Today we CRUSH THE BOOKS on the diamond with 2 BIG MLB WINNERS: WILD WEDNESDAY WINNER & my MONEYMAKER. Get both, go 2-0, and CRUSH THE BOOKS.

Wednesday’s FREE WINNER: St. Louis Cardinals.

Game 952.

11:15 AM PS/2:15 PM EST.

Looks can certainly be deceiving. At first glance, the Philadelphia Phillies look to be the play here. They sit in second place in the National League East, at 64-57. They are a solid road team at 32-27 away from home this season. On paper, they score a little more, and are about the same as their opponent overall on the mound in team ERA. However, as I mentioned at the start of this breakdown, looks can be deceiving. St. Louis (3^rd place in the Central at 60-60), has played their National League rival very tough, taking six of the last nine overall meetings between them. Basically, Zack Wheeler owns better numbers than Kyle Leahy. But baseball isn’t played on paper, it’s played on the diamond, and I put some stock into trends and streaks. Wheeler owns a very impressive record of 10-3 in 2026. But over his last three appearances, he has gotten plowed for nine earned runs on 14 hits, in just 10.1 innings pitched. Yes, he is good away from home. But right now, he is struggling. Also, in his career against St. Louis, he is just 4-4 in nine appearances, all starts against them. Leahy owns an 8-4 record, also very respectable. Believe it or not, over his last eight appearances, he has yet to allow a single lineup to put a better than two earned runs on him. Over his last three outings he is 1-0 with a 2.65 ERA, and at home this season owns an ERA of 3.00. In three relief appearances against today’s opponent, he is 1-0 with a 2.25 ERA. I like today’s pitching matchup, and I feel they heavily favor the home team. So, getting them as this much of an underdog, is a gift. Take the St. Louis Cardinals. Thank you.