CARDINALS @ BRAVES NLDS GAME 5 TOTAL *TOP PLAY*

The Atlanta Braves host the St. Louis Cardinals for the finale of their NLDS Wednesday. The pitching matchup is the same as in Game 2, a contest the Braves won 3-0, and I predict another low-scoring encounter. 

Cards righty Jack Flaherty (11-8, 2.75 ERA) had an epic second half of the season during which he went 7-2 with a minuscule 0.91 ERA. Braves righty Mike Foltynewicz (8-6, 4.54 ERA) outdueled Flaherty in Game 2 with seven shutout innings and he had a 1.73 ERA over his last seven regular-season starts.

Under is 13-3-2 in Flaherty's last 18 starts overall. Under is 15-7-1 in Braves last 23 games vs. a right-handed starter. Under is 4-1-1 in Foltynewicz's last 6 starts overall. Under is 16-5 in Cardinals last 21 road games vs. a right-handed starter.

10* play on UNDER. 

GAME OF THE MONTH (MLB): MIKE'S TOP RATED MONDAY NIGHT TOTAL

The Minnesota Twins and the New York Yankees have played high-scoring contests when facing each other all season long, and the playoffs have been no exception. I expect runs to come fast and easy once again here in Game 3 of their ALDS Monday night. 

Yankees righty Luis Severino (1-1, 1.50 ERA) has pitched just 12 innings this year after missing most of it due to shoulder and lat injuries. He has up a pair of runs on one hit and four walks in three innings of a 9-4 loss at Texas on September 28 and Severino has a 4.15 ERA in two career starts against the Twins.

Minnesota right-hander Jake Odorizzi (15-7, 3.51 ERA) owns a 4.71 ERA in 18 career outings (17 starts) against the Yankees and he was tagged for nine runs on 10 hits in just four innings when he took on the Bronx Bombers here at Target Field back in July. This is a do-or-die spot for the Twins as they face elimination, and I think they'll bring the bats (as per usual). 

Over is 14-3 in the last 17 meetings, 16-5 in Severino's last 21 starts overall and 7-1-2 in Twins last 10 games vs. a team with a winning % above .600.

10* play on OVER. 

SATURDAY ALDS TWINS @ YANKEES TOTAL *TOP PLAY*

We saw a total of 14 runs scored in the opener of this ALDS, and that was with a better pitching matchup than Randy Dobnak vs. Masahiro Tanaka who will take the mound for Game 2. 

On the surface Minnesota righty Dobnak (2-1, 1.59 ERA) has a great ERA, but that mostly boils down to the fact that he has just 28 1/3 big league innings under his belt. As for Yankees righty Tanaka (11-9, 4.45 ERA), while he certainly has more experience, note his mediocre 4.32 ERA in five starts last month. 

Both the Yankees and Twins topped 300 homers during the regular season, and both teams ability to hit the long ball will certainly help to push the score over the total. 

Over is 6-2 in Yankees last 8 playoff home games and 13-3 in the last 16 meetings with the Twins (8-2 in the last 10 meetings in the Bronx). 

10* play on OVER. 

MLB PLAYOFFS TOTAL OF THE YEAR 2019

I absolutely love the line we get on the total here in the opener of their ALDS against the New York Yankees, and I expect the final score to fly over the posted total with ease. 

Minnesota righty Jose Berrios (14-8, 3.68 ERA) will make his first postseason start after posting a 4.31 ERA in five September starts. Berrios is 7-4 with a 3.84 ERA in 17 road starts on the season but has had his struggles with the Yankees overall, and particularly in the Bronx where he has a 9.82 ERA in two starts. 

Southpaw James Paxton (15-6, 3.82 ERA) will also be making his postseason debut for the Yankees. He exited his last start after the first inning in Texas on Sept. 27 due to soreness in his left glute muscle, but only after allowing two runs on three hits. 

Over is 5-1 in the last 6 meetings and the two teams combined for 20 home runs and 57 runs in a three-game series in Minnesota back in July. 

10* play on OVER. 

BREWERS @ NATIONALS NL WILD CARD *MAJOR WAGER*

The Washington Nationals will host the Milwaukee Brewers in the National League Wild Card Tuesday night. I think it's safe to assume that runs will come at a premium. 

Washington has had bullpen issues most of the season, but their starters are as solid as they come (second-best ERA in baseball). In a one-and-done game like this, we can most likely expect to see Stephen Strasburg and Patrick Corbin come out of the pen to relieve starter Max Scherzer (11-7, 2.92 ERA). As for the Brewers, they'll hand the ball to Brandon Woodruff (11-3, 3.62 ERA) who has allowed just seven runs over his last six outings. He'll be well rested after making just two abbreviated starts in September and last pitched on September 22. 

Under is 23-11-2 in Brewers last 36 overall. Under is 6-2 in Woodruff's last 8 starts with 8 or more days of rest.

10* play on UNDER. 

TOP RATED BRAVES @ METS TOTAL

I think the scorekeepers will have a quiet afternoon at Citi Field here on the last day of the regular season. 

Mets righty Noah Syndergaard (10-8, 4.30 ERA) will be looking to close out the year with a solid start after getting roughed up in recent outings while Atlanta right-hander Mike Soroka (13-4, 2.60 ERA) need to stay sharp for the postseason. Soroka has limited the Mets to five runs on 13 hits in 12 1/3 innings on the season and we should expect another strong outing here.

Under is 13-4-1 in Braves last 18 games vs. a right-handed starter. Under is 9-3-1 in Mets last 13 games vs. a right-handed starter. Under is 5-1 in Soroka's last 6 road starts vs. a team with a winning record.

10* play on UNDER. 

LATE NIGHT ASTROS @ ANGELS TOTAL

The Houston Astros and the Los Angeles Angels used a combined 18 pitchers in yesterday's 12 inning affair. With a pair of rookie starters and tired arms on both sides, I would not be surprised to see runs dripping in both early and late in this contest. 

Angels left-hander Patrick Sandoval (0-3, 5.25 ERA) rarely goes deep into the games and has not pitched more than 61 pitches in any of his last four starts. He gave up three runs in three innings of an 8-4 Halos win at Houston last week. As for Houston starter Jose Urquidy (1-1, 4.63 ERA), the 24-year-old right-hander has made just eight appearances (six starts) on the season. Two of those outings were against the Angels with Urquidy getting tagged with six runs on 12 hits over 5 1/3 frames. 

Over is 9-2-1 in Angels last 12 Friday games. The over is 4-1 in the last 5 meetings. 

8* play on OVER. 

TOP-RATED TGIF MLB PLAY OF THE DAY *MAJOR WAGER*

The Minnesota Twins have already clinched the division, but they're showing no signs of slowing down and put a 10-4 beating on the Detroit Tigers on Thursday. They'll visit the Kansas City Royals in the opener of a three-game series Friday night, and I expect to see a high-scoring contest. 

KC left-hander Eric Skoglund (0-2, 7.50 ERA) has pitched just 18 innings on the season but has still managed to give up as many as 21 hits, eight walks, and three home runs. He'll face a Twins team that leads the major leagues in several offensive categories and became the first major league team to hit 300 home runs in a season last night. 

As for Minnesota starter José Berríos (13-8, 3.70 ERA), the right-hander surrendered five runs and eight hits over six innings against Kansas City on Saturday. Berrios has not been sharp in recent months, posting a 7.57 ERA in August and a 4.62 ERA so far here in September. 

Over is 10-3 in Royals last 13 home games. The over is 7-3 in the last 10 meetings at Kauffman Stadium.

10* play on OVER. 

