We cashed 3 same game parlays over the weekend, including yesterday’s at +400 odds, so let’s keep things rolling. After their weekend series in Baltimore, the Pirates head out west to take on the Diamondbacks. Meanwhile, Arizona gets to stay put in the Grand Canyon State after a divisional battle with the Rockies. Both teams are simply trying to stay above the bottom of their respective divisions. However, that does not make this matchup any less exciting. Pittsburgh was active at the trade deadline, and the Diamondbacks have a few more unknown studs. With some diamonds in the rough, let's break down this series opener. Along with this same game parlay, be sure to check out our thoughts on the side and total for all of today's games.
Diamondbacks – 1st 5 innings/ML (-120)
Zac Gallen 5+ strikeouts (-360)
Ketel Marte 2+ total bases (+105)
Parlay odds: +310
Let's take a closer look at each leg of our same game parlay.
Diamondbacks – 1st 5 innings/ML (-120)
The mention of the Pirates activity at the trade deadline was an important 1 for this matchup specifically. They were unable to name a starting pitcher until the 11th hour, which is now reliever Tyler Beede getting just his 2nd start of the year. That's necessary as Pittsburgh traded away lefty Jose Quintana to the Cardinals. It was surprising to see them send him to a division rival, but the Pirates seem to only be focused on their own rebuild. That should also allow the Diamondbacks to get off to a strong start to this series. Whether it be due to playing out west or their smaller market overall, Arizona is largely overlooked. However, they are a more solid team than most would give them credit.
Both teams may be trying to stay out of last in their divisions, but they are far from equal. If the Diamondbacks were in the NL Central with the Pirates, they would be above 3 other teams. That goes to show how much more difficult Arizona's competition has been, facing the Dodgers and Padres on a regular basis. Even while facing those complete all-star teams, Diamondback starter Zac Gallen is 6-2 on the year. Arizona has won all 3 of his starts since the all-star break, and should help him get some revenge. Gallen allowed just 2 runs in 6.0 innings against the Pirates earlier this season, but did not get the win. Now that Pittsburgh's pitching staff is even worse off than it already was, he should get the run support he needs and lead the team to 4 straight wins behind his starts.