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 SUPER EARLY PADRES/REDS MLB MONEYLINE MONEYMAKER

I like the price we get on the Cincinnati Reds as they look to avoid the three-game sweep. The Reds have lost nine of their last 10 games but we should see a strong performance here in the finale of their six-game homestand before they head on the road to Colorado tomorrow. Reds' righty Tyler Mahle (1-2, 6.88 ERA) could have had a better start to the year, but he owns a decent 3.86 ERA in three career starts against the Friars.

The Padres hand the ball to right-hander Nick Martinez (0-2, 4.30 ERA) who has allowed seven runs in 14 2/3 innings. Not too bad, but his 1.77 WHIP suggests his ERA could be a lot worse. 

8* play on Cincinnati Reds. 

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 MONDAY NIGHT MLB RUNLINE RIPPER TOP PLAY

The Los Angeles Dodgers are coming off a 10-2 win at San Diego and they have scored five runs or more in six of their lsat eight games. 

Arizona righty Merrill Kelly (1-0, 0.59 ERA) is off to a hot start to the season but he is 0-4 with a 4.58 ERA in seven career appearances against the Dodgers.

LAD right-hander Walker Buehler (1-1, 4.02 ERA) is 4-0 with a 2.24 ERA in 11 career appearances against Arizona.

The Dodgers are 11-4 straight up and against the runline as favorites this season. 

10* play Los Angeles Dodgers -1.5. 

MIKE'S JAYS/ASTROS MLB TOP PLAY OF THE DAY

This looks like a good spot to back the Houston Astros to end a four-game skid and deny the Blue Jays to sweep this three-game series. Toronto left-hander Yusei Kikuchi (0-1, 3.24 ERA) is 1-5 with a 6.00 ERA in 11 career starts against the Astros who counter with Right-hander Luis Garcia (1-0, 2.79 ERA).

Garcia has made one career start against Toronto. It came during his rookie season last year when he held the Jays to one run on three hits with eight strikeouts through six frames. 

10* play on Houston Astros. 

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 TGIF MLB MONEYLINE MONEYMAKER

The Atlanta Braves hand the ball to Kyle Wright (1-0, 1.64 ERA) who've not had much success in previous meetings with Miami, but he's off to a hot start to this season with only two runs allowed on seven hits with 15 strikeouts over 11 innings of work. Miami left-hander Trevor Rogers (0-2, 12.15 ERA) is 0-3 with a 6.75 ERA in four career starts against Atlanta and the Braves have raked against left-handers this season (.264 AVG, .336 OBP, 5.86 runs/9 innings). 

8* play on Atlanta Braves. 

MIKE'S GIANTS/NATS MLB BOOKIE BU$TER

I like the San Francisco as a road favorite at Washington Friday night. Washington left-hander Patrick Corbin (0-2, 7.50 ERA) has posted a 2.95 ERA in 26 games (24 starts) against the Giants, but he's had a poor start to the year with 10 runs allowed and 11 strikeouts against eight walks over 12 innings. Washington's bullpen has been one of the worst in the major leagues while the Giants' bullpen ranks No. 1 with a 1.99 ERA.

8* play on San Francisco Giants. 

MIKE'S EARLY MLB MONEYLINE MONEYMAKER

This looks like a good spot to back the Chicago White Sox who should be fired up after scoring only one run per game in each of their two losses to Cleveland on Wednesday. They lost the last game 2-1, and the White Sox are 8-1 in their last 9 after allowing 2 runs or less in their previous game and 7-3 in their last 10 games after losing the first 2 games of a series.

Cleveland righty Zach Plesac is 2-4 with a 4.56 ERA in nine career starts against the White Sox.

8* play on Chicago White Sox. 

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. 

MIKE'S MONDAY NIGHT MLB BOOKIE BU$TER

The Tampa Bay Rays ended a four-game slide with a 9-3 win at Chicago White Sox on Sunday. They stay in Chicago for a three-game series at Wrigley Field, and I expect the Rays to get another win tonight. Cubs' righty Kyle Hendricks (0-1, 7.00 ERA) was smacked around by Pittsburgh in his last start while Rays' left-hander Shane McClanahan (0-1, 3.00 ERA) has allowed only three runs on six hits with 15 Ks through nine innings over two starts.

Rays are 24-6 in their last 30 interleague games as a favorite. Cubs are 1-11 in their last 12 interleague home games.

8* play on Tampa Bay Rays.

