What’s going on, everybody? Eric Lindquist is back with another day of MLB betting action. Monday was up and down early, but I’ve still been running hot to start the season. Tuesday brings 15 games, and I’ve locked in the two best MLB bets today. Let’s get to the second straight day of picks for Cardinals-Pirates and Rangers-Cubs.
Best MLB Bets Today: Cardinals-Pirates Pick and More
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Cardinals vs. Pirates
No matter what, if you’re giving me Paul Skenes inside of -150 in the first five right now, I’m pulling the trigger. The guy is just every bit as advertised. He’s rocking a 20.7% hard-hit rate and a .214 expected slugging percentage to start the year. His 29.5% strikeout rate confirms what we already knew: This kid is elite.
And it’s not just about Skenes. Ivan Herrera is out for St. Louis, and that’s a big blow. He was one of the best hitting catchers to start the year and was even DH-ing when not catching. Now that he’s hurt, that’s a big dip in this Cardinals lineup.
On the other side, Sonny Gray has a 53.8% hard-hit rate allowed and has been inconsistent. I don’t trust this St. Louis offense day in and day out, and Pittsburgh’s lineup, with guys like Oneil Cruz, Ke’Bryan Hayes, Tommy Pham and Bryan Reynolds, is looking sharper than people think.
I locked in Pirates first five moneyline, and I’m feeling good about it.
Best Cardinals-Pirates Bet Today: Pirates First 5 Moneyline (LIKE)
Rangers vs. Cubs
This one’s about one guy: Patrick Corbin. I’ve said it for years — he’s a gas can. His expected ERA the past four seasons is as follows: 5.62, 6.41, 6.16 and 5.53. Those are horrible numbers. He’s allowed hard-hit rates over 44% each of the past three seasons, and he’s just not fooling anybody.
The Cubs don’t have to be amazing to beat Corbin; they just have to be competent. Jameson Taillon is on the mound, and as long as he keeps the ball in the park, the Cubs are in great shape.
This is as simple as it gets: I’m betting against Corbin.
Best Rangers-Cubs Bet Today: Cubs Moneyline (LIKE)
