Pick for September 23, 2020 (WEDNESDAY)
Game will start on 06:40 PM EST, MLB
Match: Cincinnati Reds - Milwaukee Brewers
LOSS - PICK: OVER 8.5 RUNS for 2 UNITS (1.86 ODDS).
I know, I know: it's crazy to bet against Trevor Bauer. He has been one of the best pitchers in the National League this year, posting a 1.80 ERA with 88 strikeouts to just 16 walks. The free agent-to-be has been awesome. But he's not unhittable. Milwaukee has seen him twice this year, tagging him for four runs in six innings the last time they saw him on Aug. 24. That came during a stretch of three starts in which Bauer gave up three or more runs in a row. So he's not untouchable, and I think that the Reds getting a third bite at the apple will help their cause. Again, Bauer's been amazing. He did this back in 2018 in Cleveland as well, posting a 2.21 ERA for the year. But this is still the same guy that had a 6.39 ERA last season. And if you kick out that 2018 season his career ERA is 4.39. His career ERA right now with all seasons considered is around 4.00. So I know a regression candidate when I see one.
The same can be said for both of these offenses. Cincinnati has the worst offense in the Majors, hitting just .212 as a team. Milwaukee isn't much better, hitting just .227. But there is more talent in these lineups than is showing up in production. Christian Yelich, Ryan Braun, Keston Hiura, Joey Votto, Ed Suarez, Mike Moustakas and Nick Castellanos are all All-Star-caliber hitters. They just haven't shown it yet. The Reds have been showing signs of life, scoring seven or more runs in five of their last nine. They are averaging around five runs per game in their last 10 and I think they can get to six runs here. The Brewers busted out for 18 runs against the Cardinals on Sept. 15. And since that game they have scored 30 runs in six games. They are also averaging over five runs over their last 10. So these guys can hit. I know they can hit and I think they will.
Bauer is on one side. The other starter is Adrian Houser. He's gone 'over' in seven starts and it has a lot to do with him. He has a 5.33 ERA and is allowing an average of 10 hits per nine innings. His WHIP is 1.52 and he can't get people out consistently. Houser has given up at least four runs in each of his last six starts. And over his last eight starts he's given up 36 runs in just 39 innings. Not great. I think that he can, and will, get lit up by the Reds. I think this game has a 7-4 feel to it.
Best of luck and Grind On everyone.
#BlackLivesMatter