This article is part of our MLB Picks series.
12-5 overall
1-2 yesterday
Well, the streak has been broken as I went 1-2 yesterday losing a tough one on the Red Sox -1.5 runs who won 4-3 but gave up a run in the 8th inning. We have a very short slate today so no need to force anything. As always, play what the board allows you to do and keep in line with our thought process that has brought us to 12-5 so far.
Cincinnati Reds vs. Pittsburgh Pirates 6:35pm est
Mahle has pitched great this year and keeps it going today against a very weak lineup that is now without Gregory Polanco, Colin Moran, and possibly Bryan Reynolds who is day-to-day. I liked the Pirates yesterday mainly because of a Kyle Hendricks fade and he delivered. Until yesterday the Pirates were averaging just 0.7 runs in their last six games.
When looking at the different ways to bet a game, I try to envision scenarios of how the game will play out. The Reds could smash Keller and win 11-3. They swept a three-game series from the Pirates opening week, outscoring them 30-8. I do not feel as confident in that as I do that Mahle really handles the Pirates weak lineup. So, with that said he gets at least six strikeouts, Reds lead by at least one run after 5, and the Pirates score fewer than three runs is how I envision this game.
The Bet – Tyler Mahle over 5.5 strikeouts -125 for 1 RW buck
Pirates under 2.5 runs +135 for 0.5 RW buck
Reds -0.5 1st 5 innings -115 for 0.5 RW buck
