European Cup TODAY 19:45
| Hoffenheim | v | Liverpool |
| HOME | DRAW | AWAY | ||||
| BT2 | 2 | 12/5 | 13/10 | More markets |
| RECENT FORM | LAST HEAD-TO-HEADSAT HOFFENHEIM | RECENT FORM |
|---|---|---|
ADHWALAWHDAW Most recent
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| HLAWHDAWHWAD Most recent
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EXPERT VERDICT: Champions League debutants Hoffenheim present an extremely tough challenge to Liverpool and are worth backing to win the first leg of their playoff tie at the Rhein-Neckar Arena. Hoffenheim, under young coach Julian Nagelsmann, have become a force in the Bundesliga despite having only been in existence for around three decades.
RECOMMENDATION: Hoffenheim
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REFEREE: Bjorn Kuipers STADIUM:
European Cup We 16Aug 19:45
| Celtic | v | Astana |
| HOME | DRAW | AWAY | ||||
| BT2 | 2/5 | 10/3 | 15/2 | More markets |
| RECENT FORM | LAST HEAD-TO-HEADSAT CELTIC | RECENT FORM |
|---|---|---|
HWHDAWHWHWAW Most recent
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| AWHDHWALHWAW Most recent
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EXPERT VERDICT: As usual, this is the game which will define whether Celtic’s season is a success or a failure and it could be a lively encounter against Kazakhstan champions Astana. Brendan Rodgers’ has added an extra cutting edge to the Bhoys since arriving at Parkhead and he has plenty of attacking options to play with but Astana have won 18 of their 21 league games.
RECOMMENDATION: Both teams to score
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[h=3]Scott Rickenbach[/h]Game Details
Aug 15 '17, 7:05 PM in 8h
MLB | Mets vs Yankees
Play on: Mets +131 at BMaker
Game Analysis
Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach Tuesday MLB Free Pick New York Mets Money Line (+) @ New York Yankees @ 7:05 ET - As mentioned in yesterday's write-up about a similar match-up Monday, there is substantial line value here because it is certainly hard to justify the Yanks being such a big favorite in this spot. Entering Monday, the Yankees had lost 8 of their last 12 games and they had averaged just 7 hits per game in their last 4 games. Conversely, entering Monday, the Mets had won 4 of their last 6 games and they had tallied at least a dozen hits in 3 of those 4 games. While the Mets entered the new week with momentum by taking 3 of 4 from a division rival this past weekend (albeit the deplorable Phillies), the Yankees came into the new week a little frustrated after losing 2 of 3 to the Red Sox including a disappointing tight low-scoring loss Sunday night. The Yankees, entering the new week, had lost 9 of 14 since a late July winning streak. The value is clearly with the road dog here with Jacob deGrom on the mound. The Mets right-hander has struck out 27 in his last 17 and 2/3 innings. Even though Sonny Gray has been pitching well since coming to the Yankees, the fact is that he is 0-3 in his last 3 starts. He's just not getting run support and that most certainly could be an issue again here. With deGrom's win at Philadelphia in his most recent start the Mets are now 8-4 in his 12 road starts this season. A lot of pressure on Gray here as this is his first home start at Yankee Stadium. Free Pick on the New York Mets money line early Tuesday evening. Best of luck, Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach
Aug 15 '17, 7:05 PM in 8h
MLB | Mets vs Yankees
Play on: Mets +131 at BMaker
Game Analysis
Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach Tuesday MLB Free Pick New York Mets Money Line (+) @ New York Yankees @ 7:05 ET - As mentioned in yesterday's write-up about a similar match-up Monday, there is substantial line value here because it is certainly hard to justify the Yanks being such a big favorite in this spot. Entering Monday, the Yankees had lost 8 of their last 12 games and they had averaged just 7 hits per game in their last 4 games. Conversely, entering Monday, the Mets had won 4 of their last 6 games and they had tallied at least a dozen hits in 3 of those 4 games. While the Mets entered the new week with momentum by taking 3 of 4 from a division rival this past weekend (albeit the deplorable Phillies), the Yankees came into the new week a little frustrated after losing 2 of 3 to the Red Sox including a disappointing tight low-scoring loss Sunday night. The Yankees, entering the new week, had lost 9 of 14 since a late July winning streak. The value is clearly with the road dog here with Jacob deGrom on the mound. The Mets right-hander has struck out 27 in his last 17 and 2/3 innings. Even though Sonny Gray has been pitching well since coming to the Yankees, the fact is that he is 0-3 in his last 3 starts. He's just not getting run support and that most certainly could be an issue again here. With deGrom's win at Philadelphia in his most recent start the Mets are now 8-4 in his 12 road starts this season. A lot of pressure on Gray here as this is his first home start at Yankee Stadium. Free Pick on the New York Mets money line early Tuesday evening. Best of luck, Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach
[h=3]Mike Lundin[/h]Game Details
Aug 15 '17, 8:05 PM in 9h
MLB | Tigers vs Rangers
Play on: Tigers -114 at 5Dimes
Game Analysis
#MLB Free Pick from Mike Lundin
Play: Detroit Tigers
Rating: 5/10*
The Detroit Tigers are 2-8 in their last 10 following a 6-2 loss here at Arlington in the opener of a three-game series Monday night. This looks like a good spot to back the Tigers to bounce back though as they hand the ball to Justin Verlander.
