Astros/Reds
Rodriquez (2-6, 4.33 ERA) opposes LeCure (no record).
The Astros will have the pleasure of facing a Triple A pitcher with an ERA of 2.55 in the minors. When "Major" bats face a "Minor" pitcher, you'd expect some bombardment. Add that to the Red's offensive form and you have an "easy" Over! Eh? No wonder 92% of early action is on the Over. But before you make your Over bet, you may wish to note that Rodriquez does pitch excellently against the Reds with an ERA of only 1.83. LeCure may also be able to "cure" the Astro bats given that the Astros are no offensive juggernauts.
Nationals/Padres
Lannan (1-2, 5.55 ERA) opposes Richard (4-2, 2.73 ERA).
The ERA of the SPs add up to 8.28. With the total set at 6.5, the Over is the play then. Isn't it. To help the Over, 3 of Lannan's L4 starts vs. Padres have gone over 6.5. BTW, 8 of the National's L10 games have eclipsed this "low" total. It's no wonder then that 76% of early action is on the OVER. But will this game go Over 6.5? Time will tell.
Phillies/Marlins
Kendrick (2-2, 5.66 ERA) opposes Volstad (3-5, 4.31 ERA)
It is a well known fact that the Phillies' offense is now colder than ice. Shutting out the Phillies is about the easiest thing in the world nowadays. They've been shut out in 4 of their L5 games! So if that trend continues tonight, the Marlins may not need more than 1 run to win this game. Even if the Phillies weren't in a funk, the Marlins will still be an "easy" play here because:
1) Marlins are 9-3 in the L12 meetings
2) Phillies are 1-7 in Kendrick's L8 road starts.
But will the Marlins win this game?
Indians/Yankees
Carmona (4-2, 3.45 ERA) opposes the illustrious Hughes (5-1, 2.72 ERA).
No need to even to talk about this game. The Yankees will simply roll over the pathetic Indians. One way to avoid the heavy juice on the Yankees ML (-245) will be to play Yankees RL (-115). Better still, you don't have to wait until the end of the game to win your bet. Just pound Yankees -0.5 FF (-155) and cash your bet after only 5 innings. Isn't that smart?
SAB picks:
Astros/Reds UNDER 8.5 (+105)
Nationals/Giants UNDER 6.5 (+105)
Phillies +110
Indians FF +205
For those of you who don't yet know this: Indians are 3-1 in Carmona's L4 starts vs. Yankees. But I'd recommend playing the Indians in the FF.