Date | Match Up | Rating | Score | Result | Profit | Lead Time | Analysis |
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05-19-23 | Marlins +120 v. Giants | 3-4 | Loss | -100 | 26 h 53 m | Show | |
Rating: 2 Units Sandy Alcantara will turn the corner sooner rather than later. He can only pitch better than he did last Saturday, so I’m backing the Marlins to stay on the winning path. The current Giants are 22-for-90 with three doubles and five home runs against Alcantara. On the other side, the current Marlins are 20-for-59 with a couple of doubles and homers versus Anthony DeSclafani, who’s yielded eight earned runs on 15 hits over his previous two starts and 12 innings of work. Over the last ten days, the Marlins have posted a 109 wRC+ against the right-handed pitchers, whereas the Giants have recorded a 90 wRC+ against the righties in that span. During that stretch, Miami’s bullpen has registered a 3.21 ERA and 3.20 FIP to go with a 3-1 record and three saves, while San Francisco’s bullpen has gone 3-2 with four saves, 4.42 ERA, and 4.86 FIP. Miami and San Francisco already met each other in April, and the Marlins won two out of three games in front of the home fans. |
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05-19-23 | Heat +9 v. Celtics | 111-105 | Win | 100 | 23 h 60 m | Show | |
Rating: 2 Units I picked the Heat to cover in game 1 but I honestly did not expect them to actually win the game. Now they are 9 point underdogs and again, that feels like a lot. While I fully expect the Celtics to win in this game -- they have to or they are pretty much done. But Miami is not the type of team you blow out -- and 9 points is a lot. I just can't see the Celtics winning by double digits here. Miami won't shoot 52% from three again but they will play good enough defense and make enough big shots to keep this game close down the stretch. The Celtics will survive, but the Heat will cover. Take Miami getting the points. |
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05-19-23 | Dodgers -124 v. Cardinals | 5-0 | Win | 100 | 24 h 57 m | Show | |
Rating: 2 Units The Los Angeles Dodgers continue to dominate, winning seven of their last eight games entering Friday including a sweep of the Padres in that span. The Cardinals are playing better recently but have been one of the worst home squads in the big leagues, winning only eight of their 22 games at Busch Stadium. Dodgers’ starter Tony Gonsolin has been lights out. Gonsolin has not allowed a run in his last two starts against the Brewers and Padres and has conceded just three runs in his 19 innings of action this season. Cards’ starter Steven Matz has not been reliable. He has surrendered 19 hits in his last 15 innings of work and has an ugly 5.61 ERA on the year. The Cards have lost in six of his eight starts this season. |
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05-19-23 | Diamondbacks -1.5 v. Pirates | 3-13 | Loss | -100 | 22 h 24 m | Show | |
Rating: 2 Units The Diamondbacks are proving they are the real deal. They have won five of their last six games including a series win against the Giants and continue to dazzle at the plate. The Pittsburgh Pirates are plummeting. They have yet to win a series this month and have dropped seven of their last ten games and are just 1-5 in their last six home bouts. It’s been nearly an automatic win when Zac Gallen is on the hill. The right-hander has led Arizona to victory in seven of his last eight starts. He is an ace, ranking near the top in all pitching categories including ERA and WHIP. He has conceded either zero or one run in five of his last seven outings. Pirates’ starter Johan Oviedo is struggling, allowing 18 runs in his last 17.2 innings. I recommend the run line as each Diamondbacks' win with Gallen on the hill has been by at least two runs. |
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05-18-23 | Guardians +140 v. White Sox | 3-1 | Win | 140 | 3 h 43 m | Show | |
Rating: 2 Units The Guardians have struggled out of the gate in this series, losing each of the first two games. I like them to bounce back in the series finale behind rookie pitcher Allen. Chicago is hitting just .246 against lefties this season and Allen has done an excellent job keeping the ball in the yard this season. Cease, meanwhile, has struggled with his command and has a hard-hit ratio of nearly 50%. He also is 0-2 in his last three starts with an ERA near 6.50. Look for the speedy Guardians to get on base, run and advance runners against Cease as he struggles to find the zone. |
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05-18-23 | Nationals v. Marlins -147 | 3-5 | Win | 100 | 2 h 40 m | Show | |
Rating: 2 Units The Nationals have Trevor Williams on the hill. The right-hander has not been as sharp recently, squandering 10 runs in his last four outings spanning only 17 innings. He has also been horrible on the road where he has posted a poor 5.66 ERA in four outings. Nationals starter Eury Perez is one of the top pitching prospects in baseball. He allowed two runs and struck out seven in 4.2 innings in his debut against the Reds last week. He should be even more comfortable in his second start. Perez is a right-hander and the Nats haven't been dangerous against righties, posting a .652 OPS against right-handed starters compared to a .759 OPS against lefties. The Fish have won three in a row and I expect another victory in this one. |
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05-18-23 | Angels v. Orioles -148 | 6-5 | Loss | -148 | 4 h 46 m | Show | |
Rating: 2 Units Angels left-hander Tyler Anderson (1-0, 5.26 ERA) opposes right-hander Tyler Wells (3-1, 2.68) in the matinee. Anderson won his first start of the season, throwing six shutout innings against the A's on April 2, but has had six no-decisions since. In those six games, his ERA is 6.25 and he has 17 walks to go along with 21 strikeouts in 31 2/3 innings, though his ERA over his past three outings is 3.06. Last time out, he allowed three runs on six hits in six innings against the Guardians. Anderson has never faced the Orioles. Wells, meanwhile, lost his first start of the season back on April 9. Since then, he is 3-0 with a 2.50 ERA in six starts, with 31 strikeouts in 36 innings while walking nine. In his last start, he tossed seven shutout innings in a win against the Pirates. Wells allowed just one hit while walking two and fanning eight. The eight strikeouts were a career high for the 28-year-old. |
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05-17-23 | Heat +8 v. Celtics | 123-116 | Win | 100 | 14 h 41 m | Show | |
Rating: 2 Units For the third time in four years, the Miami Heat and Boston Celtics are squaring off in the Eastern Conference finals. Miami won the first go around in 2020 while the Celtics took care of business last year. Boston has had a tendency to play loose at home in the playoffs, and coming off that historic game 7 win, I see them having a letdown here. Miami will be rested and ready to go, looking to steal one here. In the four meeting between the two this year, three were decided by less than the spread for this game. This spread seems too big, so take the Heat here getting the points. |
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05-17-23 | Cubs v. Astros -150 | 6-7 | Win | 100 | 13 h 20 m | Show | |
Rating: 2 Units The current Astros are 11-for-29 with three doubles and two home runs against Drew Smyly. Jose Abreu, who went 2-for-3 with a couple of RBI last Monday, is 6-for-11 with two doubles and a home run versus Smyly. Although the Astros own a 91 wRC+ against the lefties in May, I think they can get to Smyly in this one. The Cubs, on the other side, sport an 88 wRC+ against the righties in May. They’ve never met J.P. France before, and Cody Bellinger’s eventual absence would be a huge blow for the Cubs on both sides of the ball. The Cubs’ bullpen has thrown a staggering 40.2 innings over the last ten days, posting an underwhelming 4.65 ERA, 4.51 FIP, and 6.4 K/9. On the other side, the Astros’ bullpen has tossed 27.2 frames in that span, tallying a 4.23 ERA, 2.47 FIP, and 11.7 K/9. |
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05-17-23 | Angels v. Orioles -139 | 1-3 | Win | 100 | 12 h 48 m | Show | |
Rating: 2 Units The Angels will look to bounce back on Wednesday behind Griffin Canning (2-1, 6.38 ERA). The right-hander was ineffective in his latest start, when he allowed five runs on five hits with three strikeouts and a walk in just 3 2/3 innings in a 5-4 loss to the Houston Astros on May 10. He has a 10.38 ERA in two starts this month. Canning has struggled in three career appearances (two starts) against the Orioles, going 0-2 with a 14.46 ERA, eight strikeouts and seven walks in 9 1/3 innings. He was rocked for six runs on six hits in 2 2/3 innings the last time he faced Baltimore on July 2, 2021. The Orioles will hand the ball to right-hander Kyle Bradish (1-1, 4.56 ERA), who will be facing the Angels for the first time. Bradish is coming off one of his best starts of the season. He held the Pittsburgh Pirates to an unearned run on three hits with six strikeouts and a walk in six innings during a no-decision on Friday. |
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05-17-23 | Pirates v. Tigers -155 | 8-0 | Loss | -155 | 6 h 28 m | Show | |
Rating: 2 Units The Tigers are 4-0 in their last four vs. a team with a winning record and 6-0 in their last six interleague home games. The Pirates are 11-29 in their last 40 interleague road games. Detroit is hitting much better against lefties (.249 BA/.309 OBP/.411 SLG/.719 OPS) than they are against righties (.226/.290/.339/.629), with better home splits than road splits. Detroit starter Rodriguez (4-2, 1.57 ERA) signed a five-year, $77 million contract with the Tigers as a free agent prior to last season. In his latest outing, Rodriguez limited the Cleveland Guardians to four hits and struck out eight in seven innings on May 10. Rodriguez will be opposed on Wednesday by 43-year-old left-hander Rich Hill (3-3, 4.35 ERA). After winning his last three starts in April, Hill is 0-1 with a no-decision in two May outings. He lasted just 3 2/3 innings at Colorado on May 10. |
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05-16-23 | Guardians -120 v. White Sox | 3-8 | Loss | -120 | 22 h 52 m | Show | |
Rating: 2 Units Bieber has been as reliable as it gets this year, surrendering three or fewer runs in all his starts. In his last outing, he didn't give up a run, and aside from a couple of long balls was on point in his previous start against the Yankees (two runs in eight innings). The 27-year-old was victorious in three of five outings vs. Chicago last season, holding the Southsiders to two or fewer runs in four of those appearances. He lasted six-plus innings in all five starts, including nine innings on July 12. The White Sox have worse splits against right-hand pitchers than lefties, including a .293 OBP, .378 SLG, and 24.2% K-rate. They'll struggle to put enough runners on base to inflict any damage vs. Bieber, |
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05-16-23 | Cubs +143 v. Astros | 3-7 | Loss | -100 | 22 h 46 m | Show | |
Rating: 2 Units Justin Steele is Chicago's win day, and he gets to face an offense that hasn't put things together at home this season. Steele should pitch six or seven strong innings before ceding to the bullpen. Christian Javier will probably have a solid start too, considering the Cubs are struggling offensively also, but should get outdueled by Steele. It's on the Cubs' bullpen to shut this down, and I think that they do. Roll with the away team, which has the starting pitcher and a batting order that's been better this season. |
