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15* MLB Sunday PLAY OF THE DAY on Colorado Rockies -1.5 (+120) 

The Rockies can at least clinch a share of the NL West title and a tiebreaker game with the Dodgers with a win Sunday.  I expect them to win this game by two runs or more over the Washington Nationals. 

The Rockies have gone 8-1 in their last nine games overall and are playing with a ton of confidence right now.  They have won all eight games by two runs or more.  They have also outscored their opponents 57-24 in those nine contests. 

It was a huge break for the Rockies that the Nationals decided to start Erick Fedde instead of Max Scherzer today.  Fedde is 2-3 with a 5.24 ERA and 1.511 WHIP In 10 starts this season.  He is 0-1 with an 11.25 ERA in one career start against Colorado, giving up 7 runs, 5 earned, and 12 base runners in 4 innings of a 6-10 loss. 

Tyler Anderson hasn’t put up great numbers either, but he’s better than Fedde.  Anderson is 6-9 with a 4.76 ERA and 1.289 WHIP in 31 starts this season.  He has posted a 4.35 ERA in two career starts against Washington, both of which resulted in Colorado wins.  And I expect the Rockies to go their bullpen earlier than normal if needed as all hands are on deck for this one.  Bet the Rockies on the Run Line. 

15* MLB Friday No-Doubt Rout on Colorado Rockies -1.5 (+100) 

The Colorado Rockies are coming up big here down the stretch.  They are 7-0 in their last seven games overall with all seven wins coming by 2 runs or more.  They have outscored the opposition 52-10 during this winning streak.   

The Rockies now hold a one-game lead over the Dodgers for first place in the NL West and can win the division title over the weekend with this series with the Nationals.  Washington has nothing to play for but pride and should offer little resistance. 

The Rockies have the clear advantage on the mound tonight.  Kyle Freeland has been one of the most underrated starters in baseball.  He is 16-7 with a 2.84 ERA and 1.222 WHIP in 32 starts this season, including 9-2 with an impressive 2.36 ERA and 1.118 WHIP in 14 starts at Coors Field.  Freeland is also 1-0 with a 3.72 ERA in two career starts against Washington. 

Joe Ross will be making just his third start of the season for the Nationals tonight.  Ross is 0-1 with a 4.09 ERA and 1.364 WHIP in two starts this season.  He has posted a 9.64 ERA and 1.927 WHIP in one career start against Colorado, which came last season as he allowed 5 earned runs in 4 2/3 innings. 

Freeland is 14-2 in his last 16 starts vs. teams whose hitters strike out 7 or more times per game.  The Rockies are winning by 2.3 runs per game in this spot.  The Rockies are 12-1 in Freeland’s last 13 starts overall.  Take the Rockies on the Run Line Friday. 

15* MLB Thursday No-Doubt Rout on Colorado Rockies -1.5 (+106) 

The Rockies are fighting for their postseason lives right now.  They are actually a half-game ahead of the Dodgers for the NL West lead and can get a full game up with a win Thursday.  They have 6-0 in their last six games overall with all six wins coming by 2 runs or more.  They have outscored the opposition 47-7 during this winning streak. 

The Phillies have officially been eliminated from the postseason for several days now and are playing like it.  They are 0-7 in their last seven games overall.  They have been outscored 34-4 by the Rockies in the first three games of this series.  I expect more of the same here. 

Antonio Senzatela is 4-5 with a 4.08 ERA in 12 starts this season.  He is coming off back-to-back great starts, going 2-0 with a 1.50 ERA in his last two starts.  He’ll be opposed by Jake Arrieta, who is 0-1 with an 8.25 ERA in his last three starts.  Arrieta is also 2-2 with a 6.11 ERA in five career starts against Colorado. 

The Phillies are 1-10 in their last 11 vs. a team with a winning record.  Philadelphia is 7-23 in its last 30 road games.  The Phillies are 2-7 in Arrieta’s last nine starts.  The Rockies are 7-0 in their last seven vs. NL East teams.  Colorado is 29-11 in its last 40 home games.  Roll with the Rockies on the Run Line Thursday. 

20* MLB Wednesday No-Doubt Rout on Colorado Rockies -1.5 (+105) 

The Colorado Rockies are so close they can taste it.  They are only a half-game behind the Dodgers for first place in the NL West and a half-game ahead of the Cardinals for the second wild card spot.  They have a lot to play for right now and are stepping up to the plate.   

The Rockies have gone 5-0 in their last five games overall with all five wins coming by two runs or more.  They have outscored the opposition 33-7 during this winning streak.  Meanwhile, the Phillies have officially been eliminated from the postseason recently and are playing like it.  They are 0-6 in their last six games overall, getting outscored 20-4 by the Rockies throughout he first two games of this series. 

German Marquez has been Colorado’s best starter since the All-Star Break.  Marquez has 11 or more strikeouts in four of his last five starts, and he has allowed 3 or fewer runs in 11 consecutive turns.  He is 5-2 with a 2.36 ERA with 14 walks and 98 K’s in 76 1/3 innings in this 11 starts.  Marquez is also 3-1 with a 2.23 ERA in his last six home starts. 

Nick Pivetta is 6-13 with a 4.60 ERA in 31 starts for the Phillies this season, including 3-5 with a 4.90 ERA in 14 road starts.  Pivetta is also 0-2 with a 14.08 ERA and 2.477 WHIP in two career starts against the Rockies, giving up 12 earned runs and 19 base runners in 7 2/3 innings. 

The Phillies are 4-22 in their last 26 games vs. a right-handed starter.  Philadelphia is 0-9 in its last nine vs. a team with a winning record.  The Phillies are 0-4 in Pivetta’s last four starts.  The Rockies are 6-0 in their last six vs. NL East opponents.  Colorado is 5-1 in Marquez’s last six home starts.  Bet the Rockies on the Run Line Wednesday.

20* MLB Monday No-Doubt Rout on Colorado Rockies -1.5 (+106) 

The Colorado Rockies are 1.5 games behind the Los Angeles Dodgers in the race for the NL West title.  They are also just one game behind the St. Louis Cardinals in the chase for the second wild card spot.  They have a lot to play for right now. 

The Philadelphia Phillies had the second-best record in the NL on August 5th, but have imploded since, going 15-29 for the worst record in the NL during that stretch.  And the Phillies were just swept by the Braves in four games in Atlanta, which officially eliminated them from postseason contention.  I question their mental state over the final week of the season and expect them to pack it in. 

Philadelphia’s Zach Eflin will get rocked tonight.  He is 3-4 with a 5.07 ERA in 11 road starts this season.  Eflin is 1-1 with a 7.50 ERA and 1.750 WHIP in two career starts against Colorado.  Jon Gray gets the ball for the Rockies.  He has been great for them in the second half of the season. 

The Rockies are 26-11 in their last 37 home games.  Colorado is 11-3 in Gray’s last 14 starts.  Philadelphia is 0-5 in Eflin’s last five road starts.  The Phillies are 1-7 in Eflin’s last eight starts vs. NL West opponents.  Philadelphia is 0-7 in its last seven vs. a team with a winning record.  The Phillies are 7-20 in their last 27 road games.  Bet the Rockies on the Run Line Monday. 

20* MLB Tuesday No-Doubt Rout on Tampa Bay Rays -1.5 (-125) 

The Tampa Bay Rays are just 6.5 games back in the wild card and feel like they still have a chance.  They are playing like it, too, going 21-5 in their last 26 games overall.  Players in that locker room aren’t giving up until they are officially eliminated. 

Now Tampa Bay sends starter Blake Snell to the mound tonight.  Snell is 19-5 with a 2.03 ERA and 0.982 WHIP in 28 starts this season with 195 K’s in 164 innings.  He is certainly deserving of the Cy Young Award in the American League for his efforts this year, especially pitching in the AL East.  Snell is 1-0 with a 1.42 ERA and 0.790 WHIP in one career starts against Texas, which came earlier this season. 

The Rangers are just 3-8 in their last 11 games overall.  There’s not a lot to like about them right now.  And Yovani Gallardo has been atrocious this season, especially of late.  Gallardo is 8-5 in spite of a 5.94 ERA and 1.526 WHIP In 15 starts this season, including 1-2 with a 10.22 ERA and 2.028 WHIP in his last three starts.  He is also 0-2 with an 8.38 ERA in his last two starts against the Rays, giving up 9 earned runs, 3 homers and 17 base runners in 9 2/3 innings. 

Snell is 10-1 vs. AL West opponents over the last two seasons, and the Rays are winning these games by 2.1 runs per game on average.  Tampa Bay is 9-1 in its last 10 vs. AL West foes.  The Rangers are 0-6 in their last six vs. a team with a winning record.  Bet the Rays on the Run Line Tuesday.

15* MLB Monday No-Doubt Rout on Los Angeles Dodgers -1.5 (-115) 

The Los Angeles Dodgers are fighting to make the playoffs right now.  They are a half-game behind the Rockies for 1st place in the NL West and one game out of the wild card.  They won’t be taking the Reds lightly because of it. 

The Dodgers have a big advantage on the mound today behind Alex Wood, who is 8-6 with a 3.43 ERA in 26 starts this season, including 5-3 with a 3.22 ERA and 1.134 WHIP in 12 road starts.  And Wood has been at his best of late, going 7-1 with a 2.39 ERA in his last 13 starts. 

Cody Reed is getting a look here at the end of the season.  It hasn’t gone well for him as he’s 0-1 with a 7.10 ERA and 1.736 WHIP in three starts this year while averaging just 4.2 innings per start.  Reed is now 1-10 with a 6.22 ERA in 35 major league games. 

The Dodgers were swept at home by the Reds in their last series against them and haven’t forgotten.  Wood has never lost to the Reds, going 3-0 with a 2.80 ERA and 0.935 WHIP in four career starts against them.  The Reds are 0-14 in Reed’s last 14 starts.  Take the Dodgers on the Run Line Monday. 

15* MLB Saturday PLAY OF THE DAY on St. Louis Cardinals -1.5 (-105) 

I expect the Cardinals to win by two runs or more today against the Detroit Tigers.  The Cardinals are trying to get a wild card and stay alive in the NL Central.  They need wins more than the Tigers do right now, and after an upset loss yesterday to them I expect them to bounce back in a big way. 

Jack Flaherty has been the ace of the Cardinals’ staff this season.  He is 8-6 with a 2.83 ERA and 1.04 WHIP in 23 starts, including 1-0 with a 1.50 ERA and 0.83 WHIP in his last three starts.  Matt Boyd is 9-12 with a 4.24 ERA in 27 starts for the Tigers. 

Flaherty has allowed a total of 5 earned runs in 37 innings while going 5-1 with a 1.22 ERA.  The Cardinals are 12-3 in their last 15 road games.  The Tigers are 20-53 in their last 73 vs. a team with a winning record.  Detroit is 1-10 in Boyd’s last 11 starts after scoring 5 runs or more in their previous game.  Take the Cardinals on the Run Line. 

20* MLB Run Line GAME OF THE WEEK on Los Angeles Dodgers -1.5 (-110) 

I expect the Los Angeles Dodgers to win by multiple runs over the New York Mets tonight.  The Dodgers are 8-2 in their last 10 games overall.  But they are coming off a loss to Jacob DeGrom and the Mets last night, so look for them to bounce back with a victory in Game 2 thanks to their big advantage on the mound. 

Rich Hill is 6-5 with a 3.63 ERA and 1.210 WHIP in 19 starts this season.  He’ll be opposed by Jason Vargas, who is 5-8 with a 6.56 ERA and 1.572 WHIP in 16 starts this season, including 3-4 with a 7.37 ERA and 1.659 WHIP in 10 road starts. 

The Mets are 5-12 in Vargas’ last 17 starts.  New York is 3-8 in Vargas’ last 11 road starts.  The Dodgers are 60-29 in their last 89 vs. NL East opponents.  Los Angeles is 66-31 in its last 97 games vs. a left-handed starter.  The Dodgers are 77-30 in their last 107 home games vs. a team with a losing record.  Los Angeles is 14-3 in its last 17 meetings with New York.  Bet the Dodgers on the Run Line Tuesday. 

20* NL East GAME OF THE MONTH on Atlanta Braves -1.5 (-115) 

The Atlanta Braves have it out for the Miami Marlins.  The Marlins plunked Acuna Jr. on August 15th and now they have their shot at revenge this series.  Game 1 was heated with more hit batters, but the Braves prevailed 5-0.  I expect them to win by two runs or more once again tonight in Game 2. 

Mike Foltynewicz is having a stellar season that will continue tonight.  He is 10-7 with a 2.72 ERA and 1.151 WHIP in 24 starts, including 2-0 with a 0.87 ERA and 0.968 WHIP in his last three.  One of those starts was against Miami on August 13th as he pitched 8 innings while allowing just one earned run in a 6-1 victory.  Folty is 5-1 with a 3.08 ERA in nine career starts against Miami, and his teams are 8-1 in those games. 

Daniel Straily is 4-6 with a 4.60 ERA and 1.408 WHIP in 20 starts for the Marlins this season, including 2-1 with a 4.94 ERA in nine home starts.  He is also 0-1 with a 5.62 ERA in his last three starts.  Straily has posted a 5.00 ERA and 1.511 WHIP in nine career starts against Atlanta.  In his last start against the Braves on July 31st, Straily gave up 8 runs, 5 earned and 12 base runners in 3 2/3 innings of a 6-11 loss. 

The Braves are 5-0 in Folty’s last five starts on 5 days’ rest.  Atlanta is 4-0 in its last four games overall.  The Braves are 37-15 in their last 52 vs. NL East opponents.  The Marlins are 3-14 in their last 17 vs. a team with a. Winning record.  Miami is 1-6 in Straily’s last seven starts vs. NL East foes.  Bet the Braves on the Run Line Friday. 

20* MLB Wednesday No-Doubt Rout on Colorado Rockies -1.5 (-115) 

The Colorado Rockies should come back highly motivated for a victory Wednesday after getting upset by the San Diego Padres last night.  Look for them to win this game by two runs or more thanks to their big advantage on the mound. 

Jon Gray is back healthy and pitching well for the Rockies.  He has 157 K’s in 134 1/3 innings this season so the stuff is clearly there.  Gray is also 6-3 with a 2.65 ERA and 0.962 WHIP in 13 career starts against San Diego, so he owns the Padres. 

The Padres are so far out of contention that they are looking to give their prospects a look here down the stretch.  Jacob Nix has made two starts, going 1-1 with a 6.75 ERA and 1.949 WHIP.  He has allowed 5 earned runs and 13 base runners in 6 2/3 innings.  Now he has the daunting task of making a start at Coors Field. 

The Rockies are 8-0 in Gray’s last eight starts, in which he has gone 3-0 with a 3.04 ERA, 11 walks and 57 K’s in 53 1/3 innings.  Opponents have hit just .214 with a .624 OPS against Gray during this stretch.  They’ll win his 9th straight start tonight.  Bet the Rockies on the Run Line Wednesday. 

20* MLB Run Line GAME OF THE WEEK on Colorado Rockies -1.5 (+106) 

The Colorado Rockies are rolling right now.  They have gone 8-1 in their last nine games overall with their only loss coming on the road to Houston.  This run has come against the Dodgers, Astros and Braves.  They just swept the Braves in Atlanta. 

Look for the Rockies to win by two runs or more tonight thanks to their advantage on the mound.  Tyler Anderson is 2-3 with a 3.47 ERA and 1.225 WHIP in 12 home starts this season.  What he’s done at Coors Field is nothing short of remarkable.  Anderson is also 2-1 with a 2.27 ERA and 1.065 WHIP in six career starts against San Diego. 

The Padres are just 1-6 in their last seven games overall.  Robbie Erlin won’t be able to stop the bleeding.  Erlin is 1-2 with a 5.87 ERA and 1.478 WHIP in five starts this season.  He is 1-2 with an 8.64 ERA and 2.040 WHIP in four career starts against Colorado as well. 

The Padres are 15-40 in their last 55 games overall.  San Diego is 3-9 in Erlin’s last 12 starts.  The Rockies are 12-2 in their last 14 games vs. a left-handed starter, including 5-0 in their last five home games against a southpaw.  Colorado is 20-7 in its last 27 home games.  Bet the Rockies on the Run Line Tuesday. 