SUPER EARLY TOP RATED BREWERS @ REDS MLB BOOKIE BREAKER

The Milwaukee Brewers have outscored the Cincinnati Reds 13-4 through the first two games of this series, but I would not be surprised to see their bats take the day off after clinching a playoff spot last night. 

Here they'll face Reds righty Luis Castillo (15-7, 3.25 ERA) who owns a 3.86 ERA in four starts against the Brewers this season. Milwaukee right-hander Chase Anderson (7-4, 4.30 ERA) has less than impressive numbers against the Reds in 2019, but note that he's held opponents to two or fewer runs in each of his last four starts. 

Under is 21-10-1 in Brewers last 32 overall. Under is 10-4-2 in Reds last 16 overall. Under is 8-2 in the last 10 meetings at Great American Ballpark.

10* play on UNDER. 

RED SOX @ RANGERS WEDNESDAY NIGHT TOTAL

The Boston Red Sox win Tuesday's matchup with the Texas Rangers 12-10, and I think we'll see another slugfest when the two teams clash in the second contest of a three-game series at Arlington. 

Texas rookie left-hander Kolby Allard (4-1, 4.25 ERA) has a 7.36 ERA in three starts at home while Boston veteran righty Rick Porcello (13-12, 5.56 ERA) has a 5.26 ERA in 12 road starts on the season. We can also note that Porcello's 5.56 ERA overall is second worst among all qualified starters in the majors. 

Over is 7-0-1 in Red Sox last 8 overall and 11-1 in Porcello's last 12 road starts vs. a team with a losing record. Over is 10-3 in Rangers last 13 home games vs. a right-handed starter.

Yes, this is a big number, but note that the over/under is 5-3 in Red Sox's games with a total of 11½ or higher this season. 

8* play on OVER. 

TOP RATED 10* WEDNESDAY NIGHT MLB BIG HITTER TOTAL

The Baltimore Orioles and the Toronto Blue Jays have combined for 12+ runs in five straight meetings, and I am confident we'll see yet another high-scoring affair Wednesday night.

Toronto righty Jacob Waguespack (4-4. 4.75 ERA) has struggled in recent weeks, posting a 5.67 ERA over his last six starts. His very last time out, the 25-year-old served up two homers as he was tagged with three runs in five innings in the Bronx. As for Baltimore starter Gabriel Ynoa (1-9, 5.65 ERA), the right-hander has made most of his appearances out of the bullpen, and he is 0-8 with a 6.12 ERA in 12 starts this season. Ynoa has served up six homers over his last four starts, including a pair in an 8-4 loss at Toronto last time out. 

Over is 6-2 in Orioles last 8 overall. Over is 9-2-1 in Blue Jays last 12 overall.

10* play on OVER. 

TOP RATED 10* MONDAY NIGHT MLB TOTAL

The Baltimore Orioles and the Toronto Blue Jays combined for at least 12 runs three straight games at Camden Yards last week. I think runs will come fast and easy again here in the opener of this three-game set at Rogers Centre in Toronto.

Toronto righty Clay Buchholz (1-5, 6.48 ERA) was tagged with seven runs on 10 hits in just 3 2/3 innings of no decision against Baltimore last time out, a game the Jays still managed to win 11-10. As for Orioles starter Chandler Shepherd (0-0, 4.91 ERA), the 27-year-old right-hander has just three major league starts under his belt, and he was smacked around for three runs on four hits over four frames against the Blue Jays on Tuesday. 

Over is 5-2-2 in Orioles last 9 Monday games. Over is 9-2 in Blue Jays last 11 Monday games. Over is 6-0-1 in Blue Jays last 7 games vs. a right-handed starter. Over is 7-2-1 in Blue Jays last 10 overall. 

10* play on OVER. 

TOP RATED GIANTS @ BRAVES SATURDAY NIGHT TOTAL

Saturday's matchup between the San Francisco Giants and the Atlanta Braves have all the signs of a low-scoring affair.  

Giants right-hander Johnny Cueto (1-0, 0.00 ERA) has been excellent since coming back from Tommy John surgery with two scoreless outings covering a total of 10 frames. Braves' southpaw Max Fried (16-6, 4.25 ERA) has been knocked around for five runs in both of his last two outings, but both were on the road. Fried owns a 3.42 ERA in 14 starts at SunTrust Park this year and under is 5-1-1 in his last 7 home starts.

Under is 6-2 in Giants last 8 road games vs. a left-handed starter. Under is 8-2 in Braves last 10 home games vs. a right-handed starter.

10* play on UNDER. 

TGIF MLB 3-PACK

The Miami Marlins are averaging 3.76 runs per game on the season, and here they'll face a hot pitcher in Anibal Sanchez (9-8, 3.86 ERA) who is coming off seven scoreless innings against Atlanta. Under is 5-2 in Sanchez's last 7 road starts and he owns a solid 3.31 ERA in three starts against the Marlins this season.

As for Miami starter Robert Dugger (0-2, 3.95 ERA), the 24-year-old righty owns a 1.80 ERA in two starts home at Marlins Park on the season and he has three quality starts in five tries overall this season. 

Miami's season ended a long time ago while the Nats are trying to hold on to one of the wild cards in the National League. While I don't think we'll see a ton of runs scored between the two teams, the Nats will put up enough to win this contest by at least two runs. 

8* play on UNDER. 

TGIF MLB 3-PACK

There will be plenty at stake for both teams in this interleague series with both the Philadelphia Phillies and the Cleveland Indians still hoping to make the postseason. With no lack of motivation, I expect to see two focused teams play out a low-scoring game. 

Phillies left-hander Drew Smyly (4-6, 6.22 ERA) blanked the New York Mets for seven innings his last time out on the road and under is 4-1 in Smyly's last 5 road starts.

Cleveland right-hander Shane Bieber (14-7, 3.26 ERA) should be primed to bounce back from his worst outing of the season. Bieber had held the Los Angeles Angels and Chicago White Sox to a combined three runs over 14 frames in his last two starts prior to that. 

Under is 10-2 in Indians last 12 overall and 4-1 in Phillies last 5 overall.

8* play on UNDER. 

TIGERS @ INDIANS TOTAL

I think runs will come at a premium for both sides when the Detroit Tigers visit the Cleveland Indians Thursday evening. Cleveland righty Mike Clevinger (11-3, 2.68 ERA) has not given up more than two earned runs in his past six outings and he has held the Tigers to one run in 14 innings while striking out 22 this season. As for Detroit starter Daniel Norris (3-12, 4.62 ERA), the left-hander has had his struggles with Cleveland, but he held Baltimore scoreless on one hit on Saturday. 

Under is 4-0 in Tigers last 4 overall and  9-2-1 in their last 12 games vs. a starter with a WHIP less than 1.15. Under is 10-2 in Indians last 12 overall and 7-2 in their last 9 games vs. a starter with a WHIP greater than 1.30.

8* play on UNDER. 

PHILLIES @ BRAVES TOTAL

I think runs will come at a premium for both sides when the Atlanta Braves visit the Philadelphia Phillies Thursday afternoon. 

Philadelphia righty Aaron Nola (12-5, 3.62 ERA) struck out nine while allowing just one run in seven innings of a 2-1 Phillies loss to the Red Sox last time out. Under is 7-1 in Braves last 8 home games vs. a right-handed starter. As for Atlanta starter Mike Soroka (12-4, 2.57 ERA), the right-hander is having a tremendous year and fired six shutout innings of one-hit ball against Washington last time out. Under is 7-3-1 in Phillies last 11 games vs. a right-handed starter.

Under is 4-0 in Phillies last 4 overall. Under is 20-8-1 in Braves last 29 overall.

