Vegas Play of the Day: Los Angeles Angels at Baltimore Orioles

By Taylor Bern

Thursday, July 31, 2014 | 9:30 a.m.

Here’s the latest installment of the Play of the Day, which uses odds from the South Point. Our three sports writers started with a $10,000 bankroll — fictional, of course.

Baltimore Orioles even against Los Angeles Angels: $300 to win $300

We occasionally get confused here at Play of the Day headquarters. Ray Brewer, while stepping up because I forgot it was my turn, made a pick yesterday that was actually for a game today. That means you’ve had a full extra day to consider whether you agree that the Phoenix-Minnesota WNBA game will go over 165.5 points.

I considered betting against Brewer just to guarantee us a winner but decided it best to leave the WNBA to the expert. I’m back on the diamond, where the first-place Orioles are hosting the second-place Angels in a game where both starters could be run by the sixth inning.

Los Angeles’ Tyler Skaggs is talented, but he’s had a rough season due mostly to injury. He missed the majority of June and has completed seven innings only once in his last seven starts. During his last decision, Skaggs gave up six earned runs in five innings against the Texas Rangers but got the win because his offense put up 10 runs.

That’s the kind of effort I’m hoping for out of Baltimore today. Starting pitcher Bud Norris isn’t all that good, but he needs only to be good enough. The Orioles have won five of their last six, including three extra-inning victories, so I’m hoping to catch a little of that good luck.

Standings: Bern (40-27-1, $14,234), Keefer (32-37, $8,942), Brewer (28-37-3, $3,955)

Taylor Bern can be reached at 948-7844 or [email protected]. Follow Taylor on Twitter at twitter.com/taylorbern.