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05-16-23 | Angels v. Orioles -125 | 3-7 | Win | 100 | 20 h 23 m | Show | |
Rating: 2 Units Baltimore starter, Dean Kremer has allowed just one run over 12 innings in his past two starts. Kremer has thrown five career scoreless innings vs. LA. It's Chase Silseth (3.24 ERA) for the Angels. He was solid in his first three relief appearances this year but was roughed up for six runs over 3.1 innings last time out. Silseth was 1-3 with a 6.59 ERA in seven starts as a rookie and allowed four earned over four at Camden Yards. |
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05-15-23 | Twins v. Dodgers -108 | 8-9 | Win | 100 | 13 h 33 m | Show | |
Rating: 2 Units LA’s bullpen has gone 5-0 with five saves, 2.82 ERA, and 10.6 K/9 through the first 13 days in May (38.1 innings pitched). Over the last seven days, the Dodgers’ relievers have recorded a 3.48 ERA and 3.39 FIP, whereas the Twins’ bullpen has posted a 4.66 ERA and 5.67 FIP in that span. The current Dodgers are 23-for-70 with six doubles and a pair of home runs against Pablo Lopez. Freddie Freeman is 11-for-33 versus Lopez, and Will Smith is 2-for-5 with a home run. Los Angeles owns a .244/.337/.463 triple-slash and 121 OPS+ against the righties in 2023. The Dodgers aim for their 11th straight victory over the Twins. Last year, the Blue Crew went 4-0 against Minnesota. |
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05-15-23 | Diamondbacks -1.5 v. A's | 5-2 | Win | 100 | 12 h 49 m | Show | |
Rating: 2 Units There is no escaping the fact that the Athletics are going to take their lumps this season with a transitioning roster and suspect pitching. Oakland has actually been worse at home than on the road with just four wins heading into their series finale with Texas. Muller has been slightly more effective at home, taking advantage of ample foul territory that has proven to be somewhat of a saving grace for Oakland's pitchers. However, he still owns a hard-hit percentage of nearly 50% and has had trouble putting batters away this season with a marginal strikeout percentage of just 14%. Kelly, meanwhile, has been an outstanding road pitcher this season with an ERA just north of a run per game. He faces an Oakland lineup that is hitting just .214 at home this season. Meanwhile, as a team, the Diamondbacks are hitting .266 against lefties this season. |
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05-15-23 | Royals v. Padres UNDER 9.5 | 0-4 | Win | 105 | 10 h 0 m | Show | |
Rating: 2 Units Neither offense is trustworthy enough to expect this game to reach double-digit runs, especially not in a pitcher's park. Kansas City has been hot lately, but even with a great start to May are 23rd in runs per game this season. San Diego has elite bats at the top of the order, but is 28th in runs per game this year. The Padres are averaging under three runs per game over their last eight played too. This isn't a game that will be advertised as a pitcher's duel, but they should fare better than the offenses in this one. Roll with the under between two underwhelming offenses. |
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05-15-23 | Brewers -104 v. Cardinals | 1-18 | Loss | -104 | 10 h 27 m | Show | |
Rating: 2 Units Flaherty is 3-7 with a 4.92 ERA in 17 career games against the Brewers, including 16 starts. Christian Yelich has a career .905 OPS against Flaherty -- and overall he has a .348/.400/.630 slash line in his last 12 games and three homers in the last two. The Brewers started the month 2-7 before sweeping the Royals. Freddy Peralta (4-2, 3.32 ERA) will draw Monday's start for the Brewers. He brings a string of three straight quality starts into this game, including his 9-3 victory over the Los Angeles Dodgers in his last start. On April 9, Peralta earned a 6-1 victory over the Cardinals while holding them to one run on four hits in six innings. |
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05-14-23 | Giants -129 v. Diamondbacks | 1-2 | Loss | -129 | 7 h 18 m | Show | |
Rating: 2 Units San Francisco will try to even the series today with an experienced starter who has had success against the Diamondbacks. Giants right-hander Logan Webb (3-5, 3.46 ERA this season) is 3-2 with a 2.65 ERA in six career starts against them. He has 34 strikeouts, with nine walks, in 34 innings. Webb will oppose Arizona right-hander Brandon Pfaadt (0-1, 12.10) on Sunday. Pfaadt, a fifth-round draft choice in 2020, has allowed six home runs in the first two starts of his career. He gave up four home runs against the Texas Rangers on the road in his major-league debut May 3, but the Diamondbacks rallied to win 12-7. Jorge Soler of the Miami Marlins hit two home runs against him in Arizona's 6-2 loss Tuesday in Phoenix. Pfaadt, whose fastball has been clocked as fast as 95 mph, has allowed 13 earned runs in 9 2/3 innings. He has as many home runs allowed (six) as he does strikeouts. The Giants are 5-1 in their last six games with the total set at 7.0-8.5 and 5-2 in their last seven vs. a team with a winning record. The Diamondbacks are 3-9 in their last 12 home games with the total set at 7.0-8.5. |
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05-14-23 | Rangers -142 v. A's | 11-3 | Win | 100 | 7 h 6 m | Show | |
Rating: 2 Units While the A’s managed to come through with the victory in the second game of the series on Friday night, projecting them to have that kind of power surge again is likely foolhardy. You can’t expect the A’s to put up nine runs or hit four homers in a contest with any regularity as they have struggled offensively all season, especially at home. Texas is one of the deepest lineups in the league and they are a dangerous team offensively. Heaney hasn’t been great on the mound but he is clearly better than Rucinski. Look for the Rangers’ bats to do their job and the A’s to wilt in clutch situations, giving Texas the upper hand on getaway day. |
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05-14-23 | Angels -102 v. Guardians | 3-4 | Loss | -102 | 2 h 26 m | Show | |
Rating: 2 Units The Angels are 7-1 in their last eight vs. a team with a losing record. The Guardians are 0-4 in their last four home games vs. a left-handed starter and 1-11 in their last 12 overall vs. a lefty starter. Cleveland is also 1-5 in its last six games with the total set at 9.0-10.5. The Guardians are hitting .220 with a .295 OBP against Southpaws, and Sandoval pitched well against them last season, surrendering two earned runs in two starts (12.1 IP), fanning 12 batters, and picking up a win. The Angels have solid splits in day games (.265 BA/.341 OBP/.435 SLG/.777 OPS) and on the road (.259/.330/.381/.711) this season and 5-0 in their last five games vs. a starter with a WHIP greater than 1.30. |
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05-13-23 | Stars -150 v. Seattle Kraken | 3-6 | Loss | -150 | 10 h 45 m | Show | |
Rating: 2 Units The Kraken are hoping to force a Game Seven and win the upcoming game on their home ice but the Stars have taken control of this series and look to dominate Game Six on both ends of the ice. The Stars, who have scored 21 goals in this series, should pile on the goals with Joe Pavelski, Roope Hintz, and the rest of the forward unit establishing a strong offensive zone presence and creating open shots with great passes. The Stars, who have only allowed five goals in the last two games, should limit the Kraken offense with Miro Heiskanen, Esa Lindell, and the rest of the defensive unit creating turnovers in the defensive zone and limiting passing lanes to force direct shots on the net, allowing goaltender Jake Oettinger to make plenty of big saves to close out the game. The Stars should win Game Six to advance to the Western Conference Final with a strong performance on the road. |
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05-13-23 | Pirates v. Orioles -160 | 0-2 | Win | 100 | 10 h 43 m | Show | |
Rating: 2 Units Baltimore pitches better at home and gets to face an ice-cold Pirates offense. Tyler Wells is their top starter and has not lost since April 9. In five starts since then, he is 2-0 with a 3.10 ERA, 23 strikeouts and seven walks. Wells settled for a no-decision against the Atlanta Braves on Sunday after allowing one run on three hits over five innings. The Orioles' bullpen is one of the hardest to score on at any venue. Pittsburgh's starter, Roansy Contreras, has been rocky in May allowing nine earned runs in 10 1/3 innings over his past two starts overall. He surrendered five runs on nine hits in five innings of a 10-1 setback to the Toronto Blue Jays on Sunday. |
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05-13-23 | Cardinals v. Red Sox -126 | 4-3 | Loss | -126 | 7 h 1 m | Show | |
Rating: 2 Units The Red Sox have won nine of their last 11 games and six of their last seven home games. They are playing well offensively at home, scoring 26 runs in their last three home games. They will continue playing well offensively in this game because they hit the ball well against left-handers and Matz hasn’t looked good on the mound this season, especially on the road where he has given up six runs in two starts. He gave up 10 runs in his last three starts against the Red Sox and will have a hard time slowing them down in this game. The Cardinals have lost seven of their last 10 road games. Sale has done a good job on the mound at home for Boston, giving up two runs in two home starts. He gave up one run in his lone start against the Cardinals and will keep their offense in check once again. Go with Boston to cover the money line. |
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05-13-23 | Rangers -135 v. A's | 5-0 | Win | 100 | 7 h 5 m | Show | |
Rating: 2 Units The A’s are arguably the worst team in baseball. Their pitching has been abysmal, they can’t hit, their fielding is mediocre and their fans don’t even bother to show up. Oakland has turned its back on the franchise, much like the A’s have seemingly turned their backs on competent baseball. Oakland starter, Sears has decent peripherals when it comes to WHIP along with K:BB ratio but giving up 10 homers is a major problem. That’s an average of 2.4 long balls per nine innings and opposing hitters are posting a robust .300 with runners in scoring position against him. Those aren’t the numbers you want to have when you’re facing a Texas team that piles up runs by the truckload. Give the Rangers the upper hand in this contest as they earn the victory behind Gray. |
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05-12-23 | Rangers -165 v. A's | 7-9 | Loss | -165 | 13 h 50 m | Show | |
Rating: 2 Units The worst pitching staff meets the highest scoring offense in baseball, so I’m not going to overthink this game at all. Give me the Rangers. Texas left-hander Martin Perez (4-1, 3.86 ERA) will try to keep the good times rolling even though he is coming off his worst performance of the season -- seven runs in 3 2/3 innings against the Los Angeles Angels on Sunday. However, only his stats were negatively affected as the Rangers powered to a 16-8 win. Perez pitched much better -- one run in six innings -- but likewise got more than ample offensive support in a 15-2 win over the New York Yankees in his previous start. The 32-year-old veteran owns a 9-7 record with a 4.46 ERA in 22 games (21 starts) vs. Oakland. The A’s are just 6-for-32 with a pair of doubles against Martin Perez. Texas holds a 118 OPS+ against the left-handed pitchers in 2023, and the current Rangers are 7-for-22 with five doubles and a home run against Ken Waldichuk. |
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05-12-23 | Astros -141 v. White Sox | 5-1 | Win | 100 | 12 h 10 m | Show | |
