SILVER SPRING, Md. — To quote Taylor Swift, the rain came pouring down yesterday, turning the baseball schedule into a giant clustermuck from beginning to end. However, my problems came elsewhere, as first the Hurricanes and then the Michigan Panthers failed to hold a lead when it mattered, leading to a pair of defeats. The Marlins did come back with a nice cash on the under, but the Blues have now proven themselves a step behind the Wild, so I doubt I’m going back to that one.
We’ve got plenty of action happening while Union Berlin is playing its best match of the season; here are my plays for May 7.
PANTHERS-CAPITALS U6.5, -110
These Capitals are not the free-wheeling, high scoring team they were in Alex Ovechkin’s younger days. This team is now just as apt to prevent goals as it is to score them, and the Caps have played to under six in seven of their past nine contests. What’s more, the two overs only happened because the game went to overtime. I don’t think Florida will have another offensive explosion here; this feels much more like a 3-2 game.
GENERALS -10, -110
I hate this line, but I think it’s necessary given just how awful the Maulers have been. New Jersey is averaging 200 rushing yards per game and Pittsburgh hasn’t shown any signs of being able to stop the ground game. The Generals appear to be the class of the North, and I don’t think they have any issues with the Maulers in this one.
STALLIONS -2.5, -110
I’m not sure what the books are seeing in Tampa Bay. The Bandits are honestly quite lucky to be 2-1 right now, as they’ve gotten healthy off Pittsburgh and Houston and shouldn’t have beaten Houston. Birmingham is a strong 3-0, having bested both New Jersey and New Orleans, both of which look like playoff sides. I think the Stallions take control early in this matchup.
CHARLOTTE FC AND U3.5, +135
I don’t need to push on this one. I think Charlotte can win to nil against Inter Miami, but the Herons have managed a goal in three of four road fixtures in 2022 and probably would have made it four of four if they hadn’t gone down to nine against New England. But the Crowns haven’t allowed more than one goal at home all season, so I think this comes out to be a low-scoring match and another win in the books for Charlotte.
NEW ENGLAND REVOLUTION AND U3.5, +175
I’m not buying Columbus’ surge against D.C. United. The Crew had been shut out in four straight before dropping three on the Red and Black, and New England has traditionally played tough defense against Columbus. The Revs have played better at home in their past two matches, but their leaky defense means that I don’t feel safe taking them to nil. I need the cushion here, and it’s still plus money.
