (7-10, 3.52 ERA) who has posted a 2.43 ERA in six career starts against Atlanta and he has a 2.58 ERA in 11 home starts on the season. 

Miami's bats are wildly inconsistent though, and I like the price we get on the Braves to get the W in a low-scoring affair. 

8* play on UNDER. 

MLB-PACK - INDIANS/TIGERS UNDER

The teams have split the first two games of this series with a 6-1 win each. I expect another relatively low-scoring affair in the series-finale on Sunday. 

Detroit right-hander Drew Hutchison will make his first major-league appearance since 2018, but he has a decent amount of big-league experience. He's been solid for the Toledo Mudhens in Triple-A this year, going 8-3 with a 3.63 ERA in 17 starts. Cleveland right-hander Triston McKenzie (1-5, 5.66 ERA) has allowed a total of only five runs on nine hits over 13 innings in his last two starts combined. He held Detroit to one hit through five scoreless innings back in May. 

8* play on UNDER. 

SUPER LATE MLB BAILOUT TOTAL 

We saw nine runs scored in the opener of this series on Tuesday. I expect at least as many runs here in Game 2.   

Mariners' left-hander Tyler Anderson (5-8, 4.35 ERA) has posted a 5.14 ERA under the lights in 2021 while Rangers right-hander Spencer Howard (0-3, 6.16 ERA) has a 6.35 ERA under the lights. Howard has posted a 7.15 ERA through his last three starts overall. 

8* play on OVER. 

SUBSCRIBERS ONLY

Phillies' Zack Wheeler has been phenomenal for most of the season. Last time out he gave up four runs in 7 1/3 innings at Washington, but now Wheeler returns home to Citizens Bank Park where he is 5-3 with a 2.22 ERA. Mets' Taijuan Walker (7-6, 3.86 ERA) has allowed five, six, five and four runs in his last four starts. He is 3-4 with a 4.53 ERA on the road this season. 

In addition to the Phillies winning the game, I also like the over as I expect Walker and the Mets' bullpen to get absolutely torched. 

8* play on OVER. 

TOP-RATED 10* MLB TOTAL GAME OF THE WEEK

Milwaukee won the opener of this series 2-1 on Friday, and four of its last five games have gone under the total. The Giants are 3-1 to the under in their last four. 

Both Milwaukee' righty Brandon Woodruff (7-6, 2.26 ERA) and Giants' right-hander Aaron Sanchez (1-1, 2.97 ERA) have posted impressive numbers this season. Woodruff has a 1.48 ERA in day starts. 

10* play on UNDER. 

TOP-RATED 10* MLB TOTAL TOP PLAY OF THE DAY

The Pirates are averaging only 3.84 runs/9 innings (30th ) and that number drops to 2.67 runs/9 innings when on the road against a left-handed starter. That's the situation they're at here against Reds southpaw Wade Miley (8-4, 2.92 ERA). Miley has posted a 2.91 ERA home at Great American Ball Park in 2021. 

Pittsburgh hands the ball to JT Brubaker (4-10, 4.49 ERA). He has pitched reasonably well in his last two starts, with a total of only three runs allowed on six hits and three walks over 10 innings of work. 

10* play on UNDER. 

TOP-RATED 10* MLB TOTAL PLAY OF THE DAY

The first two games of this series have seen 12 and nine runs respectively. I expect Game 3 to be a much lower-scoring affair. 

Phillies' righty Chase Anderson (2-4, 6.75 ERA) is having a rough year, but he's built back his confidence lately pitching out of the bullpen. He held Pittsburgh to two runs with five Ks in four innings in his last outing. 

The Nats hand the ball to righty Paolo Espino (3-2, 3.08 ERA) who held the Cubs to a run on four hits in 5 1/3 innings while striking out six his last time out. Espino has posted a 2.35 ERA through his last three starts and he has a 2.23 ERA home at Nationals Park. 

Under is 23-6 in Nationals last 29 during game 3 of a series. Under is 23-10 in Nationals last 33 games as a home favorite.

10* play on UNDER. 

