6* Saturday MLB *MOUND MISMATCH* on Tampa Bay Rays -130 

The Key: The Tampa Bay Rays are playing well.  They are 3-1 in their last 4 games and have scored a combined 22 runs in those contests.  Blake Snell finished strong last season, had a great spring training, and is off to a great start this season.  Snell is 2-1 with a 2.95 ERA and 1.08 WHIP in 4 starts with 26 strikeouts in 21 1/3 innings.  Snell is 1-0 with a 0.75 ERA and 0.83 WHIP in 2 home starts.  Kyle Gibson is a below-average starter in this league.  And Gibson is 1-4 with a 7.05 ERA and 1.92 WHIP in 6 lifetime starts vs. Tampa Bay.  The Twins are 2-8 in their last 10 road games vs. a team with a home winning percentage of less than 40%.  The Rays are 7-1 in Snell’s last 8 starts vs. a team with a winning record.  Take Tampa Bay. 

6* AL West *CA$H COW* on Texas Rangers -115 

The Key: Texas had yesterday off while Seattle lost its 3rd straight game to Houston, which is a nice rest advantage for the Rangers.  The Mariners have scored 2 runs or fewer in 5 consecutive games.  Mike Minor resurrected his career in Kansas City last year, and he’s pitching well thus far in 2018.  He is 1-1 with a 4.59 ERA and 0.96 WHIP in 3 starts, including 1-1 with a 2.53 ERA and 0.84 WHIP in 2 home starts.  Minor sports a 1.29 ERA in one lifetime start vs. Seattle.  Felix Hernandez is a shell of his former self.  He gave up 6 runs in 3 1/3 innings in his last start against Texas.  Hernandez is 2-2 with a 5.49 ERA in 4 starts this season, including 1-1 with a 10.24 ERA in 2 road starts.  Seattle is 3-13 after batting .200 or worse over a 3-game span over the last 2 seasons.  The Rangers are 11-3 in their last 14 games following an off day.  Take Texas. 

6* Red Sox/Angels AL *BAILOUT* on Los Angeles -105 

The Key: The Los Angeles Angels will be hungry to avoid the sweep by the Red Sox after getting embarrassed in the first two games of this series by a combined score of 19-1.  Look for them to get their bats going against the erratic Eduardo Rodriquez.  He faced the Angels once in his career, and it did not go well as he gave up 7 earned runs and 9 base runners in 1 2/3 innings of an 11-1 loss.  Nick Tropeano will be making his 2nd start this season.  His first was a gem as he pitched 6 2/3 shutout innings in a 7-1 win at Kansas City.  The Red Sox are 1-6 in Rodriquez’s last 7 starts.  The Angels are 8-0 in the last 8 games vs. a starter with a WHIP greater than 1.30.  Los Angeles is 6-0 in its last 6 during game 3 of a series.  The Angels are 7-1 in Tropeano’s last 8 starts vs. a team with a winning record.  Take Los Angeles. 

6* Indians/Twins Puerto Rico *CA$H COW* on Cleveland -118 

The Key: The fans in Puerto Rico are rooting for Francisco Lindor and the Indians in this 2-game set.  That was evident when Lindor hit a homer that broke the game open in a 6-1 victory last night.  Now the Indians have the edge on the mound once again with Carlos Carrasco taking the ball.  Carrasco is 3-0 with a 3.48 ERA and 0.87 WHIP in his 3 starts this season.  He went 3-0 with a 0.92 ERA in his 3 starts against the Twins last season, giving up just 2 earned runs in 19 2/3 innings while striking out 30 batters.  Jose Berrios is just 2-2 with a 5.31 ERA in 4 lifetime starts vs. Cleveland.  Barrios is 0-9 against the money line in night games played away from home over the last 2 seasons.  The Indians are 22-5 in Carrasco’s last 27 starts vs. AL Central teams.  Cleveland is 15-3 in its last 18 road games vs. a team with a winning record.  Take Cleveland. 

6* MLB *MOUND MISMATCH* on Chicago Cubs -119 

The Key: We are getting a great price on the Chicago Cubs at home tonight against the St. Louis Cardinals.  It’s not often you can back them as this small of a home favorite.  The main reason is because Tyler Chatwood is little-known, but he has been great everywhere he has pitched outside of Coors Field.  He is 21-18 with a 3.28 ERA in 321 1/3 innings pitched away from home.  That’s a big reason the Cubs went out and got him this offseason.  Adam Wainwright is far past his prime and just doesn’t have it anymore.  He is 0-2 with a 5.06 ERA and 1.50 WHIP in 2 starts this season.  The Cubs are 8-1 in their last 9 meetings with the Cardinals, including 5-0 in their last 5 home meetings.  Take Chicago. 

6* MLB *MOUND MISMATCH* on New York Yankees -1.5 (-125) 

The Key: The New York Yankees have a big edge on the mound tonight with Luis Severino over Caleb Smith.  They also have one of the best lineups in baseball, while the Marlins have one of the worst.  The Marlins are just 4-11 this season and 10 of their losses have come by multiple runs.  Severino had a sub-3.00 ERA last season and struck out 230 batters, quickly becoming one of the elite starters in baseball.  Smith has never won a game and has a 6.47 ERA in 32 big league innings.  Take New York on the Run Line. 

6* MLB *MOUND MISMATCH* on Pittsburgh Pirates -145 

The Key: The Pittsburgh Pirates have a big edge on the mound today with Ivan Nova over Jose Urena.  They are also the better team at 10-4 compared to 4-10 for the Marlins, who are probably the worst team in baseball.  Ivan Nova has never lost to the Marlins, going 2-0 with a 0.00 ERA and 0.27 WHIP in 2 lifetime starts against them.  Both of those starts came in 2017 as he pitched 15 shutout innings while allowing only 4 base runners.  Urena is 0-2 with a 5.06 ERA in 3 starts this season.  Urena is also 1-1 with a 5.90 ERA in 2 lifetime starts vs. Pittsburgh.  Nova is 21-7 against the money line in his career when favored by -100 to -150 on the road.  The Pirates are 6-0 in their last 6 road games vs. a right-handed starter.  The Marlins are 0-5 in Urena’s last 5 starts.  Miami is 0-5 in Urena’s last 5 starts vs. a team with a winning record.  Take Pittsburgh. 

6* Saturday MLB *Total* Annihilator on Dodgers/Diamondbacks OVER 7 

The Key: I hit the OVER 6.5 with ease last night in a 15-run outburst between the Dodgers and Diamondbacks.  I’m back on the OVER 7 tonight.  These teams have combined for 7 or more runs in 5 of their last 7 meetings.  Taijuan Walker and Rich Hill haven’t had the greatest of success in their careers against their opponents.  Walker is 2-2 with a 6.07 ERA in 6 lifetime starts vs. Los Angeles, while Hill is 1-6 with a 4.98 ERA in 11 lifetime starts vs. Arizona.  The OVER is 4-0 in Hill’s last 4 starts against the Diamondbacks.  Take the OVER. 

7* Diamondbacks/Dodgers NL West *BAILOUT* on OVER 6.5 

The Key: This is a very low total for two of the better offenses in the National League.  And it’s not like Zack Greinke and Kenta Maeda are exactly lockdown starters.  Greinke has been roughed up this season with a 5.06 ERA through 2 starts.  He is 4-5 with a 3.86 ERA and 1.40 WHIP in 12 lifetime starts vs. Arizona.  Maeda is 3-3 with a 4.72 ERA in 11 lifetime starts vs. Arizona.  The Diamondbacks are 16-4 OVER following an off day over the last 2 seasons.  They are 35-15-1 OVER in their last 51 games following an off day dating back further.  The OVER is 7-3 in Maeda’s last 10 starts vs. Arizona.  Take the OVER. 

7* MLB *MOUND MISMATCH* on St. Louis Cardinals -137 

The Key: The St. Louis Cardinals have a big edge on the mound tonight and should make easy work of the 2-9 Cincinnati Reds.  This is a team Michael Wacha certainly looks forward to facing every time out.  Wacha is 8-1 with a 2.31 ERA and 1.13 WHIP in 14 lifetime starts vs. Cincinnati.  He won both starts against the Reds last season while limiting them to 2 earned runs in 12 innings.  Sal Romano is 0-1 with a 5.73 ERA and 1.46 WHIP in two starts for the Reds this season.  The Cardinals are 21-7 in Wacha’s last 28 starts vs. a team with a losing record.  St. Louis is 40-18 in its last 58 games vs. a team with a winning percentage below 40%.  The Reds are 1-9 in their last 10 home games.  The Cardinals are 11-1 in Wacha’s last 12 starts vs. Reds.  The Cardinals are 5-0 in their last 5 meetings in Cincinnati.  Take St. Louis. 

6* MLB *MOUND MISMATCH* on Arizona Diamondbacks -113 

The Key: The Arizona Diamondbacks have a big edge on the mound tonight and should be bigger favorites over the San Francisco Giants as a result.  Robbie Ray pitched like a Cy Young contender on the road last season and is off to a great start on the road this year, limiting the Cardinals to one run in 6 innings while striking out 9 in his last turn.  Ray is 4-1 with a 2.52 ERA in 8 lifetime starts vs. San Francisco.  Andrew Suarez will be making his major league debut tonight for the Giants, and it won’t go well for him opposite Ray.  The Diamondbacks are 18-5 in Ray’s last 23 starts, including 6-1 in his last 7 road starts.  Take Arizona. 

6* A’s/Dodgers MLB *BAILOUT* on Los Angeles -121 

The Key: It’s not often you will get the opportunity to back the Los Angeles Dodgers as only -121 home favorites this season.  Especially against a team as poor as the 4-7 Oakland A’s.  We’ll take advantage of this price here Tuesday.  The A’s may have the better starter on the mound with Manaea over Ryu, but the Dodgers have a significant edge at the plate and in their bullpen.  The A’s are 0-3 against left-handed starters this season and scoring just 1.7 RPG in those games.  Oakland is 21-52 as a road underdog of +100 or higher over the last 2 seasons.  The Dodgers are 17-2 in home games after allowing one run or less in a win over a division opponent over the last 3 seasons.  Los Angeles is 50-13 in home games off a win over the last 2 years.  The A’s are 14-51 in their last 65 road games vs. a left-handed starter.  Take Los Angeles. 

