Coming off a hot day yesterday, going 8-2-1, we are 81-61-9 on the season. Got 7 picks for today's MLB slate. Odds according to BetSaracen from Saracen Casino Resort.
TB F5 ML (-220)
As the Tampa Bay Rays head into the third game of their series against the Cincinnati Reds, we're here to break down why the Rays are the smart choice for those looking to ride the wave of their impressive season. With an offense that's been smashing records and a solid pitching matchup in Drew Rasmussen, this game is shaping up to be a Rays victory for the books.
The Rays' hitters have been on an absolute tear, and they show no signs of slowing down. They've racked up an insane 41 home runs in just the first 18 games of the season, putting them on the brink of breaking the major league record held by the 2000 St. Louis Cardinals. Not to mention, they've homered in all 18 games, just two shy of the modern-era mark held by the 2019 Seattle Mariners. It's hard to argue with those numbers, and it's clear that the Rays' offense is a force to be reckoned with.
In Tuesday's 10-0 rout of the Reds, switch-hitting infielder Taylor Walls showcased his power by hitting home runs from both sides of the plate. This offensive dominance is likely to continue against the Reds' rookie pitcher, Levi Stoudt, who's making his major league debut in today's game. With a 4.09 ERA, nine walks, and 10 strikeouts in just 11 innings during his time with Triple-A Louisville, Stoudt's inexperience could make him an easy target for the Rays' explosive batting lineup.
On the mound for the Rays is right-hander Drew Rasmussen, who's sitting pretty with a 2-1 record and a 2.60 ERA this season. He's coming off his first loss of the season against Toronto, where he allowed five runs over 4 1/3 innings, but we're confident he's ready to bounce back in today's matchup. Rasmussen's history against the Reds is a mixed bag, with a rough outing back in 2020 but a solid performance in 2021, where he threw four shutout innings in a start for Tampa Bay. With his powerful arm and the Rays' robust offense backing him up, we're predicting a strong outing for Rasmussen against the Reds' lineup.
The Reds, on the other hand, have been inconsistent during their homestand, going 3-3 in six games against Philadelphia and the Rays. They've shown flashes of brilliance with blowout wins, but they've also suffered crushing losses. This inconsistency doesn't bode well for their chances against the Rays' relentless offense and Rasmussen's potential to limit their production on the field.
As for the Reds' decision to start rookie Levi Stoudt over Luke Weaver, it's a risky move that could backfire as Stoudt faces the daunting task of taking on the Rays' lineup in his major league debut. With the pressure of performing on the big stage and against a team that's been hitting home runs at a record-setting pace, it's hard to imagine Stoudt shutting down the Rays' potent offense.
While nothing is ever guaranteed in the unpredictable world of sports, the Tampa Bay Rays have been flexing their muscles this season and show no signs of letting up. With a favorable pitching matchup in Drew Rasmussen and an offensive lineup that's been shattering records, we're confident in picking the Rays as the victors in today's epic showdown against the Cincinnati Reds.
SF F5 ML (-110)
Despite facing a tough Marlins squad with a solid starter in Edward Cabrera, there's plenty of reason to believe the Giants have the edge in this matchup, particularly when it comes to their ability to produce extra base hits against Miami's Trevor Rogers.
Here's the thing: Rogers may have posted a respectable 3.24 ERA since the start of the 2022 season, but his 9.2 strikeouts per nine innings and 5.1 walks per nine innings can't be ignored. While he does have a knack for getting batters to swing and miss, his command issues have led to an elevated pitch count and limited him to just one start of six innings or more in his last 15 appearances. This opens up a window for the Giants to capitalize on a potentially shaky performance from the Marlins' starter.
On the other side of the mound, the Giants will be sending out Alex Wood, who's had a bit of a rollercoaster career in recent years. He's allowed just one run in his first two starts of the season but has also struggled with command, issuing five walks across 7 2⁄3 innings. Wood has posted an ERA of 5.10 or worse in three of the last four seasons, with a particularly rough 4.97 ERA and 1.6 home runs per nine innings allowed on the road during that span.
Despite Wood's struggles, there's still reason to believe the Giants can pull off a victory in Miami. Rogers' tendency to give up walks and struggle with command could be just the opening the Giants need to exploit their opponent's weaknesses. San Francisco's lineup has shown a penchant for extra base hits, and with Rogers on the mound, they have a golden opportunity to put up some big numbers.
