Month: June 2024

San Francisco Giants at Arizona Diamondbacks odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Wednesday’s San Francisco Giants at Arizona Diamondbacks odds and lines, with MLB expert picks, predictions and best bets.

[gambcom-standard rankid=”3011″ ]

The San Francisco Giants (29-33) and Arizona Diamondbacks (29-32) meet Wednesday as they close out a 3-game NL West series in Phoenix. First pitch will be at 3:40 p.m. ET (MLB Network). Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the Giants vs. Diamondbacks odds and make our expert MLB picks and predictions for the best bets.

Season series: Diamondbacks lead 4-2

San Francisco has dropped the 1st 2 games of this series and has lost 6 straight overall. Giants pitching owns a 6.02 ERA (52 1/3 IP, 35 ER), 1.49 WHIP over that stretch.

The Diamondbacks lost 5 straight games from May 26-31, but they have rallied to win 4 in a row since. Arizona won Tuesday 8-5 as a -113 favorite with the Over (9) cashing, a night after taking the series opener 4-2 as a -112 favorite and the Under (9) hitting. SS Kevin Newman, C Gabriel Moreno and LF Lourdes Gurriel Jr. each had 2 RBIs in Tuesday’s victory, while 2B Ketel Marte and DH Blaze Alexander each went 3 for 4.

Giants at Diamondbacks projected starters

RHP Jordan Hicks vs. LHP Jordan Montgomery

Hicks (4-2, 2.70 ERA) is making his 13th start. He has a 1.11 WHIP, 2.7 BB/9 and 7.4 K/9 through 63 1/3 innings.

  • Last outing: Loss, 5 1/3 IP, 4 ER (5 R), 7 H, 0 BB, 4 K in 6-2 home setback vs. New York Yankees Friday
  • 2024 vs. Diamondbacks: 1 home start, no-decision, 5 IP, 1 ER, 1 H, 4 BB, 0 K in 5-3 loss April 21
  • Career vs. Diamondbacks: 0-0, 3.31 ERA (16 1/3 IP, 6 ER), 11 H, 11 BB, 16 K in 10 outings (2 starts)

Montgomery (3-3, 5.48 ERA) is making his 9th start. He has a 1.56 WHIP, 3.0 BB/9 and 5.7 K/9 through 44 1/3 innings.

  • Last outing: Loss, 4 IP, 6 ER (8 R), 9 H, 3 BB, 4 K in 10-9 loss at New York Mets Friday
  • 2024 vs. Giants: 1 road start, win, 6 IP, 1 ER, 4 H, 0 BB, 3 K in 17-1 rout April 19
  • Career vs. Giants: 1-1, 1.96 ERA (18 1/3 IP, 4 ER), 16 H, 3 BB, 16 K in 3 starts

Win your fantasy baseball league with BaseballHQ.com. For decades, BHQ has been helping players just like you win! BHQ offers Draft Prep and full-season subscriptions. Sign up today and start winning!

Giants at Diamondbacks odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 9:42 a.m. ET.

  • Moneyline: Giants +105 (bet $100 to win $105) | Diamondbacks -125 (bet $125 to win $100)
  • Run line (RL)/Against the spread (ATS): Giants +1.5 (-190) | Diamondbacks -1.5 (+155)
  • Over/Under (O/U): 8.5 (O: -105 | U: -115)

[gambcom-standard rankid=”3012″ ]

Giants at Diamondbacks picks and predictions

Prediction

Diamondbacks 4, Giants 3

Moneyline

San Francisco has lost 7 straight games in Phoenix, dating back to last season. The Giants are 2-4 across their last 6 get-away games.

Hicks has seen his surface numbers smoothed over by a .254 batting average on balls in play (BABIP), and he makes this start after tossing a season-high 101 pitches in his last start.

Montgomery has filed a .340 BABIP, which has somewhat unfairly seen his numbers tumble the other way.

Arizona’s underlying scoring and run-prevention indicators line up better with its record.

BACK ARIZONA (-125).

Run line/Against the spread

Arizona (-1.5, +155) is the lean side, but the return here cannot match the relative value of the ML, and there’s no need to worry about having to win by at least 2 runs.

PASS.

Over/Under

Mixed signals here. Peg the smallest of discernable leans on the UNDER 8.5 (-115), and consider wagering a partial unit.

Play our free daily Pick’em Challenge and win! Play now!

[gambcom-standard rankid=”5″ ]

For more sports betting picks and tips, check out SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW. Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter/X and like us on Facebook.

Additional MLB coverage:
BaseballHQ Fantasy Baseball

[lawrence-newsletter]

[lawrence-auto-related count=3 category=1372]

Ouch: Oilers coach Kris Knoblauch sends shot at Bills ahead of Stanley Cup Final

Ouch! Oilers coach Kris Knoblauch takes shot at Bills ahead of Stanley Cup Final

Well, that was uncalled for, Kris.