6* Monday MLB *Total* Annihilator on Mets/Marlins UNDER 7.5 

The Key: Two aces square off tonight in Noha Syndergaard and Jose Urena in what will be a pitcher’s duel in pitcher-friendly Miami.  Syndergaard is 3-0 with a 1.64 ERA and 0.94 WHIP in 5 lifetime starts vs. Miami.  Urena is 3-3 with a 2.92 ERA and 0.95 WHIP in 6 lifetime starts vs. New York.  The UNDER is 16-5 in Syndergaard’s last 21 starts during game 1 of a series.  The UNDER is 10-4-1 in Urena’s last 15 starts vs. a team with a winning record.  Take the UNDER. 

6* MLB *Mound Mismatch* on Chicago Cubs -123 

The Key: The Chicago Cubs send Jose Quintana to the mound today against the Milwaukee Brewers.  This has been a great matchup for Quintana in recent years.  Quintana is 2-1 with a 0.90 ERA and 0.73 WHIP in 4 lifetime starts vs. Milwaukee, limiting them to just 3 earned runs in 30 innings.  Chase Anderson has allowed 9 earned runs in 15 1/3 innings in his last 3 starts against the Cubs.  Chicago is 27-7 in its last 34 road games vs. a right-handed starter.  The Cubs are 6-0 in Quintana’s last 6 starts vs. NL Central.  The Cubs are 7-2 in their last 9 meetings in Milwaukee.  Take Chicago. 

6* Dodgers/Giants NL West *CA$H COW* on Los Angeles -125 

The Key: After a 2-5 start that has featured three 1-run losses, the Los Angeles Dodgers will be focused tonight against the rival San Francisco Giants.  And they send Rich Hill to the mound to get it done.  Hill faced the Giants in his first start on April 1st, leading the Dodgers to a 9-0 victory while firing 6 shutout innings.  Hill is now 6-2 with a 2.23 ERA and 1.10 WHIP in 12 lifetime starts vs. San Francisco.  Chris Stratton has never beaten the Dodgers, going 0-2 with a 5.59 ERA in 3 lifetime starts against them.  He gave up 3 earned runs in 5 1/3 innings in that start opposite Hill on April 1st.  The Dodgers are 7-1 in Hill’s last 8 starts.  The Dodgers ar e9-0 in Hill’s last 9 Saturday starts.  Take Los Angeles. 

7* MLB Total of the Month on Orioles/Yankees OVER 9

The Key: The Orioles and Yankees always seem to play in slug festers.  The OVER is 20-6 in the last 26 meetings, and 14-3 in the last 17 meetings in New York.  Helping these teams get home runs will be the fact that the wind will be blowing out to left center at 10-15 MPH.  And Kevin Gausman and C.C. Sabathia aren't good enough to contain these potent lineups.  Take the OVER.

6* National League *CA$H COW* on Cincinnati Reds +128 

The Key: The price is right to back the Reds tonight.  They have had two days off having last played on Monday due to weather.  They will be ready to go, and so will Homer Bailey, who gave up just 1 earned run in 6 innings for a 1.50 ERA in his opening start against the Nationals.  Bailey is 10-6 with a 3.39 ERA in 21 lifetime starts vs. Pittsburgh.  He faced them twice last year, going 2-0 with a 1.54 ERA while yielding only 2 earned runs in 11 2/3 innings.  Take Cincinnati. 

6* National League *CA$H COW* on St. Louis Cardinals -112 

The Key: After blowing a 4-1 lead in the 8th inning last night, the Cardinals will come back hungry for a victory tonight over the Milwaukee Brewers.  And given their big edge on the mound in this one, they should get the job done.  Carlos Martinez is 46-33 with a 3.45 ERA in his career and has quickly become the ace of this staff.  Martinez is 5-4 with a 2.63 ERA in 12 lifetime starts vs. Milwaukee.  Jhoulys Chacin allowed 4 earned runs and 9 base runners in 3 1/3 innings in his first start of the season at San Diego, which is a big concern.  Chacin has never beaten the Cardinals, going 0-5 with a 5.46 ERA and 1.50 WHIP in 5 lifetime starts against them.  Take St. Louis. 

6* Indians/Angels American League *BAILOUT* on Cleveland -115 

The Key: Cleveland has a big edge on the mound tonight with Mike Clevinger over JC Ramirez.  Clevinger went 11-4 with a 2.84 ERA in 21 starts last year for the Indians, including 7-2 with a 2.26 ERA in 11 road starts.  Ramirez went 9-10 with a 4.11 ERA in 24 starts for the Angels, including 2-6 with a 4.64 ERA in 12 home starts.  Clevinger has never lost to the Angels, going 2-0 (3-0 money line) with a 3.94 ERA in 3 lifetime starts against them.  Take Cleveland. 

6* Giants/Dodgers ESPN *BAILOUT* on Los Angeles -1.5 (+110) 

The Key: After losing the first two games of this series 1-0 to the Giants each, the Dodgers got their bats going a bit in a 5-0 victory in Game 3 Saturday.  They have held the Giants to just 2 runs through 3 games, so it’s just carrying over from last year.  The Dodgers have elite pitching, and the Giants can’t hit a lick.  Now it’s Rich Hill’s turn to dominate.  He went 12-8 with a 3.23 ERA and 1.10 WHIP in 29 starts last year, including 7-5 with a 2.73 ERA and 1.08 WHIP in 18 home starts.  Chris Stratton went 1-3 with a 4.28 ERA and 1.61 WHIP in 5 road starts last year for the Giants.  Stratton is 0-1 with a 6.24 ERA and 1.62 WHIP in 2 lifetime starts vs. L.A., both of which came last season.  Hill is 5-2 with a 2.43 ERA and 1.08 WHIP in 11 lifetime starts vs. San Francisco.  He went 2-0 with a 1.62 ERA in 3 starts against the Giants last year.  He has allowed 2 earned runs or fewer in 9 consecutive starts against San Francisco.  Take Los Angeles on the Run Line. 

6* Saturday MLB *Total* Annihilator on Rockies/Diamondbacks OVER 8.5 

The Key: The Rockies and Diamondbacks have certainly gotten the bats going in this series thus far.  They combined for 10 runs in Game 1 and 17 runs in Game 2.  Once again, the oddsmakers have set the number too low with this 8.5-run total.  Zach Greinke is working his way back from a groin injury and isn’t 100%.  His fastball clocked in around 85 MPH in the spring.  German Marquez has been torched by the Diamondbacks.  He is 0-3 with a 4.59 ERA in 6 lifetime starts against them, giving up 8 earned runs in 9 2/3 innings in his final 2 starts against them last year.  The OVER is 4-1 in the last 5 meetings.  Take the OVER. 

6* Friday MLB *Total* Annihilator on Rockies/Diamondbacks OVER 8 

The Key: It’s shocking the books have set this total so low in a game between two of the better offenses in the National League inside a hitter’s park in Arizona.  And both starting pitcher have struggled against the opposition in year’s past.  Tyler Anderson sports a 6.00 ERA and 1.81 WHIP in 4 lifetime starts vs. Arizona.  Robbie Ray sports a 5.21 ERA and 1.614 WHIP in 9 lifetime starts vs. Colorado.  Ray is 11-2 OVER in home games vs. division opponents over the last 3 seasons.  The OVER is 6-0 in Diamondbacks last 6 games vs. a left-handed starter.  The OVER is 20-6-1 in Ray’s last 27 home starts.  Take the OVER. 

6* Rockies/Diamondbacks MLB *BAILOUT* on Arizona -107 

The Key: We are getting the Arizona Diamondbacks at a cheap price at home on Opening Night.  Patrick Corbin is 12-4 against the money line in his 16 lifetime starts against Colorado.  In his last 2 starts against them, he has allowed just 2 earned runs and 11 base runners in 12 innings.  Jon Gray is 2-3 with a 5.69 ERA and 1.58 WHIP in his 6 lifetime starts vs. Arizona.  Corbin went 9-4 with a 3.15 ERA in 17 home starts last year.  Take Arizona. 

6* Astros/Dodgers World Series *CA$H COW* on Los Angeles -151

The Key: The Los Angeles Dodgers should win the World Series tonight behind Yu Darvish.  All Darvish has done is give up only 7 earned runs in 32 2/3 innings in his last 6 starts for a 1.93 ERA.  He has been much better than Lance McCullers, who sports a 7.08 ERA in his last 10 starts.  The Dodgers have the advantage on the starting mound and in the bullpen in this one.  Take Los Angeles.

6* Astros/Dodgers Game 6 *Total* Annihilator on OVER 7.5

The Key: After both starting pitchers and bullpens were pushed to the max in the wild 13-12 Game 5, I can only look to the OVER in Game 6 tonight.  Rich Hill isn't going to go deep in this game as he never does, pitching just 4, 5 and 4 innings in his last 3 starts and averaging just 5.3 innings per start this season.  Justin Verlander gave up 2 homers against the Dodgers in Game 2 and doesn't like the way the baseball are basically juiced, and he has voiced his frustration on the topic.  The Astros are scoring 5.9 runs per game on the road and the Dodgers are scoring 5.0 runs per game at home.  The OVER is 4-1 in Verlander's last 5 starts.  The OVER is 6-1 in Astros last 7 road games vs. a left-handed starter.  The OVER is 5-1 in Hill's last 6 home starts vs. a team with a winning record.  Take the OVER.

7* Dodgers/Astros World Series *HEAVY HITTER* on Los Angeles +120

The Key: I like the price we are getting with the Los Angeles Dodgers as underdogs to the Houston Astros in Game 3 tonight.  Yu Darvish has been unhittable, going 4-0 with a 0.88 ERA in his last 5 starts while allowing just 3 earned runs in 30 2/3 innings.  I trust the Dodgers' bullpen over the Astros' suspect unit more when it gets to that point and the Dodgers have a lead.  The Astros have gone just 1-8 in Lance McCullers' last 9 starts.  He should not be favored over Darvish in this matchup.  Take Los Angeles.

7* Astros/Dodgers World Series *HEAVY HITTER* on Houston +100

The Key: In Justin Verlander I trust.  He is 9-0 with a 1.23 ERA since joining the Astros.  He sports a 1.46 ERA in the postseason and is just simply getting it done at a high level.  The Astros are 8-0 in Verlander's last 8 starts.  Take Houston.

