MLB weekly best bets: Ohtani to extend Orioles' miserable run
We went just 1-2 with our weekend MLB picks, though we're still riding a 10-5 run over the last two weeks heading into Monday's action. Here are a few of our favorite bets this week:
Astros under 5 runs (even) vs. Royals
Aug. 23, 8:10 p.m. ET
Is Daniel Lynch finally figuring it out? The Royals' former top-25 prospect suffered a rough start to his MLB career and was demoted in May after posting a 15.75 ERA through three starts. He's been a different pitcher in his second stint, lasting at least 95 pitches in each of his past five outings while recording a combined 2.35 ERA and at least 11 swinging strikes in four of those five starts.
The Astros are a worthwhile test for the lefty, though Lynch held Houston to one run across seven solid frames in his last outing Tuesday. Expect him to continue his strong play in the rematch.
Pirates under (TBD) vs. Diamondbacks
Aug. 24, 7:05 p.m.
It feels like a trap to bet on the 32-year-old Madison Bumgarner to sustain his recent success after returning from a six-week stint on the injured list. Yet the numbers don't lie - the Diamondbacks ace has allowed two earned runs or fewer in each of his seven starts since July 16, good for a 1.93 ERA.
The four-time All-Star conceded just one run on three hits in eight strong innings against the Phillies on Thursday, which came a few weeks after he held the Pirates to one run through five frames. Pittsburgh has plated one run or fewer in five of its last eight games, so don't be surprised if this is comfortably under even the lowest of team totals.
Angels -1.5 (TBD) at Orioles
Aug. 25, 7:05 p.m.
When Shohei Ohtani pitches, good things happen for the Angels, who are 9-2 in the last 11 games he's taken the mound. The runaway MVP favorite has allowed two runs or fewer in all but one of those 11 contests while also leading the majors in home runs (40) and pacing the AL in slugging percentage (.637) and xwOBA (.419).
Compare that to the Orioles, who've lost an incredible 18 consecutive games since Aug. 3 with a 1-17 record to the run line in that stretch. If Ohtani can pitch to his reasonable standard and potentially help his cause at the plate, this one won't be close.
C Jackson Cowart is a sports betting writer at theScore. You can follow him on Twitter (@CJacksonCowart) or email him at [email protected].