Verlander (8-7, 3.97 ERA) is 10-5 with a 2.78 ERA in 18 career starts against Texas. That includes a 4-1 record with a 3.19 ERA and 42 Ks in six starts here at Arlington. Verlander is coming off his best start of the season as he held the Pirates scoreless through eight innings his last time out.
The Rangers turn to A.J. Griffin (5-3, 5.40 ERA) who was knocked around for four runs on four hits and three walks with three homers in five innings of a 5-4 loss to the Mets his last start. The 29 year old right-hander lasted only 3 1/3 innings while surrendering nine runs on nine hits in a 9-3 loss to the Tigers on May 20 to fall to 1-3 with a 10.88 ERA in five career starts against Detroit.
We can also note that the Tigers are 8-1 in their last nine games with John Tumpane calling the balls and strikes.
Aug 15 '17, 8:05 PM in 9h
MLB | Tigers vs Rangers
Play on: Tigers -114 at 5Dimes
Game Analysis
#MLB Free Pick from Mike Lundin
Play: Detroit Tigers
Rating: 5/10*
The Detroit Tigers are 2-8 in their last 10 following a 6-2 loss here at Arlington in the opener of a three-game series Monday night. This looks like a good spot to back the Tigers to bounce back though as they hand the ball to Justin Verlander.
Verlander (8-7, 3.97 ERA) is 10-5 with a 2.78 ERA in 18 career starts against Texas. That includes a 4-1 record with a 3.19 ERA and 42 Ks in six starts here at Arlington. Verlander is coming off his best start of the season as he held the Pirates scoreless through eight innings his last time out.
The Rangers turn to A.J. Griffin (5-3, 5.40 ERA) who was knocked around for four runs on four hits and three walks with three homers in five innings of a 5-4 loss to the Mets his last start. The 29 year old right-hander lasted only 3 1/3 innings while surrendering nine runs on nine hits in a 9-3 loss to the Tigers on May 20 to fall to 1-3 with a 10.88 ERA in five career starts against Detroit.
We can also note that the Tigers are 8-1 in their last nine games with John Tumpane calling the balls and strikes.
[h=3]Scott Spreitzer[/h]Game Details
Aug 15 '17, 7:40 PM in 9h
MLB | Pirates vs Brewers
Play on: Brewers -113 at 5Dimes
Game Analysis
I'm backing the Milwaukee Brewers with Zach Davies over Ivan Nova. The Pirates are on a 1-5 slide in Nova's last six starts and the righthander has been tagged for a 6.75 ERA, 1.53 WHIP, and 2.25 HR's per 9 IP ratio during the stretch. I think he's going to need some help from his mates at the plate tonight, but that's not likely with Pittsburgh ranked 26th in team batting average and OBP, and 28th in OPS in August. The Brewers have won two straight (we had them on Sunday) and while Zach Davies struggled last time out, he did toss four straight quality starts before that. And we also note that 10 of the 11 hits he gave up to Minnesota were singles. The Brewers are 15-6 in his last 21 starts and 6-1 when he toes the home rubber against teams with a losing record. As a team, Milwaukee is on a 13-4 run at home against teams with a losing road record. We'll back the Brewers. Thanks & GL! Scott Spreitzer.
