Streak for the Cash Picks, August 28

Sweeping the NL East leading Nationals gives Jonathan Papelbon (58) and Erik Kratz (31) reason to celebrate. Howard Smith-US PRESSWIRE

As we head towards the end of another month, there’s still time to build your streak in ESPN’s Streak for the Cash mini-game. To help get to whatever goal you’re shooting for, there’s 11 nicely spaced picks on this Tuesday. There’s a Russian soccer pick, US Open tennis action, UEFA Champions League Qualifying, and eve some WNBA mixed in with plenty of Major League Baseball action on the board today.

Yesterday, my picks struggled going 2-4 as the only wins I got came from soccer leaving me on a personal two-game losing streak  after dropping the baseball picks. Here’s the matchups I like today:

Picks for 8/28

10:00- Petrotrest win, draw, or lose by 1: These two teams are headed opposite directions with Spartak relegated last season and Petrotrest promoted to the Russian Division 1. After looking at recent results I expect a low-scoring game and I think Petrotrest can keep it close. In four road games, they’ve only lost once by more than one which is what the prop is for. Confidence Meter: 2 (out of 10)

1:00- 9 or fewer: This prop is for games lost by Andy Roddick. The tennis version of A-Rod has struggled almost as much as baseball’s, but he’s matched up here with Rhyne Williams who is ranked 289 in the world and is all new to this level of competition. With Roddick’s serve he should be able to move on fairly easily. Confidence Meter: 3

7:05- Philadelphia Phillies: The Mets lineup has been struggling to score as they go on the road to face division-rival Philadelphia. The Phillies have been playing better lately and are 7-3 in their last ten including winning their last four in a row. They’ll send Vance Worley to the mound as he looks to bounce back from a rough stretch of starts and has a nice matchup opportunity to do just that. He’ll be opposed by Chris Young who is 3-7 but has pitched well lately. The Mets have only scored 15 runs in their last nine games, so the slowly heating up Phillies ar the right choice here. Confidence Meter: 6

Aug 19, 2012; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Cincinnati Reds starting pitcher Johnny Cueto (47) watches the game from the dugout during the first inning against the Chicago Cubs at Great American Ball Park. Mandatory Credit: Frank Victores-US PRESSWIRE

9:40- Cincinnati Reds: It’s Cy Young candidate Johnny Cueto against Rookie of the Year candidate Wade Miley as the Reds visit Arizona tondight. Both pitchers have dominated at times this year but Cincinnati has the better lineup and has been playing better baseball as of late. The last time the D-Backs won was when Miley pitched last shutting out Miami for eight innings. They’ve only scored nine runs during their four-game losing streak and have started their ten game homestand 2-6 as their playoff chances fade. Cincinnati meanwhile is holding onto a six game lead in the NL Central and took game one in this series 3-2 last night behind a solid outing from Bronson Arroyo. Confidence Meter: 5

August Results

Overall Record: 79-55 (.590)

Confident Picks (5+): 32-25

Personal Streak: L2