Last time out, I went the conservative route and recommended four safe bets with easy odds to try and get some wins on the board. That went 2-2, no better or worse than my normal method. So out the window with the conservative plays, we are shooting for the moon from now on.
This season, I have decided to treat readers to four bets in each article under the following parameters: 1) A bet on a team, 2) A bet on a total, 3) A batter prop bet, and 4) A pitcher prop bet. Hopefully, this diversification will lead to success in our wagers (but probably not).
Angels @ Mariners Run Line After 5 Innings
In what has been a somewhat disappointing season so far for the Seattle Mariners, Logan Gilbert has been a tremendous bright spot. The former top prospect has blossomed into a reliable Major League starter, coming into Sunday’s game with a 7-2 record and 2.22 ERA. In his last outing, Gilbert shut down the powerful Twins lineup over six innings with six K’s. Facing an Angels team that is averaging just two runs per game over its last seven shouldn’t be too difficult a task for Gilbert. On the opposite side, Los Angeles sends Kenny Rosenberg and his 7.50 ERA out to the mound. If the Mariners can scratch across a few runs, it should be all Gilbert needs to carry a lead through the 5th inning. I like Seattle here to win the first half of this game against the Angels.
Pick: Mariners -0.5 After 5 Innings (-115 DK, -114 FD)
Giants @ Pirates O/U 8.5 Runs
Don’t look now, but Mitch Keller might have found it. Utilizing a newfound sinker, Keller has allowed two runs or fewer in each of his three starts since returning to the starting rotation. Facing a Giants lineup that has been just average over the last two weeks (95 wRC+), I like the 26-year-old former top prospects’ chances to limit San Francisco on the scoreboard. While the Giants have been average offensively, the Pirates have been downright abysmal over the last two weeks with a 63 wRC+. Alex Cobb returns from the IL and will be looking to build off a good last start before his injury. 8.5 runs feels too high for this one, and I think we will have another game reminiscent of Friday’s 2-0 Giants win.
Pick: UNDER 8.5 Runs (+100 DK, -104 FD)
Jake Cronenworth & Marcus Semien O/U 1.5 Total Bases
Jake Cronenworth has had quite the week, batting an even .500 and enjoying all the benefits of playing in Coors Field. On Sunday, he and the Padres are facing Rockies RHP Antonio Senzatela and his mediocre repertoire. In 11 career at-bats against Senzatela, Cronenworth has five hits, including two doubles and a triple. Eventually, Cronenworth is going to cool down, but I don’t think it will be today. Marcus Semien has also enjoyed recent success with a 196 wRC+ over the last two weeks, and he has the return of Drew Hutchison to look forward to. This parlay just feels right to me, and at +237, that payout feels right as well.
Pick: Cronenworth & Semien OVER 1.5 Total Bases Each (+237 DK, +211 FD)
Brady Singer to Record a Win
In the series between the two worst teams in baseball, the Oakland Athletics have made the Kansas City Royals look like a juggernaut. Oakland’s offense has been downright anemic, scoring one run or fewer in four of their last five games. Their 75 wRC+ over the last two weeks trumps only the Pirates and their wRC+ on the season is only a measly 77. Brady Singer has proven to be a consistent force on the mound for Kansas City, completing at least five innings in every start this season and only allowing more than 3 earned runs once. All he has to do is outduel A’s rookie Jared Koenig who has allowed 14 hits and ten earned runs in the first eight innings of his career. The Royals are by no means a good team, but they and Singer will certainly be the better team on Sunday.
Pick: Singer to Record a Win (+115 DK)
Kyle Stanzel Overall Record: 39-35-0
Net Money (Assuming all wagers are $100): $915.61
Featured image by Justin Paradis (@JustParaDesigns on Twitter)