Mark Lammey
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We cashed 3 same game parlays over the weekend, including yesterday’s at +400 odds, so let’s keep things rolling. After their weekend series in Baltimore, the Pirates head out west to take on the Diamondbacks. Meanwhile, Arizona gets to stay put in the Grand Canyon State after a divisional battle with the Rockies. Both teams are simply trying to stay above the bottom of their respective divisions. However, that does not make this matchup any less exciting. Pittsburgh was active at the trade deadline, and the Diamondbacks have a few more unknown studs. With some diamonds in the rough, let’s break down this series opener. Along with this same game parlay, be sure to check out our thoughts on the side and total for all of today’s games.
Diamondbacks – 1st 5 innings/ML (-120)
Zac Gallen 5+ strikeouts (-360)
Ketel Marte 2+ total bases (+105)
Parlay odds: +310
Let’s take a closer look at each leg of our same game parlay.
Diamondbacks – 1st 5 innings/ML (-120)
The Pirates’ activity at the trade deadline was important for this matchup. They were unable to name a starting pitcher until the 11th hour, and now reliever Tyler Beede will be getting just his second start of the year. That’s necessary as Pittsburgh traded away lefty Jose Quintana to the Cardinals. It was surprising to see them send him to a division rival, but the Pirates seem to be focused on their own rebuild. That should also allow the Diamondbacks to get off to a strong start to this series. Whether it be due to playing out west or their smaller market overall, Arizona is largely overlooked. However, they are a more solid team than most would give them credit for.
Both teams may be trying to stay out of last in their divisions, but they are far from equal. If the Diamondbacks were in the NL Central with the Pirates, they would be above 3 other teams. That goes to show how much more difficult Arizona’s competition has been, facing the Dodgers and Padres on a regular basis. Even while facing those complete all-star teams, Diamondback starter Zac Gallen is 6-2 on the year. Arizona has won all 3 of his starts since the all-star break, and should help him get some revenge. Gallen allowed just 2 runs in 6.0 innings against the Pirates earlier this season, but did not get the win. Now that Pittsburgh’s pitching staff is even worse off than it already was, he should get the run support he needs and lead the team to 4 straight wins behind his starts.
Be sure to check out our full game preview for the Pittsburgh Pirates vs Arizona Diamondbacks
Zac Gallen 5+ strikeouts (-360)
Zac Gallen may not be known for strikeouts like Max Scherzer or Shohei Ohtani, but it certainly doesn’t mean he isn’t capable. It also helps that the Pirates are more than happy to do their part. Pittsburgh has struck out 1,000 times this season; that’s the 2nd-most in the National League and the 3rd-most overall. Gallen is coming into this game having struck out at least 5 batters in each of his last 5 starts, and 7 of his last 9.
The most recent was against the Guardians. While that may not sound meaningful, Cleveland has struck out the least of any team in baseball by a significant margin. That game gives Gallen 12 starts with at least 5 strikeouts, including one against the league-best Dodgers. If that isn’t enough, he also struck out 11 Padres soon after his previous start against the Pirates. With Gallen out for revenge, expect Pittsburgh to live up to their reputation of being prone to strikeouts.
Ketel Marte 2+ total bases (+105)
When analyzing a hitting prop for the Diamondbacks, it generally comes down to Christian Walker and Ketel Marte. Although Walker leads the team with his 169 total bases, Marte has reached his 156 in 8 fewer games. He’s also far less home run-dependent. Walker has 26 home runs, but just 76 overall hits and 13 doubles. Marte on the other hand, has 91 total hits and the 4th-most doubles in the league with 32.
While he may not get the recognition of Freddie Freeman out west, he’s on his heels for the league-lead. He was able to rack up several of those total bases against the Pirates earlier this season. He opened up the series with 4 total bases, and repeated the performance the next night. Marte also just hit this prop in all 3 games of their recent weekend series. With his ability to do so in multiple ways, as he’s already done against Pittsburgh, trust Marte to come through once again.
Don’t miss our YRFI/NRFI best bets for today!
What is a Same Game Parlay?
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