We’re almost past the summer lull, as we’ve got the Bundesliga and Premier League starting up Friday and just 17 days to go until Nebraska and Illinois get college football kicked off properly. But we’ve still got plenty of opportunities available before the Huskers make the trip to Champaign, as we’ve got a full slate of baseball plus the semifinals of CONCACAF’s Champions League on the docket. Here’s where I’m looking for August 11, with one game slated for August 12.
ANGELS UNDER 3.5, -110
I played this when the Angels faced Walker Buehler and the Dodgers, and while Alek Manoah is no Buehler (not yet, anyway), he’s still a good pitcher who should keep the Halos off-balance throughout this game. The Angels have gone under this number in nine of their past 12 games and seven of eight against teams other than Texas. The under overall is a strong play as well, but the Jays’ offense is all over the map, so I’ll trust their pitching instead to shut down a wasteful Angels lineup.
ASTROS -1.5, -130
Antonio Senzatela has pitched on the road seven times in 2021. The Rockies have won a grand total of none of them, and they haven’t even covered on the runline in any of his starts. Colorado is basically a Double-A team when it leaves Coors Field, as it holds a road record of 13-41 outside of Denver, and the Astros should be ready to put up some big numbers here.
MARINERS -0.5 F5, -130
Tyler Anderson can’t be thrilled with what he’s seen from his new bullpen since joining the Mariners, as Seattle’s lost both of his starts after he left the game with the score tied. He should be able to get the M’s a lead in this one, as Seattle needs a win in the worst way after losing to the Rangers on Tuesday and snapping Texas’ 14-game road losing streak. I’m not high on the Mariners’ bullpen right now, but I will count on Anderson to get to the halfway point with the lead.
MONTERREY-CRUZ AZUL UNDER 2.5 GOALS, -140
Don’t be surprised if one goal is enough to win this one, because one goal has decided four of the past six matchups between the Mexican giants. All four of those have gone to the home side, so if you really want to get risky, I’m looking to play Monterrey to claim a 1-0 win at +600. But the goal here is just to create a winning bet, and a low score helps both teams. Cruz Azul would be thrilled to get a draw and bring the matchup home to Mexico City in need of only a scoreless draw to advance, so look for both teams to focus on defense first here.
CLUB AMERICA AND OVER 2.5 GOALS, +150
This is the Thursday match, but the play is too strong to leave it out. Philadelphia has led a charmed life in this tournament, as Union got to play Saprissa in the Monster’s Cave with no fans in the stands in the Round of 16 and drew a weak Atlanta United in the quarterfinals. That ends here, as Union now have to face the dreaded Azteca, where Club America tends to bury its opponents in this tournament. In five meetings, the Eagles are 3-0-2 against MLS sides at the Azteca, and all three American teams to come to Mexico City left with a loss and at least three goals against them. Philadelphia’s never faced a true hostile atmosphere in this tournament, and I don’t see Union being ready for the Azteca.
