Baseball MLB Game Results — August 24th, 2025

Sunday’s MLB slate was packed with statement wins, rookie breakthroughs, and playoff-race intensity—capped by a flurry of homers and clutch late-game drama. Junior Caminero’s grand slam, Cal Raleigh’s record-breaking power surge, and Paul Skenes’ Cy Young-worthy outing headlined a day where hitters feasted, pitchers dominated, and playoff positioning tightened across both leagues.

From walk-offs to sweeps avoided, August 24 didn’t disappoint on the betting front either. Sports Central led the charge once again, going 5–2 with a $299 net gain, while The Bookie and Kyle Buchman both delivered flawless 2–0 sweeps. Their top picks landed on totals, spreads, and sharp moneyline reads—proving once again that well-timed insights can cut through baseball’s late-season chaos.

Let’s dive into every key matchup from Sunday’s action, and spotlight where the top handicappers made their mark.

Handicappers Spotlight

Rank	Handicapper	Record	Profit
1	Sports Central	5–2–0	+$299
2	The Bookie	2–0–0	+$240
3	Kyle Buchman	2–0–0	+$235

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Tampa Bay Rays Outlast Cardinals Behind Caminero’s Slam

The Tampa Bay Rays rode a thunderous sixth-inning grand slam from Junior Caminero to pull away from the St. Louis Cardinals in a 7-2 win after a lengthy rain delay. Caminero crushed the first pitch he saw from Matt Svanson 381 feet to right, breaking open a 1-0 game and delivering his 37th homer of the year. The Rays piled on four runs on just one hit in that inning to seize control.

Ryan Pepiot was limited to just 63 pitches in his 27th start, but he delivered five dominant innings of one-hit baseball. Chandler Simpson added a two-RBI triple and scored once, while Christopher Morel went 3-for-4 with a solo homer. On the Cardinals’ side, Matthew Liberatore gave up four runs on three hits and took his 11th loss of the season. St. Louis was held quiet until late RBI singles from Jordan Walker and Nolan Gorman put them on the board.

This game fell just shy of the posted total, landing under the mark and resulting in a rare loss for Sports Central, who backed Over 8.5. Still, the Rays’ mix of power and bullpen depth held strong as both teams continue to fight for Wild Card relevance down the stretch.

Game Preview: St. Louis Cardinals vs. Tampa Bay Rays

Philadelphia Phillies Ride Suarez, Marchan to Series Win Over Nats

The Philadelphia Phillies rode a lights-out start from Ranger Suarez and a three-RBI effort from Rafael Marchan to edge the Washington Nationals 3-2 at Citizens Bank Park. Suarez struck out 11 in seven shutout innings, walking none and allowing just three hits to improve to 10-6. Marchan’s two-run double in the second and a bases-loaded walk in the third provided all the offense the Phillies would need.

Jose Alvarado created some late-inning drama by loading the bases in the eighth, but Tanner Banks induced a double play and a flyout to keep the lead at 3-1. Luis Garcia Jr. hit a pinch homer in the ninth to pull the Nationals within one, but Josh Bell and Dylan Crews were retired quietly to seal the win.

This tight contest marked another smart call from Sports Central, who played the Phillies moneyline for a clean cash. Suarez’s form is peaking, and Philadelphia has now taken two of three from Washington as the playoff push heats up.

Game Preview: Washington Nationals vs. Philadelphia Phillies

Paul Skenes Dominates Rockies as Pirates Complete Sweep

The Pittsburgh Pirates continued their dominant home stand with a 4-0 shutout over the Colorado Rockies, thanks to a surgical seven-inning outing from Paul Skenes. The rookie sensation allowed just three hits, no walks, and struck out seven over 101 pitches, lowering his season ERA to a sparkling 2.07.

The Pirates exploded in the fourth with four runs, headlined by Jared Triolo’s three-run homer — his fifth of the year. Rockies rookie McCade Brown, making his major league debut, held his own through three innings but was ambushed in the fourth and tagged for all four runs. Isiah Kiner-Falefa added an RBI double before the Rockies’ bullpen held the rest of the way.

