Arizona has pounded San Francisco pitching for 28 runs and 34 hits so far this weekend in posting a pair of victories. The D-Backs go for the sweep with Luke Weaver (3-3, 3.14 ERA) as their starter. Weaver has 2.14 ERA in three starts against the Giants and the right-hander should be able to contain their feeble offense which is averaging 3.1 RPG at home. The price is also right on the Snakes who are 10-3 on the road when the money line is +125 to -125 this season and 7-0 after scoring 10 or more runs.

Minnesota is an offensive juggernaut and is 12-2 against the run line as a home favorite when the run line price is -100 or more and 27-8 against the run line after three straight wins by four runs or more. If this looks just like yesterday, it is, except with more wins for Minnesota. Plus, the White Sox starter has more walks than strikeouts (14 vs. 7) and the Twinkies win by 2.3 RPG if they scored eight or more runs in their last 20 contests.

Boston has lost three of four to Houston this season and last night's 4-3 defeat was tough to get a handle on, literally, as the Red Sox committed three errors. Boston will utilize David Price (2-2, 3.29 ERA) and he has a 2.17 ERA while limiting opponents to a .210 batting average over his last five starts. Lifetime, Price is 7-2 with a 2.94 ERA over 13 career appearances (11 starts, includes postseason) against Houston. The Astros will send out Brad Peacock (5-2, 3.59), who has been brilliant over his last three starts with a 0.53 ERA, but he has an 8.36 ERA vs. Boston. With the BoSox losing yesterday and likely against Justin Verlander tomorrow, my feeling coming into the series was the Red Sox would win one game and this will it.

Oakland came off the road and stays hot, winning their seventh straight last night, a 6-2 win over slumping Seattle. The A's offense is clicking, scoring 7.4 RPG in this stretch and they will face left-hander Yusei Kikuchi (3-1, 3.43 ERA). Oakland has lost both of Kikuchi's starts against them, but in both cases, the Mariners were a better team at that point compared now and the A's are the polar opposite. The M's are 4-20 against teams with winning record and 2-12 after scoring two runs or less this season. Oakland will start Mike Fiers (3-3, 5.05) and he's a well-known home park pitcher, as the teams he's played for the last two years are 18-4 when he toes the rubbers first. Plus, the A's are 7-0 at home this season against lefties. 

Minnesota is an offensive juggernaut and is 11-2 against the run line as a home favorite when the run line price is -100 or more and 26-8 against the run line after three straight wins by four runs or more.

Robbie Ray (3-1, 3.25 ERA) has pitched well all season and Arizona has won his last eight starts. Tonight Ray will face the Giants and he's 4-1 with a 2.98 ERA in dozen starts against them and even better at San Francisco with a 3-1 mark and 2.15 ERA in five starts there. The Diamondbacks have lost five in a row but their offense should come to life in the series opener against San Fran's Drew Pomeranz (1-4, 5.66) and a team that is allowing 4.9 RPG. Ray and the Snakes are 16-3 in road games vs. an NL team with an on-base percentage .325 or worse since 2017 and end their losing streak.

Analytics knuckleheads will talk about Jon Lester's decreased fastball, his assortment of curves lacking the same bite of a younger hurler and he's giving up more than a hit an inning. But I like you am a bettor and I see a pitcher with a 2.09 ERA which is even lower at Wrigley Field (0.46) coming off his worst start of the season. Lester and the Cubs are 24-7 as a favorite of -110 or higher the past two seasons and Joe Maddon's crew is 18-6 when the money line is -100 to -150. Add in the Phillies are 11-27 in road games vs. NL teams scoring 4.5 or more runs a game and like Harry Carry used to say, "Cubs win, Cubs win!"

After being the worst road team in the majors, Oakland has found their way and ripped off five consecutive away victories and goes after a second series sweep away from Oak-Town. For manager Bob Melvin's club, it's been better than the combo platter at Denny's with the offense averaging 7.8 RPG and pitchers permitting 2.6 RPG. The Athletics will start right-hander Frankie Montas (5-2, 2.67 ERA), who is 11-2 if his club is off a win. (A's record) Cleveland is only averaging 3.9 RPG on the season and is 3-15 vs. an AL starting pitcher whose ERA is 2.90 or better.

While enjoying watching the Padres Chris Paddock and tonight's starter Matt Strahm (1-3, 3.07 ERA), going back to my Midwest days, always made a point to watch the maestro, Zack Greinke (6-1, 2.78) toss the horsehide. Greinke is the closest thing to Greg Maddux pitching, able to execute without the big fastball anymore. Besides having another fine season, Greinke lifetime is 13-2 with a 2.30 ERA against San Diego and will face a lineup this averaging 2.6 RPG in their last seven tries. Greinke and the D-Backs are 16-2 vs. NL teams averaging less than 4.0 RPG of late and the Friars are 3-17 at home facing an NL starting pitcher whose WHIP is 1.150 or better.

Not a fan of Michael Pineda (3-3, 5.55 ERA) for Minnesota, but he catches a break today. The Angels likely will be without their No. 3 and No. 4 hitters in the lineup as DH Shohei Ohtani and shortstop Andrelton Simmons were injured two pitches apart last night. That means pitching around Mr. Trout and take your chances with everyone else in red and white. Twins hitters should have no problems with Trevor Cahill (2-4, 6.95), with a 27-11 record vs. RH starting pitchers. Minny is 10-1 against losing teams and the Halos are 2-15 vs. teams averaging 3.5 or more extra base hits per game.

Milwaukee was mentally weak and performed poorly Sunday, outside of George Hill, Malcolm Brogdon and Pat Connaughton. It would seem very unlikely the Milwaukee's starting five would go 19-for-69 again (6-29 from behind the arc). Milwaukee's bench again destroyed Toronto's, outscoring them 54-27 and this included the Raptors Norman Powell tallying 19, compared to his playoff average of 7.4. Big edge here for the visitor. Also, keep in mind, Toronto is shooting under 40 percent for the series and under that same number in their last four contests. The Greek Freak and friends are 14-1 SU revenging a same season setback, 26-4 SU after suffering a spread loss and 7-1 SU after shooting less than 40 percent. In every angle, the Milwaukee is winning by more than 11 PPG. The Bucks by at least 6.

San Jose is suffering injuries with each passing game and goaltending continues to be an issue. The Sharks are merely 10-9 in the playoffs and overall have been outscored (3.0 vs. 3.2). They took advantage of several lucky breaks in the postseason, to their credit, however, this is the last stop on the train. St. Louis has won the last two games, they look fresher and faces a San Jose team that is 6-18 in Game 6's. The Blues move on to face Boston in The Cup Finals.

