Joe Jensen posted a modest profit on Monday, April 20, 2026, finishing +0.5 units on a 3-2 record across five MLB plays. The card featured a pair of two-unit losses that were offset by three winners, including a successful lean on the Cubs to extend their hot streak.
Tigers at Sox
Jensen opened with a two-unit play on the Detroit Tigers (+119) in the finale of their four-game series in Boston, but the Red Sox rallied for an 8-6 victory in their annual Patriots’ Day game. Lost. The Tigers had won the previous day 6-2 and entered having won eight of their last ten, but Boston’s offense came alive in the seventh inning with pinch-hitter Ceddanne Rafaela delivering a tiebreaking two-run single. Isiah Kiner-Falefa also contributed a two-run single for the Red Sox, who built a 3-0 lead in the seventh and added two insurance runs in the eighth. Riley Greene paced Detroit with a 2-for-3 performance including a double, two RBI, and two walks, but it wasn’t enough to overcome the late Boston surge. Carlos Narvaez led the Red Sox offense with a 2-for-3 line, a double, and a stolen base. The two-unit loss put Jensen in an early hole.
Astros at Guardians
Jensen bounced back immediately with a two-unit winner on the Houston Astros (+102) in the opener of a new series in Cleveland. The Astros cruised to a 9-2 victory, snapping a brutal stretch in which they’d won just twice in their previous 14 games. Won. Jensen had correctly backed the Guardians in their previous game, a win over Baltimore, but reversed course here with Houston desperate for a win. Isaac Paredes broke out with his first two home runs of the season, including a leadoff shot in the fourth that sparked a four-run inning and broke a 2-2 tie. Christian Walker added a two-run homer in the first inning and finished 3-for-5 with three runs, snapping an 0-for-15 slump. Carlos Correa went 3-for-5 with two RBI as Houston built a commanding lead and never looked back. The comfortable margin made this a stress-free winner at plus-money.
Cardinals at Marlins
Another two-unit play, this time on the Miami Marlins (-136) in the opener of a new series, cashed comfortably as the Marlins defeated St. Louis 5-3. Won. Jensen had previously lost backing the Brewers against Miami, but returned to the Marlins here with confidence. Max Meyer pitched effectively into the sixth inning, allowing just two runs on three hits with eight strikeouts across 5.1 innings and 91 pitches. Agustín Ramírez provided the power with a solo home run, while Liam Hicks drove in two runs and Otto Lopez added a double, an RBI, and two runs scored. The Marlins snapped St. Louis’ five-game winning streak with steady pitching and timely hitting. Calvin Faucher earned the win with two crucial outs in the sixth, and Miami’s bullpen held the Cardinals scoreless over the final two frames to secure the victory.
Orioles at Royals
Jensen’s second two-unit loss came on the Kansas City Royals (-102) in a marathon affair that saw Baltimore prevail 7-5 in 12 innings. Lost. After correctly backing the Yankees against Kansas City in their previous game, Jensen returned to the Royals seeking value, but Kansas City’s eight-game losing streak extended in painful fashion. The game remained scoreless until Kansas City grabbed a 1-0 lead in the second, and it stayed 1-1 through nine innings before the Orioles exploded for five runs in the 12th. Leody Taveras delivered the crushing blow with a grand slam, finishing 1-for-5 with four RBI. Samuel Basallo had tied the game with an RBI single in the ninth with Baltimore down to their last strike, then led off the 12th with another RBI single. Nick Loftin’s two-hit, three-RBI effort for Kansas City went to waste as the Royals’ bullpen collapsed in extras.
Phillies at Cubs
Jensen closed the card with a one-unit winner on the Chicago Cubs (-105), who extended their winning streak to six games with a 5-1 victory over Philadelphia. Won. After correctly backing the Cubs in their previous game against the Mets, Jensen stayed with Chicago’s hot hand. Colin Rea pitched into the seventh inning with a strong performance, and Dansby Swanson delivered the knockout punch with a three-run homer as part of a four-run second inning. The Cubs have now outscored opponents 44-14 during their six-game streak, tied with Atlanta for the majors’ longest active run. The Phillies, meanwhile, dropped their sixth straight game. Michael Conforto added a sacrifice fly for Chicago, and Alex Bregman went 2-for-4 with two doubles. The comfortable margin made this a straightforward winner to close the night.
Beer Money & Parlay Plays
Jensen’s side plays went 1-0 on the night, offering lean recommendations without assigned units.
Braves at Nationals
The Atlanta Braves (-171) rolled to a 9-4 victory over Washington in a lopsided affair. Won. The Braves’ offense overwhelmed the Nationals with a five-run margin that easily covered the run line for those who parlayed or played it as a side.
Jensen’s Monday card demonstrated the value of disciplined bankroll management, as three winners offset two losses to produce a modest profit. The Astros and Marlins provided the backbone with comfortable two-unit victories, while the Cubs capped the night with a lower-risk winner. The Tigers and Royals losses stung at two units each, but the overall result kept Jensen in the black to start the week.
