Saturday 7/28/18 thread for free handicapping service plays and expert predictions for MLB, WNBA & CFL games.
Jimmy Boyd
Jul 28 '18, 7:10 PM in 8h
MLB | Rangers vs Astros
Play on: Astros -1½ -165 at 5Dimes
1* Free Pick on Houston Astros -1.5 (-165)
With ace Justin Verlander on the mound and the Rangers sending out Ariel Jurado for just his second career start, the Astros are going to have no problem here winning by at least 2 runs. Verlander is one of the best pitchers in the game, as he heads into his 23rd start with a 2.19 ERA and 0.849 WHIP. A good chunk of that success has come against Texas, as Verlander has already faced them 4 times this season and has posted a 1.73 ERA in those 4 outings.
Houston has managed to score just 2 runs in each of their last 2 games, but are in a prime position here to snap out of that funk against a sub-par starter. Jurado's only appearance with the Rangers this season was a spot start back on May 19th at the White Sox. He gave up 4 runs on 6 hits and 2 walks with just 2 strikeouts in 4 2/3 innings of work. I don't think he has any chance of keeping the Astros offense in check in this one. Take Houston -1.5!
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Doug Upstone
Jul 28 '18, 4:00 PM in 5h
CFL | Ottawa vs Hamilton
Play on: Ottawa +6 -110 at betonline
Hamilton (2-3 SU & ATS) has lost their last two contests (both to Saskatchewan) and will try and get back in the win column against Ottawa (3-2, 2-3 ATS). The Tiger-Cats are evidently supposed to be on the prowl, lifted from -4.5 to -6 point home favorites. The RedBlacks have failed to cover in both underdog roles this season, yet are 9-2 ATS on the road since last season and 6-0 ATS when catching fewer than seven digits away from home. With the total on the rise from 54 to 55.5, I'll make it two contrarian plays. Because, when the total is 54 points or higher and the home team is off an upset loss and has a losing record (Hamilton), the UNDER is 23-5.
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Marc Lawrence
Jul 28 '18, 9:05 PM in 10h
MLB | Mariners vs Angels
Play on: Mariners +110 at betonline
Play - Seattle Mariners w/Hernandez vs Barria (Game 927).
Edges - Mariners: Hernandez 8-4 L12 away team starts during July … Angels: Barria 0-7 with 5.19 ERA last seven team starts; and 4-8 team starts at night this season. We recommend a 1* play on Seattle. Thank you and good luck as always.
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Frank Sawyer
Jul 28 '18, 4:05 PM in 5h
MLB | CHC vs STL
Play on: OVER 8½ -110
Take Over the Total in the game between the Chicago Cubs and the St. Louis Cardinals listing both starting pitchers Jose Quintana and Miles Mikolas. St. Louis (52-51) won the opening game of this series by a 5-2 score. The Cardinals have then played 4 straight games Over the Total after a win. St. Louis has also played 5 of their last 6 home games Over the Total. Chicago (60-43) has played 9 of their last 13 games Over the Total after a loss. The Cubs have also played 4 of their last 5 road games Over the Total. Take the Over while listing both starting pitchers. Best of luck — Frank.
