Welp, our modest two-day winning streak came to an end last night with a disappointing 1-2 performance. The Cubs got it done for us over the Pirates but both the Padres and Giants were blown out as heavy favorites. Last night was a cruel reminder that baseball is a funny game and that the better team doesn't always win.
Betting on baseball is a lot like playing defensive back. You have to have a short memory and be able to quickly move on to the next play. So with that, here's our 3-pack of MLB best bets for Tuesday, July 26.
Bet $50, Get $200 Free
At WynnBet Sportsbook
Cubs -1.5 over Pirates
Best Available Odds: +112 at FanDuel
The Cubbies got it done for us last night and we'll back them again today at Wrigley. The North Siders have won five in a row and are playing solid baseball, even though most fans fear that both Ian Happ and Willson Contreras could be moved before the trade deadline.
Though the run-line scares us a little, we love the plus money and the fact that Pirates starter Bryse Wilson has been a human gas can. Wilson is only 1-5 this season with a 6.52 ERA, which explains why he has spent part of the year in AAA. We're expecting that either Happ or Contreras will come up big today once again against Wilson.
Keegan Thompson has been a pleasant surprise for the Cubs this season. The 27-year-old righty is 7-4 with a 3.43 ERA. We don't envision Thompson having any trouble with this Pirates lineup, as they are only hitting .219 against right-handers this season.
Astros -1.5 over A's
Best Available Odds: +105 at DraftKings
We're looking for a more spirited effort out of Houston tonight, especially since Oakland upset them last night 7-5. We know that the A's have been playing better of late and that Frankie Montas is their ace, but we just can't see the Astros losing two in a row. We may be in the minority, but we feel that Houston is the best team in the AL (even over the mighty Yankees).
The A's never seem to score any runs for Montas, as he is just 3-9 this season even though his ERA is a respectable 3.16. Even though Montas has good stuff, he's been dealing with shoulder pain and only pitched three innings during his last outing. If Montas can't pitch deep in this game, the Astros could pound the A's bullpen.
Jose Altuve has taken Montas deep a couple of times in his career and Yuli Gurriel is hitting .367 against Montas. The Astros will make a statement in this one so lay the run and a half.
Dodgers -1.5 over Nationals
Best Available Odds: -120 at BetMGM
Call us simpletons but our logic here is the same as with backing the Astros. We just can't see the mighty Dodgers losing two in a row to the Nationals, who is the worst team in MLB according to our numbers. The usually potent LA offense just couldn't get anything going last night but we think that changes tonight against Josiah Gray (7-6, 4.40 ERA).
Gray has overpowering stuff, as evidenced by his 106 strikeouts in only 92 innings. However, both Mookie Betts and Trea Turner have homered off of Gray in their careers so that's a positive sign for us here. Gray has also been in poor form of late, as his ERA is 7.02 over his last three starts.
Though often overlooked, Dodgers starter Mitch White only allowed one hit through five innings against the Giants in his last start. White seems to be finding his groove and we think he can get through this Nats lineup at least a couple of times before giving way to a solid LA bullpen. We'll bet the Dodgers to rebound in a big way off last night's embarrassing loss.
Best of luck with your wagers! Let's make it a terrific Tuesday!
