There is no other way to put it. I have been cold as ice recently. In my opinion, losing six bets in a row is just as impressive as winning six bets in a row. That is what I have done. I’ve lost six straight. At this point, I wonder if it would be better for me to explain why I like a pick, and then pick the opposite. I will not do that though.
At least not yet. On the bright side, I believe there is nowhere to go but up. Any outcome moving forward is a win in my eyes. If I string together some winning bets, I’ll be right back on track. If I continue this horrid losing streak, it will get to an almost comical point. Oh well. Let’s make some picks.
Tyler Glasnow O/U 7.5 strikeouts
Tyler Glasnow has been insane in three starts this season. Over 19.2 innings pitched, the right-handed Randy Johnson has given up just one earned run on seven hits. He has 29 strikeouts to three walks. His strikeout rate of 42.6 percent is the fourth highest in the sport. At this point in time, I think it’s safe to say that Glasnow is hitting his stride.
Today, his Tampa Bay Rays will face the New York Yankees. On the season, the Yankees as a team have struck out 24.1 percent of the time.
That rate is the 12th lowest in baseball, yet still near the league average of 24.4 percent. In general, the Yankees have been struggling as of late, losing six of eight. During that eight-game stretch, they have scored 28 total runs or 3.5 per game. I believe those struggles will continue today and Glasnow will continue to rack up the strikeouts.
Pick: Glasnow Over 7.5 Strikeouts (-162 DK)
Atlanta at Cubs Money Line
Atlanta has had an oddly symmetrical up and down season thus far. They began the year losing four straight. They then won four in a row. After that, they again lost four straight. With their record now 6-8, Atlanta will look to win their third straight game against the Chicago Cubs.
Pitching matchup-wise, we have Trevor Williams facing Huascar Ynoa. In his first two starts with the Cubs, Williams has had one good start and one bad. Overall, he’s pitched 9.1 innings and has allowed seven earned runs on 12 hits. He has nine strikeouts to four walks.
For Atlanta, Ynoa has been tremendous in three appearances (two starts). Over 12 innings, he’s allowed just one earned run on six hits. In his last start against the Miami Marlins, Ynoa struck out 10 over six innings. In total, he has 15 strikeouts compared to just two walks on the season.
When it comes to today’s game, I like Atlanta in every aspect. They have the advantage in the starting pitching matchup. Their lineup is better. Ronald Acuña remains otherworldly. Slam Atlanta.
Pick: Atlanta ML (-116 FD)
Casey Mize O/U 4.5 Strikeouts
After struggling with his first taste of MLB action in 2020, Casey Mize has looked solid in two starts this year. His last start, in particular, was great against the Houston Astros as he tossed seven scoreless innings. In total, the 2018 number one overall pick has allowed one earned run over 11 total innings. He has nine strikeouts and four walks.
Today, Mize’s Detriot Tigers face the Oakland Athletics. After losing their first six games of the season, the A’s have bounced back nicely and are currently enjoying a six-game winning streak. During the winning streak, Oakland’s offense has been hot scoring 40 total runs. Today they will look to feast on the rookie pitcher.
When it comes to Mize, it’s a bit surprising that his strikeout numbers are as low as they are considering the pedigree. Over 39.1 career innings, Mize has a strikeout rate of 19.6 percent, about five percent below the league average during that time.
When you look at his stuff though, it kind of makes sense. His repertoire consists of a mid-90s fastball, an upper-80s cutter, an upper-80s split-finger fastball, and a curveball in the low 80s. The thing is though, he’s only used his curveball five percent of the time this year.
Although all of his pitches have good movement, the lack of differences in speed perhaps makes it easier for hitters to time up his pitches and make contact. That said, I think he’ll be able to tally five strikeouts today.
Pick: Mize Over 4.5 Strikouts (+100 DK)
Nathan Hursh Overall Record: (3-9-0)
Net Money (assuming all wagers are $100): –$550
Featured image by Justin Paradis (@JustParaDesigns on Twitter)