Ben Burns

I'm playing PITTSBURGH on the run-line (+1.5 runs) Brault was brilliant in his last game. Facing the Cards, he tossed a complete game and gave up just two hits. His catcher had this to say: “He was obviously phenomena. That’s the most excited I’ve been on a baseball field in quite a while. Almost felt like I threw a complete game. It was fun. Team needed it. Couldn’t be happier for Steven, for sure." Quintana comes off the injured list and likely won't be around that long. Cubs may not have Kris Bryant as he left yesterday's game, his manager David Ross noting: "I'm worried, but I don't know ..." Prior to yesterday's 5-0 loss, the Pirates had dropped three straight 1-run games. Meanwhile, prior to yesterday's win, the Cubs' previous three victories had all come by a single run. With Brault outlasting Quintana, expect AT LEAST another "run-line cover" for the Pirates in this one. 

I'm playing MILWAUKEE on the run-line (+1.5 runs) When I played on the Reds in yesterday's series opener, I mentioned what a big series it was for both teams. Yesterday, I also mentioned what excellent current form Castillo was in. The same can NOT be said for today's starter. Not only is Gray coming off the disabled list but he was 0-2 with an awful 24.75 ERA in his two starts before going on the DL. Anderson keeps the Brewers in every game. He's gone a minimum of five innings in five straight starts, going at least six in three of those. Last time out, he allowed two runs through six innings. That marked the 11th straight start that Anderson had allowed four or fewer earned runs. In fact, he allowed two or fewer earned runs in nine of those. Anderson last faced the Reds on 8/24. He allowed two runs through six innings, the Brewers winning 4-2. Including that victory, they're 9-4 his last 13 starts, 4-1 his last five. Expect AT LEAST a "run-line cover."