Aug 15 '17, 7:40 PM in 9h
MLB | Pirates vs Brewers
Play on: Brewers -113 at 5Dimes
Game Analysis
I'm backing the Milwaukee Brewers with Zach Davies over Ivan Nova. The Pirates are on a 1-5 slide in Nova's last six starts and the righthander has been tagged for a 6.75 ERA, 1.53 WHIP, and 2.25 HR's per 9 IP ratio during the stretch. I think he's going to need some help from his mates at the plate tonight, but that's not likely with Pittsburgh ranked 26th in team batting average and OBP, and 28th in OPS in August. The Brewers have won two straight (we had them on Sunday) and while Zach Davies struggled last time out, he did toss four straight quality starts before that. And we also note that 10 of the 11 hits he gave up to Minnesota were singles. The Brewers are 15-6 in his last 21 starts and 6-1 when he toes the home rubber against teams with a losing record. As a team, Milwaukee is on a 13-4 run at home against teams with a losing road record. We'll back the Brewers. Thanks & GL! Scott Spreitzer.
[h=3]Stephen Nover[/h]Game Details
Aug 15 '17, 7:05 PM in 8h
MLB | Angels vs Nationals
Play on: Nationals -114 at 5Dimes
Game Analysis
This is a cheap enough price to back the Nationals and Gio Gonzalez at home where he has a 1.95 ERA. Gonzalez is in excellent form, too, going 2-0 with a 1.23 ERA in his last three starts. Mike Trout is only 1-for-13 lifetime against Gonzalez. Angels starter, lefty Tyler Skaggs, is making his third start since being out more than three months with an oblique injury. He looked much better in his second outing than his first. Skaggs, though, still is dealing with control problems and is not in Gonzalez's class. The Nationals are 15-8 versus lefty starters this season. The Nationals have fortified their bullpen to the point where it is a strength now not a weakness. The Angels, on the other hand, still don't have a definite closer. The lay price is low on the Nationals because the Angels have been playing well and Bryce Harper is out. But this is a tough spot for the Angels coming to the East Coast for the first time this month. All of their August games have been played on the West Coast until now. The Nationals are without their starting outfield from opening day of Harper, Adam Eaton and Jayson Werth. However, the Nationals have excellent outfield depth and just got back center fielder Michael Taylor. They've also added versatile Howie Kendrick, who is batting .375 in his first 40 at bats for Washington.
Aug 15 '17, 7:05 PM in 8h
MLB | Angels vs Nationals
Play on: Nationals -114 at 5Dimes
Game Analysis
This is a cheap enough price to back the Nationals and Gio Gonzalez at home where he has a 1.95 ERA. Gonzalez is in excellent form, too, going 2-0 with a 1.23 ERA in his last three starts. Mike Trout is only 1-for-13 lifetime against Gonzalez. Angels starter, lefty Tyler Skaggs, is making his third start since being out more than three months with an oblique injury. He looked much better in his second outing than his first. Skaggs, though, still is dealing with control problems and is not in Gonzalez's class. The Nationals are 15-8 versus lefty starters this season. The Nationals have fortified their bullpen to the point where it is a strength now not a weakness. The Angels, on the other hand, still don't have a definite closer. The lay price is low on the Nationals because the Angels have been playing well and Bryce Harper is out. But this is a tough spot for the Angels coming to the East Coast for the first time this month. All of their August games have been played on the West Coast until now. The Nationals are without their starting outfield from opening day of Harper, Adam Eaton and Jayson Werth. However, the Nationals have excellent outfield depth and just got back center fielder Michael Taylor. They've also added versatile Howie Kendrick, who is batting .375 in his first 40 at bats for Washington.
[h=3]Chip Chirimbes[/h]Game Details
Aug 15 '17, 3:40 PM in 5h
MLB | Astros vs Diamondbacks
Play on: Diamondbacks +107 at BMaker
D'Backs over Astros- Houston leads the majors with a team .290 batting average but have had problems keeping their rotation in tack. Brad Peacock (10-1, 3.07 ERA) has picked up the slack with eight players on the DL as the Astros have dropped 10 of their last 13 games. That trend continues here. Arizona is ready to win and so are 'we' with out THREE MLB Best Bet releases. Don't miss any of it! Take ARIZONA!
