Baseball MLB Game Results July 4th, 2025

Baseball delivered fireworks of its own on Independence Day with some of the most jaw-dropping offensive performances of the 2025 season. The Chicago Cubs smashed a franchise-record eight home runs in a demolition of the St. Louis Cardinals, the Houston Astros stunned the Dodgers with an 18-run barrage, and the New York Mets took round one of the Subway Series with a late rally. But the day belonged to sharp bettors, especially Hunter Price, who posted a flawless 5-0 slate with some of the sharpest moneyline hits we’ve seen all season.

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Cincinnati Reds vs. Philadelphia Phillies

The Cincinnati Reds jumped on the Philadelphia Phillies early with a five-run third inning and never looked back, defeating the Phillies 9-6 on Friday. Spencer Steer led the charge with two hits, two walks, and a pair of RBIs, while Elly De La Cruz added two clutch hits and two RBIs of his own. Despite a rocky start from Andrew Abbott, the Reds bullpen held firm in the later innings. The Phillies tried to make it interesting with a Schwarber double in the sixth and a late bases-loaded threat in the eighth, but Tony Santillan and Emilio Pagan closed the door.

Abbott struggled out of the gate, allowing three first-inning runs, including a two-run blast from Nick Castellanos. But after settling down, he got enough support to stay in the game. The Reds surged in the third with six straight baserunners against Jesus Luzardo, including key hits from De La Cruz, Steer, and Austin Hays. Sam Moll’s entry in the fourth snuffed out a Phillies rally with a crucial double play, and Pagan earned his 19th save.

This was one of the sharpest calls of the day from Hunter Price, who nailed the Reds ML at +145. It was the fourth of his five winning picks and one of the highest-value hits on the board.

Game Preview: Cincinnati Reds vs. Philadelphia Phillies

Texas Rangers vs. San Diego Padres

The San Diego Padres edged the Texas Rangers in dramatic fashion, pulling off a 3-2 walk-off win in 10 innings. Jake Cronenworth played hero with a two-out single that scored Jackson Merrill from second, capping a comeback that started in the fourth with a towering Manny Machado home run. Texas struck early with a Marcus Semien double in the third, but couldn’t muster another clutch hit the rest of the way.

Both starters were solid, as Kumar Rocker allowed just two runs over 5 1/3 innings and Randy Vasquez matched him with a six-inning, two-run effort. Texas had a shot in the 10th with two men on, but Adrian Morejon worked his way out of the jam before the Padres put the game away in the bottom half.

This was a double cash for Hunter Price, who had the Padres on both the moneyline and the spread, each hitting for strong ROI. He read the pitcher duel and bullpen edge perfectly in this tightly contested NL clash.

Game Preview: Texas Rangers vs. San Diego Padres

Boston Red Sox vs. Washington Nationals

The Boston Red Sox opened their Independence Day with a resounding statement, dismantling the Washington Nationals 11-2 behind a dominant performance from Trevor Story and a vintage outing by Lucas Giolito. Story led the offensive fireworks with a 4-hit, 4-RBI afternoon, including his 13th homer of the year. Boston’s bats erupted in the fifth with a seven-run explosion that turned a 2-0 game into a blowout, capped off by a two-run double from Jarren Duran.

Giolito, facing the franchise that originally drafted him back in 2012, was in complete control. The right-hander went 7 2/3 innings, scattering four hits and striking out seven. He silenced a Nationals lineup that had been surging recently and handled the pressure of returning to Nationals Park like a seasoned ace. Michael Soroka struggled for Washington, allowing seven runs on nine hits over just four innings.

This game was one of the featured wins for The Bookie, who backed Boston on the moneyline (-150). The pick came with strong backing behind Giolito’s recent form, and the Red Sox’s timely offense made it a comfortable cash.

Game Preview: Boston Red Sox vs. Washington Nationals

St. Louis Cardinals vs. Chicago Cubs

The Chicago Cubs delivered a historic fireworks display at Wrigley Field, slugging a franchise-record eight home runs in an 11-3 demolition of the St. Louis Cardinals. Michael Busch had a career day with three homers and five RBIs, while Pete Crow-Armstrong added two bombs of his own. Chicago scored seven runs via the long ball in the first three innings alone, putting the game out of reach early and sending Miles Mikolas to his worst outing of the season.

