Bobby Conn – NBA Handicapper Picks

50* Powerhouse Play on Yankees -127

With a winning percentage of .659, the Yankees (83-43) own the best record in baseball. Tonight, New York will go into Oakland to take on the Athletics (71-53) and their 40-24 record at home.

Offensively, the Yankees outclass the A’s. New York ranks first in the majors in runs scored (747), second in home runs (227), and third in team batting average (.272). Oakland sits at 12thin runs scored (629), ninth in home runs (196), and 20thin team average (.246).

The Yankees will pair that offensive dominance with the nearly unbeatable Domingo German (16-2, 3.96 ERA) on the mound. With a 3.70 ERA, German has won each of his last four starts. In his last outing, the Yankees right-hander allowed five hits and two runs through seven innings.

Hoping to limit the firepower of New York will be A’s right-hander Homer Bailey (10-8, 5.22 ERA). In his last three starts, Bailey is 1-1 with a 4.58 ERA.

Watch for Yankees second baseman DJ LeMahieu to continue his hot streak. Over the last seven days, LeMahieu is batting .364 with three homers and six RBIs.

50* Powerhouse Play on Nationals -143

Pittsburgh will be the location of tonight’s contest between the visiting Nationals (68-56) and Pirates (51-73). While Pittsburgh has lost three straight and four of its last five, the Nationals are winners of seven of their last eight and, with just a five-game division deficit, have the best chance of overtaking Atlanta in the NL East.

Washington’s offense is currently rolling. In four of their last five games, the Nats put up at least 13 runs. While the Pirates rank just 21stin the majors with 572 runs scored, Washington ranks eighth with 656 runs scored.

In one of his healthiest seasons yet, Stephen Strasburg (15-5, 3.82 ERA) will take the mound once again for Washington. The right-hander has struck out 185 while giving up just 19 home runs in 158 innings pitched. If Strasburg claims victory in this game, he’ll reach a career-high 16thwin of the season.

Opposite Strasburg will be right-hander Chris Archer (3-9, 5.29 ERA). Although he struck out 10 batters during his last start, the outing led to a Pirates loss for the seventh straight time when Archer starts.

The Pirates have won just five of their last 26 games, and are 3-13 in their last 16 contests at home.

100* Sharp Money Syndicate Play on Mets +149

Although the Mets (64-60) have cooled off after a stretch of 15 wins in 16 games, they’re currently winners of three of their last four while scoring a total of 25 runs in those three wins. Tonight, New York will be hosting the 74-51 Indians.

Battling to gain ground in the NL East and Wild Card races, the Mets will turn to Steven Matz (7-7, 4.33 ERA). With a 31-to-6 strikeout-to-walk ratio, Matz has been very good in six starts since the middle of July. In that time frame, the Mets left-hander has posted a 3.06 ERA.

Facing off against Matz will be Indians right-hander Shane Bieber (12-5, 3.27 ERA). In his last start, Bieber gave up two solo dingers. Home runs have become an issue for Bieber lately, allowing six homers in his last four starts.

Bieber will have his hands full with two Mets hitters in particular. In addition to just breaking the NL rookie record with his 40thhome run of the season, Pete Alonso is 11-for-17 with two doubles, two homers, and 10 RBIs over his last four games.

Over the last seven days, Mets shortstop Amed Rosario is batting .483 with three doubles, a triple, and five RBIs.

1* Free Play on White Sox +210

The Twins (76-49) have a 19.5-game advantage over the White Sox (56-68) in the AL Central, but Chicago was able to take the first game of this series by a score of 6-4 yesterday. We’ll see if Minnesota can get back on track at home this evening.

The biggest issue the Twins had on Monday was leaving runners stranded. Although they outhit the White Sox, Minnesota left 10 men on base.

White Sox right-hander Reynaldo Lopez (7-10, 5.29 ERA) will try to frustrate the Twins lineup once again. Before his last outing against the Angels, Lopez was holding a 2.13 ERA through his six previous starts.

If Lopez can help the White Sox to a lead going into the ninth, don’t expect a comeback. When leading after eight innings, the White Sox are now 44-0 this season.

On the mound for Minnesota will be Michael Pineda (8-5, 4.20 ERA). In six career starts against Chicago, Pineda is 3-3 with a 3.08 ERA. The Twins right-hander allowed three runs on six hits in five innings his last time out.