JD’s Pick & Methodology

There’s no team better to end a rough losing streak than the Pittsburgh Pirates at home against a left-handed starter.  My confidence may come off as surprising, given that the Pirates are set to face-off against the San Francisco Giants and the modern day Paul Bunyan, Madison Bumgarner.  As always though, sports betting is about finding value in the lines, maximizing the potential reward against the perceived risk.  For today I will be taking the Pirates in two separate lines, the +1.5 run line and the “over” for the team over / under of 3 runs.

The team run-line of +1.5 runs for the Pirates is currently offering even money, or a line of (+100).  While the Giants are clearly to be considered as the favorites, and for good reason, the Pirates are too-good of a hitting line-up against LHP for me to pass up on that value.  Even though Bumgarner, or “Mad Bum” as he’s known around parts, has gotten off to a terrific stretch to begin the 2016 season; in 18.1 IP over the past three seasons against the Pirates, Mad Bum sports a rather pedestrian 5.40 ERA, which is his worst against any National League opponent.

A bet of $40.00 on the +1.5 run-line , will yield a potential pay-out of $40.00; while the the Pirates over of 3 runs will yield a potential pay-out of $36.37.

You can track all of JD’s picks here: JD’s Pick Tracker

Foreward & Editing By: Thomas L. McLaughlin