15* MLB Monday No-Doubt Rout on Milwaukee Brewers -1.5 (-110) 

The Brewers picked up a gutsy 2-1 win over the Cardinals yesterday.  They are fighting for their lives to make the wild card and to stay alive in the NL Central race.  They need wins right now a lot more than the Cincinnati Reds, who are simply playing for pride. 

The Brewers should be able to win by at least two runs tonight thanks to their huge advantage on the mound.  Chase Anderson is 7-7 with a 3.97 ERA and 1.199 WHIP in 24 starts this season.  Anderson is 4-1 with a 2.98 ERA and 1.138 WHIP in nine career starts against Cincinnati. 

Homer Bailey has been one of the worst starters in baseball over the last handful of years.  He is 1-10 with a 6.33 ERA and 1.629 WHIP in 16 starts this season.  Bailey is also 7-10 with a 4.79 ERA and 1.367 WHIP in 27 career starts against Milwaukee. 

Bailey is 0-9 vs. a team with a winning record this season, and the Reds are losing by 2.8 runs per game in this spot.  Bailey is 1-15 in all games this season with the Reds losing by 2.6 runs per game on average.  Bet the Brewers on the Run Line Monday. 

20* MLB Thursday No-Doubt Rout on New York Yankees -1.5 (-110) 

The New York Yankees should have no problem winning by two runs or more tonight.  They have a big advantage on the mound and are motivated fighting for a wild card spot in the American League. 

J.A. Happ has been excellent in his first few starts in a Yankee uniform.  Happ is 1-1 with a 1.23 ERA and 0.954 WHIP in his last three starts.  Happ has owned the Rangers, going 5-2 with a 2.83 ERA and 1.161 WHIP in seven career starts against them. 

Ariel Jurado will be making just his fourth start of the season tonight.  He is 2-1 with a 4.02 ERA through his first three starts.  However, this will be his toughest test yet at hitter-friendly Yankee Stadium. 

Happy is 26-7 after giving up one or fewer earned runs last outing over the past three seasons.  His teams are winning by 1.8 runs per game in this spot.  The Yankees are 57-19 in their last 76 home games.  New York is 6-1 in its last seven vs. a team with a losing record.  Texas is 7-19 in its last 26 vs. a team with a winning record.  Bet the Yankees on the Run Line Thursday. 

20* MLB Thursday No-Doubt Rout on Washington Nationals -1.5 (-130) 

The Washington Nationals are looking to make a serious push in August to chase down the NL East leaders. They have won five of their last seven and have scored a combined 30 runs in winning their last two games.  Now they get to host the lowly Cincinnati Reds for a four-game series and will be looking to take advantage. 

Ace Max Scherzer gets the ball for Game 1 tonight.  Scherzer is 14-5 with a 2.30 ERA and 0.901 WHIP in 22 starts this season with 200 K’s in 148 2/3 innings.  Scherzer owns the Reds, going 3-1 with a 2.05 ERA and 0.978 WHIP in five career starts against them. 

Tyler Mahle is 7-8 with a 4.53 ERA and 1.519 WHIP in 21 starts for the Reds this season.  He has really struggled of late, going 0-2 with a 14.00 ERA and 2.889 WHIP in his last three starts, allowing 14 earned runs, 5 homers and 26 base runners in 9 innings pitched. 

The Nationals are 50-20 in Scherzer’s last 70 starts, 18-6 in his last 24 home starts, and 9-1 in his last 10 starts during Game 1 of a series.  Washington is 6-1 in its last seven home games vs. a team with a losing road record.  The Nationals are 13-3 in the last 16 meetings.  Bet the Nationals on the Run Line Thursday. 

20* MLB Saturday No-Doubt Rout on Seattle Mariners -1.5 (-105) 

I backed the Mariners with success on the Run Line yesterday and I’m back on them again Saturday.  It’s a team I knew would be motivated coming out of the All-Star Break after entering the break with four straight losses.  I look for them to win by two runs or more once again today against the lowly Chicago White Sox (33-63). 

The Mariners have a big advantage on the mound with Felix Hernandez.  The right-hander is 4-4 with a 4.10 ERA and 1.247 WHIP in 10 home starts this season.  Hernandez is 7-6 with a 3.90 ERA and 1.276 WHIP in 20 career starts against Chicago. 

Dylan Covey has been one of the worst starters in baseball this season.  He is 3-5 with a 5.21 ERA and 1.627 WHIP in 11 starts this season, including 0-3 with a 14.73 ERA and 2.545 WHIP in his last three.  He’s also 1-4 with a 6.92 ERA and 1.793 WHIP in six road starts, and 0-0 with a 6.00 ERA in one career start against Seattle. 

Seattle is 21-6 as a home favorite of -110 or higher this season.  The White Sox are 1-12 in Covey’s last 13 road starts.  Chicago is 14-44 in its last 58 vs. a team with a winning record.  The Marines are 7-0 in Hernandez’s last seven starts vs. AL Central opponents.  Seattle is 4-0 in Hernandez’s last four starts against the White Sox, and 6-1 in his last seven home starts against them.  Bet the Mariners on the Run Line Saturday. 

20* MLB Friday No-Doubt Rout on Seattle Mariners -1.5 (+105) 

The Seattle Mariners come out of the All-Star Break highly motivated for a victory.  They lost four straight on the road heading into the break to let the Astros distance themselves from them a bit in the AL West race.  Now they get to host the lowly White Sox to get back on track in this series, and I expect them to win Game 1 by two runs or more. 

Wade LeBlanc has been great for the Mariners this season.  He is 5-1 with a 3.45 ERA and 1.123 WHIP in 14 starts, including a perfect 5-0 with a 2.35 ERA and 0.891 WHIP in eight home starts.  LeBlanc has posted a 3.86 ERA in one career starts against Chicago. 

James Shields is 4-9 with a 4.38 ERA in 20 starts this season, including 1-4 with a 6.02 ERA in seven road starts.  Shields has been awful in his last three starts against the Mariners, going 0-3 with an 11.04 ERA while allowing 18 earned runs in 14 2/3 innings. 

LeBlanc is 9-0 in home games vs. AL teams with an on base percentage of .330 or worse over the last three seasons.  His teams are winning by 2.0 runs per game on average in this spot.  LeBlanc is 10-0 at home when the total is 8 to 8.5 over the last three seasons, and his teams are winning by 2.2 runs per game.  The Mariners are 8-0 in LeBlanc’s eight home starts this season and winning by 2.2 runs per game.  Bet the Mariners on the Run Line Friday. 

20* MLB Sunday No-Doubt Rout on Los Angeles Dodgers -1.5 (-110) 

The Los Angeles Dodgers have battled to get to within 0.5 games of the Arizona Diamondbacks for first place in the NL West.  Look for them to win their final game before the All-Star Break over the Angels thanks to a huge advantage on the mound. 

Clayton Kershaw looks healthy and his numbers are showing it.  He is now 3-4 with a 2.61 ERA and 1.043 WHIP in 12 starts this season, including 2-0 with a 1.59 ERA and 0.647 WHIP in his last three starts.  Kershaw is 6-2 with a 2.42 ERA and 0.962 WHIP in 10 career starts against the Angels. 

Deck McGuire is no more than a fill-in starter for the Angels.  And his two starts this season have not gone well as he’s 0-1 with a 7.11 ERA and 1.580 WHIP while averaging just 3.2 innings per start.  The Dodgers will get into the Angels’ bullpen early in this one. 

Kershaw is 35-5 vs. teams who strand 6.9 or less base runners per game over the last three seasons.  The Dodgers are winning by 2.4 runs per game on average in this spot.  The Angels are 2-12 in their last 14 games vs. a starter with a WHIP less than 1.15.  The Dodgers are 14-3 in their last 17 games following a loss.  Los Angeles is 9-1 in Kershaw’s last 10 interleague starts.  Bet the Dodgers on the Run Line Sunday. 

20* MLB Thursday No-Doubt Rout on Los Angeles Dodgers -1.5 (-111) 

The Los Angeles Dodgers should have no problem beating the San Diego Padres by two runs or more tonight.  The Dodgers have been playing well for weeks now and are just 0.5 games behind the Diamondbacks for first place in the NL West.  They’re looking to close strong before the All-Star Break. 

Los Angeles starter Ross Stripling has earned his way onto the All-Star team.  He is 7-2 with a 2.55 ERA and 1.054 WHIP in 13 starts this season with 86 K’s in 74 innings.  Stripling has been dominant in his two starts against San Diego, going 2-0 with a 0.00 ERA while pitching 10 2/3 innings with 15 K’s without allowing an earned run. 

Tyson Ross is really faltering of late.  He has gone 0-2 with a 19.29 ERA in his last two starts, giving up 15 earned runs and 4 homers in 7 innings.  Ross was awful in his last start against the Dodgers giving up 8 runs and 10 base runners in 5 1/3 innings of a 15-0 loss. 

San Diego is 6-20 as a home underdog of +100 or higher this season.  It is losing by 3.1 runs per game on average in this spot.  The Dodgers are 12-2 in their last 14 road games vs. a right-handed starter.  Los Angeles is 8-2 in Stripling’s last 10 starts overall.  The Padres are 1-7 in Ross’ last eight starts against the Dodgers, including 0-4 in his last four home starts against them.  Bet the Dodgers on the Run Line Thursday.

15* Interleague PLAY OF THE DAY on Cleveland Indians -1.5 (+104) 

I had the Indians on the Run Line yesterday in one of the sickest beats I’ve taken all season.  They were up 4-0 going into the 9th and lost 7-4.  Now the Indians have lost four straight, and they are looking to avoid the sweep at the hands of in-state rival Cincinnati.  Look for them to be playing with an extra chip on their shoulder tonight. 

Carlos Carrasco has some of the best stuff in baseball.  He has gone 9-5 with a 4.28 ERA and 1.179 WHIP in 16 starts this season.  The Indians are 4-0 in Carrasco’s four career starts against the Reds, having never lost, and winning three of them by 2 runs or more. 

Tyler Mahle has been respectable for the Reds this season at 7-6 with a 3.66 ERA and 1.393 WHIP in 18 starts.  But he’ll be up against it here against a motivated Indians lineup that will continue to pour it on after letting off the gas yesterday after taking a quick 4-0 lead. 

The Reds are 2-8 in their last 10 interleague road games vs. a team with a winning record.  The Indians are 40-12 in their last 52 home games vs. a team with a losing road record.  Cleveland is 5-0 in its last five after losing the first two games of a series.  The Indians are 15-3 off three or more consecutive losses over the last three seasons.  Cleveland is 9-1 in Carrasco’s last 10 starts vs. a team with a losing record.  Take the Indians on the Run Line Wednesday. 

20* MLB Wednesday No-Doubt Rout on Boston Red Sox -1.5 (-165) 

The Boston Red Sox have such a big advantage on the mound tonight that it’s worth laying the juice with them on the Run Line.  They should have no problem winning by two runs or more.  The Red Sox are 8-0 in their last eight games overall with seven of those wins coming by 3 runs or more. 

Ace Chris Sale gets the ball Wednesday.  He is 9-4 with a 2.36 ERA and 0.893 WHIP in 19 starts this season, including 3-0 with a 0.45 ERA and 0.650 WHIP in his last three starts.  Sale is 6-2 with a 3.14 ERA and 0.873 WHIP in nine career starts against Texas.  Better yet, Sale is 3-0 with a 1.23 ERA in his last three starts against the Rangers, allowing just 4 earned runs in 29 1/3 innings. 

The 45-year-old Bartolo Colon is overmatched here.  He is 5-6 with a 4.80 ERA in 16 starts this season.  Colon is 9-12 with a 4.06 ERA and 1.435 WHIP in 32 career starts against Boston.  He allowed 4 homers in 7 innings in his last start against the Red Sox on May 4th of this season, a 1-5 loss. 

The Rangers are 20-41 in their last 61 vs. a team with a winning record.  The Red Sox are 51-18 in their last 69 games vs. a right-handed starter.  Boston is 10-1 in Sale’s last 11 starts during Game 3 of a series.  The Red Sox are 5-0 in their last five meetings with the Rangers.  Boston is 6-0 in its last six home meetings with Texas.  Bet the Red Sox on the Run Line Wednesday. 

25* Interleague GAME OF THE YEAR on Cleveland Indians -1.5 (-115) 

The Cleveland Indians will be highly motivated for a victory Tuesday after losing three straight games coming in, including their 6-0 shutout loss to the Reds yesterday.  But due to the massive advantage the Indians have on the mound tonight, they should have no problem getting revenge and beating the Reds by two runs or more to cover the Run Line. 

Trevor Bauer has been outstanding this season.  He has gone 8-6 with a 2.45 ERA and 1.088 WHIP in 18 starts, 4-1 with a 2.52 ERA and 1.118 WHIP in eight home starts, and 2-1 with a 2.18 ERA and 1.064 WHIP in his last three outings.  He has 156 K’s in 121 1/3 innings this season.  Bauer has allowed just 3 earned runs in 13 innings in his two career home starts against the Reds for a 2.08 ERA. 

Sal Romano has been one of the worst starters in baseball this season for the Reds.  He is 5-8 with a 5.31 ERA and 1.463 WHIP in 18 starts, 1-4 with a 6.11 ERA and 1.585 WHIP in seven road starts, and 1-1 with a 6.60 ERA and 1.600 WHIP in his last three outings. 

Cleveland is 15-2 off three or more consecutive losses over the last three seasons.  It is coming back to win by 3.5 runs per game on average in this spot.  The Reds are 16-43 in their last 59 interleague road games.  The Indians are 6-1 in Bauer’s last seven home starts.  Cleveland is 40-11 in its last 51 home games vs. a team with a losing road record.  Bet the Indians on the Run Line Tuesday. 

20* NL GAME OF THE WEEK on Los Angeles Dodgers -1.5 (-150) 

The Los Angeles Dodgers should make easy work of the San Diego Padres tonight and win this game by two runs or more.  They are focused as they approach the All-Star Break to try and grab first place in the NL West, while the Padres are just going through the motions right now. 

The Dodgers have a massive advantage on the mound tonight behind Clayton Kershaw, who is 2-4 with a 2.86 ERA and 1.095 WHIP in 11 starts this season.  Kershaw is 17-6 with a 1.94 ERA and 0.992 WHIP in 32 career starts against San Diego.  Kershaw has allowed one earned run or fewer in 11 of his last 12 starts against the Padres, which is absolutely remarkable. 

Luis Perdomo is 1-2 with a 6.86 ERA and 2.186 WHIP in five starts this season, including 0-2 with a 15.43 ERA and 3.286 HWIP in two home starts.  Perdomo is also 1-4 with an 8.31 ERA and 1.692 WHIP in five career starts against the Dodgers.  He gave up 7 earned runs and 12 base runners in 3 innings in his only start against the Dodgers this season back on April 18th. 

Kershaw is 34-5 against teams that strand 6.9 or less runners on base per game over the last two seasons.  The Dodgers are winning by 2.3 runs per game in this spot.  San Diego is 5-18 as a home dog of +100 or more this season, losing by 3.3 runs per game on average.  Los Angeles is 46-11 in Kershaw’s last 57 starts vs. NL West opponents, including 5-0 in his last five starts in San Diego.  Bet the Dodgers on the Run Line Monday. 

15* MLB Monday No-Doubt Rout on Houston Astros -1.5 (-115) 

The Houston Astros have won six straight to improve to 61-31 on the season and get a little breathing room on the Seattle Mariners atop the AL West standings.  Look for them to win their seventh straight game tonight, and to do so by two runs or more. 

Gerrit Cole is having the best season of his career.  He has gone 9-2 with a 2.70 ERA and 0.969 WHIP in 18 starts this season with 158 K’s in 116 2/3 innings.  The Astros are 15-3 in those starts.  Cole is also 2-1 with a 3.51 ERA and 1.091 WHIP in four career starts against Oakland.  The Astros are 3-0 in Cole’s three starts against the A’s this season alone, winning by 4, 3 and 8 runs. 

