Pirates at Cardinals O/U 8
Over the first two games of this series, the total runs scored have been ten and nine respectively. With the pitching matchup today, I expect the trend of ample run-scoring to continue. For the Pirates, JT Brubaker (4-6, 3.77 ERA) takes the hill. Although Brubaker has been Pittsburgh’s best starter this season and solid overall, he has struggled against St. Louis. In two starts against them, he has allowed eight earned runs in 10.2 innings pitched.
For the Cardinals, Adam Wainwright (5-5, 3.74 ERA) will take the start. In June, Wainwright has been excellent allowing just eight earned runs over 27 innings pitched (2.67 ERA). In his last start specifically, Wainwright was dominant as he completed a 7-inning game allowing one run with 11 strikeouts in a win against Atlanta. Having said that, the Pirates offense has been humming over the past week. In their past seven games, they have averaged just under six runs per game. I believe they will continue their scoring ways in this one.
Pick: Over 8 runs (-117, DK)
Phillies at Mets First Inning O/U 0.5
This one seems rather easy to me. The Mets have Jacob deGrom (7-2, 0.50 ERA) pitching. If you are aware of the current baseball landscape, you would know that deGrom simply does not give up runs. In the first inning of this game, that should be no different. The real question comes with Zach Eflin (2-6, 4.39 ERA). In 14 first innings this season, Eflin has struggled giving up 11 earned runs. Although occasionally prone to get knocked around to start the game, Eflin has still had more scoreless first innings than not. Against a Mets team who is now last in MLB in runs scored per game, I am confident that he will be able to get through a clean first today. Also, let’s not forget that the Mets’ offense hates scoring for deGrom.
Pick: Under 0.5 first-inning runs (DK, -150)
Padres O/U 4.5 Runs
Last night, the Padres scored 11 runs in a win against the Diamondbacks thanks in part to Fernando Tatis Jr. slamming three dingers himself. Now winners of eight straight games, the Dads of San Diego are rolling. Tonight, they again host the Arizona Diamondbacks who are in the midst of an MLB record 24-game road losing streak. Pitching for Arizona is Merrill Kelly (3-7, 5.06 ERA). In two April starts against San Deigo this season, Kelly wasn’t bad giving up four earned runs totals in 10 innings. Although Kelly has had few nice starts this season, including his last start in which he allowed one run over seven innings, he’s just not consistent. In this game, I expect the Padres to continue their dominance. Five runs are not much to ask for.
Pick: Padres over 4.5 total runs (-118, DK)
Nathan Hursh Overall Record: (25-40-1)
Net Money (assuming all wagers are $100): –$1,589.07
Featured image by Justin Paradis (@JustParaDesigns on Twitter)