Chris Jordan
Tough luck for the St. Louis Cardinals, who lost the primetime Sunday night game in Atlanta, as the Braves wrapped up a series sweep. Then the Redbirds had to travel and play on the road the next night, and sure enough, lost in Pittsburgh last night.
Now you're asking the Cardinals to play a doubleheader in an excited stadium with postseason hopefuls.
Generally at this time of the season, when we're ripping the July page off the calendar, seeing August and thinking football, we're also wondering about the MLB playoffs. And look what we have here, the Pirates are 1/2-game back of the Cardinals in the Central, and have caught the Cards in the right place at the right time.
These two have met five times this season - all in April - and are now embroiled in a crucial four-day, five-game series that could very well determine where this division is headed. Both teams own the top two records on the senior circuit and winning this series could very well solidify Pittsburgh as a legitimate pennant contender.
The strength of the Pirates has been their remarkable pitching staff, which ranks No. 1 in the bigs with a 3.08 ERA. The starters rank No. 1 with a 3.22 ERA while the relief staff is No. 2 with a 2.87 ERA. I'm not listing either Lance Lynn or A.J. Burnett in this game, but I will note that I don't mind having the Pirates' veteran righty throwing, as he sports a 2.96 ERA this season, despite a 4-7 mark. He pitches well enough to win and gives the Bucs a reason to win.
Take the Pirates today, as they get it done over St. Louis in the twinbill opener.
2♦ PITTSBURGH (Game 1)
Scott Delaney
My free winner for Tuesday night is on the Los Angeles Dodgers, at home, as they open up a three-game series at home against the New York Yankees. And with the oddsmakers making the line so big here, I want you playing this game on the run line.
Although all Run Line and Total plays will automatically list pitchers with the starters who are scheduled to go at the time of the wager, I am not concerned with who goes for either team tonight and want you playing this game on the Run Line regardless. That being said, IT IS YOUR RESPONSIBILITY to be sure you have action even if one of the pitchers scheduled to start is scratched, and re-wager the game if that takes place.
That being said, allow me to touch on the pitchers you're likely to end up with on your ticket, that being New York's Andy Pettitte and L.A.'s Zack Greinke. Not a bad pitching favor if you ask me.
Pettitte is in after a tough-luck loss against the Texas Rangers, as he fell to Matt Garza in his Texas-debut. Nonetheless, the Yankees' left-handed veteran had allowed three or more earned runs in seven consecutive starts prior to his stellar start last Wednesday. And, he did allow eight hits while taking his second straight loss.
With Greinke, you're getting an improving right-hander who is 8-3 with a 3.49 ERA this year, and who is 5-1 with a 2.56 ERA in eight starts at Dodger Stadium this season.
Take the Dodgers, and even if Pettitte or Greinke doesn't go, be sure to have action on L.A. tonight.
3 LOS ANGELES -1.5