In today's Odds and Bets, we discuss France vs Morocco at the World Cup, the Marlins and Reds righting their ships, and a big series for the Giants vs the Angels.
France vs Morocco
France v Morocco
Quarter-finals action continues at the Women’s World Cup early Tuesday morning when two countries very familiar with one another, France and Morocco, face off on the football pitch.
France started its World Cup journey on wonky legs but has since gotten back on track with massive wins over Brazil and Panama. Morocco is another surprise nation in this tournament. They got out of Group H along with Colombia when most thought Germany and South Korea were the logical survivors. France’s Kadidiatou Diani went from zero goals to three in a single match during the 6-3 disintegration of Panama. A hat trick versus the North African side seems unlikely given how the unit has locked down on defence since the 6-0 embarrassment against Germany.
Best Bet: France 2-1 Morocco
Miami Marlins vs Cincinnati Reds
Miami @ Cincinnati (Monday, Aug 7 2023 6:40pm)
This series means a lot for both teams. In June pundits and fans were singing the praises of the Miami Marlins (58-55) and Cincinnati Reds (59-55) for their improved play. Cincy has even led the NL Central at times this season. The Marlins also have a chance to earn a postseason berth this season. However, both clubs have fallen on hard times as of late. Each has dipped to third in their respective divisions and are 3-7 in their 10 most recent matches.
Miami has been battered by the Phillies and Rangers since last week. They go with starter Eury Perez (5-3, 2.36 ERA) tonight. Cincinnati was humiliated by the Cubs, then humiliated itself by getting swept by the Nationals over the weekend. They put their trust in Brandon Williamson (3-2, 4.85) on the mound. Are these teams destined for horrible conclusions to their 2023 campaigns? Only one of them? Can they both turn it around? We’ll get early answers this week.
Best Bet: Cincinnati Reds on the runline
San Francisco Giants vs Los Angeles Angels
San Francisco @ LA Anaheim (Monday, Aug 7 2023 9:38pm)
The Giants (61-51) and Angels (56-57) had rough weekends. It appears as if from the moment management in L.A. declared that Shohei Ohtani was not for sale the wheels fell off. They were swept by the Mariners over the weekend. As for San Francisco, they played a disastrous two-game set in Oakland, losing both.
Both these sides need to get back to winning ways. San Fran sends Logan Webb (9-9, 3.45 ERA) to the mound whereas L.A. hands the ball over to Patrick Sandoval (6-8, 4.11 ERA). The Angels are simply playing bad baseball these days and look like a mediocre team. The Giants have hope. They’ve struggled with consistency this season but are healthily in the hunt for a Wild Card spot in the National League.
Best bet: San Francisco Giants on the moneyline