Rating: 2 Units The White Sox have had their struggles when it comes to getting decent pitching this season. Lynn has been bad, Kopech has been obliterated by the long ball and Dylan Cease sports a 5.58 ERA after eight starts this season. Throw in that they’ve had major issues putting runs on the board as key contributors are having miserable starts to the year and it’s easy to see why the team is well below the .500 mark on the season. J.P. France, a 28-year-old rookie right-hander, is set to make his second career start for Houston today. France (0-0, 0.00 ERA) took a no-decision in his major league debut at Seattle on Saturday, spacing three hits, one walk and five strikeouts in five scoreless innings. Right-hander Michael Kopech (1-3, 5.97 ERA) gets the call for Chicago. Kopech earned his first victory of the season on Sunday in Cincinnati, overcoming four solo home runs by the Reds in six innings during a 17-4 White Sox romp. Kopech is 0-2 with a 5.25 ERA in three career appearances against Houston, including two starts, with seven strikeouts in 12 innings. |
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05-12-23 | Pirates v. Orioles -145 | 3-6 | Win | 100 | 10 h 22 m | Show | |
Rating: 2 Units While the Pirates aren't hitting, they also are not pitching well, either. During a 1-5 homestand, Pittsburgh starters fashioned a 6.75 ERA in the five losses, and relievers compiled a 5.14 mark Pittsburgh will turn to right-hander Johan Oviedo (2-3, 5.59 ERA) in the opener of the series. Oviedo is 0-2 with a 12.08 ERA in his past three starts, allowing 17 earned runs in 12 2/3 innings. He has struck out eight and walked seven during that stretch. Last time out, Oviedo allowed seven runs -- six earned -- on 10 hits in five innings of a loss to the Toronto Blue Jays. He has never faced the Orioles, who will counter with right-hander Kyle Bradish (1-1, 5.95). |
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05-11-23 | Celtics -130 v. 76ers | 95-86 | Win | 100 | 6 h 35 m | Show | |
Rating: 2 Units In many sports, particularly the NBA, there has traditionally been a situation where a team has to get over that hump and beat their perennial rivals after many unsuccessful attempts in the past. All past champions have had to get over that hump, just go back over the years. For the Sixers, that hump has been the Celtics, which have owned them. Is this the series where they put that demon to rest? Maybe. But I just have to believe that the Celtics are too good and too proud to go out like that. Boston brings in Thursday and finds a way to win. Take Boston. |
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05-11-23 | Devils v. Hurricanes -128 | 2-3 | Win | 100 | 5 h 7 m | Show | |
Rating: 2 Units The Hurricanes have controlled this series and look to step up on their home ice and close out this series. The Hurricanes, who have scored 21 goals in this series, should pile on the goals with Seth Jarvis, Jordan Staal, and the rest of the forward unit carrying the puck into the offensive zone and creating open shots with cross-ice and centering passes. The Hurricanes, who have only allowed one goal in this series, should limit the Devils' offense with Brent Burns, Jaccob Slavin, and the rest of the defensive unit creating turnovers in the defensive zone and limiting shots on the net, allowing goaltender Frederik Andersen to make plenty of big saves to close out the game. The Hurricanes should win Game Five to advance to the Eastern Conference Final with a strong performance on their home ice. |
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05-11-23 | Rays v. Yankees +1.5 | 8-2 | Loss | -160 | 10 h 38 m | Show | |
Rating: 2 Units The Yankees are playing their best baseball in nearly a month and have scored nearly 30 runs over the last three games. The return of Aaron Judge to the lineup has paid immediate dividends. German has pitched well at home, with an ERA a run lower at Yankee Stadium compared to the road. He kept the Rays in check last week at Tampa, allowing just four hits in 5+ innings of work. Rasmussen has pitched well also but I like the Yankees in this spot coming off a much easier series with the A's compared with the Rays tough three-game set with Baltimore. |
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05-11-23 | White Sox +102 v. Royals | 3-4 | Loss | -100 | 6 h 55 m | Show | |
Rating: 2 Units Both pitchers have been hammered in their recent outings with Clevenger sporting an ERA north of six in his last three outings while Singer is just shy of a double-digit ERA in that stretch. It’s tough to get an accurate read on what to expect from Singer, who has seen his career ERA jump half a run at Kauffman Stadium in just his last three starts. This season, Singer is a miserable 1-3 with a 9.00 ERA, a 1.74 WHIP and has allowed five homers in 19 innings of work in his outings at Kauffman Stadium. Clevinger has been tremendous against the Royals in his career posting a 9-0 record and 1.98 ERA, and with Kansas City struggling to put runs on the board, you have to give the slight edge to the visitors here on getaway day. |
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05-11-23 | Padres v. Twins +110 | 3-5 | Win | 110 | 4 h 17 m | Show | |
Rating: 2 Units The Minnesota Twins will try to earn a fifth series win in their six home set this season this afternoon when they face the San Diego Padres in the rubber game of a three-game series at Minneapolis. Right-hander Bailey Ober (2-0, 0.98 ERA) will make his fourth start of the season and first of his career against the Padres. The Padres have struggled against right-handers this season and Ober has been great on the mound so far, giving up two runs in three starts. Minnesota bounced back from a 6-1 loss to San Diego in the Tuesday series opener by winning 4-3 in 11 innings on Wednesday. San Diego right-hander Yu Darvish (2-2, 3.19 ERA), who is 1-2 with a 2.73 ERA in four career starts against the Twins, gets the start today. |
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05-10-23 | Cardinals v. Cubs -107 | 4-10 | Win | 100 | 10 h 3 m | Show | |
Rating: 2 Units Montgomery has pitched well, though his record doesn’t indicate it. The fact that the Redbirds have been blanked in three of his seven starts hasn’t helped matters for him. We’ve seen the Cardinals have a major inconsistency when it comes to generating offensive production. That will be a problem against Cubs starter Steele (5-0, 1.45 ERA) who made a name for himself with a 3.18 ERA in 2022 -- his first full season as a starter -- he's been one the majors' best in 2023. The left-hander leads the National League in ERA, and after allowing one run with six hits and no walks in seven innings of Friday's 4-1 home victory over Miami, he tied Jake Arrieta's Cubs' record of yielding two or fewer earned runs in 14 consecutive starts. Steele is 6-1 with a 1.24 ERA during those last 14 outings. |
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05-10-23 | Heat +3.5 v. Knicks | 103-112 | Loss | -110 | 4 h 48 m | Show | |
Rating: 2 Units The Heat have been beasts against the spread, going 7-0 ATS in their last 7 games overall. That includes all four games of this series. Also, the Heat are 13-5 ATS in the last 18 meetings in New York. Likewise, the Knicks are 1-4-1 ATS in their last 6 games playing on 1 days rest and 0-4 against the spread in their last 4 games overall. I have to stick with the battle-tested Heat in this one to continue their streak of ATS wins. They have been here before and know how to win on the road. Now, I actually think the Knicks find a way to pull this game out, but it will be a slim margin and the Heat will cover. Take Miami here. |
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05-10-23 | Maple Leafs v. Panthers +106 | 2-1 | Loss | -100 | 3 h 21 m | Show | |
Rating: 2 Units The Maple Leafs are looking to avoid elimination but the Panthers look to step up on their home ice and control this game. The Panthers, who have scored 10 goals in this series, should pile on the goals with Matthew Tkachuk, Anthony Duclair, and the rest of the forward unit carrying the puck into the offensive zone and creating open shots with great puck movement. The Panthers look to limit the Maple Leafs' offense with Brandon Montour, Gustav Forsling, and the rest of the defensive unit creating turnovers in the defensive zone and limiting shots on the net, allowing goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky to step up and make plenty of big saves. The Panthers should win Game Four to sweep the series and provide great odds in the process as home Underdogs. |
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05-10-23 | Marlins v. Diamondbacks -134 | 5-4 | Loss | -134 | 7 h 31 m | Show | |
Rating: 2 Units Right-hander Merrill Kelly (3-3, 2.75 ERA) will start for Arizona Today. After taking losses in each of his first three home starts this season. Twelve is the same number of strikeouts Kelly has thrown in his three career starts against Miami combined, with four in each game. Kelly has found his form. Last Friday, he struck out 10 Nationals while allowing one run over seven innings, dropping his ERA to2.75. Over his last 13 innings, Kelly has fanned 15 and walked two. The 10 strikeouts were his most since recording 12 in a May 2021 meeting with the Los Angeles Dodgers. Miami's starter today, Edward Cabrera (2-3, 4.78 ERA), is after his first road win of 2023. Each of Cabrera's three losses this season have been away from home, including his most recent start: a 4-1 loss to the Cubs on Friday in which he struck out eight and gave up three runs in five innings. |
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05-10-23 | Rockies +1.5 v. Pirates | 4-3 | Win | 100 | 3 h 11 m | Show | |
Rating: 2 Units Colorado has won six of its last eight and the Rockies are 5-1 in the last 6 when playing against a team with a winning record. Pittsburgh has stumbled a bit of late losing seven of its last eight and the Pirates have struggled against right-handed starting pitching, losing each of the last five in that situation. Colorado Rockies starting pitcher Antonio Senzatela has had just one start after opening the season on the injury list. The right-hander gave up just three hits and one run in five innings last Friday in a 1-0 loss to the New York Mets. Senzatela had command of all of his pitches through five innings but did not receive any run support from teammates. Pittsburgh's Rich Hill is coming off a poor outing in which the veteran left-hander allowed eight hits and four runs in 5 ⅓ innings with Pittsburgh losing 4-0 to Toronto last Friday. |
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05-09-23 | Suns v. Nuggets -5.5 | 102-118 | Win | 100 | 12 h 29 m | Show | |
Rating: 2 Units The Nuggets are primed to get back into the win column as they return home and there's little doubt that they'll return to their games one and two form. Denver has been dominant at home this season and considering how strong their depth has been in those home games, that is sure to be a massive advantage in this one. They won't let Booker and Durant continue to beat them and with little help beyond those two on Phoenix, keeping pace will be difficult for the Suns. Additionally, Denver is 6-1 ATS in their last seven home games and are 5-2 ATS in the last seven meetings between these two teams. |
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05-09-23 | White Sox -142 v. Royals | 4-2 | Win | 100 | 12 h 38 m | Show | |