Cubs starter Colin Rea didn’t need much support, but he still impressed, allowing just one run across 6 2/3 innings. He only gave up a solo shot to Brendan Donovan and avoided major damage all day. Chicago’s bats stayed hot deep into the game with Dansby Swanson and Busch going back-to-back in the seventh to break the team’s long-standing home run record. Busch finished 4-for-4 and is now just four shy of his career high in homers.

This was a key hit for Computer Picks, which locked in Cubs ML as one of their two winning selections. The automated model highlighted Mikolas’ fly ball tendencies and the Cubs’ elite power at home — and it couldn’t have been more spot-on.

Game Preview: St. Louis Cardinals vs. Chicago Cubs

New York Yankees vs. New York Mets

In the latest edition of the Subway Series, the New York Mets rallied past the slumping New York Yankees with a 6-5 win, highlighted by Juan Soto’s three-hit, two-RBI night. Jeff McNeil crushed the go-ahead homer in the seventh, a towering blast to right field off reliever Luke Weaver, as the Mets came from behind twice to secure the opener in front of a roaring Citi Field crowd.

The Yankees jumped out early with back-to-back homers from Jasson Dominguez and Aaron Judge to open the game. Dominguez added a second homer in the fifth, but the bullpen couldn’t hold up. Starter Marcus Stroman gave up three runs over five innings in his return from the IL, while Mets rookie Justin Hagenman allowed four runs in 4 1/3 innings in his first career start. Reed Garrett worked a clean ninth for his seventh save.

This thriller cashed for Computer Picks, who correctly took the Mets +1.5 on the spread. With both teams trending poorly, the algorithm leaned into the Mets’ home dominance and bullpen edge — and that sharp lean came through in dramatic fashion.

Game Preview: New York Yankees vs. New York Mets

Tampa Bay Rays vs. Minnesota Twins

The Minnesota Twins pulled off a thrilling comeback capped by Harrison Bader’s second home run of the day—a walk-off solo shot in the bottom of the ninth—to defeat the Tampa Bay Rays 4-3. Bader also homered in the fifth to open the scoring and finished with three hits in a game where the Twins overcame a 3-1 deficit. Byron Buxton added a key RBI double in the seventh as Minnesota tied the game before Bader’s fireworks sealed the win.

Chris Paddack gave the Twins a solid start, allowing two runs over five innings before handing it off to a bullpen that held strong. Louis Varland worked the final two innings in shutout fashion to earn the win. The Rays had taken control with runs in the sixth and seventh from Junior Caminero and Josh Lowe, but their bullpen faltered late. Kevin Kelly, who took the loss, gave up the game-winning homer on a first-pitch sinker.

This game was a smart value pick from Hunter Price, who took the Twins ML at -110. He correctly anticipated a struggling Tampa Bay bullpen on the road, and Bader’s late-game heroics pushed his record to 3-0 on the day at that point.

Game Preview: Tampa Bay Rays vs. Minnesota Twins

Baltimore Orioles vs. Atlanta Braves

The Baltimore Orioles snapped a mini-skid with a 3-2 victory over the Atlanta Braves, powered by Jordan Westburg’s solo homer in his return from injury. Westburg went 3-for-4 and provided a spark to a Baltimore lineup that needed it. Tyler O’Neill also returned and scored a run in his first game since mid-May, and the Orioles bullpen locked things down with 3 2/3 innings of scoreless relief.

Charlie Morton, making his first start against his former team, was efficient over 5 1/3 innings, allowing two runs and striking out seven. Spencer Strider battled for Atlanta, going six innings and surrendering three runs, including Cedric Mullins’ two-run homer in the fifth that proved to be the difference. Drake Baldwin tried to pull the Braves back into it with a two-run shot, but the Orioles’ bullpen held the line.

While none of the top three handicappers had this one as a featured play, it was a significant result for the Orioles, keeping them just one game behind the Blue Jays in the AL East. Morton’s form since returning from the IL has added a boost to Baltimore’s rotation heading into the All-Star break.