Though not one of the highlighted betting spots from our top handicappers, this was a textbook example of a dominant pitching edge leading to a stress-free under ticket and a clean sweep for Pittsburgh. It’s Skenes’ 11th start without an earned run this season—NL Cy Young voters, take note.

Game Preview: Colorado Rockies vs. Pittsburgh Pirates

Braves Rally Late to Avoid Sweep Against Mets

The Atlanta Braves avoided a demoralizing sweep by pulling off a late comeback in a 4-3 win over the New York Mets. Jurickson Profar laced a clutch two-run single in the eighth to break a 2-2 tie and give the Braves just enough room to hold off the hard-charging Mets. Bryce Elder was sharp over six innings, and Raisel Iglesias secured his 22nd save despite allowing three baserunners in the ninth.

New York jumped out to a 2-0 lead on a Mark Vientos two-run shot, and Juan Soto added a late RBI knock, but the Mets left key runners stranded. Starter David Peterson struck out eight in 5 2/3 innings but ran into trouble in the sixth as Atlanta mounted their initial rally. The Braves improved to 3-7 vs. the Mets this season.

This game was a win for The Bookie, who backed Atlanta ML +120 and cashed as the Braves clawed their way to a series-saving victory. It was a sharp read in a bounce-back spot after two rough losses.

Game Preview: New York Mets vs. Atlanta Braves

Baltimore Orioles Stifle Astros to Avoid Sweep

The Baltimore Orioles leaned on seven masterful innings from Trevor Rogers and timely homers from Gunnar Henderson and Luis Vazquez to edge the surging Houston Astros 3-2 at Camden Yards. Rogers allowed one run on five hits with nine strikeouts, turning in his fifth straight start with only one earned run allowed and keeping Houston’s explosive offense in check.

All of Baltimore’s runs came with two outs. Henderson opened the scoring with a solo shot in the first inning, Mountcastle added an RBI single in the sixth, and Vazquez hit his first career homer in the seventh. Houston nearly mounted a comeback with the bases loaded in the eighth, but Keegan Akin came in to allow just a sacrifice fly before finishing off the ninth for his third save.

Though this wasn’t among the top cappers’ plays, it was a key underdog win in a high-profile spot for the Orioles. The loss snapped Houston’s hot streak and served as a crucial momentum grab for Baltimore as they continue their Wild Card push.

Game Preview: Houston Astros vs. Baltimore Orioles

Royals Win Slugfest, End Tigers’ Streak Behind Pasquantino Blast

The Kansas City Royals erupted for six runs in the third inning and never looked back, outlasting the Detroit Tigers 10-8 to avoid a sweep and snap Detroit’s five-game winning streak. Vinnie Pasquantino remained scorching hot, homering for the sixth time in seven games and driving in two runs. Every Royals starter had a hit, including solo homers from Maikel Garcia and two-run shots from Isbel and Frazier.

The Tigers launched their own power display behind homers from Riley Greene, Wenceel Perez, and Spencer Torkelson. Jahmai Jones also roped a three-run double in a wild back-and-forth middle stretch. Ultimately, it came down to Kansas City’s bullpen, which locked it down after Detroit made it a two-run game late.

The Bookie cashed in here with the Over 9.5 total, reading the slugfest script perfectly. This was a profitable spot for anyone riding recent trends on both teams’ inconsistent pitching and top-heavy lineups.

Game Preview: Kansas City Royals vs. Detroit Tigers

Jakob Marsee Sparks Marlins’ Win Over Blue Jays

Rookie Jakob Marsee was the difference-maker as the Miami Marlins avoided a sweep with a 5-3 win over the Toronto Blue Jays. Marsee laced a three-run triple in the fifth and doubled to start another rally in the seventh. Eury Perez went six-plus innings, allowing just two runs and striking out four to earn the win.