8* play on UNDER. 

GAME OF THE YEAR (MLB): MIKE'S BEST REGULAR SEASON TOTAL 2019

The Minnesota Twins came from behind not only once, but twice in Tuesday's 9-8 win over the Chicago White Sox. I am extremely confident that this matchup will be another wild high-scoring affair. 

Here they'll get a look at White Sox righty Ivan Nova (10-12, 4.86 ERA) for an inning or two as Dylan Covey, who originally was scheduled to start Wednesday, has been scratched due to a sore shoulder. Nova gave up five runs on 10 hits in 3 1/3 innings in Chicago's 11-10 loss at Seattle on Sunday. As for Twins righty Jake Odorizzi (14-6, 3.60 ERA), he has been solid lately but has not made it past the sixth inning in any of his last 10 starts. We can note that both teams were forced to dig deep into the bullpen in last night's marathon ...

Over is 6-2 in White Sox last 8 overall. 

10* play on OVER. 

SUPER EARLY MLB PLAY OF THE DAY *TOP RATED MAJOR WAGER*

The Detroit Tigers earned Saturday's matchup 8-4 with a John Hicks walk-off grand slam in the 12th inning, and I thinke they look primed to play out another high-scoring contest here in the third game of this four-game series on Sunday. 

Detroit right-hander Edwin Jackson (3-9, 9.76 ERA) allowed six runs in just two innings against the Yankees last time out (game Detroit still won 12-11) has been tagged with four earned runs in five consecutive starts. Over is 6-2-1 in Jackson's last 9 home starts. 

As for Baltimore starter Asher Wojciechowski (2-8, 5.51 ERA), the right-hander was tagged with four runs in just two innings of a 10-4 home loss to Texas last time out. He has a 7.05 ERA over his last eight starts and over is 7-2 in Wojciechowski's last 9 starts. 

Over is 6-1-1 in Tigers last 8 after scoring 5 runs or more in their previous game and runs should come fast and easy for both teams here.

10* play on OVER. 

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

The Oakland Athletics and Texas Rangers combined for 13 runs through the first three frames alone in Friday night's matchup. Neither starting pitcher made it to the fourth inning, and with depleted bullpens I think we'll see another high-scoring affair on Saturday. 

Additionally, we can note that Oakland starter Mike Fiers (14-4, 3.97 ERA) was tagged with nine runs on as many hits with five homers while recording just three outs in a 15-0 loss to Houston last time out. In his last start prior to that, he gave up four runs in five innings while serving up two homers against the Halos. 

As for Texas starter Mike Minor (13-3, 3.08 ERA), the 31-year-old southpaw is coming off eight innings of two-run ball at Baltimore, but his ERA at home is higher than on the road and over is 4-1 in Minor's last five home starts.

Over is 9-3-1 in the last 13 meetings in Texas and 12-5 in the last 17 meetings overall.

10* play on OVER. 

ATHLETICS @ RANGERS FRIDAY NIGHT TOTAL

The Texas Rangers have averaged more than seven runs scored over their last six games. Here they'll face Oakland righty Chris Bassitt (10-5, 3.64 ERA) who gave up three runs in 5 2/3 innings his last visit here at Globe Life Park back in June. Bassitt is 1-2 with a 5.09 ERA in five career appearances (three starts) against Texas.

As for Texas starter Brock Burke (0-1, 3.52 ERA), the 23-year-old rookie southpaw has made just three major league starts, and he was smacked around for six runs through five innings against the Orioles last time out. 

Over is 4-0 in Bassitt's last 4 starts overall. Over is 8-3 in Rangers last 11 home games vs. a right-handed starter. Over is 8-3-1 in the last 12 meetings at Globe Life Park.

8* play on OVER. 

DODGERS @ ORIOLES TOTAL

The Los Angeles Dodgers have the division wrapped up, but they still can't be happy with yesterday's 7-3 loss to the Baltimore Orioles. I like the Dodgers to bounce back with a big win here on Thursday.

Baltimore righty Dylan Bundy (6-13, 5.06 ERA) has been tagged with nine runs (eight earned) on 14 hits through 12 innings of work in his last two starts. He has served up three homers during that stretch and 28 homers in 144 innings on the season, which could spell trouble against the home run happy Dodgers.

As for LA starter Rich Hill (4-1, 2.55 ERA), the left-hander will make his first start since June 19, having recovered from a flexor tendon injury. He was 3-0 in his last four starts (all Dodgers wins) with only five runs allowed over 20 innings of work before going on the IL, and the team covered the runline in all those games.

In addition to the Dodgers to cover the runline, I also think this contest score will fly over the posted total.

8* play on OVER. 

LATE TOP RATED 10* MLB MIDNIGHT MASSACRE TOTAL

The Seattle Mariners earned a 4-3 win in Tuesday night's matchup thanks to a two-run homer from Kyle Seager in the eighth inning. Under is 9-2 in the last 11 meetings, and I think we have a solid case for another low-scoring affair here on Wednesday. 

Seattle southpaw Marco Gonzales (14-11, 4.37 ERA) has been lit up in back-to-back starts, but both were on the road. Gonzalez limited the Blue Jays to one run on three hits over seven innings of a 3-1 win his last time out at T-Mobile Park, and he has held opponents to two or fewer runs in each of his last four home starts. 

The Reds counter with right-hander Sonny Gray (10-6, 2.75 ERA) has had a great second half of the season, and he has held opponents to one or fewer runs in six of his last seven starts, with four of those outings being of the scoreless variety. 

Under is 4-1 in Reds last 5 games vs. a left-handed starter. Under is 6-1 in Mariners last 7 games vs. a right-handed starter.

10* play on UNDER. 

DIAMONDBACKS @ METS TUESDAY NIGHT TOTAL

The New York Mets opened this series with a 3-1 win, and I think Game Tuesday night will be another low-scoring affair. 

Arizona right-hander Zac Gallen (3-4, 2.50 ERA) is coming off the best start of his rookie season as he allowed just one hit over seven shutout innings in a 4-1 victory over the Padres last time out. He has posted a 2.25 ERA in six starts since coming over from Miami with five games going under the total and one push during that stretch. 

As for Mets' starter Zack Wheeler (10-7, 4.33 ERA), the 29-year-old right-hander has posted a 3.42 ERA in eight starts since coming off the injured list and he held the Nats to one run over five innings last time out. Wheeler is 3-1 with a 2.82 ERA in six career starts against the Diamondbacks. 

Under is 5-1 in the last 6 meetings at Citi Field. Under is 4-1-1 in the last 6 meetings overall.

8* play on UNDER. 

CUBS @ PADRES TOTAL MIDNIGHT MASSACRE

The under is 7-2-1 in the Chicago Cubs last 10 overall while the San Diego Padres have played five straight unders. I think we have good reasons to believe that runs will be hard to come by for both teams Monday night as well. 

San Diego's rookie Cal Quantrill (6-6, 4.57 ERA) has been lit up for 16 runs on 18 hits and four walks in just 9 1/3 innings over his last two starts (against Arizona and LA Dodgers). I think the 24-year-old right-hander will bounce back with a solid outing here against a Cubs team that has scored just seven runs over its last three games. 

The Cubs counter with Kyle Hendricks (9-9, 3.39 ERA) who has held eight of his last 10 opponents to two or fewer runs, with three scoreless outings. Hendricks has a 5-2 career record in nine starts against the Padres, with a 2.98 ERA. 

Under is 21-7 in Hendricks' last 28 starts vs. a team with a losing record. Under is 5-0 in Padres last 5 games vs. a right-handed starter. Under is 4-1 in the last 5 meetings.