7* Astros/Dodgers World Series *HEAVY HITTER* on Los Angeles -167

The Key: The Los Angeles Dodgers have gone 26-4 in Clayton Kershaw's 30 starts this season.  They've gone 14-2 in his 16 home starts.  So despite having to lay heavy prices with him, you'd still be up 15 units of profit on the season.  And now we only have to lay -167 with him in Game 1 of the World Series.  Dallas Keuchel sports a 4.43 ERA on the road lifetime and can't be trusted as much away from home.  Kershaw is 30-3 (+21.2 Units) against the money line vs teams who strand 6.9 or less runners on base per game over the last 2 seasons.  Kershaw is 41-8 (+21.2 Units) against the money line as a favorite of -150 or more over the last 2 seasons.  Take Los Angeles.

6* Yankees/Astros Game 7 *CA$H COW* on New York +118

The Key: This just feels like it's CC Sabathia's time.  He has had a resurrection-type season this year, going 15-5 with a 3.56 ERA in 30 starts, and 7-3 with a 3.24 ERA in 16 road starts.  Sabathia has gone 1-0 with a 2.30 ERA in 3 postseason starts as well.  He pitched 6 scoreless innings against Houston in Game 3 to improve to 3-1 with a 3.25 ERA in 4 lifetime starts vs. Houston.  Charlie Morton is 1-2 with an 8.26 ERA in 3 lifetime starts vs. New York.  He has allowed 11 earned runs in 9 1/3 innings against the Yankees in two starts against them this season.  The Yankees are 6-1 in Sabathia's last 7 starts.  Take New York.

7* Yankees/Astros ALCS Game of the Year on Houston -126

The Key: Justin Verlander has been the best pitcher in baseball down the stretch.  He has allowed 2 or fewer runs in 10 consecutive starts.  He has gone 9-0 with a 1.41 ERA in those 10 outings.  He went the distance against the Yankees in Game 2 and got the win.  Luis Severino sports a 5.56 ERA in the playoffs, and he sports a 7.72 ERA in 3 lifetime starts vs. New York.  The home team is 5-0 in the ALCS.  This trend improves to 6-0 tonight.  Take Houston.

6* Dodgers/Cubs NLCS *CA$H COW* on Los Angeles +104

The Key: The Los Angeles Dodgers are on a mission.  They are a streaky team, and they are 6-0 in the postseason.  Nothing would spell sweet revenge quite like a sweep of the Chicago Cubs, the team that knocked them out of the playoffs last year.  I don't expect much fight from the Cubs here after falling down 3-0 in the series.  They have scored just 4 combined runs in this series and haven't even come close to touching the Dodgers' bullpen.  Alex Wood is 7-1 with a 2.24 ERA in 13 road starts this year.  Wood has allowed just 1 earned run in 8 2/3 innings in 2 starts against the Cubs this season.  Jake Arrieta has allowed 8 earned runs in 11 innings while losing each of his last 2 starts against the Dodgers.  Take Los Angeles.

7* MLB Playoffs Game of the Year on Chicago Cubs -107

The Key: Favorites and home teams have dominated in the postseason.  The home team has won Game 3 in all three series thus far.  I like the Cubs to take Game 3 tonight to get back in this series with the Dodgers after losing the first two games in Los Angeles.  The Cubs will be giving the ball to their best starter in Kyle Hendricks.  He is 8-5 with a 3.05 ERA in 26 starts this year, including 2-0 with a 1.82 ERA in his last 5 starts while yielding just 6 earned runs in 29 2/3 innings.  Hendricks is also 3-2 with a 2.20 ERA in 5 lifetime starts vs. Los Angeles.  Take Chicago.

6* Astros/Yankees American League *CA$H COW* on New York -132

The Key: The Yankees are 20-9 in C.C. Sabathia's 29 starts this season.  He has been one of the most profitable starters to back in baseball.  The Yankees are 13-3 in his last 16 home starts.  I trust him to deliver in this spot, which is exactly what he's done in his 2 postseason starts thus far against Corey Kluber no less.  And Charlie Morton is a big downgrade from Justin Verlander and Dallas Keuchel, and the Yankees nearly beat both of them in the first two games.  Take New York.

6* Yankees/Astros American League *CA$H COW* on Houston -1.5 (+115)

The Key: The Astros have a huge advantage on the mound in Game 1 of this series.  Dallas Keuchel is 7-3 with a 2.21 ERA and 0.96 WHIP in 12 home starts this year.  Keuchel is 5-2 with a 1.24 ERA in 7 lifetime starts vs. New York.  Masahiro Tanaka is 4-7 with a 6.48 ERA and 1.50 WHIP in 15 road starts this year.  Tanaka is 0-3 with an 8.86 ERA and 1.70 WHIP in 5 lifetime starts vs. Houston.  Take Houston on the Run Line.

6* Cubs/Nationals NL *Total* Annihilator on UNDER 7.5

The Key: All hands will be on deck for this Game 5 between the Cubs and Nationals.  Both offenses have struggled thus far in the series, and that should continue here tonight.  Plus Kyle Hendricks has been great with a 0.70 ERA in his last 4 starts.  And Kendricks sports a 2.17 ERA in 6 lifetime starts vs. Washington.  Gio Gonzalez is having a great season overall with a 3.01 ERA in 33 starts and a 2.90 ERA in 16 home starts.  If he does happen to struggle early, he will get the quick hook, and even the likes of Max Scherzer may be available for the Nationals.  The UNDER is 24-5-1 in Hendricks' last 30 starts vs. a team with a winning record.  The UNDER is 10-1 in Hendricks' last 11 road starts.  The UNDER is 9-2-1 in Nationals' last 12 vs. a team with a winning record.  The UNDER is 4-0 in Hendricks' last 4 starts vs. Nationals.  The UNDER is 3-0-1 in the 4 games in this series thus far.  Take the UNDER.

6* Nationals/Cubs National League *CA$H COW* on Washington -110

The Key: Max Scherzer is arguably the best starter in baseball.  Having him for Game 3 here is huge for the Nationals because the winner of this game will likely win the series.  I think Scherzer gets it done against the inexperienced Jose Quintana, who is making his postseason debut.  Scherzer is 10-2 with a 1.82 ERA in 16 road starts this year.  Quintana is 6-4 with a 4.94 ERA in 16 home starts.  Scherzer is 3-1 with a 2.92 ERA in 6 lifetime starts vs. Chicago.  Scherzer is 21-4 (+14.7 Units) against the money line in road games vs. an NL team with a team batting average of .255 or worse over the last 3 seasons.  Washington is 12-1 (+10.9 Units) against the money line on the road when the total is 7 to 7.5 this season.  Take Washington.

6* DBacks/Dodgers NL West *BAILOUT* on OVER 8

The Key: I cashed in the OVER 7 yesterday with ease as 14 combined runs were scored between the Dodgers and Diamondbacks.  I'm going back to the well here as I think this 8-run total is too low.  Rich Hill and Robbie Ray have posted good numbers this season.  But Ray was forced into action in the wild card game and won't be on normal rest.  And he has struggled of late.  Hill can't figure out Arizona, going 1-6 with a 5.02 ERA in 10 lifetime starts against them.  The OVER is 5-0 in DBacks last 5 vs. a left-handed starter.  The OVER is 4-0 in Dodgers last 4 home games.  The OVER is 4-0 in Ray's last 4 starts vs. Dodgers.  Take the OVER.

6* Diamondbacks/Dodgers NL West *BAILOUT* on OVER 7

The Key: Give me the OVER in this game between the Dodgers and Diamondbacks.  Clayton Kershaw sports a 4.23 ERA in his last 5 starts and just doesn't look completely healthy.  He has posted a 4.55 ERA in the playoffs lifetime as well.  Taijuan Walker is just an average starter, and the Dodgers could cover this 7-run total on their own.  Walker is 2-1 with a 4.79 ERA in 4 lifetime starts vs. Los Angeles.  Walker sports a 5.27 ERA in his last 3 starts coming in as well.  Take the OVER.

6* Red Sox/Astros American League *CA$H COW* on Houston -129

The Key: Justin Verlander is 5-1 with a 1.06 ERA following his trade-deadline acquisition from the Detroit Tigers.  He has been absolutely dealing, and deserves this Game 1 start.  The Astros come into the postseason with a ton of momentum as a team after going 6-1 in their final 7 games, scoring 11 or more runs in 4 of those victories.  The Red Sox slumped to a 2-5 finish and scored 4 or fewer runs in 5 of those 7 games.  Chris Sale was very hittable down the stretch.  The right-handed heavy lineup of the Astros makes this a bad matchup for him, especially with the short porch in left field.  Verlander sports a 2.77 ERA in 18 lifetime starts vs. Boston.  He sports a 1.37 ERA in his last 7 starts against Boston, giving up only 7 earned runs in 46 innings.  Verlander is 22-4 (+17.3 Units) against the money line in home games vs. teams outscoring opp by 0.5 or more runs/game in the second half of the season lifetime.  Take Houston.

7* Rockies/DBacks National League *HEAVY HITTER* on Arizona -168

The Key: Simply put, Zack Greinke doesn't lose at home.  He is used to the playoff atmosphere as well, which is a big advantage for him over the Colorado Rockies and Jon Gray.  Greinke is 13-1 with a 2.87 ERA and 0.96 WHIP in 18 home starts this year.  Gray is 5-3 with a 4.06 ERA and 1.35 WHIP in 12 road starts.  Greinke has allowed 4 earned runs or less in 7 starts starts against Colorado, 3 or less in 6 of those, and 2 or less in 4 of those.  Gray is 2-2 with a 4.75 ERA and 1.42 WHIP in 5 lifetime starts versus Arizona.  Greinke is 91-25 (+46.9 Units) against the money line as a favorite of -150 or more lifetime.  Greinke is 75-19 (+40.6 Units) against the money line as a home favorite of -150 or more lifetime.  Greinke is 15-3 (+11.2 Units) against the money line in home games this season.  Take Arizona.

6* Twins/Yankees American League *Total* Annihilator on OVER 7.5

The Key: Both Ervin Santana and Luis Severino are having fine seasons for their respective teams.  But this total is too low here and we should see plenty of runs in hitter-friendly Yankees Stadium.  Santana doesn't enjoy facing the Yankees, going 6-10 with a 5.66 ERA and 1.52 WHIP in 20 lifetime starts against them.  Severino sports a 9.00 ERA and 2.00 WHIP in one lifetime start versus Minnesota.  The Yankees are scoring 5.3 RPG overall and 5.6 RPG at home.  The Twins are scoring 5.0 RPG overall and 4.9 RPG on the road.  The Twins are 25-9 OVER in road games vs. an AL starting pitcher whose ERA is 3.70 or better over the last 2 seasons.  The Twins are 34-12 OVER in road games vs. an AL starting pitcher whose WHIP is 1.300 or better over the last 2 seasons.  The Yankees are 8-0 OVER in home games after allowing 3 runs or less 3 straight games this season.  The OVER is 10-2 in Severino's last 12 starts, and 7-1 in his last 8 home starts.  Take the OVER.