The Edmonton Oilers and Florida Panthers will do battle in the upcoming NHL Stanley Cup Final. Ahead of the series, Edmonton coach Kris Knoblauch was asked about championship experience … or lack thereof for his team.

In answering how important having that is, he mentioned the Buffalo Bills. And not in the nicest of ways.

Knoblauch, referring to the four straight Super Bowls the Bills lost in the early ’90s, used the football team as an example of why experience might not matter all that much.

Knoblauch’s comment can be found in the Sportsnet clip below:

[lawrence-related id=135938,135919,135926]

Georgia baseball’s schedule in the Athens Super Regional

UGA baseball’s schedule, television set against the NC State Wolfpack in the Athens Super Regional

The No. 7 national seed Georgia Bulldogs will host the No. 10 national seed NC State Wolfpack in the Athens Super Regional with a trip to the College World Series on the line.

Game 1 of the Athens Super Regional is scheduled for noon ET on Saturday, June 8. The Georgia-NC State game will be televised on ESPNU. Game 2 will also be televised on ESPNU and will be held at noon ET on Sunday, June 9. Game 3’s television and first-pitch time (if necessary) is to be determined, but would be slated for Monday, June 10.

Tickets for the Athens Super Regional are now on sale. Georgia is currently 42-15 and went a perfect 3-0 in the Athens Regional. The Bulldogs hosts NC State, who went undefeated in the Raleigh Regional and is 36-20 this season, the Wolfpack are one of the best teams in the ACC.

NC State went an impressive 18-11 in the ACC. However, the Wolfpack went just 7-12 on the road, so Georgia, who is 32-5 at home, has a big advantage entering the NC State series.

NC State star Alex Makarewicz, who has a team-high 20 home runs, is a player to watch for the Wolfpack. Georgia third baseman Charlie Condon leads the nation in home runs and batting average and leads a potent Georgia offense.

99 photos from the Seattle Seahawks 2024 offseason so far

Here are 99 fresh photos of Seahawks players, coaches and rookies from their practices at the VMAC this offseason.

The Seattle Seahawks have a couple more OTAs practices left on their schedule on Thursday and Friday, then next up they’ll move on to mandatory minicamp next week (June 11-13). Thanks to a near-total coaching staff turnover and some significant roster changes, there are a whole lot of new faces around the building.

Since there is no OTAs practice scheduled today, let’s see if we can get to know some of those new faces a little better. Here are 99 fresh photos of Seahawks players, coaches and a handful of rookies from their practices at the VMAC in Renton, Washington this offseason.

Seahawks 2023 PFF grades for 22 projected 2024 starters

Next Race Industry Now Tech Webinar: “Camshaft and Lifters Letdowns, Bombs, and Flops”

Join us for Episode #453 – “Camshaft and Lifters Letdowns, Bombs, and Flops” by Elgin Industries Wednesday, June 12 at 9:00 AM PST / 12:00 PM EST: Click here to register Cams and lifters are having an increasing failure rate. Elgin will explore …

Join us for Episode #453 – “Camshaft and Lifters Letdowns, Bombs, and Flops” by Elgin Industries

Wednesday, June 12 at 9:00 AM PST / 12:00 PM EST: Click here to register

Cams and lifters are having an increasing failure rate. Elgin will explore collateral damage causes and preventative engine building measures. With Scott Stier, Aftermarket Sales & Technical, Elgin Industries. Hosted by Brad Gillie from SiriusXM ch 90, Late Shift.

No charge to attend.

2026 offensive tackle Felix Ojo schedules Tennessee visit for this weekend

2026 offensive tackle prospect Felix Ojo schedules Tennessee visit for this weekend.

2026 four-star offensive tackle prospect Felix Ojo will visit Tennessee on Sunday.

Ojo’s other visits include: Oklahoma on Thursday, Alabama on June 10, Georgia on June 11, Ohio State on June 13 and Florida State on June 16.

The 6-foot-6, 285 pound offensive tackle prospect is form Lake Ridge High School in Mansfield, Texas.

Ojo is the No. 296 nationally ranked prospect in the class of 2026. He ranks as the No. 22 offensive tackle and the No. 40 player in Texas, according to 247Sports.

The Vols have 10 commitments in its 2025 recruiting class: Quarterback George MacIntyre, defensive lineman Ethan Utley, tight end Jack Van Dorseiaer, cornerback Dylan Lewis, running back Justin Baker, wide receiver Joakim Dodson, cornerback Tyler Redmond, safety Sidney Walton, wide receiver Radarious Jackson and offensive lineman Antoni Kade Ogumoro.