Game Preview: Baltimore Orioles vs. Atlanta Braves

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Spotlight: Best Handicapper of July 4, 2025 — Hunter Price (5-0, +$545)

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Pittsburgh Pirates vs. Seattle Mariners

The Seattle Mariners halted the Pittsburgh Pirates’ six-game winning streak in dominant fashion with a 6-0 shutout, led by Cal Raleigh’s two-home-run performance and six shutout innings from Bryan Woo. Raleigh now leads the majors with 35 homers and tied Ken Griffey Jr.’s franchise record for most homers before the All-Star break. His 433-foot shot in the first set the tone early, and the Mariners never looked back.

Woo was sharp yet again, allowing just three hits—all by Nick Gonzales—while striking out eight. The right-hander has now pitched at least six innings in all 17 starts this season, the only pitcher in MLB to do so. Offensively, Seattle added insurance with homers from Randy Arozarena and Dylan Moore, who broke out of a major slump with a two-run blast.

This was a sharp call by The Bookie, who took the Mariners ML (-145) and leaned into Woo’s consistency and Seattle’s bounce-back potential after a tough loss. The Bookie improved to 2-0 on the day thanks to this convincing cover.

Game Preview: Pittsburgh Pirates vs. Seattle Mariners

Los Angeles Angels vs. Toronto Blue Jays

The Toronto Blue Jays extended their win streak to six games with a dramatic 4-3 extra-inning victory over the Los Angeles Angels. The game ended on a bizarre walk-off error in the 10th inning when a throwing miscue on Ernie Clement’s bunt allowed Myles Straw to score from second. Toronto capitalized on key mistakes and just enough offense to edge out a red-hot Jo Adell, who had homered for the 15th straight game.

Eric Lauer delivered another strong start for Toronto, going six-plus innings while allowing just two runs and striking out six. Kyle Hendricks matched him for five innings but faltered in the sixth as the Blue Jays erupted for three runs, highlighted by RBI singles from Andres Gimenez and Bo Bichette. Despite Adell’s three-run homer in the seventh to tie the game, the Angels’ bullpen couldn’t hold the line.

Though not a featured play for any of the top three cappers, the Blue Jays’ late-game execution again showcased why they’ve surged to the top of the AL East. With Springer and Bichette heating up, and Lauer looking like a rotation anchor, Toronto is gaining momentum heading into the break.

Game Preview: Los Angeles Angels vs. Toronto Blue Jays

Detroit Tigers vs. Cleveland Guardians

The Detroit Tigers took care of business in Cleveland, earning a tight 2-1 win over the Cleveland Guardians thanks to solo home runs from Wenceel Perez and Zach McKinstry. It was an all-around strong showing for Detroit’s bullpen and pitching staff, with four arms combining to limit Cleveland to just one run on nine hits. With the win, Detroit maintained their hold on the top of the AL Central.

Reese Olson returned from the IL and showed no signs of rust, working 4 1/3 innings of one-run ball with solid command. Tyler Holton came in to earn the win, and Will Vest notched his 14th save. The only damage came from a Jose Ramirez homer in the first inning, snapping his 0-for-21 slump. Slade Cecconi pitched well for Cleveland, but a pair of mistakes left him with the loss.

Hunter Price had this Tigers ML pegged perfectly. He predicted the impact of Olson’s return and the offensive struggles of Cleveland, and the tight 2-1 win made it four-for-four on the day for the red-hot capper.

Game Preview: Detroit Tigers vs. Cleveland Guardians

Milwaukee Brewers vs. Miami Marlins

The Milwaukee Brewers survived a slugfest in Miami, defeating the Miami Marlins 6-5 thanks to Jackson Chourio’s game-winning RBI double in the eighth inning. Caleb Durbin also starred for Milwaukee, reaching base three times, swiping two bags, and scoring twice. The Brewers bullpen shut it down after the eighth, with Trevor Megill picking up his 19th save of the year.

Quinn Priester and Sandy Alcantara both labored through their outings, allowing five runs apiece. Alcantara, still trying to regain form post-injury, was hit hard in the fourth and fifth as Milwaukee stormed ahead. Miami responded with a two-run homer from Otto Lopez to tie things up before Chourio came through in the clutch with a scorcher down the third-base line that plated Christian Yelich.

While none of the top three handicappers featured this game, it served as a critical bounce-back win for Milwaukee, who kept pace with the Cubs in the NL Central. The Marlins, meanwhile, have dropped two of three after their red-hot 8-game win streak.