Jim Feist
Jim Feist's Comp Pick, Saturday, July 28, 2018
7/28 04:10 PM PT / 7:10 PM ET
MLB (909) LOS ANGELES DODGERS VS (910) ATLANTA BRAVES
Take: (909) LOS ANGELES DODGERS
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Mike Wynn
Free Play: Free Cleveland w/Clevinger -175 Over Detroit
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Razor Sharp
YOUR RAZOR SHARP FREE PICK FOR SATURDAY: Take TEXAS/HOUSTON OVER the total of 8½ runs
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Totals4U
Saturday's Free Selection: New York Mets/Pittsburgh Pirates under 7 1/2
Scott Rickenbach
Jul 28 '18, 1:05 PM in 2h
MLB | KC vs NYY
Play on: OVER 8½ -105
Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach MLB Game #915 Saturday Free Pick OVER the total in New York Yankees vs Kansas City Royals @ 1:05 ET (Game 1 of the double-header) - The Yankees Luis Severino gets the start in the first game of the day-night twin-bill Saturday. Severino has great numbers on the season but the over is 4-0 in his last 4 starts. The right-hander has a 7.80 ERA and a 1.87 WHIP as he has allowed 25 hits in the 15 innings spanning those 3 starts. I am well aware of the fact that those were road starts and he his now back at home where he has thrived this season. However, this is more than just a home/road issue in terms of how hittable Severino has been in recent outings. He'll be opposed by Brad Keller in this early game Saturday. The Royals right-hander is off of a good start versus the Twins but that was preceded by him allowing 9 earned runs on 13 hits and 9 walks in just 7 and 1/3 innings spanning his two prior starts. Both of those starts went over the total and this one appears destined to fly over the total as well. The over is 6-3 in Kansas City's last 9 games against teams with a winning record an the over is 10-5 in Yanks Saturday games this season. Free Pick OVER the total in the New York Yankees (Game 1 of the double-header)
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Dustin Hawkins
Jul 28 '18, 4:00 PM in 5h
CFL | Ottawa vs Hamilton
Play on: Hamilton -4½ -110
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Stephen Nover
Jul 28 '18, 6:40 PM in 8h
MLB | Phillies vs Reds
Play on: Phillies -120 at betonline
Ever been in a situation where you know your place of employment doesn't want you anymore, yet you still have to work one more day? It's a tough spot mentally and it's what Matt Harvey likely is dealing with today. The Reds are expected to deal Harvey before his next start. So you have to wonder about Harvey's state of mind. Maybe he reacts well, maybe he doesn't. But what we do know is Harvey hasn't been good in three years robbed of his great potential by serious elbow and shoulder injuries. Harvey has a 5.21 ERA this season. It was 6.70 last year. Clearly he's not the same pitcher. The Phillies are swinging hot bats. If you discount a two-run game against the Padres six days ago, they are averaging 6.7 runs in their last eight games. They have fortified their lineup trading for Asdrubal Cabrera, who already has 18 homers this year. The Reds' bullpen is down setup man Amir Garrett, who left yesterday's Reds' win with an Achilles' strain. Cincinnati closer Raisel Iglesias threw 25 pitches Friday night. So he carries a fatigue rating. Phillies starter Vince Velasquez is pitching his best ball with a 2.38 ERA in his last six starts. Opponents are batting just .134 against him during this time frame. The Phillies have a deep and underrated bullpen. They also have shown an excellent ability to bounce back winning 36 of the last 53 times following a loss.
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Brandon Lee
Jul 28 '18, 6:40 PM in 8h
MLB | Phillies vs Reds
Play on: Phillies -124 at BMaker
10* FREE MLB PICK (Phillies -124)
I'll take my chances here with the Phillies on the road against the Reds. While Cincinnati won 6-4 on Friday, they are just 3-6 in their last 9 games. Philadelphia is not only the better team but are playing the better baseball right now and I look for them to bounce back in a big way on Saturday. I love the pitching matchup for the Phillies, as the Reds will send out Matt Harvey for what many believe will be his final start before he's traded. Harvey has had some nice moments with Cincinnati, but he's coming off an atrocious start at home against the Pirates, where he gave up 8 runs on 8 hits (4 HRs) in just 3 1/3 innings of work. The 4 runs scored by the Phillies on Friday was their lowest output in their last 6 games, as they come in averaging 6.7 runs over their last 7. Philadelphia will counter here with the red-hot Vincent Velasquez, who has a 0.60 ERA and 0.667 WHIP in his last 3 starts. Velasquez also owns a strong 2.42 ERA and 1.119 WHIP in 8 road starts this season. Give me the Phillies -124!
Mike Lundin
Jul 28 '18, 7:05 PM in 8h
MLB | Mets vs Pirates
Play on: Pirates +1½ -131 at 5Dimes
#MLB FREE PICK FROM MIKE LUNDIN
**9-4 FREE PICKS IN JULY**
New York Mets ace Jacob deGrom (5-5, 1.71 ERA) owns a major league-leading 1.71 ERA, but he's not getting much run support. deGrom is winless through his last five starts and the Mets have scored a total of 15 runs in those games.
