Pirates O/U 2.5 Runs Scored
Pittsburgh’s offense has been shaky this season, to say the least. On the season, they rank 27th in runs scored (124) and 29th in slugging percentage (.350). Last night, they defeated the Reds in a game in which they scored seven runs. It was the first time they scored that many runs in a game in almost a month. In the six games before Sunday’s 6-5 win at the Cubs, the Pirates failed to score more than two runs in any of them. With the loss of Colin Moran, Pittsburgh’s best power hitter, the offense currently looks even duller.
Today against the Reds’ Sonny Gray (0-2, 3.92 ERA), the Pirates will have their hands full. After struggling in his first two starts (seven earned runs allowed over eight innings), Gray has bounced back in his last two (two earned runs allowed over 12.2 IP). Although Gray is nice and the Pirates’ offense is mostly bad, I find it hard to believe that they won’t find a way to score three runs.
Pick: Pirates over 2.5 runs scored (-150, DK)
Phillies at Nationals O/U 0.5 First Inning Runs
If I’m being totally honest, these types of bets are a total crapshoot. That said, in this particular bet, I like the odds given on the under (+100). With the two veteran pitchers going at it today in Zack Wheeler (3-2, 2.83 ERA) and Jon Lester (0-1, 2.70 ERA), it is more than possible that zero runs are scored in the first inning. In seven starts this season, Wheeler has given at least one first-inning run just two times. Both of those times came against his former squad, the Mets. In Lester’s two starts this year, he has yet to allow a first-inning run. Here’s to hoping zero first-inning runs are scored in this one.
Pick: under 0.5 first-inning runs (+100, DK)
Atlanta O/U 3.5 Runs Scored
I like the over in this one. At the same time, does anybody like the under in general? I don’t. This is probably a reason why my record looks the way it does. At any rate, this evening, Atlanta will face Hyun Jin Ryu (2-2, 3.31 ERA) and the Blue Jays. In two of his last three starts, Ryu has allowed four earned runs. Although I don’t believe that will happen tonight, I do think Atlanta will be able to make him work and score a few. The Atlanta offense has been a bit up and down this season. That said, they still rank 10th in baseball in runs scored (162). They have scored at least four runs in six of their last ten. Over their last five, they have scored at least four runs twice. I believe they are due.
Pick: Atlanta over 3.5 runs scored (-124, DK)
Nathan Hursh Overall Record: (9-20-1)
Net Money (assuming all wagers are $100): –$1,121.51
Featured image by Justin Paradis (@JustParaDesigns on Twitter)