6* American League *CA$H COW* on Oakland A's +107

The Key: The Texas Rangers have completely quit.  They are 0-7 in their last 7 games overall.  They can't be favored here against an Oakland A's team that has not quit, going 9-2 in their last 11 games.  The price is simply too good to pass up here, starting pitchers aside.  But Martin Perez is 0-2 in his last 2 starts against the A's and has allowed 9 earned runs in 8 1/3 innings as well.  Raul Alcantara pitched 5 shutout innings in a 1-0 win over the Rangers on September 23rd in his last start.  Take Oakland.

6* National League *CA$H COW* on Pittsburgh Pirates +134

The Key: I cashed the Phillies +150 yesterday fading the Washington Nationals.  I'll do the same on the underdog Pirates here at a great price.  The Nationals have nothing to play for right now as they are locked in to the No. 2 seed in the National League, and they'll now face the Cubs in the Divisional Round series.  The Pirates have won 4 straight coming in and have scored a total of 30 runs in those wins, or an average of 7.5 per game.  They should light up Edwin Jackson, who is 5-6 with a 5.26 ERA and 1.45 WHIP in 12 starts, 3-3 with a 5.77 ERA and 1.72 WHIP in 6 home starts, and 0-2 with a 15.68 ERA and 2.71 WHIP in his last 3 starts.  Ivan Nova is 11-14 with a 4.14 ERA in 30 starts this year.  Nova is 1-1 with a 3.08 ERA in 2 lifetime starts vs. Washington.  Take Pittsburgh.

7* National League *MOUND MISMATCH* on Colorado Rockies -1.5 (-110)

The Key: The Colorado Rockies have huge mound and motivational advantages here over the Miami Marlins.  They are trying to clinch the wild card spot and lead the Brewers by only 1.5 games.  Ace Jon Gray gets the ball looking to build on his 9-4 record with a 3.62 ERA in 19 starts this year.  Gray has gone 4-1 with a 2.92 ERA in 7 starts at Coors Field.  He has come up clutch down the stretch too at 2-0 with a 1.50 ERA in his last 3 starts.  Adam Conley is 7-6 with a 5.71 ERA in 19 starts this year, including 1-0 with a 10.49 ERA in his last 3 starts.  Conley sports a 5.90 ERA in 2 lifetime starts vs. Colorado.  Take Colorado on the Run Line.

7* AL West Game of the Month on Houston Astros -132

The Key: The Houston Astros are still battling for home-field advantage in the American League with the Cleveland Indians.  They are doing their part, going 9-2 in their last 11 games overall.  The Texas Rangers are going in the opposite direction.  They were just swept by the Oakland A's over the weekend that killed their wild card chances.  They have now lost 4 straight.  I don't look for them to offer much resistance over the final week of the season now, and that showed last night in an 11-2 home loss to the Astros.  We are getting Houston ace Dallas Keuchel at a tremendous price here.  Keuchel is 13-5 with a 2.96 ERA and 1.12 WHIP in 22 starts this year.  Texas is 1-11 (-12.9 Units) against the money line in home games off 3 consecutive losses by 5 runs or more to division rivals.  The Astros are 10-2 in Keuchel's last 12 road starts.  Take Houston.

6* Mariners/A's AL West *BAILOUT* on Oakland -102

The Key: The Oakland A's are quietly going on a tear to close out the season.  They are now 7-0 in their last 7 games overall and playing with pride.  The Seattle Mariners just can't wait to go on vacation.  They are 1-8 in their last 9 games overall.  These are two teams headed in opposite directions, and we'll back the more motivated A's here at basically even money at home.  The A's are 45-33 at home this year.  Felix Hernandez is 0-1 with a 7.30 ERA in his last 3 starts.  The A's are 10-1 in their last 11 vs. a right-handed starter.  Take Oakland.

6* AL West *CA$H COW* on Oakland A's -106

The Key: The Oakland A's are on a tear right now in going 6-0 in their last 6 games overall.  The Texas Rangers have had their fate sealed by losing the first 2 games of this series, and are now 4.5 games back in the wild card.  I look for the Rangers to tank the rest of the way.  Jharel Cotton is 2-1 with a 3.44 ERA and 0.87 WHIP in 3 lifetime starts vs. Texas.  Martin Perez is 6-6 with a 5.03 ERA and 1.49 WHIP in 14 lifetime starts vs. Oakland.  Take Oakland.

6* Saturday MLB *UPSET SPECIAL* on Chicago White Sox +170

The Key: We are getting an excellent price on the Chicago White Sox at home today.  This lineup is now loaded with young talent as the White Sox have brought up their prospects late in the season and they've gotten significant playing time.  The Royals are 75-78 on the season and basically eliminated from the postseason after losing to the White Sox yesterday.  The White Sox won that game 7-6.  The Royals singled with a runner on 2nd in the 9th, and that runner was thrown out at home, plus the guy that singled was thrown out at 2nd trying to advance on the throw.  That was a heartbreaking way for the Royals to lose and I don't think they'll recover today.  Danny Duffy is 0-3 with a 9.56 ERA in 3 starts against the White Sox in 2017.  He has allowed 17 earned runs in 16 innings in those 3 starts.  He can't be this big of a favorite Saturday.  Take Chicago.

7* American League *HEAVY HITTER* on Cleveland Indians -129

The Key: The Indians are rolling right now and can't be tamed.  The Mariners are on an extended losing streak and are just ready for the season to be over.  Take Cleveland.

6* National League *MOUND MISMATCH* on Colorado Rockies -127

The Key: I know the Rockies have not been good on the road this season, but I have to back them at this price given the situation.  They are only one game up in the wild card race with the Brewers.  They need wins right now.  Tyler Anderson has owned the Padres, going 1-0 with a 0.73 ERA and 0.81 WHIP in 2 lifetime starts against them, allowing only 1 earned run in 12 1/3 innings.  Clayton Richard is 4-6 with a 5.62 ERA and 1.67 WHIP in 17 lifetime starts vs. Colorado.  He has given up 14 earned runs and 25 base runners in 9 2/3 innings in his last 2 starts against the Rockies this season.  The Rockies are 7-1 in the last 8 meetings.  The Padres are 3-8 in Richard's last 11 starts vs. the Rockies.  Take Colorado.

7* National League *HEAVY HITTER* on Milwaukee Brewers -113

The Key: I've cashed the Milwaukee Brewers the last 2 days and I'm back on them again Wednesday.  Their win yesterday got them to within just one game of the Colorado Rockies for the 2nd wild card spot.  The Pirates have clearly packed it in over the last few weeks, going 1-12 in their last 13 games overall.  The Brewers have gone 9-2 in their last 11 games for a really impressive run with what's at stake.  Aaron Wilkerson gets called up from the minors after going 11-4 with a 3.14 ERA in Biloxi this season.  He has struck out 143 and walked only 36 in 142 1/3 innings.  He has had a long journey to the majors and I look for him to seize this opportunity, because he has earned it.  The Brewers are 7-1 in their last 8 road games.  The Pirates are 6-21 in their last 27 vs. a team with a winning record.  Take Milwaukee.

7* NL Central Game of the Month on Milwaukee Brewers -117

The Key: The Milwaukee Brewers are just 2 games behind the Colorado Rockies for the 2nd wild card spot.  That makes this a big series for them at Pittsburgh here.  The Pirates could clearly care less as they've packed it in over the last few weeks.  The Pirates are 1-11 in their last 12 games overall.  Chase Anderson is the better starter here as he's 10-3 with a 2.88 ERA and 1.12 WHIP in 22 starts this year.  Trevor Williams is 5-7 with a 4.23 ERA and 1.33 WHIP in 23 starts for the Pirates.  Anderson is 5-2 with a 3.20 ERA in 10 lifetime starts vs. Pittsburgh as well.  Take Milwaukee.

6* National League *CA$H COW* on Milwaukee Brewers +100

The Key: The Milwaukee Brewers are just 2.5 games behind the Colorado Rockies for the 2nd wild card spot.  That makes this a big series for them at Pittsburgh here.  The Pirates could clearly care less as they've packed it in over the last few weeks.  The Pirates are 1-10 in their last 11 games overall.  Brent Suter is 2-2 with a 3.76 ERA and 1.22 WHIP in 11 starts this year.  He is a better starter than Jameson Taillon, who is 7-6 with a 4.78 ERA and 1.55 WHIP in 22 starts, including 3-4 with a 5.37 ERA and 1.59 WHIP in 13 home starts.  The Brewers are 7-0 in their last 7 road games vs. a team with a winning home record.  The Pirates are 0-6 in their last 6 games vs. a left-handed starter.  Take Milwaukee.

6* Sunday MLB *Total* Annihilator on Red Sox/Rays OVER 8.5

The Key: This is a very low total for the Red Sox at Rays game today.  Neither of these starting pitchers are very good.  Eduardo Rodriquez is 5-5 with a 4.23 ERA in 21 starts this year, and 3-4 with a 4.59 ERA in 11 road starts.  Jake Odorizzi is 8-8 with a 4.52 ERA in 25 starts this year, and 4-6 with a 4.60 ERA in 14 home starts.  Rodriquez is 0-1 with a 7.58 ERA in 4 lifetime starts vs. Tampa Bay.  Odorizzi is 3-5 with a 4.56 ERA in 16 lifetime starts vs. Boston.  Rodriguez has allowed 10 earned runs in 8 innings in his last 2 starts against Tampa Bay.  Odorizzi has yielded 8 earned runs in 8 1/3 innings in his last 2 starts against Boston.  Take the OVER.

6* Interleague Game of the Week on Philadelphia Phillies -111

The Key: The Philadelphia Phillies have won 3 of their last 4 games coming in.  They scored 27 runs in the 3 wins before getting shut out yesterday by the A's in Game 1 of this series.  I think they get back in the win column here in Game 2 thanks to their big advantage on the mound.  Ben Lively is 3-6 with a 3.86 ERA and 1.27 WHIP in 12 starts this year.  He is 2-1 with a 2.57 ERA and 1.00 WHIP in his last 3 starts.  Kendall Graveman is 1-4 with a 6.75 ERA and 1.53 WHIP in 7 road starts this year for Oakland.  The A's 20-47 in their last 67 road games.  Oakland is 8-20 in Graveman's last 28 road starts.  The Phillies are 8-3 in their last 11 games following a loss.  Take Philadelphia.