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

The Houston Astros are coming off a 4-0 win after taking an 11-1 beating by Seattle on Friday. I like Houston here in the rubber match of the series with Jose Urquidy on the moyund. He held the Angels to one run on four hits in his first start of the season. Urquidy posted a 1-0 record with a 3.68 ERA in three starts against Seattle last season. The Mariners hand the ball to rookie Matt Brash and I think he'll find it hard to slow down the Astros. 

10* play on Houston Astros. 

MIKE'S ATHLETICS/BLUE JAYS MLB BOOKIE BU$TER

Blue Jays' starter Ross Stripling (0-0, 9.00 ERA) will get his first start of the season following two relief outings. Stripling has plenty of big league experience though, unlike Oakland right-hander Daulton Jefferies who  will make his second start of the season, just the third of his career. I expect to see a hungry Toronto team off a loss to the Yankees while Oakland might not have the same hunger after winning two in a row and for of its last five. 

8* play on Toronto Blue Jays -1.5. 

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 MARINERS/WHITE SOX MLB BOOKIE BU$TER

This looks like a good spot to back the Seattle Mariners who will be desperate for a win after suffering four straight defeats. They've had a decent amount of base runners over the lsat two days, and White Sox starter Jimmy Lambert has made only six appearances (three starts) over the last two seasons. Logan Gilbert will toe the slab for the Mariners. This will be Gilbert's second start of the season after holding Minnesota to three hits, one walk, and one run in a 4-3 Seattle win last Saturday. 

8* play on Seattle Mariners. 

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 EARLY RED SOX/TIGERS MLB BOOKIE BU$TER

The Boston Red Sox are a disappointing 1-3 on the season after losing two of three at Yankee Stadium and dropping the opener of this three-game set against Detroit. 

Red Sox starter Rich Hill posted a 7-8 record with a 3.86 ERA. Hill is 2-0 with a 3.24 ERA in eight career appearances, two starts, at Comerica Park. Detroit starter Tyler Alexander went 2-4 with a 3.81 ERA in 41 appearances, 15 starts last season.

Detroit has scored only 11 runs through its first four games of the season. Boston's bats have been alomst equally cold, but I think the Red Sox will come out with a chip on the shoulder here of a loss. 

8* play on Boston Red Sox. 

TOP-RATED 10* MLB PLAY OF THE DAY

Both the Toronto Blue Jays and the New York Yankees took their first loss of the season yesterday. While both sides will be looking to get back to their winning ways, I like the price we get on the Jays to get the win. 

Yankees' starter Jameson Taillon was 8-6 with a 4.30 ERA last year. Taillon is 1-2 with a 5.21 ERA in five career starts against Toronto. 

Alek Manoah will toe the slab for Toronto. Manoah compiled a 9-2 record with a 3.22 ERA through 20 starts in his rookie season last year. He is 1-0 with a 2.31 ERA in 11 2/3 innings of work against the Yankees. 

Toronto has scored 20 runs through its first three games of the season, seven more than the Yankees.

10* play on Toronto Blue Jays. 

DODGERS/ROCKIES MLB BOOKIE BU$TER

This looks like a great spot to back the Dodgers off a 3-2 loss to Colorado on Saturday. 

The teams have now split the first two games of the season, and I expect the better team, the Dodgers, to come out fully focused here in the rubber match. 

The Rockies hand the ball to Antonio Senzatela who gave up 16 runs (15 earned) in 19 innings over three starts against the Dodgers last year. The Dodgers will turn to Julio Urias who was 20-3 with a 2.96 ERA last year, including 2-0 with a 4.34 in three starts here at Coors Field. 

Since the start of the 2020 season, the Dodgers are 11-3 straight up, 8-5-1 against the runline, at Coors Field as -150 favorites or higher.

8* play on Los Angeles Dodgers -1.5.

MLB GAME OF THE WEEK - MIKE'S 10* MLB RUNLINE RIPPER

The St. Louis Cardinals have won the first two games of this series in dominant fashion. They'll have a big edge on the mound here in the series-finale, and I expect a nice and comfortable win for the Cards. 

Steven Matz will take the mound for his Cardinals debut since coming over from Toronto as a free agent. Matz was 4-7 with a 3.82 ERA through 150 1/3 innings last year, and he should be able to handle a Pittsburgh team that has scored only two runs through its first two games.

The Pirates turn to 24-year-old Bryse Wilson who went 3-7 with a 5.35 ERA across 16 starts last year. Wilson has yet to finish a season with a sub-4.00 ERA, and the Cards have been swinging hot bats to start the season.

