Saturday 8/4/18 thread for free handicapping service plays and expert predictions for MLB, WNBA & CFL games.
Jimmy Boyd
Aug 04 '18, 4:05 PM in 7h
MLB | Yankees vs Red Sox
Play on: Red Sox -141 at betonline
1* Free Pick on Boston Red Sox -141
The Red Sox have taken the first two games of this huge 4-game series at home against the Yankees and I see them having no problem taking game 3 on Saturday. Boston has now won 5 straight at home against a team with a winning road record, while the Yankees have dropped 3 straight overall and 4 of their last 5 against a team with a winning record.
Red Sox will have a massive edge on the mound in Saturday's contest, as they send out the newly acquired Nathan Eovaldi against the Yankees Chance Adams, who is making his big league debut.
This Boston offense is the best in baseball and it's really asking a lot of a guy like Adams to be able to keep them in check. Not to mention the nerves that will come with making his big league debut at Fenway Park in the biggest rivalry in baseball. Adams also isn't an elite prospect. He's posted just a 3.07 ERA and 1.40 WHIP over his last 6 starts at Triple-A.
Eovaldi looked like a completely different pitcher in his first start with the Red Sox. He allowed just 4 hits and didn't walk a single batter over 7 shutout innings at home against the Twins. He might not completely shutdown this Yankees' offense, but he should get more than enough run support to bring home the victory. Take Boston!
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Info Plays
Aug 04 '18, 8:05 PM in 11h
MLB | BAL vs TEX
Play on: UNDER 10½ -105
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Jack Jones
Aug 04 '18, 8:10 PM in 11h
MLB | Giants vs Diamondbacks
Play on: Diamondbacks -134 at 5Dimes
Jack’s Free Pick Saturday: Arizona Diamondbacks -134
Clay Buchholz continues to lack the respect he deserves from oddsmakers. He is finally healthy for the first time in a long time, and he’s showing what he is capable of for the Arizona Diamondbacks this season as a result.
Buchholz has gone 4-1 with a 2.12 ERA and 1.059 WHIP in nine starts this season. That’s a big enough sample size to know that this guy is back to his old self. Buchholz is also 0-0 with a 2.57 ERA in two career starts against San Francisco.
Andrew Suarez is 4-6 with a 4.11 ERA and 1.272 WHIP in 18 starts this season, including 1-1 with a 5.94 ERA and 1.500 WHIP in his last three. He has been at his worst on the road this year, going 2-3 with a 4.66 ERA and 1.511 WHIP in nine starts away from home.
The Giants are 43-90 in their last 133 road games vs. a team with a winning record. The Diamondbacks are 4-1 in Buchholz’s last five starts. Bet the Diamondbacks Saturday.
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Dave Price
Aug 04 '18, 7:10 PM in 10h
MLB | Braves vs Mets
Play on: Braves -118 at betonline
Dave’s Saturday Free Play:
1* on Atlanta Braves -118
The Key: Kevin Gausman gets a breath of fresh air with the Braves. He escapes the rugged AL East and gets to pitch in the much more friendly NL East for a contending team moving forward. Look for Gausman to perform well in his first start with his new teams tonight. The Mets are just 1-6 in their last 7 games overall to fall to 44-63 on the season. Zack Wheeler faced the Braves on June 12th, giving up 6 earned runs and 12 base runners in 5 2/3 innings of a 2-8 loss in his lone start against them this year. The Braves are 5-0 in their last 5 games overall. The Mets are 1-8 in Wheeler’s last 9 home starts vs. a team with a winning record. The Braves are 5-0 in their last 5 meetings in New York. Take Atlanta.
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Doug Upstone
Aug 04 '18, 9:00 PM in 12h
CFL | BC vs Calgary
Play on: UNDER 50½ -105
Calgary is 6-0 and crushing the competition, winning by 18.5 PPG. With British Columbia scoring just 21.6 PPG, the total has slid from 52 to 50.5. I'm inclined to agree with where the total is headed with Calgary 5-1 UNDER this season and 20-7 UNDER at home after gaining 200 or less passing yards in their last game.
Marc Lawrence
Aug 04 '18, 7:05 PM in 10h
MLB | Cardinals vs Pirates
Play on: Pirates -114 at 5Dimes
Play - Pittsburgh Pirates w/Nova (Game 954).
Edges - Pirates: Nova 3.15 ERA home as opposed to 5.40 ERA away this season; and 5-1 versus NL Central foes this season … Cardinals: 1-4 last five games versus Nova. We recommend a 1* play on Pittsburgh. Thank you and good luck as always.