Frankie Montas is 4-2 with a 3.83 ERA and 1.464 WHIP in seven starts for the A’s this season, but 0-1 with a 9.34 ERA in his last two starts, giving up 9 earned runs and 20 base runners in 8 2/3 innings to the Tigers and Indians.  Montas’ worst start this season came against the Astros on June 14th when he allowed 7 runs and 15 base runners in 5 1/3 innings of a 3-7 loss. 

Cole is 20-3 as a favorite of -150 or more over the last two seasons.  His teams are winning by 3.2 runs per game on average in this spot.  Roll with the Astros on the Run Line Monday. 

15* AL PLAY OF THE DAY on Boston Red Sox -1.5 (-101) 

The Boston Red Sox are 6-0 in their last six games overall to improve to 62-29 on the season.  They should have no problem beating the Rangers to two runs or more today.  They have scored a combined 46 runs in their last five games for an average of 9.2 runs per game. 

They should stay hot at the plate tonight against Texas’ Mike Minor.  The left-hander has been awful on the road this season, going 2-2 with a 6.82 ERA and 1.451 WHIP in six starts away from home.  It won’t get any easier for Minor at Fenway Park tonight. 

Eduardo Rodriquez has been a huge asset to Boston’s rotation this season.  The left-hander has gone 10-3 with a 3.84 ERA and 1.259 WHIP in 17 starts with 100K’s in 93 2/3 innings.  He is 1-0 with a 3.29 ERA and 0.805 WHIP in two career starts against Texas. 

Rodriquez is 17-2 as a favorite of -150 or more over the last two seasons.  The Red Sox are winning by 2.4 runs per game on average in this spot.  Take the Red Sox on the Run Line Monday. 

15* NL PLAY OF THE DAY on Washington Nationals -1.5 (+103) 

The players’ only meeting has really made a big difference for the Nationals.  They are 3-0 since, and their offense has exploded by 35 combined runs in the three wins, including 18 yesterday.  They should beat the Marlins by two runs or more once again Sunday. 

Tanner Roark is 3-9 with a 4.44 ERA in 17 starts this season.  I expect him to have a great start here against the Marlins.  He has given up just 3 earned runs in 13 innings in his last two starts against Miami for a 2.08 ERA. 

Trevor Richards has been awful this season.  He is 2-5 with a 5.26 ERA and 1.509 WHIP in 11 starts, and 1-3 with a 6.07 ERA and 1.725 WHIP in six road starts.  He is in line to get rocked by this hot Nats’ lineup today. 

The Marlins are 20-42 in their last 62 road games.  Miami is 1-7 in its last eight Sunday games.  The Marlins are 3-14 in their last 17 during Game 4 of a series.  The Nationals are 5-1 in Roark’s last six home starts vs. a team with a losing record.  Washington is 21-6 in the last 27 meetings, including 4-1 in Roark’s last five starts against Miami.  Take the Nationals Sunday. 

20* MLB Sunday No-Doubt Rout on Cleveland Indians -1.5 (+110) 

The Cleveland Indians had won five straight while scoring at least 6 runs in four of those wins prior to a 3-6 upset loss to the Indians yesterday.  They’ll bounce back with a victory Sunday by two runs or more. 

Shane Bieber has had an excellent start to his rookie season.  He is 4-0 with a 2.97 ERA in five starts, 2-0 with a 0.71 ERA in two home starts, and 3-0 with a 2.37 ERA in his last three starts overall. 

Brett Anderson is one of the worst starters in baseball.  It’s amazing he has even made the rotation for the A’s.  Anderson is 0-2 with a 7.63 ERA and 2.022 WHIP in four starts this season. 

Cleveland is 19-3 in home games vs. teams who average 0.35 or fewer stolen bases per game over the last three seasons.  It is winning by 3.1 runs per game in this spot.  The Indians are 5-0 in Bieber’s last five starts.  Bet the Indians on the Run Line Sunday.

20* MLB Saturday No-Doubt Rout on Houston Astros -1.5 (-155) 

The Houston Astros will have no problem winning by two runs or more Saturday against the Chicago White Sox.  They have a big advantage on the mound and at the plate in this one. 

Charlie Morton is 10-2 with a 2.55 ERA and 1.114 WHIP in 17 starts this season.  He is also 7-1 with a 2.18 ERA and 1.032 WHIP in 10 home starts, and 2-1 with a 0.92 ERA and 1.017 WHIP in his last three starts.  Morton is 1-0 with a 0.00 ERA and 0.714 WHIP in one career start against Chicago. 

James Shields id 3-8 with a 4.06 ERA in 18 starts for the White Sox this season, including 1-3 with a 5.02 ERA in six road starts.  Shields faced the Astros on April 20th this season, giving up 7 earned runs and 12 base runners in 5 1/3 innings of a 10-0 loss. 

Houston is 28-5 vs. teams who are outscored by 0.5 or more runs per game this season.  It is winning by 3.3 runs per game in this spot.  Shields is 9-38 as a dog of +150 or more in his career.  His teams are losing by 2.7 runs per game on average.  Bet the Astros on the Run Line Saturday. 

20* MLB Friday No-Doubt Rout on Washington Nationals -1.5 (+100) 

The players’ only meeting on Wednesday clearly helped this team.  They could have given up down 9-0 yesterday to the Marlins, but fought back with 14 unanswered runs and a 14-12 victory.  I think this will be a great team to back in the immediate future, and I’ll continue to do so tonight. 

The Nationals have a big advantage on the mound behind Gio Gonzalez.  The left-hander is 6-5 with a 3.77 ERA in 17 starts this season, including 3-2 with a 3.02 ERA in eight home starts.  Gonzalez owns the Marlins, going 10-3 with a 1.85 ERA and 1.046 WHIP in 16 career starts against them. 

Dan Straily is 3-4 with a 4.70 ERA in 12 starts this season, including 1-2 with a 6.14 ERA in his last three.  Straily has never beaten the Nationals, going 0-1 with a 4.03 ERA in five career starts against them. 

Gonzalez is 41-15 in home games vs. poor power teams averaging 0.9 or less HR’s/game in his career.  His teams are winning by 1.8 runs per game on average.  Miami is 3-16 in its last 19 road games after scoring 8 runs or more.  It is losing by 2.9 runs per game in this spot.  The Marlins are 1-6 in Straily’s last seven starts.  Washington is 43-16 in its last 59 home meetings with Miami, including 6-1 in Gonzalez’s last seven home starts against them.  Bet the Nationals on the Run Line Friday. 

20* NL Thursday No-Doubt Rout on Washington Nationals -1.5 (+110) 

The Washington Nationals just had a players’ only meeting yesterday after getting swept by the Red Sox to fall to 42-43 on the season.  They have now lost eight of their last nine games overall.  I expect them to respond in a big way in Game 1 of this series with the Miami Marlins Thursday. 

Jeremy Hellickson has been awesome for the Nationals this season.  He has gone 2-1 with a 2.62 ERA and 1.021 WHIP in 10 starts, including 0-0 with a 1.65 ERA and 0.919 WHIP in three home starts.  Hellickson is also 4-3 with a 2.88 ERA and 1.053 WHIP in 12 career starts against the Marlins. 

Pablo Lopez will be making just the second start of his career for the Marlins.  He pitched well in his major league debut, giving up two runs in six innings against the Mets on Saturday.  But the Nationals are a different animal, and he will have his work cut out for him tonight. 

The Nationals are 5-2 in Hellickson’s last seven starts.  The Marlins are 5-22 in their last 27 Thursday games. Washington is 42-16 in its last 58 home meetings with Miami.  The Nationals are 19-7 in the last 26 meetings overall.  Bet the Nationals on the Run Line Thursday. 

20* MLB Tuesday No-Doubt Rout on Houston Astros -1.5 (-119) 

After losing three straight to the Rays over the weekend, the Astros now have just a half-game lead on the Seattle Mariners in the AL West.  They’ll be highly motivated for a victory to get back on track in Game 1 of this series against the Texas Rangers Tuesday. 

Dallas Keuchel hasn’t been at his best this season, but he’s still been solid with a 4.22 ERA in 17 starts, a 3.54 ERA in nine road starts, and a 3.12 ERA in his last three.  Keuchel has allowed one earned run or fewer in five of his last eight starts against the Rangers. 

Austin Bibens-Dirkxx is 1-1 with a 3.57 ERA and 1.323 WHIP in four starts this season.  But he has faced some suspect lineups in the Royals (twice), Padres and Mariners.  This is by far his stiffest test of the season tonight against an Astros team that is 30-14 on the road and scoring 5.7 runs per game away from home. 

Houston is 12-0 in road games vs. teams who are outscored by their opponents by 0.5 or more runs per game this season.  It is winning these games by 5.2 runs per game on average.  The Astros are 18-3 on the road against division opponents this season, winning by 3.5 runs per game.  Bet the Astros on the Run Line. 

20* MLB Saturday No-Doubt Rout on Houston Astros -1.5 (-110) 

The Houston Astros will bounce back from a rare loss to the Tampa Bay Rays yesterday.  The Astros are 18-4 in their last 22 games overall, including a perfect 4-0 in their last four games following a loss during this stretch. 

Ace Justin Verlander gets the ball for the Astros today.  Verlander is 9-3 with a 1.82 ERA and 0.809 WHIP in 17 starts this season, including 7-1 with a 1.34 ERA and 0.857 WHIP in eight road starts.  The right-hander is also 8-3 with a 3.18 ERA and 1.129 WHIP in 17 career starts against Tampa Bay. 

Ryne Stanek is being used as a starter despite the fact that he’s a reliever for the Rays.  I just don’t trust this strategy that Tampa Bay is employing.  The Astros can’t be held down for long, and after being limited offensively the past two days, look for them to bust out in a big way today. 

Houston is 30-12 on the road this season and scoring 5.9 runs per game.  The Astros are 17-3 on the road this season after two straight games allowing 3 or fewer runs.  Houston is 6-0 in its last six during Game 3 of a series.  The Astros are 15-3 in their last 18 road games vs. a team with a losing record.  The Rays are 1-4 in Stanek’s last five starts vs. a team with a winning record.  Bet the Astros on the Run Line Saturday. 

20* MLB Monday No-Doubt Rout on Houston Astros -1.5 (-125) 

The Houston Astros are absolutely on fire right now.  They are 11-0 in their last 11 games overall while winning nine of those by two runs or more.  They have scored at least 5 runs in 10 of the 11 games, and 7 or more eight times.  They’ll stay motivated to keep this winning streak alive tonight against the Rays. 

Gerrit Cole has been awesome this season.  He has gone 8-1 with a 2.40 ERA and 0.875 WHIP in 14 starts with 130 K’s in 93 2/3 innings.  Houston pitching coaches have worked magic on this entire staff, and Cole has been perhaps the biggest beneficiary. 

The Rays continue to deploy relievers as starters in their experiment.  It’s not really working.  Ryan Stanek will get the ball tonight and he has posted a 6.77 ERA in his two road starts.  He’s only averaging 1.5 innings per start. 

The Rays are 1-9 in their last 10 road games.  Tampa Bay is 0-8 in its last eight road games vs. a right-handed starter.  The Rays are 2-11 in their last 13 vs. a team with a winning record.  The Astros are 22-5 in their last 27 home gams vs. a team with a losing road record.  Houston is 12-2 in Cole’s last 14 starts.   

Cole is 11-0 in June road games in his career, and his teams are winning by 3.5 runs per game on average in this spot.  Cole is 17-2 as a favorite of -150 or more over the last two seasons, and his teams are also winning by 3.5 runs per game in this situation.  Bet the Astros on the Run Line Monday. 

20* MLB Friday No-Doubt Rout on Houston Astros -1.5 (-130) 

The Houston Astros have won eight straight games coming into this one.  They are on fire at the plate, scoring 5 or more runs in seven of the eight wins.  They have won six of the eight games by two runs or more.  They should beat the Royals by two runs or more in Game 1 of this series Friday. 

The Royals are 1-9 in their last 10 games overall.  Now they’ll be sending Jake Junis to the mound, and while he has been decent this season, he has struggled of late.  Junis is 0-3 with a 5.79 ERA and 1.501 WHIP in his last three starts.  He is 0-0 with a 17.17 ERA in one career start against Houston, giving up 7 earned runs in 3 2/3 innings. 

Charlie Morton is having another great season for the Astros.  He has gone 7-1 with a 2.82 ERA and 1.122 WHIP in 13 starts this season with 96 K’s in 76 2/3 innings.  He is also 2-0 with a 2.93 ERA and 1.229 WHIP in five road starts. 

Houston is 18-3 in June road games over the last two seasons, winning by 2.6 runs per game.  The Astros are 8-0 in their last eight games.  The Astros are 6-0 in Morton’s last six starts during Game 1 of a series.  The Royals are 2-10 in their last 12 games following an off day.  Bet the Astros on the Run Line Friday.

20* MLB Thursday No-Doubt Rout on Houston Astros -1.5 (-125) 

The Houston Astros are 7-0 in their last seven games overall.  They have been crushing it at the plate, scoring 5 runs or more in six of the seven wins while averaging 7.1 runs per game in the process.  They should beat the A’s by two runs or more again today. 

Justin Verlander is a Cy Young candidate this season.  He has gone 8-2 with a 1.45 ERA and 0.761 WHIP in 14 starts, including 6-1 with a 0.96 ERA and 0.879 WHIP in seven road starts.  Verlander is also 14-6 with a 2.27 ERA and 1.057 WHIP in 22 career starts against Oakland. 

Frankie Montas is getting too much respect from oddsmakers here.  He has posted great numbers, but he has only had three starts this season, and two of those have come against the Kansas City Royals.  This will be by far his stiffest test yet against the red-hot Astros. 

Houston is 22-6 in road games after scoring 9 runs or more over the last three seasons.  It is winning by 3.6 runs per game in this spot.  The Astros are 17-3 in road games against division opponents this season.  They are winning by 3.4 runs per game.  Houston is 35-16 in the last 51 meetings, including 5-0 in the last five meetings in Oakland.  Bet the Astros on the Run Line Thursday. 

20* MLB Wednesday No-Doubt Rout on Houston Astros -1.5 (-125) 

The Houston Astros have reeled off six straight victories coming into this game with the Oakland A’s tonight. They have scored at least 5 runs in five of the six.  Look for them to win by two runs or more tonight, so we’ll back them on the Run Line instead of laying the heavy price on the money line. 

Gerrit Cole is right up there for the Cy Young award in the American League.  He has gone 7-1 with a 2.16 ERA and 0.844 WHIP in 13 starts with 124 K’s in 87 2/3 innings.  He is 5-0 with a 1.72 ERA and 0.851 WHIP in seven road starts.  Cole is also 1-1 with a 2.75 ERA and 1.017 WHIP in three career starts against Oakland, two of which have come this season. 

Paul Blackburn will be making just his second start of the season for the A’s.  His first went well, but it was against the lowly Kansas City Royals, so he’ll be taking a big step up in class here.  Blackburn managed just 22 K’s in 58 2/3 innings last season for the A’s and clearly doesn’t have very good stuff at all. 

Cole is 10-0 in June road games in his career, and his teams are winning by 3.1 runs per game on average in this spot.  Cole is 16-2 as a favorite of -150 or more over the last two seasons, and his teams are winning by 3.2 runs per game in this spot.  Bet the Astros on the Run Line Wednesday. 

15* AL PLAY OF THE DAY on Houston Astros -1.5 (-117) 

The Houston Astros should have no problem beating the Texas Rangers by two runs or more Sunday.  That’s why we’ll back them on the Run Line instead of laying -200 or more on the money line today. 

Dallas Keuchel has done his best work on the road this season with a 3.35 ERA in seven starts.  Keuchel is 9-9 with a 3.86 ERA and 1.153 WHIP in 24 career starts against Texas.  He has allowed one earned run or fewer in five of his last seven starts against the Rangers. 