10* play on St. Louis Cardinals -1.5. 

MIKE'S SATURDAY NIGHT BASES BLOWOUT

Arizona righty Zach Davies was only 6-12 with a 5.78 ERA with the Cubs last year after a successful year with the Padres in 2020. The familiarity should be an advantage for the Friars who hand the ball to Joe Musgrove who is coming off a year where he posted a 3.18 ERA and an 11-9 record. Never mind the pitching advantage, the Padres lineup is a lot more potent than the D'Backs'. 

8* play on San Diego Padres. 

MIKE'S SATURDAY AFTERNOON MLB RUNLINE RIPPER

I expect to see a focused Pittsburgh team after getting shut out by the Cardinals on Opening Day. The currents Pirates hitters have a combined batting average of .323 against Cards righty Miles Mikolas, and Pittsburgh starter Mitch Keller was lit up in one of his two starts against the Cards last year, he threw five scoreless innings in the other. 

8* play on Pittsburgh Pirates +1.5. 

MIKE'S SUPER EARLY MLB TOP PLAY OF THE DAY

I love the Chicago White Sox here. They were in complete control of yesterday's game before losing to some late-inning heroics from the Tigers. I expect them to put this one away early and then hold on for the W. Tigers' righty Casey Mize is 0-6 with a 4.54 ERA in eight career starts against the White Sox while Dylan Cease is 11-0 with a 1.82 ERA in 13 starts against the Tigers, including 5-0 with a 2.67 ERA in five starts at Comerica Park.

10* play on Chicago White Sox. 

2-0 OPENING DAY - MIKE'S SUPER EARLY MLB BOOKIE BLA$TER

Chicago White Sox right-hander Lucas Giolito was 0-3 with a 5.16 ERA in five starts against Detroit last year. He was otherwise having a solid season, and I expect him to keep the Tigers in check here in the season opener for both teams. The Tigers hand the ball to left-hander Eduardo Rodriguez who is coming off a solid season with the Red Sox, but he struggled in day starts (5.12 ERA) and the White Sox are one of the stronger offensive teams in baseball. 

8* play on Chicago White Sox. 

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. 

MIKE'S GUARDIANS/ROYALS MLB BOOKIE BU$TER

The Kansas City Royals hand the ball to Zack Greinke who will be happy to get out of Houston where he posted ERAs over 4.00 in each of the last two seasons. Greinke is still a solid pitcher, and he was 1-0 with a 3.46 ERA against Cleveland last year.

Cleveland's starter Shane Bieber is better than Greinke, but the Royals lineup has an edge over the Guardians' dito.  

Gimme the dog. 

8* play on Kansas City Royals. 

MLB GAME OF THE YEAR ALERT - MIKE'S WORLD SERIES BEST BET

The Braves and the Astros have the World Series tied at one apiece after splitting two games at Houston. I like Atlanta to take game 3 home at Truist Park. Astros righty Luis Garcia is 1-1 with a 9.64 ERA in three starts this postseason and he has been pitching a lot better at home than on the road all season. Braves' righty Ian Anderson is 1-0 with a 2.25 ERA in three outings in the current playoffs and he is 3-0 with a 1.47 ERA in seven career postseason starts. 

10* play on Atlanta Braves. 

MLB GAME OF THE YEAR ALERT - MIKE'S NLCS MAJOR WAGER

The Dodgers are not in do-or-die mode, but they're just one loss away from being there, after opening the series with a pair of losses at Atlanta. Now they get to return home to Chavez Ravine where they've been dominant all season long. The Braves are 0-5 as road dogs when the opponent is a favorite of -170 or more and veteran right-hander Charlie Morton was tagged with five runs in 4 1/3 innings when he faced the Dodgers with the Rays in Game 3 of the World Series last year. 

I think we're getting a terrific price on a desperate Dodgers team that can't afford to drop this one. 

10* play on Los Angeles Dodgers. 

TOP-RATED 10* RED SOX @ ASTROS ALCS GAME 1 BOOKIE BREAKER

The Red Sox have made it all the way from the Wild Card game to the ALCS, but I think Houston will prove too difficult, at least here in the first game of the series. Houston left-hander Framber Valdez (11-6, 3.14 ERA) was not at his sharpest against the White Sox in his ALDS start, but the team still won the game 9-4 and Valdez has posted a 1.59 ERA in four career appearances (two starts) against the Red Sox. Boston lefty Chris Sale (5-1, 3.16 ERA) was lit up for five runs on four hits and a walk in just one inning against Tampa Bay in his last start. Sale made only nine starts this season as he worked his way back from Tommy John surgery. 

