MLB Tipping Sheet: Kyle can carry Cards to a win over Washington

Kyle Lohse is a serious talent

Three more bets from the MLB action courtesy of Richard Fletcher

Los Angeles Angels @ Texas Rangers
21:05 BST
The 87-70 Angels kept themselves in American League playoff contention with a stirring 7-4 victory over the 92-65 Rangers last night. Now just two games behind Oakland, their main rivals for a Wild Card berth, they head back to Rangers Ballpark led by Ervin Santana (9-12, 4.93 ERA). The righty seems to be timing his best form for the most crucial part of the season, as he struck out 11 batters in his last outing against a very decent White Sox team to contribute to a superb ERA of 2.88 since the start of August. Meanwhile, the Rangers' Derek Holland (11-6, 4.50 ERA) was horrible last time out against Oakland, and he was brought off after just three innings. Both teams here are handy with the bat, but Holland is 1-2 with a 6.20 ERA against the Angels this season, so the Angels at 2.111/10 are the recommendation here.

Tampa Bay Rays @ Chicago White Sox
21:05 BST
Both teams here still have American League playoff pretensions, with the 86-71 Rays currently in a battle with the Angels, A's and the 83-74 White Sox for the fifth and final Wild Card slot. While the Rays have a superior record to the White Sox, last night's 3-1 defeat puts added pressure on them in tonight's game. Matt Moore (10-11, 3.92 ERA) has not always demonstrated that he can deal with such pressure, and the worry is that after going less than four innings in three straight games, he's not the man for tonight (he hasn't won since August 19). Chris Sale (17-7, 2.86 ERA), on the other hand, arguably is the man for such an occasion. The lefty has shown tremendous durability and composure in solidifying his reputation, built in his first few years in the MLB, as a pitcher of much promise, and I wouldn't put it past him to pitch a perfect game soon. The superiority of Sale and the White Sox defence, at home, make them a good thing at 1.784/5.

Washington Nationals @ St Louis Cardinals
00:15 BST
In the National League's game of the day, the 95-62 Nationals, with a playoff berth already secured, travel back to the 85-72 Cardinals' Busch Stadium with their tails firmly between their legs after last night's 12-2 hiding. The Cardinals will be desperate to rack up another victory to hold on to their position of fifth place in the NL rankings. However, Jordan Zimmermann (12-8, 2.90 ERA) could be a major obstacle tonight, as he is in top form, going nearly seven innings last time against the Brewers, whilst allowing just one run. But the Cardinals play their trump card, choosing Kyle Lohse (16-3, 2.77 ERA) to start. Lohse is without doubt one of the premier pitchers in the NL, and his economical pitching could make all the difference in such an important game. It always pays to back the team who need it most, so the Cardinals are the 1.84/5 recommendation here.

Recommended Bets
Back LA Angels @ 2.111/10
Back Chicago White Sox @ 1.784/5
Back St Louis @ 1.84/5