Stephen Nover Free Wednesday Play
(MLB) Miami vs. Pittsburgh, 08/06/2014 3:05 PM, Score: 3 - 7
Money Line: 123.00 Miami (Away)
Result: Loss
Let's first point out that reigning NL MVP.Andrew McCutchen and Pedro Alvarez are out. They've combined to hit 32 percent of Pittsburgh's home runs this season. McCutchen isn't just the Pirates' best offensive player. He's also their top defensive outfielder, too.

Miami is a hot team winning 11 of its last 16. The Marlins have been winning on the road, too, going 7-1 in their past eight away matchups, including winning the last five.

The Marlins are at their best when facing southpaws going 16-9 on the season against them. They draw lefty Jeff Locke, who has been tagged for 12 runs (10 of which have been earned) in his last two starts spanning 12 innings.

It's imperative to keep Giancarlo Stanton quiet if you're going to beat Miami. Stanton, however, has owned Locke going 6-for-9 against him with two homers and a double. Locke has never beaten the Marlins in four career outings.

Miami starter Tom Koehler remains one of the more underrated pitchers in baseball. Koehler is better at home, but still he's allowed three or fewer runs in seven of his last eight starts.

The Marlins' confidence is way up believing they are very much in the NL East hunt 5 1/2 games behind Washington. The Pirates have lost four of their last six. They are distracted about McCutcheon's status and their bullpen is much worse than last season. This isn't 2013. Pittsburgh is worse and Miami is improved.

All this makes for a good underdog spot for the Marlins.

(Editor's note: Stephen is 9-3 on his last 12 paid/free plays and has a guaranteed Wednesday Wipeout totals winner going today in addition to this free selection. Also Stephen's season NFL package is now available for purchase at a top value bargain price. Stephen is one of the top football experts in the country turning a profit 18 of 20 years in the NFL, including cashing a documented 69 percent of his plays in 2012.)