This article is part of our MLB Picks series.
Previous article: 2-2, -0.32 RW Bucks
Season: 71-73-6, -7.99 RW Bucks
I'm focusing in on one matinee and one evening game from Wednesday's big split slate, with expectations of some runs in the former and a lower-scoring contest in the latter.
Seattle Mariners at Houston Astros, 2:10 PM ET
Starting Pitchers: Tyler Anderson vs. Jose Urquidy
The Pick: Astros To Score First And Win (+120 on DraftKings Sportsbook) for 1 RW Buck
Secondary Pick: Astros Over 5 Runs (+106 on FanDuel Sportsbook) for 1 RW Buck
The Astros have been lethal versus left-handers at home in the second half of the season, posting a .309 average, .945 OPS and MLB-high .398 wOBA and 164 wRC+ in that split. Current Houston bats also own a collective .308/.370/.694 slash line against Anderson in 69 career encounters, while Urquidy has a 3.09 ERA and .227 wOBA allowed over two starts against the Mariners this season.
Cincinnati Reds at Chicago Cubs, 7:40 PM ET
Starting Pitchers: Vladimir Gutierrez vs. Alec Mills
The Pick: Under 5 runs – first 5 innings (-120 on DraftKings Sportsbook)
Secondary Pick: Reds moneyline (-120 on Caesars Sportsbook) for 1 RW Buck
Gutierrez owns a 2.55 ERA and has given up just a .242 wOBA versus the Cubs in three starts, and he's been an impressive road performer with a 6-2 mark and 3.58 ERA. Meanwhile, Mills has a 4-2 record at Wrigley Field and has an 11:1 K:BB across 12.2 innings versus the Reds this season. Both squads also rank in the bottom half of baseball in terms of average runs per first five innings in the home/road splits that apply, with the Reds putting up just 2.1 runs per 5 innings on when traveling and the Cubs mustering just 2.8 in that split at home.