Rating: 2 Units Lucas Giolito (1-2, 3.67 ERA) will attempt to get the White Sox's rotation back on track today when he goes up against Jordan Lyles (0-5, 6.69) in a battle of right-handers. Giolito is 9-5 with a 3.67 ERA in 20 career starts versus the Royals. Lyles is 1-3 with a 4.55 ERA in seven lifetime appearances (five starts) against Chicago. Today's pitchers are trending in opposite directions. Giolito is coming off a stellar seven-inning performance in which he allowed just one run on two hits against the Minnesota Twins on Thursday. Lyles has failed to hold a team under seven runs in each of his past two outings. In his most recent start -- a no-decision against the Baltimore Orioles last Thursday -- Lyles gave up eight runs (six earned) on six hits in five innings. The Royals have lost five of their last six games and 10 of their last 11 home games. |
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05-09-23 | Padres +102 v. Twins | 6-1 | Win | 102 | 10 h 26 m | Show | |
Rating: 2 Units The San Diego Padres have posted a 10-6 record in their last 16 games and have won six of their last nine road contests. The Minnesota Twins have been inconsistent recently and have only won two of their last six contests after a series loss in Cleveland. The Padres have Michael Wacha on the mound today. The veteran just tossed six shutout innings against the Reds. He silenced Minnesota last season, limiting them to only two runs in 11 innings. The Padres' pitching has been stellar, conceding three or fewer runs in five of their last six games. Twins’ rookie starter Louie Varland is a pitcher the Padres should hit. Varland struggled in his two outings this season, conceding seven runs including four home runs in only 10.2 innings. |
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05-09-23 | 76ers v. Celtics -7 | 115-103 | Loss | -110 | 5 h 19 m | Show | |
Rating: 2 Units The Celtics have largely outplayed the Sixers in this series, yet here we are, tied at 2 games apiece. The series shifts back to Boston and after a bitter, bitter defeat on Sunday afternoon in game 4, the Celtics will come out fired up and focused. They went from taking complete control of this series and having a chance to close it out to now facing a critical game where a loss would result in an elimination game in Philly. After losing game 5 at home to the Bucks in the second round last year, and needing to win games 6 and 7 to advance, I can't see history repeating itself here. Take the Celtics here. |
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05-09-23 | Rays -119 v. Orioles | 2-4 | Loss | -119 | 10 h 51 m | Show | |
Rating: 2 Units The Rays, who are seeking their 10th win in their past 12 games, will look to take the three-game series behind Zach Eflin (4-0, 2.25 ERA) today. The right-hander allowed just three hits to go along with 10 strikeouts and no walks over seven innings of a 3-2 win over the visiting Pittsburgh Pirates last Thursday. Orioles’ starter Grayson Rodriguez is a promising rookie but is still learning the art of pitching. He has squandered at least four runs in three of his five outings and just gave up six runs to the Royals last time out, plummeting his ERA to 5.46. The Rays have won eight of their last ten games including a 3-0 win on Monday. |
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05-08-23 | Warriors +3 v. Lakers | 101-104 | Push | 0 | 9 h 5 m | Show | |
Rating: 2 Units The Warriors might not win this game outright but they will find a way to be in it going into the final seconds. Curry continues to be elite but he'll find a way to get the supporting cast far more involved in this one. Steve Kerr did a great job after Davis' game-one dominance to make adjustments and there's no doubt that he'll be able to find a way to disrupt him again in game four. The supporting cast showed up for the Lakers in game three but given their own inconsistencies, it'll be expected to see a drop-off, especially with confidence high. Additionally, according to covers.com, the Warriors are 4-0 ATS in their last four games following an ATS loss and are 6-1 ATS in their last seven games following a straight-up loss. |
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05-08-23 | Golden Knights v. Oilers -173 | 5-1 | Loss | -173 | 8 h 2 m | Show | |
Rating: 2 Units The Golden Knights are looking to bounce back after a rough loss but the Oilers, who were dominant in Game Two, look to step up on their home ice and control this game. The Oilers, who have scored nine goals in the series, should pile on the goals with Leon Draisailt, Connor McDavid, and the rest of the forward unit carrying the puck into the offensive zone and creating open shots with great puck movement. The Oilers also look to build off a game where they only allowed one goal and limit the Golden Knights' offense with Darnell Nurse, Evan Bouchard, and the rest of the defensive unit creating turnovers in the defensive zone and limiting shots on the net, allowing goaltender Stuart Skinner to make plenty of big saves. The Oilers should win Game Three with a strong performance on their home ice to take a 2-1 series lead. |
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05-08-23 | White Sox -130 v. Royals | 5-12 | Loss | -130 | 10 h 25 m | Show | |
Rating: 2 Units Dylan Cease (2-1, 4.58 ERA) will take the mound for Chicago, opposing Zack Greinke (1-4, 5.25) in a battle of right-handers. Cease went five innings in his most recent outing, when he allowed four runs on five hits with six strikeouts and four walks in a no-decision against the Minnesota Twins on Wednesday. In 12 career starts against the Royals, Cease is 4-3 with a 2.58 ERA. Salvador Perez and Hunter Dozier have seen Cease the most, but the duo has struggled against the right-hander, combining to strike out 20 times in 45 at-bats. Greinke is coming off his first win of the season. He needed just 44 pitches to complete five scoreless innings against the Baltimore Orioles on Wednesday. Greinke allowed three hits, struck out three and did not issue a walk. The 20-year veteran has a lengthy history against Chicago, going 10-10 with a 3.81 ERA over 31 career appearances (28 starts). |
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05-08-23 | Knicks v. Heat -180 | 101-109 | Win | 100 | 6 h 28 m | Show | |
Rating: 2 Units This series is over, I believe. The Heat are just the better team right now and they have mostly dominated this series. The one game the Knicks won, it was home in a must-win game and they still barely won. I just don't see the Knicks being able to beat the Heat in Miami. The Knicks will keep it close because they play good defense and because this is another must-win game. But unlike Game 2 at Madison Square Garden, they won't be able to out Game 4 at the Kaseya Center in Miami. |
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05-08-23 | Rays -168 v. Orioles | 3-0 | Win | 100 | 9 h 27 m | Show | |
Rating: 2 Units The Rays will open the series with left-hander Shane McClanahan (6-0, 2.03 ERA), who has been among the best pitchers in the majors. He gave up a run on five hits and two walks with nine strikeouts in six innings during an 8-1 win over the visiting Pittsburgh Pirates on Wednesday. Tampa Bay has won each of McClanahan's seven starts this season, as he has yielded two runs or fewer while pitching at least five innings in all seven outings. McClanahan has been dominant against the Orioles throughout his career: 5-0 with a 2.45 ERA with 45 strikeouts against just nine walks in seven starts spanning 40 1/3 innings dating back to 2021. The Orioles will counter right right-hander Kyle Gibson (4-1, 4.61 ERA). Gibson is coming off his worst start of the year, when he allowed six runs on 10 hits with no strikeouts and no walks over 6 2/3 innings in a 6-0 loss to the host Kansas City Royals on Wednesday. |
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05-08-23 | Rockies v. Pirates -166 | 0-2 | Win | 100 | 9 h 59 m | Show | |
Rating: 2 Units Colorado struggles on the road, losing 65 of its last 94 away from Coors Field and when facing a team with a winning record, Colorado has lost 93 of its last 135 on the road. Pittsburgh has won six of its last eight played at home and the Pirates have won four of the last five at home when facing a left-handed starting pitcher. Colorado starting pitcher Kyle Freeman was roughed up on April 17 by the Pittsburgh Pirates, allowing eight hits and nine runs over just 2 ⅔ innings with Colorado losing to Pittsburgh 14-3. In contrast, Pittsburgh starting pitcher Mitch Keller has had three consecutive strong outings, allowing just 14 hits and five runs in 17 innings with 23 strikeouts and just three walks. Pittsburgh swept Colorado in a three-game series earlier this season when the two met for the first time. |
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05-07-23 | Maple Leafs -130 v. Panthers | 2-3 | Loss | -130 | 10 h 35 m | Show | |
Rating: 2 Units Florida has all the momentum in the world with five straight wins in the playoffs and two straight in Toronto. That doesn’t necessarily mean they are a lock here. The Panthers won two of three games at home in the opening round but they trailed in the series in those victories. We have to see if Florida can maintain that momentum with the series lead. Bobrovsky has stepped up since coming in to replace Alex Lyon between the pipes in Game 4 of the opening round but we know from his resume that he is prone to wilting in the playoffs. After all, he has almost as many playoff wins so far this season (five) as he has in the last three postseasons combined (six in 17 games) heading into this one. Toronto has plenty of firepower and the Panthers may have poked the bear with the Knies injury. Look for the Maple Leafs to turn up the physicality and have their big guns step up to get them back in the series. |
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05-07-23 | White Sox v. Reds -120 | 17-4 | Loss | -120 | 7 h 24 m | Show | |
Rating: 2 Units The White Sox have hit the ball well over the last few games but will have a tough assignment against Graham Ashcraft. They’ve never met him before, and Ashcraft has been outstanding so far this season. On the other side, it’s hard to trust Michael Kopech to string a couple of strong outings. He ranks in the 1st percentile in barrel percentage and the 3rd percentile in expected slugging percentage, so I’m going with the Reds, who are 4-2 in Ashcraft’s six starts this season. |
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05-07-23 | Celtics -135 v. 76ers | 115-116 | Loss | -135 | 7 h 47 m | Show | |
Rating: 2 Units The Celtics lost focus in game 1 in a game they thought they were going to win easily. We saw a different, more focused team in games 2 and 3. The fact of the matter is, the Celtics are the superior team. They tend to get upset at home because they lose focus, but on the road, as we have seen the past few years, they really lock in and get focused and a focused Celtics team is hard to beat. This will be another close game but I like the Celtics to execute down the stretch as they just have too many weapons that can hurt you with a big shot. Take the Celtics. |
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05-07-23 | Marlins v. Cubs +105 | 5-4 | Loss | -100 | 6 h 37 m | Show | |
Rating: 2 Units Alcantara (1-3, 5.09 ERA) dazzled in 2022, throwing six complete games while going 14-9 in 32 starts with 207 strikeouts and a 2.28 ERA. However, that success has yet to carry over to 2023, where he's yielded at least three earned runs in four of his six starts, completed six or more innings just twice and fanned more than six only once. The right-hander hasn't faced the Cubs since he yielded an Ian Happ homer, two other hits and overcame three walks over 6 2/3 innings of Miami's 5-1 road victory in Game 1 of the 2020 NL Wild Card series. Including the postseason, Happ is 2-for-4 versus Alcantara, who's now saddled with trying to help the Marlins end their longest slide of 2023. Since sweeping a three-game home set from the Cubs last weekend, Miami has been outscored 34-12 in five games since. Hayden Wesneski (2-1, 4.45) eyes a third straight solid start when he takes the ball for Chicago on Sunday. The right-hander has allowed a lone run in each of his last two outings while giving up a total of nine hits and just one walk over 11 innings. |