Matt Moore has arguably been the worst starter in all of baseball over the past two seasons.  It’s amazing the Rangers keep starting him.  Moore is 1-5 with a 7.62 ERA and 1.981 WHIP in 11 starts this season.  Two of those have come in blowout losses to Houston as he has allowed 7 earned runs in 7 innings for a 9.00 ERA. 

Houston is 47-19 as a road favorite of -125 or more over the last two seasons.  It is winning in this spot by 2.5 runs per game on average.  The Astros are 10-1 in their last 11 meetings in Texas.  Roll with the Astros on the Run Line. 

15* AL PLAY OF THE DAY on Houston Astros -1.5 (-117) 

The Houston Astros should have no problem beating the Texas Rangers by two runs or more tonight.  They have been a great bet on the road over the past few seasons because you get a cheaper price with them when away from home. 

The Astros have a big advantage on the mound tonight behind Charlie Morton, who is 7-1 with a 2.84 ERA and 1.082 WHIP in 12 starts this season.  Morton is also 2-1 with a 3.03 ERA and 1.213 WHIP in five career starts against Texas. 

Mike Minor is 4-4 with a 5.76 ERA and 1.348 WHIP in 11 starts this season fr the Rangers.  Minor has never beaten the Astros, going 0-2 with a 5.53 ERA in five career starts against them. 

Houston is 46-19 as a road favorite of -125 or more over the last two seasons, winning by 2.5 runs per game on average in this spot.  The Astros are 8-1 in Morton’s last nine starts when working on 5 days’ rest.  Houston is 9-1 in its last 10 meetings in Texas.  Take the Astros on the Run Line. 

15* AL PLAY OF THE DAY on Houston Astros -1.5 (-115) 

The Houston Astros should have no problem winning by two runs or more tonight over the Texas Rangers.  They have a massive advantage on the mound tonight just as they do in most games, and that’s why backing them on the run line has been a great bet on the road this season. 

Justin Verlander has been unhittable since getting traded to the Astros last season.  He has gone 7-2 with a 1.24 ERA and 0.721 WHIP in 13 starts this season, including 5-1 with a 0.44 ERA and 0.811 WHIP in six road starts.  Verlander is 13-8 with a 2.93 ERA in 25 career starts against Texas, including 2-1 with a 1.38 ERA in his last four starts against them, allowing just 4 earned runs in 26 innings while striking out 34 batters. 

Doug Fister is no match for Verlander.  The right-hander is 1-6 with a 4.13 ERA and 1.377 WHIP in 11 starts this season, including 1-2 with a 6.40 ERA and 1.698 WHIP in five home starts.  He has gone 2-2 with a 4.07 ERA in six career stats against Houston as well. 

Houston is 45-19 as a road favorite of -125 or higher over the last two seasons, winning by 2.5 runs per game on average.  The Astros are 17-6 in Verlander’s last 23 starts.  The Rangers are 1-5 in Fister’s last six starts.  Houston is 8-1 in its last nine meetings in Texas.  Roll with the Astros on the Run Line Friday. 

20* MLB Thursday No-Doubt Rout on Houston Astros -1.5 (-105) 

The Houston Astros should have no problem winning by two runs or more against the Texas Rangers tonight.  They have lost three of their last four coming in, so they will be highly motivated for a victory tonight. 

Gerrit Cole should lead them to victory.  He has gone 6-1 with a 2.20 ERA and 0.833 WHIP in 12 starts this season, including 4-0 with a 1.76 ERA and 0.829 WHIP in six road starts.  Cole has never lost to the Rangers, going 2-0 with a 1.29 ERA and 0.667 WHIP in three career starts against them.  He has 34 K’s in 21 innings in those three starts. 

Cole Hamels has been decent this season at 3-5 with a 3.63 ERA and 1.236 WHIP in 12 starts.  However, he has been at his worst at home, going 1-4 with a 4.66 ERA and 1.364 WHIP in six home starts.  And Hamels has already faced the Astros three times this season, so they have the beat on him. 

Cole is 9-0 (+9.7 units) in June road games in his career.  His teams are winning by 3.1 runs per game on average in this spot.  Cole is 14-2 (+11.1 units) as a favorite of -125 to -175 over the last two seasons.  His teams are winning by 2.4 runs per game on average.  Bet the Astros on the Run Line Thursday. 

15* MLB Tuesday No-Doubt Rout on St. Louis Cardinals -1.5 (+120) 

The St. Louis Cardinals (32-25) should have no problem beating the lowly Miami Marlins (20-39) by two runs or more in Game 1 of this series Tuesday.  They have a huge advantage on the mound, as well as advantages at the plate and in the bullpen. 

Jose Urena is still in search of his first win for the Marlins.  He is 0-7 with a 4.41 ERA in 12 starts this season, and the Marlins are 0-12 in those 12 starts.  Urena is also 1-1 with an 8.16 ERA and 1.814 WHIP in three career starts against St. Louis. 

Carlos Martinez is 3-2 with a 1.62 ERA and 1.080 WHIP in eight starts this season, including 1-1 with a 1.48 ERA and 1.055 WHIP in five home starts.  Martinez is 2-1 with a 3.96 ERA in four career starts against the Marlins as well. 

Martinez is 34-11 vs. an NL team with a batting average of .250 or worse in his career.  Urena is 0-12 in all games this season and the Marlins are losing by 2.8 runs per game on average.  The Marlins are 0-8 in their last eight vs. a right-handed starter.  The Cardinals are 6-1 in Martinez’s last seven starts.  Take the Cardinals on the Run Line Tuesday. 

15* Interleague PLAY OF THE DAY on Cleveland Indians -1.5 (+103) 

The Cleveland Indians should have no problem winning by two runs or more in Game 1 of this series with the Milwaukee Brewers.  They will be sending their ace to the mound and will be highly motivated for a victory after losing three straight to the Twins over the weekend. 

Corey Kluber is having another Cy Young-caliber season.  He is 8-2 with a 2.02 ERA and 0.839 WHIP in 12 starts this year, including 5-0 with a 1.26 ERA and 0.791 WHIP in six home starts.  He is also 2-0 with a 0.93 ERA and 0.828 WHIP in his last three starts, which is impressive considering he has faced Houston twice. 

Junior Guerra isn’t as good as his 2.65 ERA and 1.123 WHIP would indicate this season.  One of his worst starts this year came against Cleveland on May 9th as he allowed 4 earned runs in 5 innings of a 2-6 loss to the Indians for a 7.20 ERA. 

Cleveland is a perfect 11-0 in home games off three or more consecutive losses over the last three seasons.  It is coming back to win by 4.1 runs per game on average in this spot.  Roll with the Indians on the Run Line Tuesday. 

20* MLB Wednesday No-Doubt Rout on Arizona Diamondbacks -1.5 (+100) 

I’ve backed the Diamondbacks with success each of the last two days and I’m going to back them again here Wednesday to sweep the Cincinnati Reds.  They won 12-5 on Monday and 5-2 on Wednesday and should also win this game by two runs or more. 

The Diamondbacks have a huge advantage on the mound behind Pat Corbin, who is 5-1 with a 2.47 ERA and 0.894 WHIP in 11 starts this season.  Corbin has been at his best at home, going 4-1 with a 2.02 ERA and 0.675 WHIP in six starts.  He is also 2-2 with a 3.20 ERA and 1.178 WHIP in seven career starts against Cincinnati. 

Sal Romano has been one of the worst starters in baseball this season.  He has gone 2-6 with a 5.73 ERA and 1.600 WHIP in 11 starts, including 0-3 with a 12.80 ERA and 2.686 WHIP in his last three.  Romano is also 0-4 with a 7.66 ERA and 1.970 WHIP in five road starts.  He gave up 6 earned runs and 11 base runners in 4 innings of a 2-11 loss to Arizona in his only career start against them last year. 

Cincinnati is 2-15 vs. a good bullpen whose ERA is 3.45 or better this season, losing by 2.6 runs per game in this spot.  The Reds are 2-15 vs. teams who strand 6.9 or fewer base runners per game this season, losing by 3.2 runs per game in this spot.  The Diamondbacks are 9-3 in Corbin’s last 12 home starts.  Arizona is 5-0 in Corbin’s last five starts during Game 3 of a series.  Bet the Diamondbacks on the Run Line Wednesday. 

15* MLB Friday No-Doubt Rout on Colorado Rockies -1.5 (+100) 

The Colorado Rockies will come into this game highly motivated for a victory after losing four of their last five overall.  They also come in with many advantages, not the least of which is rest.  The Reds played yesterday, while the Rockies had yesterday off to regroup and recover. 

No question the Rockies have the advantage on the mound tonight behind Jon Gray, who is 4-6 with a 5.17 ERA and 1.401 WHIP in 10 starts this season with 63 K’s in 55 2/3 innings.  Gray has never lost to the Reds, going 2-0 with a 3.86 ERA in two career starts against them. 

Sal Romano is 2-5 with a 5.44 ERA and 1.530 WHIP in 10 starts this season with only 34 K’s in 49 2/3 innings.  Romano has been awful on the road, going 0-3 with a 7.41 ERA and 1.882 WHIP in four starts, and it’s not going to get any easier for him at hitter-friendly Coors Field tonight.  Romano is also 0-2 with a 15.96 ERA in his last two starts, allowing 13 earned runs in 7 1/3 innings to the Cubs and Giants. 

Cincinnati is 1-11 vs. teams who strand 6.9 or fewer runners on base per game this season.  It is losing by 3.3 runs per game in this spot.  The Rockies are 12-3 in their last 15 home games following a road trip of seven or more days.  Colorado is 7-2 in Gray’s last nine home starts vs. a team with a losing record.  The Reds are 16-34 in their last 50 meetings in Colorado.  Take the Rockies on the Run Line Friday. 

15* MLB Monday No-Doubt Rout on Washington Nationals -1.5 (+125) 

The Washington Nationals will be highly motivated for a victory at home here against the San Diego Padres in Game 1 of this series.  They were swept by the Dodgers over the weekend.  But now they face the lowly Padres and should be able to win by two runs or more. 

The Nationals certainly have the advantage on the mound in this one behind Gio Gonzalez, who is 4-2 with a 2.22 ERA in eight starts, including 2-1 with a 1.61 ERA in four home starts.  Gonzalez is 3-2 with a 3.21 ERA in seven career starts against San Diego.  In his last two starts against the Padres, he has given up just one earned run in 12 2/3 innings. 

Robbie Erlin will be making just his second start of the season for San Diego.  The first was not good as he gave up 6 and 8 base runners in 3 innings against the Dodgers on April 16th.  Erlin has never beaten the Nationals, going 0-2 with a massive 16.40 ERA and 2.680 WHIP in two career starts against them. 

San Diego is 3-18 off three or more consecutive wins over the last three seasons.  It is losing by 3.4 runs per game on average in this spot.  Gonzalez is 14-2 when working on 7 or more days’ rest in his career.  His teams are winning by 3.9 runs per game in this spot.  Take the Nationals on the Run Line Monday. 

15* MLB Sunday No-Doubt Rout on Los Angeles Angels -1.5 (+110) 

It’s safe to say the Los Angeles Angels will be highly motivated for a victory Sunday.  They have lost five straight coming in, including each of the first three against the Rays in this series.  They will be desperate to avoid the sweep today. 

I like the Angels’ chances of winning by two runs or more today behind Shohei Ohtani.  He has gone 3-1 with a 3.58 ERA and 1.102 WHIP in six starts with 43 K’s in 32 2/3 innings.  His two best starts this season have come on Sunday afternoon home starts.  He is 1-1 with a 2.35 ERA and 0.848 WHIP in three home starts this year. 

Lifetime reliever Sergio Romo will start for the Rays for a second straight day.  He only pitched one inning yesterday, and the plan will be for one more inning today most likely.  That will force the Rays to unload their bullpen early, which is going to be a big advantage for the Angels. 

The Rays are 3-13 in their last 16 games vs. a starter with a WHIP less than 1.15.  Tampa Bay is 1-6 in its last seven Sunday games.  The Rays are 0-5 in their last five during Game 4 of a series.  The Angels are 5-1 in Ohtani’s last six starts.  Los Angeles is 4-0 in Ohtani’s last four Sunday starts.  Bet the Angels on the Run Line Sunday. 

15* MLB Wednesday No-Doubt Rout on Boston Red Sox -1.5 (-120) 

The Boston Red Sox will be highly motivated for a victory here Wednesday night.  They have lost the first two games of this series to Oakland and will be looking to avoid a rare sweep at home.  I think they get the job done by two runs or more with their ace on the mound. 

Chris Sale gets the ball for the Red Sox.  He is 3-1 with a 2.21 ERA and 0.897 WHIP in nine starts this season, including 1-0 with a 1.50 ERA and 1.056 WHIP in three home starts.  Sale is also 4-3 with a 2.35 ERA and 0.862 WHIP in nine career starts against Oakland. 

Trevor Cahill has pitched well in limited action at home, but he’s 0-1 with a 4.91 ERA in two road starts this season.  Cahill is also 1-2 with a 6.35 ERA and 1.518 WHIP in five career starts against Boston. 

Sale is 32-7 vs. an AL team with a batting average of .255 or worse over the last three seasons.  His teams are winning by 3.3 runs per game on average in this spot.  Boston is 29-5 as a favorite of -200 or more over the last two years.  It is winning by 2.5 runs per game in this spot.  Take the Red Sox on the Run Line Wednesday. 

15* MLB Wednesday No-Doubt Rout on Philadelphia Phillies -1.5 (+110) 

The Philadelphia Phillies will be highly motivated for a victory Wednesday.  They have lost four straight coming in with their last win coming behind Aaron Nola in a 7-3 victory over Atlanta.  Well, their ace gets the ball again tonight. 

Nola has been lights out since the second half of last season.  Nola is 3-1 with a 2.58 ERA and 0.965 WHIP in six starts this season.  He gave up just one earned run in 7 innings while striking out 11 in his last start against Miami, an 8-1 Phillies’ victory. 

Jose Urena is still in search of his first win of the season for the Marlins.  He is 0-4 with a 4.91 ERA and 1.303 WHIP in six starts this season.  The Marlins have gone 0-6 in those six starts.  Urena is 1-2 with a 5.84 ERA and 1.459 WHIP in five career starts against Philadelphia. 

The Phillies are 8-1 in their last nine games when their opponent scores 2 runs or less in their previous game.  Philadelphia is 4-0 in its last four games after losing the first two games of a series.  The Marlins are 0-8 in Urena’s last eight starts.  Miami is 1-10 in Urena’s last 11 starts vs. a team with a winning record.  Take the Phillies on the Run Line Wednesday. 

15* MLB Tuesday No-Doubt Rout on St. Louis Cardinals -1.5 (-110) 

The St. Louis Cardinals come into this series with the Chicago White Sox highly motivated for a victory.  They were just swept in a 3-game set in Pittsburgh over the weekend.  Now they get to host the 8-18 Chicago White Sox to get back on track. 

Michael Wacha has pitched well this season, going 4-1 with a 3.62 ERA in five starts, including 3-0 with a 2.04 ERA in three home starts.  Wacha won his only career start against the White Sox back in 2015. 

James Shields somehow manages to keep a spot in Chicago’s rotation despite being awful.  Shields is 1-2 with a 5.97 ERA and 1.605 WHIP in five starts this season.  He is also 0-1 with an 8.74 ERA and 2.383 WHIP in two career starts against St. Louis. 

The White Sox are 25-54 in their last 79 road games.  Chicago is 2-11 in its last 13 interleague road games.  The White Sox are 0-5 in Shields’ last five starts vs. a team with a winning record.  The Cardinals are 6-0 in Wacha’s last six starts vs. AL Central opponents.  St. Louis is 38-14 in its last 52 games vs. a team with a winning % below .400.  Roll with the Cardinals on the Run Line Tuesday. 

15* MLB Tuesday No-Doubt Rout on New York Yankees -1.5 (-140) 

I backed the Yankees on the Run Line yesterday in a 12-1 victory over the Miami Marlins.  I’m going to hop back on board today with the same pick.  Instead of taking the Yankees at roughly -300 on the money line, we’ll back them at -140 on the Run Line at a much more favorable price. 

