PITT @ STL
The Cards beat the Pirates 10-5 last night to take a 3-0 series lead. Neither of these teams looks likely to make the playoffs, but the Cards are 6 games closer than the Pirates are. The Cards are also probably the better of these two weak hitting teams. The starting pitching matchup looks pretty damned even to me.
I just think that the Cards are better than the Pirates and I’m looking for them to complete the sweep.
Pick – STL full game ML in a side bet
LAA @ HOU
The Angels beat the visiting White Sox 4-3 in 13 innings last night in a totally meaning game last night. The Astros were shut out 4-0 by Dylan Cease. The Astros still lead the AL West by a comfortable 6 games over the Mariners, while the Angels playoff chnce ae dad and buried. The Astros hold all the edges here. They are the better hitting team with the better bullpen. The Astros should also have the better starting pitcher. Jose Suarez will be moved from the bullpen to take over the rotation spot that opened up after the Angels demoted Cade Dana to AA Rocket City and placed Samuel Aldegheri (finger) on the ILt. Suarez has made just one start with the Angels this season, which came back on June 11 versus the Diamondbacks. He failed to get out of the 3rd inning in that one. giving up 4 earned runs on 6 hits and one walk. Yusei Kikuchi is now 5-0 over 8 starts with the Astros with a 0.94 WHIP and 3.19 ERA, as ell as a 59/12 K/BB ratio over 48 innings. Kikuchi has turned out to be one of the best acquisitions any team made at this year's trade deadline. He posted his 10th quality start of the season in his last start on Friday.
Pick – HOU 1st 5 and full game MLs in a series of parlays