From the archive: Robin Miller on Parnelli Jones

Of Parnelli Jones’s many, many fans, few were bigger than the late Robin Miller, who famously named him among his ‘Mount Rushmore’ alongside A.J. Foyt, Bobby Unser and Dan Gurney. Jones died on June 4 at the age of 90, and as we salute Jones’s life …

Of Parnelli Jones’s many, many fans, few were bigger than the late Robin Miller, who famously named him among his ‘Mount Rushmore’ alongside A.J. Foyt, Bobby Unser and Dan Gurney. Jones died on June 4 at the age of 90, and as we salute Jones’s life and extraordinary career, it seems fitting to give Miller the final word on one of the all-time greats.

[lawrence-related id=357303]

Winning Indianapolis one time and five other Champ Car races in eight years are hardly Hall of Fame statistics, but numbers never did justice to Rufus Parnelli Jones. The 1963 Indy 500 winner is regarded as one of the best and most versatile drivers ever – by rivals, chief mechanics and just about anyone lucky enough to watch him in a midget sprinter, roadster, dirt car, sports car, stock car, Trans Am or at Baja.

He won in every category except Formula 1, where he never competed but turned down Colin Chapman’s offer to be the team’s B driver. Rufus thrived and survived in open wheel racing’s deadliest era, and never spent one night in the hospital. In his seven starts at Indianapolis, he led 492 laps and could have easily won five of them with a little bit of luck. A.J. Watson said he was the best that ever drove at Indy and Jones’ performances make a pretty good argument.

He’s one of those legends that don’t need a last name: A.J., Mario and Parnelli.

Jordan Love feels energy and bonding, says Packers are in ‘awesome spot right now’

Packers QB Jordan Love: “This team is in an awesome spot right now.”

Following an inspired end to the 2023 season, Green Bay Packers quarterback Jordan Love can feel the energy and bonding between teammates during the offseason workout program.

It’s only June, but Love said the Packers could be “very special” in 2024.

Fighting through the adversity of last year’s first half, charging to a playoff run and then returning — with near perfect attendance — for the offseason program has all created a positive environment brimming with energy inside Lambeau Field.

“The bond that started off last year and we became a lot closer, just though the adversity of last season and making a run at the end there,” Love said Tuesday. “But coming into OTAs, there’s been so much energy in the building. Since I’ve been here, I feel like this is the closet the team has been. It’s been very awesome to see guys going out there and competing. Having everyone here at this time is very cool because you’re just building those relationships and getting closer with guys, getting to go out there and work with them every day. So I think this team is in an awesome spot right now.”

The Packers started 3-6 during the first nine games of 2023, but Love eventually caught fire, fueled by improvement by all the young and talented players around him, and the Packers went from down and out to an NFC wildcard spot with a 6-2 finish. A playoff victory in Dallas and a near upset in San Francisco legitimized the late season run.

The Packers returned with the player participation and energy expected of an up-and-coming contender.

“I’m really pleased with where we are right now,” coach Matt LaFleur said. “Not only the cohesion on the field, but also off the field. Every time we step into the meeting rooms, there’s been great energy, great interaction with the guys. That’s part of the process, how we can come together. That’s a great part of the offseason…it allows these guys to spend a lot of time with each other, not only in the building but outside the building as well.”

The Packers finish up OTAs this week and then have a mandatory three-day minicamp next week, the final step of prep and team building before training camp.

“We have a team that loves each other, we’re all here, we’re all grinding, all working hard,” receiver Bo Melton said. “We love the vibe, we love the energy we’re bringing to the team right now.”

Hear more from Love below:

Matthew Stafford expected to attend minicamp amid contract situation

Sean McVay didn’t have an update on Matthew Stafford’s contract situation but expects the QB to participate in minicamp next week

Matthew Stafford is still looking for an update to his current contract, seeking more guaranteed money in the final two years of his deal. The Rams have yet to tweak Stafford’s contract but it isn’t affecting his participation in practice.

Stafford has been in attendance for voluntary workouts all offseason and that won’t change when mandatory minicamp opens next week. Sean McVay told reporters Tuesday that he expects Stafford to participate in minicamp, but he doesn’t have an update on the contract talks.

“Same as the last time that we spoke. We’re just keeping everything internally,” McVay said.

Stafford is signed through 2026, but there’s only $15 million guaranteed in the final two years of his deal. It’s easy to understand why he might want more security as he approaches the end of his career, and his request could be an indication that he wants to play at least three more years.

The Rams are an organization that’s never afraid to reward players with updated contracts, so it’s hard to imagine the two sides not getting something done before the season begins.

For now, it’s seemingly status quo for the veteran quarterback as he works through his fourth offseason in L.A.

New York Mets at Washington Nationals odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Wednesday’s New York Mets at Washington Nationals odds and lines, with MLB expert picks, predictions and best bets.

