I’m looking to take St Louis here, currently instilled as narrow $1.96 home underdogs.
They’ve been the better of these two sides, currently 1.5 games and 28 runs ahead of Milwaukee in the standings.
I’d expect them to be very motivated here as a loss could really affect their chances of making the playoffs.
Even with no fans, I think home field accounts for something, especially for a team that has historically performed so well at home.
I’m also a fan of this pitching matchup for them. Adam Wainwright continues to be an ageless wonder, while Woodruff from Milwaukee is inconsistent at best.
I think they’ve got the better of these two batting lineups, which should get them over the line here.
I’m angling for another motivational spot here, this time taking Cincinnati as $2.15 underdogs.
The Reds are clinging on to a playoff spot in the National League and can cement their position in the post-season with a win here.
They haven’t been quite as good as Minnesota this season, but the Twins don’t really have anything to play for.
If anything, they’re encouraged to lose here to try and fall to the #4 seed and avoid the Yankees in round 1.
The Reds are playing some of their best ball of the season right now, winning 10 of their last 12 games straight up.
They’ve got a great pitcher on the mound here in the form of Luis Castillo, who should at least be able to limit the Twins batting lineup.
Pineda has been leaky at times for Minnesota and Cincy have a chance here if they can get after him.