Here deGrom will come up agianst a red hot Pittsburgh Pirates team which has won 12 of its last 14 games, and I think the Bucs will at the very least keep this a close game.
Pittsburgh righty Trevor Williams (8-7, 4.11 ERA) has pitched 11 shutout innings through his past two starts, and he held the Mets to one run in seven inning of an 11-1 win last year.
The Pirates won the opener of this series 5-4 Friday night and Mets are 1-8 in deGrom's last 9 starts following a team loss in their previous game. Pirates are 5-1 in Williams' last 6 home starts vs. a team with a losing record.
Free pick on Pittsburgh Pirates +1.5
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Atlantic Sports
Saturday's Free Selection from Atlantic Sports: Washington Valor + 11 1/2 (Arena Bowl)
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#1 Sports
Saturday's Free Selection: Cleveland Indians - 175
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Platinum Plays
Free Pick the Oakland Athletics w/Anderson +115 over Colorado
Easy Money Sports
Lee's Free Saturday Selection Is
Los Angeles Dodgers w/Wood -125
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Golden Dragon Sports
Free Pick NY Mets/Pittsburgh over 7'
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Huddle Up Sports
Free Play: SF Cueto -120
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Hawkeye Sports
Saturday's Free Pick: Washington Nationals - 140
Arthur Ralph Sports
FREE play: Sat: Nationals w/GONZALEZ-150
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The Vegas Steam Line
Your free winner for Saturday: Take ARIZONA (Corbin) -155 over San Diego
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High Stakes Syndicate
Free Selection for Saturday: Minnesota Twins + 185
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John Anthony Sports
Saturday's Free Selection: Cleveland Indians - 170
Nevada Sharpshooter
Your free winner for Saturday: TakeWASHINGTON/MIAMI OVER the total of 8 runs
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Sharp Bettor
SharpBettor FREE Play for Saturday, July 28, 2018
7/28 05:10 PM MLB (929) OAKLAND ATHLETICS (B ANDERSON - L) VS (930) COLORADO ROCKIES (A SENZATELA - R)
Take : A's
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Jack Jones
Jul 28 '18, 6:40 PM in 7h
MLB | Phillies vs Reds
Play on: Phillies -123 at YouWager
Jack’s Free Pick Saturday: Philadelphia Phillies -123
Matt Harvey is likely to be making his final start for the Reds today. He is likely to get traded here soon. I don’t think he’ll be too focused for this game with all the trade rumors surrounding his name.
In fact, it could have caught up with him in his last start as Harvey is coming off his worst outing as a Red. He was lit up for 8 earned runs and 4 homers in 3 2/3 innings of a 2-9 home loss to the Pittsburgh Pirates.
Vincent Velasquez has been at his best on the road this season, going 2-3 with a 2.42 ERA and 1.119 WHIP in eight starts. Velasquez has been lights out in his last three starts, going 1-0 with a 0.60 ERA and 0.667 WHIP. I certainly trust him more in this spot than Harvey.
The Phillies are 36-17 in their last 53 games following a loss. The Reds are 11-26 in their last 37 Saturday games. Cincinnati is 1-4 in its last five games following a win. Philadelphia is 4-1 in the last five meetings. Bet the Phillies Saturday.
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John Ryan
Jul 28 '18, 8:10 PM in 8h
MLB | A's vs Rockies
Play on: A's +1½ -160
John Martin
Jul 28 '18, 7:10 PM in 7h
MLB | Blue Jays vs White Sox
Play on: White Sox +120 at GTBets
1 Unit FREE PLAY on Chicago White Sox +120
The Blue Jays plan to make this a bullpen game tonight. That’s because they traded J.A. Happ to the Yankees and don’t have a starter lined up for this one. They will actually start reliever John Axford. I don’t agree that the Blue Jays should be favored over the White Sox because of it. Especially since Lucas Giolito has really found his groove of late for Chicago. He will be aiming for his fourth consecutive quality start after going 2-1 with a 2.29 ERA in his last three outings against the Astros, Royals and Angels. He has allowed just 10 hits and 5 runs in 19 2/3 innings in those three starts. The Blue Jays are 7-16 in their last 23 road games. Give me the White Sox.
