Streak for the Cash Picks – August 13

April 12, 2012; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates catcher Michael McKenry (55) congratulates starting pitcher Jeff Karstens (27) after scoring a run as Los Angeles Dodgers catcher A.J. Ellis (17) looks on in the fifth inning at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-US PRESSWIRE

Streak for the Cash begins it’s post-Olympic schedule with some early soccer from the Czech Gambrinus Liga and the Irish Premier League and then continues on to our usual Major League Baseball filled Monday. If you’re into fake football there’s also some fun prop picks with the NFL Preseason game between the Raiders and the Cowboys.

Yesterday was a tough day for Streak picks in general and mine in particular as I went 1-3 on the day. Fortunately my one win was my last pick (thanks, LA Galaxy) so I finished in the green with a one-game winning streak. Here’s how I plan on building on it today:

Picks for 8/13

3:00- Sligo Rovers win or draw: Getting the draw here is a bit of a surprise since the Rovers are the top team in the table and have beaten Shamrock in their last head-to-head meetings. The Rovers have only lost one game all season and I don’t think the second will come here. Confidence Meter: 6 (out of 10)

7:05- Pittsburgh Pirates: The Pirates are struggling a bit but have been excellent (36-20) at home. They’ll send Jeff Karstens to the hill who has dominated at PNC Park with a 2-0 record and a 1.33 ERA. He’s been 2-0 since the All-Star break as well with a 3.60 ERA. The Dodgers counter with Aaron Harang who is 7-7 on the year and 0-2 in his last two starts. Harang at times can dominate and has pitched well against Pittburgh in the past, but I think the Pirates can get this one at home as they continue to hunt one of the NL Wild Card spots. Confidence Meter: 7

Aug.1, 2012; Oxnard, CA, USA; Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo (9) makes a throw during training camp drills. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-US PRESSWIRE

8:05 – Dallas Cowboys: It’s fake football. Dallas has more talent and in the Regular Season this would be an easy pick. In Pre-season anything is possible, but I still think Dallas at home will want to put on a show. Confidence Meter: 2

10:10- Tampa Bay Rays: Joe Maddon again has the Rays rolling at just the right time. Tampa swept Minnesota to start their road trip and with Evan Longoria in the lineup and their starting pitching firing on all cylinders. They’ll send Alex Cobb out tomorrow to face the Mariners in Seattle who have been on a little roll of their own. Ultimately though, Cobb is pitching well, the Rays lineup is deeper than the M’s, and Tampa is making its annual run to the playoffs. Give me the Rays in the late game, but against Blake Beavan it’s no lock. Confidence Meter: 4

August Results

Overall Record: 31-26

Confident Picks (5+): 11-11

Personal Streak: W1