It doesn't happen often, but the Pittsburgh Pirates have the pitching advantage Saturday night when they face the Houston Astros in Game 2 of their three-game weekend series.
With college football back in full swing and a full card of NFL games to handicap, many casual baseball fans and bettors turn their attention away from the also-rans, and focus on the teams that are still in the thick of the wild card and division races.
But while there is still plenty of value to be had on the teams that are playing for nothing but pride. One such game this Saturday, in my opinion, is Pittsburgh +120 over Houston.
On the surface, this game looks like an easy Houston win; the Astros have been playing some good baseball of late, and the Pirates have been on a complete tailspin, losing four straight and 13 of their last 14.
But a closer look at the starting pitching matchup makes Pittsburgh a bit enticing at +money. Ross Ohlendorf has quietly put together a strong second half. In nine starts since the all-star break, Ohlendorf has pitched 56.2 innings with a 4-2 record, compiling a 2.70 ERA, a 1.22 WHIP, and a .241 batting average against. These are all-star numbers, and if he were on a bigger market team this second half wouldn’t be going so quietly.
On the season, Brian Moehler has an 8-10 record with a 5.10 ERA and a 1.49 WHIP. He has been serviceable for the Astros this season, but nothing spectacular.
If the game stays close, the Astros will likely find some way to win it, as it’s just been that kind of season for the Pittsburgh Pirates. But even on a team in as big of a slump as they are, any time I can get the better pitcher who also happens to be in top form at a price like +120, I’ll take a gamble.
The Pick: Pittsburgh Pirates +120