MLB Best Bets for Tuesday, July 5, 2022

I hope everyone had a nice 4th of July. I know we did as on our three-day weekend, we went 7-1-1. Not bad at all. Let's keep rolling.

Cardinals vs. Braves

The Cardinals might have something in Andre Pallante. He's been admirable since he joined the Cardinals rotation. He was solid as a relief pitcher, but has successfully stretched himself out to go deeper into games, finally reaching the seventh inning last game. He hasn't allowed more than 3 earned runs in any of his starts, but he could use a bit more run support as he has lost the last four games he has pitched in. Ian Anderson has not been good for the Braves, and at home he has a 6.28 ERA. In his last six starts, he has only two quality starts. In fact, he only has four quality starts all season. At plus money, I'll the Cards.

Cubs vs. Brewers

Seeing Kyle Hendricks with a 4.76 ERA really hurts my heart. He was so good for so long and seeing him fall off a cliff the last few years has been sad. But, as bad as his ERA is, he has improved each month of the season. He's starting his fourth game against the Brewers this season and his second on the road. He's given up 10 earned runs to them in three starts, six of them came at Miller Park. Jason Alexander looked more like George Costanza in his last start. He allowed four earned in 5.2 innings and allowed eight baserunners. I think this is the start of a bullpen game. While Hendricks hasn't been the Kyle of old, I'll take the Cubs through the first five innings at +100.

Rangers vs. Orioles

Gross. The Rangers and Orioles? That's what I'm focused on for the day? Yep, sure is. While these teams provide about as much excitement as getting a catheter inserted by a blind person, there is still a nice angle for today. Spencer Howard throws for the Rangers and he started the season in April with three innings. His next two appearances had less runs allowed, but fewer innings pitched. We also have Austin Voth pitching for the Orioles. He's increasing his innings pitched since joining the birds, but he's still not gone further than the 3rd inning. Texas and Baltimore both have solid bullpens, and this is likely a bullpen game. I wouldn't be surprised if this game went under, but I could also see the two starters allowing 9 or more runs immediately. I think the Orioles have a better shot to win, so that's what we are going to play -108. If you want to put a sprinkle, I like Orioles and under 9.5 at +240.