Last time we checked in on Major League Baseball, the Brewers had just taken the last Wild Card spot, and several teams were nipping at their heels. Well, after a few days, now the Cardinals are holding that spot, and they’re fending off the hottest teams in the senior circuit. We’ll take a look at their chances to hold on as we take another look at the odds, thanks to Bovada.
The Cardinals (-1.5 -130 RL, -215 ML) will try to hang on against the Kansas City Royals (+1.5 +110 RL, +185 ML), who have had hot bats lately. Jack Flaherty (5-6, 3.72 ERA) will be hoping to silence those bats, but he might not need to against the struggling Glenn Sparkman (3-7, 5.71 ERA). I suspect St. Louis will be able to take this first game and win big, so bet on them and the over. (O/U 9.5).
They’ll need to get that win to hold off the surging Mets (+1.5 -170 RL, +112 ML), who visit the division leading Atlanta Braves (-1.5 +150 RL, -132 ML). The Mets will depend on Zack Wheeler (9-6, 4.20), who’s been good against Atlanta in his career, against Max Fried (13-4, 4.11 ERA). I believe this will be where the Mets falter, because you can’t stay that hot for that long. Bet on the Braves with the under here. (O/U 9.5)
Finally, lets look back at the Red Sox (-1.5 +145 RL, -112 ML), who I’ve given up on, as they visit the Cleveland Indians (+1.5 -165 RL, -108 ML). They lost in a heartbreaker to the Indians on Monday, and will depend on Chris Sale (6-11, 4.41 ERA) today against Mike Clevinger (7-2, 3.02). Let’s not pretend the Red Sox have what it takes here. They’ve clearly been cursed to some degree since the All Star break, and I don’t expect them to change it here. Bet on the Indians and the over. (O/U 8.0)
Tonin’s record yesterday: 4-5
Tonin’s record this season: 56-45