8* play on UNDER. 

PIRATES @ GIANTS TOTAL

The under is 5-0 in the last five meetings, and I think we'll see another low-scoring affair when the San Francisco Giants host the Pittsburgh Pirates Monday night.

Pittsburgh righty Trevor Williams (7-6, 5.16 ERA) owns a 1.42 ERA in three career starts against San Francisco, and he has its current roster limited to a .195 batting average over 41 at bats. As for Giants' starter Madison Bumgarner (9-8, 3.81 ERA), the left-hander owns a 3.22 ERA in eight career matchups with the Pirates.

We can also note that Pittsburgh was shut out in a 2-0 loss to the Cardinals on Sunday, and under is 10-4-1 in Bumgarner's last 15 starts when the opponent scored two or fewer runs in its previous game.

8* play on UNDER. 

PHILLIES @ METS TOTAL

I think Sunday's matchup between the Philadelphia Phillies and the NY Mets will be of the low-scoring variety, particularly with it being a "Getaway Day" for the home team. 

Phillies righty Vince Velasquez (6-7, 4.80 ERA) has allowed only three runs over his last two starts while Mets right-hander Noah Syndergaard (10-7, 3.97 ERA) is coming off seven scoreless innings against the Nats. 

Under is 5-1 in Phillies last 6 road games vs. a right-handed starter and 7-3-1 in Syndergaard's last 11 Sunday starts.

8* play on UNDER. 

GAME OF THE WEEK (MLB): MIKE'S TOP RATED TOTAL *MAJOR WAGER ALERT*

The Tampa Bay Rays and the Toronto Blue Jays combined for 10 runs in the opener of this series, but the next two games have both been low-scoring affairs staying under the total. I think runs will come at a premium in the finale of this four-game series Sunday afternoon. 

The under is 6-1-1 in Toronto's rookie right-hander Jacob Waguespack (4-3, 3.97 ERA) last eight starts, and he has limited Tampa Bay to five earned runs over 15 innings of work this season. 

As for Rays' starter Tyler Glasnow (6-1, 1.86 ERA), this will be his first appearance since May 10 after being sidelined with a strained right forearm, but we can note that the under is 12-3-3 in Glasnow's last 18 starts and that he'll face a Blue Jays team that scored just 12 runs during a six-game slide. 

Under is 5-1-1 in Blue Jays last 7 overall. Under is 4-1 in Rays last 5 overall.

10* play on UNDER. 

TOP RATED GIANTS @ DODGERS FRIDAY NIGHT TOTAL

The LA Dodgers host the San Francisco Giants for the opener of a three-game series Friday night. I really like the pitching matchup here and expect to see a low-scoring affair. 

Dodgers ace Clayton Kershaw's (13-4, 2.96 ERA) 23 career wins against San Francisco is more than against any other opponent and he has a sparkling 1.68 ERA to go with them. As for Giants starter Jeff Samardzija (9-11, 3.61 ERA), the right-hander has posted a 2.61 ERA versus Los Angeles this season and he had a terrific month of August when he posted a 1.84 ERA over five starts. 

Both Kershaw and Samardzija are both coming off their worst outing of the season, but we can note that under is 5-0 in Giants last 5 road games vs. a left-handed starter and 10-4 in Dodgers last 14 home games vs. a right-handed starter.

10* play on UNDER. 

ANGELS @ WHITE SOX FRIDAY NIGHT TOTAL

I think we'll see runs come fast and easy for both teams in this matchup. 

For as dominant as White Sox righty Lucas Giolito (14-8, 3.30 ERA) has been in day games this year, he has a rather mediocre 4.28 ERA in 17 starts under the lights.

As for Angels starter Dillon Peters (3-2, 4.13 ERA), the left-hander has a 4.56 ERA in his 11 appearances (six starts) in evening games.

Peters has been tagged with eight runs over his last two starts while Giolito has allowed six runs over his last two outings while serving up four home runs. 

We can also note that the White Sox are back home from a long road swing, and the over is 11-3-1 in their last 15 home games following a road trip of seven or more days.

8* play on OVER. 

LATE NIGHT MLB MIDNIGHT MASSACRE (TOTAL)

The Oakland Athletics and the visiting LA Angels combined for 12 runs in the opener of this series Tuesday night. I think this will be another high-scoring affair. 

Halos' rookie left-hander Patrick Sandoval (0-1, 5.24 ERA) is coming off five scoreless innings against Texas, but he took a 6.75 ERA into that start. He has yet to pitch more than five innings and Tuesday night's starters combined for just nine innings, so both teams will have tired arms in the bullpen for this one. 

As for Oakland right-hander Tanner Roark (8-8, 4.04 ERA), he was tagged with four runs in six innings of a 6-4 loss at Kansas City last time out. 

Over is 4-0-1 in Athletics last 5 home games vs. a left-handed starter and 8-2 in Angels last 10 games vs. a right-handed starter.

8* play on OVER. 

TWINS @ RED SOX MLB TOTAL

Twins right-hander Jose Berrios is coming off an absolutely dreadful month after posting a 7.57 ERA in his five August starts. Boston left-hander Eduardo Rodriguez (16-5, 3.97 ERA) had a better month (3.41 ERA over six starts), but he did not look comfortable last time out when he gave up three runs on nine hits and three walks in five innings at Colorado. We or also note that he was tagged with four runs on eight hits over seven innings when he took on the Twins back in June and the over is 7-2 in Twins last 9 games vs. a left-handed starter.

Over is 11-4 in Rodriguez's last 15 starts vs. a team with a winning record. Over is 6-0-1 in Berrios' last 7 starts overall. This game flies over the total. 

8* play on OVER. 

TUESDAY NIGHT MLB TOTAL

The New York Mets won the opener of this series 7-3 on Monday, but I think we'll see a low-scoring pitchers duel here in Game 2. Mets' righty Jacob deGrom (8-8, 2.66 ERA) has limited the Nats to four runs over 17 innings for a 0.53 ERA this year while Scherzer owns a 2.70 ERA in three starts versus the Mets on the season. Under is 6-2 in deGrom's last 8 starts overall and 7-3-1 in Scherzer's last 11 starts overall.

This is indeed a low number, but keep in mind that the under has hit at a solid 56.4% clip for totals closing at under 8 runs in 2019. 

8* play on UNDER. 

SUBSCRIBERS ONLY

The Minnesota Twins put an 8-3 beating on the Detroit Tigers on Sunday, and I think they'll come through with another blowout win here in the finale of this four-game series Monday afternoon. 

Twins righty Jake Odorizzi (14-6, 3.55 ERA) is 3-0 with an outstanding 1.93 ERA in four career outings at Comerica Park and the Twins are 6-0 in his last six starts versus the Tigers.

Detroit right-hander Jordan Zimmermann (1-9, 6.24 ERA) meanwhile is 0-6 with a 7.38 ERA in eight home starts on the season and 4-5 with a 6.89 ERA in 10 career starts against the Twins. They smacked him around for five runs on eight hits in just three innings back in April ... 

The Twins are 9-3 against the runline as a road favorite of -170 or larger this season. Additionally, we can note that the over is 9-1-1 in the last 11 meetings.

8* play on OVER. 

SUNDAY 3-PACK OF MLB WINNERS (ALL TOTALS)

Good spot for a "Getaway Day" under in this early game between Miami Marlins and Washington Nationals Sunday afternoon. 