Red Sox are 5-13 in their last 18 games as a road underdog. Astros are 5-0 in their last 5 games as a favorite. Red Sox are 2-5 in the last 7 meetings.

10* play on Houston Astros. 

DODGERS @ GIANTS GAME 5 SIDE

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. 

I also think the value is on the Dodgers as they have the experience and the momentum after fighting off an elimination game. Additionally, the Dodgers also have the more rested relievers.

8* play on Los Angeles Dodgers. 

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. 

ASTROS @ WHITE SOX ALDS GAME 4 MONEYLINE MONEYMAKER

The White Sox and the Astros are expected to be able to resume play of this ALDS following a two-day rain delay. The Astros can now turn back to Lance McCullers Jr. (14-5, 3.04 ERA) who held the White Sox to four hits through 6 2/3 scoreless innings of a 6-1 win in the first game of the series. 

The White Sox hand the ball to their original Game 4 starter, left-hander Carlos Rodon (13-5, 2.37 ERA). Rodon had a terrific regular season including two solid outings against Houston, but he has not thrown a pitch in 11 days which might disrupt his rhythm. It's also worth noting that Houston is averaging 6.49 runs per nine innings against left-handers on the road. 

I think the Astros' playoff experience gives them an edge. 

8* play on Houston Astros. 

EARLY BREWERS @ BRAVES NLDS GAME 3 *TOP PLAY*

The Braves stole Game 1 in Milwaukee. I think they'll defend the home-field advantage with a win here with right-hander Ian Anderson (9-5, 3.58 ERA) on the mound. Anderson limited the Brew Crew to one run on two hits through six innings of a 5-1 victory on May 15. Anderson posted a 5-1 record in 11 home starts during the regular season and he was 3-0 with a 4.39 ERA five September starts. 

Milwaukee righty Freddy Peralta (10-5, 2.81 ERA) was just 1-2 with a 4.70 ERA in five September starts. The Brewers bats were cold down the stretch while Atlanta closed out the regular season as one of the hottest teams in baseball. I expect the Braves to run away with this. 

10* play on Atlanta Braves. 

FRIDAY NIGHT MLB MONEYLINE MASSACRE 

Atlanta and Milwaukee will open up their ALDS Friday afternoon, and I like the Brew Crew as a home favorite here in Game 1. 

Brewers righty Corbin Burnes (11-5, 2.43 ERA) will take the ball for this playoff debut, but there's little reason to believe he'll be anything but solid. Burnes was smacked for five runs on nine hits in four innings by Atlanta back in July, but I would not put too much emphasis on such a small sample. Also, the Braves still won the game 9-5 and Burnes finished the regular season with the lowest ERA in the majors.

8* play on Milwaukee Brewers. 

TOP-RATED 10* THURSDAY NIGHT MLB BOOKIE BREAKER

I think we're getting a great price on Houston in this one, especially considering that the White Sox are only 5-18 SU (+39.4% ROI fading) as road dogs in 2021. Houston righty Lance McCullers Jr. (13-5, 3.16 ERA) has made two starts against the White Sox this year, holding them to three runs and four hits in 13 innings with 14 strikeouts. White Sox righty Lance Lynn (11-6, 2.69 ERA) gave up six runs on eight hits through only four innings in his lone start against the Astros this year. 

10* play on Houston Astros. 

TOP-RATED 10* CARDS @ DODGERS NL WILD CARD SHOWDOWN

The Cardinals closed out the regular season as one of the hottest teams in baseball, but now they'll face a Dodgers team that wrapped up the regular season by winning each of their last six games and averaging nine runs over its past five games. Their 106 wins on the season would have won every division except for their own NL West where they finished one game behind the Giants. 

Dodgers' right-hander Max Scherzer (15-4, 2.46 ERA) has yet to take a losing decision (7-0, 1.98 ERA) since coming over from the Nats. While Cards' veteran Adam Wainwright (17-7, 3.05 ERA) has been terrific lately as well, I don't see him shutting down this Dodgers' team in a one-and-done type of game. 

The Dodgers went 29-15 against the runline (ROI of 17.5%) as home favorites of -200 or more during the regular season. 

10* play on Los Angeles Dodgers -1.5. 

AL WILD CARD SHOWDOWN SIDE

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.

