April as a whole was not a great month for me. It was terrible. Most of my bets did not pan out. Now it is May though. With a new month comes new energy. Let’s turn things around. Please?
Nationals vs Marlins O/U 8.5
In this game, I see two good old-fashioned struggling pitchers. For the Nationals, Patrick Corbin has been abysmal. In four starts this year, Corbin has allowed 19 earned runs over 16.1 innings. He has given up six home runs. At this point in the season, opponents have been able to square up Corbin fairly easily. He has given up hard contact galore while not missing bats.
For the Marlins, Paul Campbell will take the hill. Today will be the first start of his career. In four relief outings in 2021, Campbell has allowed nine runs (seven earned) over 7.2 innings. Although he has racked up a nice amount of strikeouts (9), he has also walked his fair share (6). In today’s game, I expect some runs to be scored based purely on the weak pitching matchup.
Pick: Over 8.5 runs (-110 DK)
Athletics vs Orioles Run Line
After losing their first six games of the season, the A’s have won 16 of their last 21. Last night though, they fell to the Orioles 3-2 in the series opener. The Orioles themselves have been spunky thus far, carrying a record of 12-14. On the road specifically, they are 8-4.
As far as pitching the matchup goes, today we have Jesus Luzardo (1-2, 5.40 ERA) facing off against Matt Harvey (2-1, 4.26 ERA). Last Sunday against the Orioles, Luzardo was effective tossing 6.2 innings while allowing three earned. He stuck out eight and walked two in the loss. Harvey has not yet faced the A’s this season. That said, in his last start, he was excellent against the Yankees. In that win, the Dark Knight (do we still call him that?) allowed just one earned run over six innings pitched.
I have to say though, I am not feeling the Harvey magic. I believe the A’s will win handily in this one at home. Luzardo will get back on track. Harvey will struggle. The Orioles will finally lose a game on the road.
Pick: A’s -1.5 (+110 DK)
Reds O/U 4.5 Runs
As far as offense goes, the Reds have been atop the MLB leaderboards all season in multiple categories. Currently, they are first in slugging percentage (.444) and tied for first in total runs scored (136). Today, their offense will have the opportunity to feast on struggling Cubs’ starter, Zach Davies. In five starts this season, the soft-tossing Davies has allowed 20 earned runs over 19 innings pitched. He currently has more walks (15) than strikeouts (14). He is also allowing hard contact as opponents’ exit velocity has averaged 90.4 mph against him.
Perhaps today is the day that Davies turns it around and shuts down this Reds’ offense. As we know, baseball is the most unpredictable sport. I don’t see it though. I expect the Reds to pile up some runs.
Pick: Reds over 4.5 runs (-118 DK)
Nathan Hursh Overall Record: (7-16-1)
Net Money (assuming all wagers are $100): –887.05
Featured image by Justin Paradis (@JustParaDesigns on Twitter)