Saturday, Aug. 29
Cardinals @ Giants -- Pitching rematch of the August 18th matchup in St. Louis as Lance Lynn will take on Ryan Vogelsong once again. Lynn gave up 2 runs and four hits in 6.2 innings of work. That resulted in a 2-0 loss to San Francisco. Lynn is winless against the Giants in seven career starts, sporting a 5.50 ERA in those games. Ryan Vogelsong got the win in that game after giving up just two hits and one walk in six innings of work. But he has ugly career numbers against the Cardinals; 4.97 ERA in 13 career starts. I lean Over 7 (-110) in this game.
Marlins @ Nationals -- Miami’s Tom Koehler has allowed 10 runs and 13 hits in his last 12 innings pitched against Washington. Bryce Harper is 7-for-21 against Koehler with five of those hits being home runs. Washington’s Jordan Zimmermann is 7-4 with a 3.28 ERA in 20 career starts against the Marlins. Miami’s offense is significantly worse without Giancarlo Stanton, so Zimmermann should control the Marlins lineup in this game. Under 7.5 (-120) looks like the best way to play this game.
Cubs @ Dodgers -- Jon Lester will get his second look at the Dodgers this season. Lester lost at home back in June after allowing 4 runs and four hits in four innings of work. He walked four batters in that game. The Dodgers’ offense is only hitting .245 while scoring 3.8 runs per game against left-handed starters. LA’s Mat Latos is 7-3 with a 2.76 ERA versus the Cubs in his career. However, I expect Lester to pitch much better in this game, so I lean to the Cubs (-110) on Saturday night.
Astros @ Twins -- Houston’s Michael Fiers comes into this game in Minnesota off a no-hitter eight days ago. This will be the righty’s third start against the Twins this season; he has given up 3 runs and 11 hits in 11.1 innings of work. Mike Pelfrey is 4-2 with a 1.97 ERA and 1.06 WHIP in eleven home starts this season. The Twins (+130) are a live underdog in this game, especially since I’m always looking to fade pitchers coming off a rare event like a no-hitter.