*****The Best Bet seeks to WIN for a third consecutive night in the GUARANTEED section*****

"1 UNIT" PRIMETIME INTANGIBLE (Orioles +120 at Royals in a 8:10 eastern start---------Matusz versus Davies): There is very little positive news regarding Baltimore but tonight's struggling starting pitcher actually felt CONFIDENT following his most recent assignment. This game was not originally on my personal hit list but just this afternoon it was officially announced that current ESPN baseball analysis and former manager Buck Showalter will take over the reigns in Baltimore beginning on Tuesday. What Showalter will bring this struggling organization is a winning attitude as Showalter's initial managerial chance was with the Yankees back in the day when owner George Steinbrenner was healthy and cracking the whip. Like most managers during Steinbrenner's reign Showalter did not last long in the dugout but has always has always been viewed as a solid baseball man. Even though Showalter will not be in the dugout this weekend, at least the Orioles have some immediate help on the horizon. Of course Baltimore operates out of the hellacious American League East and just got swept in a divisional road series. On Tuesday of next week the O's will have to deal with an Angels contingent that has been busy making trades in order to make a playoff run.

To make a long story short this weekend series against a losing opponent is one of the very few breaks in the schedule that Baltimore gets and must take advantage. For those who are serious baseball fans you know that Brian Matusz is one of the games higher rated pitching prospects. Matusz has been rushed to the major leagues and has struggled mightily with just one victory since the opening month of April. But the fact of the matter is that all 3 triumphs by Matusz this season have come on the ROAD. It may be hard to believe but Baltimore has WON 5 of the most recent 8 visits to Kansas City and they catch the Royals (3-10 current slide) at the perfect time. My database research indicates that in the past two years (post All Star break) Kansas City is a wretched 2-10 at HOME against opponents with a losing record

Last night''s ESPN Best Bet total won in the FIRST INNING. Another Best Bet TOTAL Thursday night with details in the GUARANTEED section!!!