Additionally, note that the Yankees have won each of the last six meetings which should give them a nice psychological edge. Red Sox are 4-14 in their last 18 games as an underdog.

8* play on New York Yankees. 

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. 

ROCKIES @ DIAMONDBACKS SIDE

The D'Backs have lost four straight and eight of their last 10, but they've won six of the last eight when hosting the Rockies at Chase Field. 

Colorado is just 25-52 on the road on the season and righty Jon Gray (8-12, 4.34 ERA) is 3-7 with a 4.73 ERA in his away starts. Gray is 1-2 with a 4.80 ERA in five 2021 starts against Arizona in 2021 and 5-7 with a 5.17 ERA in 17 career meetings.

Arizona right-hander Humberto Castellanos (2-2, 4.28 ERA) held Colorado to just four hits over four scoreless innings when he faced them back in July. 

8* play on Arizona Diamondbacks. 

INDIANS VS RANGERS SIDE

Cleveland righty Eli Morgan has allows only one run on seven hits over 12 innings in his last two starts. Texas righty Spencer Howard gave up four runs on six hits in four innings in his last start. 

8* play on Cleveland. 

MIKE'S TGIF MLB MONEYLINE MASSACRE *NO-BRAINER*

The Braves will close out the regular season by hosting the Mets for a three-game series at Truist Park. Atlanta has been on absolute fire down the stretch, and I think the Braves will want to finish strong to keep the momentum.

Mets' righty Tylor Megill (3-6, 4.78 ERA) has allowed 10 runs on 14 hits and six walks over seven innings in his last two starts. Braves' righty Huascar Ynoa (4-5, 3.98 ERA) was slapped around at San Diego in his last start, but now he's back in Atlanta where he has posted a 2.60 ERA this year. 

Mets are 5-26 in their last 31 vs. a team with a winning record.

8* play on Atlanta Braves. 

TOP-RATED 10* MLB NL GAME OF THE WEEK (SIDE)

The Phillies have dropped three in a row, the last two here at Atlanta.

The Braves have won nine of their last 10 and here they hand the ball to Ian Anderson (8-5, 3.60 ERA) who is a solid 4-1 with a 3.58 ERA home at Truist Park on the season.

Anderson has faced the Phillies four times this year, holding them to eight runs on 19 hits with 24 strikeouts over 23 1/3 innings of work.

The Phillies hand the ball to Kyle Gibson (10-8, 3.60 ERA) who is just 3-5 with a 4.29 ERA in his road starts.

Gibson is a winless 0-3 (1-4 team record) over his last five starts, with 22 runs allowed over 27 2/3 innings of work. 

10* play on Atlanta Braves. 

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. 

MONDAY NIGHT MLB MONEYLINE MASSACRE NO-BRAINER

The Rockies are 46-32 home at Coors Field, Washington is 29-49 on the road. Colorado righty German Marquez (12-10, 4.32 ERA) is 8-2 with a 3.49 ERA at home, Nats' rookie righty Josiah Gray (1-2, 5.92 ERA) has pitched a total of only 22 innings on the road. He has a 6.75 ERA in two career games against the Rockies. 

8* play on Colorado Rockies. 

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 SIDE

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. 

8* play on St. Louis Cardinals. 

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. 

NATIONALS @ MARLINS SIDE

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 Miami Marlins

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.

TUESDAY NIGHT MLB MONEYLINE MASSACRE *NO-BRAINER*

Good spot to back the Indians after getting swept in a doubleheader against Kansas City on Monday. Cleveland right-hander Cal Quantrill (6-3, 2.89 ERA) is 1-0 with a 2.45 ERA in four games (one start) against the Royals who hand the ball to Daniel Lynch (4-5, 5.34 ERA). The left-hander is 0-2 with a 9.28 ERA on the month, and he gave up three runs on four hits with four walks in 4 2/3 innings when he faced Cleveland back in May. 

8* play on Cleveland. 

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. 

REDS @ PIRATES SIDE

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. 

8* play on Cincinnati Reds. 

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. 

SUPER EARLY MLB MONEYLINE UNDERDOG DELIGHT

The Brewers saw a five-game winning streak come to an end with a 1-0 loss to Detroit on Tuesday. I think they're in for another tough one here on Wednesday. Detroit right-hander Matt Manning (3-6, 6.14 ERA) held Pittsburgh to one run in three innings in his last start. Manning has posted a 4.72 ERA home at Comerica Park, a much better number than his ERA on the road. The Tigers are 4-3 in his seven starts at home, 3-1 as underdogs. The Brewers have a 5-6 team record as raod favorites with Brandon Woodruff (9-8, 2.48 ERA) on the mound. 

