Joe Jensen posted a break-even 3-3 record on Tuesday, April 22, 2026, but the ledger told a different story with a net loss of -1.1 units on the day. Despite winning half his selections, the handicapper couldn’t overcome losses on three two-unit plays, resulting in a modest deficit despite the balanced win-loss column.
Pirates at Rangers
Jensen opened the day with a winner on the Pittsburgh Pirates at even money (+100), backing them to two units in game two of their series in Arlington. The Pirates delivered an 8-4 victory behind a dramatic ninth-inning explosion. After taking a 5-4 lead on Nick Gonzales’ gutsy steal of home on a Jake Mangum chopper to third, Pittsburgh put the game away when Oneil Cruz launched a three-run homer off the top of the right-field foul pole—the hardest-hit home run in the majors this season. Cruz finished 1-for-5 with three RBIs despite striking out three times, while the Pirates erased the sting of a 5-1 loss to Texas the previous night. The two-unit win provided a solid foundation for the day.
Cardinals at Marlins
Jensen bounced back from a previous loss on Miami by backing the Marlins again at -136, and this time the investment paid off with a 4-1 victory in game two of the series. Janson Junk and five relievers combined on a three-hitter, with Junk working five innings while allowing just one hit before being lifted after only 56 pitches. Michael Petersen struck out the side in a perfect eighth inning to preserve the lead. Javier Sanoja paced the offense with three hits, while Jakob Marsee drove in two runs. The Marlins built their cushion early with two runs in the second and single tallies in the fourth and fifth, rendering Ivan Herrera’s solo homer for St. Louis inconsequential. The two-unit win at -136 added 1.47 units to Jensen’s tally.
Reds at Rays
After correctly backing Cincinnati in a 12-6 win the previous day, Jensen returned to the Reds at +113 for the series finale in Tampa Bay. This time the selection backfired as Nick Martinez dominated his former team through eight innings, leading the Rays to a 6-1 loss for Jensen’s side. Martinez, who signed a one-year, $13 million deal with Tampa Bay in the offseason, allowed just one run while striking out five, snapping a three-game Rays losing streak. Tampa Bay jumped on Brandon Williamson for three runs in the second inning and added single runs in the third, fifth, and seventh. Junior Caminero’s two-run homer and Yandy Diaz’s three-hit performance powered the offense. The two-unit setback at +113 cost Jensen 2.0 units and marked Cincinnati’s first loss in their last six games.
Orioles at Royals
Jensen backed Kansas City at -136 after correctly selecting the Royals in their 6-5 win the day before, but Baltimore turned the tables in the series finale with an 8-6 victory that resulted in a loss. The game turned on a six-run sixth inning for the Orioles, highlighted by Coby Mayo’s second three-run homer in as many days—a 452-foot blast into the bleapers above the fountains. Pete Alonso also went deep for Baltimore, his third homer of the season. Kansas City fought back with home runs from Vinnie Pasquantino and Kyle Isbel, but couldn’t overcome the Orioles’ sixth-inning explosion. The two-unit loss at -136 cost Jensen 2.0 units despite the Royals’ offensive effort.
Brewers at Tigers
After a loss on Detroit the previous night, Jensen went back to the Tigers at -136, and this time the selection cashed with a 5-2 win over Milwaukee. Casey Mize was the difference, striking out seven while allowing just one run and three hits over six innings to improve to 2-1 with a 2.51 ERA on the season. Spencer Torkelson hit his first homer of the year, and Kerry Carpenter added a solo shot as Detroit built a 4-1 lead through five innings. Kenley Jansen worked out of a bases-loaded jam for his sixth save, preserving the victory and snapping the Tigers’ two-game losing streak. The two-unit win at -136 returned 1.47 units.
Twins at Mets
Jensen’s final play came on Minnesota at +135 in game two of their series with the Mets, but New York snapped a 12-game losing streak with a 3-2 walk-off loss for the Twins. Mark Vientos blooped a tiebreaking single in the eighth inning to give the Mets their first win in nearly two weeks. Juan Soto returned from a strained right calf and went 1-for-3 with a walk, though Francisco Lindor exited with left calf tightness after scoring the go-ahead run. Byron Buxton’s solo homer accounted for one of Minnesota’s two runs, but the Twins couldn’t prevent New York from ending their lengthy skid. The two-unit loss at +135 cost Jensen 2.0 units.
Beer Money & Parlay Plays
Jensen’s side plays went 6-2 on the night, though no units were assigned to these lean recommendations.
Jays at Angels
The Angels (-163) cruised to a 7-3 victory over Toronto, comfortably covering the line.
Athletics at Mariners
Seattle (-193) edged Oakland 5-4 in a tight contest.
Sox at Diamondbacks
Arizona (-156) rolled past the White Sox 11-7 in a high-scoring affair.
Dodgers at Giants
The Dodgers (-186) were shut out 3-0 by San Francisco in one of the day’s two misses.
Astros at Guardians
Cleveland (-143) was blanked 2-0 by Houston in the other side-play loss.
Braves at Nationals
Atlanta (-149) held on for an 8-6 win in Washington.
Yankees at Sox
The Yankees (-143) took care of business with a 4-1 victory at Fenway.
Phillies at Cubs
Chicago (-175) closed out the side plays with a convincing 7-2 win over Philadelphia.
Despite the even 3-3 record and strong 6-2 performance on side plays, Jensen’s -1.1 unit result on April 22 illustrated how juice and timing can turn a break-even night into a modest deficit. The three losses all came on two-unit plays at varying odds, while the three wins—though equally weighted—couldn’t quite overcome the cumulative vig. It was a day that looked better on paper than in the bankroll.
