Tampa Bay Rays
The Rays are enjoying a stellar campaign, currently sitting 2nd in the AL East at 85-59. They’ve gone 42-32 at home this season and have managed 9 wins in their last 10 outings. This series has been particularly kind to them, winning the first 3 matchups before today’s finale. Tyler Glasnow will pitch here, going an outstanding 6-1 with a 1.86 ERA so far.
Toronto Blue Jays
The Blue Jays have been awful all season, currently 55-88 and 4th in the AL East. They’ve gone just 28-46 on the road this year and have won only 2 of their last 8 contests. Randal Grichuk remains their primary offensive weapon, going for 24 home runs and 62 RBI so far. Jacob Waguespack will pitch here, having gone 4-3 with a decent 3.97 ERA through 59 innings.
Prediction: Rays $1.50
I’ve had a fair bit of success backing Tampa recently and see no reason to deviate from that here. They’re comfortably the better of these two sides and have everything to play for in terms of playoff positioning. Tyler Glasnow has been one of the best pitchers in the league this season and should comfortably shut down the anaemic Toronto offence. Add in a strong effort from the Tampa offence and I think they claim a 4-game sweep here.
Milwaukee Brewers
The Brewers have been solid but unspectacular so far, going 73-68 to sit 3rd in the NL Central. They’re an impressive 42-31 at home and have managed 6 wins in their last 10. Right Fielder Christian Yelich continues to lead the offence, going for 44 home runs and 97 RBI on the season. Adrian Houser will pitch here, going 6-5 with a 3.45 ERA through 91 innings.
Chicago Cubs
The Cubs are in a similar spot, with a slightly better 76-65 record and 2nd position in the AL Central. They’ve been a relatively poor 29-41 in road games, although they’ve managed to win 6 of their last 10 overall. Kyle Schwarber leads the side with 34 home runs, while Anthony Rizzo has an impressive 87 RBI to his name. Ace Jon Lester will pitch here, going 12-9 with a 4.19 ERA so far.
Prediction: Cubs $1.85
The Cubs haven’t been the greatest road side this season, although Lester is still as strong a pitcher as they come. Milwaukee has faded somewhat offensively of late and are heavily reliant on Yelich at the top of the order. If Chicago’s offence can get after Houser effectively, they’ve got a good shot at extending their lead over Milwaukee and managing the upset.