The Marlins are the worst team in baseball in my opinion.  They are just 4-12 this season with 11 of those 12 losses coming by 2 runs or more.  Their lineup is atrocious, and their rotation is awful as well.  Jarlin Garcia stands little chance of being successful against this potent Yankees’ lineup tonight. 

Masahiro Tanaka should be able to shut down the Marlins.  This is by far his easiest start of the year after facing the Blue Jays, Orioles and Red Sox in his first three starts.  He has posted a 1.039 WHIP with 18 K’s in 17 1/3 innings thus far.  Tanaka gave up just 2 earned runs in 7 innings in his lone career start against Miami for a 2.57 ERA. 

The Marlins are 18-40 in their last 58 vs. AL East opponents.  Miami is 8-25 in its last 33 interleague road games.  The Yankees are 7-0 in their last seven interleague games.  New York is 8-1 in its last nine home games vs. a left-handed starter.  The Yankees are 40-17 in Tanaka’s last 57 home starts.  New York is 5-1 in its last six home meetings with Miami.  Roll with the Yankees on the Run Line Tuesday. 

15* MLB Monday No-Doubt Rout on New York Yankees -1.5 (-125) 

Instead of laying -300 or more to back the Yankees on the Money Line tonight, we’ll gladly lay just -125 with them on the Run Line in hopes that they win this game by two runs or more.  I think that shouldn’t be a problem against what I believe is the worst team in baseball in the Miami Marlins. 

The Marlins are just 4-11 this season with 10 of those 11 losses coming by two runs or more.  The Yankees are rested and ready to go after having the last two days off due to weather.  Giancarlo Stanton will be excited to face his former team for the first time as well. 

Luis Severino is one of the better starters in baseball.  He went 14-6 with a 2.98 ERA and 1.040 WHIP in 31 starts last season.  He struck out 230 batters in 193 1/3 innings.  He is 2-1 with a 3.50 ERA and 1.167 WHIP through three starts this season as well. 

Caleb Smith has not fared well in limited action in the big leagues in his brief two-year career to this point. He is 0-2 with a 6.47 ERA and 1.625 WHIP while allowing 23 earned runs and 6 homers in 32 innings.  He is in line to get rocked against this potent Yankees’ lineup tonight. 

The Marlins are 18-39 in their last 57 vs. AL East opponents.  Miami is 8-24 in its last 32 interleague road games.  The Yankees are 6-0 in their last six interleague games.  New York is 7-1 in its last eight home games vs. a left-handed starter.  The Yankees are 7-0 in Severino’s last seven starts vs. a team with a losing record.  New York is 13-3 in Severino’s last 16 home starts.  Roll with the Yankees on the Run Line Monday. 

20* MLB Friday No-Doubt Rout on Houston Astros -1.5 (-119) 

The Houston Astros will be highly motivated for a victory at home tonight following back-to-back losses at Minnesota.  They are still 9-4 on the season with seven of those wins coming by two runs or more.  So instead of laying -240 on the money line, we’ll back them on the run line at a much more favorable -119 price. 

Gerrit Cole has delivered in a big way for the Astros in the early going.  He is 1-0 with a 0.64 ERA and 0.714 WHIP in two starts with 22 strikeouts in 14 innings.  One of those starts came against Texas on April 1st as he allowed just one earned run in 7 innings while striking out 11.  Cole is now 2-0 with a 0.64 ERA and 0.714 WHIP in two career starts against Texas. 

Cole Hamels has taken a big step back since joining the Rangers.  He hasn’t fared well thus far in 2018, going 1-2 with a 5.06 ERA and 1.625 WHIP in three starts.  Hamels is 0-2 with a 9.34 ERA in his last two starts against Houston, giving up 9 earned runs and 19 base runners in 8 2/3 innings. 

Texas is 1-11 off two straight losses by 4 runs or more over the last two seasons.  It is coming back to lose by 3.1 runs per game on average in this spot.  The Rangers are 0-9 in their last nine vs. starter with a WHIP less than 1.15.  Houston is 7-1 in the last eight meetings.  Bet the Astros on the Run Line Friday. 

15* MLB Wednesday No-Doubt Rout on Cleveland Indians -1.5 (-123) 

Instead of laying roughly -265 to back the Indians on the money line, we are going to take the hugely discounted price of -123 on the run line tonight.  I am sure they will get the win against one of the worst teams in baseball in the Tigers, and it’s likely to come by two runs or more due to their massive advantage on the mound. 

Carlos Carrasco is one of the better starters in baseball.  He is off to a 2-0 start with a 5.40 ERA and 1.114 WHIP in his two starts this season.  Carrasco has dominated the Tigers recently, going 7-1 with a 1.52 ERA in his last 11 starts against them, giving up just 11 earned runs in 65 1/3 innings. 

Jordan Zimmerman has been a massive bust in Detroit.  He is 0-0 with an 8.71 ERA and 1.646 WHIP in his two starts this season against Chicago and Pittsburgh, giving up 10 earned runs in 10 1/3 innings.  Zimmerman has never beaten the Indians, going 0-4 with a whopping 10.88 ERA and 2.014 WHIP in five career starts against them. 

The Tigers are 1-8 in Zimmerman’s last nine starts when working on five days’ rest.  Detroit is 17-47 in its last 64 games overall.  The Indians are 21-5 in Carrasco’s last 26 starts vs. AL Central opponents.  Cleveland is 8-0 in Carrasco’s last eight home starts vs. a team with a losing record.  Cleveland is 7-0 in Carrasco’s last seven starts when working on four days’ rest.  Roll with the Indians on the Run Line Wednesday. 

15* MLB Tuesday No-Doubt Rout on St. Louis Cardinals -1.5 (+130) 

Instead of laying -175 or so to back the Cardinals on the money line, I’m going to take the value and bet the Cardinals on the -1.5 run line at a +130 price.  I have no doubt the Cardinals win this game, and it’s likely they do so by 2 runs or more given their advantage on the mound. 

Carlos Martinez pitched 8 1/3 shutout innings while striking out 10 in a 6-0 win at Milwaukee in his last start.  He is now 6-4 with a 2.35 ERA and 1.200 WHIP in 13 career starts against the Brewers.  He’ll be motivated to help the Cardinals bounce back from two consecutive losses coming in, including one in extra innings last night to the Brewers. 

Brent Suter has been rocked in the early going.  He is 1-1 with a 6.30 ERA and 1.700 WHIP while allowing 7 earned runs and 17 base runners in 10 innings pitched across two starts this season.  Suter has never beaten the Cardinals, going 0-2 with a 7.20 ERA and 1.500 WHIP in two career starts against them. 

The Cardinals are 4-1 in Martinez’s last five home starts.  The Brewers are 1-4 in their last five vs. a team with a losing record.  St. Louis is 8-2 in Martinez’s last 10 Tuesday starts.  Take the Cardinals on the Run Line Tuesday. 

15* AL PLAY OF THE DAY on Cleveland Indians -1.5 (-123) 

The Cleveland Indians have a massive edge on the mound and at the plate tonight over the Detroit Tigers. Look for them to win this game by multiple runs.  So instead of laying -270 on the run line, we’ll take the much more generous price of -123 on the run line tonight. 

Corey Kluber is one of the Top 5 starters in baseball.  He has gone 0-1 with a 2.40 ERA and 0.800 WHIP in two starts this season, and will be motivated to pick up his first victory tonight.  Kluber owned the Tiger in his final three starts against them last year, going 2-0 with a 0.82 ERA while allowing just 2 earned runs in 22 innings. 

Francisco Liriano is well past his prime and fortunate to still have a spot in a rotation somewhere.  Liriano gave up 7 earned runs in 2 innings in his lone start against Cleveland last year.  Look for the Indians to finally get their bats going tonight against Liriano. 

The Tigers are 2-12 in their last 14 after scoring 2 runs or less in their previous game.  The Indians are 23-5 in their last 28 during Game 1 of a series.  Cleveland is 36-15 in Kluber’s last 51 starts, and 24-9 in his last 33 home starts.  Take the Indians on the Run Line Monday. 

15* MLB Sunday PLAY OF THE DAY on Cleveland Indians -1.5 (-110) 

I fully expect the Cleveland Indians to bounce back from a 1-0 loss to the Royals yesterday with a win by two runs or more today.  So instead of laying the -200 price on the money line, I’ll take the -1.5 run line. 

Mike Clevinger is 1-0 with a 0.00 ERA and 1.125 WHIP in his lone start this season.  He is one of the most underrated starters in the big leagues.  Clevinger is 2-0 with a 2.49 ERA and 1.200 WHIP in four career starts against Kansas City. 

Jason Hammel is 3-5 with a 5.37 ERA in 10 career starts against Cleveland. He gave up 5 earned runs in 5 innings and 10 base runners in a 1-6 loss at Detroit in his first start this season for a 9.00 ERA and 2.00 WHIP. 

Hammel is 1-17 in his last 18 games as an underdog of +175 to +250.  His teams are losing by 3.5 runs per game on average in this spot.  Bet the Indians on the Run Line. 

15* MLB Saturday No-Doubt Rout on Houston Astros -1.5 (-130) 

The Houston Astros are actually better on paper this season than the team that won the World Series last year.  A big reason for that was the signing of Gerrit Cole, adding another No. 1 starter to an already loaded rotation. 

Cole was sharp in his first start for the Astros.  He allowed just one run and five base runners in 7 innings while striking out 11 in an 8-2 victory at Texas.  The Astros are off to a hot start this year, going 6-2 with five of those wins coming by 3 runs or more. 

The Padres are just 2-6 on the season, picking up a rare win in Game 1 yesterday that will have the Astros motivated to bounce back with a win today.  And Bryan Mitchell, who gave up 5 earned runs and 11 base runners in 5 innings of a 4-7 loss to Colorado in his first start this season, is in line to get rocked by this potent Houston lineup. 

Houston is 22-7 after a game where it had 4 or fewer hits over the last three seasons.  The Padres are 3-12 in their last 15 games overall.  San Diego is 0-5 in its last five games following a win.  Houston is 22-4 in its last 26 home games.  The Astros are 30-12 in their last 42 vs. NL West opponents.  Take the Astros on the Run Line Saturday. 

15* MLB Tuesday No-Doubt Rout on Boston Red Sox -1.5 (-125) 

I’ll continue fading the Miami Marlins on the Run Line.  They are the worst team in baseball and it will be a profitable move to fade them on the Run Line all season.  The Red Sox are one of the best teams in baseball and are off to a 4-1 start this season. 

Miami will be up against one of the Top 5 best starters in the game in Chris Sale.  Sale dominated in his first start, pitching six shutout innings while striking out nine batters against Tampa Bay.  He will shut down this weak Miami lineup. 

Jose Urena was roughed up in his first start for the Marlins, giving up 5 earned runs, 2 homers and 10 base runners in 4 innings in a 4-8 loss to the Cubs.  He hasn’t fared well in his big league career, and he’s up against it here against this potent Red Sox lineup. 

Boston is 17-4 in interleague games over the last two seasons, winning by 1.5 runs per game.  The Red Sox are 20-3 in Tuesday games over the last two years, winning by 3.1 runs per game.  Boston is 6-0 in Sale’s last six road starts vs. a team with a losing record.  The Marlins are 2-8 in their last 10 games vs. a left-handed starter.  Miami is 1-5 in Urena’s last six starts vs. a team with a winning record.  Roll with the Red Sox on the Run Line Tuesday. 

15* MLB Sunday PLAY OF THE DAY on Chicago Cubs -1.5 (-120) 

I’ve stated before already this season that I believe you can fade the Marlins on the Run Line every game and make money.  They are far and away the worst team in baseball, and that will show over the course of a 162-game season. 

After getting a taste of the playoffs last year with Chicago, Jose Quintana wants more.  He went 7-3 with a 3.74 ERA in 14 starts with the Cubs.  He struck out 10.5 batters per 9 innings with the Cubs as well. 

Dillon Peters was in the minors last year when he got hurt fielding a ground ball.  He had to rehab his fractured thumb for three months.  And he wasn’t very effective when healthy, going 1-2 with a 5.17 ERA and 1.627 WHIP in six starts for the Marlins last year. 

The Cubs are 7-2 in Quintana’s last nine starts, including 4-0 in his last four starts vs. a team with a losing record.  The Marlins are 1-7 in their last eight games vs. a left-handed starter.  Miami is 1-7 in its last eight during Game 4 of a series.  The Marlins are 0-5 in their last five Sunday games.  Roll with the Cubs on the Run Line Sunday. 

15* MLB Run Line PLAY OF THE DAY on Chicago Cubs -1.5 (-125) 

I’m of the belief that if you fade the fade the Marlins on the run line all season you will win money.  That’s especially the case when they are at home and you’re getting cheaper run line prices on the road teams. 

The Marlins have the worst roster in baseball, and it’s not even close.  Derek Jeter and company gutted the roster and basically got rid of all their best players.  It’s going to be a long season in Miami. 

Yu Darvish will be highly motivated to prove that the Cubs made the right move getting him this offseason.  He also wants to erase the sour taste out of his mouth from the World Series with the Dodgers.  Darvish 8-5 with a 2.65 ERA and 1.082 WHIP in road games last year. 

Chicago is 16-2 when revenging a one run loss over the last two seasons.  It is coming back to win by 2.8 runs per game on average in this spot.  Roll with the Cubs on the Run Line Saturday. 

15* MLB Friday No-Doubt Rout on Chicago Cubs -1.5 (-120) 

The Miami Marlins are the worst team in baseball, period.  It will be a profitable move to fade them on the run line all season.  They have the worst lineup in baseball, and their starting rotation leaves a lot to be desired as well. 

The Cubs have a big edge on the mount with Kyle Hendricks, who has posted a 2.94 ERA over four major league seasons, going 16-8 with a 2.13 ERA in 2016.  In his final 16 starts last year, he allowed on or fewer runs in eight of them. 

Rookie left-hander Caleb Smith will make his Marlins debut after being acquired from the Yankees on Nov. 20.  Smith is a 16th-round pick out of Sam Houston State.  He only has nine games of big league experience.  That includes two starts and a 7.71 ERA last year. 

Joe Maddon is 96-47 as a road favorite of -125 or more as the coach of the Cubs.  They are winning by 2.0 runs per game on average in this spot.  Chicago is 13-6 in Hendricks’ last 19 road starts.  Miami is 1-10 in its last 11 vs. a team with a winning % above .600.  Roll with the Cubs on the Run Line Friday. 

15* Twins/Yankees AL Wild Card No-Brainer on New York -1.5 (-115)

The New York Yankees should have no problem beating the Minnesota Twins by two runs or more here.  The Yankees have the better starter, better bullpen and better lineup in this winner-take-all Wild Card game.

Luis Severino is 14-6 with a 2.98 ERA and 1.040 WHIP in 31 starts this season.  Hhe has 230 K's in 193 1/3 innings.  He's backed by a bullpen with a 3.36 ERA in all games and a 3.22 ERA in home games.  He's also backed by a lineup that averages 5.6 runs per game at home.

Ervin Santana has been one of the more lucky starters in the big leagues at 16-8 with a 3.28 ERA and 1.126 WHIP in 33 starts.  He has only 167 K's in 211 1/3 innings.  The Twins have a 4.35 bullpen ERA overall and a 4.40 ERA on the road.  Their lineup his scoring 4.9 runs per game on the road.

Santana is 6-10 with a 5.66 ERA and 1.517 WHIP in 20 career starts against New York.  The Yankees are 8-1 against Minnesota in their last nine home meetings, winning by 2 runs per game on average.  The Twins are 5-21 in their last 26 playoff games, including 0-5 n their last five playoff road games.   The Yankees are 13-3 in Severino's last 16 starts, and 13-3 in their last 16 home games.  Bet the Yankees on the Run Line Tuesday.

20* MLB Wednesday No-Doubt Rout on Houston Astros -1.5 (-130)

The Houston Astros have gone 10-2 in their last 12 games overall to pull within one game of the Cleveland Indians for home-field advantage in the American League.  The Texas Rangers have lost five straight and are just looking forward to going on vacation.  They've been outscored 25-5 by the Astros in the first two games of this series.

