Wednesday’s MLB Over/Under: Will Bauer Power Snap Pirates’ Winning Streak?

I wish they all came as stress-free as last night's soothing Twins-Blue Jays Under 8.5 triumph. The reality is it's always a grind, especially when your next game is just hours later. Let's now move onto Wednesday for an afternoon game in Cleveland.

Zylbert's 2018 MLB Over/Under Betting Record: 66-42-3, +19.7 units

Yesterday's Result: Twins-Blue Jays Under 8.5 (WIN)

*Each bet graded as if it were to win 1 unit

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Betting odds: Pittsburgh Pirates @ Cleveland Indians

• Over/under: 8
• First pitch: 1:10 p.m. ET
• Probable pitchers: Jameson Taillon (7-7, 3.80 ERA) vs. Trevor Bauer (8-6, 2.44 ERA)

I'm not sure it's possible to whet my appetite more than having a matchup of two top 'Zylbert Guys' while in quality form. The two right-handers going at it in this series finale definitely fit the bill.

Taillon, you may recall, was one of my top three sleeper choices entering the 2018 season — and I've been so invested in the 2010 No. 2 overall draft pick that I've taken more of his over/unders than any other pitcher (6-3 record).

Right now, it looks like Taillon has hit his stride, having not allowed more than three earned runs in 10 straight starts. He won his last two starts and had 16 strikeouts, tied for the most he's logged in back-to-back outings. That's a strong indicator of the rhythm Taillon is in.

Having studied Taillon even before he made his major-league debut two years ago, I know he's the utmost competitor and won't want to be the one responsible for snapping Pittsburgh's impressive 11-game winning streak.

An example of that came recently when the Bucs were on a losing streak. After being taken out of his start prematurely, he was very vocal about it: "I was really excited and looking forward to being the guy to put an end to our tough streak here. I'm at 68 pitches without a guy touching second base and someone's warming up? That's tough. So, I don't know."

Bauer, who has that same fieriness, must be eager to put his first start of the second half behind him. The 2018 All-Star lasted just four innings in Texas on Friday.

The third pick of the 2011 draft, Bauer was absolutely dominant for more than a month, notching eight consecutive quality starts from June 8 through the All-Star break. It may also get him back on track returning home after getting knocked around a little in hitter-friendly Arlington. He's been better at Progressive Field this year, pitching to a 2.23 ERA and losing only one of his 10 home starts. Opponents are also hitting just .203 off Bauer in Cleveland.

Oddsmakers caught me sleeping at the wheel, as I missed out on the over/under at 8.5 despite seeing it there earlier. I'm still grabbing the under at 8, but I just hope it doesn't end 5-3/6-2.

Play: UNDER 8 (-105)

Editor’s note: The opinion on this game is from the individual writer and is based on his research, analysis and perspective. It is independent of, and may not always match with, the algorithm-driven Best Bets from Sports Insights.