Cappers Sports Picks

Ricky’s 10* play on the Giants on the run line.

Arizona comes in on a five-game losing streak. Clearly Robbie Ray is in much better form than his counterpart Drew Pomeranz, but I simply think this is a bad “spot” for Ray. The Diamondbacks have hit the panic button and they’ve moved Ray up a spot in the rotation because of an injury to Zack Greinke. Pomeranz won’t be lacking for motivation here as he’s fighting for a spot. I think the door is open for a much more competitive battle than what this line would suggest. 

Key Trends:

- The Diamondbacks are already just 1-3 (-2.4 units) this year after scoring four runs or less in four straight games.

- The Giants 15-12 (+6.3 units) this season following a loss.

The verdict: I had a play on the Orioles on the run line at home to the Yanks last night, a game which they ended up losing 5-4 in extras. In what I expect to be another tight affair here, I’m going to grab the 1.5 runs. Play on the Giants run line!

Ricky’s 8* play on the St. Louis Cardinals.

Let’s call these two struggling “gas cans” a wash on the mound tonight. The Braves go with the struggling Mike Foltynewicz (0-3, 6.91 ERA), while the home side goes with the struggling Miles Mikolas (4-4, 4.88). Both have been terrible all year and each comes in off a crummy outing. But after dropping two of three in Atlanta just last week, I think the home side comes in focused and delivers in the revenge scenario.

Key Trends:

- Atlanta is just 2-7 (-4.2 units) this season as a road dog in the +125 to +175 range.

- St. Louis is 9-2 (+6.3 units) this year at home with a money line in the -100 to -150 range.

The verdict: I think “revenge” works in this one. Look for Mikolas to get the better of his counterpart at home and lay what I think to be a very reasonable mid-sized price with confidence!

Ricky’s 8* play on the Washington Nationals.

I think the Marlins will stumble here after winning six straight. Washington won’t be lacking for motivation clearly after losing five straight, including allowing the Mets to rally in the eighth inning last night to complete a four-game sweep with the 6-4 victory. The Marlins go with Pablo Lopez (3-6, 5.06 ERA), who comes in off a decent start but who is 0-1 with a ballooned 7.59 ERA in two career starts vs. the Nationals. Washington goes with Kyle McGowin (0-0, 6.00) who has pitched 10 2/3’s innings over six major league games, posting a 5.91 ERA and striking out 11 batters. 

Key Trends:

- Miami is still just 7-14 as a road underdog this year.

- Washington is 3-1 (+2.3 units) in its last four off a loss to a division rival as a favorite of -150 or higher.

The verdict: I think the Marlins are playing over their heads right now and I’m not going to read too much into the Nationals’ current slump. Look for these trends to start going the other way effective immediately. Lay the price!