This is a 9* play on the Pirates.

It's opening day. For the most part over the first two weeks, I'm basing my selections on starting pitching. That's not enitrely what we look at, but until we can get a good luck at each team, each pitcher and get a "feel" for what's going on, this is the approach that we take.

Chad Kuhl had a strong campaign for the Pirates last year and he was their most consistent starter during preseason as well.

Kyle Hendricks is coming off a big year for the Cubs as well, posting a 2.88 ERA over 81 1/3 innings of work.

Pittsburgh has actually done well in this spot for bettors though, going 7-2 in its last nine NL road games as an underdog in the +185 to +205 range.

We like Kuhl to match Hendricks inning for inning and in a situation like that, the value swings to the dog in our opinion.

Great value on an Opening Day upset!

Good luck, NP