Chowder and Champions’ Best Boston Bets for 7/28 (Sox Face Tough Matchup Out West)

Thursday was quiet across baseball with only five games, but we’ve got a full slate to bet on today, including our red-hot Red Sox paying a visit to the Giants. Can they keep winning? Or will the off-day derail their momentum?

With a busy day of baseball ahead, here are our editors’ top betting picks for Friday.

Best Boston Betting Picks: July 28

Tyler Maher: Giants Moneyline vs Red Sox

After a day off on Thursday, the Red Sox head west to California for the first game of a weekend series with the Giants. Boston will look to extend its winning streak to five in a row after sweeping a two-game set from the Braves this week.

Kutter Crawford is starting for the Sox, and besides having a great name he’s also given our rotation some much-needed stability. He’s only 4-5, but his 4.04 ERA, 1.12 WHIP and 4.1 K/BB ratio are all career-bests.

The Giants will have their ace Logan Webb on the mound. His numbers look similar to Crawford’s but are a touch better, as he’s 8-8 with a 3.48 ERA, a 1.12 WHIP and a 5.7 K/BB ratio.

Both pitchers are hoping to bounce back from rough outings, too. Crawford has had a full week off since giving up 4 runs in 4 innings and serving up 2 home runs to the Mets last Friday, while Webb was uncharacteristically shelled by the Nationals (1 ⅓ IP, 6 ER) his last time out.

Webb’s start was most likely a fluke, but I’m a bit concerned by Crawford’s recent performance over the last month. Since June 25, he has a 4.56 ERA and a 5.70 FIP over his last five starts. Given that he’s already 6 innings shy of his career-high (77 ⅓), this could be a sign that he’s wearing down.

For that reason, I’m inclined to fade Boston tonight and recommend backing San Francisco on the moneyline.

Jason Schandl: Angels Runline vs Blue Jays

Looking around the AL East, the Blue Jays have a tougher test than they were expecting tonight. The Angels are suddenly buyers, and their newest acquisition will take the mound in Toronto on Friday.

Lucas Giolito seems to be back in 2023 after having a bizarre down year in 2022, and that means we’re in for a pitcher’s duel with Kevin Gausman pitching for the Jays.

Toronto has been one of the worst teams in the MLB at covering the runline this season (46.6% cover rate ranks 25th among all teams), and they’re also hitting the Under nearly 55% of the time.

Their underwhelming offense should struggle against Giolito, and obviously Gausman projects to keep LA’s offense in check. With a low-scoring game not allowing either team to run away with a big lead, I like the Angels to keep this one close, even if they can’t pull off the upset.

And remember, if you sign up for DraftKings Sportsbook through Chowder and Champions, you’ll be awarded a $150 GUARANTEED bonus after placing your first $5 wager – and it doesn’t matter whether that $5 bet wins or loses.

Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change.