The last Saturday of August is upon us with 18 games, including 3 doubleheaders scheduled for today. With a large card like this, there’s always plenty of value to be found and bets to be made.
View 5 expert MLB picks and predictions with analysis for Saturday, August 29, 2020 released by our baseball betting experts below.
Visit any of the handicappers to view their top rated selections, best bets, documented records and more.
Check out the most profitable MLB handicappers to see who’s been best for the week, month and baseball season.
The Chicago Cubs are just 5-10 in their last 15 games overall and struggling.
The Cincinnati Reds have won three straight while scoring at least 6 runs in all three.
Trevor Bauer won’t need much run support with the way he has been pitching. Bauer is 3-1 with a 1.65 ERA in his five starts this season with 49 strikeouts in 32 2/3 innings. Bauer is 4-2 with a 1.83 ERA in six previous starts against the Cubs.
Yu Darvish is 0-2 with a 5.54 ERA in his last two starts against the Reds while allowing 8 earned runs and 4 home runs in 13 innings.
Give me the Reds in Game 1.
The Oakland A’s (22-10) look like legitimate World Series contenders this season.
The Houston Astros (17-14) are no longer the juggernauts they were before now that they’re not cheating, and plus they have lost their top 2 starters from last year in Cole and Verlander.
The A’s have a huge edge on the rubber in this matchup. Chris Bassitt is 2-1 with a 2.97 ERA and 1.08 WHIP in 6 starts this year for Oakland. Bassitt is also 2-1 with a 3.68 ERA and 1.06 WHIP in 6 lifetime starts against Houston.
Lance McCullers is 2-2 with a 5.74 ERA in 6 starts this year for the Astros. McCullers is 4-2 with a 4.40 ERA and 1.51 WHIP in 8 lifetime starts against the A’s.
Take Oakland in Game 1.
The Texas Rangers have been a good bet at home this season, especially with ace Lance Lynn on the mound. I’ve cashed on him a number of times already in 2020 and I’ll continue to ride him until he gets the respect he deserves.
Lynn is 4-0 with a 1.59 ERA and 0.860 WHIP in seven starts this season, including 3-0 with a 1.57 ERA and 1.000 WHIP in four home starts. The Rangers are 4-0 (+4.4 units) in his four home starts this season.
No question the Rangers have the advantage on the mound here with Lynn over Ross Stripling, who is 3-1 with a 3.46 ERA and 1.416 WHIP in six starts this season. Stripling is also 0-1 with a 7.71 ERA and 2.057 WHIP in his last three starts.
Lynn is 4-1 with a 3.58 ERA in nine career starts against the Dodgers. Texas is a very profitable 19-17 (+13.7 units) as a home underdog of +125 or more over the last two seasons.
Bet the Rangers Saturday.
1* Free Sharp Play on Pirates +156
The Pirates are worth a look as a big road dog in Saturday’s NL Central matchup with the Brewers.
Pittsburgh lost the series opener 9-1 on Friday, but are still a very respectable 5-3 over their last 8 games.
With the win Milwaukee is only 3-6 in their last 9. They scored 9 runs on Friday, but only managed 8 hits. They haven’t had double-digit hits in a game since 8/19.
Brett Anderson will start for Milwaukee and is coming off two strong starts. However, he’s just 9-20 over his last 29 starts when he’s at home and coming off two straight starts where he allowed 2 or fewer runs.
Play the Pirates!
The Colorado Rockies and the San Diego Padres combined for 14 runs in the opener of this series on Friday. I expect to see another high-scoring affair in this one.
Colorado right-hander Antonio Senzatela (3-1, 3.96 ERA) was lit up for six runs on seven hits (four homers) in an 11-3 loss at Dodger Stadium last time out. Returning home to Coors Field might not be what he needs to regain his confidence as he has posted a 4.50 ERA in two home starts on the season and the Padres are hitting .257(6th) off right-handers.
San Diego left-hander Adrian Morejon (0-0, 5.79 ERA) has made just two starts for a total of 4 2/3 innings. Last time out, Morejon gave up three runs in 1 2/3 innings against Houston. This looks like a tough spot for the 21-year-old as Colorado is hitting a solid .278 (7th) off southpaws on the season.
Over is 5-1 in Rockies last 6 games vs. a left-handed starter. Over is 4-0 in Padres last 4 overall.
Free pick on OVER 12.5.
Saturday’s premium pick card includes action from MLB (top play), NBA & NHL (Game of the Week). Check out Mike’s page for all available premium pick packages and subscription options.
View all available free MLB picks and MLB best bets for Saturday.
