Matthew Lowrimore
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We have put together a 4-pick cross-sport parlay that will take you right through Friday, including action from the Premier Lacrosse League and MLB. Three picks are taken from the MLB with one pick from the Premier Lacrosse League. A winning ticket would give us a nice payout with odds of +1043 at DraftKings. Let’s break down each of these plays.
MLB: Atlanta Braves vs Chicago Cubs – Over 8 runs (-115), 2:20 ET
The Braves have been scoring a lot of runs and the Cubs have been giving up a lot of runs. That combination is why I am surprised that the number is set at just 8 for this afternoon game. Atlanta went over in all 3 games of their sweep at Washington to start the week, while they are 11-1 O/U this season in games started by Charlie Morton. For that reason, backing the over will be the play in this game.
Be sure to check out our full game preview for Atlanta Braves vs Chicago Cubs
Premier Lacrosse League: Waterdogs vs Chrome -1.5 (-110), 6:45 pm ET
The Chrome defense could be a critical part of this game. They have the best defensive efficiency in the league, allowing 13 goals on 63 possessions. In settled situations they’re even better, allowing just 6 goals on 46 possessions. The personnel problems the Waterdogs have are also compelling this week. Goalie Dillon Ward is still unavailable as he finishes the indoor season this weekend. On top of that, the Waterdogs lost faceoff specialist Jake Withers and defenseman Chris Sabia to injuries in Week 2 and they will likely be out. Those are massive personnel deficiencies to address.
There is an old adage in pro lacrosse that you win through the middle with a great goalie, great faceoff specialist, and a great X attackman. All three of those will be out this week for Waterdogs, so for that reason, backing the Chrome to continue to roll out will be the play.
Be sure to check out our full game preview for Waterdogs vs Chrome
MLB: St. Louis Cardinals vs Boston Red Sox ML (-115), 7:10 pm ET
The Red Sox began June with a 7-game winning streak, and have now won 11 of their last 14 games. Boston is set to start Michael Wacha today, who is 4-1 on the season and has an ERA of 2.33. Wacha is coming off a complete-game shutout against the Los Angeles Angels, and while he cannot be expected to do that every time, the Red Sox relievers are nearing top-10 status.
Along with arguably the league’s most consistent hitter in Rafael Devers, the Red Sox should get back to their winning ways to open this series.
Be sure to check out our full game preview for St. Louis Cardinals vs Boston Red Sox
MLB: Minnesota Twins ML (-140) vs Arizona Diamondbacks, 9:40 pm ET
The Twins continue to sit atop the leaderboard in the AL Central, winning their last 2 series, while the D-backs are 4th in the NL West, 11 games back of the Padres. The starters for game 1 will be left-handers Devein Smeltzer of the Twins and Madison Bumgarner of the D-backs.
Luckily for Smeltzer, he’s facing a D-backs lineup that’s comparable to the Royals and Tigers, ranking 29th in batting average and 25th in OPS. Comparatively speaking, the Twins rank 10th in batting average and 8th in OPS entering today and look to continue to see success offensively. The Twins have an edge with their starting pitcher, lineup, and bullpen and should be in line for the win today. Back the Twins to take game 1.
Be sure to check out our full game preview for Minnesota Twins vs Arizona Diamondbacks
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