Toronto made it interesting in the seventh when Daulton Varsho blasted a three-run homer off reliever Lake Bachar, cutting Miami’s lead to 4-3. But Marsee’s leadoff double in the bottom half sparked a two-out RBI single from Agustin Ramirez to give the Marlins a cushion. Tyler Phillips closed it out for his second career save.

This was a sneaky sharp call from Kyle Buchman, who played the Marlins +100. Miami had lost six straight series, but a home-run suppressing ballpark and a confident Eury Perez performance flipped the edge back their way.

Game Preview: Toronto Blue Jays vs. Miami Marlins

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Spotlight: Best Handicapper of the Day – Sports Central

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White Sox Blank Twins as Taj Bradley Gets Roughed Up

The Chicago White Sox rode a balanced attack and four-pitcher shutout to steamroll the slumping Minnesota Twins 8-0 at Guaranteed Rate Field. Kyle Teel and Edgar Quero combined for five hits and five RBIs, while Colson Montgomery launched his third homer in as many games. Chicago scored early and often, jumping on recalled right-hander Taj Bradley for seven runs in five innings.

Yoendrys Gomez pitched 4 2/3 scoreless innings before Brandon Eisert (3-5) and the bullpen shut the door. Minnesota managed just five hits and went 0-for-7 with runners in scoring position, dropping their eighth game in 10 tries. Trevor Larnach’s double in the first was the closest the Twins came to scoring.

Though not tied to any top handicapper bet, this was another prime underdog win in a high-value spot. The White Sox earned their first series win over Minnesota since July 2023 and appear to be embracing spoiler mode down the stretch.

Game Preview: Minnesota Twins vs. Chicago White Sox

Giants Break Through Late to Win Series Over Brewers

The San Francisco Giants used late-inning clutch hitting to edge the Milwaukee Brewers 4-3 and take the rubber match of the three-game set. Heliot Ramos delivered the game-winning blow with a two-run single in the top of the ninth, capitalizing on a bases-loaded situation against Brewers closer Trevor Megill, who blew his second save of the series.

Matt Chapman and Luis Matos sparked the rally with a double and a single, and Jung Hoo Lee drew a clutch walk to keep the inning alive. Jose Butto picked up the win in relief for San Francisco, while Ryan Walker notched his 11th save. The Giants initially trailed after home runs from Caleb Durbin and strong middle-inning work by Chad Patrick.

Though this game wasn’t featured in any top plays from our spotlighted handicappers, the Giants’ ability to respond to bullpen instability marks them as a team to watch for sharp late-game value.

Game Preview: Milwaukee Brewers vs. San Francisco Giants

Cubs Complete Sweep of Angels in Tight 4-3 Victory

The Chicago Cubs finished off a three-game sweep of the Los Angeles Angels with a 4-3 win in Anaheim. Jameson Taillon earned his second victory of the week, throwing five innings of one-run ball, while Daniel Palencia struck out the side in the ninth to lock up his 20th save.

The Cubs jumped ahead early, sparked by a Nico Hoerner RBI double and a two-run fifth inning featuring a Carson Kelly single and a Pete Crow-Armstrong sac fly. Taylor Ward homered and doubled for the Angels, who trimmed the deficit to one in the sixth, but Chicago’s bullpen held firm.

This result landed squarely in favor of Kyle Buchman, who backed the Cubs at -130. The sweep win moved Chicago to within five games of the NL Central lead and continues their strong second-half push.

Game Preview: Chicago Cubs vs. Los Angeles Angels

Merrill Kelly Blanks Guardians as Rangers Finish Sweep

The Texas Rangers wrapped up a dominant weekend with a 5-0 shutout over the Cleveland Guardians, powered by Merrill Kelly’s best outing since joining Texas. The veteran right-hander went seven-plus innings of scoreless ball, allowing just four singles and two walks while striking out eight.

Rowdy Tellez opened the scoring with a two-run homer in the fourth, followed by RBI singles from Wyatt Langford and Josh Jung. Joc Pederson added a solo blast in the seventh to round out the scoring. Cleveland managed just five hits and has now been shut out in back-to-back games, with no extra-base hits in that stretch.

