Thursday, August 27, 2026

These teams have each scored 13 runs in a game in this series already. Both pitchers are very hittable, the bullpens are both in the bottom five in ERA, and both teams have far better lineups than pitching. This should mean another high-scoring game.

With Brock Purdy getting reps in the second preseason game, the Niners have seemingly already had their “dress rehearsal” and are unlikely to play many starters this week. Instead, this game will likely be the final audition for the depth and reserve pieces. For Vegas, there’s a bit more to figure out near the top of the depth chart.

The Giants start RHP Landen Roupp (7-13, 4.34 ERA, 1.31 WHIP). He is 4-6 with a 4.44 ERA on the road, and teams are hitting 46 points higher against him away from home than at Oracle Park. He is 0-4 with a 5.57 ERA and 1.62 WHIP in four starts in August, so the bottom has really fallen out for him. The Diamondbacks counter with RHP Jose Cabrera (0-2, 5.60 ERA, 1.53 WHIP), and he has allowed at least three earned runs in each of his past three starts while failing to last longer than 4 1/3 IP in

With the series on the line, expect both managers to have a quicker hook if trouble arises and to lean on their best available relievers late in the game. This projects as a much tighter, lower-scoring contest than the first two meetings, with quality starting pitching setting the tone and limiting scoring opportunities.

Rather than relying on nine innings, backing Milwaukee through the first five isolates the biggest advantage in this matchup. If Misiorowski continues pitching at his current level, the Brewers should be in front before the game reaches the middle innings.

With the series on the line, expect both managers to have a quicker hook if trouble arises and to lean on their best available relievers late in the game. This projects as a much tighter, lower scoring contest than the first two meetings, with quality starting pitching setting the tone and limiting scoring opportunities.

Buffalo has been cruising so far, beating Carolina 29-14 before destroying Cleveland 31-7. Pittsburgh opened with a 28-9 victory over Green Bay but then got blown out by the Jets 17-0.

Cooper Hjerpe is set to make his MLB debut on the mound for St. Louis and I worry about his command at the MLB level. Trevor Rogers enters this start in solid form, and I favor the Orioles at current pricing.

Money Line Pick

Moneyline - Las Vegas Raiders -153

Spread - Buffalo Bills -3.5 +108

These teams have each scored 13 runs in a game in this series already. Both pitchers are very hittable, the bullpens are both in the bottom 5 in ERA, and both teams have far better lineups than pitching. This should mean another high-scoring game.

The ballpark in Sacramento has produced some high-scoring contests; The Athletics have been one of the most profitable teams on the over when playing at home, with a 36-21-2 record and over 60% win rate on the over.

Both pitchers are rolling along, and we might get a surprising pitcher's duel, so go low.

With Brock Purdy getting reps in the second preseason game, the Niners have seemingly already had their “dress rehearsal” and are unlikely to play many starters this week. Instead, this game will likely be the final audition for the depth and reserve pieces. For Vegas, there’s a bit more to figure out near the top of the depth chart.

The Browns have been so bad late in their preseason games, and it’s that group of guys getting the vast majority, if not all of the run in this game. I could see a high-scoring contest, but the Browns have yet to even score a single point in the second half thus far.

Buffalo has been cruising so far, beating Carolina 29-14 before destroying Cleveland 31-7. Pittsburgh opened with a 28-9 victory over Green Bay but then got blown out by the Jets 17-0.

Buffalo has been cruising so far, beating Carolina 29-14 before destroying Cleveland 31-7. Pittsburgh opened with a 28-9 victory over Green Bay but then got blown out by the Jets 17-0.

After being embarrassed in the series opener, expect the Cardinals to come out with urgency and attack early, while Baltimore may naturally regress after such an explosive offensive night. With the better situational spot and a reliable starter on the mound, St. Louis has a great opportunity to grab the early lead.

In Wednesday's series finale, the Rangers will send LHP MacKenzie Gore (7-9, 4.26 ERA, 1.23 WHIP). He has been a good strikeout pitcher, posting 161 strikeouts across 145 2/3 IP. Gore has picked up the pace in his past seven starts, posting a 2-1 record, 3.32 ERA and 1.08 WHIP, while limiting his walks to 11 in 40 2/3 IP. The White Sox turn to RHP Sean Burke (7-6, 3.27 ERA, 1.11 WHIP) in 22 starts and four relief appearances. He has a 2.90 ERA and 0.94 WHIP in his past seven starts across 40 1/3

The Royals have won 8 games in a row, largely thanks to a hot offense. Randy Dobnak has been effective as a starter, drawing tons of ground balls, and the Blue Jays are going with a bullpen game of some sort. The Royals can keep winning.

Elmer Rodriguez has pitched well in Triple-A this season, going 8-3 with a 2.59 ERA in 19 starts. However, he's struggled in the majors this season, and will likely have a tough time against the Astros in the Bronx. Houston is swinging the bats slightly better than New York and Lambert is in a great spot to bounce back from his last start.

On the season, Rockies starter Tanner Gordon has a 5.75 ERA in 76.2 innings. The Nationals have a team ERA of 4.66. All signs point to runs in this one.