Washington left-hander Patrick Corbin (10-6, 3.15 ERA) owns a 2.25 ERA in seven day starts on the season and he has a 1.83 ERA in 13 home starts. Miami southpaw Caleb Smith (8-8, 4.05 ERA) has nowhere near as impressive splits, but under is 3-1-2 in Smiths last 6 road starts and 5-1 in Nationals last 6 home games vs. a left-handed starter.

Under is 4-1 in the last 5 meetings in Washington.

8* play on UNDER. 

SUNDAY 3-PACK OF MLB WINNERS (ALL TOTALS)

Good spot for a "Getaway Day" under in this early game between Cleveland Indians and Tampa Bay Rays Sunday afternoon. 

Rays' righty Charlie Morton (13-6, 3.11 ERA) owns a 2.69 ERA in 12 matinee starts on the season while Cleveland righy Adam Plutko (6-3, 4.34 ERA) has a 2.25 ERA in his two day starts. 

Under is 10-1 in the last 11 meetings in Tampa Bay.

8* play on UNDER. 

SUNDAY 3-PACK OF MLB WINNERS (ALL TOTALS)

Good spot for a "Getaway Day" under in the first game of a double-header between Cincinnati Reds and St. Louis Cardinals Sunday afternoon. 

Cards' righty Miles Mikolas (8-13, 4.32 ERA) owns a 2.80 ERA in 13 home starts on the season and under is 6-2-1 in Mikolas' last 9 starts overall. As for Cincinnati starter Tyler Mahle (2-10, 4.93 ERA), he has been lit up lately but note that under is 24-8 in Cardinals last 32 home games vs. a right-handed starter and 10-3-2 in their last 15 Sunday games.

8* play on UNDER. 

GAME OF THE MONTH (MLB): MIKE'S FRIDAY NIGHT TOTAL MAX BET

The Minnesota Twins hit three home runs in their 10-5 triumph over Chicago White Sox on Thursday. I expect they to keep hitting the ball well here against Detroit righty Edwin Jackson (3-7, 8.70 ERA) who has served up five homers over 21-plus innings of work since coming over from Toronto. He owns a 6.33 ERA in 11 career appearances against the Twins (including seven starts) and they smacked him around for six runs over five frames on August 24. 

As for Minnesota starter  Kyle Gibson (12-6, 4.49 ERA), the right-hander has allowed 19 runs through 21 1/3 innings over his last four starts and the over is 6-0-1 in Gibson's last 7 starts overall. We can also note his 5.37 ERA in 21 career starts against Detroit.  

Over is 5-0-1 in the last 6 meetings.

10* play on OVER. 

TOP RATED 10* MLB TOTAL PLAY OF THE DAY

The Washington Nationals are massive favorites here against the Baltimore Orioles Wednesday night, and for a good reason as they're still in the top wild-card spot in the National League despite taking a 2-0 loss in the opener of the series Tuesday night. I do not see value on either side, but I expect the score to stay under the posted number. 

Washington right-hander Max Scherzer (9-5, 2.41 ERA) is 6-2 with a 2.85 ERA in 12 career starts versus the Orioles while Baltimore righty Asher Wojciechowski (2-6, 4.67 ERA) has a 2.92 ERA in three games (one start) against the Nationals. 

The under is 7-1 in Orioles last 8 overall, 18-5 in Nationals last 23 interleague home games vs. a right-handed starter and 14-2-1 in Scherzer's last 17 interleague starts.

10* play on UNDER. 

TOP RATED 10* TUESDAY NIGHT MLB TOTAL

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

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

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

10* play on OVER. 

TOP RATED 10* YANKEES @ DODGERS SUNDAY NIGHT TOTAL

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

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

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

8* play on UNDER. 

SUBSCRIBERS ONLY

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

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

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

8* play on OVER. 

LATE MLB MIDNIGHT MASSACRE TOTAL

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

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

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

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

8* play on UNDER. 

SATURDAY NIGHT TIGERS @ TWINS TOTAL

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

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

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

8* play on OVER. 

TOP RATED FRIDAY NIGHT MLB TOTAL

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

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

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

10* play on UNDER. 

THURSDAY NIGHT MLB TOTAL

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

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

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

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

8* play on UNDER. 

TOP RATED 10* MLB TOTAL PLAY OF THE DAY

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

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

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

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

10* play on UNDER. 

WEDNESDAY NIGHT BREWERS @ CARDINALS TOTAL

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

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

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

8* play on UNDER. 

SUPER EARLY TOP RATED PADRES @ REDS TOTAL

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

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

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

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

10* play on UNDER. 

TOP RATED 10* TUESDAY NIGHT MLB BIG HITTER TOTAL

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

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

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

10* play on OVER. 

SUBSCRIBERS ONLY

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

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

8* play on OVER. 

BREWERS @ NATIONALS TOTAL

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

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

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

8* play on OVER. 

TOP RATED 10* INDIANS @ YANKEES TOTAL

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

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

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

10* play on OVER. 

SATURDAY NIGHT METS @ ROYALS TOTAL

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

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

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

8* play on UNDER. 

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

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

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

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

10* play on OVER. 

MLB 3-PACK

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

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

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

8* play on OVER. 

TOP RATED 10* MLB BIG HITTER

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

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

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

10* play on OVER. 

DIAMONDBACKS @ DODGERS BOOKIE BLASTER

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

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

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

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

8* play on UNDER. 

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

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

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

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

10* play on UNDER. 

TOP RATED 10* MLB BIG HITTER TOTAL

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

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

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

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

10* play on OVER. 

NATIONALS @ METS TGIF BOOKIE BLASTER 

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

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

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

8* play on UNDER. 

TOP RATED 10* MLB TOTAL PLAY OF THE DAY

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

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

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

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

10* play on OVER. 

TOP RATED 10* MLB TOTAL PLAY OF THE DAY

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

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

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

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

Over is 15-3 in Yankees last 18 overall.

10* play on OVER. 

TOP RATED 10* MLB TOTAL PLAY OF THE DAY

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

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

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

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

10* play on OVER. 

TOP RATED 10* MLB TOTAL PLAY OF THE DAY

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

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

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

10* play on OVER. 

TOP RATED 10* MLB TOTAL PLAY OF THE DAY

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

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

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

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

10* play on UNDER. 

MLB 3-PACK

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

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

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

8* play on OVER. 

TOP RATED 10* BLUE JAYS @ ORIOLES TOTAL

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

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

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

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

10* play on OVER. 

SUPER EARLY RED SOX @ YANKEES DAYTIME DESTROYER

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

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

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

8* play on OVER.

TOP RATED 10* RED SOX @ YANKEES TOTAL

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

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

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

10* play on OVER. 

CUBS @ CARDINALS TOTAL

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

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

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

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

8* play on UNDER. 

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

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

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

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

10* play on UNDER. 

CUBS @ CARDS TOTAL

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

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

8* play on UNDER. 

TOP RATED 10* MLB TOTAL PLAY OF THE DAY

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

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

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

10* play on UNDER. 

TWINS @ MARLINS WEDNESDAY NIGHT TOTAL

The Minnesota Twins claimed the opener of this series with a 2-1 triumph, and I think runs will come at a premium again here in Game 2 of the series. 

The Twins hand the ball to right-hander Jose Berrios (9-5, 2.94 ERA) who fanned eight through seven innings of three-run ball at Chicago White Sox last time out. Under is 3-1-1 in Berrios' last 5 road starts and 5-1-1 in his last 7 starts overall.

The Marlins turn to righty Sandy Alcantara (4-9, 4.18) who is coming off six solid innings of two-run ball against Arizona. Under is 7-2 in Alcantara's last 9 starts following a Quality Start in his last appearance.

Under is 8-2 in Twins last 10 road games.

