Nationals Total Runs O/U 4.5
The Nationals have been shut out in back to back games by the Phillies, who are going for the four-game sweep. Zach Eflin takes the mound and he has been much better than his 4.10 ERA would indicate (2.71 FIP). Eflin has always had solid control, but this year he is striking out batters at an unprecedented rate (33.3 K% compared to previous career-high of 22.4% in 2018). With everyone outside of Trea Turner struggling to hit the ball in recent days, Eflin’s rejuvenated success, and a bullpen that is well-rested, look for the Nationals to struggle to score once again.
Pick: Under 4.5 (-117 DK)
Padres @ Angels Total Runs After 3 Innings
A very intriguing pitching matchup is taking place in Anaheim tonight with Mike Clevinger facing off against Andrew Heaney. Clevinger will surely be looking to impress in his first start with his new team and he was effective in his last start with the Indians against the Twins. Heaney is coming off a 10 K outing, limiting the Mariners to 1 ER over 7.2 IP. While the Angels have struggled to score runs recently (6 runs combined in last 3 games), the Padres have been an offensive juggernaut. However, San Diego played a four-game series in Coors Field prior to this series and didn’t get going offensively until late last night (8 runs in the 8th inning). I am banking on Clevinger and Heaney shutting down both opposing offenses early and taking the under on the total after 3 innings.
Pick: Under 2.5 (-118 DK, -142 FD)
White Sox Total Runs O/U 5.5
Whenever the White Sox are facing a LHP, I am going to be betting on them. It’s that simple. They are easily the best team in baseball against lefties and they face a familiar foe in Danny Duffy, who pitched against Chicago on August 28th. In that game Duffy was lucky to allow just 4 runs in 5.2 IP and the White Sox still made it to 6 runs in the game. With the likes of Luis Robert, Edwin Encarnación, and Eloy Jimènez scattered in the FTN Bets’ Hot Hitter Report, Chicago is in a prime position to put up big numbers tonight. With Dylan Cease on the mound I am a little wary of taking Chicago to win, although I wouldn’t blame you if you did considering the White Sox are 11-0 against LHP this season.
Pick: Over 5.5 (+116 DK)
Featured image by Justin Paradis (@freshmeatcomm on Twitter)
I’d be curious as to how well you have done over the season. Are your picks over .500 for the year? What’s the track record?
Very good question Ross. I started to track them a little while ago but then forgot and lost track. I’ll go back and make sure to include that in the next article.
As for my picks I think I am probably right around .500. Some good days, some bad days.