Now one of the hottest starters in baseball gets the ball for the Astros.  Justin Verlander is 4-0 with a 0.64 ERA in 28 innings since being traded from the Detroit Tigers.  He is 10-6 with a 3.02 ERA in 19 career starts against Texas as well.

Nick Martinez is having a rough season for the Rangers, going 3-7 with a 5.42 ERA in 17 starts this year.  Martinez is 0-2 with a 5.51 ERA in three starts against the Astros in 2017, giving up 10 earned runs and a whopping 6 homers in 16 1/3 innings.

Texas is 1-12 in its last 13 home games off three consecutive losses by five runs or more to division opponents.  The Rangers are losing by 3.8 runs per game on average in this spot.  Bet the Astros on the Run Line Wednesday.

15* MLB Monday No-Doubt Rout on Boston Red Sox -1.5 (-105)

The Boston Red Sox have now won six straight and are now 14-3 in their last 17 games overall.  They are the hottest team in baseball outside the Cleveland Indians.  And their magic number is three for clinching the AL East now, meaning that any combination of three Boston wins or New York losses would get them the division.  They are so close they can taste it.

Drew Pomeranz is far and away the superior starter here.  He is 16-5 with a 3.15 ERA in 30 starts this season, 9-2 with a 3.11 ERA in 15 home starts, and 2-0 with a 1.47 ERA in his last three starts.  Pomeranz is also 3-1 with a 2.96 ERA in five career starts against Toronto.

Brett Anderson is one of the worst starters in baseball.  He is 3-4 with a 7.15 ERA and 1.809 WHIP in 11 starts this season. He was just rocked for 8 earned runs in 1 1/3 innings in his last start on September 30th in a 5-15 loss to the Royals.  Anderson gave up 6 earned runs in 4 innings in his last start at Boston as well.

The Red Sox are 17-4 in Pomeranz's 21 night starts this season.  They are winning by 2.1 runs per game on average.  Boston is 9-1 in Pomerenz's 10 starts in the second half of the season vs. teams who average 1.25 or more HR's/game, winning by 2.6 runs per game.  Boston is 13-3 in Pomeranz's last 16 home starts.  Take the Red Sox on the Run Line Monday.

15* MLB Thursday No-Doubt Rout on St. Louis Cardinals -1.5 (+100)

The St. Louis Cardinals won yesterday and gained a game on both the Rockies and Brewers in the wild card, the two teams they are chasing.  This team is feeling good about themselves right now at just 2.5 games back with 11 games to go.  They are in must-win mode the rest of the way.

The Cardinals have scored 17 runs in the first two games of this series against the Reds.  They should stay red hot at the plate against Cincinnati's Homer Bailey, who is 5-8 with a 6.86 ERA and 1.725 WHIP in 16 starts this season, including 1-5 with a 7.78 ERA and 1.676 WHIP in eight home starts.  Bailey is 6-12 with a 5.75 ERA and 1.619 WHIP in 22 career starts against St. Louis.  He gave up 10 earned runs in 3 1/3 innings of a 4-13 loss to the Cardinals in his last start against them on August 6th.

Carlos Martinez has been as consistent as they come this season.  He is 11-11 with a 3.57 ERA and 1.194 WHIP in 30 starts this year.  Martinez is also 3-2 with a 3.92 ERA and 1.258 WHIP in seven career starts against the Reds.

St. Louis is 14-2 vs. an NL starting pitcher whose WHIP is 1.650 or worse over the last two seasons.  It is winning by 3.1 runs per game on average in this spot.  The Cardinals are 13-3 in their last 16 vs. a team with a losing record.  The Reds are 2-7 in Bailey's last nine home starts.  The Reds are 13-40 in their last 53 after scoring 2 runs or less in their previous game.  Roll with the Cardinals on the Run Line Thursday.

15* MLB Sunday PLAY OF THE DAY on Colorado Rockies -1.5 (-105)

The Colorado Rockies are inching closer to clinching their playoff spot.  They have gone 10-3 in their last 13 games overall, including blowout victories over the Padres in each of the first two games in this series, outscoring them 22-1 in the process.

I think the blowouts continue behind talented starter Jon Gray, who is 4-1 with a 3.34 ERA in six home starts this year, and 2-1 with a 3.00 ERA in his last three starts.  Gray is 3-2 with a 2.76 ERA and 0.959 WHIP in eight career starts against San Diego as well.

Jhoulys Chacin has some of the most drastic home/road splits in the majors this year.  He has been awful on the road, going 4-7 with a 7.11 ERA and 1.680 WHIP in 14 road starts this year.  It isn't going to get any easier for him here against a hot-hitting Rockies lineup inside a hitter's ballpark at Coors Field.

Colorado is 15-3 in home games vs. NL teams scoring 4 or less runs/game on the season this season.  It is winning by 3.1 runs per game in this spot.  San Diego is 6-24 in road games after scoring 2 runs or less 2 straight games over the last 3 seasons.  It is losing by 2.2 runs per game in this spot.  Bet the Rockies on the Run Line Sunday.

20* MLB Friday No-Doubt Rout on Boston Red Sox -1.5 (-110)

The Boston Red Sox have won five of their last seven, while the Tampa Bay Rays have lost five of their last seven.  The Red Sox are only 3 games up on the Yankees in the AL East and need wins, while the Rays are 5.5 games back in the wild card and basically done for now.  Boston should have no problem winning this game by two runs or more based on motivation and their massive edge on the mound.

Chris Sale is well on his way to winning the AL Cy Young award.  He has gone 16-7 with a 2.76 ERA and 0.946 WHIP in 29 starts this season, striking out 278 batters in 195 2/3 innings.  He has pitched well of late with a 1.56 ERA in his last three starts.  Sale is 2-0 with a 0.00 ERA in his last two starts against Tampa Bay, pitching 14 shutout innings while striking out 21 batters.

Matt Andriese is 5-3 with a 4.65 ERA and 1.419 WHIP in 14 starts this season, including 0-2 with a 14.08 ERA and 2.477 WHIP in his last three starts.  Andriese does not enjoy facing the Red Sox, going 2-2 with a 6.28 ERA and 1.465 WHIP in six career starts against them.  He gave up 8 runs, 6 earned, in 1 2/3 innings in a 9-0 loss at Boston in his last start on September 9th.

Sale is 16-2 (+13.1 Units) against the money line vs. an AL team with a team batting average of .255 or worse this season.  The Red Sox are winning by 4.1 runs per game in this spot.  The Rays are 0-4 in Andriese's last four starts.  Tampa Bay is 0-5 in its last five vs. a left-handed starter.  Bet the Red Sox on the Run Line.

15* MLB Thursday Early Afternoon ANNIHILATOR on St. Louis Cardinals -1.5 (-115)

The St. Louis Cardinals needs wins and fast.  They are three games behind the Chicago Cubs for first place in the NL Central with just 17 games remaining.  After losing to the Reds yesterday, I expect them to bounce back today and win by two runs or more to cover this run line.

Luke Weaver has done a remarkable job since joining the rotation over the past month.  He is 5-1 with a 2.45 ERA and 1.091 WHIP in six starts, 2-1 with a 2.04 ERA and 1.019 WHIP in his three home starts, and 3-0 with a 1.96 ERA and 1.200 WHIP in his last three starts overall.  He has struck out 49 batters in 36 2/3 innings this year.

Amir Garrett just hasn't been able to keep his spot in the rotation for the Reds this year due to poor performance.  He is 3-7 with a 7.39 ERA and 1.547 WHIP in 13 starts this season.  They are giving him one last chance here down the stretch, and I don't expect it to go much better for him.

The Reds are 0-7 in Garrett's last seven starts.  Cincinnati is 0-6 in Garrett's last six road starts.  The Reds are 20-42 in their last 62 road games.  The Cardinals are 5-0 in their last five games following a loss.  St. Louis is 8-2 in its last 10 games overall.  Roll with the Cardinals on the Run Line Thursday.

20* MLB Wednesday No-Doubt Rout on Boston Red Sox -1.5 (+100)

The Boston Red Sox are getting closer to clinching the AL East at 4 games up on the New York Yankees for first place.  They aren't going to be letting up with 18 games to go until that task is done.  After rolling the A's 11-1 yesterday, look for a similar performance tonight.

Doug Fister has been a revelation.  He is probably the sole reason they are in first place right now.  Fister has gone 5-2 with a 2.79 ERA in seven starts in place of David Price.  He has gone 2-1 with a 1.71 ERA in his last three starts, shutting down Toronto, New York and Baltimore.

Fister also owns the A's, going 8-7 with a 2.95 ERA and 1.241 WHIP in 19 career starts against them.  He is 3-1 with a 0.98 ERA in his last four starts against Oakland, giving up just 3 earned runs in 27 2/3 innings.

The A's have been a terrible road team at 21-48 (-20.9 units) on the season.  Jharel Cotton won't save them today.  He is 7-10 with a 5.90 ERA and 1.479 WHIP in 22 starts this season.  He has given up 11 earned runs and 6 homers over 9 innings in his last two starts coming in.

Oakland is 2-12 after having won four of its last five games this season.  The A's are losing by 2.8 runs per game in this spot.  The Red Sox are 26-10 in their last 36 home games vs. a right-handed starter.  Boston is 7-0 in its last seven Wednesday games.  The A's are 16-43 in the last 59 meetings, including 4-11 in the last 15 meetings in Boston.  Bet the Red Sox on the Run Line Wednesday.

20* MLB Run Line GAME OF THE WEEK on St. Louis Cardinals -1.5 (+135)

The St. Louis Cardinals have battled their way to within 2 games of the Chicago Cubs for first place in the NL Central.  They need every win they can get, and will certainly be motivated for one in Game 1 of this series with the Cincinnati Reds tonight.

Lance Lynn has been the ace in St. Louis this season.  He has gone 10-7 with a 2.94 ERA in 29 starts, 5-3 with a 2.87 ERA in 13 home starts. and 0-1 with a 1.29 ERA in his last three starts.  Lynn simply owns the Reds, going 10-4 with a 3.09 ERA and 1.127 WHIP in 17 career starts against them.  He is 3-0 with a 1.17 ERA in his last four starts against Cincinnati, giving up only 3 earned runs in 23 innings.

Robert Stephenson is 4-2 with a 3.55 ERA and 1.553 WHIP in seven starts this year.  He has already walked 26 batters in 38 innings, and that lack of control is going to catch up with him in the majors.  Stephenson faced the Cardinals once before, giving up 5 earned runs in 4 innings of a 5-12 loss for an 11.25 ERA.

The Cardinals are 7-1 in their last eight games overall.  St. Louis is 5-0 in its last five games vs. a right-handed starter.  The Reds are 19-41 in their last 60 road games.  The Cardinals are 7-1 in Lynn's last eight home starts vs. Cincinnati.  The Reds are 28-60 in their last 88 meetings in St. Louis.  Bet the Cardinals on the Run Line Tuesday.

15* MLB Run Line PLAY OF THE DAY on Milwaukee Brewers -1.5 (+125)

The Milwaukee Brewers just came up with their biggest series sweep of the season.  They took all three games from the Cubs in Chicago over the weekend.  They are now just two games back of the Cubs in the NL Central race, so they aren't about to let up today.

Now they take on a Pittsburgh Pirates team that is clearly tanking, going 0-5 in their last five games overall while scoring a combined 5 runs in the five losses.  Steven Brault, who is 0-0 with a 5.40 ERA and 2.000 WHIP in his lone start this season, won't be able to stop the bleeding for them.

I've been very impressed with Brandon Woodruff, who is 1-1 with a 1.52 ERA and 1.098 WHIP in four starts this season.  He should be able to shut down this weak Pittsburgh lineup.  Brault has never beaten the Brewers, going 0-2 with a 4.20 ERA and 1.600 WHIP in three career starts against them.

The Pirates are 1-10 in their last 11 games after scoring two runs or less in their previous game.  Pittsburgh is 8-26 in its last 34 road games vs. a team with a winning record.  Milwaukee is 8-2 in its last 10 home games.  The Pirates are 24-67 in the last 91 meetings in Milwaukee.  Take the Brewers on the Run Line Monday.

15* MLB BLOWOUT GAME OF THE NIGHT on Chicago Cubs -1.5 (-115)

The Chicago Cubs blew a late lead yesterday to the Cincinnati Reds.  They'll come back highly motivated for a victory here Friday against the lowly Philadelphia Phillies, who own the worst record in baseball.  Chicago is 21-6 in its last 27 games following a loss.

Jose Quintana has been very effective in a Cubs' uniform.  He is 4-2 with a 3.73 ERA in his first seven starts with the club.  He has allowed six or fewer hits in each of his past 14 starts, the longest active streak in the major leagues.

Jerad Eickhoff is 3-7 with a 4.46 ERA and 1.479 WHIP in 22 starts this season.  He faced the Cubs on May 3rd in his only start against them this season.  He gave up 4 earned runs in 5 2/3 innings, which was the second time in his last three starts against them that he has allowed at least 4 runs.

Quintana is 11-1 (+10.7 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record this season.  His teams are winning by 3.7 runs per game on average in these spots.  The Cubs are 14-3 in their last 17 road games vs. a right-handed starter.  The Phillies are 36-79 in their last 115 vs. a team with a winning record.  Bet the Cubs on the Run Line Friday.

20* MLB Run Line GAME OF THE WEEK on Arizona Diamondbacks -1.5 (-105)

The Arizona Diamondbacks ended a 3-9 run with a big victory in extra innings over the New York Mets yesterday to move 3.5 games up on the Brewers in the wild card.  This is a Mets team that appears to have quit, going 1-7 in their last eight games overall.

The Diamondbacks have a big edge on the mound tonight behind Pate Corbin.  He is coming off two of his best starts of the season.  He has pitched 15 1/3 scoreless innings while allowing only 11 base runners and striking out 15 in back-to-back wins over the Cubs and Astros, two of the best teams in baseball.

Tom Milone gets the nod for the Mets.  He is 1-2 with a 7.62 ERA and 1.731 WHIP in six starts this season, including 0-1 with an 11.33 ERA and 2.614 WHIP in three home starts.  Milone is 0-1 with a 7.59 ERA and 1.874 WHIP in two career starts against Arizona as well.

The Mets are 0-10 vs. teams outscoring opppnents by 0.5 or more runs/game in the second half of the season this season.  They are winning by 3.3 runs per game in this spot.  New York is 1-11 as a home underdog of +100 or higher this season.  It is losing by 3.6 runs per game in this situation.  Bet the Diamondbacks on the Run Line Tuesday.

20* MLB Sunday No-Doubt Rout on Texas Rangers -1.5 (-105)

The Texas Rangers have gone 8-2 in their last 10 games overall to pull within 1.5 games of the last wild card spot in the American League.  Their offense just put up 17 runs on the White Sox yesterday, making it four times in the last five games that they have scored at least 9 runs.  We'll ride the hot hand today once again.

Speaking of hot hands, A.J. Griffin has pitched his best baseball of the season of late.  He is 6-3 with a 5.07 ERA and 1.218 WHIP in 11 starts this season, but 2-1 with a 3.37 ERA and 1.062 WHIP in his last three.  He is clearly the better starter in this matchup.

The White Sox are just 1-6 in their last seven games overall to fall to 46-73 on the season.  Miguel Gonzalez has been awful on the road this year, going 2-7 with a 5.81 ERA and 1.661 WHIP in 11 starts away from home.  Gonzalez is 2-3 with a 4.54 ERA and 1.515 WHIP in six career starts against Texas as well.

Griffin is 9-1 (+10.4 Units) against the money line after giving up 1 or less earned runs last outing over the last two seasons.  His teams are winning by 3.9 runs per game in this spot.  The Rangers are 11-2 in Griffin's last 13 home starts.  They are winning by 2.4 runs per game as well.  Bet the Rangers on the Run Line Sunday.

20* MLB Friday No-Doubt Rout on Texas Rangers -1.5 (-120)

The Texas Rangers on a nice run to pull within 1.5 games of the final wild card spot in the American League.  They have gone 7-1 in their last eight games overall.  Their offense has been the catalyst in scoring 5 or more runs in all seven wins during this stretch.

