Vegas Play of the Day: Cleveland Indians at Cincinnati Reds

By Case Keefer (contact)

Thursday, Aug. 7, 2014 | 11:30 a.m.

I’m refreshed after more than a week away from the South Point-lined Play of the Day.

The contest, which features a starting bankroll of $10,000, could use a spark after we’ve combined to go 3-6 dating back to my last (losing) pick.

Cincinnati Reds minus-120 vs. Cleveland Indians: $300 to win $250

Cincinnati starter Homer Bailey may not be having a career year, but he’s still a proven-enough pitcher to deserve better than a near pick’em price against a rookie at home. Cleveland starter T.J. House has looked promising at times this season, most notably in his last start when he struck out five and allowed just three hits over five innings.

But that was against the lowly Rangers. House’s last quality start before Sunday’s outing came more than a month ago. The Indians also might be cooling at the same time the Reds are rising.

Cincinnati has outscored its in-state opposition 17-5 over the last two days. Cleveland won Monday’s game, 7-1, but Cincinnati now has a chance to take the Ohio Cup for the first time in four years.

That should work as motivation for the Reds to provide their best effort. Bailey should outduel House.

Standings: Bern (41-30-1, $13,424), Keefer (32-37, $8,942), Brewer (29-40-3, $2,915)

Case Keefer can be reached at 948-2790 or [email protected]. Follow Case on Twitter at twitter.com/casekeefer.