The set-up: The Yankees got an important win at the Blue Jays last night and with their ace on the mound with a chip on his shoulder, I look for "The Evil Empire" to keep the foot on the gas here as it looks to make up ground in the tough AL East. New York has several injuries to key sluggers, but after a team meeting by GM Brian Cashman on Tuesday night, the Yankees rallied for a solid in Buffalo yesterday and I like them to keep that positive momentum rolling here. Baltimore is primed for a letdown here after its four-game win streak was snapped at the Mets last night, a 7-6 loss in which it conceded the lead in the ninth inning. Mentally, these two teams are moving in opposite directions now. Gerritt Cole (4-3, 3.63 ERA) has lost three straight starts and he's posted a 5.63 ERA in that span. Clearly that's pretty atypical of Cole, but the veteran ace has the pedigree and track record to return to form and I think this is the perfect stage for that to start happening.

The pick: Keegin Akin (0-0, 2.08) counters for the visitors. Akin has made four appearances this year and been decent in his limited action, but I think he'll struggle in this difficult road venue. Also note that the Orioles are just 2-7 in their last nine after allowing seven or more runs in a loss in their last outing. I'm laying the 1.5 runs for the near "pick em" price.

This is a 10* RUN-LINE DESTRUCTION on the New York Yankees.