The Chicago White Sox have gone in the other direction.  They have lost five straight while allowing at least 5 runs in all five losses.  Now they are starting their worst pitcher in James Shields, who is 2-4 with a 5.90 ERA and 1.573 WHIP in 13 starts this season.  Shields had allowed 18 homers in just 68 2/3 innings pitched.

Andrew Cashner has been the best starter for the Rangers.  He is 7-9 with a 3.32 ERA in 19 starts, 4-3 with a 2.25 ERA in nine home starts, and 2-1 with a 1.80 ERA in his last three starts.  This guy has consistently been underrated all season.

Shields is 13-33 (-17.6 Units) against the money line in all games over the last two seasons.  His teams are losing by 2.0 runs per game on average.  Texas is 13-2 after scoring and allowing 8 runs or more last game over the last three seasons, winning by 3.1 runs per game on average.  The White Sox are 2-12 in Shields' last 14 road starts.  Texas is 7-0 in its last seven vs. a right-handed starter.  Bet the Rangers on the Run Line Friday.

25* AL Run Line GAME OF THE YEAR on Cleveland Indians -1.5 (+100, Game 1)

One of the weirdest stats you will see this season is the head-to-head history between the Twins and Indians.  The road team is actually 13-1 in their 14 meetings this year.  We'll continue riding this trend Thursday and back the Indians in Game 1 of this double-header on the Run Line.

The Indians have a massive edge on the mound tonight to boot.  Carlos Carrasco is 11-5 with a 3.83 ERA and 1.12 WHIP in 23 starts this season.  He has been at his best on the road, going 8-2 with a 3.09 ERA on the highway.  He pitched 6 1/3 innings of one-run ball in an 8-1 win at Minnesota on June 16th in his only start against them this season.

Kyle Gibson is one of the worst starters in baseball.  He is 6-9 with a 6.02 ERA and 1.70 WHIP in 20 starts this year.  That includes a 3-6 record and a 6.89 ERA and 1.84 WHIP at home this season.  Gibson has allowed at least 3 earned runs in 5 consecutive starts against the Indians, posting a 6.59 ERA in those five outings.

The Indians are 14-3 in their last 17 games vs. a right-handed starter.  Cleveland is 5-0 in its last five road games.  The Indians are 6-0 in Carrasco's last six starts after scoring 5 runs or more in their previous game.  The Twins are 16-35 in Gibson's last 51 starts vs. a team with a winning record.  Minnesota is 27-56 in its last 83 home games vs. a team with a winning record.  The Twins are 0-6 in Gibson's last six home starts vs. Cleveland.  Bet the Indians on the Run Line Thursday.

20* MLB Run Line GAME OF THE WEEK on Chicago Cubs -1.5 (-105)

The Chicago Cubs should have no problem winning by two runs or more tonight against the lowly Cincinnati Reds.  This is a Cubs team that will be taking the Reds seriously considering they are only one game ahead of the Cardinals and two ahead of the Brewers in the NL Central race.

Jose Quintana is clearly the better starter in this game.  He has gone 6-10 with a 4.42 ERA and 1.258 WHIP in 23 starts this season with 143 K's in 134 1/3 innings.  The Reds are awful against left-handed starters, going 7-22 against them this season while hitting .243 and scoring 3.9 runs per game.

Asher Wojciechowski is one of the many sub-par starters in the Reds' rotation.  He has gone 2-1 with a 6.11 ERA in six starts this season, including 0-0 with an 8.00 ERA in two road starts.

Quintana is 9-1 (+8.7 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record this season.  His teams are winning by 3.3 runs per game in this spot.  Bet the Cubs on the Run Line Monday.

20* MLB Run Line GAME OF THE WEEK on Milwaukee Brewers -1.5 (+115)

The Milwaukee Brewers have now lost five straight games after getting swept by the Minnesota Twins last series.  But they are still just two games back of the Chicago Cubs in the NL Central.  They'll be highly motivated for a victory in Game 1 of this series at home against the Cincinnati Reds Friday.

The Brewers should have no problem winning by two runs or more thanks to their edge on the mound.  Jimmy Nelson has been their ace all season, going 9-5 with a 3.24 ERA and 1.19 WHIP in 23 starts.  Nelson is 1-0 with a 2.14 ERA and 0.95 WHIP in his last three starts, so he has shown no signs of slowing down.  He's 5-3 with a 2.43 ERA at home this season, and 4-1 with a 2.16 ERA in his last five starts against Cincinnati, giving up just 8 earned runs in 33 1/3 innings.

Homer Bailey has been a mess since returning from injury.  He is now 3-6 with an 8.86 ERA and a 2.04 WHIP in nine starts this season.  Bailey gave up 10 earned runs in 3 1/3 innings in his last start against the Cardinals.  He faced the Brewers back on June 29th, and he was blasted for 6 earned runs in 3 innings of a 3-11 loss.

The Reds are 16-35 in their last 51 road games.  Cincinnati is 2-10 in Bailey's last 12 starts vs. NL Central opponents.  The Brewers are 5-0 in Nelson's last five home starts.  Milwaukee is 11-4 in its last 15 home games vs. a team with a losing record.  The Brewers are 5-1 in Nelson's last six starts vs. Cincinnati.  The Reds are 1-4 in Bailey's last five starts vs. Milwaukee.  Bet the Brewers on the Run Line Friday.

20* Cubs/Giants ESPN Late-Night BAILOUT on Chicago -1.5 (+100)

The Chicago Cubs will be highly motivated for a win in this series opener against the San Francisco Giants after losing four of their last five games overall.  Look for them to win by multiple runs tonight in Game 1 of this series Monday.

Jake Arrieta has gone 2-1 with a 2.05 ERA and a .154 opponents' batting average against in four starts since the All-Star Break.  Arrieta is 4-2 with a 1.97 ERA and 0.942 WHIP in seven career starts against the Giants.

The Cubs feast on lefties with a 0.822 OPS against them this season, which is the 3rd-best mark in the big leagues.  Matt Moore has been awful all season, going 3-11 with a 5.80 ERA and 1.598 WHIP in 22 starts.  Moore has allowed at least 4 runs in five straight starts coming in.

The Cubs are 18-7 against left-handed starters this season, hitting .282 and scoring 6.4 runs per game.  The Cubs are 23-4 in Arrieta's last 27 road starts vs. teams whose hitters draw 3 or fewer walks per game.  They are winning by an average of 3.7 runs per game in this spot.  Chicago is 11-1 in its last 12 road games.  San Francisco is 0-6 in Moore's last six starts vs. a team with a winning record.  Bet the Cubs on the Run Line Monday.

20* MLB Saturday No-Doubt Rout on Boston Red Sox -1.5 (-140)

The Boston Red Sox should have no problem beating the White Sox by multiple runs Saturday night at Fenway.  They have a massive edge on the mound and this one should be in the bag after five innings.  The Red Sox are 4-0 in their last four games overall while scoring a combined 30 runs in the process.

Drew Pomeranz is 10-4 with a 3.46 ERA in 21 starts this season, including 6-2 with a 3.64 ERA in 11 road starts.  Pomeranz has been great of late at 1-0 with a 1.96 ERA in his last three starts.  The left-hander owns the White Sox, going 2-0 with a 0.75 ERA in two career starts against them.

James Shields is one of the worst starters in baseball.  He has gone 2-3 with a 6.19 ERA and 1.659 WHIP in 11 starts this season, including 0-1 with a 9.42 ERA and 2.163 WHIP in his last three starts.  Shields is 9-15 with a 4.33 ERA and 1.328 WHIP in 29 career starts against Boston.

The White Sox are 17-35 in their last 52 road games.  Chicago is 1-10 in its last 11 games vs. a left-handed starter.  The White Sox are 1-7 in Shields' last eight road starts.  The Red Sox are 57-28 in their last 85 games vs. a team with a winning % below .400.  Boston is 9-3 in Pomeranz's last 12 home starts.  Bet the Red Sox on the Run Line Saturday.

20* MLB Run Line GAME OF THE WEEK on Toronto Blue Jays -1.5 (-120)

The Toronto Blue Jays are hitting the cover off the baseball of late.  They have scored a combined 25 runs over their past three games.  They should feast on Derek Holland and easily win by two runs or more to get us a win today.

J.A. Happ is a solid lefty who has posted a 4.15 ERA in 14 starts this season and a 4.07 ERA in seven road starts.  Happ has gone 2-2 with a 3.96 ERA in four career starts against the White Sox.  He has won his last two starts against them while giving up just 3 earned runs in 14 1/3 innings and striking out 17.

Derek Holland is 5-10 with a 5.84 ERA and 1.599 WHIP in 20 starts this season, including 0-1 with an 8.59 ERA and 1.977 WHIP in his last three starts.  Holland is 3-4 with an 8.22 ERA and 1.696 WHIP in nine career starts against Toronto.  He gave up 11 earned runs in 2 2/3 innings in his last start against the Blue Jays.

The White Sox are 1-10 in Holland's last 11 starts.  Chicago is 2-10 in its last 12 home games.  Bet the Blue Jays on the Run Line Wednesday.

20* MLB Friday No-Doubt Rout on Cleveland Indians -1.5 (-125)

The Cleveland Indians have started to play up to their potential since the All-Star Break to try and take control of the AL Central.  They have now won seven straight games while scoring 6 or more runs in five of their last seven.  Look for them to win by multiple runs tonight against the Chicago White Sox, who have gone 1-12 in their last 13 games overall.  The White Sox are coming off their huge crosstown rivalry with the Cubs and won't be very interested tonight.

Danny Salazar had a tremendous return from the disabled list on July 22nd.  He pitched 7 shutout innings while allowing just one base runners and striking out 8 in a 2-1 win over the Toronto Blue Jays.  Salazar is 5-4 with a 3.97 ERA in 11 career starts against the White Sox.

Derek Holland has gone 5-9 with a 5.56 ERA and 1.529 WHIP in 19 starts this season, including 0-1 with a 9.41 ERA and 1.743 WHIP in his last three starts.  The White Sox traded away all their top bullpen arms, and it has shown lately as their bullpen has been rocked since the break.

The Indians are 13-2 in Salazar's last 15 Friday starts.  The Indians are 7-0 in their last seven games overall.  The White Sox are 0-7 in their last seven home games.  Chicago is 0-6 in Holland's last six starts.  The White Sox are 0-9 in Holland's last nine starts following a loss in their previous game.  These last four trends combine for a perfect 29-0 system backing Cleveland.  Bet the Indians on the Run Line Friday.

20* MLB Run Line GAME OF THE WEEK on Boston Red Sox -1.5 (-115)

The Boston Red Sox have now lost four straight and will be highly motivated for a victory as a result.  The good news is that they have arguably the best starter in baseball going today to get them back on track.

Chris Sale has gone 12-4 with a 2.48 ERA and 0.892 WHIP in 20 starts this season while striking out a ridiculous 200 batters in 141 1/3 innings already.  He has thrown 13 2/3 shutout innings in his last two starts since the All-Star Break while striking out 22.  Sale is 4-1 with a 2.44 ERA and 0.795 WHIP in seven career starts against Seattle as well.

Andrew Moore is 1-2 with a 5.70 ERA in five starts this season for the Mariners while striking out only 13 batters in 30 innings.  Moore has really struggled of late, going 0-1 with a 7.80 ERA and 1.600 WHIP while yielding 6 homers in 15 innings of work.

The Red Sox are 11-4 in Sale's last 15 starts.  Boston is 8-2 in Sale's last 10 starts when working on 4 days' rest.  The Mariners are 5-12 in their last 17 home games.  Bet the Red Sox on the Run Line Wednesday.

20* AL Central GAME OF THE MONTH on Cleveland Indians -1.5 (-120)

The Cleveland Indians broke out of their funk with an 11-run outburst yesterday against the San Diego Padres.  It was the second time in four games in which they have put up 11 runs.  I look for their bats to stay hot today and for them to win this game over the Tigers by multiple runs.

Carlos Carrasco has gone 9-3 with a 3.50 ERA and 1.055 WHIP in 16 starts this season for the Indians.  He has owned the Tigers of late, going 5-1 with a 1.59 ERA in his last seven starts against them, giving up only 8 earned runs in 45 1/3 innings.

Jordan Zimmerman is 5-6 with a 5.58 ERA and 1.478 WHIP in 16 starts this season.  He is still looking for his first road win, going 0-3 with a 6.45 ERA and 1.634 WHIP In eight starts away from home.  And Zimmerman has never beaten the Indians, going 0-2 with a whopping 10.67 ERA and 1.674 WHIP in three career starts against them.

Plays on all favorites with a money line of -175 to -250 (CLEVELAND) - average offensive team (4.4 to 4.9 runs/game) against an average starter (ERA 4.70 to 5.70)-AL, after a win by 4 runs or more are 35-3 (92.1%) since 1997.  These teams are winning by 3.6 runs per game on average.  Bet the Indians on the Run Line Friday.

20* MLB Run Line GAME OF THE WEEK on Los Angeles Dodgers -1.5 (-120)

The Los Angeles Dodgers have actually lost two out of three against the crosstown rival Los Angeles Dodgers in this series. They want to square the series here in Game 4 with a win, and they'll have a great chance to do that due to their huge edge on the mound.

Ace Clayton Kershaw gets the ball looking to improve upon his 11-2 record with a 2.47 ERA and 0.924 WHIP in 16 starts.  He has been at his best on the road, going 5-1 with a 2.05 ERA and 0.952 WHIP in seven road starts.  Kershaw is 5-2 with a 2.69 ERA and 0.989 WHIP in nine career starts against the Angels.

JC Ramirez is 5-5 with a 4.32 ERA in 14 starts for the Angels this season.  He has gone 0-3 with a 4.83 ERA in seven home starts as well.  While Ramirez has held his own, he is clearly in over his head against Kershaw and this red hot Dodgers lineup.

The Dodgers are 40-11 as a favorite of -150 or more this season, winning by 2.7 runs per game on average.  The Dodgers are 34-7 in Kershaw's last 41 starts as a favorite of -110 or higher, winning by 2.5 runs per game on average.  The Dodgers are 21-1 in Karshaw's last 22 starts vs. teams who strand 6.9 or fewer runners on base over the last two seasons, winning by 3.0 runs per game.  Bet the Dodgers on the Run Line Thursday.

20* NL Monday No-Doubt Rout on Arizona Diamondbacks -1.5 (-110)

The Arizona Diamondbacks should win by multiple runs today over the lowly Philadelphia Phillies.  The Diamondbacks are 28-10 at home this season, hitting .289 and scoring 6.3 runs per game.  The Phillies are 10-30 on the road, hitting .236 and scoring 3.5 runs per game.

Zack Greinke is back to being Zack Greinke this season.  He has gone 8-4 with a 3.14 ERA and 1.048 WHIP In 15 starts, including a perfect 6-0 with a 2.77 ERA and 0.923 WHIP in eight home starts.  Greinke is also 6-1 with a 2.78 ERA and 0.909 WHIP in nine career starts against Philadelphia.

Nick Pivetta has had a rough go of it since being called up.  He is 1-3 with a 4.46 ERA and 1.488 WHIP in eight starts this season, including 1-2 with a 5.18 ERA and 1.767 WHIP in five road starts.

Philly is 1-11 after scoring one run or less this season, losing by 2.6 runs per game.  Greinke is 40-10 as a home favorite of -175 to -250 in his career, and his teams are winning by 2.1 runs per game.  Greinke is 23-4 in home games vs. an NL team with a team batting average of .245 or worse in his career.  Bet the Diamondbacks on the Run Line Monday.

20* AL Thursday No-Doubt Rout on New York Yankees -1.5 (-115)

The New York Yankees finally ended their 7-game losing streak with an 8-4 victory over the Los Angeles Angels yesterday.  I fully expect them to start a winning streak now and win this game by multiple runs over the Angels Thursday night.

Luis Severino has been awesome this season for the Yankees, going 5-2 with a 2.99 ERA and 1.045 WHIP in 13 starts.  He has tremendous stuff as he has struck out 90 batters in 81 1/3 innings, and the Angels don't have their best hitter in Mike Trout.

