Ricky Tran – Sports Handicapper

Ricky’s 8* play on the under Dodgers/Phillies.

Two capable hurlers collide in this National League contest on Wednesday night and in my opinion, runs are going to be at a premium. Kenta Maeda (7-6, 3.82 ERA) took an unfortunate loss in Boston last Friday, allowing three runs while striking out seven over six frames. Nick Pivetta (4-4, 5.81) who gave up three runs over five innings in in a loss vs. Washington on Friday. 

Key Trends:

- Note though that Philadelphia has seen the total go under in seven of its last ten National League home games in which the total in the contest is set at either 10 or 10.5.

- Also note that LA has seen the total go under the number in eight of its last 11 road night games as a favorite in the -105 to -150 range. 

The verdict: Look for these two hungry starters to battle deep and play the under!

Ricky’s 8* play on the Colorado Rockies.

I think the Rockies at this price at home with the superior starter on the hill are well worth the admission. The visitors turn to Shaun Anderson (3-2, 4.48 ERA) who has looked brilliant at times this year and very pedestrian in others. Note that Anderson has a 4.81 ERA on the road thus far. The home side counters with Jon Gray (9-6, 3.83) who gave up two runs off four hits over seven innings in a no-decision to the Reds on Friday. Overall Gray has a 121:42 K:BB and he’s been at his best at home, going 4-1 with a  3.24 ERA.

Key Trends:

- The Giants are just 8-12 in their last 20 road games as an underdog in the +150 to +165 range.

- The Rockies 7-2 in their last nine games at home with Gray on the mound and with a money line in the -165 to -185 range.

The verdict: Look for Anderson to take a step back in this difficult road venue and for the veteran Gray to continue his consistent run at Coors this year; lay the short price!

Ricky’s 8* play on the Chicago Cubs.

I think the home side will find a way to get the job done in this one once it’s all said and done. The visitors turn to Sonny Gray (5-5, 3.42 ERA), who gave up one run off five hits and three walks in a no-decision to the Rockies on Friday. Gray has been decent overall, but if he’s had one clear weakness it’s been his play in all “day” games this year, going just 1-4 with a 4.55 ERA in such instances. Yu Darvish (2-4, 4.72) comes in off his best start in over a calendar year, going six shutout innings, allowing two hits, one walk and eight K’s in an unfortunate no-decision to the Pirates in his last outing. 

Key Trends:

- Cincinnati is just 4-7 in its last 11 National League “day” games as an underdog in the +125 to +150 range.

- The Cubs are 7-2 in their last nine home games as a favorite in the -125 to -145 range.

The verdict: I like Darvish to continue his recent progression and I expect Gray to take a step back in this “day” game; lay the short price!

Ricky’s 8* play on the under Braves/Brewers.

Two capable pitchers go head to head in this National League contest on Wednesday afternoon and in my opinion, runs are going to be at a premium. The Braves go with Dallas Keuchel (3-2, 3.09 ERA), while the home side goes with Chase Anderson (4-2, 4.27). Anderson has a 72:23 K:BB over 71.2 innings of work this year and he’s 1-0 with a 3.68 ERA in all “day” games. Keuchel gave up one run off six hits with four walks over seven innings in a win over the Padres in his last outing. 

Key Trends:

- The Braves have seen the total go under the number in seven of their last 11 road games as an underdog in the +105 to +135 range.

- The Brewers have seen the total go under in ten of their last 16 home day games with a money line in the +125 to -125 range.

The verdict: Once again I’m expecting the starting pitchers to throw deep and as such, look for this one to stay well below the posted number!

Ricky’s 8* play on the under Pirates/Cardinals.

Two pitchers who won’t be lacking for motivation collide in this one Wednesday afternoon and I think that runs will be at a premium. Chris Archer (3-6, 5.42 ERA) toes the slab for the visitors, while the home side counters with Daniel Ponce de Leon (0-0, 1.99). Archer gave up three runs off three hits with two walks and ten K’s over six innings in a no-decision vs. the Cubs last time out. de Leon comes in off a strong start too, giving up one run off three hits over seven innings.

Key Trends:

- Pittsburgh has seen the total dip under in seven of its last 11 road “day” games.

- St. Louis has seen the total go under the number in eight of its last 12 day home games in which it’s a favorite in the -135 to -155 range.

The verdict: I expect these starters to battle deep into the latter frames and as such, look for this total to stay under once it’s all said and done!