Chris Jordan
Based on the pitchers who will be automatically listed in this game - Miami's Tom Koehler and Chicago's Edwin Jackson - I have to side with the Over in this game, as I think these two are going to tank and we're going to see a double-digit game.
Miami's right-hander steps to the hill after struggling against the Nationals, allowing six earned runs and walking four batters over five-plus innings to pick up his ninth loss of the year. He is 3-9 with a 4.72 ERA, and in his last three starts is 0-1 with a 5.29 ERA.
With the Cubbies, the journeyman right-hander is 7-14 this season with a 4.90 ERA and comes off a dismal August. Jackson is winless in his last five starts (0-3, 5.75 ERA), over which he's been tagged for 19 earned runs on 38 hits over 28-2/3 innings for a 5.96 ERA in the month.
This one being in windy Chicago, I like the total to soar.
1♦ Marlins/Cubs OVER
Scott Delaney
My free winner for Tuesday night is on the surging Oakland Athletics, who take on division-rival Texas, and I see the home team getting it done over the visiting Rangers.
I'm not going to list the pitchers in this one, cause I think this is all about the momentum, and get caught up in how well Texas' Martin Perez has pitched. I know the left-hander was 5-0 in five August starts with a 3.06 ERA, and I know four of those five starts were on the road. But this also marks his first outing against the A's this season, and I don't think he's catching at an opportune time.
Besides, if I were listing pitchers, I'd be happy with my man Bartolo Colon, who is 14-5 on the year with a stellar 2.94 ERA.
But it's not, it's about an A's team that can clinch its third straight series against a potential October opponent, while claiming sole possession of first place in the American League West.
Oakland made it four straight with Monday's 4-2 win over Texas, while it has also won seven of eight - against the Tigers, Rays and Rangers, who have lost 5 of 9. Take the A's today.
1♦ OAKLAND
Bob Balfe
Pittsburgh Pirates -115
The Pirates, Cardinals and Reds are all in a division battle down the stretch. I personally think St. Louis will win out, but Pittsburgh showed they are in this by going out and making trades for big named players. This team believes they have a shot to make a world series run. I still think they are lacking another big named batter, but they need to win against bad baseball teams when it is clutch time. Take Pittsburgh.
Big Kat Sports
Los Angeles Dodgers vs. Colorado Rockies
Take: Los Angeles Dodgers -110
Here are a few trends that have us on the road team tonight in this NL West showdown:
Dodgers are 23-3 in their last 26 road games.
Dodgers are 20-6 in their last 26 road games vs. a team with a winning home record.
Dodgers are 7-1 in Nolasco’s last 8 starts.
Dodgers are 19-7 in their last 26 vs. National League West.
Rockies are 1-5 in their last 6 after scoring 5 runs or more in their previous game.
Rockies are 14-37 in their last 51 games vs. a starter with a WHIP less than 1.15.
Rockies are 5-16 in their last 21 during game 2 of a series.
Pair those numbers with the fact that Ricky Nolasco hasn’t allowed a run in his last two starts (16 innings) and that he has a 6-3 career record against Colorado and we’ll take the better team here on the road in the Dodgers at a pick price to get the win at Coors Field.