We'll gladly fade Jesse Chavez, who is 5-6 with a 4.69 ERA in 14 starts this season.  Chavez has been at his worst on the road, going 2-4 with a 6.27 ERA and 1.526 WHIP in seven starts away from home.

The Yankees are 19-5 in home games against right-handed starters this season, winning by 3.3 runs per game on average.  New York is 8-1 in its last nine home meetings with Los Angeles.  Bet the Yankees on the Run Line Thursday.

20* AL Run Line GAME OF THE WEEK on New York Yankees -1.5 (-120)

The New York Yankees have not lost seven straight games.  It's safe to say they'll be highly motivated for a victory tonight against the Los Angeles Angels, who remain without Mike Trout.  I expect the Yankees to win by multiple runs tonight to end this skid.

Jordan Montgomery has been one of the more underrated starters in the big leagues this season.  The left-hander has gone 4-4 with a 3.78 ERA and 1.246 WHIP in 12 starts, including 2-0 with a 2.89 ERA and 1.071 WHIP in his last three outings.

We'll gladly fade Ricky Nolasco, who is 2-8 with a 4.56 ERA and 1.392 WHIP in 14 starts this season for the Angels.  Nolasco certainly doesn't enjoy facing the Yankees, going 1-2 with a 5.91 ERA and 1.594 WHIP in four career starts against them.

The Yankees are 7-1 in their last eight home meetings with the Angels.  New York is 18-5 at home against right-handed starters this season, winning by over 3 runs per game on average.  The Angels are 0-9 in Nolasco's last nine starts overall.  Bet the Yankees on the Run Line Wednesday.

20* MLB Run Line GAME OF THE WEEK on Los Angeles Dodgers -1.5 (-115)

The Los Angeles Dodgers should have no problem beating the Cincinnati Reds by multiple runs tonight.  They have a huge edge on the mound as far as the starting pitchers are concerned, and in the bullpen.

Alex Wood has been unhittable this season, especially of late.  Wood is 5-0 with a 1.90 ERA and 1.101 WHIP in eight starts this season, including 3-0 with a 0.00 ERA and 0.982 WHIP in his last three starts.  Wood is 2-0 with a 3.00 ERA in two career starts against Cincinnati as well.

Asher Wojchiechowski is no more than a spot starter for the Reds.  He has struggled in his two starts this season, going 0-0 with a 5.40 ERA and 1.400 WHIP.  He gave up four earned runs and three homers in four innings of a 4-6 loss at Toronto in his only road start.

The Dodgers are 23-10 at home this season and winning by 2.2 runs per game on average.  Los Angeles is 21-3 in home games when playing against a marginal losing team (Win Pct. 46% to 49%) over the last three seasons.  It is winning by 2.7 runs per game on average in this spot.  Bet the Dodgers on the Run Line Saturday.

15* MLB Run Line PLAY OF THE DAY on Cleveland Indians -1.5 (-114)

The Cleveland Indians are highly motivated for a victory here Friday.  They have lost four of their last five and had yesterday off to regroup.  Fortunately, they get to play a team in the White Sox that are struggling worse than they are right now.  Chicago is 1-7 in its last eight games coming in.

Ace Corey Kluber gets the ball looking to end this skid.  Kluber is 4-2 with a 4.36 ERA and 1.246 WHIP in seven starts this season.  The right-hander is 7-4 with a 3.10 ERA and 1.118 WHIP in 15 career starts against Chicago, including 3-0 with a 0.81 ERA in his last three, allowing just 2 earned runs in 22 1/3 innings.

Miguel Gonzalez is 4-6 with a 4.83 ERA in 11 starts this season, 1-5 with a 5.74 ERA in seven road starts, and 1-2 with a 6.27 ERA in his last three starts overall.  Gonzalez has also posted a 4.37 ERA and 1.542 WHIP in six career starts against Cleveland.

Cleveland is 12-0 in June home games over the last two seasons, winning by an average of 4.5 runs per game.  The Indians are 31-9 after having lost four or five of their last six games over the last two seasons, winning by 2.5 runs per game on average.  Gonzalez is 0-9 when playing against a marginal winning team (Win Pct. 51% to 54%) over the last two seasons, and his teams are losing by 2.5 runs per game in this spot.  Take the Indians on the Run Line Friday.

20* MLB Run Line GAME OF THE WEEK on Cleveland Indians -1.5 (-110)

The Cleveland Indians have been basically automatic with Carlos Carrasco on the mound this season.  They have gone 8-2 in his 10 starts, including 5-0 in his five road starts.  Carrasco is clearly the ace of this staff right now.

Look for the Indians to be highly motivated after getting shut out by the Royals yesterday.  Carrasco is 5-2 with a 2.89 ERA and 0.918 WHIP in 10 starts this season, including 4-0 with a 2.18 ERA and 0.818 WHIP in five road starts.  Carrasco is also 7-4 with a 3.29 ERA and 1.187 WHIP in 14 career starts against Kansas City.

Jason Hammel has been the worst starter for the Royals this season.  He is 1-6 with a 6.18 ERA and 1.706 WHIP in 10 starts this year.  And Hammel has struggled against the Indians, going 1-3 with a 5.13 ERA and 1.320 WHIP in six career starts against them.

The Indians are 20-5 in Carrasco's last 25 road starts vs. an AL team with a team batting average of .255 or worse.  They are winning by 2.2 runs per game on average in this spot.  The Royals are 1-5 in Hammel's last six home starts, and 0-4 in his last four starts overall.  Bet the Indians on the Run Line Saturday.

20* MLB Wednesday No-Doubt Rout on Chicago Cubs -1.5 (-105)

The Chicago Cubs have now lost five straight games and are highly motivated for a victory.  A loss today would mean they would get swept in two straight series, and they have now dipped below .500 for the season.  This team is simply too talented to keep struggling this badly.

Look for Jake Arrieta to get them out of the funk tonight and pitch a gem against the Padres.  Arrieta has a 4.00 ERA and 1.111 WHIP in his last three starts with 20 strikeouts in 18 innings.  The right-hander is 2-0 with a 0.64 ERA in his last two starts against San Diego, giving up just one earned run and 10 base runners in 14 innings.

Luis Perdomo has been one of the worst starters in baseball for the Padres.  He is 0-2 with a 5.61 ERA and 1.477 WHIP in eight starts this season, including 0-1 with a 7.11 ERA and 1.540 WHIP in five starts at pitcher-friendly Petco Park.

Arrieta is 19-3 against the money line as a road favorite of -125 to -175 over the last two seasons.  The Cubs are winning these games by an average of 2.9 runs per game.  Arrieta is 20-3 against the money line in road games vs. teams whose hitters draw 3 walks or less/game over the last three seasons.  The Cubs are winning by 3.4 runs per game in this spot.  Bet the Cubs on the Run Line.

20* MLB Run Line GAME OF THE WEEK on Chicago Cubs -1.5 (-125)

The Chicago Cubs will be highly motivated for a victory after getting embarrassed by the Los Angeles Dodgers over the weekend.  Not only were they swept, they were outscored 18-4 in the process.  It has clearly left a bad taste in their mouth.

Now they get to take on one of the worst teams in baseball in the San Diego Padres, who are 19-33 on the season and scoring just 3.4 runs per game, including 3.0 per game at home.  Jarred Cosart is 0-1 with a 3.52 ERA and 1.565 WHIP in four starts this season.  Cosart allowed 7 runs in 1 2/3 innings of a 2-7 loss to the Cubs in his only career start against them.

Cy Young winner Kyle Hendricks gets the ball looking to build on his 4-2 record with a 3.25 ERA and 1.158 WHIP in nine starts this season.  He is 2-1 with a 2.96 ERA and 0.986 WHIP in four road starts.  Hendricks has never lost to the Padres, going 3-0 with a 1.56 ERA and 0.836 WHIP in five career starts against them.  Bet the Cubs on the Run Line Monday.

20* MLB Sunday No-Doubt Rout on Boston Red Sox -1.5 (+100)

The Boston Red Sox are playing their best baseball of the season right now.  They have won six straight games all by three runs or more.  They have outscored the opposition 47-15 in the process, averaging 7.8 runs per game in the process.

The Seattle Mariners are 1-7 in their last eight games overall.  Remarkably, they have been held to one or fewer runs in all seven losses and are averaging just 1.1 runs per game in the process.

Rick Porcello is 6-4 with a 3.69 ERA and 1.132 WHIP in 11 career starts against Seattle.  Christian Bergman is 1-2 with a 7.16 ERA and 1.715 WHIP in three starts this season for the Mariners.  He allowed 10 runs, 4 homers and 16 base runners in 4 innings in his last start at Washington.

The Red Sox are 14-2 in Porcello's 16 starts when playing against a bad team (Win Pct. 38% to 46%) over the last three seasons.  They are winning by an average of 4.5 runs per game in this spot.  Bet the Red Sox on the Run Line Sunday.

20* MLB Saturday No-Doubt Rout on Washington Nationals -1.5 (-110)

I fully expect the Washington Nationals to win by multiple runs today against the lowly San Diego Padres.  Two of their best hitters in Ryan Zimmerman and Daniel Murphy rested yesterday, and the National still won 5-1.  Now both Murphy and Zimmerman are expected back in the lineup Saturday.

Stephen Strasburg is back to being his dominant self this season, going 5-1 with a 3.28 ERA and 1.110 WHIP in nine starts.  Strasburg is 5-1 with a 3.50 ERA and 1.167 WHIP in six career starts against San Diego.  In fact, they are 5-0 in his last five starts against them winning all five games by four runs or more.

Strasburg is 20-3 against the money line in the first half of the season over the last two seasons.  The Nationals are winning these starts by 2.5 runs per game on average.  San Diego is 15-51 in road games vs. a starting pitcher who strikes out five or more batters per start over the last three seasons.  It is losing by 2.0 runs per game in this spot.  Bet the Nationals on the Run Line Saturday.

20* MLB Friday No-Doubt Rout on Boston Red Sox -1.5 (+120)

The Boston Red Sox are playing their best baseball of the season right now, especially at the plate.  They have won four straight coming in while scoring a combined 38 runs in the process, or an average of 9.5 runs per game.  The Mariners have lost five of six coming in.

The bats should stay red hot against Yovani Gallardo, who is 2-4 with a 5.84 ERA and 1.500 WHIP in nine starts this season.  Gallardo has really struggled of late, going 1-1 with a 9.00 ERA and 1.600 WHIP in his last three starts.  He is also 2-2 with a 5.28 ERA and 1.695 WHIP in six career starts against Boston.

Eduardo Rodriquez has pitched like an ace thus far this season.  He has gone 3-1 with a 3.17 ERA and 1.117 WHIP in eight start, and 0-0 with a 2.38 ERA in two home starts.  Rodriquez gave up just one run and five base runners in 6 1/3 innings in his only career start against Seattle, which came last season.

Bets against all underdogs with a money line of +100 or higher (SEATTLE) - with a starting pitcher whose ERA is 5.70 to 6.20 on the season (AL), with a cold starting pitcher whose ERA is 7.50 or worse over his last three starts are 55-13 (80.3%) over the last five seasons.  These teams are losing by 1.9 runs per game on average.  Bet the Red Sox on the Run Line Friday.

20* MLB BLOWOUT GAME OF THE MONTH on Boston Red Sox -1.5 (-120)

The Boston Red Sox are finally starting to hit the ball up to their potential with one of the best lineups in baseball.  They have scored a combined 23 runs over their past two games and should stay hot at the plate tonight against the Texas Rangers.

Martin Perez is one of the worst starters in baseball.  He has gone 2-5 with a 3.71 ERA and 1.549 WHIP in nine starts, and 0-2 with a 4.29 ERA and 1.772 WHIP in three road starts.  Perez is 2-2 with a 6.58 ERA and 1.923 WHIP in five career starts against Boston.  In his last start against the Red Sox, he gave up 11 runs, 7 earned, in 4 innings of a 6-11 loss.

Chris Sale is one of the elite starters in baseball.  He is 4-2 with a 2.19 ERA and 0.792 WHIP in nine starts this season, striking out 95 batters in 65 2/3 innings.  The left-hander has gone 4-2 with a 3.33 ERA and 0.884 WHIP in seven career starts against Texas.  He has pitched 15 shutout innings while striking out 27 and allowing only 7 base runners in his last two starts against the Rangers.

Texas is 1-10 in road games with a team slugging percentage .410 or worse on the season (AL) this season.  It is losing by an average of 2.6 runs per game in this spot.  The Rangers are 2-8 in Perez's last 10 road starts.  The Red Sox are 10-1 in their last 11 home games vs. a left-handed starter.  Bet the Red Sox on the Run Line Wednesday.

15* MLB Run Line PLAY OF THE DAY on Cleveland Indians -1.5 (+100)

The Indians lost Game 1 to their in-state rivals in the Cincinnati Reds.  Now I expect them to bounce back in Game 2 with a blowout victory to cover the run line Tuesday.  That was a rare win for the Reds as they are just 2-8 in their last 10 games overall.  And the Reds have allowed at least 6 runs in seven of their last eight games coming in.

Amir Garrett is the next starter in line to get rocked for the Reds.  He is 3-3 with a 5.17 ERA and 1.300 WHIP in seven starts this season.  Garrett returned from a brief stint in the minors to give up 6 runs in 4 innings of a 5-9 loss at Chicago on May 18th.

Carlos Carrasco is the best starter that the Indians have to offer.  He is 4-2 with a 2.60 ERA and 0.884 WHIP In eight starts this season, including 4-0 with a 1.35 ERA and 0.675 WHIP in four road starts.  Carrasco is also 2-0 with a 3.50 ERA and 1.000 WHIP in three career starts against Cincinnati, and the Indians are 3-0 in those three games, winning all three by 2 runs or more.  Roll with the Indians on the Run Line Tuesday.

15* MLB Run Line PLAY OF THE DAY on Houston Astros -1.5 (+105)

The Houston Astros are living up to their massive potential this season.  They have gone 21-11 behind a dominant starting rotation, a solid offense that's hitting .275 and scoring 4.8 runs per game, and an elite bullpen with a 3.11 ERA on the season.

Charlie Morton has proven to be a nice addition to the rotation this season.  He has gone 3-2 with a 3.97 ERA in six starts this year, including 3-0 with a 2.62 ERA and 1.083 WHIP in four home starts.  Morton is 2-2 with a 3.96 ERA in five career starts against Atlanta.

The Braves have gone 1-6 in their last seven games overall.  Bartolo Colon is finally starting to wear down in his old age this season.  He has gone 1-3 with a 6.27 ERA and 1.424 WHIP in six starts, including 0-2 with a 6.95 ERA and 1.636 WHIP in four road starts.

Atlanta is 1-9 off a loss by 2 runs or less this season, losing by 2.4 runs per game in this spot.  Morton is 10-0 in home games in the first half of the season over the last three seasons.  His teams are winning by 3.4 runs per game in this spot.  Roll with the Astros on the Run Line Tuesday.

15* MLB Run Line PLAY OF THE DAY on Boston Red Sox -1.5 (-105)

After getting embarrassed 10-5 at home by the Tampa Bay Rays in Game 1 of this series yesterday, I expect a motivated effort from the Boston Red Sox today.  They'll also be motivated to get Chris Sale his first win of the season.

It's only due to a lack of run support that Sale doesn't have a win yet.  After all, he has posted a 1.23 ERA and 0.682 WHIP in two starts this season, giving up just 2 earned runs and 10 base runners over 14 2/3 innings.

Jake Odorizzi has gone 1-1 with a 4.50 ERA in two starts this season for the Rays.  Odorizzi is 3-3 with a 4.13 ERA and 1.292 WHIP in 13 career starts against Boston.  Sale is 4-4 with a 3.76 ERA and 1.044 WHIP in eight career starts against Tampa Bay.

Tampa Bay is 4-17 (-13.5 Units) against the money line in road games vs. an excellent bullpen whose ERA is 2.70 or better over the last three seasons.  It is losing by 2.1 runs per game on average in this spot.  Roll with the Red Sox on the Run Line Saturday.