So, after a one day self-imposed benching, I'm ready to try my luck once again. Although I started out strong, winning 5 of my first 7, I have only 1 win in my last 8 picks.
I consulted with my clergy, Dear Abby, Punxsutawney Phil and my Magic 8-Ball, who all agreed I should go in a different direction until I get my hypothetical bankroll back in black. Rather than bother with which team will win (since I obviously cannot do that), I'm going to focus on Over/Under wagers (for now).
SEASON RECORD: 6-9 (40|PERCENT|), - 420
I'll dip my toe in the water of Over/Under wagers with one game tonight:
Los Angeles Dodgers at Chicago White Sox
Under 8 +105
Rationale: Phil Humber (3-3, 3.18 ERA) continued his solid season Friday, beating Oakland 4-3 after allowing 3 runs in 6 innings. Although Ted Lilly (3-4, 4.83) has struggled to find consistency this season, facing Chicago may be just what he needs to get back on track. Lilly is 3-0 with a 2.57 ERA in his last 4 starts against the White Sox. He allowed only 1 hit over 8 innings in his last start against them, winning 1-0 while with the Chicago Cubs last June. The Dodgers are Under in 8 of their last 10 games and 9 of Lilly's last 12 starts. The White Sox are Under in 6 of their last 10 games. These 2 teams have not faced each other since 2009, but the Under is 7-2 in the last 9 meetings between them. Both teams are pitching very well in their last 10 games overall (LA: 2.73 ERA; CHW: 2.93 ERA) and neither team is hitting (.224 AVG; CHW: .248 AVG). Andre Ethier has seen his average drop from .371 on May 8 to .318, and is 0 for 21 over his last 6 games.