As we get deeper into the MLB campaign, we are going see more interleague contests. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: Baseball, above other sports we wager on, is about trends and streaks.
However, where AL vs. NL play is concerned, treat it like a newborn baby. You want to give it the same amount of attention, caring, and love, but you must be a lot more gentle and careful. Obviously, the dynamics change, so tread lightly.
If you are following my Best Bet releases, I went 2-0 last week again. But, there was an off-pitcher in one of those games, so we are going to negate that play. Thus far, I am 9-3 on the season.
Here are this week’s Best Bets (all stats and trends are as of print and may change as can starting pitchers):
Tuesday
Take Braves over Cubs: Chicago falls into the same trap that has plagued the team for years… they are having trouble on the road (8-9). Their current hot streak (5-1 L6) took place at home against the Marlins and White Sox, who are a combined 24-53. Yu Darvish takes the mound here. The RH, who makes his first start in 13 days, has been atrocious. The Japanese-born pitcher is 0-3, donning a 6.00 ERA.
The Braves have quietly taken over first place (24-15) in the NL East. RH, Mike Foltynewicz is 3-2 with an ERA of 3.21. Chicago is 0-4 their L4 games played on the road and 0-4 in their last four games played vs. teams with a winning record. ATLANTA
Take Astros/Angels Under: Despite very strong lineups, two of the three meetings between these teams have gone UNDER the Total. Going back to last season, UNDER has gotten the money in five of the L7 matchups. Houston gives Gerrit Cole the nod. The RH is 4-1 with an anemic 1.43 mark, fanning 86 in 56.2 IP.
Los Angeles sends Jaime Barria to the bump. The right-hander is 3-1 with a 2.45 ERA. The Astros come into this contest having played five straight UNDERs while the Angels have played four in their last six outings. UNDER
Good Luck, and have a winning day.