[gambcom-standard rankid=”3011″ ]

The New York Mets (26-35) and Washington Nationals (27-33) wrap up a 3-game set at Nationals Park Wednesday. First pitch is set for 4:05 p.m. ET. Let’s analyze FanDuel Sportsbook’s lines around the Mets vs. Nationals odds and make our expert MLB picks and predictions for the best bets.

Season series: Mets lead 2-0

The Mets opened the series with a 6-3 win Monday and then rode their hot hand to an 8-7 victory Tuesday. It was a full team effort, as 5 players ended with an RBI.

New York is 12-14 on the road this season and has won 4 of its last 6 games. Despite its recent success, New York still sits 4th in the NL East. It is 28-33 against the spread (ATS) on the season.

The Nationals have lost 4 of their last 5 games and dropped to 3rd in the NL East. They are just 2-5 in their last 7 home games and 10-15 straight up at Nationals Park this season. Washington is 36-24 ATS.

Mets at Nationals projected starters

RHP Luis Severino vs. LHP Patrick Corbin

Severino (3-2, 3.52 ERA) makes his 12th start. He has a 1.17 WHIP, 3.8 BB/9 and 7.6 K/9 in 64 IP.

  • Last start: Win, 5 1/3 IP, 4 ER, 6 H, 1 BB, 4 K in 10-9 home victory over Arizona Diamondbacks Friday
  • 2024 road splits: 0-1, 5.16 ERA (22 2/3 IP, 13 ER), 18 H, 1 HR, 11 BB, 21 K in 4 starts
  • Career vs. Nationals: 1-0, 0.00 ERA (6 2/3 IP), 1 H, 2 BB, 2 K in 1 start, a 9-1 home victory with New York Yankees Aug. 23, 2023

Corbin (1-6, 5.83 ERA) makes his 13th start. He has a 1.67 WHIP, 3.5 BB/9 and 5.6 K/9 in 66 1/3 IP.

  • Last start: Loss, 6 IP, 2 ER, 6 H, 3 BB, 5 K in 7-1 road setback to Cleveland Guardians Friday
  • 2024 home splits: 0-2, 5.52 ERA (29 1/3 IP, 18 ER), 31 H, 5 HR, 13 BB, 19 K in 5 starts
  • Career vs. Mets: 8-11, 4.83 ERA (154 2/3 IP, 83 ER), 1.39 WHIP, 8.1 K/9 in 27 starts and 1 relief appearance, including 2-1 with 8.04 ERA (15 2/3 IP, 14 ER) in 3 starts last season

Win your fantasy baseball league with BaseballHQ.com. For decades, BHQ has been helping players just like you win! BHQ offers Draft Prep and full-season subscriptions. Sign up today and start winning!

Mets at Nationals odds

Provided by FanDuel Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 9:30 a.m. ET.

  • Moneyline (ML): Mets -148 (bet $148 to win $100) | Nationals +126 (bet $100 to win $126)
  • Run line (RL)/Against the spread (ATS): Mets -1.5 (+108) | Nationals +1.5 (-130)
  • Over/Under (O/U): 9.5 (O: +100 | U: -122)

[gambcom-standard rankid=”3012″ ]

Mets at Nationals picks and predictions

Prediction

Mets 6, Nationals 5

Moneyline

PASS.

There’s just no real value here.

The Nationals to win isn’t a terrible play, but Corbin has been less than impressive over his last few starts, depleting the value of that potential play. Similarly, the Mets (-148) haven’t been great following a win, so avoid them as sizable favorites.

Run line/Against the spread

BET NATIONALS +1.5 (-130).

The Mets are just 11-14 following a win, while the Nationals are 18-14 after a loss, both of which apply to this Wednesday afternoon battle. The Nationals have lost 4 of their last 7 games, but 2 of those defeats have come by just 1 run.

Washington is 12-10 ATS as a home underdog on the year and is the best team by ATS record in MLB with a 60% cover rate (36-24 ATS). The Mets, at 45.9%, are in the bottom half of the league. Take Washington to bounce back, and bet NATIONALS +1.5 (-130).

Over/Under

BET OVER 9.5 (+100).

The Nationals have gone Over in Corbin’s last 3 starts, allowing 7, 9 and 10 runs in those outings. They are 5-4-1 O/U in their last 10 games and have found some rhythm offensively as well, scoring at least 5 runs in 2 of their last 3.

The Mets are 4-0-1 O/U in their last 5. They have tallied at least 4 runs in each game during that span and allowed at least 5 in 4 of those outings. They are 32-27-2 O/U on the season. Put it all together, and back OVER 9.5 (+100).

Play our free daily Pick’em Challenge and win! Play now!

[gambcom-standard rankid=”5″ ]

For more sports betting picks and tips, check out SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW.

Follow @nathanbeighle_ on Twitter/X. Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter/X and like us on Facebook.

Additional MLB coverage:
BaseballHQ Fantasy Baseball

[lawrence-newsletter]

[lawrence-auto-related count=3 category=1372]