The Reds are playing better than I expected of late, but they still have problems scoring on the road at 3.4 RPG. That's going to be an issue in Milwaukee where they are 5-13 the last two years. Gio Gonzalez (2-0, 1.69 ERA) makes his fifth start for Milwaukee and against Cincinnati he's 6-3 with a quality 2.75 ERA in a dozen starts. Sonny Gray has yet to win a game with Cincy (0-4, 4.30) and since last year the right-hander is 1-14 as a road underdog of +100 or higher. (Team's record) Take the Brew Crew.

Boston bombed Toronto on Victoria Day in Canada yesterday and there are those making MLB picks that think at the very least the Red Sox will win again. Boston will send Eduardo Rodriguez (4-2, 4.89) to the bump and he's 4-0 with a 3.46 ERA in his past four starts. As you can see by Marcus Stroman's ERA (1-6, 2.95), he's deserved a better fate than his team having a 2-8 mark in his 10 starts. The Blue Jays have averaged 2.2 RPG in Stroman's starts. Toronto has a chance because of their starter, but they are 4-15 hosting the BoSox. 

Backing Atlanta who is 17-9 on the road in May the last couple years. The Braves have the better starting pitcher by far in Mike Soroka (4-1, 0.98 ERA). San Francisco will start Andrew Suarez who went 7-13 with a 4.49 ERA in 2018, but did not make the club in spring training and was assigned to Triple-A Sacramento. In six starts there, he was a mediocre 2-3 with a 6.33 ERA. For this one, NL home underdogs with a money line of +125 to +175 like the Giants, hitting .255 or lower, against a starting pitcher whose ERA 3.70 or lower, batting .225 or worse over their last five games, are 13-54 since 2015. 

The Yanks are 27-7 away vs. teams whose hitters draw three walks or fewer walks a game and 20-4 this season if they strand 6.9 or less runners on base. (Winning both by over 2 RPG) Baltimore is 12-43 as a home underdog of +125 or more and when we search deeper, the Birds are even worse at 3-21 as a home dog of +150 to +200  the last two seasons. (Losing both by over 2 RPG) The Yankees are at -130 in the RL, but normally, given the ML of -200, the RL should be +100 to -115, not this much higher. This is the sportsbooks way of trying to chase bettors off the number, yet, hard to ignore the O's lose by well over four runs a game when defeated.

Milwaukee is in danger of being swept by Atlanta but should escape on Sunday. The reason is Brandon Woodruff (6-1, 3.72 ERA), who since April 27 is 4-0 and has not allowed more than one run in any game. His ERA over that stretch is 1.23. His mound opponent is Mike Foltynewicz (0-3, 8.02), who because of injury is still in spring training essentially and has less than a 2 to 1 K/W ratio and been tagged for eight homers in just over 21 innings. When Foltynewicz has faced winning teams at home, he and his teammates are just 3-13. 

The Blazers should have won Game 2 at Golden State but didn't. This is the Blazers season and I'm looking at them to make some defensive adjustments and to be very active with hands and generate more turnovers. Also looking at the crowd to keep them engaged. Portland is 15-6 SU this season having lost two of three and 17-4 SU in a home game where the total is 220 to 229.5 this season. Plus, my Game Estimator is 20-10 ATS going against playoffs teams like Golden State. Take Portland to win outright!

The Dodgers Walker Buehler (4-0, 4.15) is beginning to get the command back along with the velocity and that is bad news for Cincinnati. The right-hander has a 2.79 ERA in his past three starts and radar gun show 99 MPH in his last start. Off last night's 6-0 shellacking, Los Angeles is 12-1 after allowing two runs or less this season. To borrow from yesteryear and old Yogi Berra-ism, the Reds Tyler Mahle has "pitched good enough to lose." His 3.97 ERA his not awful, but he's 0-5 and Cincy is 1-7 in his eight starts. Toss in the Reds are 3-14 vs. teams averaging 1.5 or more homers a game and 5-16 as an underdog of +100 to +150 this season, it's L.A. all the way.

The Rays Blake Snell (3-4, 3.56 ERA) has gotten off to a bit of rocky start this season thanks to injuries which has slowed down his progress. Snell has also not had much success at Yankee Stadium with a 1-4 record and 5.63 ERA in eight starts there. Now let's consider the fact New York is an underdog and that  Masahiro Tanaka is 9-4 with a 3.54 ERA in 15 career starts against Tampa Bay, which includes 4-1 with a 2.98 ERA in seven career home starts against the Rays. With the Pinstripes 15-5 at home vs. the Rays and  24-4 after a 5-game span with an OBP of .285 or worse, the Yanks are a nice early afternoon underdog.

Though the headliners in this series are what everyone was talking about, you have to read the entire box-score to understand what matters. This handicapper has said the Milwaukee bench could have a large impact and they outscored Toronto's non-starters 22-12, essentially the difference in the game. If the Bucks bench does not keep their team in the game, the comeback would have come up short. Milwaukee will also shoot better than 25% from three-point land. With Milwaukee 9-1 SU and ATS in the postseason and 8-1 ATS at home when the total is 210 to 219.5, there is ample reason to Fear The Deer on Friday night who win by 10.

Ivan Nova (2-3, 6.29 ERA) has the highest ERA in baseball with those who have pitched enough to have an official ERA. However, he's improved with a 3.37 mark in his last trio of starts. Toronto's Aaron Sanchez (3-4, 3.75) has gone the other way, up to 6.75 in his last three outings. Chicago does have the stronger offensive club and the Blue Jays are 10-21 vs. RH starters and 5-18 after batting .225 or worse over a 5-game, the Pale Hose cover the short number.

St. Louis might have lost anyone to San Jose but they were robbed in Game 3 and are out for Massive Revenge. The Sharks have not enjoyed prosperity and are 0-5 this postseason with a series lead. The Blues are seeing red and win Game 4 handily.

Cleveland was a -345 favorite yesterday and trailed against Baltimore 5-1. Then the Orioles bullpen went to work after the Indians closed the gap to 5-4 and did what they do best, give up runs. The Tribe scored 10 runs versus the Birds pen and won 14-7. With  Dylan Bundy (1-5, 5.31 ERA) pitching for the O's, baseball's worst bullpen will see more work. Cleveland's Jefry Rodriguez (1-2, 2.92) has three quality starts since arriving from the minors and he faces a team that is 25-70 vs. AL teams allowing 4.4 or less RPG and Bundy who is  2-15 vs, teams who strand 6.9 or less runners on base per game. (O's Record) 

Miami has been shut out nine times this season, are last in the majors in runs, doubles, triples, homers, on-base percentage and slugging. Tonight they face Jacob deGrom, which doesn't sound like the scoreboard will be flashing for the Marlins. Despite injuries, the Mets have managed to score 5.3 RPG in their last seven and New York is 10-1 off a one run loss versus a division rival (winning by 1.9 RPG). The Marlins are 10-31 and are losing by 2.3 RPG, take New York on the RL.

