BlackJack’s Monday MLB Plays: Diamonds in the Rough

All right brothers, today is an all baseball day. We are going to have these over the next few months. No World Cup, no WNBA, no boxing or UFC, just baseball. It's not ideal, but we have to thrive under all conditions, not just optimal ones. This is where our mettle is tested. Champions are not judged by succeeding when things are easy. No, champions are made when you thrive in the face of adversity, when you spit in the face of obstacles and forge ahead. That is how you become the best, and it is what we have done and will continue to do.

WINNERS

Credit: USA TODAY Sports

Boston Red Sox (-117) @ Baltimore Orioles

7:05 p.m. ET

The Red Sox are coming off a season series loss for just the fifth time all year, and it was to the lowly White Sox. This team is angry, and I expect the Red Sox to take it out on a very inconsistent pitcher in Dylan Bundy. The righty has been up and down more than a dime store yo-yo. Tonight shapes up to be a bad night for him and the home dogs as the Red Sox come to town looking to get right by putting the hurt on someone.

THE PICK: Red Sox ML (-117)

Credit: Rick Scuteri-USA TODAY Sports

Chicago Cubs (-125) @ Milwaukee Brewers

8:10 p.m. ET

I like this spot a lot for Milwaukee. The Brewers are coming off a loss and they have Junior Guerra starting at home, where he has been stellar over the past two years. Additionally, the Brewers lineup has been hitting fairly well of late. Every game between these two will likely have September consequences and they know it. Getting plus money on the Brew Crew at home is pretty enticing.

THE PICK: Brewers ML (+116)

Credit: USA TODAY Sports

Pittsburgh Pirates at Arizona Diamondbacks (-150)

9:40 p.m. ET

This one comes down to my belief in Patrick Corbin. He's had an exemplary season (6-2 record with a 2.87 ERA), and I think he shuts down the Pirates. The D-Backs, meanwhile, have started to bounce back on offense after an awful May. I'm taking the home team with Corbin on the mound and laying the -150.

THE PICK: Diamondbacks ML (-150)

All right baby, let's get these wins and sit atop the mountain of victory, and enjoy the view.