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Picks 2 Play
MLB
BOSTON RED SOX ‑200
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Pinnacle Sports Picks
MLB CLEVELAND INDIANS ‑190
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VIP Sports Picks Las Vegas
MLB
CLEVELAND INDIANS ‑190
DeadZone
MLB
WASHINGTON NATIONALS ‑145
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Vegas Investment Picks
MLB
WASHINGTON NATIONALS ‑155
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Best Sports Capper
MLB
BOSTON RED SOX ‑200
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Total Winner Sports
MLB
LOS ANGELES ANGELS ‑130
Wise Guy Insider
MLB
CHICAGO CUBS +100
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Jack Brayman
My free play for tonight is on the Cleveland Indians Run Line over the Detroit Tigers.
Since every MLB wager on a run line or total auto-lists pitchers, I want you to be sure the two pitchers on your ticket, when making this play, are Mike Clevinger and Blaine Hardy. If they are not the pitchers of record when making your play, disregard this play.
I expect Cleveland's lineup to blast Hardy, who is back in the Tigers' rotation, filling in for Francisco Liriano. He will likely have a more generous pitch count after being pulled at 55 pitches with the bases loaded and nobody out in the fourth inning last Sunday against Boston, another power-packed lineup.
It won't matter, though, because the Tribe can be just as deadly, and will chase him early.
Clevinger is in after striking out seven and giving up two runs over 6 2/3 innings on Sunday against the Texas Rangers. But, he was dealt the loss. And now he'll be to avenge the setback.
The extra motivation will be there, too, as Clevinger faced Detroit once this season and allowed two runs, while walking three and striking out five through 6 2/3 innings. He knows this team and will mow down batters en route to the win.
Take the Indians on the Run Line.
3* INDIANS RUN LINE (Clevinger over Hardy)
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Jeff Benton
Your Saturday freebie is the Twins and Red Sox to hold Under the total once again.
The bats have been quiet this weekend at Fenway Park, as the teams played to a 2-1 final - and Under on Thursday. Last night a 10-inning, 4-3 final - and another Under.
That makes 6 of 9 between the teams dating back to last season Under the posted price.
The Twins are on a 5-2 Under run their last 7, while the Red Sox happen to be on a 7-2 Under run their last 9.
Jake Odorizzi sports a decent 3.31 ERA for his last 3 trips to the hill, while Rick Porcello will need to tone down his 6.60 ERA over his last 3 starts.
The way the teams have been quiet at the dish of late tells me that this one will hold Under the total.
2* MINNESOTA-BOSTON UNDER
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Brad Wilton
Comp play for Saturday is the Over in the Mariners and Angels.
True, they held Under the total last night, but tonight's pitching matchup suggests there will be runs posted in Anaheim.
Felix Hernandez sports a 5.40 ERA for his last 3 trips to the bump, and has allowed a dozen runs to score over his last 21 innings pitched. His ERA away from Safeco Field this season stands at 6.65, and 2 of his last 3 road starts have landed Over the total.
Jaime Barria will go for Los Angeles, and he has allowed 11 runs his last 20-plus innings worked. His ERA at the Big "A" is 4.28 this season too.
I get the feeling these 2 pitchers are going to see a lot of traffic on the base paths, and we will see an Over tonight between the Mariners and the Angels.
2* SEATTLE-L.A. ANGELS OVER
Top Dog LB
MLB
PITTSBURGH PIRATES +130
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Ace / V.I.P.
