Friday, October 4

Friday, October 4

Atlanta Braves vs St Louis Cardinals, 7:02 am
Braves $1.70

Atlanta Braves

The Braves enter the post-season after an excellent regular season that saw them go 97-65. They were an outstanding 50-31 at home, despite fading to win just 4 of their last 10 overall. Ronald Acuna Junior leads the side with 41 home runs, while the consistent Freddie Freeman has an impressive team-leading 121 RBI. Dallas Keuchel is slated to pitch here, going 8-8 with a 3.75 ERA through 112 innings.  

St Louis Cardinals

The Cardinals have been anything but slackers this season, winning their division with a 91-71 regular season record. They were a respectable 41-40 in road games, going 6-4 in their last 10. Paul Goldschmidt was their main man offensively, playing in 161 games and putting up 34 homers and 97 RBI. Miles Mikolas will pitch in this one, going 9-14 with a 4.16 ERA through 184 innings.

Prediction: Braves $1.70

Ultimately, I think Atlanta has a number of small matchup advantages across the field here. They’ve got a deeper and more versatile batting lineup that has really performed well. Similarly, Keuchel has also significantly outduelled his opposite number over the course of the season. Combine that with St Louis being just a mediocre side on the road and I think the $1.70 on offer is great value.

LA Dodgers vs Washington Nationals, 10:37 am
Dodgers $1.60

LA Dodgers

The Dodgers waltz into the post-season after an outstanding 106-56 regular season. They went 59-22 at Dodger Stadium and closed the season with 8 wins in their last 10. Cody Bellinger was elite from start to finish, leading the way with 47 home runs and 115 RBI. Walker Buehler will pitch in this one, going a solid 14-4 with a 3.26 ERA through 181 innings.

Washington Nationals

The Nationals more than earned their way here after a dramatic win in the wildcard game over Milwaukee. They were down from start to finish, until a 3-run homer from Juan Soto in the 8th got them over the line. They’re a middling 43-38 on the road this season, although a 9-1 run indicates they’re in very good form. Pat Corbin is slated to pitch here, going 14-7 with a 3.25 ERA through 202 innings so far.

Prediction: Dodgers $1.60

While the Nats have had a great second half of the season, they still aren’t on the Dodgers’ level. Dodger Stadium has been an absolute fortress this season and the Dodgers also have had more time to rest up and study their opponents. I think they’ve got the better batting lineup and that Walker Buehler has been nearly unplayable at home. I can’t see Washington scoring enough in this one, making LA a good bet to start 1-0 at home.

AL Wildcard Showdown

Oakland A’s vs Tampa Bay Rays, 10:09 am
A's $1.75

Oakland A’s

Oakland gets to host this wildcard game after an impressive regular season that saw them finish 97-65. They’re 52-29 at home on the season, managing 6 wins in their last 10 overall. Short Stop Marcus Semien has been very impressive, playing in all 162 games and leading the team with 92 RBI. Matt Chapman and Matt Olson have both also chimed in offensively, tied for the team-lead with 36 home runs. Sean Manaea is slated to pitch here, going 4-0 so far with a 1.21 ERA through 29.2 innings of action.

Tampa Bay Rays

Tampa are no slouches either, finishing just 1 game behind their opponents at 96-66. They are a very respectable 48-33 on the road, winning 7 of their last 10 overall. Right Fielder Austin Meadows is comfortably their best offensive threat, leading the team with 33 home runs and 89 RBI. Ace Charlie Morton will pitch here, sporting a strong 16-6 record with a 3.05 ERA through 196 innings.

Prediction: A’s $1.75

This is a matchup between two fairly well-rounded teams, although Oakland has slightly less weaknesses. Both of these starting pitchers have had exceptional seasons and it should be a low scoring affair here. The difference is that Oakland has enough hitters to try and get after Morton here and should put some runs on the board. Tampa are so heavily reliant on Meadows, with no other player eclipsing either 21 home runs or 72 RBI. Combine that with an outstanding home field advantage for Oakland and I think the $1.75 currently on offer is great value.

NL Wildcard Showdown

Washington Nationals vs Milwaukee Brewers, 10:08 am
Nationals $1.60

Washington Nationals

The Nationals get home field here for having the top wildcard position, buoyed by an impressive 93-69 record this season. They’ve been a very strong 50-31 at home so far, also winning 9 of their last 10 games. 3rd Baseman Anthony Rendon has had a particularly impressive season, going for 34 home runs and a team-leading 126 RBI. Left Fielder Juan Soto has been just behind him, putting up 34 home runs of his own to go with 110 RBI. Ace Max Scherzer is slated to get the start here, sporting an excellent 11-7 record with a 2.92 ERA through 172 innings this season.

Milwaukee Brewers

A respectable season from Milwaukee sees them second in the wildcard race after an 89-73 regular season record. They actually had a negative 40-41 road record this season, although they did manage 7 wins in their last 10. Christian Yelich had an outstanding start to the season, however his late injury really hampers their offence. Mike Moustakas is the next man up, having totalled 35 home runs and 87 RBI through 143 games. Brandon Woodruff will get the start here, having gone an impressive 11-3 with a 3.62 ERA through 121 innings.

Prediction: Nationals $1.60

While this is an incredibly high stakes game, all the signs point to a comfortable Washington win. They’ve been a dynamite home side all season and have been in particularly good form of late. They also possess two star sluggers at the top of the order, which should really help the offence propel forward. Max Scherzer is also one of the better pitchers in the league and should comfortably contain an offence without Yelich. I like what Woodruff has shown for Milwaukee this season, but I just don’t see it being enough against this soaring Nats side.

