Milwaukee Brewers
After an impressive series win over the Dodgers, the Brewers have also started nicely against St Louis. They managed an impressive 10-7 win in the series opener, with Christian Yelich going off for 7 RBI. The pitching staff has been somewhat concerning recently, but excellent offensive performances continue to cover for it.
St Louis Cardinals
The Cardinals have been a very inconsistent side this season, currently sitting at 9-8. Their offence has admittedly been purring at times, with 3 players already registering at least 10 RBI on the season. Michael Wacha on the mound in this one does somewhat concern me, having put up a 5.28 ERA on the season.
Prediction: Brewers $1.74
It’s a relatively simple proposition for me here. I think the Brewers are the more talented side, have the better pitcher, and a strong home-field advantage. At $1.74, I’ll take those advantages all day long.
Seattle Mariners
The Mariners started the season very strongly with 13 wins in their first 15, however they have tailed off of late. After getting swept by Houston, they opened their series against Cleveland with a 4-6 loss. This was despite a solid day at the office for Domingo Santana, who had 3 hits and 1 RBI.
Cleveland Indians
The Indians are looking to rebound here after a sweep at the hands of the lowly Royals. Their offence just wasn’t where it needed to be, combining for just 1 run over the first 2 games. The pitching could also stand to improve, having allowed 20 runs over that 3-game series.
Prediction: Mariners $2.20
Both of these sides are in relatively poor form and I’m going to take the home underdog here. I think Seattle are a very talented side and have a chance to rebound in this series. Erik Swanson is an underrated pitcher in the market and I think he gets the job done here.
Washington Nationals
The Nationals have been poor this season after Bryce Harper’s departure, winning just 7 of their first 14. They’re on the verge of another upset to the Giants, currently trailing 4-1 in the sixth. While Anthony Rendon does have 17 RBI this year, they’re really missing that second hitter to help lift the offence.
San Francisco Giants
The Giants just aren’t the same team as their early 2010’s championship runs, winning just 7 of their first 17 this year. Buster Posey is still there, however he only has a measly 1 RBI this season. Madison Bumgarner looks to be fully back from his injury, pitching 26 innings this year with an ERA just over 3.
Prediction: Nationals $1.67
While the Nationals haven’t been in strong recent form, the market appears to be undervaluing them here. Too much respect is being paid to Giants pitcher Jeff Samardzija for a few solid performances. At $1.67, I’ll take the more talented home fave here.