I may be off to a terrible start with my wagers, but I'm not nearly as wrong as Harold Camping. Since the human race appears to have been given a second chance, I look to embrace life to the fullest today as I begin my journey to profitability.
Cincinnati Reds at Cleveland Indians
Over 8 +100
Rationale: Coming into this series the Indians were one of the hottest hitting teams in all of baseball, but have managed only 5 hits in each of the first 2 games this weekend (both wins). Looking for their first sweep of the Reds for the first time since June 2004, I expect the bats to wake up today against Edison Volquez (3-1, 5.59). Volquez is 1-1 with a 9.39 ERA in 2 starts against the Indians, but has not faced them since 2008, or ever at Progressive Field. Cleveland starter Carlos Carrasco (2-2, 5.03 ERA) faces the Reds for the first time. The Over is 6-2-1 in Cincinnati's last 9 games and 9-2-1 in Cleveland's last 12 games. The Indians are without Grady Sizemore and Travis Hafner, but have been getting better-than-expected production from Asdrubal Cabrera, who is batting .333 with 2 homers and 6 RBI over his last 12 games.
Washington Nationals at Baltimore Orioles
Over 8 +100
Rationale: After being outscored 30-7 the previous 2 games, Baltimore got a solid performance from Jeremy Guthrie and a HR from Nolan Reimold to help snap a 4 game losing streak with an 8-3 win over Washington yesterday. Today, Chris Tillman (2-3, 5.25 ERA) will face Washington for the first time. Tillman, who threw 5 scoreless innings in an 8-7 loss at Boston on Monday, pitched despite being bothered by a stiff back. The Nationals set a franchise record with 17 runs and recorded 19 hits Friday, but have totaled 3 runs and 18 hits in the 3 losses over their last 4 games. Jordan Zimmerman (2-4, 4.13) will have to shake the rust off as he takes the mound on 10 days rest. Vladimir Guerrero loks to stay hot – he has hit .469 over the past 7 games (all multi-hit games), and .423 with 8 RBI in 7 games against the Nationals. After going 3 for 4 with 2 HR in the opener, Jayson Werth was 1 for 4 on Saturday and is hitting .444 with 3 HR and 7 RBI his last 7interleague games. The Over is 11-4 in Washington's last 15 games following a loss and 5-2-1 in their last 8 road games. The Over is 9-1 in Baltimore's last 10 interleague games, 8-1 in their last 9 interleague home games and 8-1 in their last 9 against the NL East.
SEASON RECORD: 6-10 (38|PERCENT|), - 520