Pittsburgh and San Diego are actually glad to face each other as they both are off losing series against foes that are a nemesis to them. The Pirates are getting the call as the underdog mostly because of Trevor Williams. The Bucs right-hander is a grinder on the mound and he has 2.87 ERA on the road and Pitt has won four of his five starts. With the total at 7.5, Williams and company are 10-5 on the road when the total is 7 to 8.5 (mostly as underdogs) and 13-5 after allowing 10 runs or more. Expect the Pirates to steal one in SoCal. 

Former Mariner Michael Pineda (2-3, 5.85 ERA)  is a shell of his former self. He still strikes out batters with regularity but his WHIP of 1.45 tells the story of a hurler whose allowed 49 hits in only 40 innings, 10 of which have left the yard. One guess who is second in the majors in home runs this season? That's correct, Seattle, the team Pineda is facing. The M's Eric Swanson (1-4, 6.35 ERA) does not miss many bats either and Minnesota is averaging 6.0 RPG in away outings and is 3rd in the bigs in home runs. The Mariners are 12-4 OVER when the total is 9 to 9.5 this season and 9-1 OVER when they are off two or more victories. Toss in Pineda is 20-7 OVER on the road with a money line of -100 to -150, the Twins and Mariners are going OVERboard. 

Michael Wacha might be 3-0 but his ERA of 5.35 says he received a lot run support from his St. Louis teammates. Based on how the Braves Mike Soroka (3-1, 1.21) has pitched this season, that is not likely to continue for Wacha. The Cardinals pummeled Atlanta 14-3 last night but are 7-17 in road games after two or more Over's. Lastly, NL underdogs with a money line of +100 or higher like St. Louis who score 5.0 or more runs a game, against a team with a bullpen ERA of 4.50 or higher, with a cold starting pitcher whose ERA 7.00 or higher over his last five starts, are a mere 23-67 the last 22 years. Back the Braves.  

I know Texas has won four of Shelby Miller's (1-2, 7.89 ERA) seven starts, but that is because they have hit the crap out of the ball, nothing to do with him as the you can see with his ERA. In Miller's last start he walked only one batter and in his last eight starts after that, whatever team he's pitched for is 107. Granted the Royals are awful, but Danny Duffy has a 3.06 ERA in three starts and  2.89 ERA against Texas and the Rangers are a pathetic 5-14 on the road.

Caleb Smith has been dominant so far at 3-0 (Marlins 4-3) with a 2.11 ERA and 11.8 strikeouts per nine innings. However, he's getting a touch too much credit against a Tampa Bay team that finds ways to win. The Rays are 12-5 on the road and average 5 RPG (4.3 at home) and they are 8-3 vs. LH starters. Miami is 6-15 at home and this month is averaging a paltry 2.3 RPG. Once the Rays get into the Marlins bullpen (27th in ERA), they open up the game and win going away.

This morning, Seattle was a falling favorite against Oakland and for good season, they were outscored 34-7 in being swept at Boston and they have lost 12 of 14. However, at 21-23, that is more indicative of what kind of team the Mariners really are and tonight will use Yusei Kikuchi (2-1, 3.54 ERA). The M's left-hander has 1.15 ERA in his last three starts. Mike Fiers takes the ball for Oakland and pitchers coming off a nine-inning no-hitter are a below .500 bet in their next outing and the A's righty has a 6.91 ERA vs. Seattle in nine starts and his team has started 5-15 on the road this year. In addition, I have a system of mine that spits this out: Play on non-underdogs like SEATTLE after allowing eight runs or more in two straight games, against opponent after a loss by two runs or less. Since 2017, teams like the Mariners are 14-3 in this spot.

The Cubs outlasted Milwaukee in 15 innings on a cold, dreary, rainy day at Wrigley Saturday to even the series and reclaim first place in the NL Central. With both bullpens taxed, the starting pitcher who can not only be effective and take his team into the later innings will have a distinct edge and that is looking like Jon Lester. The Cubs lefty is 13-3 vs. an NL team with a team batting average of .250 or worse and 25-10 vs. teams whose hitters strike out seven or more times a game. (Chicago's record) Plus, Lester is clutch in the role of a favorite of -110 or higher with a 23-7 record. (Team's record) Cubs win, Cubs win on ESPN tonight.

Two key elements I see in this game. In three games at Toronto in this series, Philadelphia is shooting 40.2% compared to 45.8% at home. The other aspect is the SU winner is 6-0 ATS. Also, the Sixers are 8-18 ATS after a win by 10 points or more, while the Raptors are 6-0 ATS off a double digit defeat. Lastly, in the last three years Toronto is 8-1 and 7-2 ATS hosting the 76ers, winning by 17.4 PPG. The dinosaurs win by 10 or more. 

After losing four in a row on the road, Atlanta has bounced back with a couple of wins, beating Arizona twice and looks to take the series.  Max Fried is in position to take down the D-Backs and bounce back from a rough outing he had at the Dodgers earlier this week. Zach Godley throws a lot of breaking pitches and walks too many hitters and leaves them over the plate which is why he has an ERA over 7.5. Look for the Braves to return home with a 6-4 record on the road trip come Sunday afternoon.

Colorado trails San Diego by 3.5 games in the NL West and will look to close the gap at home against the Padres. The line moves are definitely in favor of the Rockies to open the series with a victory as they have been moved from -150 to -165. Colorado is only 2-3 on the homestand but their offense is heating up faster than the weather in Denver, with 10 or more hits in six of their last seven contests. The Rocks will face Eric Lauer (2-3, 4.30 ERA). However, the Padres are 11-6 on the road and their offense has tallied two more runs than their season average in their last seven games at 5.9 RPG and they are 8-3 away after five or more home games and 10-4 away vs. RH starters.

St. Louis broke out of their hitting slump last night scoring 17 runs angainst Pittsburgh and did so without hitting a home run. That moved the Cardinals to 14-6 at Busch Stadium and in the last two-plus season at home they are 15-5 over the Pirates. While a fan of the Bucs Trevor Williams (1-1, 3.74), his form has been a little off and lifetime he had a 6.10 ERA in 12 appearances, including nine starts versus the Cards. With the Redbirds 15-2 in home games vs. a starting pitcher who gives up 0.5 or less HR'sa start and Pitt 4-20 after allowing 15 runs or more, I'm backing the Birds.

This is strictly by the numbers. The Royals Homer Bailey  1-15 playing against a team with a winning record and 1-11 at home when the total is 8.5 to 10 the last two seasons. (Team's Record) The Phils Jake Arrieta is 22-9 vs. an AL team with an on base percentage .320 or worse  and 27-7 as a road favorite of -125 to -175. (Team's Record) Even if Kansas City exceeds expectations for a few innings, the Royals have a home bullpen ERA of 5.75, with the Phillies at 3.48 pen ERA on the road.