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05-07-23 | Yankees -113 v. Rays | 7-8 | Loss | -113 | 5 h 50 m | Show | |
Rating: 2 Units The Yankees have Gerrit Cole on the mound. Cole has been one of the best starting pitchers in the big leagues this season, ranking 2nd in ERA. The ace has allowed either zero or one run in five of his seven outings. Cole completely dominated the Rays last season, limiting them to only three runs in four starts spanning 25.1 innings, which equates to a minuscule 1.07 ERA. The Rays will have Josh Fleming on the hill after opener Javy Guerra. Fleming doesn’t strike out many batters and that plays to the Yankees' advantage considering they don't strike out a lot. The Yankees have been a sure thing with Cole on the mound this season, winning in all seven of his starts. |
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05-06-23 | Oilers -119 v. Golden Knights | 5-1 | Win | 100 | 9 h 5 m | Show | |
Rating: 2 Units The Edmonton Oilers find themselves in a familiar predicament heading into Game 2 of the Western Conference semifinals against the Vegas Golden Knights this afternoon in Las Vegas. For the seventh straight playoff series, Edmonton trails 1-0. The Oilers have rebounded to win three of the last four series, including this year's first-round series with the Los Angeles Kings in six games. So despite letting a four-goal performance by forward Leon Draisaitl go to waste in a 6-4 loss in Wednesday night's opener, Edmonton has been here before. The Oilers haven't won a Game 1 in a playoff series since 2017 when they did it in the second round against Anaheim. The Oilers went 3-0-1 against Vegas during the regular-season. |
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05-06-23 | Blue Jays -125 v. Pirates | 8-2 | Win | 100 | 10 h 42 m | Show | |
Rating: 2 Units Toronto is expected to start right-hander Jose Berrios (2-3, 5.29 ERA), with Pittsburgh going with right-hander Johan Oviedo (2-2, 4.78 ERA). Berrios, in his most recent outing, gave up five runs and 11 hits in 5 1/3 innings Monday against Boston without getting a decision. He had given up just three runs total over his previous three starts. Berrios is 1-0 with a 3.72 ERA in two career starts against the Pirates. Oviedo took the loss Sunday at Washington when he gave up seven runs and nine hits in 2 1/3 innings -- all season worsts. Pittsburgh has been a nice start to the year but one has to wonder how their pitching will hold up as things go forward. It’s hard enough relying on guys like Rich Hill and Velasquez: it can be more complicated when a guy like that hits the shelf, forcing you even further into your pitching depth. |
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05-06-23 | Yankees v. Rays -168 | 3-2 | Loss | -168 | 7 h 22 m | Show | |
Rating: 2 Units The Yankees are having a hard time generating runs without their two big power threats Judge and Stanton. Overall, the Yankees are just 24th in runs scored in baseball while the Rays are first. German also sports an ERA north of six on the road and has given up seven home runs this season. That doesn't bode well when playing a Rays' team that is first in baseball in home runs in 2023. As a team, the Rays are hitting .263 at home and slugging .570. Tampa Bay will give the ball to right-hander Drew Rasmussen (3-2, 3.66 ERA) today. Rasmussen has made two career appearances (one start) against the Yankees and has gone 1-0 and without allowing a run in 8 1/3 innings. In head-to-head matchups, Rasmussen has fanned 13 and not walked a batter. Expect the Rays' offense to carry the day and Rasmussen to hold New York's struggling lineup at bay to pick up a win. |
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05-06-23 | Knicks v. Heat -172 | 86-105 | Win | 100 | 6 h 39 m | Show | |
Rating: 2 Units The best players on both of these teams are listed as questionable, so, obviously, if one or both, are out, that could change things dramatically. But I'm going to assume both Brunson and Butler play. and they are going to be close to full strength. That said, I have to give the Heat the advantage here. This will be a close game, as both teams play excellent defense and tend to keep games close. But, given that the Heat almost won in NYC without Butler, I like them to take care of business in their first game at home. Take the Heat. |
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05-06-23 | Marlins v. Cubs -163 | 2-4 | Win | 100 | 6 h 42 m | Show | |
Rating: 2 Units Drew Smyly (3-1, 2.83 ERA) is slated to take the mound for the Cubs on Saturday. The left-hander yielded just a second-inning homer and five other hits without a walk while lasting seven innings in Monday's 5-1 victory at Washington. It was Smyly's fifth straight start allowing two or fewer earned runs, and he is 4-1 with a 2.37 ERA in six appearances (including five starts) against the Marlins. Schumaker is scheduled to hand the ball to right-hander Bryan Hoeing (0-1, 6.23 ERA)and hasn't shown he can carry a team to victory. |
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05-05-23 | Nuggets +4.5 v. Suns | 114-121 | Loss | -110 | 12 h 50 m | Show | |
Rating: 2 Units Denver might be hitting the road but they have a great chance to make it a 3-0 series lead and will at least keep it close in this one. They have far too much depth for Phoenix to run away with the game, even at home. Jokic and Murray continue to be one of the best duos in the league and their ability to dictate the game and generate efficient offense, will keep them within a possession without a doubt. Expect the offensive and defensive glass to be key as well, especially considering how strong the Nuggets have looked in that department. Additionally, according to covers.com, the Nuggets are 8-1 ATS in their last nine Friday games and are 5-1 ATS in their last six games following a straight-up win. The Suns, on the other hand, are 0-4 ATS in their last four conference semifinals and are 0-5 ATS in their last five meetings against Denver. |
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05-05-23 | Dodgers -111 v. Padres | 2-5 | Loss | -111 | 12 h 27 m | Show | |
Rating: 2 Units Since ousting the Dodgers in the 2022 NLDS, the Padres signed free agents Xander Bogaerts, Nelson Cruz, Matt Carpenter and Seth Lugo and regained the services of Fernando Tatis Jr. -- adding to roster that already included Manny Machado, Juan Soto, Josh Hader, Darvish and Musgrove. The Padres' payroll this season is $249 million -- more than $26 million higher than the Dodgers'. But the Dodgers are still the defending champs of the National League West and they were 14-5 against the Padres during the regular season. They have won the season series against the Padres for 12 straight seasons -- with a 144-73 edge during the run. And the 35-year-old Kershaw is pitching like the Kershaw of his prime. In addition to leading the National League in wins with an ERA under two, the three-time Cy Young Award winner has a 0.763 WHIP and a .175 opponents' batting average. Kershaw, who earlier this season reaching the 200-win plateau -- has given up 11 runs (eight earned) on 24 hits and five walks with 41 strikeouts in 38 innings. During his career, Kershaw is 23-9 with a 2.03 ERA in 45 starts against San Diego with 310 strikeouts in 292 innings. And he is 11-4 with a 1.87 ERA in 20 career starts at Petco Park. Darvish is 3-5 lifetime against the Dodgers with a 2.47 ERA, 82 strikeouts and 17 walks in 62 innings over 10 starts. |
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05-05-23 | Devils v. Hurricanes -109 | 1-6 | Win | 100 | 10 h 38 m | Show | |
Rating: 2 Units The Devils are looking to bounce back from an embarrassing Game One loss and pull off the upset in the upcoming game. The problem is that the Hurricanes looked dominant in Game One and look to control the upcoming game from the first period. The Hurricanes look to build off a five-goal game and constantly find the back of the net with Sebastian Aho, Jesper Fast, and the rest of the forward unit controlling the puck in the offensive zone and creating open shots with quick passes. The Hurricanes, who have only allowed 16 goals in the playoffs, should limit the Devils' offense with Brent Burns, Jaccob Slavin, and the rest of the defensive unit creating turnovers in the defensive zone and limiting shots on the net, allowing goaltender Frederik Andersen to make plenty of big saves. The Hurricanes should win Game Two with a strong performance on their home ice to take a 2-0 series lead. |
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05-05-23 | Twins -118 v. Guardians | 2-0 | Win | 100 | 10 h 47 m | Show | |
Rating: 2 Units In today's series opener, Minnesota will start right-hander Bailey Ober (1-0, 1.59 ERA) and Cleveland will go with 25-year-old rookie righty Peyton Battenfield (0-2, 4.67). Last Saturday, the 6-foot-9 Ober returned to the Twins' rotation for his second start of the year and held the Kansas City Royals to one run in 5 2/3 innings with six strikeouts. Cleveland ranks only 14th in the American League with 116 runs scored while the Twins are scoring more (147 runs, seventh in AL) than Cleveland. The Twins' defense has also been a little better. |
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05-05-23 | Red Sox +1.5 v. Phillies | 5-3 | Win | 100 | 10 h 47 m | Show | |
Rating: 2 Units Philadelphia ace Zack Wheeler (3-1, 3.86 ERA) will get the start. The right-hander dazzled in his previous outing last Friday in Houston, fanning seven batters through six scoreless innings in a 6-1 win. Boston's bats have been hot, though, as the Red Sox have won six straight, tallying at least six runs in each contest. They are coming off a dominating 11-5 win over the Toronto Blue Jays on Thursday to complete a four-game sweep. The Red Sox have great splits versus right-handers (.274 BA/.341 OBP/.474 SLG/.815 OPS), including 33 homers, 46 doubles, and 129 RBI. 4-1 in their last five road games vs. a team with a losing record and 7-3 in their last ten vs. a right-handed starter. The Red Sox will also have their ace on the mound as left-hander Chris Sale (2-2, 6.75) will be aiming to deliver another stellar start after his vintage outing against the Cleveland Guardians on Sunday. The 34-year-old allowed just one run on three hits over 6 1/3 innings against Cleveland in a 7-1 victory. |
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05-04-23 | Lakers v. Warriors -5.5 | 100-127 | Win | 100 | 11 h 55 m | Show | |
Rating: 2 Units The idea of the Lakers winning two in a row in such a short time frame, at the Chase Center, doesn't add up, as the Warriors will come away with the win to even the series. The Lakers had a great gameplan in using Lebron in unique ways but the Warriors now have that tape and there's no doubt that the defense will be better prepared. The frontcourt mismatch was expected to land in the Lakers' favor but with the way Looney has been playing, there's no doubt both teams have the ability to hit the offensive and defensive glass. Expect Golden State's depth to be too much for LA in this one. Additionally, according to covers.com, the Lakers are 1-5 ATS in their last six Thursday games, while the Warriors are 5-1 ATS in their last six games following a straight-up loss. |
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05-04-23 | Mariners -1.5 v. A's | 5-3 | Win | 100 | 6 h 8 m | Show | |