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Jesse Schule
Aug 04 '18, 9:00 PM in 12h
CFL | BC vs Calgary
Play on: OVER 50½ -107
This is a Free #CFL play on BC@CAL to go Over the total. B.C. has plenty of reason for optimism coming off a bye week. Veteran quarterback Travis Lulay has stepped in and thrown for over 300 yards in back to back games. The Lions will be a double digit underdog in Calgary this week, and the Stampeders remain undefeated. Calgary gave up a season high 22 points in a win over the Riders in Saskatchewan last week, and this could be a bit of a let down spot for the league's best team. The Lions have gone over in four straight road games, and the over is 4-1 in their last five when coming off a bye week. These teams have a history of playing high scoring games, going over the total in seven of the last 10 meetings in Calgary. Take Over. GL,
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John Martin
Aug 04 '18, 8:05 PM in 11h
MLB | Orioles vs Rangers
Play on: Rangers -144 at betonline
1 Unit FREE PLAY on Texas Rangers -144
The Texas Rangers have scored at least 4 runs in nine of their last 10 games overall. They have scored a combined 28 runs in winning each of the first two games of this series with the Baltimore Orioles. They should keep swinging a hot bat against Dylan Bundy and the Orioles tonight. Bundy is 7-9 with a 4.53 ERA in 20 starts this season, including 1-1 with a 7.31 ERA in his last three outings. Mike Minor is pitching very well at home this year. He is 4-2 with a 3.55 ERA in 11 starts in Arlington. The Orioles are 16-43 in their last 59 games overall. The Rangers are 6-1 in their last seven games overall. Texas is 10-3 in its last 13 home meetings with Baltimore. Give me the Rangers.
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Art Aronson
Aug 04 '18, 9:00 PM in 12h
CFL | BC vs Calgary
Play on: Calgary -11½ -102 at 5Dimes
This is a 1* Free Play on the Calgary Stampeders.
BC is a sizeable dog here and for good reason in our opinion. The Lions have failed to cover the spread in four straight in this series. BC is also last in the West and it’s scored the fewest points so far as well. The Lions come in off their bye-week; previous to that they lost 29-25 at Ottawa. BC’s top RB Jeremiah Johnson missed the latest setback with an ankle injury and his status is questionable for this one as well. Note that BC is also 2-7 ATS in its last nine on the road. The Stamps are 6-0 and have scored the second most points in the league, while allowing the least. Bo Levi Mitchell had three TD passes in last week’s 34-22 win over Saskatchewan. Note that Calgary is 5-1 ATS in its last six following a SU win. We think a blowout of epic proportions is in the cards in this one, consider laying the points on the STAMPEDERS.
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Brandon Lee
Aug 04 '18, 6:10 PM in 9h
MLB | CWS vs TAM
Play on: UNDER 7½ -120
10* FREE MLB PICK (UNDER 7.5)
I'll take my chances here with the UNDER in Saturday's contest that has the White Sox visiting the Rays. This game will feature the White Sox's Carlos Rodon against the Rays' Blake Snell. Two of the hottest pitchers in the game right now. Rodon has a 1.59 ERA and 0.706 WHIP in his last 3 starts, while Snell has a 2.05 ERA and 1.246 WHIP in his last 3 starts. You also have to look at how well Snell has been at home. He's got a ridiculous 0.87 ERA and 0.871 WHIP in 8 home starts. Those 8 starts have covered 51 2/3 innings and he's allowed just 5 earned runs over that stretch. I don't see either offense doing much of anything in this one. Give me the UNDER 7.5!
Steve Janus
Aug 04 '18, 8:05 PM in 11h
MLB | BAL vs TEX
Play on: UNDER 10½ -105
1* Free Sharp Play on Orioles vs Rangers under 10½ -105
My money is on the UNDER in Saturday's MLB action that has the Rangers hosting the Orioles. I'm not saying these two teams won't push across some runs, but I'm confident they will combine for 10 or less. Baltimore will start Dylan Bundy, who is coming off a strong start against the Rays, where he allowed just 3 runs in 7 innings. Bundy is also 2-0 with a 0.69 ERA and 0.538 WHIP in 2 career starts against the Rangers. Texas will give the ball to Mike Minor, who has a strong 3.55 ERA and 1.076 WHIP in 11 home starts. Bet the UNDER 10.5!
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Mike Lundin
Aug 04 '18, 8:05 PM in 11h
MLB | Orioles vs Rangers
Play on: Rangers -144 at 5Dimes
#MLB FREE PICK FROM MIKE LUNDIN
The Texas Rangers have won six of their last seven and they've started this series by pounding the Orioles pitching staff with a total of 28 runs in back-to-back wins.
I don't think they'll have any problems to pile on the runs here against Baltimore righty Dylan Bundy (7-9, 4.53 ERA) who has surrendered 18 runs through his last four starts, serving up a total of eight homers.
