STEVE MERRIL
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Cardinals @ Reds — Michael Wacha has dominated the Reds in his career, going 4-1 with a 1.89 ERA and 1.05 WHIP in eight career outings. In his last three starts against Cincinnati, the righty has allowed just 2 runs and 14 hits in 20.1 innings of work. Cincinnati’s Raisel Iglesias had a streak of seven straight quality starts snapped in his last outing against Pittsburgh. But I expect Iglesias to bounce back with a strong effort in this game. I lean Under 7.5 (-115).
Mets @ Braves — New York’s Jon Niese has been horrible as of late, and he hasn’t exactly faced stellar offenses. Over his last four starts, the lefty has allowed 23 runs and 30 hits. Niese faced Atlanta twice back in April over a span of 11 days. He held the Braves to 2 earned runs, so it will be interesting to see if he can revert back to those outings. Ryan Weber didn’t pitch poorly for Atlanta in his first Major League start; he gave up 2 runs and four hits in six innings pitched to the Phillies. As a sizable home underdog (+150), the Braves have value in this game.
Brewers @ Pirates — Francisco Liriano and Taylor Jungmann matchup once again. Liriano took the loss in the last meeting after allowing 4 runs in five innings while Jungmann held the Pirates to just 1 run and three hits in six innings pitched to the Brewers. Jungmann’s last outing in Miami was poor; he gave up 6 runs and seven hits. Overall, he owns a 4.13 ERA in nine road starts. Jungmann appears to be wearing down as rookies often do late in the season. I lean Over 7.5 (+100).
Red Sox @ Rays — Boston’s Rich Hill will make his first Major League start since 2009 on Sunday. Hill went 3-2 with a 2.78 ERA in five starts for Triple-A Pawtucket. The southpaw struck out 29 while walking just 9 batters in 32.1 innings of work. Tampa Bay is hitting .274 against left-handed starters while going 26-16 in those games this season. I like the Rays (-150) in this game.