In today’s MLB betting guide, the Baltimore Orioles look to remain hot by extending their eight-game winning streak to nine when they visit the Chicago Cubs for a back-to-back two-game stint. Meanwhile, the Rangers are 3.5 games back of a wild card spot and will attempt to draw closer as they host the Oakland Athletics for the second of three games at home.
Baltimore Orioles (+102) vs Chicago Cubs (-120)
Don’t look now, but the Orioles are inching closer to a playoff spot despite being at the bottom of the AL East. The division holds five 40-win clubs, and Baltimore is just two games back of a wild-card spot. Jordan Lyles earns his 18th start and is coming off a one-run effort against the Los Angeles Angels last week. He’s allowed just one run in back-to-back appearances and holds an ERA (earned run average) of 4.50 this season.
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The Cubs looked better in their final game of a four-game series against the Los Angeles Dodgers, but despite a nine-run game, their bullpen was hit hard for 11 runs. Coming into this game with four losses in a row, their encounter with the Orioles comes at the worst time. Adrian Sampson gets his fourth start and sixth appearance this season but is still searching for a decision. He’s pitched 14 strikeouts and allowed 16 hits in his previous three games, allowing seven runs. The Orioles are too hot to handle, so take them to win their ninth consecutive game and avenge their loss to the Cubs last month.
Oakland Athletics (+150) vs Texas Rangers (-178)
Looking to put a tough week behind them, the Athletics got off on the wrong foot yesterday with a 10-8 loss to the Rangers. They’ll have two more chances to redeem their poor defensive effort and win their second series of the month. James Kaprielian earns his 14th start after showing positive results in his previous three games. He’s allowed five runs off ten hits in 17.1 innings, improving his ERA to 5.06 while playing against good offensive clubs like the Toronto Blue Jays and Seattle Mariners.
The Rangers have won three of their last four games, but the concerning trend inside the details is the number of runs they’re allowing. A total of 26 runs have crossed the plate, and while their offense is slugging away, they can’t afford to be as reckless on defense as they were last week. Glenn Otto will try to help their cause while improving on his record after losing his previous three starts. He’s allowed 13 hits in 11 innings, good for 11 runs and six strikeouts. His ERA sits at 5.26, which doesn’t mix well with an Athletics team with little to lose. This one may be a batter’s delight, so consider taking Oakland as the underdogs in what should be a high-scoring affair.
Odds via FanDuel.
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