Rating: 2 Units The Athletics have lost six of their last seven games and nine of their last 10 home games. They have struggled offensively and scored only eight runs in their last three games. Their offensive struggles will continue in this game because they have struggled against right-handed pitchers this season and Kirby has done a good job on the mound for the Mariners, especially on the road where he has given up only two runs in two starts. He gave up six runs in his last three starts against the Athletics and with Seattle having the fourth-best bullpen in the league, they won’t have trouble keeping Oakland’s offense in check. The Mariners also struggled in recent games, but they’ve won two of their last three road games. They are playing well offensively, scoring 12 runs in their last three road games. Expect them to play well offensively in this game because Rucinski didn’t look good in his first start of the season, giving up five runs in that game. With the Athletics also having the worst bullpen in the league, they will have a hard time slowing down the Mariners in this game. Go with Seattle to cover the run line. |
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05-04-23 | Brewers -142 v. Rockies | 6-9 | Loss | -142 | 7 h 31 m | Show | |
Rating: 2 Units Brewers’ lefty starter Wade Miley has been incredible, limiting his opponent to two or fewer runs in all but one start this season and is sporting a minuscule 1.86 ERA. The Rockies struggle against lefties, posting a subpar .652 OPS against lefties compared to a .713 against righties. Also, the Rockies are dealing with several injuries to the starting pitching staff and are starting Connor Seabold who has pitched out of the pen. The young right-hander has struggled, reporting an abysmal 8.49 ERA and a 1.97 WHIP in his 35 career innings in the Major Leagues. |
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05-04-23 | Orioles -169 v. Royals | 13-10 | Win | 100 | 6 h 34 m | Show | |
Rating: 2 Units The Orioles aim to reignite their offense against Jordan Lyles (0-5, 6.11 ERA), who gets the start for the Royals in the series finale. The right-hander Lyles seeks his first win of 2023, returning to the mound from his worst start of the campaign. He lasted only four innings last Friday, walking four and giving up seven earned runs at Minnesota. Lyles' ERA jumped from 4.88 to 6.11 with the poor start. Thursday is Lyles' first appearance at home since he pitched a season-high eight innings in a 4-0 loss to Texas on April 17. Lyles last faced Baltimore as a member of the Rangers, going 6 2/3 innings with four strikeouts and three earned runs in September 2021. Grayson Rodriguez (1-0, 4.07) takes the mound for Baltimore, coming off scoring his first career win in a nine-strikeout, two-hit performance last Saturday at Detroit. Rodriguez has gone his last two starts, both against the Tigers, without giving up a run. The rookie right-hander has 34 strikeouts on the season, with at least six in each of his last four appearances. |
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05-03-23 | Brewers v. Rockies +1.5 | 1-7 | Win | 100 | 11 h 22 m | Show | |
Rating: 2 Units The Brewers own a 70 OPS+ against the left-handed pitchers in 2023, and I’m expecting them to continue to struggle against Kyle Freeland. On the other side, Eric Lauer will have a tall task to keep the Rockies quiet, and given his awful displays at Coors Field in the past. Lauer is 1-5 with an 8.39 ERA in 11 career starts against the Rockies, and the numbers get worse in Denver. Six of his starts have come there, where he is 0-5 with a bloated 15.91 ERA. Freeland pitched relatively well in his last start against the Arizona Diamondbacks on Friday but was tagged with the loss despite having a quality start. He is 3-2 with a 2.32 ERA in five career starts against the Brewers. |
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05-03-23 | Orioles -148 v. Royals | 0-6 | Loss | -148 | 11 h 25 m | Show | |
Rating: 2 Units Baltimore, which has won all 10 of its series openers this season, looks to capture its seventh consecutive series today when the Orioles send veteran right-hander Kyle Gibson (4-0, 3.93 ERA) to the mound. Gibson has a long history against the Royals, including making his major league debut versus Kansas City and building a 10-5 record and 3.79 ERA over 26 games, including 24 starts. He hasn't lost to the Royals since 2018, winning four straight with three different clubs. His most recent decision versus Kansas City came in 2021, when he had 10 strikeouts over seven shutout innings for the Texas Rangers. Right-hander Zack Greinke (0-4, 6.10) will start on Wednesday for Kansas City. Greinke's 2023 starts have been progressively worse. He surrendered seven runs over 3 2/3 innings-- his most since May 23 of last year -- in a 7-1 loss to the Minnesota Twins. |
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05-03-23 | Guardians -121 v. Yankees | 3-4 | Loss | -121 | 10 h 32 m | Show | |
Rating: 2 Units The Cleveland Guardians have Shane Bieber on the mound. The ace already pitched against the Yankees this season and was outstanding, limiting them to only two runs in seven innings in a 3-2 victory. Bieber has actually been more effective on the road this season where he is sporting a 2.88 ERA in four starts. Yankees’ starter Clarke Schmidt can’t be relied on. The young right-hander just allowed five runs against the Rangers on the weekend and Cleveland recently scored four runs in three innings against Schmidt last month. Schmidt took a loss in his most recent start, when he gave up five runs on 10 hits over five innings as the Yankees fell 5-2 to the Rangers on Friday. He is 0-0 with a 7.50 ERA in two career regular-season games (one start) against the Guardians. He also went 0-1 with a 6.75 ERA in two relief appearances against Cleveland. The Yankees are struggling, dropping seven of their last ten games including a 3-2 loss in Monday's series opener. |
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05-02-23 | Lakers v. Warriors -180 | 117-112 | Loss | -180 | 13 h 45 m | Show | |
Rating: 2 Units Golden State may only have one day off since their impressive win over the Kings but their ability to build off of that momentum will be crucial to them grabbing the win. Curry and Thompson have massive matchup advantages, while Looney has impressed over the last few weeks and casts some doubt over how much Davis might be able to dominate the frontcourt for the Lakers. This will be a close one but the perimeter shooting for Golden State will prove to be a massive difference in this one. Additionally, according to covers.com, the Warriors are 8-2 ATS in their last ten home games against a team with a losing road record. |
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05-02-23 | Angels +115 v. Cardinals | 5-1 | Win | 115 | 11 h 45 m | Show | |
Rating: 2 Units Los Angeles plays well against weaker opponents, winning four of the last five against a team that has a winning percentage of less than .400. Los Angeles starting pitcher Patrick Sandoval performed well on the mound last time out allowing two earned runs on six hits in seven Innings with five strikeouts. Los Angeles defeated Oakland 11-3 in that matchup last Wednesday. In contrast, St Louis starting pitcher Steven Matz has a 6.23 ERA and has been hit hard in each of his five starts allowing 18 runs in 26 innings pitched. St Louis was swept by the Los Angeles Dodgers in a three-game series over the weekend and has lost six of the last seven while also losing seven of the last 10 played at home. |
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05-02-23 | Orioles -145 v. Royals | 11-7 | Win | 100 | 11 h 52 m | Show | |
Rating: 2 Units The Baltimore Orioles open today's series against the Kansas City Royals with the clubs headed in opposite directions. The Orioles continue their season-long, 10-game road trip having won six straight series, their best streak since 2014. After winning 11 of 13, Baltimore improved to 19-9 for its best start since 1997. Right-hander Tyler Wells (1-1, 2.79 ERA) makes his eighth start of the year. He collected his first win Wednesday, allowing two runs in 5 2/3 innings against Boston. Wells, who leads the majors with a 0.724 WHIP, made his only two career starts against Kansas City in 2022, going six innings each while winning both games. The Royals are in a 3-14 slide, falling to the bottom of the American League Central with baseball's second-worst record. The 7-22 start matches their worst in club history. Left-hander Ryan Yarbrough (0-3, 6.35 ERA) will make his second start after throwing 77 pitches over four innings in his previous start Wednesday at Arizona. |
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05-02-23 | Heat v. Knicks -5.5 | 105-111 | Win | 100 | 4 h 57 m | Show | |
Rating: 2 Units The Jimmy Butler injury looms large and given how much he has met to this team, his absence would be too much to overcome for this team. The Heat have struggled on the road overall this season and grabbing a win for the second-straight night in Madison Square Garden will be asking too much. For the Knicks, they have a few injuries of their own that they're worrying about but with their scoring depth at hand, finding success on the offensive end will extend this game and make things difficult for Miami to keep pace. Additionally, according to covers.com, the Knicks are 4-0 ATS in their last four games following an ATS loss and are 4-1 ATS in the last five meetings between the two sides. |
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05-02-23 | Twins -160 v. White Sox | 2-3 | Loss | -160 | 10 h 54 m | Show | |
Rating: 2 Units The Twins' splits are more favorable against right-handers (.248/.322/.426/.748) than against left-handers (.193/.265/.360/.625), with 35 doubles, 30 home runs, 110 RBI, and 74 walks vs. righties. They should be comfortable at the plate against Kopech, who has just one quality start in five outings in 2023. Minnesota should be able to put runners in scoring position easily — Kopech has given up three or more walks in four of five starts — and capitalize on any mistakes he makes of the heart of the plate in those situations. The White Sox will likely struggle against Ryan, who is mowing down the opposition this season. He's surrendered only ten earned runs in 32 innings, allowing just one walk in his last three outings combined. Chicago has a lower OBP (.292) against right-handers, with 190 strikeouts and just 49 walks in 770 ABs. |
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05-02-23 | Panthers v. Maple Leafs -159 | 4-2 | Loss | -159 | 10 h 48 m | Show | |
Rating: 2 Units The Panthers proved they can beat anyone in the First Round and look to pull off the upset in Game One. However, the Maple Leafs have the monkey off their back after winning in the First Round and look to control this game on their home ice. The Maple Leafs, who scored 23 goals in the First Round, should pile on the goals with Auston Matthews, Mitch Marner, and the rest of the forward unit establishing a strong offensive zone presence and creating open shots with great puck movement while Morgan Rielly generates shots on the net from the blue line. The Maple Leafs, who allowed only four goals in their last two games, should limit the Panthers' offense with Morgan Rielly, Jake McCabe, and the rest of the defensive unit creating turnovers in the defensive zone and limiting shots on the net, allowing goaltender Ilya Samsonov to make plenty of easy saves. The Maple Leafs should win Game One with a strong performance on their home ice. |
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05-01-23 | Phillies v. Dodgers -156 | 4-13 | Win | 100 | 13 h 39 m | Show | |
