Nationals at Giants First Inning O/U o.5 Runs
In this pitching matchup, we have Jon Lester (2-3, 5.34 ERA) facing off against Anthony DeScafani (9-3, 2.84 ERA). In terms of first innings, DeScafani has been decent showing off a 3.71 ERA. Lester, on the other hand, has not been great as his first-inning ERA sits at 9.00. Over his last three starts, DeScafani has been solid, allowing just five earned runs over 20.2 innings pitched. Lester’s last three starts have not been nearly as successful. Over 10.2 innings, he’s allowed 14 earned runs. Over that span, his ERA ballooned from 3.96 up to 5.34. In this game, the Giants will score runs. There is no doubt about it. As a team, they rank seventh in all of baseball in runs scored. That said, I believe the first inning will be clean on both sides. Lester is due for a turnaround. Furthermore, I love the plus odds for the under.
Pick: under one first-inning run (+107, DK)
Pirates O/U 2.5 (Game One)
Just to be clear, this will be a seven-inning game. Also to be clear, the Pirates offense has not been good this season as they rank 30th in runs scored. Pitching for the Mets will be Marcus Stroman (6-6, 2.60 ERA). On the surface, the Pirates’ bats should be handled pretty easily in this matchup. That said, Stroman is due for a bit of regression. His xERA on the season is 4.54, nearly two runs higher than his actual ERA. Today will be a day for regression. With the help of John Nogowski, who is 10-16 in four games with his new team, I think the Pirates will be able to scratch by at least three runs.
Pick: Pirates over 2.5 runs (+120, DK)
Padres vs Rockies Run Line
As we all know, the Rockies have been dreadful on the road this season. They are 7-34 away from Coors Field. Similarly, Rockies’ starter German Marquez (7-6, 3.59 ERA) has been much better at home (5-1, 3.06 ERA) than he has been on the road (1-5, 4.67 ERA). When playing in San Diego this season, the Rockies are 0-4. In those four games, they have been outscored 16-3. Pitching for the Padres will be Joe Musgrove (5-6, 2.97 ERA). In one start against Colorado earlier this season, Musgrove was masterful as he went seven scoreless innings while racking up 11 strikeouts. Even if the Padres struggle to score many runs, I believe that Musgrove will do a great job of limiting them. When push comes to shove, the Rockies are historically terrible on the road this season. San Diego should win easily.
Pick: Padres -1.5 (+112, DK)
Nathan Hursh Overall Record: (29-44-2)
Net Money (assuming all wagers are $100): –$1,599.93
Featured image by Justin Paradis (@JustParaDesigns on Twitter)