Fantasy Sports Gametime
Play Milwaukee (+115) over St. Louis (Top MLB Play)
Zack Greinke has won 20 of the last 26 games when the total posted is between 7 and 8.5 runs and he has also won 15 of the last 19 games when pitching in the 2nd half of the season.
NHL Hockey Friday
Play Buffalo (-185) over Carolina (Top NHL Play)
Paul Leiner
100* Hawaii / San Jose Over 56
Ben Burns
10* Cardinals
Tom Freese
20* Cardinals
15* Sharks
10* Sabres
Info Plays
7* St.Louis Cardinals -120
Brandon Lang
25 Dime San Jose State +5.5
Maddux Sports
10 Units Brewers / Cardinals Under 7.5
Matt Fargo
10* Hawaii -6
We like to take a long hard look at the home underdog in a spot like this but the matchups are not in the Spartans favor and there are plenty of other reasons to go against them here. After winning two straight games, San Jose St. took a step back last week in losing at BYU. The Cougars are not a very good team this season and the 13-point loss may not seem too bad but the Spartans were outgained by 119 total yards including a 224-70 disadvantage on the ground. Hawaii hits the road for its second straight road game which is normally is big disadvantage for them coming from the island but they had a bye week last week which has turned it into an advantage for this week. The Warriors dominated Louisiana Tech in their last game which was greatly needed following their inexplicable loss at UNLV in their last road game prior to that. That was a bad spot against the Rebels as it was their second straight road game in as many weeks. The Warriors have a significant matchup advantage in the passing game. They are averaging 7.3 ypa while the Spartans are allowing 7.8 ypa and things could be more lopsided here. San Jose St. lost their best cover corner Brandon Driver two weeks ago against Colorado St. and he is out for the season. Against the potent Hawaii passing attack led by Bryant Moniz, San Jose St. will be forced to drop more linebackers intro coverage which is an edge in itself but it also means less pressure on the quarterback. On the other side, the Spartans best running back Brandon Rutley remain banged up as he missed the last game with a severely sprained ankle. He will be a game-time decision here and while I expect him to play since he is participating in practice this week, albeit non-contact, he will not be close to 100 percent. That is a problem for the Spartans as Hawaii has a solid rushing defense as they are allowing just 93.2 ypg on 3.0 ypc. The Spantans want to be balanced but it likely won't turn out that way. There is a subtle edge for the Warriors on the sidelines. Former San Jose St. head coach Dick Tomey is Hawaii’s special teams coach so he will be providing some key information about the Spartans. Hawaii is 6-0 ATS in its last six games against teams with a losing record while going 6-0 ATS in its last six October games as well. Also, the Warriors are 8-0 ATS in their last eight games after gaining 125 or fewer rushing yards in two straight games. 10* Hawaii Warriors
Bob Balfe
Cardinals / Brewers Over 7.5
Neither pitcher is living up to expectations over the last few games and I think the winner of this game puts up 8 runs themselves. This is a statement game, especially if Milwaukee can win going back home where they are the best home team in baseball. There is no doubt that the winner of this game wins the series. I expect tonight’s winner to win with ease. It's just hard to predict which team. I would have to say St. Louis, since Milwaukee is not a good road team, but last night they were impressive. Let’s hope both teams come out and put up 4 runs quick. Take the Over.
Pointwise Phones
2* Hawaii
Jeff Benton
20 Dime Brewers
Dom Chambers
60 Dime Hawaii
Dom Chambers
60 Dime Hawaii
Frank Patron
Hawaii -5.5
Chase Diamond
30 Dime St. Louis Cardinals
30 Dime San Jose State +6