Rating: 2 Units After recovering from a sprained ankle suffered in spring training, Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Tony Gonsolin is trying to rebuild his mound endurance. That process continues Monday against the visiting Philadelphia Phillies. Gonsolin (0-0, 0.00 ERA) will make his second start of the season in the opener of a three-game series. In his first start, Gonsolin threw 3 1/3 scoreless innings against the Pittsburgh Pirates while allowing two hits and three walks. He threw 65 pitches, 39 for strikes. The Phillies will counter with Taijuan Walker (2-1, 4.97 ERA), who exited his previous start with forearm tightness after throwing 68 pitches over four innings. Walker is 3-3 with a 4.32 ERA in 11 career starts against the Dodgers. He has had trouble with Mookie Betts (5-for-10, two walks, double, RBI) and Chris Taylor (4-for-14, two walks, double, RBI). The Dodgers enter this series after sweeping their weekend set against the St. Louis Cardinals. |
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05-01-23 | Suns v. Nuggets -175 | 87-97 | Win | 100 | 12 h 8 m | Show | |
Rating: 2 Units Murray forged his playoff reputation in the 2020 Orlando bubble with multiple 50-point games to lead Denver to the Western Conference finals, and this postseason, his first since that run three years ago, he has again become the team's catalyst. He had 34 points -- including six 3-pointers -- to spark the Nuggets' relatively easy win on Saturday night. He has scored 34 or more points in half of Denver's six playoff games this year, taking a lot of the offensive burden off Jokic, who had to carry the team in two short playoff runs in each of the two previous postseason trips. While some might be surprised at how the Nuggets manhandled the Suns on Saturday night, Murray is not. The Suns also have to figure out a way to stop Murray. Contesting shots wasn't a problem in Game 1, so one strategy will be to deny him the ball as much as possible. The Nuggets have been stellar at home, posting a 34-7 record there during the regular season. |
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05-01-23 | 76ers v. Celtics -9 | 119-115 | Loss | -110 | 7 h 41 m | Show | |
Rating: 2 Units The Celtics will roll in Monday's matchup and with the advantages across the board, there's no doubt that they'll start this series strong. Being without Embiid is going to be too much for the 76ers to overcome, on both ends of the court. The 76ers will match the scoring to keep pace with Tatum and Brown, let alone one of the deepest backcourts in the league. Their frontcourt will also have the advantage against Paul Reed. Add in a road game and have to shake some rust off, and it makes sense that this one is determined to be a double-digit win for Boston. Additionally, according to covers.com, Boston is 7-0 ATS in their last seven games against a team with a winning straight-up record, are 10-4 ATS in their last 14 meetings against the 76ers in Boston, and is 5-0 ATS against the 76ers in the last five meetings. |
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05-01-23 | Cubs -130 v. Nationals | 5-1 | Win | 100 | 10 h 8 m | Show | |
Rating: 2 Units Chicago left-hander Drew Smyly (2-1, 3.21 ERA) opposes left-hander MacKenzie Gore (3-1, 3.00) in the series opener. Smyly has been a solid performer early in his second season with the Cubs. After being hammered for seven runs -- six earned -- in his first outing of the season, Smyly is 2-0 with a 1.54 ERA over his past four starts. Last time out, Smyly allowed two runs on four hits over five innings of a no-decision against the San Diego Padres. He struck out four and walked one while throwing 89 pitches. The two runs came on three hits and a walk in the fourth. Smyly is 1-0 with a 3.38 ERA in eight games, including six starts, in his career versus the Nationals. Gore lost his only career start against the Cubs, allowing three runs on seven hits over five innings in a game last season. The Cubs have lost four of their last five games, but they’ve won five of their last nine road games. The Nationals have lost four of their last six games and six of their last seven home games. They have struggled offensively, scoring only four runs in their last four home games. |
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05-01-23 | Braves -111 v. Mets | 3-5 | Loss | -111 | 7 h 4 m | Show | |
Rating: 2 Units Charlie Morton (3-2, 2.76), today's originally scheduled starter, will start the second game in today's double header. Tylor Megill (3-1, 3.96), who was scheduled to oppose Strider on Saturday and Sunday will be on the hill for New York in Game 2. Morton earned the win last Tuesday, when he allowed one run over seven innings as the Braves beat the Miami Marlins, 7-4. Megill will be looking to reverse a trend that's become commonplace over his three seasons. The 27-year-old didn't factor into the decision on April 23 when he gave up four runs over four innings as the Mets fell 5-4 to the San Francisco Giants. Megill is 0-1 with a 7.00 ERA in his last two starts after going 3-0 with a 2.25 ERA in his first three starts. Last season, Megill was 4-0 with a 1.93 ERA in five April starts -- including an outing in which he tossed the first five innings of a combined no-hitter -- but 0-2 with a 9.76 ERA in 10 games (four starts) thereafter. As a rookie in 2021, Megill was 1-0 with a 2.04 ERA in his first seven starts but 3-6 with a 6.13 ERA the remainder of the season. |
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04-30-23 | Reds -145 v. A's | 4-5 | Loss | -145 | 7 h 14 m | Show | |
Rating: 2 Units The Athletics have a 108 OPS+ against the left-handed pitchers and an 81 OPS+ versus the left-handed starters in 2023. On the other side, the Reds own an 88 OPS+ against the lefties and a strong 116 OPS+ versus the left-handed starters. Both teams have hit well of late, so I’m looking for the Reds’ pitching staff to make a difference. Nick Lodolo can only pitch better than he did last week, and the Reds’ bullpen has amassed a sturdy 2.61 ERA, 2.91 FIP, and .250 opposing BABIP over the last seven days and 20.2 innings of work. On the other side, the Athletics’ bullpen has posted a disastrous 8.56 ERA, 6.24 FIP, and .379 opposing BABIP across 27.1 frames in the last seven days. |
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04-30-23 | Guardians +110 v. Red Sox | 1-7 | Loss | -100 | 4 h 30 m | Show | |
Rating: 2 Units The Boston Red Sox will turn to left-hander Chris Sale as they look to take a three-game series from the visiting Cleveland Guardians this afternoon. Sale (1-2, 8.22 ERA) has not won since his second start back on April 6 against Detroit, going 0-2 in three decisions since. He allowed nine hits and five runs in five innings Monday at Baltimore. Sale has walked 10 and allowed five home runs across his 23 innings. The veteran lefty's 8.22 ERA is the highest of any five-start span in his career. Sale is 5-8 with a 4.76 ERA in 31 career appearances (20 starts) against Cleveland. Opposing will be Cleveland's talented young southpaw Logan Allen (1-0, 1.50), who struck out eight in six innings of one-run ball last Sunday during his major league debut against Miami. |
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04-30-23 | Heat v. Knicks -190 | 108-101 | Loss | -190 | 3 h 26 m | Show | |
Rating: 2 Units We’re looking at a Miami team that completely flipped the script based on the regular season. The Heat were dead last in scoring offense in the regular season but they lead the postseason field in that department heading into this game. Miami was devastating from beyond the arc against the Bucks but they are facing a Knicks team that turned back the clock defensively in the opening round. New York turned games into rock fights and slowed things down to a ridiculously snail-like pace. The Knicks held the Cavaliers to 44.2% shooting from the floor and 32.7% from three-point range in the opening round. Butler will need more help in this series if the Heat hope to advance. Give the advantage to the Knicks as they prevail in front of an amped-up crowd. |
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04-30-23 | Cubs -160 v. Marlins | 3-4 | Loss | -160 | 3 h 15 m | Show | |
Rating: 2 Units The Marlins will start rookie right-hander Bryan Hoeing (0-1, 9.82 ERA). Hoeing, 26, was Miami's seventh-round pick out of Louisville in 2019. He made his major league debut last year. Since then, he has made nine appearances (two starts) going 1-2 with an 11.57 ERA. He has faced the Cubs just once, pitching one scoreless inning of relief in a game last September. The Cubs will counter Hoeing with left-hander Justin Steele, who is 4-0 and has the best ERA in the National League (1.19). In his 12 most recent starts, dating to back July 22, 2022, Steele is 5-1 with a 1.07 ERA. Armed with high heat and a nasty slider, Steele has blossomed. He has faced the Marlins just once in his career, tossing 4 2/3 scoreless innings while striking out 10 in a 2-1 Cubs victory in August of last season. |
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04-29-23 | Oilers -161 v. Kings | 5-4 | Win | 100 | 13 h 58 m | Show | |
Rating: 2 Units The Kings are looking to keep their season alive and win the upcoming game on their home ice. However, the Oilers have taken over this series with back-to-back wins and look to close out the series with a win in Game Six. The Oilers, who have scored 20 goals in this series, should pile on the goals with Connor McDavid, Leon Draisaitl, and the rest of the forward unit carrying the puck into the offensive zone and creating open shots with quick centering and cross-ice passes. The Oilers should limit the Kings' offense with Evan Bouchard, Darnell Nurse, and the rest of the defensive unit creating turnovers in the defensive zone and limiting shots on the net, allowing goaltender Stuart Skinner to step up and make plenty of big saves to close out the game. The Oilers should win the game with a strong performance on the road to advance to the Second Round. |
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04-29-23 | Cardinals v. Dodgers -140 | 0-1 | Win | 100 | 12 h 12 m | Show | |
Rating: 2 Units The Dodgers have won three of their last five games. They are playing well offensively, scoring 18 runs in their last four games. Expect them to continue playing well in this game because Montgomery has struggled on the mound for the Cardinals, giving up 10 runs in his last three starts. He gave up six runs in his only start against the Dodgers and will have a hard time slowing them down in this game. The Cardinals have lost three of their last four games and five of their last seven road games. They have struggled offensively, scoring only 13 runs in their last four road games. Things won’t get easier for them in this game because Kershaw has looked good on the mound this season, especially at home where he has given up one run in two starts while striking out 18 batters. He gave up four runs in his last five home starts against the Cardinals and will keep their offense in check once again. |
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04-29-23 | Suns v. Nuggets -140 | 107-125 | Win | 100 | 11 h 22 m | Show | |
Rating: 2 Units Phoenix was clicking on all cylinders offensively in the opening round against the Clippers but they may find a little stiffer challenge here against the Nuggets. The Suns were extremely proficient from the perimeter against LA but the Nuggets held Minnesota to 34.8% shooting from beyond the arc in the series. Booker was electric in the first round but he will have to step up and put those kinds of numbers up again. How the Suns defend Jokic and his versatility is going to be a critical factor in this series. Phoenix went 17-24 on the road this season in the regular season so their two road wins over the Clippers were a bit of a surprise. Meanwhile, Denver was 34-7 at home in the regular season and 3-0 in the postseason. The altitude is a major factor and that carries the Nuggets to a hard-fought win in Game 1. |