Sports Central capitalized on this mismatch, locking in the Rangers at -138 for one of their five wins on the day. Texas is now back to .500 and lurking in both the division and Wild Card chases.

Game Preview: Cleveland Guardians vs. Texas Rangers

Cal Raleigh Smashes Records as Mariners Demolish A’s

The Seattle Mariners dismantled the Oakland Athletics 11-4 thanks to two more towering homers from Cal Raleigh, who set MLB records for home runs by a catcher (49) and multi-homer games by a switch-hitter (9). Raleigh’s blasts in the first and second innings staked Seattle to a quick lead they never relinquished.

Logan Gilbert was dominant, striking out a career-high 13 over six innings of three-hit, one-run ball. The Mariners scored 10 runs in the first three innings, knocking A’s starter Jacob Lopez out early. Randy Arozarena added three hits and Josh Naylor drove in two late as Seattle cruised to victory.

While not a listed play from any top capper, this game was a textbook over spot and reinforced Seattle’s offensive ceiling when their core lineup is rolling. Raleigh’s MVP-level campaign is powering a serious playoff charge.

Game Preview: Oakland Athletics vs. Seattle Mariners

Steer’s Blast Lifts Reds Over D-Backs to Snap Losing Skid

Spencer Steer delivered the biggest swing of the game with a three-run homer in the eighth inning, helping the Cincinnati Reds break open a close game and beat the Arizona Diamondbacks 6-1 in Phoenix. Austin Hays had three hits and an RBI, and the Reds avoided a sweep while maintaining their streak of never being swept in any series this season.

Both starters were lights out—Zac Gallen and Brady Singer each went six strong innings, allowing one run apiece. But Arizona’s bullpen faltered late, with Kyle Backhus and Juan Burgos unable to keep the game tied. Steer’s 16th homer of the year traveled 397 feet and capped off a five-run eighth that flipped the game.

Cincinnati was another smart target for Sports Central, who played the Reds ML +105. Their bounce-back trend after back-to-back losses continues to be profitable.

Game Preview: Cincinnati Reds vs. Arizona Diamondbacks

Freeman’s Two Homers Push Dodgers Into First With Win Over Padres

The Los Angeles Dodgers powered past the San Diego Padres 8-2 behind two homers from Freddie Freeman and a three-run blast by Dalton Rushing. The win pulled Los Angeles into a first-place tie in the NL West while clinching the season series against San Diego.

Yoshinobu Yamamoto pitched six strong innings, allowing just two runs on four hits while striking out six. The Dodgers trailed early after an Elias Diaz homer, but Freeman tied it with a solo shot in the sixth before exploding for five runs in the seventh—highlighted by Rushing’s three-run bomb.

This was one of Sports Central’s most profitable hits of the day, as they locked in Dodgers -1.5 on the run line. With Freeman heating up and Yamamoto stabilizing, LA now owns the West tiebreaker and key momentum moving forward.

Game Preview: San Diego Padres vs. Los Angeles Dodgers

Yankees Blast Red Sox to End Losing Skid, Stay in Wild Card Race

The New York Yankees ended an eight-game skid to the Boston Red Sox with a much-needed 7-2 win at Yankee Stadium, avoiding a four-game sweep at home. Trent Grisham homered in back-to-back at-bats, while Jazz Chisholm Jr. launched two two-run bombs to lead the offense. Carlos Rodon pitched 5 2/3 innings of one-hit ball for his 14th win.

The Yankees jumped ahead early with Chisholm’s first homer in the second and never looked back. Dustin May was tagged for five runs and three homers in just 4 1/3 innings. New York’s bullpen stranded multiple Red Sox baserunners late to preserve the win and keep their Wild Card hopes alive.

This matchup cashed one final ticket for Sports Central, who took Yankees ML -118 as part of their stellar 5–2 day. When their offense clicks, New York remains a volatile but dangerous team in the playoff picture.

Game Preview: Boston Red Sox vs. New York Yankees

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