Game Preview: Milwaukee Brewers vs. Miami Marlins

Houston Astros vs. Los Angeles Dodgers

The Houston Astros delivered a statement win with an 18-1 dismantling of the Los Angeles Dodgers, launching five home runs—including two from Jose Altuve—and erupting for 10 runs in the sixth inning alone. It was a night to forget for Dodgers pitching, particularly Ben Casparius and Noah Davis, who were shelled for a combined 16 earned runs. Victor Caratini’s grand slam and Altuve’s three-run blast in the same inning sent Dodger Stadium into stunned silence.

Lance McCullers Jr., making just his second start since returning from a foot injury, was efficient and composed, allowing just one run on four hits over six innings. He even shrugged off a 96-mph line drive from Shohei Ohtani off his heel and stayed in the game. The bullpen closed it out without incident, while Jason Alexander logged the first save of his career. The Dodgers’ lone run came on a Will Smith homer, and they were otherwise lifeless at the plate.

Hunter Price capped off his perfect 5-0 day with this masterpiece—backing the Astros ML at +135. His read on the Dodgers’ overuse of the bullpen and the Astros’ recent offensive surge was absolutely surgical, and this win secured him the best card of any handicapper on July 4.

Game Preview: Houston Astros vs. Los Angeles Dodgers

Chicago White Sox vs. Colorado Rockies

Adrian Houser was the star in Denver, tossing eight innings of two-run, shutout ball (both unearned) to lead the Chicago White Sox past the Colorado Rockies 3-2. Edgar Quero hit his first major league home run, and the White Sox offense did just enough against Colorado’s Antonio Senzatela to scratch across the winning run in the sixth inning.

Quero’s solo shot put Chicago ahead for good after a back-and-forth early few innings. The Rockies tied the game in the fifth thanks to a defensive miscue by Josh Rojas, but they couldn’t capitalize on further chances. Mike Tauchman and Miguel Vargas each had multi-hit games, and Colson Montgomery made his MLB debut, reaching base on a catcher’s interference and making a highlight-reel catch in the outfield.

Though not featured in any top handicapper plays, Houser’s continued excellence may soon attract trade deadline suitors. The White Sox snapped a three-game skid, while Colorado remains winless in home series openers this season.

Game Preview: Chicago White Sox vs. Colorado Rockies

Kansas City Royals vs. Arizona Diamondbacks

Vinnie Pasquantino powered the Kansas City Royals to a 9-3 win over the Arizona Diamondbacks with two home runs and six RBIs on a three-hit night. Pasquantino launched a three-run homer in the first and added a two-run shot in the fourth as Kansas City’s offense torched Eduardo Rodriguez, who allowed a career-high 12 hits and nine runs (eight earned) in just 4 1/3 innings.

Bobby Witt Jr. extended his road hitting streak to 23 games, setting a franchise record in the process. Kris Bubic gave the Royals seven strong innings, allowing three runs and keeping the D-backs’ offense from mounting any real comeback. Eugenio Suarez provided a pair of RBI swings, but it wasn’t enough for an Arizona team that has now lost seven of nine.

This game served as a wake-up call for Arizona’s playoff aspirations and emphasized the value Kansas City still holds despite recent struggles. The Royals are getting healthy at the right time, and Pasquantino is heating up with the All-Star break in sight.

Game Preview: Kansas City Royals vs. Arizona Diamondbacks

San Francisco Giants vs. Oakland Athletics

The Oakland Athletics laid waste to Justin Verlander and the San Francisco Giants with an 11-2 rout at West Sacramento. JP Sears pitched six shutout innings while Nick Kurtz and Denzel Clarke both smashed two-run home runs to lead a relentless A’s attack that piled on seven runs in the first three innings. Verlander, now winless in 14 starts this season, lasted only three innings and was charged with six earned runs.

Oakland’s bats were on fire early and never cooled down. Zack Gelof returned from injury and drove in a run, while Wilson and Rooker each contributed two RBIs as well. The Giants only got on the board thanks to a Brett Wisely homer and a garbage-time run in the ninth. Jack Perkins closed the game with three effective innings to earn his second save.

This was the opening win for Hunter Price’s perfect July 4 slate, a sharp +130 A’s moneyline call that was grounded in Verlander’s recent struggles and Oakland’s recent offensive surge. It kicked off a legendary 5-0 run for the day.

Game Preview: San Francisco Giants vs. Oakland Athletics

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