Mike Lundin – Sports Handicapper

MLB FREE PICK FROM MIKE LUNDIN

The Cincinnati Reds have held the Giants to one run in each of the first two games of this series. The Reds on the other hand had no problem to reach San Francisco southpaw Madison Bumgarner for six runs (five earned) in Saturday's 7-1 triumph, and I think they'll give another Giants lefty a heard time here on Sunday. 

Giants' Andrew Suarez (4-8, 4.40 ERA) has posted a 6.19 ERA in three August starts and he lost to the Reds 6-3 on May 16, allowing four earned runs and eight hits in six innings. Reds are 4-0 in their last 4 games vs. a left-handed starter.

Cincinnati righty Luis Castillo (6-10, 5.04 ERA) had surrender just up three earned runs in 17 2/3 innings through his past three starts before allowing five runs in 5 2/3 frames of a 9-2 loss to the Diamondbacks last Sunday. He'll face the Giants for the first time, which usually is an advantage for the pitcher. 

Reds are 4-1 in Castillo's last 5 home starts. Giants are 0-6 in the last 6 meetings at Great American Ballpark.

Free pick on Cincinnati Reds. 

MLB RUNLINE RIPPER

The Arizona Diamondbacks took a 7-6 loss here at Petco Park Saturday after blowing leads of 3-0 and 5-3. Their lead over Colorado at the top of the National League West is now just a half-game, and I think a motivated D'Backs team will bounce back in a big way here Sunday afternoon. 

Arizona right-hander Zack Greinke (12-8, 3.00 ERA) is 11-2 behind a 2.10 ERA in 21 career starts against the Padres and he's been hot lately. Over his last 11 starts since June 18, Greinke is 7-3 with a 1.99 ERA. 

The Friars turn to Brett Kennedy (0-2, 11.00 ERA) who has lost both his major league starts while giving up a total of 11 runs and 20 hits through nine innings of work. 

Padres are 5-21 in their last 26 home games. Diamondbacks are 7-1 in their last 8 games following a loss and 8-1 in their last 9 road games vs. a team with a home winning % of less than .400.

8* play on Arizona Diamondbacks. 

SUPER EARLY PREMIER LEAGUE BOOKIE BREAKER

Watford made light work of Brighton in their first game with a convincing 2-0 victory, but I think they're about to run into trouble here at Burnley on Sunday.

Note that Watford haven’t won any of their last 10 away league games against Burnley (D4 L6), and they're winless in their last 12 Premier League away games overall, losing 11 of these. They've been held scoreless in their last eight away league games. 

The only worry IMO is Burnley's participation in the Europa League with the most recent game this past Thursday, but it doesn't seem to be a concern for Burnley manager Sean Dyche: "The fitness here is unbelievable. The players' mental and physical fitness is absolutely fantastic, so they will be ready for Sunday."

Burnley were held to a goalless draw away at Southampton in their Premier League opener, but they're much stronger home at Turf Moor. 

8* play on Burnley.

TOP RATED BIG HITTER

The St. Louis Cardinals are the hottest team in baseball as they enter Sunday on a 10-1 run through their last 11 games, including a 7-2 triumph over Milwaukee yesterday. The Brew Crew on the other hand have dropped three in a fow and six of their last eight. 

Milwaukee hands the ball to right-hander Jhoulys Chacin (12-4, 3.72 ERA) who has been lit up by the Cards on more than one occasion already this season. Over three starts, he has allowed 17 runs (14 earned) on 21 hits and 10 walks through 14 2/3 innings of work. 

The Cardinals turn to right-hander John Gant (5-4, 3.74 ERA) who has heöd Milwaukee to one earned runs over four innings out of the bullpen. Gant limited Washington to one run through 5 1/3 frames his last time out for his second straight win. 

Brewers are 3-14 in their last 17 during game 3 of a series. Cardinals are 5-0 in their last 5 during game 3 of a series.

10* play on St. Louis Cardinals. 

PREMIER LEAGUE PUNISHER

Manchester United took care of business with a 2-1 triumph over Leicester in their season opener, and I think they'll make it two in a row when visiting Brighton here on Sunday. Brighton were never really close to even score in their 2-0 setback at Watford, and they're having some injury problems ahead of this game. Man U have a couple of players out because of injuries as well, but they have a much deeper squad and their backups are more than capable of stepping right in and deliver the goods. 

8* play on Man United.