Ricky’s 8* play on the under Nationals/Braves.

Key Angle: It's important to remember that Ricky never makes a bet on any game based on just one angle. In order to make the grade, all his premium picks must meet several important criteria. He doesn't share all his secrets within his analysis, instead he chooses to reveal only the angle that he feels is the most significant. 

Key Trends:

Analysis posted shortly.

Ricky’s 8* play on the under A’s/Twins.

I’m expecting a “duel” between these two hungry American League clubs on Sunday afternoon. Michael Pineda (6-5, 4.38 ERA) goes for Minnesota, while Daniel Mengden (5-1, 4.21) gets the nod for the visitors. Pineda has conceded more than three runs in a games just once in his last 12 starts and he’s 4-1 with a tiny 2.75 ERA in six career starts vs. Oakland. Mengden comes in having won four straight.

Key Trends:

- Oakland has already seen the total go under the number in 23 of 35 this year vs. teams with winning records.

- Minnesota has seen the total go under in nine of 12 home games already this year with a total of either 10 to 10.5. 

The verdict: Look for these two competent hurlers to battle deep into this one, and play the under!

Ricky’s 6* play on the Chicago Cubs.

Key Angle: It's important to remember that Ricky never makes a bet on any game based on just one angle. In order to make the grade, all his premium picks must meet several important criteria. He doesn't share all his secrets within his analysis, instead he chooses to reveal only the angle that he feels is the most significant. 

Key Trends:

Analysis posted shortly.

Ricky’s 8* play on the under Royals/Indians.

After scoring 43 runs over six games, the Tribe were held to just three hits in their last outing, a 1-0 Royals victory on Saturday. I think we’ll see a few more runs than that today, but all signs once again point to a lower-scoring “duel” in the finale of this three game set in my opinion. Kansas City goes with Glenn Sparkman (3-5, 4.54 ERA) who comes in off his best start of his career, scattering five hits and striking out eight in his first career shutout vs. the White Sox on Tuesday. The home side sees Zach Plesac (3-3, 3.56) toe the slab, who also comes in off a strong outing vs. Detroit in his last start, allowing no runs or hits over a rain-shortened three innings of work. 

Key Trends:

- KC has seen the total go under in eight of its last 12 as a road dog in the +150 to +200 range.

- Cleveland has seen the total go under in 22 of its last 37 “day” games.

The verdict: In my opinion, the overall situation combined with the above strong O/U trends exhibited by each side, do indeed point to the under as the correct call in this one!

Ricky’s 6* play on the Tampa Bay Rays.

No upsets here today as I expect Rays ace Blake Snell (5-7, 4.55 ERA) to get the better of his younger counterpart today. Tampa lost 2-1 in 11 innings yesterday, but I expect the home side to respond here. Snell had a 9.64 ERA in June, but so far in July he’s allowed two earned runs over ten innings, both starts coming against the high-powered Yankees. The White Sox go with Dylan Cease (1-1, 5.73), who makes his third major league starts of his career, most recently getting rocked for six runs over six innings in a loss to the Royals. 

Key Trends:

- Chicago is a terrible 16-28 (-8.1 units) this season in all “day” games.

- Tampa is 18-9 this season as a home favorite of -150 or higher.

The verdict: After yesterday’s loss, look for Tampa to take advantage of this favorable matchup; lay the price with confidence!