7* AL Central Game of the Month on Chicago White Sox +103

The Key: Chicago White Sox fans are getting a chance to see their young prospects get significant playing time down the stretch.  And the results have been impressive in their rotation and their lineup.  They are 5-1 in their last 6 games overall.  The Sox have scored 11 or more runs in 3 of their last 6 games, including their 17-7 beat down of the Tigers last night.  The Tigers are the worst team in baseball right now with all of the players they traded away.  They are 0-6 in their last 6 games overall.  Carson Fulmer allowed 1 earned run while striking out 9 in 6 innings of an 8-1 victory over San Francisco on September 10th in his last start.  Anibal Sanchez is 3-4 with a 6.90 ERA in 13 starts this year, including 0-1 with a 15.43 ERA in his last 3 starts.  The Tigers are 1-10 in their last 11 home games vs. a right-handed starter.  Take Chicago.

6* Astros/Angels AL West *BAILOUT* on OVER 9

The Key: Look for the Houston Astros and Los Angeles Angels to go well OVER this 9-run total.  Ricky Nolasco is 6-13 with a 4.96 ERA and 1.46 WHIP in 29 starts this season.  The Astros should light him up.  Brad Peacock has posted some good numbers this year, but he's up against an Angels lineup that has gotten stronger via trades in the second half.  Peacock has allowed 12 runs in 13 2/3 innings in his last 3 starts against the Angels.  Houston is 9-1 OVER in road games after a 5 game span where the bullpen ERA was 6.50 or worse this season.  Take the OVER.

7* Dodgers/Giants NL West *BAILOUT* on OVER 7.5

The Key: This is a very low total for 2 struggling starting pitchers tonight.  Yu Darvish is 0-3 with a 9.49 ERA and 2.19 WHIP in his last 3 starts.  Matt Moore has been one of the worst starters all season, going 5-13 with a 5.38 ERA and 1.50 WHIP in 28 starts.  Moore has allowed 12 earned runs in 9 2/3 innings in his last 2 starts against the Dodgers this season.  The wind is expected to be blowing out to center at about 13 MPH come game time as well, which will help aid this OVER.  The OVER is 13-3 in Dodgers last 16 games overall, and 7-0 in their last 7 vs. a starter with a WHIP greater than 1.30.  The OVER is 6-0-1 in Giants last 7 games overall.  Take the OVER.

7* AL West Game of the Week on Texas Rangers -116

The Key: The Texas Rangers are only 2 games back in the wild card to the Minnesota Twins.  They continue to fight in spite of all the injuries and trades that have occurred.  And the Rangers should be a bigger favorite here against the Mariners given their advantage on the mound.  Miguel Gonzalez has been great at home this year, going 4-3 with a 3.77 ERA and 1.22 WHIP in 9 home starts.  Marco Gonzales is still looking for his first win, going 0-1 with an 8.25 ERA and 1.96 WHIP in 6 starts, and 0-1 with a 9.00 ERA and 2.25 WHIP in 3 road starts.  The Mariners are 0-6 in their last 6 road games.  The Rangers are 5-1 in their last 6 vs. a left-handed starter.  The Rangers are 10-3 in their last 13 home meetings with the Mariners.  Take Texas.

6* Dodgers/Giants NL West *BAILOUT* on San Francisco +188

The Key: The Dodgers have now lost 10 straight and are 1-15 in their last 16 games overall.  Yet, here we are again, with the Giants in the role of -200 favorite.  The Giants will play hard in this series and want to win with the Dodgers being their biggest rivals.  And the Giants have the advantage on the mound to boot.  Chris Stratton is 2-2 with a 3.15 ERA in 6 starts, including 1-0 with a 1.64 ERA in 2 home starts.  Kenta Maeda is 4-5 with a 5.46 ERA in 12 road starts this year.  Maeda is 3-1 with a 4.58 ERA and 1.68 WHIP in 4 lifetime starts vs. San Francisco.  The Giants are 8-2 in their last 10 home games vs. a team with a winning road record.  The Giants are 20-7 in their last 27 home meetings with the Dodgers.  Take San Francisco.

6* American League *MOUND MISMATCH* on Boston Red Sox -1.5 (-125)

The Key: The Boston Red Sox are now 80-61 on the season.  They Tampa Bay Rays are getting closer to being eliminated from postseason contention at 70-72.  The Red Sox should win their 4th straight game with ease tonight thanks to their advantage on the mound.  Chris Sale is 15-7 with a 2.85 ERA and 0.94 WHIP in 28 starts this year.  Sale is 7-5 with a 3.31 ERA and 0.92 WHIP in 12 lifetime starts vs. Tampa Bay.  He has struck out 13, 12 and 12 batters in his last 3 starts against the Rays this season.  Matt Andriese is 1-2 with a 4.74 ERA in 5 road starts this year, and 0-1 with a 9.39 ERA in his last 3 outings.  Andriese sports a 4.67 ERA in 5 lifetime starts vs. Boston.  He has yielded 11 earned runs in 15 innings in his last 3 starts against the Red Sox.  Sale is 17-3 vs. AL teams scoring 4.4 or less runs/game on the season over the last 2 seasons.  His teams are winning by 3.1 runs per game on average.  Take Boston the Run Line.

7* Angels/Mariners AL West *BAILOUT* on Seattle -128

The Key: The Seattle Mariners trail the Los Angeles Angels by 3 games in the wild card chase.  They now get to host the Angels, making this a big game for them.  I like Mike Leake and the Mariners here over Ricky Nolasco and the Angels.  Leake sports a 3.51 ERA and 1.25 WHIP in 15 home starts this year.  Nolasco is 3-7 with a 5.17 ERA and 1.52 WHIP in 14 road starts.  Leake is 1-0 with a 1.13 ERA in one lifetime starts vs. Los Angeles, which came last year.  Nolasco sports an 8.68 ERA in his last 2 starts at Seattle, yielding 9 earned runs and 4 homers in 9 1/3 innings.  The Angels are 1-8 in their last 9 games following an off day.  The Angels are 0-6 in Nolasco's last 6 road starts vs. a team with a losing record.  The Mariners are 5-0 in their last 5 games following an off day.  Take Seattle.

7* National League *MOUND MISMATCH* on St. Louis Cardinals -122

The Key: I've backed the Cardinals with success the past 2 days and I'm jumping back on the money train tonight.  This is a Cardinals team that has gone 6-1 in their last 7 games to get within 2 games of the Colorado Rockies for the last wild card spot.  The Cardinals are 10-2 in their last 12 meetings with San Diego, including 5-0 in their last 5 road meetings.  Lance Lynn is the better starter here.  Lynn is 10-6 with a 2.99 ERA and 1.15 WHIP in 28 starts this year.  Clayton Richard is 6-13 with a 4.94 ERA and 1.53 WHIP in 28 starts.  Lynn is 3-2 with a 3.25 ERA in 6 lifetime starts vs. San Diego.  Take St. Louis.

7* Cards/Padres National League *BAILOUT* on St. Louis -105

The Key: The St. Louis Cardinals just keep hanging around.  They are just 3 games back in the wild card and they are the type of team that will step it up in the month of September.  I backed them yesterday with success, and they are now 5-1 in their last 6 games overall.  This is an excellent price to back them at nearly even money against the San Diego Padres, who are out of contention and just playing for pride.  The Padres are 17-36 in their last 53 vs. a team with a winning record.  The Padres are 0-5 in Lamet's last 5 starts vs. a team with a winning record.  The Cardinals are 9-2 in the last 11 meetings, including 4-0 in the last 4 meetings in San Diego.  Take St. Louis.

7* National League *MOUND MISMATCH* on St. Louis Cardinals -154

The Key: The St. Louis Cardinals are still very much alive for the postseason.  They are 3 games back of the Rockies in the wild card.  They have gone 4-1 in their last 5 games to make their run, and opened this 4-game series against the lowly Padres with a 2-0 victory.  Look for Michael Wacha to shut them down tonight in Game 2 as well.  Wacha has never lost to the Padres, going 2-0 with a 1.89 ERA and 1.11 WHIP in 3 lifetime starts against them.  Travis Wood is 2-2 with a 5.36 ERA and 1.59 WHIP in 10 starts for the Padres.  He is also 5-6 with a 5.61 ERA and 1.50 WHIP in 18 lifetime starts against the Cardinals.  The Cards are 10-1 in Wacha's last 11 starts during game 2 of a series.  The Cards are 8-2 in the last 10 meetings.  Take St. Louis.

6* American League *CA$H COW* on Tampa Bay Rays -122

The Key: The Rays have to get going if they want to make the postseason.  They are 4 games back of the Minnesota Twins for the last wild card spot, and that's convenient because they host the Twins in this series.  They need a sweep, and I like them in Game 1 here tonight.  Alex Cobb has been great at home this year at 5-4 with a 2.34 ERA and 0.96 WHIP in 11 starts.  He sports a 2.20 ERA and 1.10 WHIP in his last 3 starts overall as well.  Cobb has never lost to the Twins, going 1-0 with a 2.53 ERA in 2 lifetime starts against them.  Jose Berrios is 0-1 with a 7.20 ERA in his lone lifetime start against the Rays.  Berrios is 4-5 with a 5.12 ERA in 11 road starts this year.  The Twins are 0-7 in Berrios' last 7 road starts.  Take Tampa Bay.

7* Red Sox/Yankees ESPN *BAILOUT* on Boston -109

The Key: Rarely will you get to back Chris Sale at this kind of price.  And when you look at the numbers he has posted against the Yankees, it's certainly worth taking the Red Sox here.  Sale is 15-6 with a 2.77 ERA and 0.91 WHIP in 27 starts this year with a ridiculous 264 K's.  He is 4-3 with a 1.69 ERA and 0.85 WHIP in 11 lifetime starts against New York.  Luis Severino is 1-4 with a 4.98 ERA in 6 lifetime starts vs. Boston.  He gave up 8 earned runs in 4 1/3 innings against the Red Sox in his last start against them on September 12th.  The Red Sox are 5-1 in Sale's last 6 road starts.  Take Boston.