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04-29-23 | Pirates -148 v. Nationals | 16-1 | Win | 100 | 9 h 1 m | Show | |
Rating: 2 Units Washington starter Chad Kuhl will take the mound for the fifth time of the season. Kuhl exited after allowing one run in 3.2 innings against the Twins last weekend, resulting in a no-decision in a game the Nats won by a 10-4 score. The veteran has not looked good, squandering at least four runs in three of his four performances, and has reported a 7.36 ERA and a 1.75 WHIP in 18.1 innings. Kuhl has conceded one run in 4.1 career innings against his old Pirates team. Pittsburgh starter Vince Velasquez will take the mound for the sixth time of the year today. Velasquez was brilliant in his previous start, completing seven shutout innings against the Reds, striking out ten batters in a 2-0 win. The veteran has struggled in recent years but has rebounded nicely this year, posting a 3.76 ERA and a 1.25 WHIP accompanied by a 3-2 record in 26.1 innings pitched. |
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04-29-23 | Phillies v. Astros -120 | 6-1 | Loss | -120 | 8 h 21 m | Show | |
Rating: 2 Units Right-hander Zack Wheeler (2-1, 4.73 ERA) is the scheduled starter for the Phillies on Saturday. He has won consecutive starts despite allowing seven runs on 11 hits and three walks in 11 innings against the Chicago White Sox and Colorado Rockies. He struck out 16 in those two outings. While Wheeler will make his first career regular-season start against the Astros, he faced Houston twice in the World Series. He allowed seven runs (six earned) on nine hits and four walks with eight strikeouts over 10 1/3 innings while taking the loss in both Game 2 and Game 6. Right-hander Cristian Javier (2-0, 3.21) has the starting assignment for the Astros today. He struck out a season-high 10 batters -- including seven consecutively -- against the Atlanta Braves on Sunday. Javier allowed two runs (one earned) on three hits and two walks over six innings in a 5-2 victory. Javier has faced the Phillies just once in his career, and it was a historic outing. He threw the first six innings of a combined no-hitter in Game 4 of the World Series, recording nine strikeouts and walking two in a 5-0 victory. |
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04-28-23 | Grizzlies v. Lakers -200 | 85-125 | Win | 100 | 11 h 29 m | Show | |
Rating: 2 Units The Grizzlies had the second best record in the West while the Lakers needed a late run to even make the play-in tournament. Yet, it seems like most people are favoring the Lakers. Maybe they are right as the Lakers are up 3-2 and have a chance to close it out at home. I think, ultimately, they get it done here. I just cannot see James letting this series go back to Memphis with an opportunity to end it in LA. Also, the Grizzlies are 0-4 against the spread in the last 4 meetings in Los Angeles and 1-4 against the spread in their last 5 meetings with the Lakers overall. Take the Lakers here. |
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04-28-23 | Angels v. Brewers -132 | 1-2 | Win | 100 | 10 h 2 m | Show | |
Rating: 2 Units The Milwaukee Brewers will turn to veteran left-hander Wade Miley when they welcome the Los Angeles Angels for the first time since 2016 today in the opener of a three-game series. Miley (3-1, 1.96 ERA) will be opposed by left-hander Tyler Anderson (1-0, 7.20 ERA). Miley, limited to 37 innings in nine games with the Cubs last season due to injuries, has been the Brewers' most effective starter. In his last start, he allowed two runs in five innings to get the victory in a 5-4 win over the Red Sox. Miley has not allowed a run in two of his four starts, and opponents are batting just .209 against him. Miley is 5-1 with a 3.30 ERA in eight career starts vs. the Angels, the last time in 2019 when he was with Houston. Anderson, 15-5 with a 2.57 ERA as an All-Star last season with the Dodgers, will be making his fifth start. He has not won since his first start when he allowed four hits over six scoreless innings in a 6-0 victory at Oakland on April 2. In three starts since then, Anderson has allowed 17 runs, 16 earned, on 22 hits in 14 innings, allowing five home runs. Anderson kept the ball in the park in his last start, but was tagged for six runs, five earned, on seven hits in 5 1/3 innings with just one strikeout. He did not get the decision in an 11-8 loss to the Royals. Anderson is 2-2 with a 5.82 ERA in four career starts against the Brewers. He is 1-2 with an 8.59 in three starts at American Family Field, allowing 14 runs in 14 2/3 innings. |
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04-28-23 | Kings +7.5 v. Warriors | 118-99 | Win | 100 | 9 h 56 m | Show | |
Rating: 2 Units I just don't think the Kings are ready to go down, and they certainly won't go down without a fight. They showed that they can go toe to toe with the Warriors in the Chase Center, as they should have won game 4 but blew it late. That near miss will be top of mind Friday night. Of the five games played thus far, three of them have been decided by less than 7 points and another has been decided by 8 points. So these games have pretty much all been close, with all going down to the wire. Fox should be ready to go and I like the Kings to keep it close enough to cover. Take the Kings getting the points. |
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04-28-23 | Bruins -171 v. Panthers | 5-7 | Loss | -171 | 9 h 33 m | Show | |
Rating: 2 Units The Panthers hope to force a Game Seven and win on their home ice but the Bruins look to bounce back from an overtime loss and control this game on both ends of the ice. The Bruins, who have scored 19 goals in this series, should pile on the goals with Brad Marchand, Taylor Hall, and the rest of the forward unit establishing a strong offensive zone presence and creating open shots with quick passes to the face-off circles and the slot. The Bruins should limit the Panthers' offense with Charlie McAvoy, Hampus Lindholm, and the rest of the defensive unit creating turnovers in the defensive zone and limiting shots on the net, allowing goaltender Linus Ullmark to step up and make plenty of big saves. The Bruins should win the game and advance to the Second Round with a strong win on the road. |
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04-28-23 | Braves -132 v. Mets | 4-0 | Win | 100 | 10 h 56 m | Show | |
Rating: 2 Units The pitching matchup for the series opener features New York left-hander David Peterson (1-3, 7.36 ERA) against Atlanta southpaw Max Fried (1-0, 0.60). Peterson lost to the host San Francisco Giants in his most recent start on Saturday. He pitched five innings and was roughed up for seven runs on seven hits and one walk with eight strikeouts. He remains in the rotation because of injuries to Justin Verlander and Max Scherzer's 10-game suspension for use of a foreign substance on the ball. Peterson is 3-3 with a 4.50 ERA in eight career appearances, seven starts, against the Braves. His last appearance vs. Atlanta was on Oct. 1, when he worked two-thirds of a scoreless inning. Fried has retained the form that made him runner-up in the 2022 NL Cy Young Award voting. After sustaining a left hamstring strain in the season opener and ending up on the injured list, Fried has returned to work two scoreless stints. In his latest outing, against the Houston Astros on Sunday, he received no decision after tossing 6 2/3 scoreless innings and yielding three hits and three walks. He struck out five. In 21 career appearances (16 starts) against the Mets, Fried is 7-5 with a 2.78 ERA and 101 strikeouts in 97 innings. Last season, he was 3-2 with a 2.79 ERA in five starts against New York. |
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04-27-23 | Celtics v. Hawks +7 | 128-120 | Loss | -109 | 10 h 56 m | Show | |
Rating: 2 Units The Hawks are riding a wave of momentum from the game five win and even if they don't win game six, they have all the tools and confidence to take it to within one possession. Not only are they at home but they also welcome Murray into the fold as well, which will give them plenty of offensive options beyond just Young. The Celtics have been solid but with the frontcourt struggling, the Hawks have been able to dominate on the offensive and defensive glass, which is a trend bound to continue in this close one. Additionally, the Hawks are 4-0 ATS in their last four Thursday games. |
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04-27-23 | Lightning v. Maple Leafs -147 | 4-2 | Loss | -147 | 9 h 34 m | Show | |
Rating: 2 Units The Maple Leafs haven't won a playoff series since 2004 and are 0-10 in elimination games since then, making it easy to think that the Lightning will win this game and start the series comeback. However, the Maple Leafs have controlled this series and look to close things out on their home ice. The Maple Leafs, who have scored 19 goals in the series, should pile on the goals with Auston Matthews, Mitch Marner, and the rest of the forward unit establishing a strong offensive zone presence and creating open shots with great puck movement and strong passes to the face-off circles and the slot. The Maple Leafs should limit the Lightning offense with Morgan Rielly, Jake McCabe, and the rest of the defensive unit creating turnovers in the defensive zone and limiting shots on the net, allowing goaltender Ilya Samsonov to make plenty of big saves to close out the game. The Maple Leafs should win Game Five to win the series with a decisive victory on their home ice. |
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04-27-23 | Orioles -143 v. Tigers | 7-4 | Win | 100 | 8 h 16 m | Show | |
Rating: 2 Units I expect the Orioles to win convincingly on Thursday. Despite the Tigers playing well against the Brewers, the Orioles have a huge edge in the starting pitching advantage, including a slightly stronger bullpen. Baltimore also has a superior offense, ranking in the top-11 in scoring, home runs, and OPS, while the Tigers are in the bottom five in those categories. The Orioles have won six straight games over losing ball clubs, and I will take them to come out on top and end up with another victory over the Tigers. |
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04-27-23 | A's v. Angels -1.5 | 7-8 | Loss | -135 | 6 h 41 m | Show | |
Rating: 2 Units The Angels have won three of their last five games and five of their last seven home games. They are playing well offensively, scoring 19 runs in their last five games. They will play well offensively in this game because they have done a great job against left-handers this season and Sears has struggled on the mound, especially on the road where he gave up seven runs in two starts. He gave up two runs in his only start against the Angels and with Oakland having the worst bullpen in the league, they will have a hard time slowing down the Angels in this game. The Athletics have lost three of their last five games and four of their last six road games. With the exception of the first game of the series, they have struggled offensively, scoring more than four runs twice in their last five games. Their offensive struggles will continue in this game because they don’t hit the ball well against right-handers and they haven’t had a lot of success against Ohtani, who gave up two runs in his last five starts. He gave up only one run in his last four starts against the Athletics and will keep their offense in check once again, so go with Los Angeles to cover the run line. |