The Rangers hand the ball to Mike Minor (7-6, 4.73 ERA) who fanned eight through six innings of two-run ball at Houston his last time out. I expect another solid outing from the left-hander here as he's 4-2 with a 3.55 ERA in 11 starts home at Globe Life Park on the season.
The Rangers have won 10 of the last 13 meetings at Arlington.
Free pick on Texas Rangers.
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Mike Wynn
Free Play: Free Atlanta w/Gausman -120 Over NY Mets
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Razor Sharp
YOUR RAZOR SHARP FREE PICK FOR SATURDAY: Take KANSAS CITY/MINNESOTA UNDER the total of 8½ runs
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Totals4U
Saturday's Free Selection: Miami/Philadelphia under 8 1/2
Jeff Allen Sports
Saturday Free Selection is on the Atlanta Braves
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Atlantic Sports
Saturday's Free Selection from Atlantic Sports: Tampa Bay - 155
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#1 Sports
Saturday's Free Selection: Minnesota Twins - 230
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Platinum Plays
Free Pick the Philadelphia Phillies w/Eflin -165 over Miami
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Golden Dragon Sports
Free Pick Baltimore/Texas Over 10½ Runs
Huddle Up Sports
Free Play: Colorado/Milwaukee UNDER the total of 8½
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Hawkeye Sports
Saturday's Free Pick: Texas Rangers - 145
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Arthur Ralph Sports
FREE play: Sat Brewers w/Peralta-140
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The Vegas Steam Line
Your free winner for Saturday: Take MIAMI/PHILADELPHIA UNDER the total of 8½ runs
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High Stakes Syndicate
Free Selection for Saturday: Toronto Blue Jays + 200
John Anthony Sports
Saturday's Free Selection: Oakland Athletics - 180
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Nevada Sharpshooter
Your free winner for Saturday: Take SAN FRANCISCO/ARIZONA OVER the total of 8½ runs
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Scott Rickenbach
Aug 04 '18, 2:20 PM in 3h
MLB | SDG vs CHC
Play on: OVER 10 -115
Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach MLB Game #951 Saturday Free Pick OVER the total in Chicago Cubs vs San Diego Padres @ 2:20 ET - It will be a hot afternoon in Chicago Saturday and the wind will be blowing out to left-center field at a good clip. The Cubs Kyle Hendricks has a 6.30 ERA in his last two starts against the Padres and did allow a homer in each of those starts. Both of those were at pitcher-friendly Petco Park in San Diego and now he faces the Padres at Wrigley Field on a hitter-friendly afternoon. San Diego starter Walker Lockett is getting the call because Joey Lucchesi is out with a stomach virus. Lockett got rocked in his only start at the MLB level (in June) and this comes as no surprise as he has struggled at the AAA level in the minors. In 2016 he had a 4.50 ERA and was hit at a .319 clip, 2017 he had a 4.39 ERA and was hit at a .289 clip, and this season he has a 4.92 ERA and has been hit at a .280 clip. Facing the Cubs at Wrigley in a day game with favorable weather is likely going to be a nightmare for Lockett and this one should turn into a slugfest. The over is 11-5-2 in Padres Saturday games. The over is 13-6-1 in Cubs Saturday games. More of the same expected here. Free Pick OVER the total in the Chicago Cubs game early Saturday afternoon
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Dennis Macklin
Aug 04 '18, 8:10 PM in 9h
MLB | Giants vs Diamondbacks
Play on: Diamondbacks -137 at 5Dimes
DMack's Free Play for Saturday, August 4, 2018 is on the Arizona DBacks (Buchholz Listed)
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Tommy Brunson
My Saturday comp play is the Padres and Cubs to finish over the total.
The Good Fathers give Walker Lockett his second big league start, In his first, he allowed 4 runs on 4 hits, and he also walked an alarming 5 in just over 4 innings back on June 4th.
The Cubs will go with Kyle Hendricks. who has allowed 10 runs to cross on 25 hits over his last 21-plus innings worked, so you can expect him to be giving up some hits and runs today to a San Diego team that is now on an 11-4-1 Over run their last 16 games played.
Chicago has played 7 of their last 8 Saturday affairs Over the total, so let's look for some runs to be scored today on the North Side of town.
Padres-Cubs matinee over.
1* SAN DIEGO-CUBS OVER
Chris Jordan
My free play for tonight is on the Milwaukee Brewers over the Colorado Rockies.
Now I won't llist pitchers in this one, but I can tell you the Brewers are 6-3 in Freddy Peralta's starts this year. That gives Milwaukee a bit of confidence coming in. Bottom line is, I don't think it matters because Brewers pitchers are holding opponents to just a .232 batting average this season.
