August 13th Card
Sitting at 6-0-1, +6.43u on the week, I’m looking towards 2 MLB plays tonight to keep things rolling into the weekend.
*MLB(1u): Athletics/Rangers F5 UNDER 4.5(-120)–7:05 PM CT
The A’s exploded for 17 runs in Cleveland yesterday in a runaway victory, but even so, I’m not as sold on this offense as some. Rangers SP Dane Dunning has solid numbers at home this season(2.51 ERA, 9.4 K/9, 0.5 HR/9) and tossed 4 shutout innings against the A’s just last month. That said, A’s SP Cole Irvin draws a desirable matchup against a Rangers lineup that has scored just 1 run in each of its last 2 games. The lefty has fared well on the road this season(3.12 ERA, 1.13 WHIP, 0.5 HR/9), and considering the Rangers’ inability to hit for power, I think Irvin has a clear path to a dominant start tonight. I was debating playing this F5 Under when the total was at 4, so when I saw it jump up to 4.5, I hopped all over it.
*MLB Best Bet(1.5u): Giants -1.5(+100) vs Rockies–8:45 PM CT
-The Giants have continued to stay red hot, and after winning 7 of their last 8 entering tonight, they now hold a 5 game lead in the NL West. They easily took care of the Rockies last night in a 7-0 win, and I’m willing to bet we see a similar result tonight. San Fran will send Anthony DeSclafani to the mound tonight; after a stellar 1st Half, DeSclafani has come back down to earth over his last 4 starts, but I can assure you there is no lineup he’d rather see right now than these Rockies. In 2 starts against Colorado this season(both at home), DeSclafani has managed to toss 15 shutout innings, including a complete game shutout. The Rockies are among the worst lineups in baseball away from home, hitting just .214 against righties on the road since June 1st, so I like DeSclafani to get back on track tonight. While I trust the Giants more against righties, they shouldn’t have much trouble against Rockies LHP Austin Gomber tonight. Compared to his 1.70 ERA and 0.85 WHIP at Coors Field this season, Gomber has horrible road numbers(5.40 ERA, 1.27 WHIP, 1.5 HR/9). As per usual in San Francisco, the wind is blowing out tonight; in Gomber’s previous start in San Fran this season, he coughed up 9 runs and lasted just 1.2 innings. As insurance, it’s comforting to know that the Giants have one of the best bullpens in baseball, while Colorado has one of the worst. At even money, I like the Giants RL as my best bet tonight.
