Since this is my first article of the month, here is an update on my progress. I have slowly gotten better when it comes to picking, even if at a glacial pace. In April, my record was terrible (7-16-1). In May, I was still bad but slightly better (10-14). This past month, although my record still sat under .500, I improved. (11-13). Better yet, after losing $887.05 and $451.56 respectively in the first two months, I only lost $110.47 in June. Stay patient my friends, I will make you money at some point. Let’s make some picks, shall we?
Atlanta at Pirates First Inning O/U 0.5 Runs
This pick is purely a value play. The under has plus odds that I cannot pass up. For the Pirates, Chad Kuhl (2-5, 5.16 ERA) takes the hill. For Atlanta, it will be Ian Anderson (5-4, 3.35 ERA). Part of the reason that the under has plus odds is that Kuhl has been horrible in the first inning this season. His first-inning ERA is 9.00. That said, in his five starts since returning from injury, Kuhl has yet to allow a first-inning run. I like that trend to continue tonight. When looking at Anderson, he has not been great either in the first, as his ERA that inning sits at 5.06. Although the Pirates have a strong top of the lineup, 4-9 is generally putrid, so I will take my chances. This bet is a bit risky, but with the odds, it’s hard to pass up.
Pick: under one first-inning run (+110, DK)
Mets vs. Brewers First Inning O/U 0.5 Runs
Today is Jacob deGrom (7-2. 0.95 ERA) day. Although he had his worst start of the season in his last outing (which still resulted in a quality start), I am confident that he will bounce back tonight and the Brewers will not score in the first inning. The Mets will have a better opportunity to score against Brett Anderson (2-5, 4.69 ERA). In his last start, Anderson struggled, as he only lasted 1.1 innings while allowing three earned runs. That said, none of those runs came in the first inning. At the end of the day, when deGrom is pitching, the first inning under is half of a lock every single time. As long as the other pitcher (Anderson) can have a clean first, this bet will make money.
Pick: under one first-inning run (-150, DK)
Rockies at Diamondbacks Money Line
The Rockies have the worst road record in baseball at 6-31. Yes, you read that right, 6-31. They are on the road tonight to face the actual worst team in baseball, the Diamondbacks (23-63). The Rockies have been playing well lately as they have won six of their last seven. As one could easily assume, all of those wins came at home, where the team is 31-17. Looking at this pitching matchup, the Rockies have a slight edge. Jon Gray (5-6, 3.89 ERA) faces off against Merrill Kelly (5-7, 4.67 ERA). So what’s it going to be? Can the overall crappy team beat the crappy road team? That is not what I’m banking on. The Rockies are more than due for a road win. I think they get it done tonight in Arizona. When a team is an underdog against a team with a .267 win percentage, it’s hard to pass up, even if they have been historically terrible away from home.
Pick: Rockies ML (+112, DK)
Nathan Hursh Overall Record: (28-43-1)
Net Money (assuming all wagers are $100): –$1,611.93
Featured image by Justin Paradis (@JustParaDesigns on Twitter)