Washington's Pat Corbin (2-1, 3.71 ERA) started the season smoking hot but has cooled off allowing nine runs in last two starts. He's also pitched well versus the Dodgers of late, but in 20 appearances (18 starts) against Los Angeles in his career, Corbin is just 4-9, with his team 6-12. In the Nationals last 10 games. they are 2-8 and their offense has dried up like a puddle on a sunny L.A. day, at 2.7 RPG. The Dodgers, on the other hand, have won 10 of 13 and at home are 15-4, pounding the horsehide for 6.3 RPG. The Nats might win once in this four-game series, but it won't be tonight, especially since they are 6-16 in road contests after a 5-game span where the bullpen ERA was 6.50 or worse. 

Many bettors will follow the Zig-Zag theory in this one, but I won't be one of them. Other than one game, Philadelphia has shot 40% for the series. The 76ers have averaged more than five turnovers more per game than Toronto. After ripping the Raptors in Game 3 at home, Philly has not played with the same fight and vigor and is now 3-8 ATS in conference semi-finals games and loses this one by 5 or more.

The MLB odds have Oakland as -140 ML favorites with a total of 9. Some might argue the A's are just 9-17 against right-hand starting pitcher and while that is true, the vast majority of numbers have come away from home. Instead, let's focus on Cincinnati's apparent vulnerabilities. The Reds offense and road woes have already been acknowledged. They also have other beatable elements. For example, Cincy is 3-11 in their last 14 day games, which suggest either more or less on the sunglasses. Cincinnati is also an unseemly 12-27 on the road when the money line is +130 to -130, which they currently fall into. Next, is the matter of the Reds starting pitcher Roark, with the total at 9, he and the teams he's pitched for the last two seasons are 6-15 when the total is 8 to 9. Total up the numbers and the A's look OK for MLB picks Thursday afternoon.

The Dodgers have whipped Atlanta twice and makes it three times tonight. The Dodgers are averaging 6.2 RPG at home and are 6th in baseball in home runs and the Braves are  3-10 vs. teams averaging 1.25 or more HR's a game this season. (Losing by 2.1 RPG) Atlanta's Mike Foltynewicz (0-1, 5.06 ERA) missed spring training with an elbow issue and is trying to catch in the regular season which is always hard. He's facing Clayton  Kershaw (1-0, 2.77), whose never lost to the Braves (6-0) and has a 1.20 ERA against them in 13 starts (L.A. is 11-2) Dodgers by at least three runs. 

Just like yesterday, the home team in a Game 7 is getting the money, as San Jose has moved up from -130 to -140 or higher depending on where you wager. No doubt Colorado has a chance to win, yet, they are 12-22 after scoring four goals or more in their previous game. San Jose is no prize since they are 6-11 after a road game where both teams scored three or more goals. So why am I taking the Sharks? Colorado's Philipp Grubauer has been the better goalie in this round, but in the Sharks three wins, they kept coming. That is what San Jose has to do, put the pressure on the Avalanche defense and create breakdowns and force Grubauer to be a star, on the road. Sharks advance.

Miami has played the Cubs tough so far at Wrigley Field but that ends tonight. Jose Urena (1-5, 5.45 ERA) has not pitched well, but has shown improvement in his last four starts with a 3.46 ERA. But he and his Marlins teammates are 3-18 in the first half of the season since last year and 2-15 having lost three of their last four games this season. (Losing by 3.5 RPG) The Cubs are on the rise and Kyle Hendricks is returning to form with is ERA now under 4 and in six career starts against the Marlins, Hendricks is 3-1 with a 1.52 ERA. Want a RL winner, Urena and Miami are 0-12 vs. teams outscoring foes by one or more runs a game, losing by 3.5 RPG.

I don't like to bet or give out plays over -150, but when I find an irresistible play, I'm not let a few dollars get in the way. Tampa Bay has blasted Arizona twice and is 16-4 at home having won four of their last five games. Charlie Morton continues to pitch well in the latter part of his career and is 5-1 against D-Backs, whose offense has gone cold with nine hits in the series. Robbie Ray of the Snakes is combustible a third time thru the lineup and the Rays have 25 hits in the series. One little known factor, Ray and D-Backs are 1-8 in day games of late.

How game goes UNDER is pretty simple to answer. If we have conservative play, nerves and two netminders with their A-game, the people in charge of turning on the goal lights will not have much to do. In such an important conflict, it's about executing the basics and playing to strengths. These are defense-first teams with goalies that have helped carry them to this point. This season Dallas is 8-2 Under in road games after allowing four goals or more and St. Louis is 10-2 Under off an away win by two goals or more this season. For NHL picks, cannot even fathom six goals being scored and see someone advancing by a 2-1 or 3-1 score, making the Under the bet.

Big win for Toronto in Game 4, as they recapture the home court. The Raptors have only had one off defensive game, otherwise, they have held Philly to under 41% shooting in Games, 1,2 and 4. Expect that to continue at home. The Sixers are now 3-7 ATS in conference semis, while Toronto is 8-2 ATS with a day's rest and the home team is 7-3 ATS when these two compete. Toronto by 9.

Having a hard time swallowing the Angels from Anaheim as this big a road favorite. The Halos are 4-12 on the road, scoring 3.3 RPG and 2-9 against left-handed starters like Daniel Norris (1-0, 3.47 ERA), posting only 2.9 RPG. Detroit  is 13-7 vs. an AL team with a team batting average of .255 or worse this season. While the Angels, who were just pounded twice be Houston, are 11-25 after a loss by four runs or more. 

With Seattle slumping badly, too much offense for the Yankees even with the injuries. M. Tanaka will pitch Tuesday on five days' rest, attempting to continue his dominance over Seattle. He is 7-0 with a 2.02 ERA in eight career starts against Seattle and has lasted at least seven innings in seven of those starts. Tanaka is among four active pitchers with an ERA of 2.50 or less and a 7-0 record or better against one opponent. With the Yankees 31-7 at home after a 5-game span where the bullpen ERA was 2.00 or better, it's the Pinstripes.

Houston's offense is starting to roll with 57 hits and 39 runs in their last five games. With the Royals' Jake Junis continuing to struggle going thru the opposing lineup either the second or third time around supported by a bullpen with a 5.18 ERA, this has the makings of an Astros explosion. Consider these facts, K.C. is 23-68 against winning teams since last year, losing by two runs a game. Plus, Houston is 52-13 vs. bullpens blowing 38 percent or more of save chances, winning by 2.7 RPG. Excellent Run Line spot for the Astros.