Aug 15 '17, 3:40 PM in 5h
MLB | Astros vs Diamondbacks
Play on: Diamondbacks +107 at BMaker
D'Backs over Astros- Houston leads the majors with a team .290 batting average but have had problems keeping their rotation in tack. Brad Peacock (10-1, 3.07 ERA) has picked up the slack with eight players on the DL as the Astros have dropped 10 of their last 13 games. That trend continues here. Arizona is ready to win and so are 'we' with out THREE MLB Best Bet releases. Don't miss any of it! Take ARIZONA!
[h=3]Marc Lawrence[/h]Game Details
Aug 15 '17, 8:05 PM in 9h
MLB | Tigers vs Rangers
Play on: Tigers -120 at betonline
Game Analysis
Play - Detroit Tigers w/Verlander (Game 963).
Edges - Tigers: Verlander 1.91 ERA with 1.02 WHIP last seven overall team starts… Rangers: Griffin 8.64 ERA with 1.92 WHIP home this season; and Griffin 5.97 ERA last seven starts; and Griffin 0-2 last two team starts versus Detroit. With Verlander 5-0 in his last five overall team starts during August, we recommend a 1* play on Detroit. Thank you and good luck as always. Thank you and good luck as always.
Aug 15 '17, 8:05 PM in 9h
MLB | Tigers vs Rangers
Play on: Tigers -120 at betonline
Game Analysis
Play - Detroit Tigers w/Verlander (Game 963).
Edges - Tigers: Verlander 1.91 ERA with 1.02 WHIP last seven overall team starts… Rangers: Griffin 8.64 ERA with 1.92 WHIP home this season; and Griffin 5.97 ERA last seven starts; and Griffin 0-2 last two team starts versus Detroit. With Verlander 5-0 in his last five overall team starts during August, we recommend a 1* play on Detroit. Thank you and good luck as always. Thank you and good luck as always.
[h=3]Ben Burns[/h]Game Details
Aug 15 '17, 7:10 PM in 8h
MLB | SFO vs MIA
Play on: UNDER 7½ +102
Game Analysis
Both starters should come in with confidence. Bumgarner, in particular, has been outstanding of late. Over his last three starts, the Giants' southpaw sports a superb 1.29 ERA and 0.905 WHIP.
Those three starts came against the likes of the Cubs, Dbax and Dodgers, too. All three of those teams score considerably more than the Marlins. Those three teams rank #5, #6 and #12 in terms of runs scored per game. In fact, they're 2, 3, and 4 in the NL, only Colorado averaging more. By comparison, the Marlins rank 17th in the majors. Respectable, but not as strong as the offenses Bumgarner has just dominated. Yesterday notwithstanding, the Marlins typically don't hit well against left-handers, either.
Bumgarner will also have the advantage of facing the Marlins for the first time since 2015. For the season, he's got a 2.71 ERA in 10 starts, the UNDER going 6-3-1. On the road, his ERA dips to a stingy 2.31 to go along with an excellent 0.971 WHIP.
Like Bumgarner, Straily should feel pretty good about today's matchup. Not only does he have a 2.84 ERA in 12 starts here this season, but he's also 4-0 with a commanding 1.91 ERA (0.741 WHIP!) in four starts vs. SF. Not surprisingly, three of those four games stayed below the number. Expect a well pitched-affair and take a look at the "Under."
Aug 15 '17, 7:10 PM in 8h
MLB | SFO vs MIA
Play on: UNDER 7½ +102
Game Analysis
Both starters should come in with confidence. Bumgarner, in particular, has been outstanding of late. Over his last three starts, the Giants' southpaw sports a superb 1.29 ERA and 0.905 WHIP.
Those three starts came against the likes of the Cubs, Dbax and Dodgers, too. All three of those teams score considerably more than the Marlins. Those three teams rank #5, #6 and #12 in terms of runs scored per game. In fact, they're 2, 3, and 4 in the NL, only Colorado averaging more. By comparison, the Marlins rank 17th in the majors. Respectable, but not as strong as the offenses Bumgarner has just dominated. Yesterday notwithstanding, the Marlins typically don't hit well against left-handers, either.