8* play on UNDER. 

TOP RATED 10* MLB TOTAL BIG HITTER

The Oakland Athletics will host the Milwaukee Brewers for the opener of a three-game interleague series Monday night. Six straight head-to-head meetings have gone under the total, but the last matchup took place in 2016 ... I think we'll see runs come fast and easy for both sides tonight. 

The A's hand the ball to Chris Bassitt (7-5, 4.09 ERA) who was tagged with four runs on five hits in six innings of a 4-2 loss at Houston last time out. Over his last 12 starts, Bassitt has a 5.23 ERA and over is 5-0 in his last five home starts. The Brewers turn to Adrian Houser (4-4, 4.19 ERA) who has made most of his appearances out of the bullpen this year. Houser has really struggled as a starter, posting a 7.83 ERA in six starts. 

Over is 6-1 in Brewers last seven road games.

10* play on OVER. 

MLB 3-PACK

The Pittsburgh Pirates are heading into this contest on a nine-game losing streak following an 11-6 loss to the Cincinnati Reds Monday night. Here they'll face Reds righty Tanner Roark (6-6, 3.95 ERA) who is 2-0 in his last six starts and has allowed just four runs with 11 Ks through 10 innings in his last two starts. The Pirates counter with right-hander Joe Musgrove (7-9, 4.29 ERA) who surrendered six runs (five earned on seven hits (three homers) in five innings of a 6-3 loss to the Cardinals last time out. 

The Reds have won five of seven to position themselves only 6 1/2 games out of the division and NL wild-card races. They'll be well motivated and look good to keep the momentum going against a reeling Pirates side. 

Additionally, I also expect this game to stay under the posted total. Note that the under is 7-2 in the Pirates last 9 road games vs. a right-handed starter and 7-3 in Roark's last 10 home starts.

8* play on UNDER. 

EARLY ORIOLES @ PADRES DAYTIME DESTROYER TOTAL

The under is 5-1-1 in Orioles last 7 interleague games vs. a right-handed starter, and here they'll face Dinelson Lamet (0-2, 5.00 ERA) who held the Mets to two runs and four hits while fanning six over four innings last time out. Under is 8-3 in Lamet's last 11 starts overall and 9-2-1 in Padres last 12 after scoring 5 runs or more in their previous game, which they did in Monday's 8-1 victory. 

8* play on UNDER. 

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

The first two games of this three-game series were both low-scoring affairs with the teams combining for a total of just nine runs. I don't see runs come easy for either side here in the series finale either. 

The Giants hand the ball to their ace Madison Bumgarner (5-7, 3.66 ERA) who has posted a 1.96 ERA in four starts this month. He owns a 3.41 ERA in 34 career games (33 starts) versus the Padres and the under is 17-8-3 in Bumgarner's last 28 starts vs. National League West foes and the under is 7-0 in the Padres last 7 games vs. a left-handed starter.

The Padres counter with 20-year-old left-hander Adrian Morejon for his third major league appearance. While he lacks experience, pitching at pitcher-friendly Petco Park should help him out and San Francisco has mustered only four runs through its last three games. 

Under is 14-2 in Padres last 16 vs. a team with a winning record. Under is 4-1-1 in Giants last 6 overall.

10* play on UNDER. 

MLB TOTAL TOP PLAY OF THE DAY (10*)

We lost with the over when the Minnesota Twins claimed the opener of this three-game series 6-2 Friday night. With seven runs after just three innings that must be considered somewhat of a bad beat. I'm expecting the teams to make up for it by keeping the scorekeepers busy tonight. 

Minnesota lefty Martin Perez (8-3, 4.37 ERA) was reached for five runs on seven hits (three homers) and four walks in just four innings against the Yankees last time out. He owns a 4.97 ERA in nine outings (seven starts) on the road this season and he has a 4.88 ERA in four career starts against Chicago. Over is 9-1 in Perez's last 10 starts overall.

White Sox righty Ivan Nova (5-9, 5.49 ERA) held Miami to one run over a complete game last time out, but he had allowed 10 runs over 10 2/3 innings of work in two starts prior to that. Nova has a 6.02 ERA home at Guaranteed Rate Field this year and Twins powerful lineup should have no trouble to manufacture runs off Nova. 

10* play on OVER. 

TOP RATED 10* MLB TOTAL PLAY OF THE DAY

The Seattle Mariners opened this four-game series with a 10-2 triumph, and I expect another high-scoring affair here in Game 2 Friday night. 

Seattle southpaw Yusei Kikuchi (4-7, 5.37 ERA) gave up seven runs on nine hits over five innings of a 9-3 home loss to the Halos last time out. He has a 5.79 ERA in 10 starts at T-Mobile Park. The Tigers hand the ball to left-hander Daniel Norris (2-8, 5.02 ERA) who had allowed 11 runs over his last two turns (both on the road) before tossing four innings of one-run ball against Toronto home in Detroit last time out. For the season, Norris owns a 5.28 ERA in 12 appearances (10 starts) away from home. 

Over is 12-4-1 in Tigers last 17 road games vs. a left-handed starter. Over is 8-1-1 in Kikuchi's last 10 home starts. Over is 5-2-1 in the last 8 meetings in Seattle.

10* play on OVER. 

MLB 3-PACK

The Minnesota Twins had no trouble to manufacture runs off White Sox starter Lucas Gioloti in Thursday's 10-3 triumph.

I think runs will come fast and easy once again here Friday night as they get a look at Chicago right-hander Dylan Cease (1-2, 6.19 ERA) who was tagged with four runs on three hits and four walks over five innings last time out.

I would not be surprised to see the White Sox putting plenty of runs on the board either through with Minnesota righty Michael Pineda (6-5, 4.41 ERA) owning a 4.87 ERA in eight road starts on the season. 

Over is 5-0 in Twins last 5 overall. Over is 5-1-1 in White Sox last 7 games vs. a team with a winning % above .600. Over is 3-1-1 in the last 5 meetings in Chicago.

8* play on OVER. 

MLB 3-PACK

The New York Yankees entered Thursday off a high-scoring series with the Twins, and yesterday's 19-3 defeat to the Boston Red Sox suggest we might see runs come fast and easy for both teams here Friday night.  

Boston righty Andrew Cashner (9-5, 4.19 ERA) has been tagged with nine runs over 11 innings since coming over from Baltimore. He's faced the Yankees three times already this season while still with the O's, with little success though, posting a 6.19 ERA. The Yankees counter with lefty James Paxton (5-5, 4.20 ERA) who gave up seven runs (four earned) on five hits and three walks in just 3 1/3 frames of an 8-4 loss to Colorado last time out. Paxton has had a couple of games like that this year, and Boston's dangerous lineup should be able to do plenty of damage off him. 

Over is 40-13-2 in Yankees last 55 road games. Over is 8-3 in Red Sox last 11 home games. Over is 7-1-1 in the last 9 meetings at Fenway Park. 

8* play on OVER. 

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

The San Diego Padres and the New York Mets will clash at Citi Field for the opener of a four-game series Thursday afternoon. With both sides on the lower end of scoring average in MLB and two quality pitchers on the mound, I'm confident we'll see this game go under the total despite the low number. 

The Mets hand the bal to righty Jacob deGrom (5-7, 3.02 ERA) who has posted a 1.42 ERA in three starts on the month. deGrom' owns a 1.79 ERA in seven career outings against the Padres and the under is 4-1 in his last five starts versus the club.

The Padres turn to Eric Lauer (5-7, 4.31 ERA) who had allowed just one run in each of his last three outings prior to getting smacked around by the Cubs in Chicago on Friday. That was his first game back after some time on the bereavement list, and I expect a much more focused appearance today. 

