Larry Hartstein
TAMPA BAY @ BALTIMORE | 08/06 | 7:05 PM EDT
BALTIMORE +135
ANALYSIS: The Rays are 8-1 against the Orioles, but I like Baltimore's chances behind John Means (5-3, 2.84 ERA). The Orioles rank fourth in OPS versus lefties (.769) and should do damage against Tampa Bay starter Ryan Yarbrough (6-4, 4.58 ERA). He sports a 5.60 ERA in three starts against the O's this season. Take a shot on the home dog Orioles, who have actually won 10 of their last 17.
N.Y. METS @ PHILADELPHIA | 08/06 | 7:05 PM EDT
PHILADELPHIA -111
ANALYSIS: The Mets have lost six of eight as they visit Philly for a key NL East series. The Phillies have not lost this month, are 31-21 at home and start Kyle Gibson, who was impressive in his team debut last Sunday at Pittsburgh. During the five-game win streak, Bryce Harper is 9 for 20 with two homers, four RBI and nine runs scored. Although Marcus Stroman has been equally good (2.80 ERA compared to Gibson's 2.86 this season), I'll back Philly to stay hot.
TEXAS @ OAKLAND | 08/06 | 9:40 PM EDT
OAKLAND -1.5
ANALYSIS: The A's rested Thursday while the Rangers dropped their third straight, 5-0 at home to the Angels, then had to fly west. Oakland is a 11-4 following an off day. Texas has scored four runs in its last three games, is 4-17 in its last 21 overall and starts Mike Foltynewicz, who has an 8.38 road ERA. Back Chris Bassitt and Oakland to get a convincing win, laying 1.5 runs at -130.