MLB: Earlier Friday plays

Play: St. Louis +1.5 -155 (Lynn vs. Stroman)

Time: 7:07 p.m. ET

Reasoning: The Cardinals would be 43-18 in they were given 1.5 runs per game and the Blue Jays would be 32-29 if they gave 1.5 rpg. St. Louis is scoring nearly one more run per game vs. RH, while Toronto is scoring nearly a half-run less per game vs. RH. Also, the Cardinals bullpen is nearly a run better per game than that of Toronto. St. Louis will run out Lance Lynn, who has a 3.48 ERA overall and a 2.95 ERA in his last three starts. In Lynn's only career appearance against the Jays, he threw three scoreless innings and allowed just one hit. Toronto will start rookie Marcus Stroman, who sports a 7.30 ERA and a 1.54 WHIP. The Jays also may be without (or at least have a limited) Edwin Encarnacion. He missed yesterday's game with a back problem. Cardinals 3B Matt Carpenter has been on a tear. He is 8-for-11 in his last three contests and has hit safely in 17 of the last 18.



Play: Tampa Bay -156 (action vs. Bedard)

Time: 7:10 p.m. ET

Reasoning: The Mariners are batting only .238 as a team and are scoring about a run less per game vs. LH in their last 10 contests. They will face their former pitcher, Erik Bedard, tonight. Bedard has alternated being horrible and brilliant this season and has a 4.08 ERA. I'm going with him being "brilliant" tonight or at least decent as I think Tampa Bay has more incentive for a win than do the Mariners. Bedard has a 4.02 lifetime ERA (seven starts) against Seattle. Mariners starter Chris Young has a 9.00 ERA in two career starts against the Rays and he has allowed 10 home runs so far this season. This also will be Seattle's first game on artificial turf in 2014.



Play: Cincinnati -133 (action vs. Cueto)

Time: 7:10 p.m. ET

Reasoning: The Phillies have been outscored 39-15 during their six-game losing skid and they now will have to contend with Johnny Cueto, who leads the world in ERA (1.68) and who is allowing opponents a .151 batting average. Cueto has allowed just seven homers in 91 innings. Philadelphia hits 35 points lighter and scores one run less per game vs. RH. Cincinnati scores more against LH and scores about one run more per game vs. LH at home. Phillies starter Cole Hamels has been suspect this season (4.01 ERA, 1.32 WHIP).




Record: 95-62-5 (60.5%)
Bankroll: +111.22%