Under is 12-2 in Padres last 14 overall. Under is 4-1 in Mets last 5 overall.

10* play on UNDER. 

TOP RATED 10* MLB TOTAL PLAY OF THE DAY

Both the New York Yankees and the Minnesota Twins rank top three for runs scored per game in 2019. They've certainly shown why through the first two games of this series, combining for 40 runs(!), and I don't see any reason why they would slow down tonight.  

The Yanks hand the ball to left-hander J.A. Happ (8-5, 4.86 ERA) who was tagged with four runs on seven hits in 5 2/3 innings of a 7-3 loss to Minnesota on May 4. Over is 23-11-3 in Twins last 37 games vs. a left-handed starter.

Jake Odorizzi (11-4, 3.18 ERA) will toe the rubber for the Twins. He has allowed three or more runs in five of his last six starts and made it through the fifth inning just once during that stretch. He tossed six scoreless innings against the Yankees earlier this season but owns a 4.06 ERA in 17 career outings (16 starts) versus them. Over is 35-16-2 in Yankees last 53 road games vs. a right-handed starter.

Over is 10-3 in the last 13 meetings. Over is 16-7-2 in the last 25 meetings at Target Field. 

10* play on OVER. 

INDIANS @ BLUE JAYS TOTAL

The teams enter the finale of this three-game series tied at 1-1 following a 2-1 triumph for the home team Tuesday night. I expect another low-scoring affair here in the rubber match.  

Toronto Blue Jays' right-hander Marcus Stroman (6-10, 3.06 ERA) fanned five through seven scoreless innings of six-hit ball last time out. I think he'll be able to keep the Tribe in check tonight as well. Note that he owns a 3.15 ERA in seven career outings versus Cleveland and the under is 6-1 in those games. As for the Indians, they hand the ball to Shane Bieber (9-3, 3.69 ERA) who's having a solid season, and he's been particularly effective on the road where he owns a 3.19 while limiting opponents to a .189 batting average over 10 outings (nine starts). 

Under is 14-5-1 in Biebers last 20 starts overall. Under is 9-3 in Stromans last 12 starts vs. a team with a winning record. Under is 13-6 in the last 19 meetings in Toronto.

8* play on UNDER. 

TOP RATED 10* MLB BIG HITTER TOTAL

Both the New York Yankees and the Minnesota Twins rank top three for runs scored per game in 2019, and they did not disappoint as the teams combined for 14 runs Monday night. I expect to see another slugfest here in Game 2 of the series. 

Yanks righty Domingo German (12-2, 3.38 ERA) has been dominant in three starts since returning from the injured list, but only one of those was on the road. For the season, German owns a 4.53 ERA in eight road starts and over is 7-2-1 in his last 10 starts away from home. Minnesota hands the ball to right-hander Kyle Gibson (9-4, 4.02 ERA) who has allowed a total of only six earned runs over his past four starts, but he has a bloated 6.50 ERA in nine career starts against the Yankees. 

Over is 7-2 in Gibsons last 9 starts vs. Yankees. Over is 10-3 in the last 13 meetings.

10* play on OVER. 

MLB 3-PACK

The reeling Texas Rangers travel to Seattle off their seventh straight defeat following a 5-3 setback at Houston on Sunday. Here they'll face an almost equally struggling Seattle team that has dropped eight of its past nine games, but I like the home team to come through with a win in a high-scoring game Monday night. 

Left-hander Marco Gonzales (10-8, 4.48 ERA) will toe the slab for the Mariners. He was roughed up at Oakland last time out and owns a 5.46 ERA in 10 home starts on the season, but I expect the M's bats to bail him out against Texas right-hander Adrian Sampson (6-6, 4.92 ERA) who was tagged with five runs in just 1 1/3 innings out of the bullpen last time out. Sampson has made just one starts this season, one the 27-year-old  probably rather forget as he was reached for seven runs in 3 1/ 3 innings of a 15-6 loss at Minnesota. 

The Rangers are 1-7 in their last 8 road games. Over is 5-1-1 in the last 7 meetings in Seattle.

8* play on Over. 

SUBSCRIBERS ONLY

The San Francisco Giants and the Chicago Cubs have been among the hottest teams in baseball coming out of the All-Star break. 

The Giants are in a bad spot here though after needing 47 innings to take three of four from the NY Mets to close out last week. Here they hand the ball to Shaun Anderson (3-2, 4.87 ERA) who has allowed 13 runs through his last three outings and made it through the fifth inning just once in his last six starts. 

With a depleted bullpen another short outing could spell disaster tonight, especially as the Cubs have averaged a healthy 5.2 rpg through nine games since the All-Star festivities. 

The Cubs counter with Alec Mills (0-0, 4.50 ERA) who limited the Reds to three runs on five hits over six innings in his season debut last week. The Giants have much like the Cubs been swinging hot bats of late, and I expect this contest to fly over the total with ease. 

8* play on OVER. 

TOP RATED 10* MLB TOTAL PLAY OF THE DAY

Both the New York Yankees and the Minnesota Twins rank in the top three for runs scored per game in 2019. I expect to see a real slugfest here in the opener of a three-game set between the two American League foes. 

The Yanks hand the ball to CC Sabathia (5-4, 4.06 ERA) who sports an impressive 3.09 ERA in 39 career starts against Minnesota, but keep in mind that the Twins of this season are more lethal than in many years. This looks like a good time for them to do some damage off the veteran southpaw home at Target Field as Sabathia has a 5.84 ERA on the road this season. At the same time, one must certainly like the Yankees to keep scoring runs against lefty Martin Perez (8-3, 4.10 ERA) who owns a bloated 9.68 ERA in four career starts against the club. 

Over is 7-1 in Sabathia's last 8 starts overall. Over is 8-1 in Perez's last 9 starts overall.

10* play on OVER. 

MLB 3-PACK - TOTAL OF THE DAY

The Seattle Mariners mustered only five hits in Saturday's 6-2 defeat. I think they'll have more success at the plate here on Sunday, coming up against Angels' left-hander Dillon Peters (1-0, 4.15 ERA) for his first start of the year. Peters has already been tagged with three runs on seven hits over 5 2/3 innings of work against Seattle this season, and over is 18-7-1 in Seattle's last 26 home games vs. a left-handed starter.

The Mariners hand the ball to a left-hander of their own in Yusei Kikuchi (4-6, 5.01 ERA). Kikuchi is 1-2 with a 10.91 ERA in four starts against the Angels this season and he has posted a 7.29 ERA over his last nine starts.

Over is 15-3-1 in Kikuchi's last 19 starts overall. Over is 5-1-2 in the Angels last 8 road games vs. a left-handed starter.

10* play on over. 

3-PACK OF MLB TOTALS

The Cincinnati Reds have struggled since the All-Star break but came through with a well needed 3-2 win on Saturday. Calling a winner here in the finale of this series with the LA Angels is hard, but I'm confident we'll see plenty of runs scored.

Note that Reds' righty Anthony DeSclafani (5-4, 4.29 ERA) has served up two homers in each of his last two starts while Cards righty Jack Flaherty (4-6, 4.41 ERA) also has struggled with the long-ball of late. The weather report suggests that the ball will carry, and both pitchers could get in trouble here. Over is 7-3-1 in Flaherty's last 11 road starts and his ERA is 5.97 away from home.

Over is 7-0 in DeSclafani's last 7 Sunday starts.

8* play on OVER. 

3-PACK OF MLB TOTALS

The Boston Red Sox and the Baltimore Orioles have combined for 36 runs through the first two games of this series, and I predict another high-scoring affair here in the finale Sunday afternoon. 

