There’s a reason baseball is played for 9 innings. I was looking good to have picked three solid winners yesterday as the Cubs lead the Phillies 5-2 going into the bottom of the 9th. Then Bryce Harper had to go and knock a walk-off grand slam, pulling the Phillies within a game of the Cubs. Now, seven teams battle for NL Wild card spots, and we look at the odds again thanks to Bovada.
The Brewers (+1.5 -150 RL, +137 ML) are hoping to pick up a game against the Nationals (-1.5 +130 RL, -157 ML) before Max Scherzer comes back from injury. They’ll have to do so against Patrick Corbin (9-5, 3.41 ERA), who gets the start for the Nationals, and start Adrian Houser (5-5, 4.00 ERA) in response. Corbin has been outstanding at home and I don’t see that changing, so pick the Nationals here and the under (O/U 9.0).
The Padres (-1.5 +150 RL, -110 ML) will be hoping the Phillies (+1.5 -170 RL, -110 ML) have a hangover after their epic win on Thursday. Phillies hope to keep up the momentum with Vince Velasquez (4-7, 4.30 ERA) on the mound who faces Chris Paddack (7-5, 3.26 ERA). Despite the Padres having a lackluster season, Paddack has been strong. All the same, I expect the Phillies to continue with their momentum. Pick them and the under (O/U 9.0).
Finally, the Cardinals (+1.5 -150 RL, +130 ML) are in danger of giving up their division lead, and playoff position, to either the Cubs or Brewers if they lose another to the stingy Reds (-1.5 +130 RL, -150 ML). Ace Luis Castillo (11-4, 2.69 ERA) gets the start against equally skilled Adam Wainwright (8-8, 4.35 ERA), who was fantastic in his last start. I very much expect the Reds to make it interesting by picking up a close win. Pick them for the moneyline, and the under, and don’t expect this playoff race to get settled any time soon (O/U 9.0).
Tonin’s record yesterday: 6-3
Tonin’s record this season: 66-52
