Best Bets - 8/28/2024

Good Morning!

I have an exciting announcement this morning. Our first podcast episode is out and available! We hope you give it a listen and check out our best bets for week 1 as well as a few of our favorite futures and win totals!

COLLEGE FOOTBALL WEEK 1 BETTING PREVIEW (SPOTIFY):

APPLE PODCASTS:

Game Preview: Chicago Cubs vs. Pittsburgh Pirates

Date & Time: Wednesday, 12:35 p.m. EDT

Location: Pittsburgh, PA

Team Overview

Pittsburgh Pirates

• Record: 62-70 (5th in NL Central)

• Home Record: 32-35

• Recent Form: The Pirates have struggled recently, going 4-6 in their last 10 games with a .233 batting average and a 5.31 ERA. They’ve been outscored by 18 runs during this stretch.

• Top Performers:

  • Bryan Reynolds: Leads the Pirates with 20 home runs and a .455 slugging percentage.

  • Yasmani Grandal: Hot in the last 10 games, hitting .320 with three home runs and four RBI.

Chicago Cubs

• Record: 67-66 (2nd in NL Central)

• Road Record: 31-37

• Recent Form: The Cubs have been in good form, going 7-3 in their last 10 games with a .268 batting average and a 3.94 ERA. They’ve outscored opponents by 28 runs in this period.

• Top Performers:

  • Nico Hoerner: Batting .255 with 28 doubles, a triple, and five home runs.

  • Miguel Amaya: On a hot streak, hitting .429 over the last 10 games with three doubles and three home runs.

Pitching Matchup

Pittsburgh Pirates: Paul Skenes (8-2, 2.16 ERA)

• Analysis: Skenes has been outstanding this season with a 2.16 ERA and a WHIP of 0.94. He’s struck out 130 batters, showing dominance on the mound.

Chicago Cubs: Kyle Hendricks (3-10, 6.33 ERA)

• Analysis: Hendricks has had a tough season with a 6.33 ERA and a 1.45 WHIP. His struggles could be a significant factor in this game.

Favorite Bet: Pirates -1.5 (+130)

• Explanation: With Skenes on the mound and the Cubs struggling on the road, the Pirates have a strong chance of winning by more than one run.

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Game Preview: Kansas City Royals vs. Cleveland Guardians

Date & Time: Wednesday, 1:10 p.m. EDT

Location: Cleveland, OH

Team Overview

Cleveland Guardians

• Record: 75-58 (1st in AL Central)

• Home Record: 40-24

• Recent Form: The Guardians have been struggling recently, going 3-7 in their last 10 games with a .191 batting average and a 4.90 ERA. They've been outscored by 14 runs during this stretch.

• Top Performers:

  • Steven Kwan: Leading the Guardians with a .299 batting average, he has also contributed 15 doubles, three triples, and 13 home runs.

  • Daniel Schneemann: In good form, hitting .333 over the last 10 games with a home run and four RBI.

Kansas City Royals

• Record: 75-58 (2nd in AL Central)

• Road Record: 34-30

• Recent Form: The Royals have been playing well, winning 7 of their last 10 games with a .284 batting average and a 4.20 ERA. They’ve outscored opponents by five runs in this period.

• Top Performers:

  • Bobby Witt Jr.: Leading the team with a .346 batting average, 39 doubles, 11 triples, and 27 home runs. He's been a key player with 94 RBI and 44 walks.

  • Salvador Perez: Hot at the plate, going 13-for-38 with three home runs and 13 RBI in his last 10 games.

Pitching Matchup

Cleveland Guardians: Tanner Bibee (10-6, 3.46 ERA)

• Analysis: Bibee has had a solid season with a 3.46 ERA and a 1.10 WHIP. His 150 strikeouts show his ability to dominate hitters, making him a key asset for the Guardians.

Kansas City Royals: Michael Wacha (11-6, 3.32 ERA)

• Analysis: Wacha has been effective with a 3.32 ERA and a 1.20 WHIP. His 113 strikeouts add to his strong season, making him a reliable option for the Royals.

Favorite Bet: Royals +1.5 (-165)

• Explanation: The Royals have been strong on the road and are on a seven-game road winning streak. This bet provides some cushion in a potentially close game.

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Game Preview: Houston Astros vs. Philadelphia Phillies

Date & Time: Wednesday, 4:05 p.m. EDT

Location: Philadelphia, PA

Team Overview

Philadelphia Phillies

• Record: 78-54 (1st in NL East)

• Home Record: 44-23

• Recent Form: The Phillies are playing well, going 6-4 in their last 10 games with a strong .283 batting average and a solid 2.97 ERA. They’ve outscored opponents by 20 runs during this stretch.

• Top Performers:

  • Trea Turner: Leading the team with a .305 batting average, along with 20 doubles and 14 home runs.

  • J.T. Realmuto: In great form, hitting .361 over the last 10 games with two home runs and 11 RBI.

Houston Astros

• Record: 70-62 (1st in AL West)

• Road Record: 35-33

• Recent Form: The Astros have struggled a bit recently, going 4-6 in their last 10 games with a .245 batting average and a 3.10 ERA. Despite a positive ERA, they've been outscored by one run.

• Top Performers:

  • Yordan Alvarez: A key player for the Astros, with 29 doubles, two triples, 25 home runs, and 67 RBI.

  • Yainer Diaz: Has been hitting well recently, going 13-for-42 with four home runs in the last 10 games.

Pitching Matchup

Philadelphia Phillies: Taijuan Walker (3-5, 6.26 ERA)

• Analysis: Walker has had a challenging season with a 6.26 ERA and a 1.58 WHIP. He’s struggled with consistency, making this a pivotal start for him as the Phillies aim to sweep the series.

Houston Astros: Spencer Arrighetti (6-11, 4.94 ERA)

• Analysis: Arrighetti has shown some promise but has been inconsistent, as indicated by his 4.94 ERA and 1.41 WHIP. He’ll need to bring his best stuff to contend with a potent Phillies lineup.

Favorite Bet: Phillies -111

• Explanation: Despite Walker's struggles, the Phillies’ recent form, strong home record, and ability to keep the ball in the park make them a solid choice to complete the sweep against the Astros.

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