Miami's ballpark is known for being a friend to flyball pitchers, which could play right into the Giants' hands. The Marlins' bullpen also leaves something to be desired, entering the series with a 6.08 ERA, the third-worst in MLB. If the Giants can chase Rogers early and get to Miami's relief corps, their chances of victory only increase.
But what about the Marlins' offense? Sure, they're dead last in the league in runs per game, but that doesn't mean they can't put up a fight. However, the Giants' bullpen has shown resilience in tight situations, and with Wood on the mound, there's a good chance they'll be able to keep Miami's bats relatively quiet.
The ingredients are all there for a thrilling game that sees the Giants capitalize on the Marlins' vulnerabilities. Extra base hits could be the key to unlocking a Giants victory, and with Rogers on the mound, the opportunity is ripe for the taking.
In the unpredictable world of sports betting, nothing is ever certain, but the Giants' potential to produce extra base hits against Trevor Rogers makes them a compelling pick for this MLB showdown. As always, though, remember to gamble responsibly and enjoy the ride as the San Francisco Giants and Miami Marlins battle it out on the diamond.
KC F5 ML (-110) & TEX/KC u9.5 (-115)
The secret sauce for their success? It's all about ace pitcher Brady Singer and his favorable matchup against the Rangers' lineup.
Now, I know what you're thinking: Singer had a rocky start to 2023, struggling against both San Francisco and Atlanta. But let's not forget that those teams have been tough on right-handed pitchers this season. Plus, Singer's outing against Toronto showed that he's still got some solid skills to bring to the table. So, while it might not be smooth sailing for the KC righty all season long, this particular match against Texas could be the perfect opportunity for him to shine.
Why is that? Well, for starters, the Rangers have been crushing right-handed pitchers with a .183 ISO, but their strikeout rate of 22.7% just barely misses the top 10. On the other hand, the Royals have a middling ISO against left-handed pitchers at .154, but they're leading the MLB with a jaw-dropping 32% strikeout rate against southpaws. The stats are practically screaming that this is the prime time for Singer to step up and make some magic happen.
Meanwhile, the Royals' opponent on the mound, Martin Perez, has been doing a decent job of keeping up the momentum he gained in 2022. Sure, he hasn't been as dominant as before, but he's managed to keep runs at bay and consistently deliver at least five innings in each of his three starts this season. However, with Kansas City's bats heating up and their strikeout prowess, Perez might be in for a rougher ride than he bargained for.
Another key factor working in the Royals' favor is Singer's track record at home. While some pitchers might falter in the face of their home crowd, this young talent seems to feed off the energy, consistently delivering standout performances in Kansas City. With the added advantage of familiar surroundings and the unwavering support of the Royals' faithful, it's no wonder Singer is expected to bring the heat against the Rangers.
Sure, Texas might have some impressive stats on paper, but the Royals have a secret weapon in Singer that could turn the tide in their favor. And with the game taking place in Kansas City, it's hard to argue against the Royals having the upper hand in this battle of right-handed pitchers.
So, if you're looking to make a savvy pick for your next MLB bet, don't sleep on the Royals in their face-off with the Rangers. With Brady Singer on the mound and the home-field advantage in play, this match has all the makings a potential win for Kansas City.
NYM -1.5 (+130)
The Mets have been on fire lately, and with their current lineup, they're more than ready to take down the Dodgers with a spread of -1.5. Let's dive into the reasons why the Mets are the team to bet on in this highly anticipated showdown.
First and foremost, we've got to talk about the Mets' ace, Max Scherzer. The three-time Cy Young Award winner is no stranger to big games, and he's been nothing short of phenomenal this season. Scherzer's ability to limit the Dodgers' potent lineup will be critical in securing a victory for the Mets. With his arsenal of pitches and seasoned experience, Scherzer is the key to keeping the Dodgers' bats at bay.
But it's not just about Scherzer's arm – the Mets' offense has been turning heads as well. First baseman Pete Alonso has been crushing the ball, currently tied for first in the MLB in home runs (8) and tied for ninth in RBI (15). With a stellar OPS of 1.064 and a six-game hitting streak heading into this matchup, Alonso is a force to be reckoned with at the plate. His ability to spray the ball anywhere on the field makes him a constant threat to opposing pitchers, and the Dodgers will undoubtedly have their hands full trying to contain him.