8* play on Detroit Tigers. 

TUESDAY NIGHT MLB RUNLINE RIPPER

The Phillies have lost five of their last six. They're four-and-a-half games behind the Atlanta Braves for first place in the National League East, and with only nine games left, they need to start winning. This looks like a good spot against a Cubs team that is 6-25 in its last 31 vs. a team with a winning record. 

Phillies' righty Kyle Gibson (10-6, 3.38 ERA) has struggled in his last two starts, but both were on the road. Now Gibson returns home to Citizens Bank Park where he is 7-2 with a 2.24 ERA on the season. 

8* play on Philadelphia Phillies -1.5. 

TUESDAY NIGHT MLB MONEYLINE MASSACRE *NO-BRAINER*

Good spot to back the Reds to get a win after dropping five of their last seven. Cincinnati left-hander Wade Miley (12-5, 2.89 ERA) has posted a 3.21 ERA in 12 career starts against Pittsburgh and he has tossed 13 scoreless innings in two starts against the Pirates this season. Pittsburgh left-hander Dillon Peters (0-2, 3.38 ERA) has made only four starts this season as he's spent most of the year in Triple-A. I think he'll struggle to slow down a Reds team that is in a tight battle for the second Wild Card in the National League. 

8* play on Cincinnati Reds. 

SUPER EARLY TWINS @ YANKEES MLB BOOKIE BU$TER

Twins right-hander John Gant (5-9, 3.78 ERA) is  1-3 with a 4.85 ERA in 11 outings since coming over from the Cardinals. Gant is coming off five scoreless innings at Cleveland, but he conceded four runs through 3 1/3 innings in the Bronx last month. 

Yankees righty Luis Gil (1-0, 1.42 ERA) has impressed through his first four MLB starts. He has been issuing a fair amount of walks, but 24 Ks over 19 innings of work is impressive. The Yankees are desperate for wins after losing 12 of their last 15 games. They're still very in the playoff race though, and they've dominated Minnesota this season, winning five of six meetings. 

8* play on New York Yankees -1.5. 

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. 

TOP-RATED 10* MLB RUNLINE PLAY OF THE DAY

Good spot to back an angry Braves team to snap back from a 4-2 loss to Washington. 

Atlanta right-hander Huascar Ynoa (4-5, 3.19 ERA) has posted a 2.29 ERA over 35 1/3 innings at home and he has a 2.19 ERA over 53 1/3 innings in night games. Ynoa has made two starts against Washington this season with only six hits and no earned runs allowed over 12 innings of work. 

Nats' righty Erick Fedde (6-9, 5.27 ERA) has posted a 6.14 ERA over his last three starts. Fedde is 0-3 with a 11.12 ERA in three starts against Atlanta on the season. 

Braves are 20-6 in their last 26 games as a favorite. Braves are 22-7 in their last 29 games following a loss. Nationals are 1-5 in the last 6 meetings.

10* play on Atlanta Braves -1.5. 

THURSDAY NIGHT MLB BOOKIE BU$TER - GUARANTEED TO WIN

The Rockies are an abysmal 18-50 on the road. Right-hander Antonio Senzatela (4-9, 4.16 ERA) is 1-6 with a 4.56 ERA away from home. Phillies' lefty Ranger Suarez (6-4, 1.38 ERA) is having a fantastic year, and he is 5-0 behind a 1.40 ERA at home. 

The Rockies have been outscored 38-14 over their last four games. The Phillies sit only 2 1/2 games behind the Atlanta Braves for first place in the National League East, and I expect nothing but full focus from them down the stretch. Phillies in a blowout. 

8* play on Philadelphia Phillies -1.5. 

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. 

TUESDAY NIGHT MLB MONEYLINE MASSACRE *NO-BRAINER*

Good spot to back the Indians to bounce back from a 5-2 loss to the Twins on Monday. Cleveland scored only two runs despite getting nine baserunners, and I expect them to have more success here against John Gant (4-9, 3.98 ERA) who is 0-3 with a 6.14 ERA in his last three starts. 

Cleveland righty Aaron Civale (10-2, 3.32 ERA) will make his first major league start in more than two months as he's been on the injured list due to a sprained right middle finger, but note that the Indians have won six of his last seven starts. 

