MLB Best Bets for Sunday, August 8, 2021
Sunday brings a lot of early games for baseball. But, there is nothing wrong with making some cash early on a Sunday. Let’s get to it.
Twins vs. Astros
Kenta Maeda, much like the rest of the Minnesota organization, has been disappointing this season. He started the year as a Cy Young hopeful (even if it was a longshot) and he enters today with a 4.65 ERA. Most of that damage done is from his road starts where he has a 5.80 ERA. He has been successful against the Astros hitters; in just 21 at-bats against him he’s given up three hits. Lance McCullers Jr. is turning himself into somewhat of an ace for the Astros. This season he sports a 3.02 ERA and posted a quality start in half of his starts this season, with multiple other games under the necessary six innings, but still under three runs allowed. He, too, has had success against his opponent, holding them to just a .222 average against him. Today is a day to play the under 8.5 at -110. I’m also sprinkling the Astros -1.5/under 9.5 at +270.
Royals vs. Cardinals
Jon Lester is at the tail end of his career, and while he still is a decent option as a starter his days of consistent dominance are gone. Today he faces a Royals team that isn’t great at a lot of things, but they are good at facing lefties. Against lefties, the Royals are batting .251 and have won their last six games against lefty starters. The Royals are also on a night little hot streak winning nine of their last twelve games (those aforementioned six wins against lefties are included). Kris Bubic is the pitcher for the Royals today, and while he isn’t great either, he has been reliable the last four starts. I’m playing the Royals at +120. I wouldn’t be surprised if they win by more than one run (you can play Royals -1.5 at +205).
White Sox vs. Cubs
Dylan Cease, originally from the Cubs organization, now goes against the team that drafted him. Cease has been hard to predict what will come from him game-to-game. Sometimes he goes out, as he did in his last start, and dominates holding the Royals to one hit over six innings. Zach Davies for the Cubs was floated around in trade rumors before ultimately staying put. He has shined during day-time starts, but at night, he has an ERA of 5.90. I don’t think there is much of a question, the White Sox should complete the sweep tonight. The Cubs strike out more than 28 other teams in major league baseball. Cease has the stuff to strike them out. I’m playing the White Sox to win and Cease to strikeout 5+ Cubs at -113 under Player Performance Doubles. If you want, add these all separately for a Same Game Parlay: Cease 5+ strikeouts, White Sox moneyine, and over 10 runs for a +237 parlay.