Bumgarner will also have the advantage of facing the Marlins for the first time since 2015. For the season, he's got a 2.71 ERA in 10 starts, the UNDER going 6-3-1. On the road, his ERA dips to a stingy 2.31 to go along with an excellent 0.971 WHIP.
Like Bumgarner, Straily should feel pretty good about today's matchup. Not only does he have a 2.84 ERA in 12 starts here this season, but he's also 4-0 with a commanding 1.91 ERA (0.741 WHIP!) in four starts vs. SF. Not surprisingly, three of those four games stayed below the number. Expect a well pitched-affair and take a look at the "Under."
[h=3]Brian Hay[/h]Game Details
Aug 15 '17, 10:05 PM in 11h
MLB | Royals vs A's
Play on: Royals -114 at BMaker
Game Analysis
MLB Bonus Play Kansas City Royals -114
The Kansas City Royals will start righty Jason Hammel tonight. Hammel is 5-9 with a 4.68 ERA in 130.2 innings this season. Oakland will send righty Chris Smith out to the hill. Smith is 0-2 with a 5.29 ERA in 34 innings of work. The Oakland A’s are 0-4 in their last four Tuesday games. Kansas City has the better team and pitcher starting tonight and with a short line we will use Kansas City -115 for your MLB Bonus Play Tuesday.
Aug 15 '17, 10:05 PM in 11h
MLB | Royals vs A's
Play on: Royals -114 at BMaker
Game Analysis
MLB Bonus Play Kansas City Royals -114
The Kansas City Royals will start righty Jason Hammel tonight. Hammel is 5-9 with a 4.68 ERA in 130.2 innings this season. Oakland will send righty Chris Smith out to the hill. Smith is 0-2 with a 5.29 ERA in 34 innings of work. The Oakland A’s are 0-4 in their last four Tuesday games. Kansas City has the better team and pitcher starting tonight and with a short line we will use Kansas City -115 for your MLB Bonus Play Tuesday.
[h=3]Teddy Davis[/h]Game Details
Aug 15 '17, 8:40 PM in 10h
MLB | Braves vs Rockies
Play on: Rockies -1½ +130 at betonline
Game Analysis
Think this is great value here with the Rockies on the RL as the Braves are falling apart. They have just 1 win in their last 7 games. They send their lefty Newcomb to the mound who owns a 1-7 record with a 4.45 ERA on the year. He has never faced the Rockies and we all know how different it is to pitch in Coors Field. I think he struggles big time and the Rockies blow them out
Aug 15 '17, 8:40 PM in 10h
MLB | Braves vs Rockies
Play on: Rockies -1½ +130 at betonline
Game Analysis
Think this is great value here with the Rockies on the RL as the Braves are falling apart. They have just 1 win in their last 7 games. They send their lefty Newcomb to the mound who owns a 1-7 record with a 4.45 ERA on the year. He has never faced the Rockies and we all know how different it is to pitch in Coors Field. I think he struggles big time and the Rockies blow them out
[h=3]Jimmy Boyd[/h]Game Details
Aug 15 '17, 7:10 PM in 8h
MLB | SFO vs MIA
Play on: UNDER 7½ +105
Game Analysis
Free Pick on Giants/Marlins UNDER
This is a lot total for this year, but I think we are getting a ton of value on the UNDER given the two teams playing and the starting pitching matchup. San Francisco sends out their ace and one of the elite in the game in Madison Bumgarner, who has a 1.29 ERA and 0.905 WHIP in his last 3 starts. He's more than capable of keeping Stanton in check, which in turn should have Miami struggling to score.
The Marlins will counter with Daniel Straily who isn't a big name, but has pitched like one at home this season, where he has a 2.84 ERA and 1.200 WHIP in 12 starts. Straily has also enjoyed facing San Francisco, as he is 4-0 with a 1.91 ERA and 0.741 WHIP in 4 career starts against them.
UNDER is 5-1-1 in Bumgarner's last 7 starts after a Quality Start last time out and 8-3 in the Marlins last 11 against a left-handed starter. Take the UNDER!