Baltimore righty Asher Wojciechowski (0-3, 5.74 ERA) has made just four appearances (three starts) here in 2019, over which he has served up four homers over 15 2/3 innings of work. His last time out, Wojciechowski was tagged with three runs on six hits over 5 1/3 innings of an 8-1 loss to Washington. The Red Sox turn to ex-Oriole Andrew Cashner (9-4, 4.09 ERA) who left the club just over a week ago. It's likely that they're very familiar with his stuff and we can note that Cashner was smacked around for six runs (five earned) on eight hits over five innings in his Red Sox debut. 

Over is 13-3-2 in Red Sox last 18 road games vs. a team with a home winning % of less than .400. Over is 11-5-2 in Orioles last 18 home games.

8* play on OVER. 

TOP RATED 10* MLB TOTAL PLAY OF THE DAY

The Baltimore Orioles put an 11-2 beating on the Red Sox Friday night. I think the Red Sox will return the favor roúting the O's in a high-scoring contest here on Saturday. 

Boston hands the ball to Rick Porcello (7-7, 5.37 ERA) who's had a poor year. The veteran righty has been tagged with six and four runs in his last two starts, but his teammates bats bailed him out both times with a pair of 10-run performances. 

The Orioles turn to Tom Eshelman (0-1, 5.06 ERA) for his third start in the big leagues. Eshelman was tagged with four runs on five hits (two homers) in 5 2/3 innings of a loss to Tampa Bay last time out, and I don't see him being able to slow down the World Series defending champions. 

Over is 12-3-2 in Red Sox last 17 road games vs. a team with a home winning % of less than .400. Over is 10-3-1 in Orioles last 14 home games vs. a team with a winning road record. Over is 6-2 in Porcello's last 8 road starts. Over is 3-0-1 in the last 4 meetings.

10* play on OVER. 

MLB 3-PACK

The Detroit Tigers have dropped five on the bounce and 21 of their last 24 games, and a big reason for the slide has been poor performances from their pitching staff. I don't see that changing tonight as they hand the ball to Daniel Norris (2-8, 5.14 ERA) who has posted a 5.98 ERA over his last seven starts. The 26 year-old southpaw has surrendered 11 runs in his last two starts alone ... 

The Jays counter with rookie right-hander Trent Thornton (3-7, 5.25 ERA) who conceded five runs in just 1 1/3 innings of a 10-8 loss at Boston his last start, the third time in his last four starts he gave up five or more runs. 

Over is 5-1 in Tigers last 6 overall. Over is 5-1 in Thornton's last 6 starts overall. Over is 5-1 in the last 6 meetings at Comerica Park.

8* play on OVER. 

ASTROS @ ANGELS THURSDAY NIGHT NO BRAINER

The Houston Astros scored just two runs despite recording 13 hits in yesterday's 7-2 defeat. Over is 8-1-2 in their last 11 after allowing two runs or fewer in their previous game, and I expect both teams to score fast and easy here in the finale of this four-game series Thursday night. 

Matt Harvey (3-4, 6.88 ERA) will toe the slab for the Halos. He has posted a 16.20 ERA in two career starts versus the Astros and gave up five runs on five hits in 4 2/3 innings of a 10-4 loss to them on May 5. 

The Astros turn to Wade Miley (7-4, 3.32 ERA) who owns impressive career numbers against the Angels, but he could be in big trouble here as Mike Trout expects to return to the lineup after missing the first three games of this series due to a right calf strain. "I feel good. Just being cautious," Trout said Wednesday. "I should be fine to play (Thursday)."

Miley was tagged with five runs (three earned) in 6 2/3 innings against Texas last time out. 

Over is 17-5-4 in Angels last 26 games vs. a starter with a WHIP less than 1.15. Over is 7-2-2 in the last 11 meetings.

8* play on OVER. 

SUBSCRIBERS ONLY

This series is all tied at 1-1 following a come-from-behind win for the New York Yankees on Tuesday. I like the Bronx Bombers to get the better of their American League East rival Tampa Bay Rays again here in the first game of a double-header on Thursday.

Domingo German (11-2, 3.40 ERA) will toe the slab for the Yankees. They've won nine of his last 11 starts and German is 2-0 with a 0.75 ERA in two starts since returning from a hip injury.

The Rays hand are 1-5 in right-hander Yonny Chirinos' (8-4, 3.11 ERA) last six starts and the Yankees are 39-13 in their last 52 games vs. a right-handed starter 

The Rays are 2-6 in the Bronx this year and I expect the home team to prove well worth the money tonight. 

We have a free pick on the Yankees to win this game straight up, but I also like this contest to fly over the total. Note that the over/under is 22-13-2 in Yankees' day games in 2019.

8* play on OVER. 

SUPER EARLY TOP RATED 10* PADRES @ MARLINS TOTAL

The over/under is 8-21 in Miami Marlins' day games this season, and I think we'll see a low-scoring affair when they visit the San Diego Padres Thursday afternoon.  

The Padres hand the ball to Dinelson Lamet (0-2, 6.30 ERA) who has made just two major league appearances since the end of 2017 due to Tommy John surgery. He has given up seven runs through 10 innings on the season, but also fanned 14. This could be a turning point against a Marlins team that averages just 3.65 runs per game. 

"Lamet's stuff is there," Padres manager Andy Green claims. "The control hasn't been. We know it will be. His last bullpen (session) was a step in the right direction. Commanding the fastball is something he has been working on since his surgery. There are days when it has been really good and days when he's fought with it a little bit."

The Marlins counter with Caleb Smith (5-4, 3.46 ERA) who has posted a 2.04 ERA through six starts home at Marlins Park here in 2019. 

Under is 7-2 in Padres last 9 overall. Under is 7-3-1 in Marlins last 11 overall.

10* play on UNDER. 

GAME OF THE WEEK (MLB): TOP RATED 10* MAJOR WAGER TOTAL

The Kansas City Royals put an 11-0 beating on the visiting Chicago White Sox Tuesday night. Here they'll get a look at White Sox righty Ivan Nova (4-8, 5.60 ERA) who has posted a 5.17 ERA in six career starts against the Royals. I don't see visitors getting shut out twice in a row though with the Royals sending Danny Duffy (3-5, 4.64 ERA) to the mound. The 30-year-old southpaw left his last start in the third inning after getting hit on the hand by a line drive, but he still managed to give up four runs during his short time on the hill. 

Over is 18-6-2 in Royals last 26 home games vs. a team with a road winning % of less than .400. Over is 8-3 in Royals last 11 games vs. a right-handed starter. Over is 4-1 in White Sox last 5 games vs. a team with a winning % below .400. Over is 6-2 in Nova's last 8 starts vs. a team with a losing record.

10* play on OVER. 

MLB 3-PACK

The Arizona Diamondbacks put a 9-2 beating on the Texas Rangers Tuesday night. I think we'll see plenty of action over home plate in the finale of this two-game interleague series Wednesday night. 

Arizona left-hander Robbie Ray (7-6, 3.81 ERA) is coming off back-to-back quality starts, but he owns a 5.06 ERA in four career starts against Texas. We also note that Ray has struggled with the long-ball of late, serving up 11 over his last eight starts and that over is 11-3 in Ray's last 14 starts following a quality start in his last appearance.

The Rangers hand the ball to right-hander Jesse Chavez (3-4, 3.84 ERA) who has posted a 4.67 ERA in 12 career outings (one start) versus Arizona. He served up three home runs and was charged with seven runs against Houston last time out. 

8* play on OVER.