6* AL East Game of the Week on Baltimore Orioles -116

The Key: The Baltimore Orioles are 8-1 in their last 9 games overall to make a serious push toward being a wild card team in the American League.  Their offense has been on fire in scoring a combined 61 runs in those 9 games.  The Toronto Blue Jays are done at 62-73 on the season.  Wade Miley is 2-1 with a 3.45 ERA in his last 3 starts.  Miley has allowed 3 earned runs or fewer in 6 consecutive starts against Toronto.  He sports a 3.11 ERA in those 6 starts while allowing 13 earned runs in 37 2/3 innings.  Marcus Stroman has allowed 4 earned runs or more in 3 of his last 5 starts against the Orioles.  He is 1-2 with a 5.16 ERA in those 5 starts.  The Orioles are 5-1 in Miley's last 6 starts.  The Blue Jays are 3-9 in Stroman's last 12 road starts vs. a team with a winning record.  The Orioles are 10-4 in the last 14 meetings.  Take Baltimore.

7* MLB Run Line Game of the Week on Baltimore Orioles -1.5 (+120)

The Key: The Baltimore Orioles are 7-1 in their last 8 games overall to make a serious push toward being a wild card team in the American League.  Their offense has been on fire in scoring a combined 60 runs in those 8 games.  Kevin Gausman has been great in the second half.  He is 5-2 with a 2.26 ERA in his last 8 starts, allowing only 13 earned runs in 51 2/3 innings.  Guasman is 4-3 with a 3.63 ERA in 11 lifetime starts vs. Toronto.  Guasman is 2-0 with a 1.56 ERA in his last 3 starts against the Blue Jays as well.  Joe Biagini is 2-8 with a 6.02 ERA and 1.53 WHIP in 12 starts this year, including 0-3 with a 9.42 ERA and 2.30 WHIP in his last 3 starts.  Biagini is 0-7 (-10.4 Units) against the money line when the total is 9 to 9.5 this season.  The Blue Jays are losing by 5.8 RPG in this spot.  He'll get rocked today as the Orioles stay red hot at the plate and cover this run line.  Take Baltimore on the Run Line.

6* Dodgers/DBacks NL West *CA$H COW* on Arizona +105

The Key: The Arizona Diamondbacks are rolling right now.  They have won 6 straight and are 8-1 in their last 9 games overall.  The Los Angeles Dodgers have relaxed now that they basically have home-field advantage locked up in the postseason.  They will remain fade material going forward.  They are 0-4 in their last 4 games overall.  Getting Zack Greinke as a home dog is a gift today.  Greinke is 12-1 with a 2.36 ERA in 15 home starts this year.  Kenta Maeda is 4-4 with a 4.61 ERA in 11 road starts.  Maeda is 0-1 with a 7.07 ERA in 3 starts against the Diamondbacks in 2017.  He has allowed 11 earned runs in 14 innings in those 3 starts.  The Diamondbacks are 13-2 in Greinke's home starts this year.  Take Arizona.

7* MLB *HEAVY HITTER* on Colorado Rockies -107

The Key: Chad Bettis has made a successful return from testicular cancer.  He sports a 3.79 ERA and 1.21 WHIP in 3 starts this year, including a 1.93 ERA and 1.07 WHIP in his 2 home starts.  Now I look for Bettis to take down the Detroit Tigers today at this generous -107 price.  This is a Tigers team that has quit while going 6-17 in their last 23 games overall, including 2-10 in their last 12 road games.  Justin Verlander is 3-6 with a 5.02 ERA and 1.44 WHIP in 14 road starts this year.  The Tigers are 1-9 in Verlander's last 10 road starts.  The Rockies are 14-2 in Bettis' last 16 home starts vs. a team with a losing record.  Take Colorado.

7* Interleague Game of the Month on Colorado Rockies -142

The Key: The Colorado Rockies lost to the Tigers yesterday and will be hungry for a victory today.  This is a Tigers team that is just 6-16 in their last 22 games overall.  They haven't won back-to-back games since August 3-4 and are 0-6 in their last 6 games following a win.  German Marquez has been solid this year at 10-5 with a 4.18 ERA in 22 starts this season.  He'll be up against a depleted Tigers lineup that is missing Miguel Cabrera and Victor Martinez.  The Tigers are 2-9 in their last 11 road games.  Detroit is 1-6 in Fulmer's last 7 road starts.  The Rockies are 8-0 in Marquez's last 8 home starts.  Take Colorado.

7* Giants/Padres NL West *BAILOUT* on San Diego -109

The Key: The San Diego Padres are showing great value as small home favorite over the San Francisco Giants today.  The Padres have been a profitable bet at home all season, going 33-30 (+6.9 units).  San Francisco is 21-45 (-23 units) on the road.  Jhoulys Chacin has been untouchable at home, going 7-2 with a 1.86 ERA in 13 starts.  Jeff Samardzija is 3-7 with a 5.05 ERA in 13 road starts.  Samardzija has given up 12 earned runs in 10 1/3 innings in his last 2 starts against the Padres in 2017.  Chacin is 8-6 with a 3.41 ERA in 18 lifetime starts vs. San Francisco.  The Padres are 4-0 in Chacin's last 4 starts vs. Giants.  Take San Diego.

7* National League *MOUND MISMATCH* on Colorado Rockies -125

The Key: The Colorado Rockies have a massive advantage on the mound today over the Atlanta Braves.  Jon Gray returned from injury this season and is starting to find his groove, giving up just 4 earned runs over 12 2/3 innings his last 2 starts.  Gray has never lost to the Braves, going 2-0 with a 1.35 ERA and 1.10 WHIP in 3 lifetime starts against them.  Mike Foltynewicz is starting to wear down, and that's evident by the fact that he's 0-3 with a huge 15.42 ERA and 2.91 WHIP in his last 3 starts.  Foltynewicz has never beaten the Rockies, going 0-3 with a 6.00 ERA and 1.57 WHIP in 4 lifetime starts against them.  Take Colorado.

6* American League *MOUND MISMATCH* on New York Yankees -1.5 (+100)

The Key: The Yankees have a big advantage on the mound today and should have no problem winning by 2 runs or more over the Seattle Mariners.  The Yankees will be extra hungry after losing 2 straight games coming in.  Sonny Gray has been great this year at 7-8 with a 3.37 ERA and 1.21 WHIP in 20 starts, and 6-2 with a 3.07 ERA and 1.10 WHIP in 11 home starts.  Gray owns the Mariners, going 4-2 with a 2.86 ERA and 1.15 WHIP in 10 lifetime starts against them.  Yovani Gallardo is the weakest link in Seattle's rotation.  He is 4-9 with a 6.28 ERA and 1.57 WHIP in 20 starts, and 0-2 with an 8.59 ERA and 1.77 WHIP in his last 3 outings.  Gallardo is also 2-3 with a 6.32 ERA and 1.43 WHIP in 7 lifetime starts vs. New York.  The Yankees are 6-0 in their last 6 after scoring 2 runs or less in their previous game.  Take New York on the Run Line.

7* National League *MOUND MISMATCH* on Arizona Diamondbacks -1.5 (-112)

The Key: Zack Greinke is virtually unbeatable at home.  He is 11-1 with a 2.34 ERA and 0.89 WHIP in 14 home starts this year.  Ty Blach is 3-4 with a 5.33 ERA and 1.46 WHIP in 8 road starts.  Blach is 1-2 with a 6.87 ERA and 1.64 WHIP in his last 3 starts as well.  Greinke is 9-2 with a 2.55 ERA and 1.13 WHIP in 15 lifetime starts vs. San Francisco.  Greinke is 73-18 (+40.5 Units) against the money line as a home favorite of -150 or more since lifetime.  Take Arizona on the Run Line.v

7* AL Central Game of the Month on Minnesota Twins -165

The Key: The Twins have gone 13-5 in their last 18 games and 6-2 in their last 8 with both losses coming by exactly one run, including last night's 4-3 loss to the White Sox.  They'll come back hungry for a victory here Thursday and they have a huge advantage on the mound in this one.  Jose Berrios is 11-5 with a 3.99 ERA and 1.15 WHIP in 18 starts this season.  He pitched 7 shutout innings against Arizona in his last start.  Derek Holland has been awful of late, going 1-2 with a 14.80 ERA and 3.09 WHIP in his last 3 starts, yielding 17 runs and 32 base runners in 10 1/3 innings.  Berrios has never lost to the White Sox, going 2-0 with a 2.08 ERA and 0.92 WHIP in 2 lifetime starts.  Holland is 2-6 with a 5.24 ERA and 1.45 WHIP in 11 lifetime starts vs. Minnesota.  In his last 2 starts against the Twins this season, Holland has yielded 14 runs and 5 homers in 7 2/3 innings.  Take Minnesota.

7* American League *MOUND MISMATCH* on Minnesota Twins -1.5 (+100)

The Key: The Minnesota Twins have gone 13-4 in their last 17 games overall to jump into the 2nd wild card spot in the American League.  Their offense is on fire as they have scored 47 runs over their past 6 games, including 20 in the first 3 games of this series against the White Sox, who now have a taxed bullpen.  Making matters worse is that they traded away their best bullpen arms to the Yankees.  Ervin Santana is 13-7 with a 3.33 ERA in 25 starts this year, including 8-2 with a 2.59 ERA in 12 road starts.  He'll be opposed by James Shields, who is 2-4 with a 5.72 ERA in 14 starts, including 2-3 with a 6.14 ERA in 7 home starts.  Santana is 5-0 with a 2.61 ERA in his last 5 starts against the White Sox, yielding only 9 earned runs in 31 innings.  Shields is 0-2 with a 6.46 ERA in his last 3 starts against Minnesota, yielding 11 earned runs in 15 1/3 innings.  The Twins are 4-0 in Santana's last 4 starts.  The White Sox are 17-40 in their last 57 games overall.  Take Minnesota on the Run Line.

7* National League Game of the Month on Chicago Cubs -153

The Key: The Chicago Cubs appear to have turned the corner.  They have gone 6-2 in their last 8 games behind an offense that has scored 57 runs in those 8 games and an average of 7.1 RPG.  I'll lay the price with them today given their advantage on the mound.  John Lackey is pitching his best baseball since the All-Star Break.  He is 5-0 with a 3.06 ERA in his last 6 starts.  Lackey is 6-5 with a 3.75 ERA and 1.17 WHIP in 16 lifetime starts vs. Cincinnati.  Homer Bailey has been one of the worst starters in baseball this year.  He is 4-6 with an 8.44 ERA and 2.04 WHIP in 11 starts, including 0-4 with a 14.33 ERA and 2.57 WHIP in 4 home starts.  Bailey sports a 4.66 ERA and 1.46 WHIP in 17 lifetime starts vs. Chicago.  He gave up 6 earned runs and 12 base runners in 5 2/3 innings of a 6-7 loss to the Cubs in his last start on August 16th.  Cincinnati is 1-11 after scoring 1 run or less this season.  The Cubs are 11-0 in their last 11 road games vs. a right-handed starter.  Chicago is 7-0 in Lackey's last 7 starts.  The Reds are 0-5 in Bailey's last 5 home starts.  Take this combined 34-1 angle straight to the bank tonight.  Take Chicago.