Aug 15 '17, 7:10 PM in 8h
MLB | SFO vs MIA
Play on: UNDER 7½ +105
Game Analysis
Free Pick on Giants/Marlins UNDER
This is a lot total for this year, but I think we are getting a ton of value on the UNDER given the two teams playing and the starting pitching matchup. San Francisco sends out their ace and one of the elite in the game in Madison Bumgarner, who has a 1.29 ERA and 0.905 WHIP in his last 3 starts. He's more than capable of keeping Stanton in check, which in turn should have Miami struggling to score.
The Marlins will counter with Daniel Straily who isn't a big name, but has pitched like one at home this season, where he has a 2.84 ERA and 1.200 WHIP in 12 starts. Straily has also enjoyed facing San Francisco, as he is 4-0 with a 1.91 ERA and 0.741 WHIP in 4 career starts against them.
UNDER is 5-1-1 in Bumgarner's last 7 starts after a Quality Start last time out and 8-3 in the Marlins last 11 against a left-handed starter. Take the UNDER!
[h=3]Brandon Lee[/h]
Aug 15 '17, 3:40 PM in 3h
MLB | Astros vs Diamondbacks
Play on: Astros -118 at BMaker
10* FREE MLB PICK (Astros -118)
I successfully played against Houston with my free pick yesterday, as I didn't see their slumping offense getting back on track against Dbacks ace Zack Greinke. That's exactly what happened as they were shutout. It's a different story on Tuesday, as this time the Astros will take on 24-year-old Anthony Banda who has made just 3 starts. He's got a 4.59 ERA overall and 6.51 ERA in his two starts at home. Only strong outing was at Giants. His other two were against playoff teams in the Dodgers and Nationals and neither went well. This is an ideal spot for Houston's offense to snap out of their recent funk. At the same time, there's also a good chance they win here even if the offense doesn't put up a huge number, as starter Brad Peacock is more than capable of shutting down this Arizona offense, which has scored just 4 runs in their last 2 games. Peacock is 4-0 with a 2.87 ERA in 7 road starts (6-1 team record). Too much value to pass up for me. Give me the Astros -118!
Aug 15 '17, 3:40 PM in 3h
MLB | Astros vs Diamondbacks
Play on: Astros -118 at BMaker
10* FREE MLB PICK (Astros -118)
I successfully played against Houston with my free pick yesterday, as I didn't see their slumping offense getting back on track against Dbacks ace Zack Greinke. That's exactly what happened as they were shutout. It's a different story on Tuesday, as this time the Astros will take on 24-year-old Anthony Banda who has made just 3 starts. He's got a 4.59 ERA overall and 6.51 ERA in his two starts at home. Only strong outing was at Giants. His other two were against playoff teams in the Dodgers and Nationals and neither went well. This is an ideal spot for Houston's offense to snap out of their recent funk. At the same time, there's also a good chance they win here even if the offense doesn't put up a huge number, as starter Brad Peacock is more than capable of shutting down this Arizona offense, which has scored just 4 runs in their last 2 games. Peacock is 4-0 with a 2.87 ERA in 7 road starts (6-1 team record). Too much value to pass up for me. Give me the Astros -118!
[h=3]Doug Upstone[/h]
Aug 15 '17, 8:10 PM in 7h
MLB | Indians vs Twins
Play on: Indians -161 at betonline
Minnesota is starting to be left behind in the AL Central as Cleveland is starting to pull away. The Twins could get back in the race with a series sweep of the Indians, but they are in rough position in the series opener. Underdogs with a money line of +125 to +175 like Minnesota,with a slugging percentage of .500 or better over their last three games, against opponent with a hot starting pitcher whose ERA less than 2.50 over his last five starts are 24-84 the last five years.
Aug 15 '17, 8:10 PM in 7h
MLB | Indians vs Twins
Play on: Indians -161 at betonline
Minnesota is starting to be left behind in the AL Central as Cleveland is starting to pull away. The Twins could get back in the race with a series sweep of the Indians, but they are in rough position in the series opener. Underdogs with a money line of +125 to +175 like Minnesota,with a slugging percentage of .500 or better over their last three games, against opponent with a hot starting pitcher whose ERA less than 2.50 over his last five starts are 24-84 the last five years.
