Last week’s Moneyline Monday was a big success, as we went 4-0 (3-0 on Monday, as I screwed up one and forgot that Suriname was playing on Tuesday, but the bet still cashed) and picked up even money on three out of four games. The schedule isn’t very robust on July 26, but there are still some winners to be found on the moneyline today. Here are some of my best bets.
PHILLIES (-115) vs. NATIONALS
Boy, did the Nationals look a mess over the weekend. Facing the Orioles is usually a tonic, especially for a struggling offense, but Baltimore dominated the Battle of the Beltways, taking all three games at Camden Yards and holding the Nats to just eight runs in three games. Things aren’t likely to get a lot better going further up I-95. The teams have split eight games this season, but three of the Nationals’ wins have come when they held Philadelphia to two runs or less. The Phillies have been hitting fairly well as of late, scoring three or more in 14 of their past 17 games, and they’ve got a great home record.
WHITE SOX (-120) vs. ROYALS
I love when bad teams go on a hot streak right before they’re about to play someone good, because the public has very short memories when it comes to gambling. The average bettor isn’t looking at the fact that the White Sox are 6-3 against Kansas City this year and are unbeaten in Kauffman Stadium, nor do they see the Royals’ 42-55 record. All they see right now is a five-game win streak for Kansas City, driving down the White Sox’s price. But the Pale Hose have made their living off beating bad teams, and Dallas Keuchel dominated Kansas City last year, winning two starts in western Missouri.
TWINS (-160) vs. TIGERS
You might want to wait to put this bet in, because the number is dropping. I know last week I said the Tigers had become quite watchable, and they have, but I can’t ignore that Matt Manning has been abysmal away from Comerica Park. Manning has three road starts this year, and all three have been Detroit losses, with the pitcher sporting an 8.56 ERA away from home. Plus, the home team has dominated this series in 2021, holding a 9-3 record on the year. The three defeats for the hosts were all by the Tigers losing at home to Minnesota, who owns a 7-5 mark in the series this year despite playing eight of 12 meetings at Detroit.
ANGELS (-145) vs. ROCKIES
Shohei Ohtani hasn’t given up more than two earned runs at home all season, and he’s facing a Rockies team that’s 10-36 away from Coors Field. The Rockies did look competent for a change at Dodger Stadium and the Angels are crossing two time zones, which is why the price is lower than it should be, but Ohtani should still have enough to keep the Angels in good shape in this one.