7* Brewers/Giants National League *BAILOUT* on Milwaukee -117

The Key: The Milwaukee Brewers have gotten back on track with a 7-1 run over their last 8 games to pull within 2 games of the Chicago Cubs in the NL Central.  Now they have an easy series coming against the Giants starting Monday.  This is a Giants team that just lost back-to-back games to the Philadelphia Phillies over the weekend, the only team with a worse record than them in the National League.  Zach Davies has yet to lose on the road, going 7-0 with a 2.52 ERA and 1.14 WHIP in 12 road starts this season.  Chris Stratton is 1-1 with a 3.44 ERA and 1.42 WHIP in 3 starts for the Giants.  He has already walked 10 batters in 18 1/3 innings as control has clearly been an issue.  Buster Posey is expected to sit tonight, making Davies' job a little easier.  Davies is 10-1 (+10.7 Units) against the money line after a win this season.  The Brewers are 7-0 in Davies' last 7 starts with 5 days of rest.  Take Milwaukee.

7* National League *HEAVY HITTER* on Colorado Rockies -123

The Key: Getting the Rockies at this low of a price at home is a nice value.  Especially when you consider that starting pitcher Kyle Freeland is 6-4 with a 3.31 ERA in 12 starts at hitter-friendly Coors Field this season.  Chase Anderson makes his return from the DL today with his first start since June 28th.  He'll be on a pitch count and the Rockies should get into Milwaukee's shaky bullpen early.  The Rockies are 38-23 at home this season, hitting .301 and scoring 6.2 RPG.  Colorado is 10-1 (+10.6 Units) against the money line when playing against a marginal winning team (Win Pct. 51% to 54%) this season.   Freeland is 10-2 (+8.1 Units) against the money line in day games this season.  The Brewers are 1-10 in their last 11 games vs. a starter with a WHIP greater than 1.30.  Take Colorado.

6* National League *CA$H COW* on Miami Marlins +105

The Key: The Miami Marlins have quietly gone 6-1 in their last 7 games overall.  They continue to try and get to .500 on the season as they currently sit at 59-61.  The Mets appear to have quit as they are 0-5 in their last 5 games overall to fall to 53-67 on the year.  The Marlins have the hotter starter in Vance Worley, who is 2-0 with a 2.12 ERA in his last 3 starts.  Rafael Montero is 1-5 with a 5.82 ERA in 10 starts this year, 0-5 with a 6.52 ERA in 6 home starts, and 0-1 with a 6.13 ERA in his last 3 starts.  Montero sports a 5.02 ERA and 1.67 WHIP in 3 lifetime starts vs. Miami.  The Marlins are 6-0 in Worley's last 6 starts, while the Mets are 1-6 in Montero's last 7 starts, and 0-5 in his last 5 home starts.  Take Miami.

7* American League *HEAVY HITTER* on Tampa Bay Rays -123

The Key: The Tampa Bay Rays, at 60-63, realize this is a huge series for them if they want to stay alive in the wild card chase.  They haven't played well over the last 2 weeks, but now they have 6 straight home games to get back on track.  I'll gladly back Austin Pruitt, who is 1-2 with a 3.08 ERA and 1.03 WHIP in 5 starts this year for the Rays.  He has a 1.96 ERA in his last 3 starts, which is impressive considering he has faced 3 of the best teams in baseball in the Indians, Red Sox and Astros.  Erasmo Ramirez has been awful on the road this year, going 0-3 with a 10.35 ERA and 1.95 WHIP in 5 starts for the Mariners.  The Mariners are 6-16 in Ramirez's last 22 starts.  Take Tampa Bay.

7* Nats/Padres National League *BAILOUT* on San Diego -109

The Key: The Washington Nationals will be just coasting to the finish line since they essentially have the NL East wrapped up already.  That's especially the case with all of the injuries that are piling up.  They are without Bryce Harper, Trea Turner, Jayson Werth, Adam Eaton and Stephen Strasburg.  The Strasburg injury is a big reason why Edwin Jackson has been added to the rotation.  While he's held his own thus far, it's only a matter of time before he starts getting blown up like he has throughout his career.  Jhoulys Chacin has been one of the most underrated starters in the big leagues.  Chacin has been especially good at home, going 7-2 with a 1.86 ERA and 0.98 WHIP in 12 starts at Petco Park.  Chacin is 3-2 with a 3.43 ERA in 7 lifetime starts vs. Washington.  Jackson has never beaten the Padres, going 0-6 with a 6.98 ERA and 1.80 WHIP in 10 lifetime starts against them.  The Padres are 32-27 (+8.6 units) at home this year and will get up to play the Nationals in this series.  Chacin is 10-2 (+8.4 Units) against the money line at home when the money line is +125 to -125 over the last 2 seasons.  Take San Diego.

7* MLB Run Line Game of the Week on Texas Rangers -1.5 (+110)

The Key: The Texas Rangers are still very much alive in the AL wild card race.  They have gone 5-1 in their last 6 games overall coming in.  The Detroit Tigers have gone in the other direction.  They are 2-9 in their last 11 games overall while losing all nine games by 2 runs or more.  The Rangers should roll today thanks to their huge advantage on the mound.  Cole Hamels is 7-1 with a 3.31 ERA in 14 starts this year, 5-0 with a 2.66 ERA in 7 home starts, and 2-0 with a 1.23 ERA in his last 3 starts.  Anibal Sanchez is 3-3 with a 5.80 ERA in 10 starts this year, including 1-2 with an 8.62 ERA in his last 3 starts.  Hamels is 3-2 with a 3.27 ERA in 5 lifetime starts vs. Detroit, while Sanchez is 2-4 with an 8.48 ERA in 6 lifetime starts vs. Texas.  The Tigers are 0-6 in their last 6 road games.  The Rangers are 23-6 in Hamels' last 29 home starts, including 14-1 in his last 15 home starts vs. a team with a losing record.  Take Texas on the Run Line.

7* American League *Total* Annihilator on Tigers/Rangers UNDER 10.5

The Key: I cashed in the Rangers/Tigers UNDER 11 yesterday and I'm going to back the UNDER 10.5 again today.  For whatever reason, the books have set the number too high once again tonight.  This is an especially high total for a game involving Detroit ace Justin Verlander.  He has been spectacular of late, going 3-0 with a 0.86 ERA and 0.86 WHIP in his last 3 starts while allowing only 2 earned runs in 21 innings.  A.J. Griffin has held his own for the Rangers at 5-3 with a 5.40 ERA and 1.20 WHIP in 10 starts.  The Rangers have been held to 5 runs or fewer in 8 of their last 11 games, while the Tigers have been held to 5 or fewer in 17 of their last 21 games.  Verlander is 11-1 UNDER vs. an AL team with an on base percentage .320 or worse in the second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.  The UNDER is 5-1 in the last 6 meetings.  The UNDER is 13-1-2 in Rangers last 16 after scoring 5 runs or more in their previous game.  The UNDER is 5-0-1 in Rangers last 6 games overall.  Take the UNDER.

7* MLB Total of the Month on Tigers/Rangers UNDER 11

The Key: I like the price we are getting with the UNDER in the Tigers/Rangers Game 1 battle Monday.  It's not like either offense is lighting it up.  The Rangers have been held to 5 runs or fewer in 8 of their last 10 games overall.  The Tigers have been held to 5 runs or fewer in 16 of their last 20 games overall.  One of these teams is going to have to get to at least 6 runs to tie or beat us, and I'm just not seeing it.  Michael Fulmer sports a 3.48 ERA in 10 road starts this season, and he pitched a 9-inning shutout in his only lifetime start against the Rangers.  Martin Perez hasn't been great, but his job could be much easier today considering both Ian Kinsler and Miggy Cabrera are questionable for the Tigers after sitting out yesterday.  Texas is 7-0 UNDER after a combined score of 3 runs or less this season.  The UNDER is 23-8 in Perez's last 31 starts during game 1 of a series.  The UNDER is 23-8-2 in Rangers last 33 during game 1 of a series.  The UNDER is 4-1 in the last 5 meetings.  Take the UNDER.

7* American League *HEAVY HITTER* on Baltimore Orioles -108

The Key: The Baltimore Orioles are only 1.5 games back in the wild card race.  Another victory here Sunday would get them back to .500 on the season.  The A's are the second-worst team in the AL with a record of 51-66 on the year.  They have lost 4 of their last 5 games overall.  Jeremy Hellickson has allowed just 3 earned runs in 13 innings in his last two starts for the Orioles.  Kendall Graveman has allowed 10 earned runs in 7 1/3 innings in his last two starts for the A's.  Hellickson is 2-1 with a 3.44 ERA and 1.06 WHIP in 6 lifetime starts vs. Oakland.  Graveman is 1-2 with a 7.71 ERA and 1.61 WHIP in 4 lifetime starts vs. Baltimore.  This one looks like a blowout in favor of the Orioles today, and we're getting them at basically an even money price.  Hellickson is 8-2 (+8.5 Units) against the money line in day games this season.  TheOrioles are 7-1 in their last 8 Sunday games. Take Baltimore.

7* National League *MOUND MISMATCH* on St. Louis Cardinals -1.5 (-115)

The Key: We'll continue riding the red hot St. Louis Cardinals here Saturday on the run line against the Atlanta Braves.  The Cardinals are 7-0 in their last 7 games overall.  They have scored 8 runs or more in 6 straight games and are averaging 9.7 RPG during this stretch.  The Braves have lost 4 straight while scoring a total of 10 runs, or an average of 2.5 RPG.  Carlos Martinez is 5-3 with a 3.27 ERA at home this year.  Lucas Sims is 0-2 with a 5.25 ERA in 2 starts this season for the Braves.  The Braves are 0-6 in their last 6 road games.  Atlanta is 0-4 in the last 4 meetings.  Take St. Louis on the Run Line.