TOP-RATED 10* MLB TOTAL PLAY OF THE DAY

The Pittsburgh Pirates are averaging an MLB-worst 3.82 runs per game. On the road and facing left-handers, they average only 2.50 runs per nine innings, and that's the situation they'll be in here on Monday as the Brewers are sending Eric Lauer (3-4, 3.50 ERA) to the mound. Lauer has posted a 1.17 ERA in his last five outings. Lauer has posted a 3.13 ERA in six career appearances, including five starts, against Pittsburgh. 

The Pirates are handing the ball to Bryse Wilson (2-3, 5.88 ERA) for his first appearance with the team since coming over from Atlanta. While the Brewers could end up hitting him hard, I still expect this game to stay under the total. 

10* play on UNDER. 

MLB 3-PACK 

The Astros and the Giants have combined for 29 runs through the first two games of this series, but I expect a pitchers duel in the finale. 

Astros righty Luis Garcia (7-5, 3.19 ERA) was lit up at Seattle in his last start, but ha had allowed only one run on five hits through 11 innings in his last two starts prior to that outing. Giants' Logan Webb (4-3, 3.36 ERA) has posted a 1.54 ERA in his past seven starts.

8* play on UNDER. 

TOP-RATED 10* NATIONAL LEAGUE TOTAL OF THE WEEK

The Nats are 11-4 to the under in right-hander Erick Fedde's starts in 2021. Fedde (4-7, 5.05 ERA) allowed no earned runs and only four hits in a 3-1 Nats loss to Miami in his last home start. Cubs' right-hander Adbert Alzolay (4-11, 4.73 ERA) was tagged with four runs in five innigs of a 7-4 loss to Cincinnati in his last start, but here he'll face a Washington team that is averaging only 4.20 runs per nine innings against right-handers. 

Under is 8-1-1 in Cubs last 10 Sunday games. Under is 13-3 in Nationals last 16 Sunday games.

10* play on UNDER. 

TWINS @ CARDINALS BOOKIE BU$TER TOTAL

The Twins took a 17-14 loss to Detroit on Wednesday, but I expect a much lower scoring affair here in the opener of a three-game set at St. Louis. 

Twins right-hander Jose Berrios (7-5, 3.48 ERA) has 2.92 ERA in two career starts against the Cardinals. He allowed only three hits and no earned runs in seven innings of a 2-1 loss to the Halos in his last start. 

The Cards counter with left-hander Wade LeBlanc (0-2, 4.58 ERA) who has posted a solid 3.45 ERA since coming to the team in midseason. 

Under is 13-4 in Cardinals last 17 games as a home underdog. Under is 14-3-1 in the last 18 meetings. Under is 9-2-1 in the last 12 meetings in St. Louis.

8* play on UNDER. 

SUPER EARLY MLB TOTAL TOP PLAY OF THE DAY

Yankees' ace Gerrit Cole (10-5, 2.74 ERA) is 1-5 despite a solid 3.82 ERA in 10 career starts against the Rays. 

Tampa Bay right-hander Luis Patino (1-2, 5.26 ERA) has been roughed up in his last three starts, but note his 1.04 ERA in three appearances at home this season. He took on the Bronx Bombers on May 11 when he held them to two runs (one earned) through four frames. Patino is backed up by one of the best bullpens in baseball. 

The first two games of this series have seen seven and four runs respectively. This should be another low-scorin affair. 

10* play on UNDER. 

SUPER EARLY TOP-RATED 10* MLB TOTAL PLAY OF THE DAY

Cleveland right-hander Zach Plesac (5-3, 4.30 ERA) does not boast particularly impressive numbers this season, but note his 2.95 ERA through 21 1/3 innings of work in four day starts in 2021. 

Cards' left-hander Kwang Hyun Kim (6-5, 2.88 ERA) has a consistent ERA no matter home/away or day/night. He has allowed only two runs on 10 hits with 15 Ks through his last three starts, covering 18 innings of work for a 1.00 ERA. 

Under is 5-1 in Indians last 6 interleague games vs. a left-handed starter. Under is 21-5-1 in Cardinals last 27 interleague road games.

10* play on UNDER. 

MLB 3-PACK UNDER

The first two games of this series have seen five and seven runs respectively. 

Seattle left-hander Marco Gonzales (2-5, 5.55 ERA) has allowed only five runs through 10 2/3 innings in his last two starts combined. He held the A's to one run on two hits in four innings at Oakland in the beginning of June. 

