Larry Ness

The third 10* pick of my Superstar Triple Play is on the Seattle Mariners (10:10 EST).

I like the home side to bounce back after yesterday’s 3-1 defeat.

The visitors hand the ball to Andrew Cashner (9-10, 3.40 ERA) who gave up five earned runs over 4.1 innings in a loss to these very Mariners on Thursday. 

Cashner had looked solid over three outings previous to this dud, but note that he’s still just 5-6 with a pedestrian 4.04 ERA on the road.

The home side counters with Felix Hernandez (5-4, 4.19) who returned from the DL to face the Rangers last week, going four innings and giving up one run while posting a solid 3/0 K/W in the no-decision. 

With the Mariners sitting just a couple of games back from the Twins for the Wildcard spot, Seattle can ill afford to let any favorable matchups like this one get away. 

I think Cashner’s recent struggles carry over here. Lay the price with confidence.

Good luck…Larry

The second 8* pick of my Superstar Triple Play is on the Arizona Diamondbacks (9:10 EST).

I like Arizona to get back on track this evening after last night’s setback.

The visitors hand the ball to Robbie Ray (14-5, 2.74 ERA) who gave up two runs off six hits over seven innings while striking out ten in a victory over San Francisco on Friday. 

Ray has now posted double-digit strikeouts in four straight trips to the hill and has won all five of his starts since returning from the DL with a 1.39 ERA, 0.77 WHIP and 55/6 K/W in only 32.1 innings of work (note that Ray has been at his absolute best on the road this year as well by going 8-1 with a 1.33 ERA.) 

The home side counters with Dinelson Lamet (7-7, 4.15) who gave up one run over six innings in an unfortunate loss to the Twins on Wednesday. Lamet has looked great in the second half with a 3.00 ERA over 11 starts, but note that his 4.1 BB/9 continues to be an area of major concern (also note that when Lamet faced Arizona in June he was blasted for seven runs.)

I’ll additionally point out that Arizona is 2-1 (+1 units) in its last three after giving up six or more runs, while San Diego is just 1-2 (-1 units) in its last three after scoring six or more runs. 

Enough is enough. I like Ray to outduel Lamet and I expect the now re-focused and hungry hard-hitting visiting side to take full advantage. Lay the price.

Good luck…Larry

The first 8* pick of my Superstar Triple Play is on the Toronto Blue Jays (7:05 EST).

I think the Jays will build off their 5-2 win yesterday.

The visitors hand the ball to Jake Junis (7-2, 4.15 ERA) who gave up one run off seven hits while striking out one over five innings in a no-decision against the Indians on Thursday. Junis has looked decent of late but note that despite a 5-2 record, he still owns a pedestrian 4.75 ERA on the road.

The home side counters with Brett Anderson (3-3, 5.73) who gave up two runs while striking out four over five innings in a no-decision against the Twins on Thursday. Anderson has also looked pretty good for his new team, giving up just eight runs over 22 innings of work.

I’ll point out though that KC is interestingly just 1-3 (-2 units) in its last four after scoring two runs or less in its previous contest, while Toronto is 2-1 (+1 units) in its last three after holding its opponent to two runs or less in its previous outing.

I’m going to give Anderson the slight nod in this matchup and that’s going to be more than enough to tip the scales in favor of the home side tonight. Play on the BLUE JAYS.

Good luck…Larry