Leg 1: Chicago Cubs vs Pittsburgh Pirates
Pick: Chicago Cubs Moneyline
Chicago enters this matchup with the deeper lineup and the stronger overall roster. The Pirates may remain competitive behind Jared Jones, but the Cubs have more dependable offensive threats throughout their batting order.
Matthew Boyd should give Chicago a steady performance and keep the game close until the Cubs can create opportunities against Pittsburgh’s bullpen. This may be a tight matchup early, but Chicago’s lineup depth should eventually make the difference.
Why We Like It: The Cubs have the stronger offence and more reliable overall roster over a complete nine-inning game.
Leg 2: Arizona Diamondbacks vs Washington Nationals
Pick: Arizona Diamondbacks Moneyline
Arizona has the offensive advantage against Washington and should receive several scoring opportunities throughout the game. The Diamondbacks can generate runs through power, extra-base hits and aggressive baserunning.
Washington has several dangerous young hitters, but the Nationals remain difficult to trust when their pitching staff is facing a lineup as balanced as Arizona’s. The Diamondbacks should produce enough offence to win a competitive road matchup.
Why We Like It: Arizona has the deeper lineup and should create more consistent scoring opportunities against Washington’s pitching staff.
Leg 3: Seattle Mariners vs Texas Rangers
Pick: Texas Rangers Moneyline
Texas benefits from playing at Globe Life Field and should receive a competitive start from MacKenzie Gore. Although Seattle starter Bryce Miller has excellent numbers, Gore has historically performed well against the Mariners.
The Rangers also possess enough offensive power to pressure Miller and the Seattle bullpen. This could remain close throughout, but Texas’ home-field advantage and lineup depth give the Rangers a slight edge.
Why We Like It: Texas has home-field advantage and a favourable historical pitching matchup against Seattle.
Leg 4: Cincinnati Reds vs St. Louis Cardinals
Pick: St. Louis Cardinals Moneyline
St. Louis enters this divisional matchup with the better overall record and home-field advantage at Busch Stadium. Dustin May has not been dominant, but he provides the Cardinals with a more dependable starting option than Cincinnati’s Rhett Lowder.
The Cardinals should receive several chances to score against Lowder and the Reds bullpen. St. Louis does not need a perfect pitching performance if its lineup capitalizes on those opportunities.
Why We Like It: The Cardinals have the better record, stronger starting-pitching matchup and the advantage of playing at home.
Leg 5: Los Angeles Angels vs San Francisco Giants
Pick: San Francisco Giants Moneyline
San Francisco’s overall season has been disappointing, but the Giants have a favourable individual matchup with Logan Webb starting at Oracle Park. Webb’s season-long numbers are significantly stronger than those of Angels starter Grayson Rodriguez.
The Giants’ lineup has been inconsistent, but Rodriguez’s run-prevention problems should provide San Francisco with opportunities to establish an early lead. Webb should deliver enough quality innings for the Giants to finish the job at home.
Why We Like It: San Francisco has the clear starting-pitching advantage and faces an Angels starter with extremely concerning season numbers.
Final Parlay
Chicago Cubs Moneyline
Arizona Diamondbacks Moneyline
Texas Rangers Moneyline
St. Louis Cardinals Moneyline
San Francisco Giants Moneyline
Projected Parlay Odds: Approximately +2500
Official FirePicksHQ Long-Shot Parlay: Cubs Moneyline + Diamondbacks Moneyline + Rangers Moneyline + Cardinals Moneyline + Giants Moneyline