Sean Murphy – Sports Handicapper

My selection is on the 'under' between San Diego and Toronto at 7:07 pm et on Friday.

I'll back the 'under' at Rogers Centre on Friday night. Joey Lucchesi will take the ball for the Padres. He has been outstanding over his last couple of starts, most recently needing only 77 pitches to work seven innings against the Pirates, allowing just two earned runs. Likewise, Trent Thornton also pitched well in his last start for the Jays, needing 87 pitches to work six innings against the White Sox, allowing one earned run. The Jays are averaging just under 3.5 runs per game at home this season, clearly not taking advantage of the hitter-friendly conditions at Rogers Centre. The Padres haven't been a whole lot better, averaging right around 4.2 runs per contest on the road, scoring four runs or less in seven of their last nine away from home. Take the under (10*).

My selection is on the 'under' between Seattle and Oakland at 10:07 pm et on Friday.

The Mariners are obviously struggling right now, fresh off a series sweep against the Rangers in hitter's paradise Arlington, where they could only muster four runs in the final two games. With Ryan Healy and Dee Gordon sidelined they're missing a couple of key bats in their order entering this series. Help is on the way with Kyle Seager expected to return, but not until tomorrow. The A's are in a tough spot, returning home following an eight-game road trip, albeit a successful one. Note that Oakland is averaging just 3.75 runs per game at home this season. Oakland checks in having allowed four runs or less in seven straight games. Not a pitcher's duel by any means here but Wade LeBlanc did pitch well against the A's in two starts last season, tossing 11 shutout innings. Dan Mengden just returned to the A's rotation and has given up five earned runs in 12 1/3 innings of work, but held the Tigers to only one earned run in seven innings last time out. Take the under (10*).

My selection is on St. Louis over Atlanta at 8:15 pm et on Friday.

Tough spot for the Braves here as they travel after taking three of four games in San Francisco to face a Cardinals club that enjoyed an off-day yesterday, which came on the heels of a 10-run outburst against the Royals on Wednesday. Atlanta holds no edge on the mound here as Mike Foltynewicz has been their worst starter this season, going winless in five starts. Meanwhile, Miles Mikolas has been 'good enough' for the Cards, particularly here at home where he owns a 3.00 ERA in 33 innings of work. While St. Louis has struggled overall, it remains five games over .500 at home, where it averages over five runs per game. Take St. Louis (10*).