St. Louis had their lunch money stolen from them by the Cubs in being swept in Chicago and are back home on a four-game losing streak. With a 12-4 record at Busch Stadium, look for the Cardinals to be fired up to get back to winning. The Redbirds are 9-1 at home vs. teams scoring 4.5 or more and have a matching 9-1 mark at Busch against team with a bullpen ERA of 4.20 or higher.

Minnesota lost series at the Yankees, that's not news, having dropped 15 of 17. The Twins are a solid club and they are averaging 5.9 RPG on the road. Starting pitcher Martin Perez has gotten off to a good start with Minnesota at 3-0, with a 2.08 ERA. Marcus Stroman has thrown well for Toronto with a 2.20 ERA, but the Blue Jays have not supported him or other Jays pitchers scoring 3.9 RPG on the season, 3.7 vs. LH starters and 3.0 RPG in their last seven outings. With the Twins 10-2 off a defeat, nice underdog spot on Minny.

Former Yankee Michael Pineda (2-2, 6.21 ERA) is trying to resurrect/save his career and landed in the Twin Cities. The oft-injured 30-year old right-hander is a shell of the pitcher he was in Seattle. Never one to really get into shape, some of Pineda's calamities have been self-induced. This season, besides permitting 37 hits in only 29 innings, his strikeouts are down from one per inning career-wise to only 22 thus far.

Domingo German for the Pinstripes is 4-1 with a 2.73 ERA, but other the L.A.A. Angels, who only recently started scoring, every other team German has faced is in the bottom half of offense in the American League. Minnesota is in the Top 5 in scoring at 5.4 RPG. Next, take the Twins offense and mesh it with the Yankees who are 5.3 RPG, who are taking on a former teammate and total of Ov8.5(-120) looks in serious jeopardy. When Pineda has pitched the last three years, he's 17-6 Over with the average score 11.2 total runs, while the Twinkies are 8-2 Over facing right-handed starters. For MLB picks, we'll say these clubs go to 8-3 Over at Yankee Stadium since 2017.

Arizona is now a hot squad with four straight wins, nine in its last 11 and 14 of its past 18. The Diamondbacks scored 19 runs while winning the first two games of the series over Colorado. Zack Greinke goes for the D-Backs and he's allowed just three runs in 27.2 innings during the four-game winning streak. An ERA that was at 7.16 after Greinke's first three starts has dropped to 3.27. This season, Arizona is 6-0 road games vs. a starting pitcher who gives up 5.5 or less hits a start with a matching record 6-0 mark after scoring nine or more runs. The Snakes slither to a sweep.

This season when the Sharks have played in a contest where the total is 5.5 they are 9-2 Over. This will be only the third contest since Jan. 8th in which a total came up this low with San Jose involved. Plus, let's not forget the Sharks are 25-10 Over after one or more Under's, 10-2 Over after playing a game where four or fewer total goals were scored, and a perfect 6-0 Over on home ice in the playoffs. With the Avalanche 23-12 Over facing opponents that permit three or more goals a game, expect more scoring to return in San Jose. 

I thought last night's game would be tight and it was with the Dodgers winning 4-3. The Padres truly hate the Dodgers, but L.A. treats them like a little cousin and largely dismisses them. For all of San Diego's feelings, it the results do translate on to the field where it matters. Padres starter Joe Lucchesi is up and down as his 4.94 ERA suggests, but against Dodgers Blue all he sees is trouble at 0-3 with an 8.52 ERA. With San Diego 15-37 as a home underdog of +100 or higher since last year and 2-9 is home night games this season, it's L.A. all the way.

Milwaukee is 5-3 in their last eight games and while that is fantastic, they have 28 hits in their last three games which means the offense is starting to churn. Look for the Brewers next victim to be Zack Wheeler (2-2, 5.05 ERA) who remains as inconsistent as ever. Wheeler faces Gio Gonzalez who is 15-6 with a 2.85 ERA in 27 starts against the Mets, whom he's faced and defeated more than any opponent. Let's take the Crew who is 25-9 after a game with a combined score of four runs or less.

Was not impressed with Denver's loss at home to Portland. They lacked passion, played unwise basketball in settling for 3's the whole first half and never played with great defensive intensity. Now they have to venture to Portland who will be ready and is 8-3-1 ATS against teams with a losing road record and 22-9 ATS when playing with one day off. With the Nuggets 14-27 ATS on the road after playing a home game and 3-7 ATS away if the home team has a winning record, it will be the Blazers by at least 7.

For this total, let's begin with the Snakes Robbie Ray  (1-1, 4.18 ERA) who can walk the park too often and who has 5.77 ERA against Colorado. The Rockies will counter with a Tyler Anderson (0-2, 11.34) whose surrendered at least five runs in each start and has given up six home runs in 16 2/3 innings. Colorado comes home hot after hanging a pair of 11's at Miller Park and Anderson is 12-3 OVER as an underdog of +100 or higher. To polish this off, Arizona is 17-7 OVER when playing with a day off. Take the Over.

After being swept in Anaheim, Toronto heads to the Lone Star State. The Blue Jays will use rookie right-hander Trent Thornton (0-3, 5.08 ERA), is still seeking his first major league win after six starts. Like a lot of rookie pitchers, Thornton has problems finding the strike zone and thus is nibbling too much according to his manager. Against a team like the Rangers that scores 6.3 RPG at home and 6.2RPG  vs. RH starters, that could be a large problem. As I've said it before, have not been a fan of Texas starter Mike Mino (3-2, 2.88), however, have to give it to him and the fact he's altered his pitch pattern to be more effective.  Let's grab the Rangers who are 8-3 in home games vs. AL teams allowing 4.4 or less runs a game, with the same record against teams with a bullpen whose WHIP is 1.25 or better. 

Let's get over with, this is the last game in this series, as Carolina sweeps the New York Islanders in four games and advances to the Eastern Conference Finals. In Game 3, after trailing 1-0, the Islanders scored just their second goal of the series and tied the game. Instead of being excited, New York players reacted like they were fans of the 'Big Bang Theory' CBS TV show and just saw the last episode and were somber. This same exact situation happened when they trailed 2-1 and tied the contest again. In other words, the Iles were beaten before they hit the ice and that will be the case again tonight in Raleigh.

Minnesota just took three of four from Houston but they are going to a place where they've had almost no success. The Twins have lost eight in a row at Yankee Stadium and 13 of 14 and while they faced better and less injured teams, that is still baggage to overcome. Tonight's Twins starter is Kyle Gibson, who is 1-5 with a 6.86 ERA against New York (Minny 1-7 in his eight starts), while the Yanks send out James Paxton whose gotten into a nice groove. With the Pinstripes 35-13 when the money line is -100 to -150, take New York.