Shortstop Francisco Lindor is another key piece to the Mets' offensive puzzle. Known for his excellent athleticism and instincts on the diamond, Lindor brings a unique skill set to the table. His quick hands allow him to turn on pitches with ease, and his superb range as a defender, combined with a rocket of an arm, make him a valuable asset on both sides of the ball. Lindor is currently tied for third in the league in RBI (17) and has recorded a hit in six of his last seven games. The dynamic duo of Alonso and Lindor is sure to give Dodgers' pitchers nightmares.
On the other side of the field, the Dodgers have some talent of their own, with center fielder James Outman being an aggressive batter at the plate. Outman's .277 batting average, three homers, and 10 RBI are nothing to sneeze at, but the Mets' pitching arsenal, led by Scherzer, is more than equipped to handle the challenge. Outman's speed on the bases may be a threat, but with Scherzer on the mound and Lindor's defensive prowess, the Mets are well-prepared to neutralize him.
Looking at the numbers, it's clear that the Mets have the edge in this matchup. Their potent offense, combined with the shutdown pitching of Scherzer, makes them a formidable force against the Dodgers. While acknowledging that no outcome is ever guaranteed in the unpredictable world of sports betting, the Mets' recent performances and the talent on their roster make them a solid pick to cover the spread of -1.5.
MIN F5 ML (-125)
First and foremost, let's talk about Joe Ryan. The young stud has been making waves in the MLB and is set to put the Red Sox lineup on notice. With his electric fastball and sharp breaking stuff, Ryan has the arsenal to keep the Sox hitters guessing all game long. Sure, the Red Sox lineup may have some big names, but their performance this season has been far from consistent. With Ryan's ability to command the strike zone and mix pitches, I believe he's got what it takes to limit the damage from this unpredictable Red Sox offense.
Now, let's shift our focus to the other side of the ball. The Minnesota Twins lineup is primed to make some noise against the seasoned veteran, Corey Kluber. While Kluber has had an illustrious career, the Twins' hitters are more than capable of getting to him. With a mix of power and speed, the Twins pose a serious threat to any pitcher, and Kluber is no exception. The Twins have been heating up at the plate, and I expect them to capitalize on Kluber's recent struggles.
Speaking of struggles, the Red Sox haven't exactly been a model of consistency this season. Their lineup has been plagued by injuries and slumps, making it difficult for them to string together wins. In contrast, the Twins have been steadily climbing the standings, thanks in part to their well-rounded roster and unrelenting determination. This game is a prime opportunity for the Twins to continue their ascent and prove they're a force to be reckoned with in the league.
When it comes to sports betting, we all know there are no guarantees. However, considering the factors at play in this matchup and the trends we've observed, it's hard not to lean towards the Twins taking home the W. Joe Ryan's skill set on the mound, coupled with the Twins' potent lineup, gives them the edge they need to come out on top.
TOR/HOU o9 (-125)
If you're looking for a high-scoring game to spice up your Wednesday night, this Toronto Blue Jays vs. Houston Astros matchup is calling your name. With both starting pitchers sporting less-than-stellar numbers, it's no surprise that the over/under line is currently set at 8.5 runs. And let me tell you, my friends, I am all in on taking the over for this one.
First, let's talk about the Blue Jays' starter, Jose Berrios. The guy has been struggling with a whopping ERA over 7, which is far from his usual performance. But what's even more concerning is his Batting Average of Balls in Play (BABIP) sitting at a sky-high .419. To put that into perspective, the league average BABIP hovers around .300, so it's safe to say that Berrios has been getting hit hard lately.
On the other side, we have the Astros' Luis Garcia, who isn't doing much better. His ERA is also over 7, and he's been allowing nearly two home runs per nine innings. That's right, almost every time he steps on the mound, there's a good chance he's going to give up a dinger. And we all know that home runs are the lifeblood of high-scoring games.
Now, let's dive into some team stats that further support this run-fest. The Blue Jays' offense has been red-hot lately, ranking among the top of the league in runs scored, home runs, and slugging percentage. The Astros, on the other hand, have been known for their high-powered offense for years and continue to put up big numbers this season.
With the way these teams have been swinging the bat, combined with the struggles of Berrios and Garcia, it's not hard to imagine a scenario where both teams are piling on the runs. And let's be real, there's nothing more exciting than watching the scoreboard light up like a Christmas tree.
The key to cashing in on this over is to stay glued to the action from the first pitch. We've seen time and time again that when these pitchers struggle, they struggle early. So don't be surprised if the runs start pouring in from the get-go.
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