Philadelphia Phillies' Rhys Hoskins hits a three-run home run off Atlanta Braves pitcher Josh Tomlin during the fifth inning of a baseball game, Saturday, Aug. 29, 2020, in Philadelphia. Matt Slocum | Associated Press
MLB

MLB Best Bets: Eckel picks a pair of Dodgers to hit HR, Rays vs Marlins, Indians vs Cardinals, and Braves vs Phillies

First pitch: Tampa Bay Rays at Miami Marlins at 1:10 p.m., Cleveland Indians at St. Louis Cardinals at 2:15 p.m., and Atlanta Braves at Philadelphia Phillies at 7:05 p.m.

Mark Eckel

Sunday, at least in this space, looks like a dog-day afternoon/night.

In an interesting slate of MLB games three underdogs and an even game stand out.

Here’s the Sunday selections.

Tampa Bay Rays at Miami Marlins, 1:10 p.m.

Pitchers: Blake Snell vs. Sandy Alcantara

Odds: Rays -175; Marlins +155

Oakland As at Houston Astros, 2:10 p.m.

Pitchers: Jesus Luzardo vs. Framber Valdez

Odds: As -110; Astros -110

Editors note: A's vs Astros game has been postponed due to a positive COVID-19 test

Cleveland Indians at St. Louis Cardinals, 2:15 p.m.

Pitchers: Aaron Civale vs. Adam Wainwright

Odds: Indans -120; Cardinals +105


Atlanta Braves at Philadelphia Phillies, 7:05 p.m.

Pitchers: Huascar Ynoa vs. Jake Arrieta

Odds: Braves +120; Phillies -141


THE CYCLE

Single: The Cards looked overwhelmed trying to make up all the games they lost to Covid-19. Wainwright needs to play he role of a stopper Sunday and salvage the final game of this series at home. I think he will. Take the Cards.

Double: Another team I like to bounce back is Oakland, which lost a doubleheader to the Astros, Saturday. This is a good matchup of two young left-handers, but let’s go with Jesus on Sunday. Take the A’s. Editors note: A's vs Astros game has been postponed due to a positive COVID-19 test

Triple: We’re going to take a shot here with a parlay of the Marlins as a huge dog at home and the Braves to snap the Phillies win streak on the road.

Home Run: Let’s take a shot with the getting-hot Cody Bellinger and Mookie Betts, both of the Dodgers.

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