Minnesota has won two of three against Houston at home goes after the series win with their ace Jose Berrios (4-1, 2.97 ERA), who is 3-0 with a 1.77 ERA in three starts at Target Field this season. Berrios is only 1-3 with an ERA over 8 against Houston, but he's not faced the Astros since 2017. His problem previously was command, however, the right-hander is now one of the best starters in the AL and has 41 K's and only eight walks in 39.1 innings. Houston's Brad Peacock is serviceable No. 5 starter, but his team is averaging only 3.6 RPG in their last seven games and is 5-9 after two away outings and 3-8 away vs. RH starters this season.  

The Dodgers are considerably better then San Francisco, even with Madison Bumgarner starting. Mad Bum and Giants are 14-30 in his last 44 starts and 5-16 if San Fran is off a loss. With Ryu and the Dodgers 37-13 versus losing teams, taking L.A.

I realize the world is on Portland tonight and I even understand why. Here is why I won't be. With the injuries to the big guys for the Blazers, they don't have many ways to contain Nikola Jokic. Denver is 6-1 and 4-2-1 ATS against Portland and when they are a home favorite of 5 or less, they are 13-5 ATS and mostly importantly, winning by 9.7 PPG. But here is my top reason for backing the Nuggets, they have forced the Blazers to commit 4.5 more turnovers a game in last eight meetings. They have won the TO battle in each game and that becomes the difference, Denver by 7.

With last night's win, Milwaukee has won four of five and goes for another 'W' over Colorado tonight. The current money line is right in the Brew Crew's wheelhouse as they are 26-9 as a home favorite of -125 to -175. Never a big fan of Chase Anderson from a pure pitching standpoint, he does have one attribute that works, he wins. On the teams Anderson has started for in home night games, he's 32-14, which is Zack Greinke-like. With Colorado scoring just 3.7 RPG on the road and having a 21-56 record after two straight games where they had five or less hits, the Crew earns the victory. 

New York has one goal in two games and is on the road. However, in the last 11 years, road teams in this spot win almost 60% of the time in the playoffs. In addition, Carolina is suffering a lot of injuries and is calling up guys from their minor league affiliate to play. It looks like the Hurricanes will go with back-up goalie Curtis McElhinney, who would be the oldest netminder to make his first start in the playoffs since 1970. Taking New York.

Pittsburgh was an unlikely winner, with a 9th inning rally and winning in extra innings. That momentum carries is to today against a Texas hurler they should knock around. The Rangers  Shelby Miller (1-1, 7.52 ERA) is deplorable and he's given up four runs in each of his past four starts (only 16.2 innings total innings). For those keeping score at home, that's a run an inning and after yesterday's bullpen meltdown, Texas relievers have an ERA over 5 and at home, it's over 5.5. With last night's win, the Pirates are 18-5 in interleague games. Make it 19-5 for the Bucs.

Pittsburgh has lost eight in a row and they will win eventually, just not tonight. The Pirates are facing  Texas team that coming off scoring 29 runs in two games. Normally that might be a cause for concern, but with Texas coming home and after an off day, don't see an issue for a club that is 8-3 at home scoring 6.3 RPG. The Bucs Jordan Lyles has gotton off to a good at 2-1, with a 2.05 ERA, but this is not his history and he's 13-42 playing against a team with a winning record. (Team's record)

Milwaukee starter Jhoulys Chacin (2-3, 6.35 ERA) has come back to earth after a super season. He always pitched well against his former team with a 2.70 ERA in five starts, but he's back to throwing like he often did in Colorado. German Marquez (3-1, 2.54) once again is a bulldog for the Rockies and when they are on the road and need a victory, more often than not he delivers. Marquez is 9-3 in road games when playing against a team with a winning record and Colorado is 21-11 vs. a team with a bullpen that converts on 75+ percent of their save opportunities.

In the second tilt of this four-game set, the total is 8.5, with the Padres starting rookie Chris Paddack (1-1, 1.67) against the veteran Braves right-hander Julio Teheran (2-3, 5.40). Paddack's incredible ERA for a rookie is only surpassed by opposing batters hitting a measly .112 against him. Teheran never turned into the ace Atlanta thought they had with his penchant for leaving too many pitches in the strike zone and missing his target by four to six inches too frequently. Add the number of hits allowed (33 in 31.2 innings) along with 17 free passes and that explains the ERA and WHIP (1.57).

Yet, in Teheran's last three home starts against the Padres, all wins, he conceded four runs in 19 innings. With the Friars batting .223 on the road, the Braves righty is 10-2 Under at home vs. an NL team with a team batting average of .255 or worse. San Diego is only scoring 3.6 RPG against RH starters and Atlanta is 22-6 Under after scoring and allowing three runs or less in their last outing. Let's grab the Under.

The MLB odds for tonight have a total of 9.5 and that might not be enough for a lot of reasons. For example, the starting hurlers are Aaron Brooks (2-2, 5.33 ERA) for the A's and Rick Porcello (1-3, 7.43) for Boston. As you can see, neither pitcher is missing many bats. Of the 26 hits Brooks has allowed in 27 innings, a half dozen have cleared the fence, that's not good. Porcello won the Cy Young in 2016 and to date been dreadful. He showed a few signs of turning his season around in picking up his first win in his last outing against Detroit, going six innings and permitting three runs. Otherwise, 23 innings, 34 hits surrendered and 15 walks, for a scornful WHIP of 2.13.

With both bullpens merely middle of the road on the season and worse in their respective home/road scenarios, for MLB picks the Over is too inviting. This is further backed by Oakland at 9-0 Over after two or more road games this season and Porcello 21-7 Over vs. an AL team with a team batting average of .260 or worse.

I've bet Houston to win the series and I think they come out in Game 1 with something to prove. If you recall, if Chris Paul does not get hurt in Game 6, they probably win last year's series. The Rockets will run the pick and roll to death and with Golden State not having big guys who are quick enough to play them straight, it would not surprise me to see Houston win outright.

The first two series in the conference semis saw the Game 1 loser come back and win and this will be the third one. Don't lose sight of Carolina was scoreless thru three periods and New York's stale offense off their sweep of Pittsburgh will be in much better shape this time around. Friday's Hurricanes win was their first victory in 12 road attempts against team's that allow 2.4 or fewer goals a game.

By far the best betting value is grabbing Minnesota on a run line of +100. Oddsmakers are telling us so because, with the Twins at -180 ML, they should about +120 on the RL and not as low as they are. With Baltimore 14-34 against the run line (-27.8 Units) in road games vs. a starting pitcher who walks 1.75 or fewer per start and the Twinkies 12-3 vs. the RL in home games vs. a team with a terrible bullpen whose ERA is 5.20 or worse, Minnesota rolls by at least three runs.