7* AL West Game of the Year on Texas Rangers +113

The Key: It's now or never for the Texas Rangers, who are still very much alive in the wild card hunt at just 3.5 games back of the second spot.  They have a chance to get back on track against a slumping Astros team that has many key injuries right now holding them back.  The Astros have gone 2-7 in their last 9 games overall, and they were just swept by the White Sox in Chicago last series.  The Astros played an extra innings game on Thursday, while the Rangers had yesterday off, giving the home team a huge edge in rest.  Rarely will you get to back Cole Hamels as a home dog.  He is 4-0 with a 3.12 ERA at home this season.  Charlie Morton is 3-2 with a 4.08 ERA on the road.  Hamels has allowed 3 earned runs or fewer in 5 straight starts against the Astros.  He is 2-0 with a 1.66 ERA in his last 3 starts against Houston, yielding only 4 earned runs in 21 2/3 innings.  Houston is 0-6 in its last 6 games vs. a left-handed starter.  The Rangers are 6-1 in their last 7 games following an off day.   The Rangers are 22-6 in Hamels' last 28 home starts, and 10-1 in his last 11 Friday starts.  Take Texas.

7* Interleague *HEAVY HITTER* on St. Louis Cardinals -140

The Key: The St. Louis Cardinals are on fire at the plate right now and feeling good about themselves.  They have won 5 straight games and have scored a combined 42 runs over their last 4 games, or an average of 10.5 RPG.  The Royals are in free-fall mode in going 2-8 in their last 10 games overall.  And a big part of this poor run is that they have been without their best player in catcher Salvador Perez.  The Cards have the advantage on the mound tonight with Lance Lynn, who is 10-6 with a 3.12 ERA in 23 starts, 5-3 with a 2.58 ERA in 10 home starts and 2-0 with a 2.00 ERA in his last 3 starts.  Jason Hammel is 5-9 with a 4.73 ERA in 22 starts for the Royals, including 2-4 with a 4.86 ERA in 8 road starts.  The Royals are 0-6 in their last 6 interleague games.  The Cardinals are 5-1 in Lynn's last 6 starts.  Take St. Louis.

7* MLB *MOUND MISMATCH* on St. Louis Cardinals -127

The Key: The Cardinals' offense has exploded for 10 or more runs in three straight games and a total of 34 runs the past 3 days.  They have a huge advantage on the mound tonight that should lead to another victory against the slumping Royals, who are 2-7 in their last 9 games overall.  Mike Leake is 7-10 with a 3.34 ERA and 1.23 WHIP in 22 starts this year, and 3-6 with a 3.20 ERA and 1.21 WHIP in 12 home starts.  He has been one of the most consistent starters in the National League.  Trevor Cahill is 4-3 with a 4.13 ERA and 1.44 WHIP in 13 starts this year, 0-3 with a 6.30 ERA and 1.75 WHIP in 8 road starts, and 0-0 with an 8.75 ERA and 2.35 WHIP in his last 3 starts.  His transition from the Padres of the NL to the AL has not been a smooth one.  And Cahill has never beaten the Cardinals, going 0-2 with a 4.82 ERA and 1.36 WHIP in 5 lifetime starts against them.  Take St. Louis.

7* MLB Run Line Game of the Week on Chicago Cubs -1.5 (-110)

The Key: The Chicago Cubs have actually gotten back on track by performing well on the road.  They are 13-3 in their last 16 road games, and 21-7 in their last 28 vs. left-handed starters.  They have the 3rd-best OPS in baseball against left-handers this season.  They will get after southpaw Ty Blach, who is 7-7 with a 4.21 ERA and 1.31 WHIP and just 58 K's in 115 1/3 innings this season.  Jose Quintana has been at his best on the road this season with a 3.56 ERA and 1.17 WHIP in 12 starts away from home.  The Cubs are hitting .283 with a .368 OBP and 6.3 RPG against lefty starters this season.  Quintana is 16-1 vs. poor baserunning teams - averaging 0.5 or less SB's/game in the second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.  HIs teams are winning by 3.4 RPG on average.  Quintana is 9-0 when playing against a team with a losing record this season.  His teams are winning by 4.0 RPG.  Take Chicago on the Run Line.

7* Interleague Game of the Month on St. Louis Cardinals -120

The Key: The St. Louis Cardinals look to get back to .500 with a win today over the rival Kansas City Royals in this interleague showdown.  The Cards should do just that thanks to their big advantage on the mound.  Carlos Martinez is 7-9 with a 3.59 ERA and 1.21 WHIP in 22 starts this year.  Martinez pitched 6 shutout innings in his only lifetime starts vs. Kansas City last season.  Ian Kennedy is 4-7 with a 4.60 ERA in 20 starts, 0-4 with a 4.98 ERA in 9 home starts, and 1-1 with a 6.43 ERA in his last 3 outings.  Kennedy is 3-5 with a 7.20 ERA in 8 lifetime starts vs. St. Louis.  The Cardinals are 27-11 in their last 38 meetings in Kansas City.  Take St. Louis.

7* National League *HEAVY HITTER* on Colorado Rockies -107

The Key: I love the price we are getting Sunday with a contender in the Colorado Rockies (64-47) at home against the worst team in baseball in the Philadelphia Phillies (39-69).  The Aaron Nola love has gone too far here.  He can't do it all for the Phillies, who are scoring 3.8 runs per game on the road this season, while the Rockies are scoring 6.2 runs per game at home.  Jeff Hoffman faced the Phillies back on May 22nd, giving up just 1 earned run and 3 hits in 7 innings of an 8-1 victory for the Rockies.  Philadelphia is 3-14 after allowing 8 runs or more this season.  The Phillies are 17-49 in their last 66 road games.  The Rockies are 9-2 in their last 11 home games.  Take Colorado.

7* National League *MOUND MISMATCH* on Pittsburgh Pirates -152

The Key: The Pittsburgh Pirates have a big advantage on the mound today over the San Diego Padres.  Gerrit Cole has delivered five straight quality starts with a 2.25 ERA during that stretch.  In five lifetime starts against the Padres, he is 4-1 with a 1.47 ERA.  Dinelson Lamet is 5-4 with a 5.62 ERA in 11 starts this year, including 2-3 with a 7.22 ERA in 6 road starts.  The Padres are 30-61 in their last 91 road games.  The Pirates are 5-0 in Cole's last 5 starts.  Pittsburgh is 4-0 in Cole's last 4 starts vs. San Diego.  The Padres are 1-5 in the last 6 road meetings.  Take Pittsburgh.

7* NL Game of the Month on Colorado Rockies -144

The Key: The Colorado Rockies have won 4 of their last 6 and are pursuing a wild card spot in the National League.  They can't afford to slip up against the Philadelphia Phillies in this series.  The Phillies were just swept by the Angels on the road last series and outscored 5-19 in the process to fall to 16-39 on the road this season.  Kyle Freeland comes in hot at 3-0 with a 2.33 ERA in his last 3 starts.  He sports a remarkable 3.21 ERA across 10 starts at hitter-friendly Coors Field this year.  Vincent Velasquez is 2-6 with a 4.91 ERA in 13 starts for the Phillies.  He sports a 4.59 ERA and 1.79 WHIP in 3 lifetime starts vs. Colorado.  The Phillies are 17-48 in their last 65 road games.  Philadelphia is 6-16 in Velasquez's last 22 starts.  The Rockies are 8-2 in their last 10 home games.  Take Colorado.

7* American League *MOUND MISMATCH* on Minnesota Twins -122

The Key: The Minnesota Twins are coming off an 8-game road trip.  Now they have 6 straight games at home and need to do some work to make up some ground in the AL Central and wild card races.  They are still trying to win, while the Texas Rangers were in sell mode at the deadline in trading away Jonathan Lucroy and Yu Darvish.  The Rangers have lost 4 of their last 5 games coming in.  The edge on the mound clearly goes to the Twins and Alberto Mejia in Game 1 of this series.  Mejia is 4-4 with a 4.07 ERA in 16 starts, including 0-0 with a 2.46 ERA in his last 3 starts.  A.J. Griffin is 4-2 with a 5.77 ERA in 8 starts for the Rangers, including 0-2 with a 15.84 ERA in his last 3 starts, yielding 17 earned runs in 9 2/3 innings.  Griffin sports a 5.00 ERA in 3 lifetime starts vs. Minnesota.  Texas is 1-11 in road games with a team slugging percentage .400 or worse on the season (AL) this season.  The Rangers are 2-10 in their last 12 vs. a team with a losing record.  The Twins are 4-1 in the last 5 meetings.  Take Minnesota.

7* American League Game of the Week on Boston Red Sox -158

The Key: This series is the first chance for the Boston Red Sox to avenge their 3-0 sweep at the hands of the Indians in the 2016 postseason.  They won 6-2 last night and certainly want to return the favor with a series sweep.  Look for them to take Game 2 tonight behind the best starter in baseball in Chris Sale, who is 13-4 with a 2.37 ERA and 0.88 WHIP in 21 starts with 211 K's in 148 1/3 innings.  Sale has been untouchable of late, going 2-0 with a 0.00 ERA in his last 3 starts while pitching 20 2/3 shutout innings and striking out 33 batters.  Carlos Carrasco is 0-1 with a 5.28 ERA and 1.96 WHIP in 3 lifetime starts vs. Boston.  The Red Sox are 12-4 in Sale's last 16 starts.  The Red Sox are 5-0 in Sale's last 5 starts vs. AL Central opponents.  Take Boston.

7* Indians/Red Sox ESPN *HEAVY HITTER* on Cleveland -115

The Key: The Cleveland Indians are 9-1 in their last 10 games overall to take a 2-game lead on the Kansas City Royals in the AL Central.  I like this price on the Indians Monday considering their massive advantage on the mound.  Mike Clevinger has gone 5-3 with a 3.21 ERA in 13 starts this year, including 4-1 with a 2.15 ERA in 7 road starts.  He'll be opposed by Doug Fister, who is 0-3 with a 7.58 ERA and 1.90 WHIP in 4 starts, and 0-2 with a 7.84 ERA and 2.03 WHIP in 2 home starts.  Fister gave up 6 runs and 12 base runners in 4 1/3 innings in his last start against the Indians in 2016.  Neither Andrew Miller nor Cody Allen pitched yesterday, so both will be fresh and ready to shut it down after Clevinger leaves this game with the lead.  Fister is 5-21 (-17.7 Units) against the money line against AL Central opponents lifetime.  The Indians are 7-0 in their last 7 games vs. a right-handed starter.  The Red Sox are 2-6 in their last 8 games overall.  Take Cleveland.