LOS ANGELES ANGELS ‑120
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DONNY ACTION
CHICAGO CUBS +100
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MVP Lock Club
BOSTON RED SOX ‑200
Power Play Wins
SAN FRANCISCO GIANTS ‑110
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Tommy King Wins
ARIZONA DIAMONDBACKS ‑160
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First Half Sports
CLEVELAND INDIANS ‑190
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Golden Lock Sports
LOS ANGELES ANGELS ‑130
Guaranteed Cappers
SEATTLE MARINERS +110
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Brand X Sports
KANSAS CITY ROYALS (GAME 1)/NEW YORK YANKEES o8.5
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Hunter Price
Jul 28 '18, 4:05 PM in 3h
MLB | Cubs vs Cardinals
Play on: Cardinals -107 a
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Dave Price
Jul 28 '18, 7:10 PM in 6h
MLB | Dodgers vs Braves
Play on: Braves +117 at betonline
Dave’s Saturday Free Play:
1* on Atlanta Braves +117
The Key: The Atlanta Braves will be hungry for a victory Saturday after dropping 3 straight, including the first 2 games of this series to the Dodgers. Max Fried sports a 3.00 ERA in his 3 starts this season and can handle his own. What stood out in this game is that Alex Wood can’t figure out the Braves. Wood is 1-3 with a 6.05 ERA and 2.12 WHIP in 4 lifetime starts against Atlanta. Atlanta is 10-2 after batting .200 or worse over a 3-game span this season. The Braves are 4-0 in their last 4 games after losing the first 2 games of a series. Take Atlanta.
Ross Benjamin
Jul 28 '18, 6:10 PM in 5h
MLB | Indians vs Tigers
Play on: Indians -1½ -120 at 5Dimes
Cleveland (Clevinger) @ Detroit (Hardy) 6:10 PM ET
Game# 917-918
Play On: Cleveland -1.5 (-120)
Blain Hardy has been terrible in his last 2 starts while posting a 9.00 ERA and 2.00 WHIP. Detroit enters today having lost 9 of its last 12 games at home. The Tigers have been offensively challenged of late which is proven by their poor .607 OPS throughout their previous 7 games.
Cleveland has gone a dominating 11-3 versus Detroit this season. Furthermore, the last 9 of those Indians wins came by 2 runs or more. The Indians are coming off wins in each of their last 2 games by scores of 8-3 and 4-0. Since 2017, Cleveland has gone 34-9 following 2 straight wins by 4 runs or more. The Indians Mike Clevinger has compiled a stellar 2.62 ERA during 10 starts on the road this season. Bet on Cleveland for a run line wager as my Saturday 7/28 MLB free pick of the day.
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Chris Jordan
My free play for Saturday is on the Chicago Cubs over the St. Louis Cardinals, and in this game I want you listing Jose Quintana and Miles Mikolas.
I'm not sure what the oddsmakers are thinking with this one, for as well as the baby bears are playing. They're in first place in the National League Central, and have a winning road record. They did lose last night, but that's even more reason to look for revenge.
I admit it will be interesting to see how Quintana bounces back after throwing 121 pitches in his last outing versus the Cards. But working on extra rest, he allowed just two runs over seven innings and got the win. The tweaks to his changeup have been working, and he could have the Cardinals hitters guessing.
On the other side, I've seen how Cardinals interim manager Mike Shildt has become aggressive in pulling Mikolas, the club’s most reliable innings-eater for much of the first half. Mikolas has thrown just nine innings over his past two starts after averaging 6.4 over his first 18. Where has the trust gone, and could it affect Mikolas' game?
I'll take the Cubs here.
3* CUBS (Quintana over Mikolas)
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Eric Schroeder
Let's play the American League West showdown between the Texas Rangers and Houston Astros under the posted number.
IMPORTANT: As you know every single Run Line play and Total wager will automatically list the scheduled starting pitchers at the time of the wager, and I want you to be sure the following pitchers are the registered starters on your ticket when making your wager: Ariel Jurado and Justin Verlander. If one or both of these pitchers is not going, this is a no-play.
Jurado fills a void in the Rangers' rotation, after Cole Hamels was traded to the Chicago Cubs. Jurado, who has made one start for the Rangers this year, will be looking to prove himself today. He allowed four runs in 4 2/3 innings against the Chicago White Sox on May 19, but he is 5-3 with a 3.28 ERA in 16 Double-A starts.
Meanwhile, Verlander goes for career win No. 199 by pitching on one week of rest. He’s thrown six scoreless innings in two of his past three starts. The other was a 12-strikeout game in which he allowed four homers. I doubt Texas gets to him like that today.
Play this one low.
2* UNDER Rangers-Astros (Jurado and Verlander)
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The Last Call
Saturday's Free Play: Arizona - 160