On Sunday after seeing a game snowed out in Chicago, going to take Matt Boyd and Detroit over the White Sox and Reynaldo Lopez. The Pale Hose right-hander 1-3, 7.46 ERA and has already allowed seven homers in just over 25 innings and his team is 8-26 in home games vs. a starting pitcher whose strikes out five or more batters per start. Boyd is that pitcher (2-1, 3.16) and after a tough start to his career Chicago, he's working on a string of 15 scoreless innings against the Sox and he and his Tigers teammates are 11-4 in day games since last season. 

Seattle's been an early-season surprise, thanks to an offense that averages over 6.0 RPG and hits home runs like the Arizona Cardinals draft quarterbacks in the first round. #regularly The Mariners have been bombs away and have EIGHT batters with at least five long balls. Just taking those M's players at a minimum if five homers each, that is more than 23 other teams season total. Seattle's lumber company will trust Mike Leake (2-2, 4.30) will keep them in the game long enough to build a lead.

Texas starter Mike Minor and the teams he pitched for have never beaten Seattle in five tries and he has 5.31 ERA against Seattle. Leake had a poor outing last season against Texas, otherwise, he has 2.92 ERA vs. the Rangers in a half dozen starts. Even if Minor pitches fair, the Texas bullpen is 13th in the AL in ERA. With Leake and Seattle 20-11 vs. an AL team with an on-base percentage of .330 or worse the last two years and the M's 9-0 versus AL teams allowing 4.9 or more runs a contest, the Mariners sail to victory. 

Looking at few quick telltale signs in this series opener. If starts with Toronto being the better defensive team which will help them. The Raptors have been on a real role at home this month dating back to last year at 10-1 ATS winning by 12.9 PPG. Philadelphia is not the most stable of teams and they are 4-12 ATS after two or more covers. But here is the knockout, the last 17 times these two have met, the SU winner is 16-1 ATS, which includes the last eight in a row. If you think Toronto can win like I do, they are the choice.

The Yankees are relishing their role as underdogs and having fun. While most teams strive to have double digits in base hits, New York has it on the injured list yet manager Aaron Boone is using that to get his team to show up and play hard every day. The Yankees have won nine of 11 and are averaging 5.9 RPG in this stretch, If they can knock around Madison Bumgarner around last night in a 7-3 win over San Francisco, they can certainly do the same to fellow Giants lefty Derek Holland. J.A. Happ will take the ball for New York and he faces a lineup that is scoring a mere 3.1 RPG. Consider the Yanks with Happ is 17-3 vs. teams who strand 6.9 or less runners on base per game the last two seasons. (Team's Record) 

I passed on the first game as I thought this series would be tied after two contests and wanted to see who won in the initial game. With that out of the way, backing Dallas and believe they will have a stronger defensive game. The Stars won both regular season meetings at St. Louis and are 15-5 after scoring two goals or less in two straight games this season. 

St. Louis offense is rolling in averaging almost 7 RPG in their last seven outings. The Cards are also 10-3 at home, while the Reds got in late to St. Louis because of rain delay and they are 4-9 on the road with a weak offense. The Redbirds win!

Cleveland's Corey Kluber cannot wait for April to end as he been awful with 5.88 ERA and giving up more than a hit an inning. Kluber understands he'll get clubbed by Houston, who is averaging 6.4 RPG at home, which is why they are 8-1 in Juice Park. The Astros Collin McHugh started well but was abused for 10 runs in just over three innings in a loss at Texas in his last start, which raised his ERA to 4.88. Look for McHugh to pitch much better at home and with the total at 8, he and his teammates are 25-7 at Minute Maid Park when the total is 8 to 8.5. The Astros take Game 2 of the series.

Atlanta is back home after six games in Ohio and sends Max Fried to face Colorado. The Braves lefty has sharp 1.38 ERA, and he's won all three of his starts. But Fried and Atlanta seem overvalued at home at around -165, having just a 12-12 record is 20-27 (-18.1 Units) as a home favorite of -125 to -175 the last two years. The Rockies Antonio Senzatela (3.55 ERA) is a battler and like all Colorado pitchers is better on the road. With the Braves have won both games in Denver earlier this month, the Rocks are 9-2  in road games revenging two home losses and 16-7 away after scoring eight or more runs. Excellent ML dog action!

Seattle hit the ball hard on at least 10 occasions yesterday but was shutout 1-0 at San Diego on two hits. Back home Mariners hitter will face a Texas team that is 2-7 on the road and permitting 5.5 RPG on the road. Seattle's Marco Gonzales has a 3.32 ERA and the Mariners are 5-1 in his starts and they have won by 2.5 RPG.  With Texas 11-22 against the run line in road games vs. AL teams allowing 4.9 or more runs a game, they win by at least two runs. 

Mike Trout might have his ginormous contract, but he's still on a bad Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim squad that has lost nine of 10. Though cloning is becoming a thing, it's not made it so far where the Angels could to it to Trout, saddled on a team that plays "good enough to lose" Yogi Berra-ism (not familiar - Google it), with a 1-7 record in one-run games and 12th in AL starting pitcher ERA.

Trevor Cahill (1-2, 5.47) left the Chicago Cubs because he wanted to be a starting pitcher again and he found a sucker who took the bait. The Bronx Bombers will have every chance to improve on their 6.5 RPG on the road this season. Masahiro Tanaka (2-1, 2.76) and the Yankees are -102 road underdogd. Tanaka has a minuscule 1.59 ERA in a half dozen starts against the Halos and he and his team are 6-0 against them. For MLB picks, we'll back New York who is 32-12 when the money line is -100 to -150.         

Cincinnati's Luis Castillo (2-1, 1.47 ERA) has really come into his own and been filthy to start the season. Castillo has 41 punch-outs in just over 30 innings and allowed only 13 hits. His mental approach has changed with his development and he's no longer nibbling, rather attacking hitters. And he's backed by the No. 2 bullpen in the National League.

The MLB odds have Cincy as -133 favorites against Atlanta's Julio Teheran (2-2, 5.61). The Braves righty was once considered ace material, but he walks too many hitters and gives up more than a hit an inning and he is exposed with a WHIP of 1.64 so far this season and Teheran has an 8.59 ERA in three road starts this season. Cincy takes the series.

It's Game 7 in this series and for hockey bettors it's real simple and why they elevated Washington from -140 to -155. They are counting on the Capitals experience, championship pedigree and that fact the home team has won every game in this series. Hard to argue with that and the fact the Caps are 22-5 when having lost three of four.

King Felix is just a court jester at this point of his career. However, San Diego is not hitting, averaging 3.5 RPG which leads to believe he can contain Padres offense. Actually like what I see from Padres starter Chris Paddock but no discounting this Seattle offense that scoring 7.6 RPG on the road and is beating foes regularly away from home with an 11-3 record. The Mariners are crushing right-handed starters this season and continue to do so as a big underdog.

