Three-Way Thursday and Moneyline Monday have been successful this week, so let’s try to keep it going by nailing a few Friday bets. Last week’s Five for Friday was a bit of a disappointment, as only two out of five bets cashed, so we’ll try to improve on that here.
CUBS ML, -140
Reason: I’m not sure why people are buying Arizona’s winning streak. Yes, the Diamondbacks have won four straight, but all four were at home and three were against Pittsburgh. Plus, they’re handing the ball to Zac Gallen, and even though it hasn’t been his fault, Arizona has lost eight straight with him on the hill. Gallen is a better road pitcher than home, but the Diamondbacks as a whole are horrendous away from Phoenix, so I like the Cubs at this price.
TIGERS ML, +100
Reason: If you’ve been reading my stuff this week, you know I’ve been high on the Tigers. Detroit has cashed three straight for me, and while it was against the Rangers, the Royals aren’t much better than Texas. The Tigers believe they can contend in 2022, and they seem to have their eyes on finishing above .500 and using that to springboard into next year. It’s always a good idea to take a motivated team when you can.
NATIONALS-ORIOLES OVER 10, -110
Reason: Baltimore is hitting right now. The Orioles are averaging five runs a game over their past six outings, and Patrick Corbin isn’t exactly a feared opponent on the mound. Plus, Jorge Lopez still can’t keep teams from scoring. In his past seven outings, he’s conceded four or more runs on five occasions, and that’s before you get into the Orioles’ generous bullpen, which the Nats should do by the fifth inning. This should be a high-scoring affair.
RANGERS-ASTROS OVER 9.5, +105
Reason: Texas is going with a bullpen game. That should tell you about all you need to know, because the Rangers have been a complete train wreck as of late and are facing an Astros team that has no problem putting up runs in bunches. With Jake Odorizzi on the mound for Houston, the Rangers should do their fair share of scoring here as well.
GIANTS -1.5, +105
Reason: I hate giving runs with a team at home, because they won’t get to bat in the ninth if all goes to plan. But I’ll make an exception when the opponent is the Pirates. The Buccos have lost eight of their past 10 away from Pittsburgh, and all eight losses were by at least two runs. Plus, they’re throwing Chad Kuhl, who sports an ERA over 6 away from PNC Park. This shouldn’t be too much of a problem for San Francisco.