8* play on Cleveland Indians. 

TOP-RATED 10* MLB RUNLINE - BIG HITTER

The Mariners closed out last week with a 10-4 win at Arizona, with seven of their runs being scored in extra-innings. I highly doubt the Mariners will score anywhere close to as many runs here against Lance McCullers Jr. (10-4, 3.20 ERA) who is 9-3 with a 2.78 ERA in 17 career starts against Seattle. Mariners' lefty Yusei Kikuchi (7-7, 4.12 ERA) is 1-4 with a 5.50 ERA in 10 career starts against Houston. The Astros are coming off back-to-back losses at San Diego, and I expect them to bounce back in a big way in this one. 

10* play on Houston Astros -1.5. 

MLB 3-PACK - RAYS

The Rays put an 11-4 beating on Minnesota on Saturday, and I think they'll come through with a big win again on Sunday. Twins righty Griffin Jax has a 6.71 ERA in 12 outings (eight starts) in 2021. He is 1-2 with a 7.07 ERA on the road and 0-2 with a 9.77 ERA in his last three starts. Rays' righty Luis Patino (4-3, 4.24 ERA) has posted a 2.01 ERA over 31 1/3 innings home at Tropicana Field. Patino is 2-0 with a 3.07 ERA over his last three starts. 

8* play on Tampa Bay Rays -1.5. 

MLB 3-PACK - REDS

Reds' righty Luis Castillo (7-14, 4.30 ERA) has posted a 2.79 ERA over his last three starts. Tigers righty Casey Mize (7-7, 3.59 ERA) gave up three runs in six innings in a loss to Minnesota in his last start, and here he'll face a Reds team that is averaging 6.33 runs per nine innings against right-handers home at Great American Ball Park. 

8* play on Cincinnati Reds -1.5. 

SUPER EARLY SUNDAY AFTERNOON MLB *NO-BRAINER*

The Yankees took a 4-3 loss as a massive favorite against the Orioles on Saturday. They're huge favorites once again in rubbergame of this three-game series on Sunday, and I expect the Bronx Bombers to bounce back in a big way. 

Orioles' Keegan Akin (2-8, 6.90 ERA) is coming off his best two outings of the season, but I think that just sets up a letdown spot for the left-hander. The Yankees hand the ball to Corey Kluber (4-3, 3.61 ERA) who's in a bounce back spot after giving up five runs in four innings against the Angels on Aug 30. That was his first start since May, and we should see a much better outing from Kluber today.

8* play on New York Yankees -1.5. 

TOP-RATED 10* MLB PLAY OF THE DAY

The Rays are 10-1 SU as home favorites of -200 or more this season. While they've not done quite as well against the runline, I expect them to come through with a blowout win against the Twins on Saturday. 

Minnesota left-hander Andrew Albers (1-0, 0.96 ERA) has only two outings (one start) on the season, and while both were solid, now he'll take to deal with a Rays team that is averaging 5.40 runs per game. 

Tampa Bay right-hander Chris Archer (0-1, 4.35 ERA) has made four appearances (three starts) in 2021. After giving up four runs (three earned) in two innings as a reliever in his season debut, Archer has allowed only two runs through 8 2/3 innings in the next three starts. 

Twins are 1-6 in their last 7 games as a road underdog and 2-6 against the runline on the road with the opponent favored of -200 or more. 

10* play on Tampa Bay Rays -1.5. 

TOP-RATED 10* TGIF MLB BIG HITTER

The Angles are 5-1 SU and 3-3 against the runline as home favorites of -200 or more this season. The Rangers are 4-15 SU and 5-14 against the runline on the road with the opponent favored of -200 or more. 

Angels' righty Shohei Ohtani (8-1, 3.00 ERA) is 5-1 with a 1.92 ERA at home on the season. Rangers' righty Glenn Otto (0-0, 0.00 ERA) has only five innings of big league experience under his belt. 

10* play on Los Angeles Angels -1.5. 

TOP-RATED 10* MLB BOOKIE BREAKER

The Rockies are a really strong home at Coors Field, but now they'll face a Braves team that has won 16 straight as favorites on the road. Braves righty Touki Toussaint (3-2, 3.60 ERA) is 2-0 with a 2.13 ERA in his last three starts, and he has posted a 2.45 ERA over 24 innings on the road this year. Colorado righty Chi Chi Gonzalez (3-6, 6.08 ERA) has posted a 7.00 ERA over his last three starts.

10* play on Atlanta Braves -1.5.

