Leg 1: Hunter Greene 5+ Strikeouts
This rookie flamethrower ranks in the top 13% of K rate in MLB. He’s whiffed 6+ batters in 10 straight games. Betting him to get 6+ Ks is 12-1 this year.
Today he gets a tougher matchup vs. the Dodgers, but it’s an early start time for them. 12:35PM ET first pitch is 9:35AM local time in LA.
Earlier this year, Greene recorded 6 Ks vs. them. In spirit of safety, I bought down to 5+ using the Alt Line feature on DraftKings. If you’re feeling risky, I like 6+, too.
Leg 2: Trea Turner to Record a Hit
Chances are you already know about Trea Turner. If you don’t, buckle up. Dude is a hits machine.
Earlier this month, he had a 26 game hit streak snapped on June 4th. That must’ve pissed him off, because he immediately started another.
Fast forward to last night, and it was snapped again – this time at 13. Imagine how pissed off he must be now.
Turner tallied 2 hits in 3 ABs vs. Hunter Greene in their 1st matchup on April 16th. The average exit velocity of his balls in play that day was 103.9 MPH. I obviously like Hunter Greene to rack up Ks today, but if he somehow keeps Trea Turner off the box score, I’ll tip my cap.
Also supporting this pick is the weather (favorable for hitting) and his lineup position (leadoff).
Leg 3: Dodgers ML
I respect the Reds offense, especially at home and against Lefties. You know who I respect a little more? Clayton Kershaw, one of the best southpaws in the game. And he’s pitching today.
Kershaw’s allowed 2 or less runs in 6 of his 7 starts this year. The Dodgers are only 4-3 in his starts due to lack of run support, but that shouldn’t be an issue vs. Hunter Greene today. Greene’s a K machine but is prone to the home run ball, which is where the Dodgers will kill him in favorable hitting weather.
They might start slow due to the early start time, but I like them to get going no later than the 2nd or 3rd time around the lineup to secure their 3rd straight win and complete the season sweep vs. Cincinnati.