Odd day in the world of sports but we still managed a 2-3 record in MLB here. I’ll take it considering all the let-downs and weird outcomes. Onto a winning Wednesday!
Twins (-125), 1.5 units: The Twins are certainly struggling but this is about as good a “get-right” opportunity as any. Minnesota is still top 12 in slugging % and top 10 in team batting average; they just can’t figure out how to hold off their opponents. Insert J.A. Happ. Happ has been a steady hand for Minnesota this season, rendering a cool 1.69 ERA and 0.88 WHIP, including only 8 hits and 3 runs in 16 innings pitched. Minnesota’s last win was with Happ behind the mound and this is another good opportunity for them to get off the schneid. Cleveland, who already won this series with 2 games under their belt, sends out Logan Allen today. The 23 year old is still learning to compete in the big leagues but at least he’s been consistent: in his 14 innings pitched, he’s allowed just over 1 hit and just under 1 run per inning. That’s the kind of vulnerability Minnesota needs to get out of this disastrous losing streak. I’m on the Twins.
Dodgers -1.5 (EVEN), 1.5 units: The Reds are getting some nice redemption on the road against the Dodgers, already securing 2 victories and a series win heading into Wednesday afternoon. Like the above write-up, LAD has a perfect opportunity for some revenge here. The champs have lost 5 of their last 6 games and their pitchers have really struggled with command during that stretch. The good news for game 3 is the Dodgers haven’t had any issues scoring against Cincinnati; the Reds just managed their rotation and game-plans better and eked out those two wins. This game will feature another lopsided pitching matchup, as the Dodgers send ace Clayton Kershaw (2.56 ERA over 31 innings) to the dirt against Sonny Gray (7.88 ERA over 8 innings). Gray has really struggled in the early going and while Kershaw can once again carry his team, the Dodgers’ elite offense should be able to take advantage of a shaky Sonny. Give me LAD by margin.
Red Sox first 5 (+210), 1 unit: If the Mets have proven anything over deGrom’s career, it’s that they’re still very beatable when their ace and Cy Young winner mans the dirt. New York is legendary at this point for not surrounding deGrom with the rotation and lineups he needs to take the Mets for the next level. I think this could be another prime example of that Wednesday. Jacob deGrom needs no introduction (0.31 ERA, 0.55 WHIP over 29 innings, just absurd), but Boston’s starter Nick Pivetta has been no chump in 2021 either. The 28 year old right hander out of British Columbia has had some real gems in 2021, notably against the Rays and most recently against the Mariners. He brings a serviceable 3.48 ERA and 1.35 WHIP to today’s game. He also brings a much better offense to back him up. In almost every offensive category, the Red Sox are top or near the top and the Mets are near the bottom. New York really struggles in converting hits to points in particular. We always expect deGrom to put on a show at Citi Field and that’s why he’s priced at a ridiculous -290. I’d rather take the far-superior offense who may only need one homer or one error from the home team to win this first inning line. Value, baby!
Giants (-145), 2 units: I’ll keep this one short. This is the kind of game the Giants love to win. Colorado pulled ahead and finally won on the road last night after a great performance from their lineup, slamming a few homeruns and capitalizing off San Francisco’s mistakes. Good for them, but that won’t happen tonight. The Rockies’ German Marquez (3.45 ERA, 1.43 WHIP) has looked decent thus far, but he struggled in his one road game this season, allowing 6 hits and 3 runs in 5.2 innings. He’ll go up against Alex Wood (0.75 ERA and 0.50 WHIP), who has looked deadly in 12 innings on the mound. Low scoring, a pitching battle, and a rare redemption spot for the Giants? I love them today.
