The first rule of MLB is that anything is possible. This year’s contenders for a postseason appearance are falling out, while those expected to go home early are turning things around. At this point, anything goes and the unexpected is the new norm. There are a couple of games on tap today that will prove that point and that could alter the MLB standings.
Cubs Take on the Reds
The Chicago Cubs (53-69) will meet the Cincinnati Reds (65-56) today in the third of a three-game series. They just took a loss yesterday and could take another one tonight. The Reds are now looking at a National League wild card spot that has them energized and will look to add another win tonight. These two have also been chosen to appear in next year’s Field of Dreams Game.
Adrian Sampson will be on the mound for the Cubs tonight, which doesn’t bode well for Chicago. He hasn’t been on Major League rubber for two years and even then only pulled off a 6.46xERA. Since the beginning of this month, the Cubs have seen their ERA drop to an embarrassing 8.39. The Reds are getting all the support from sportsbooks with -310 on the moneyline. The run line of -1.5 will be easy to cover, but the Over/Under needs some attention. At 9.5, taking the Under (-110) is the better option.
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T&C APPLY | NJ, PA, IN, CO, NJ, MI, IA, LA, MS, OH ONLY Join NowAstros and the Royals Do Battle
The Houston Astros (70-49) face off against the Kansas City Royals (51-67), and the team everyone loves to hate is having another decent season. Zack Grinke, with his 11-3 record and 3.51 ERA, goes up against Brady Singer and his 3-8 record and 5.42 ERA. The Astros are 5-5 in their last ten games, while the Royals are 3-7. The Oakland A’s are trying to sneak up on Houston in the American League Central standings, and the Astros are going to turn up the heat. The Royals, however, are already out of contention and will only want to see how they can keep the Astros from having a better season.
With a stronger mound performance and record, the Astros are the clear favorite at -16, even though the Royals beat them this past Monday. The -1.5 (-120) run line for the Astros will also be easy to beat. This should be another good game and the Over/Under of 9.5 seems to be low. Taking the Over (-120) will give bettors a nice bonus.
Rays Look For Easy Win Against the O’s
The Tampa Bay Rays (73-47) are having a great year and want to keep it going when they meet the Baltimore Orioles (38-80) today. The Rays are in first place in the American League East, while the O’s sit at the bottom. Given the fact that Tampa Bay has gone 13-1 against Baltimore this season, unless something crazy happens, this should be a slam dunk. However, anything goes and the unexpected is the new norm.
The Rays have too much going for them for this game not to be considered an easy win. At -345, books agree and aren’t expecting any surprises. The run line (-1.5, -161) shouldn’t be a problem, either. Taking the Over (-110) on an Over/Under of 9 is about as close to a guarantee as could be expected.
