Our 3* VERY STRONG release on the Phillies was an easy Winner as they rolled the weary Mariners 11-2. Jesus Luzardo was very good as he held Seattle to 1 run on 3 hits over 6 innings. The Philadelphia lineup got to Luis Castillo early for 3 runs on 10 hits and that’s all they needed. Castillo’s 4 inning outing adds to his recent struggles (14 runs in 27.1 innings over his last 5 starts leading into this one) which is bad news for the Mariners as they attempt to chase down Houston in the AL West. Our 1* SOLID play on the A’s First 5 (+.5) Won as the teams were knotted at 2-2 through 5 innings. Minnesota scored twice in 5th, and had the go ahead run on second, but the Athletics were able to hold on as they went on to gain a 4-2 victory in 10 innings. Adding 4 Units brings our rolling 175 day record to 253-185 for Plus 281.54 Units.
8-20-25 3* VERY STRONG – (MLB) Phillies -142 (11-2) WIN
8-20-25 1* SOLID – (MLB) Athletics (First 5 Innings +.5 Run) -144 (2-2) WIN
8-20-25 3* VERY STRONG – Phillies -142
The Mariners seem to be feeling the effects of a long road trip, having Lost 4 Straight, and it does not get any easier today versus the Phillies on getaway day. Seattle starter Luis Castillo appears to have hit the wall of late. Over his last 5 outings Castillo has allowed 14 runs on 33 hits over 27.1 innings and that type of performance will not fly against this lineup. He has also been tagged for 6 Home Runs in his last 15.1 innings. For Philadelphia, starter Jesus Luzardo has settled in after a rough July. In his last 4 starts Luzardo has tossed 25 innings while permitting just 7 runs on 18 hits. This sets up as a TERRIBLE situational spot for the Mariners as they are very ready to just get on the plane, enjoy an off day, and get ready for an important HOME series against the Athletics on Friday. Philadelphia holds every edge in this matchup with Home Field, the hotter pitcher and the fresher lineup and we fully expect them to send Seattle to the airport with their 5th consecutive loss.
8-20-25 1* SOLID – Athletics (First 5 Innings +.5 Runs) -144
Here we have 2 teams heading in opposite directions. The A’s are 7-3 in their last 10 games while the Twins are 3-7; having scored 3 runs or less in 7 of those contests. In the last 7 days the A’s have a .305 team batting average while the Twins have hit .195. The Athletics send JT Ginn to the bump and, while he has struggled in his last 3 starts, his Home/Road splits are notable. In his last 3 ROAD outings Ginn has tossed 16 innings and allowed just 4 runs on 11 hits. Bailey Ober goes for Minnesota and, while he has been decent lately, his overall body of work instills little confidence. Ober enters this contest sporting a 5.15 ERA and, over his last 8 starts, he has coughed up 40 runs on 58 hits. In addition, the Twins have LOST OBER’S LAST 10 STARTS! The Athletics enter this matchup as the hotter team and, even if we call the starting pitching matchup a toss up, getting a half run in the First 5 at this price provides Solid Value.