The One Hitter: MLB game-by-game betting breakdown (8/2)

Each day, we are going to try and give you a quick preview of today’s main slate and any interesting betting angles that we spot. Take a look.

All betting lines and information are from the FanDuel Sportsbook.

Phillies (-118), Nationals (+100)
Total: 8.5 runs
Ranger Suárez (L) vs. Josiah Gray (R)

How deep will closer-turned starter Ranger Suárez go?
Josiah Gray has whiffed plenty of batters in his cup of coffee, but can he limit the home run binge?
Washington may have traded away Trea Turner, but they are fourth in team wOBA in the last seven days (.359!).

Best bets: I like the OVER here. The Nationals are still surviving even with a decimated lineup, and the Phillies are also improving.

Orioles (+220), Yankees (-270)
Total: 10.0 runs
Jorge López (R) vs. Andrew Heaney (L)

Baltimore has been smoking hot at the plate recently. They rank fourth in team wOBA over the last week.
Can the new acquisitions for the pinstripes fix things? Let’s hope so, as they have been a middling offense all year.
Which Andrew Heaney is arriving? The strikeout darling, or the one pounded by home runs?

Best bets: I am taking the OVER. Jorge López stinks and Anthony Rizzo has been beasting at the dish.

Mets (-152), Marlins (+128)
Total: 7.5 runs
Tylor Megill (R) vs. Sandy Alcantara (R)

Tylor Megill is saving the Mets – his microscopic 2.21 ERA this year and 39 strikeouts in 35.1 IP has bailed out this injury-laden rotation.
On the flip side, Sandy Alcantara has taken a big leap forward in 2021 – can he tame this Mets team?
The Mets need a healthy Francisco Lindor to return – they are 25th in team WOBA in the last week.

Best bets: I like the UNDER here. Both teams stink at the plate.

Mariners (+180), Rays (-215)
Total: 9.0 runs
Chris Flexen (R) vs. Michael Wacha (R)

Tampa is a peculiar team to analyze. They are hammering the ball at the plate (.335 WOBA last seven), but they are whiffing at a 28.5% rate.
Seattle is showing major signs of improvement – their strikeout rate is down (21.2%) and they are hitting better at the plate (.343).
Chris Flexen has been one of the league’s best starters – he’s got a 3.81 ERA and 1.25 WHIP this season.

Best bets: I like the UNDER here. Flexen has dazzled and this game being in Tampa should keep the fireworks to a minimum.

Pirates (+188), Brewers (-225)
Total: 9.0 runs
Bryse Wilson (R) vs. Eric Lauer (L)

I guess the trade for John Nogowski didn’t resurrect Pittsburgh. They rank dead last in team wOBA in the last seven days (.254).
The Brewers seem to be turning a corner at the plate – over the same time frame, they rank eighth in wOBA.
Is it Eric Lauer season? In the last month, he’s logged a 2.21 ERA in 20.1 IP.

Best bets: Another same-game parlay, especially with the recent struggles at the plate for the Pirates.

Giants (-200), Diamondbacks (+168)
Total: 9.5 runs
Anthony DeSclafani (R) vs. Taylor Widener (R)

Maybe the return of Ketel Marte can help the Diamondbacks at the plate – they rank 26th in team wOBA (.296).
The Giants are starting to get spicy at the plate, and new acquisition Kris Bryant and his 134 WRC+ wont hurt.
Tony Disco has been outstanding as a Giant – can he keep up his sparkling numbers?

Best bets: A same-game parlay makes a lot of sense, especially with DeSclafani dominating.