[h=3]Will Rogers[/h]
Aug 15 '17, 10:05 PM in 9h
MLB | Royals vs A's
Play on: Royals -109 at betonline
The set-up: The Royals saw their losing skid reach five games when they lost the Friday opener of their three-game series in Chicago against the White Sox. However, KC rebounded by winning Saturday and Sunday and last night, took the first of a three-game series in Oakland against the A's, 6-2. The three-game winning streak has allowed the Royals to climb back into a virtual second-place tie with the Twins in the AL Central, five games back of the first-place Indians. More importantly, both the Twins and Royals are just a half-game back of the Angels for the AL's second wild card spot. Kansas City hopes to bolster its wild-card position when it when it continues its series tonight in Oakland against the 52-67 A's. Oakland fell to 2-5 on its nine-game homestand and owns the AL's second-worst record, better than only the 45-70 White Sox.
The pitching matchup: Jason Hammel (5-9 & 4.68 ERA) will get the nod for KC and Chris Smith (0-2 & 5.29 ERA) goes for Oakland. Hammel's year has been a huge disappointment, as the Royals are 7-16 in his 2017 starts, giving him MLB's 8th-worst moneyline mark (minus-$758). However, he's actually been fairly solid for quite awhile now, as he's allowed three runs or less in 12 of his last 13 starts (KC is just 6-7, though). Hammel is 2-2 in four lifetime against Oakland with a 5.14 ERA. Smith remains in search of his first major-league victory since 2008 with Boston, after being ripped for five runs on seven hits (including 4 HRs!) over six innings in a 7-2 loss to Baltimore on Thursday. The 36-year-old has allowed 16 ERs on 25 hits over 21 innings of his last four appearances (three starts), for a 6.86 ERA. He's made two two career relief appearances versus Kansas City but this is his first start.
The pick: Getting the AL's two-worst teams in back-to-back series has allowed the Royals to win three of four so far and I'm 'on board' with the idea that KC will win Tuesday and Wednesday in Oakland, as well. First things first. Hammel has settled down lately (see above) and should be good enough to help KC to a win in this one.
Aug 15 '17, 10:05 PM in 9h
MLB | Royals vs A's
Play on: Royals -109 at betonline
The set-up: The Royals saw their losing skid reach five games when they lost the Friday opener of their three-game series in Chicago against the White Sox. However, KC rebounded by winning Saturday and Sunday and last night, took the first of a three-game series in Oakland against the A's, 6-2. The three-game winning streak has allowed the Royals to climb back into a virtual second-place tie with the Twins in the AL Central, five games back of the first-place Indians. More importantly, both the Twins and Royals are just a half-game back of the Angels for the AL's second wild card spot. Kansas City hopes to bolster its wild-card position when it when it continues its series tonight in Oakland against the 52-67 A's. Oakland fell to 2-5 on its nine-game homestand and owns the AL's second-worst record, better than only the 45-70 White Sox.
The pitching matchup: Jason Hammel (5-9 & 4.68 ERA) will get the nod for KC and Chris Smith (0-2 & 5.29 ERA) goes for Oakland. Hammel's year has been a huge disappointment, as the Royals are 7-16 in his 2017 starts, giving him MLB's 8th-worst moneyline mark (minus-$758). However, he's actually been fairly solid for quite awhile now, as he's allowed three runs or less in 12 of his last 13 starts (KC is just 6-7, though). Hammel is 2-2 in four lifetime against Oakland with a 5.14 ERA. Smith remains in search of his first major-league victory since 2008 with Boston, after being ripped for five runs on seven hits (including 4 HRs!) over six innings in a 7-2 loss to Baltimore on Thursday. The 36-year-old has allowed 16 ERs on 25 hits over 21 innings of his last four appearances (three starts), for a 6.86 ERA. He's made two two career relief appearances versus Kansas City but this is his first start.
The pick: Getting the AL's two-worst teams in back-to-back series has allowed the Royals to win three of four so far and I'm 'on board' with the idea that KC will win Tuesday and Wednesday in Oakland, as well. First things first. Hammel has settled down lately (see above) and should be good enough to help KC to a win in this one.
