Joe Jensen posted a profitable Saturday on April 18, 2026, finishing 5-4 on graded plays for a net gain of +1.19 units. It wasn’t a clean card, but timely underdog wins and selective spots helped overcome a few costly favorite losses in a slate filled with late swings and extra-inning drama.
Reds at Twins
Jensen’s 2-unit play on the Minnesota Twins (-136) resulted in a -2.72 unit loss as the Reds rallied for a 5-4 win. Minnesota carried a 4-2 lead through seven innings behind Ryan Jeffers’ two-run triple and Josh Bell’s two-hit effort, but Cincinnati’s bullpen shut the door over the final 4 1/3 innings. Kyle Nicolas struck out the side in the eighth, and Tony Santillan closed it out after the Reds plated three unanswered runs, capped by a ninth-inning RBI single from Dane Myers.
Cardinals at Astros
The Cardinals (+129) delivered a +2.58 unit win in a 7-5 victory over Houston. Masyn Winn’s two-run homer helped St. Louis build an early lead, while José Fermín and Alec Burleson added insurance. Houston made a late push behind Yordan Alvarez and Shay Whitcomb, but the Cardinals held firm to secure one of the day’s key plus-money cashes.
Jays at Diamondbacks
Arizona (-136) secured a +2.0 unit win in a 6-2 result over Toronto. The game was tied heading into the eighth before Corbin Carroll broke it open with a grand slam after the bases were loaded. The Diamondbacks extended their winning streak with a decisive late surge.
Mets at Cubs
Jensen’s 2-unit play on the Cubs (-112) cashed for a +2.0 unit win in a 4-2 victory. Carson Kelly’s pinch-hit three-run homer in the sixth inning turned a 1-1 game into a comfortable lead, while Jameson Taillon delivered six strong innings. The loss extended the Mets’ skid to 10 straight games.
Giants at Nationals
Washington (-102) fell in 12 innings, resulting in a -1.02 unit loss. The Nationals had a prime opportunity in the 10th with the bases loaded and no outs but failed to score. San Francisco capitalized later, with Matt Chapman delivering the game-winning RBI. Heliot Ramos led the Giants with a standout offensive performance.
Rays at Pirates
Tampa Bay (+139) delivered a +1.39 unit win in an 8-7 marathon that went 13 innings. Cedric Mullins provided the decisive moment with a two-run homer in extras. The Rays had earlier surged ahead with a five-run fifth inning before Pittsburgh rallied to force the extended finish.
Brewers at Marlins
Miami (-112) couldn’t hold serve, resulting in a -2.24 unit loss in a 5-2 defeat. Brice Turang led the Brewers offensively, while Brandon Woodruff controlled the game on the mound, limiting Miami’s offense throughout.
Orioles at Guardians
Baltimore (+119) dropped a 4-2 decision, costing Jensen -2.0 units. Gavin Williams dominated with 11 strikeouts over seven innings, while Brayan Rocchio’s three-run homer provided the separation Cleveland needed.
Braves at Phillies
Atlanta (+109) secured a +2.18 unit win in a 3-1 victory. Chris Sale struck out seven over seven innings, and the Braves capitalized early to take control. The win marked Atlanta’s fourth straight and another profitable underdog hit on the card.
Beer Money & Parlay Plays
Jensen’s side plays finished 4-2, though these leans were not included in the official unit total. Losses came from the Dodgers (-308) and Angels (-143) while wins came from the Athletics (-168), Mariners (-143), Yankees (-181), and Tigers (-175).
Dodgers at Rockies
The heavily favored Dodgers (-308) fell 4-3 in a loss, unable to overcome Coors Field despite their price.
Padres at Angels
The Angels (-143) managed just one run in a 4-1 loss to San Diego, falling short at home.
Sox at Athletics
The Athletics (-168) held on for a 7-6 win, surviving a late rally from Chicago.
Rangers at Mariners
Seattle (-143) cruised to a 7-3 win, controlling the game from start to finish.
Royals at Yankees
The Yankees (-181) dominated in a 13-4 win, with the offense exploding early and often.
Tigers at Sox
Detroit (-175) secured a 4-1 win, with strong pitching limiting Boston’s offense.
Bottom Line:
Jensen’s card showed the value of price discipline. Despite a 5-4 record, underdog wins from the Cardinals, Rays, and Braves carried the day, while losses on heavier favorites kept the margin in check. The result was a solid +1.19 unit finish built on efficient plus-money execution and controlled exposure.
