TOM STRYKER’S FREE BASEBALL SELECTION SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 2ND
#977 BALTIMORE with Bradish (-148) over Arizona with Cecconi at 8:10 PM EST
In a bad mood off a pair of losses to the Diamondbacks and White Sox, the Orioles will bounce back with a solid effort in the desert. Baltimore’s lead in the AL East is down to 1.5-games over Tampa Bay and the O’s need this victory in order to keep their slim advantage in the standings.
Sizzling right-hander Kyle Bradish will toe the rubber for the visitors. With five August starts in the bank, No. 39 was touched for only seven earned runs and 20 hits in 29.2 frames. Kyle struck out 35 and walked nine on his way to a 3-0 record with a powerful 2.12 ERA. Equally impressive, with 14 road starts completed, Bradish was clipped for just 30 earned runs and 68 hits in 74.0 frames. That’s good enough for a 5-3 mark with a reliable 3.65 ERA.
Rookie righty Slade Cecconi will counter for the home squad. Battling the Reds, Rangers, Rockies, Padres, and Giants in five August outings, No. 43 was nicked for six earned runs and 15 hits in 21.0 innings. Slade whiffed 14, walked four, and failed to earn a decision on his way to a 2.57 ERA. Cecconi has appeared in three games at home (one start) and was popped for two earned runs and seven hits in 12.1 frames. That equates to an impressive 1.46 ERA.
Plenty of power angles line up on this investment. Baltimore has tasted victory in 52 of its last 84 under the lights, 41 of its last 66 as a guest, and a nearly perfect 13-1 in its last 14 priced as a road favorite of -125 or more. On the other side of the yard, Arizona has slipped in 44 of its last 76 against winning teams.
The O’s have the Rays right on their tail and, with the more experienced arm on the bump, they’ll pick up a huge win in this rematch. Take Baltimore with Bradish. Thanks and best of luck, Tom.
TOM’S 4* OPENING COLLEGE GAME OF THE YEAR
Off Thursday’s victory on Nebraska and last night’s payday on Michigan State, Stryker is going after his No. 1 release in college football for Labor Day weekend. This power play will carry a strong 4* rating and it is supported by one awesome early season indicator that carries a magnificent 44-22 ATS mark. Grab Tom’s 4* Opening College Game of the Year for $30.