[h=3]Darryl Tucholski[/h]
Aug 15 '17, 8:10 PM in 7h
MLB | Indians vs Twins
Play on: Indians -166 at betonline
1* play on the Indians tonight, as Danny Salazar takes the mound. Cleveland has won 4 straight and is looking to extend the streak against the Twins (27-33 at home) Bartolo Colon, and his 6.77 ERA will not be able to contain the speed on the basepaths tonight.
Aug 15 '17, 8:10 PM in 7h
MLB | Indians vs Twins
Play on: Indians -166 at betonline
1* play on the Indians tonight, as Danny Salazar takes the mound. Cleveland has won 4 straight and is looking to extend the streak against the Twins (27-33 at home) Bartolo Colon, and his 6.77 ERA will not be able to contain the speed on the basepaths tonight.
[h=3]Andrew Gold[/h]
Aug 15 '17, 7:05 PM in 6h
MLB | TAM vs TOR
Play on: UNDER 9½ -105
The books must think that both teams are due to blow up here tonight and score a bunch of runs. I surely dont see it as the Rays have scored just a whopping 8 runs their last 5 games and the total has gone under in all of them. Last night these teams scored a combined 3 runs. Also the Blue Jays have gone under the total for 5 straight games as well.
The Blue Jays really struggle against lefties only averaging 3.6 runs a game. The Blue Jays will send out Estrada who should have no problem keeping the Rays in check as he has a 1.71 ERA his last 3 starts.
Aug 15 '17, 7:05 PM in 6h
MLB | TAM vs TOR
Play on: UNDER 9½ -105
The books must think that both teams are due to blow up here tonight and score a bunch of runs. I surely dont see it as the Rays have scored just a whopping 8 runs their last 5 games and the total has gone under in all of them. Last night these teams scored a combined 3 runs. Also the Blue Jays have gone under the total for 5 straight games as well.
The Blue Jays really struggle against lefties only averaging 3.6 runs a game. The Blue Jays will send out Estrada who should have no problem keeping the Rays in check as he has a 1.71 ERA his last 3 starts.
[h=3]Jim Feist[/h]
Aug 15 '17, 7:10 PM in 6h
MLB | SFO vs MIA
Play on: UNDER 7½ +110
8/15 07:10 PM MLB (951) SAN FRANCISCO GIANTS VS (952) MIAMI MARLINS.
Take: UNDER THE TOTAL.
Reason: Your Bonus Play for Tuesday, August 15, 2017 comes in baseball as San Francisco heads to Miami to face the Marlins Sox. A pair of weak offensive teams meet in a big park. San Francisco is #29 in baseball in runs scored, 35-17-5 under the total in the Giants last 57 road games vs. a team with a winning home record. Ace Madison Bumgarner (2.71 ERA) has allowed 1, 2, 0 and 1 run his last four starts. Bumgarner (2-5) gave up only one run on five hits and a walk over seven innings while striking out seven in Wednesday's 3-1 win over the Cubs. The Under is 6-2-1 in Bumgarner's last 9 starts. Miami is 8-2 under against a left-handed starter. Dan Straily (3.74 ERA) is having a strong campaign, allowing 2 runs in three straight starts. The offense isn't scoring for him, losing 5 in a row. Play San Francisco/Miami Under the total.
Aug 15 '17, 7:10 PM in 6h
MLB | SFO vs MIA
Play on: UNDER 7½ +110
8/15 07:10 PM MLB (951) SAN FRANCISCO GIANTS VS (952) MIAMI MARLINS.
Take: UNDER THE TOTAL.
Reason: Your Bonus Play for Tuesday, August 15, 2017 comes in baseball as San Francisco heads to Miami to face the Marlins Sox. A pair of weak offensive teams meet in a big park. San Francisco is #29 in baseball in runs scored, 35-17-5 under the total in the Giants last 57 road games vs. a team with a winning home record. Ace Madison Bumgarner (2.71 ERA) has allowed 1, 2, 0 and 1 run his last four starts. Bumgarner (2-5) gave up only one run on five hits and a walk over seven innings while striking out seven in Wednesday's 3-1 win over the Cubs. The Under is 6-2-1 in Bumgarner's last 9 starts. Miami is 8-2 under against a left-handed starter. Dan Straily (3.74 ERA) is having a strong campaign, allowing 2 runs in three straight starts. The offense isn't scoring for him, losing 5 in a row. Play San Francisco/Miami Under the total.