Oakland left-hander Cole Irvin (7-8, 3.42 ERA) was roughed up by Seattle back in May, but the Mariners are generally struggling with southpaws, averaging only 3.67 runs per nine innings against left-hadners home at T-Mobile Park. 

In addition to the under, I also like Oakland to avenge Saturday's 4-3 loss. 

Under is 7-1 in Athletics last 8 games as a road favorite. Under is 6-1 in Athletics last 7 games vs. a left-handed starter. Under is 6-0 in Mariners last 6 home games vs. a left-handed starter.

8* play on UNDER. 

MLB 3-PACK - RANGERS/ASTROS OVER

The Astros came through for us as a free pick against the runline on Friday. I like them to get the job done again in Saturday's matchup against Texas and Kyle Gibson. 

While Gibson (6-2, 2.86 ERA) has been stellar at home, note his 4.06 ERA on the road and the fact that he has aööpwed 14 runs on 23 hits through 17 innings for an ugly 7.41 ERA in his last three starts combined. 

Houston counters with Framber Valdez (5-2, 3.26 ERA) who is an undefeated 2-0 home at Minute Maid Park on the season. 

I also think the total is set a bit too low for this contest, with seven of 10 head-to-head meetings between the two teams this season going over the total. 

8* play on OVER. 

AMERICAN LEAGUE TOTAL OF THE MONTH - SUPER EARLY 1:10 PM ET

The last games of this series have seen five and six runs respectively. I think the finale on Thursday will be another tough day for the bats. 

Texas is averaging only 3.9 runs per game (28th) and it has the second-worst on base percentage at .297, and it has scored only 10 runs through a seven-game slide.. Today's Detroit starter Tyler Alexander has posted a solid 3.98 ERA through 20 1/3 innings of work home at Comerica Park this season.

Texas righty Mike Foltynewicz has been lit up in most of his road starts, but I expect to see a fully focused Foltynewicz after giving up 10 runs in less than two innings at Toronto in his last start. 

10* play on UNDER. 

LATE NIGHT GIANTS @ DODGERS BAILOUT TOTAL

The first two games of this series have seen nine and 14 runs scored. I expect this to be another high-scoring affair.

Dodgers Julio Urias has met the Giants twice in 2021, surrendering nine runs (eight earned) on 14 hits and two walks through 11 innings of work.

8* play on OVER. 

MLB 3 pack

The Astros are averaging more runs per game than any other team in baseball but their bats have been rather cold since the All Star break. Cleveland is a mediocre team offensively and it's on-base percentage is second to worst.

8* play on under. 

MARINERS @ ANGELS TOTAL

The Angels and the Mariners have split a couple of games here at Angel Stadium following the All-Star break, and I think we're getting a great price on visiting Seattle as a dog in the finale of this three-game set. 

Mariners' rookie right-hander Logan Gilbert (3-2, 3.51 ERA) has been very comfortable away from home, coming into this contest with a 2-0 record and a 2.04 ERA in four road starts. He held the Angels to one run on two hits with seven strikeouts in five innings back in June. 

Angels' lefty Patrick Sandoval (2-3, 3.72 ERA) is 0-2 with a 2.65 ERA in three career starts against the Mariners. No doubt a solid ERA but, but has yet to beat Seattle, and we can note that Sandoval is 1-6 with a 3.76 ERA in 16 career appearances, 12 starts, at Angel Stadium.

In addition to Seattle winning the game, I also think we'll see plenty of runs scored from both sides. 

8* play on OVER. 

TOP-RATED 10* AL TOTAL OF THE WEEK

This contest will feature two of the best offenses in baseball, but I still think this will turn into a pitchers' duel. 

Astros' left-hander Framber Valdez (5-1, 2.98 ERA) hast posted a 2.03 ERA on the road in 2021, and in two career appearances versus the White Sox, Valdez is 1-0 with a 1.86 ERA. 

White Sox lefty Carlos Rodon (7-3, 2.31 ERA) has been outstanding this year pretty much no matter the location. Rodon has made six career starts against Houston through which he has compiled a stellar 1.83 ERA. 

10* play on UNDER. 

