MLB Odds and Picks
By: Micah Roberts
Sportingnews
LAS VEGAS -- The Pittsburgh Pirates have been a hard team to figure out since the All-Star break. They're a moody bunch, full of highs and lows. Just when you think they're gaining some momentum, they go through a multi-game losing streak. And just when you think you can write them off, their scrappy nature reminds us that they are still a quality team.
Right now they're in the scrappy mood as they attempt to win a season-high fifth game in a row and increase their 1.5-game lead over the Atlanta Braves for the second wild card spot. But prior to their current run, they lost four straight (swept at St. Louis), won four straight, lost two, won three and then had a season-high seven-game losing streak.
Overall since the All-Star break, they've only had one one-game streak of anything. All the other wins and losses have come in pairs or higher, and fortunately for them, they've won more then they've lost, going 26-22.
In addition to going for their fifth straight win tonight, they are also going for the fifth straight win against the Phillies. They've gone 4-0 against Philly so far this season after winning 6-4 last night in the first of a four-game set.
The Pirates will turn to Edinson Volquez (11-7, 3.31 ERA), who has been their most consistent pitcher lately, going 3-0 with a 2.02 ERA in his last eight starts. He's 4-1 in five starts against the Phillies with a 1.72 ERA and comes in as a -131 favorite over David Buchanan (6-7, 3.95).
Pittsburgh hasn't been at their best on the road this season (31-40) and their four-game win streak has come on the road at the expense of two last-place teams, but it's a confidence builder that should carry them for a few more games until two critical series begin against the Milwaukee Brewers (Sept. 19) and Braves (Sept 22), two teams that are chasing them for the final wild card slot.
We'll find out what the Bucs are really made of then, but for now, with three more against the Phillies, then six at home against the Cubs and Red Sox, the near future looks bright for Pittsburgh.
Tuesday selections:
Pirates (Volquez) -131 at Phillies
Orioles (Tillman) -135 at Red Sox
Royals (Vargas) +161 at Tigers
Padres/Dodgers UNDER 7 (-105)
Twins/Indians OVER 8.5 (-105)
Cardinals (Wacha) -125 at Reds
By: Micah Roberts
Sportingnews
LAS VEGAS -- The Pittsburgh Pirates have been a hard team to figure out since the All-Star break. They're a moody bunch, full of highs and lows. Just when you think they're gaining some momentum, they go through a multi-game losing streak. And just when you think you can write them off, their scrappy nature reminds us that they are still a quality team.
Right now they're in the scrappy mood as they attempt to win a season-high fifth game in a row and increase their 1.5-game lead over the Atlanta Braves for the second wild card spot. But prior to their current run, they lost four straight (swept at St. Louis), won four straight, lost two, won three and then had a season-high seven-game losing streak.
Overall since the All-Star break, they've only had one one-game streak of anything. All the other wins and losses have come in pairs or higher, and fortunately for them, they've won more then they've lost, going 26-22.
In addition to going for their fifth straight win tonight, they are also going for the fifth straight win against the Phillies. They've gone 4-0 against Philly so far this season after winning 6-4 last night in the first of a four-game set.
The Pirates will turn to Edinson Volquez (11-7, 3.31 ERA), who has been their most consistent pitcher lately, going 3-0 with a 2.02 ERA in his last eight starts. He's 4-1 in five starts against the Phillies with a 1.72 ERA and comes in as a -131 favorite over David Buchanan (6-7, 3.95).
Pittsburgh hasn't been at their best on the road this season (31-40) and their four-game win streak has come on the road at the expense of two last-place teams, but it's a confidence builder that should carry them for a few more games until two critical series begin against the Milwaukee Brewers (Sept. 19) and Braves (Sept 22), two teams that are chasing them for the final wild card slot.
We'll find out what the Bucs are really made of then, but for now, with three more against the Phillies, then six at home against the Cubs and Red Sox, the near future looks bright for Pittsburgh.
Tuesday selections:
Pirates (Volquez) -131 at Phillies
Orioles (Tillman) -135 at Red Sox
Royals (Vargas) +161 at Tigers
Padres/Dodgers UNDER 7 (-105)
Twins/Indians OVER 8.5 (-105)
Cardinals (Wacha) -125 at Reds
