While the world’s attention is mostly focused on the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, sports fanatics (and bettors) can also look forward to some thrilling baseball action tonight. And as always, we’ve selected the best two games that you should cash in on.
First off, the AL Central-leading Cleveland Indians open up a long four-game series with the Los Angeles Angels at Progressive Field. Shortly after, the majors-leading Chicago Cubs kick off their own four-game set against one of their division rivals in the St. Louis Cardinals. Which of these four teams will rise to the occasion? Read on below for a quick look at both games.Cash In on the Best Online Sportsbook Offers Now at TopBet!
Los Angeles Angels vs. Cleveland Indians (7:10 PM ET)
Line: Los Angeles Angels (+195) at Cleveland Indians (-225); total: 8.0 – view all MLB lines
Jhoulys Chacin (3-7, 5.27 ERA) will be getting the ball for the Angels tonight. He is getting the start in place of Tim Lincecum, who has been sent to Triple-A Salt Lake. Chacin was acquired from the Braves back in May and has really struggled as a starter. However, the veteran righty has a chance to prove he can succeed in that role against the Indians later. He is 2-3 with a 3.98 ERA through six career games (five starts) in this matchup.
As for the hosts, they’re set to counter with the streaking Corey Kluber (11-8, 3.22 ERA). The former AL Cy Young pitched excellently during the last month and has posted an ERA of 1.46 with 37 K’s in his previous five starts. Kluber should be able to keep it going at Progressive Field, where he is 5-4 with a 2.95 ERA this season.
Writer’s Prediction
Indians (-225) win it, 9-2.
St. Louis Cardinals vs. Chicago Cubs (8:05 PM ET)
Line: St. Louis Cardinals (+150) at Chicago Cubs (-170); total: 0.0 – view all MLB lines
Carlos Martinez (10-7, 3.29 ERA) is hoping to redeem himself from his forgettable start last weekend. He gave up a season-high of seven runs (six earned) and was toasted by a pair of homers in an eventual loss to the visiting Braves. A bounce-back performance from Martinez, however, appears slim especially against the Cubs—a team he’s struggled considerably against. The 24-year-old righty is 3-1 with a 4.74 ERA across 16 career games (six starts) in that matchup.
Speaking of the Cubs, they’ll be sending out one of their aces in Jon Lester (12-4, 2.93 ERA). He’s fresh off a solid win over Oakland, during which he registered seven innings of two-run ball and punched in a total of eight strikeouts. Another strong outing from the lefty can be expected as Lester is 6-2 with a sensational 1.99 ERA at home this season.
Writer’s Prediction
Cubs (-170) win it, 3-1.
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