MLB 3-PACK TOTAL

Good spot to back the Houston Astros to bounce back from a couple of shut-out losses to the Yankees. Now they'll face Jameson Taillon (4-4, 5.05 ERA) who is 1-3 with a hideous 8.25 ERA on the road this season. Atros Framber Valdez (5-1, 2.86 ERA) is 2-0 with a 3.52 ERA at home. 

While I like the Astros to win, I think it'll be done behind solid pitching rather than their bats catching fire, which is why I also like the under. 

8* play on UNDER. 

YANKEES @ ASTROS MLB TOTAL TOP PLAY OF THE DAY

The Houston Astros have seen each of their last three and five of their last six go under the total, including a 4-0 loss to the Yankees on Friday. They got only three hits against Nestor Cortes Jr. and three relievers, and now they'll face a much tougher starting pitcher in Gerrit Cole (8-4, 2.91 ERA). The Astros still have a good chance of winning the game though as they trot out Zack Greinke (8-4, 2.91 ERA), but my money is on the under as I expect a low-scoring pitchers duel. 

10* play on UNDER. 

LATE-NIGHT ANGELS @ MARINERS BAILOUT TOP PLAY

The Angels are 51-34-1 to the over on the season. Right-hander Alex Cobb (6-3, 4.60 ERA) has a 6.41 ERA in 10 career starts against the Mariners and he gave up five runs in seven innings against them back in June. Seattle left-hander Marco Gonzales (1-5, 5.82 ERA) gave up six runs in 3 1/3 innings against Texas in his last start. 

10* play on OVER. 

SUPER EARLY WHITE SOX @ TWINS TOTAL BOOKIE BA$HER

The White Sox and the Twins combined for only five runs last night. This looks like it should be another pitchers duel. 

White Sox right-hander Lance Lynn (8-3, 2.13 ERA) has allowed only one run on four hits with 13 Ks over nine innings in his last two starts combined. Twins' right-hander Michael Pineda (3-4, 3.70 ERA) gave up three runs in four innings of a 14-3 home loss to Houston last time out, but he's still the owner of a solid 3.16 ERA home at Target Field this year. 

8* play on UNDER. 

TOP-RATED AL CENTRAL MLB TOTAL GAME OF THE YEAR

The Chicago White Sox have seen each of their last eight games go over the total and the Twins are 52-27-4 to the over on the season. 

Twins right-hander Jose Berrios (7-2, 3.52 ERA) has allowed three runs or more in three of this last five starts. He has a 3.86 ERA at home this season. White Sox left-hander Carlos Rodon (6-3, 2.37 ERA) is having a great year, but the Twins scored four runs off him in an 8-5 Chicago win last week. 

The first two games of this series have seen 11 and 13 runs scored respectively. 

10* play on OVER. 

MLB 3-PACK TOTAL

The Atlanta Braves had Monday off while the NY Mets opened the week with an 8-4 loss at Washington. 

Mets' rookie right-hander Tylor MeGill (0-0, 4.15 ERA) will be making just his second start in his career while the Braves counter with reliable veteran Charlie Morton (7-3, 3.68 ERA).

It's worth noting that MeGill's first start also came against the Braves when he limited them to a pair of runs through 4 1/3 innings on June 23, but I think they'll have him figured out this time around. Morton dominated the Mets in his last start holding them to one hit with 11 Ks over seven scoreless innings of a 3-0 win. 

In addition to Atlanta winning the game, I also like the under as I think the Mets will struggle big time to put runs on the board. They're averaging only 3.83 runs per game on the season, and Morton clearly owns the Mets. 

8* play on UNDER. 

TOP-RATED 10* MLB TOTAL PLAY OF THE DAY

The Chicago Cubs are 44-29-5 to the under on the season, and the Milwaukee Brewers are 24-9-1 to the under in games with a total lower than eight. We should see a truly low-scoring contest here in the opener of a three-game series between the two division rivals as both teams hand the ball to strong starting pitchers, with Kyle Hendricks (10-4, 3.84 ERA) going up against Freddy Peralta (7-2, 2.11 ERA). 

Note that Hendricks has a 2.73 ERA in 25 career starts against Milwaukee while Peralta has posted a 3.38 ERA in nine career games against the Cubs.

10* play on UNDER.