MLB parlay of the day for Wed., 6/29: Alternate spreads are the way to go

The Play: Chicago Cubs (+1) and Los Angeles Angels (+1)

With more than half of Wednesday's games scheduled for afternoon start times, I decided to focus on two night games -- the Chicago Cubs vs. the Cincinnati Reds and the Chicago White Sox vs. the Los Angeles Angels. Both the Cubs and Angels lost on Tuesday, but I like them to at least cover the alternate run line of +1 on Wednesday. I'll get into why later, but for now, go to DraftKings and place this bet. The line is at +104, which means you make more than double your money if this hits. And if one hits and the other covers you still make money, and if they both cover but don't win you still get your money back.

Cincinnati Reds vs. Chicago Cubs (8:05 PM ET)

The Cubs might only be 1.5 games up on Cincinnati in the standings, but betting Chicago +1 on the run line against the National League's worst Reds is a solid play for Wednesday. Cincinnati flamethrower Hunter Greene is coming off his worst start this season -- 5 IP, 5 R, 7 H, 3 HR, 2 BB, -- which makes this decision a lot easier. The Reds have won three straight games just three times this season, and even if they make it four on Wednesday, I don't see it being by more than a run. 

Justin Steele has had an up-and-down year for the Cubs, but he's been a lot better in June. In four starts this month, the southpaw is 1-0 with a 3.28 ERA. I know he got shelled the last time he faced Cincinnati, but even if he does again on Wednesday, I expect the Cubs' bats to be alive against Greene. The Cubs have scored scored at least five runs twice in the five matchups against Cincinnati, and I'm confident they get to Greene in this one. I don't trust the Cubs enough to take them on the moneyline, but +1 on the run line is an efficient bet.

Chicago White Sox vs. Los Angeles Angels (9:38 PM ET)

When Shohei Ohtani is starting, I'm always going to watch. When Ohtani is pitching well, 99% of the time I'm going to put money on the Angels. I like the Angels to win on Wednesday, but just to be safe, I'll take the Angels (+1) on the run line. 

Last year the reigning MVP was arguably better at the plate than on the mound, but so far this season it's been the opposite. Ohtani has been fantastic this season on the hill -- 6-4, 2.90 ERA in 12 starts -- and is coming off his best start. The Royals had no answer for Ohtani last week -- 8 IP, 0 R, 2 H, 1 BB & a career-high 13 K -- and I expect that to carry over against a suboptimal White Sox lineup. 

The White Sox simply can't stay healthy. It's even gotten so bad that manager Tony La Russa has encouraged his players not to give 100% effort.  "Showtime" has been living up to his nickname as of late, and I expect him to be on top of his game on Wednesday. He's allowed just one run in his last three starts and went 3-for-3 with a double and a home run on Tuesday. I know Los Angeles is down a ton of guys due to suspensions following Sunday's brawl vs. Seattle, but riding the Angels on the run line is the right move.