The Rockies are looking to end a three-game losing streak after the Brewers won 5-3 in last night's meeting. Tonight's offense will be sparked by Christian Yelich, who has 17 home runs and 59 RBIs on the season for the Brewers. Eric Thames has seven hits in his past 10 games for the Brewers, who have won six of 10 and have a .256 batting average in that span.
Play Milwaukee here.
5* BREWERS
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Eric Schroeder
I am a big fan of Kevin Gausman, always have been since he came out of his home state of Colorado, pitched at LSU and starred for the Baltimore Orioles. His inconsistency stems from playing for a team that has absolutely disrupted its roster and has been one of the worst in baseball.
Gausman has shown signs of brilliance, with a fastball that can touch 100 when he wants. He is tactful hurler who needed a new scenery, and will thrive with a contender. He has plenty of life left in his career, and will be one of the league's best pitchers. He just needed a playoff-caliber team to play for, and now he is on one.
Gausman makes his first start in a Braves uniform against a New York Mets team that has lost four straight, is hitting .218 in its last 10, has a sky-high 5.97 ERA in that span and also over that timeframe has a -20 run differential.
Gausman will get plenty of run support from his new teammates, including Nick Markakis, who leads the Braves with 131 hits on the season.
Take Atlanta on the road tonight.
4* BRAVES (List Gausman only)
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Jeff Benton
Benton Zone will deliver one more time.
Your Saturday freebie is the Under in the Braves-Mets meeting at Citi Field.
I am looking for Kevin Gausman and Zack Wheeler to control the batters at Citi Field as the Braves and Mets play Under the total.
Last night the teams landed Under the total for the second time in as many games this weekend. Overall in the series, that makes 3 in a row, and 4 of the last 5 played between the N.L. East rivals having landed Under the total.
For Atlanta, they are now on a 6-1 Under run their last 7 games, while New York has played 3 straight and 5 of their last 6 Under the posted price.
Kevin Gausman will make his Atlanta debut, as he looks to build off of his 7 innings of 2 run ball that he just turned in against Tampa Bay in his last start in an Orioles uniform. He did allow 3 runs or less in 7 of his last 9 junior league starts, and against the feeble-hitting Mets attack, I like him to have success.
Wheeler has been a bright spot for New York, as the Mets hurler did just throw 6 scoreless innings with 7 strikeouts at Pittsburgh his last time out in an game that ended 1-0 Mets. 6 of his last 8 starts have seen 3 runs or less cross.
Since both teams have been trending low, let's play this Saturday nighter in Queens Under the total.
4* ATLANTA-N.Y. METS UNDER
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Jack Brayman
My free play for tonight is on the New York Yankees against the Boston Red Sox, and in this game I want you listing ONLY Chance Adams.
Adams will be called up from Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre to make his MLB debut against the Red Sox. The right-hander is the Yanks' No. 13 prospect, and becomes the 11th Yankees pitcher to make his first Major League start at Fenway Park. There is no better place to make an MLB debut, if it has to be on the road, and when you're wearing pinstripes.
Adams led Triple-A baseball in opponent's batting average last season (.197) and led all of minor-league baseball in opponent's average in 2016 (.169). But after undergoing surgery to remove bone chips in his pitching elbow during the offseason, he reportedly lost a little velocity and brings a fastball in the low- to mid-90s.
I don't think it should take away from his potential, nor should we think any less of how to treat an MLB debut. This is one of those prize moments in a pitcher's life, and he will take full advantage. Sonny Gray has been dropped from the rotation, and CC Sabathia's age is showing. Why not come in thinking "I can have this spot."
This kid gives his all, and the offense comes around after losing the first two of the series.
Take the Underdog.
5* YANKEES (List Adams)
Tys Terrific Tips
ATLANTA BRAVES ‑120
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Ace / V.I.P.
NEW YORK YANKEES +135
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Tommy King Wins
ARIZONA DIAMONDBACKS ‑135
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Lasvegasmoneymachine
OAKLAND ATHLETICS ‑1.5 +110
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Monster Sports Picks
OAKLAND ATHLETICS ‑1.5 +110
Guaranteed Cappers
BOSTON RED SOX ‑140
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Shadow Sports Syndicate
CHICAGO CUBS ‑1.5 ‑140
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Sports Watch Monitor
MINNESOTA TWINS ‑1.5 ‑125
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Top Shelf Sports Pick
CHICAGO CUBS ‑245
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Pure Lock
MINNESOTA TWINS ‑1.5 ‑125
Mikey Money
TAMPA BAY RAYS ‑160
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DONNY ACTION
ST. LOUIS CARDINALS +110
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R and R Totals
NEW YORK YANKEES/BOSTON RED SOX +105 u10
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Vegas Investment Picks
HOUSTON ASTROS +125
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