TOM STRYKER’S FREE BASEBALL SELECTION WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 27TH
#928 CLEVELAND with Bieber (-124) over Cincinnati with Abbott at 6:10 PM EST
Off three consecutive losses including last night’s 11-7 beating that came compliments of the Big Red Machine, the Guardians will bounce back with a solid effort in this rematch. Cleveland has been eliminated from playoff contention and manager Terry Francona and his troops will thrive in the role of a spoiler versus Cincinnati in this battle.
Ace right-hander Shane Bieber will grab the pearl for the home squad. In his last three starts versus the Orioles, Royals, and Braves, No. 57 was tapped for 12 earned runs and 21 hits in 16.0 innings of work. Shane struck out 15 and walked six on his way to an 0-1 record with a rough 6.75 ERA. Thankfully, in 10 starts inside Progressive Field, Bieber has pitched well surrendering only 24 earned runs and 55 hits in 59.0 frames. That’s good enough for a 4-3 mark with a respectable 3.66 ERA.
Southpaw Andrew Abbott will counter for the visitors. Lined up against the Pirates, Mets, and Cardinals in his last three outings, No. 41 was crunched for 10 earned runs and 14 hits in 12.0 innings. Andrew whiffed 15 and walked eight on his way to an 0-1 tally with a rough 7.50 ERA. With 13 starts in the books since the All-Star break, Abbott has hit the wall a touch allowing 33 earned runs and 63 hits in 65.1 frames. After the math, that adds up to a 4-4 record with a 4.55 ERA.
There is one solid team trend that supports this Best Bet as well. With Bieber on the bump and priced competitively as a favorite between -125 and -175, the Guardians have tasted victory in 41 of its last 57 games.
In this their last game in “The Land” this summer, Francona and his boys will send their loyal fans home happy one last time with a win over the Reds. Take Cleveland with Bieber. Thanks and best of luck, Tom.
TOM’S 59-35 MLB DIVISION GAME OF THE YEAR
Stryker followed up Monday’s payday on the Eagles with a nice diamond victory on the M’s last night and he returns to the yard armed with one more Best Bet that will bring home the cash. This power play serves up a classic mound mismatch and it is supported by one highly profitable 59-35 trend. Grab Tom’s MLB Division Game of the Year for $30.