Pittsburgh at Chicago Cubs 1:05pm EST
Selection: CHICAGO -155 (W)
Profile: This price is very cheap for a quality team against the lowly Pirates. Pittsburgh gave up 17 runs yesterday, and today they have to face off against their former starting pitcher, Tom Gorzelanny. I obviously expect him to be focused against his former team. He is a very good young starting pitcher, despite his short outing against Colorado in his last start. He injured his foot in that game but all reports are that he is 100%. Zach Duke has pitched fairly well, but Chicago has faced him enough to know his stuff. The Cubs are the much better hitting line-up and play very well at home. Look for Chicago to get the win.
2 UNIT SELECTION
Philadelphia at Atlanta 4:00pm EST
Selection: ATLANTA +107 (W)
Profile: Cole Hamels has really been inconsistent this season, as he either doesn't last long in his starts or gives up more runs than he's used. Atlanta hit him hard earlier this season the last time they faced him. The Braves hammered him for 7 runs on 9 hits, as he only lasted 4 innings. Meanwhile, opposing starter Kenshin Kawakami has been very consistent this season, and he has pitched well against the Phillies. Philadelphia got a win last night in the 9th inning, but I expect Atlanta to bounce back today at home. Take the Braves at an underdog price.
2 UNIT SELECTION
Chicago White Sox at Oakland 4:05pm EST
Selection: OAKLAND +104 (L)
Profile: Chicago was lucky to get several runs in the first two innings, as their offense struggled to score runs after that. However, Alexi Ramirez came through with a 10th inning home run to get them the win. Chicago sends Gavin Floyd to the mound, who has struggled in his last few road starts. Gio Gonzalez is tremendously undervalued here, as he should not be an underdog in this match-up. He has pitched very well lately and his coming off of two straight shutouts. Look for Oakland to bounce back and get the win today.
2 UNIT SELECTION
Boston at Texas 8:05pm EST
Selection: TEXAS -116 (W)
Profile: I always look for a chance to fade Brad Penny on the road. He is overvalued in every road start because of pitching for the Red Sox. However, Boston has been a poor road team this season, with a road record of three games under .500. Texas has a strong starting pitching advantage with Derek Holland getting the start. Holland has been getting better and better with each start, including his three hit shutout of the LA Angels his last start. He pitched fairly well at Boston earlier this season, only giving up four runs. I expect him to pitch better today, while Texas should hammer Penny. Take Texas at the cheap moneyline price.
2 UNIT SELECTION