Though neither Jhoulys Chacin or Adam Wainwright are as good as they used to in their younger days, they have a history. The team's Chacin has pitched for are 4-7 against the Cardinals and Wainwright's teams are 20-11. Let's add in St. Louis is 9-3 at home to start the season and the Redbirds get the call.

Oklahoma City has only scored more than 100 points once in this series. In the other three games the Thunder has shot under 40 percent combined and with a great opportunity to close out OKC, I don't think Portland let's this slide.  The Thunder might have bigger brand names, but the Blazers are playing as more of team, they have better depth and coaching. Portland by 7.

Oakland got back in the win column yesterday against Texas and look for them to the Rangers down again. The A's are 40-13 vs. AL teams allowing 4.9 or more runs a game and 44-15 if that team has a bullpen ERA of 4.20 or higher. With Texas only 2-5 on the road and averaging 3.6 RPG, Oakland takes Game 2.

The Spurs should have been up 3-0 in series over Denver, but instead they are 2-2 and losing ground. What makes the Nuggets the play is they are dominating play from the three-point in the last three games, with an edge of 23 three's or more than seven more per game. Blend that with that this further opens up the lane and the Denver offense is on the come. With the Spurs 7-16 ATS after a combined score of 215 points or more in three straight games and Denver 17-4 ATS at home after they covered the spread, it's the Nuggets by 9.

First to admit, was not a Wade Miley fan for years and made a lot of money for my clients betting against him. But since Miley developed the 'cutter' he's become a slightly above average pitcher and remarkable dependable. Miley's also on a Houston team that can score. Minnesota is a good club and been quite good on the road. Just not sure about Michael Pineda, who has not been bad, but has allowed four homers in just 18+ innings. With Miley  11-2 when working on five or six days rest the last two seasons (Team's Record) and backed with a great bullpen, Houston tops the Twins.

After giving up eight runs and not recording an out against the Phillies last week, Steven Matz will be clearly motivated. But here is the thing, the Mets offense has cooled, down to 3.7 RPG in their last 7 after averaging over 5.5 for the season. Matz has an ERA of almost 6 against Philadelphia and his teammates are 1-5 in his half dozen starts against Philly. Jake Arrieta (3-1, 2.25 ERA) is off to a stellar start and he has a 2.64 ERA vs. New York. Even if Matz throws fairly well, his bullpen has a ERA over 5.50 that the Phils offense can exploit they score 5.5 RPG. The Mets are 12-27 at home having lost four of their last five games, while Arrieta is 47-18 after giving up two or less earned runs in his last two outings. (Team's record) Taking the Phillies.

Pittsburgh's Joe Musgrove has been super with 0.81 ERA and WHIP of 0.76, but there is nothing in his career that indicates this is a new norm with a 4.08 ERA. Musgrove faced Arizona twice last year and lost both times and came away with a 6.08 ERA. While Zack Godley is hardly a great pitcher for the D-Backs, he will be facing a Pirates lineup that scored 12 runs and had 21 hits in their last four games, which is even lower than the 3.6 RPG on the season. In the last two years, Godley and Snakes are 10-2 as a road underdog of +100 to +150, giving us a good value.

The Sharks have never won a Stanley Cup and have only made one Finals appearance, which was four years ago. San Jose over the last decade has been a playoff disappointment, either lacking a quality to get them over the top or underperforming at the worst possible time. That is bore-out in having a 5-17 record in the 6th game of a playoff series.  Vegas in 3-1 in playoff series in their short existence and they are tough to beat at home and compared the Sharks, this team seems to rise to the occasion, not shy away from it. With the Golden Knights 9-3 at home in the playoffs and 7-2 in the same place against San Jose, VGK closes out the series. 

In the series finale, Clayton Kershaw (2.57 ERA) will make his second start since coming off the IL and he was sharp against Cincinnati, going seven innings, permitting two runs on five hits and striking out six.

Milwaukee will counter with Brandon Woodruff (2-1, 5.22), who has 26 K's on 20 2/3 innings and has walked only six. Where he has gotten into trouble is the hits and walks have occurred in bunches, accounting for his higher ERA. Woodruff better be on his game against L.A. since they lead the National League in runs scored, home runs, on-base percentage and virtually every important hitting number.

The MLB odds have the Dodgers right around -125 road faves. Just the name Kershaw speaks for itself and while he might not throw as hard as he used to, he still knows how to pitch. Kershaw and the Dodgers 43-15 on Sunday's, which makes for a vast number of series wins and collectively this combination is 73-26 in day games. For MLB picks, our choice is Dodger Blue.

Unless these teams are arm weary from swinging the bats from yesterday twin-bill, pitchers K. Gibson and D. Bundy both have ERA's over 7 thus far. These starters also have ERA over 5 against the other team and Minnesota is averaging 7.2 RPG on the road and Baltimore 5 RPG at home.

Indiana is not playing well and does not have the offensive resources to beat Boston. The C's by 6.

Alex Ovechkin was very frustrated with his team's effort in Raleigh. "We can't hope that one guy is going to make a save or score a goal," Ovechkin said. "You have to go out there and play your game. If you don't want to do it, don't play."

It's not like we haven't seen this from the Capitals before, go back to last season at this same time when they down 0-2 to Columbus before starting their run to the Stanley Cup. Washington played without urgency at Carolina and if they continue to play that way, they will face an elimination game on Monday. Nicklas Backstrom and Evgeny Kuznetsov, in particular, have to raise their level of play and makes their linemates more effective. Washington is 26-17 SU at home. For NHL picks, it is difficult to overlook the Caps are 20-9 after two or more losses and 30-10 after two or more Under's and they win this contest either 3-2 or 4-2. 

The Red Sox starting pitching in the worst in the majors, with an ERA of over 6.4 and among the contributors to this horrific stat is Rick Porcello (0-3, 11.12). It's fairly amazing Porcello is getting another start, even if it's only April. In only 11 1/3 innings, the former Cy Young winner has surrendered 22 hits and walked 12, which produces an ungodly WHIP of 3.00. Coming into this confrontation, opposing teams are batting, you ready for this, .415 against him. Backed with a bullpen that has an ERA over 5, Boston better hit.

Charlie Morton (2-0, 2.18) continues his late in life (baseball years) revival. At 35, Morton still has an electric fastball and has fanned 25 batters in 20 2/3 innings, while only giving up 14 base hits.

After losing last night 6-4, Tampa Bay maintains a large seven-game lead over the Red Sox. Though Porcello has generally pitched well against the Rays (14-10, 3.42 ERA), that would seem like a performance he's not presently capable of. The BoSox are also an undesirable 3-8 against teams averaging 1.25 or more homers game this season.  With the Boys from Bean-Town 4-10 on the road, Tampa Bay is too good to pass up.