LATE-NIGHT MLB BAILOUT PLAY

Atlanta left-hander Max Fried (11-7, 3.54 ERA) was red hot in August, but he is 1-2 with a 4.76 ERA in four starts against the Dodgers. Dodgers' righty Max Scherzer (12-4, 2.51 ERA) has a mediocre 4.04 ERA in 26 career outings (24 starts) against the Braves, but he's been lights out since coming over from the Nats, going 4-0 behind a 1.55 ERA. 

The Braves have lost five of their last seven, and I expect the Dodgers to win and cover the RL. 

8* play on Los Angeles Dodgers -1.5. 

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. 

TOP-RATED 10* MLB TOP PLAY OF THE DAY

Good spot to back the Jays after getting held to six hits in a disappointing 4-2 loss to Baltimore and Keegan Akin on Tuesday. The Blue Jays are 4-0 SU and 3-1 against the runline off a loss as a -200 favorite or more on the season. 

Baltimore righty Matt Harvey (6-14, 6.18 ERA) is 0-3 with a 6.75 ERA in his last three starts. Toronto left-hander Steven Matz (10-7, 3.81 ERA) posted a 1.30 ERA through five starts while covering 27 2/3 innings in August. 

10* play on Toronto Blue Jays -1.5. 

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 - YANKEES

Good spot to back the Yankees to snap back from three straight defeats, a highly disappointing 8-7 setback against the Angels on Monday included. Angels' right-hander Jaime Barria (2-2, 5.56 ERA) has allowed a total of 12 runs through 14 1/3 innings over his last four starts. Yankees' righty Jameson Taillon (8-4, 4.18 ERA) has not been particularly sharp in his last couple of starts, but he is still unbeaten in his past 15 starts, sporting a 7-0 record behind a 3.63 ERA with an 11-4 team record. The team has won each of his last nine starts. 

8* play on New York Yankees. 

TOP-RATED 10* MLB PLAY OF THE DAY

Good spot to back the Dodgers to bounce back from a 5-0 loss to Colorado. They are 3-1 off a shutout loss on the season and 8-2 in this spot over the last three years. 

Atlanta left-hander Drew Smyly (9-3, 4.54 ERA) has allowed three runs in six of his last eight starts, and he served up three homers to Baltimore last time out. Dodgers left-hander Julio Urias (14-3, 3.17 ERA) is 1-0 with a 1.20 ERA over his last three starts. 

10* play on Los Angeles Dodgers -1.5. 

MLB 3-PACK - WHITE SOX

The White Sox are 19-5 as favorites off a loss as a favorite, perfect 3-0 as favorites of -200 or more. Cubs'right-hander Kyle Hendricks (14-5, 4.09 ERA) has posted a 7.41 ERA in his last three starts. White Sox righty Dylan Cease (10-6, 3.92 ERA) is 1-0 with a 3.50 ERA in his last three starts and he is 5-2 with a 2.61 ERA at home on the season. 

8* play on Chicago White Sox -1.5. 

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. 

BRAVES

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 posted 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.

In addition to the under, I also think we're getting a decent price on the Braves to bounce back from getting shut out and close out the series with a win. 

8* play on Atlanta Braves.

TOP-RATED 10* MLB PLAY OF THE DAY

The Rays won but failed to cover the runline on Saturday's matchup with the Orioles. They're 17-1 SU and 14-4 against the runline versus Baltimore this season and I expect to see a comfortable win for the Rays here in the finale of this three-game series on Sunday. 

Baltimore right-hander Spenser Watkins (2-6, 7.07 ERA) has allowed four runs or more in six straight starts, all losses. Watkins gave up eight runs in just two innings against the Angels in his last start. 

Tampa Bay righty Chris Archer (0-1, 4.26 ERA) is working his way back into the starting rotation after missing four months due to a forearm strain and a hip issue. Through his last two starts, Archer has fanned eight while allowing only four hits and a walk through 4 1/3 scoreless innings. Acher is still building up his pitch count, but is backed up by the best bullpen in baseball.  

10* play on Tampa Bay Rays -1.5. 

LATE NIGHT MLB RUNLINE RIPPER

The Dodgers fell to 10-4 against the Rockies with a 4-2 loss on Friday. They've won seven of their last eight coming off a loss, and here they get to hit off Jon Gray (7-10, 4.20 ERA) who has allowed 15 runs through his last four starts, all losses. 

8* play on Los Angeles Dodgers -1.5.