Monday, September 30

New York Mets vs Atlanta Braves, 5:10 am
Braves

New York Mets

An average season sees the Mets first in their division at 85-76. They are 46-33 at home this season, managing a decent 7 wins in their last 10. Pete Alonso continues to be the main man offensively, going for 53 home runs and 120 RBI this season. Noah Syndergaard is slated to pitch here, going 10-8 with a 4.3 ERA through 190 innings.

Atlanta Braves

Atlanta are gearing up for the playoffs after a strong 97-64 record put them in first place. They are 47-32 on the road this season, with just 4 wins in their last 10 overall. Freddie Freeman is having another solid season, putting up 38 home runs and 121 RBI so far. Mike Soroka will pitch here, going 13-4 with a 2.6 ERA through 137 innings.

Prediction: Braves

This represents a great opportunity for Atlanta to have a final tune-up before the playoffs. Soroka has been an outstanding pitcher all season and really gives them the matchup advantage here. They’ve also got a wealth of talent offensively, which should be able to get after the inconsistent Syndergaard.

Philadelphia Phillies vs Miami Marlins, 5:10 am
Phillies

Philadelphia Phillies

The Phillies find themselves 81-80, handing them fourth place in their division. They’re a decent 45-35 at home this season, despite winning just 2 of their last 10 overall. Bryce Harper is their main man offensively, going for 35 home runs and 114 RBI so far. A probable starting pitcher has not yet been named for this one.

Miami Marlins

The Marlins are currently last in their division at 56-105. They’re 26-54 on the road, going 4-6 over their last 10 overall. Castro is their main man on offence, putting up 21 home runs and 85 RBI so far. Sandy Alcantara will pitch here, going 5-14 with a 3.95 ERA through 191 innings.

Prediction: Phillies

Philly have been a decent home side this year, while Miami continue to be one of the worst road ones. The season is all but over for both of these sides but I expect Philly to be more motivated to treat their home fans to a final win. Combine that with the talent edge on both offence and defence and they should win this comfortably.

Sunday, September 29

St Louis Cardinals vs Chicago Cubs, 9:15 am
Cardinals

St Louis Cardinals

A solid season sees the Cardinals first in their division at 90-70. They are 49-29 at home this season, managing a decent 7 wins in their last 10. Paul Goldschmidt continues to be the main man offensively, going for 33 home runs and 95 RBI this season. Adam Wainwright is slated to pitch here, going 14-9 with a 3.98 ERA through 167 innings.

Chicago Cubs

Chicago now find themselves third in their division at 83-77. They are 31-47on the road this season, with just 1 win in their last 10 overall. Kyle Schwarber is having another solid season, putting up 37 home runs and 91 RBI so far. Cole Hamels will pitch here, going 7-7 with a 3.92 ERA through 137 innings.

Prediction: Cardinals

The Cardinals are one of a few sides in baseball with a ton to play for right now. They face a completely out of form Cubs side with a chance to cement the #1 spot in their division. Wainwright has been an excellent pitcher at home for his whole career and I expect him to do enough to seal the win here.

Colorado Rockies vs Milwaukee Brewers, 10:10 am
Brewers

Colorado Rockies

The Rockies find themselves 69-91, good for fifth place in their division. They’re a decent 41-38 at home this season, winning 4 of their last 10 overall. Nolan Arenado is their main man offensively, going for 41 home runs and 118 RBI so far. Chi Chi Gonzalez will pitch here, going 2-6 with a 5.68 ERA this season.

Milwaukee Brewers

The Brewers are currently second in their division at 82-77. They’re 40-39 on the road, going a strong 8-2 over their last 10. Christian Yelich is their main man on offence, putting up 44 home runs and 97 RBI so far. Brandon Woodruff will pitch here, going 11-3 with a 3.62 ERA through 121 innings.

Prediction: Brewers

The Brewers are another side with real playoff implications here and should have a motivational edge. Colorado has been decent at home this season but their form has faded considerably compared to Milwaukee’s I think they’ve got a huge edge in the pitching department here, which should ultimately prove the difference in a Milwaukee win.

Saturday, September 28

Toronto Blue Jays vs Tampa Bay Rays, 9:05 am
Rays

Toronto Blue Jays

A poor season sees the Blue Jays fourth in their division at 65-94. They are just 34-45 at home this season, managing a decent 7 wins in their last 10. Randal Grichuk continues to be the main man offensively, going for 31 home runs and 79 RBI this season. T.J. Zeuch is slated to pitch here, going 1-1 with a 4.58 ERA through 17 innings.

Tampa Bay Rays

Tampa Bay now find themselves second in their division at 95-64. They are 47-31 on the road this season, with 7 wins in their last 10 overall. Austin Meadows is having another solid season, putting up 32 home runs and 88 RBI so far. Tyler Glasnow will pitch here, going 6-1 with a 1.92 ERA through 56 innings.

Prediction: Rays

The season is over for Toronto, while Tampa still have a ton of playoff implications. Glasnow has been one of the better pitchers in the league of late, while Zeuch doesn’t have a great track record. Tampa also has the deeper and more versatile offence, which should prove enough to win here.

St Louis Cardinals vs Chicago Cubs, 10:15 am
Cardinals

St Louis Cardinals

The Cardinals find themselves 90-69, good for third place in their division. They’re a strong 49-29 at home this season, winning 7 of their last 10 overall. Paul Goldschmidt is their main man offensively, going for 33 home runs and 95 RBI so far. Dakota Hudson will pitch here, going 16-7 with a 3.45 ERA this season.

Chicago Cubs

The Cubs are currently third in their division at 82-77. They’re a poor 31-46 on the road, going 2-8 over their last 10. Kyle Schwarber is their main man on offence, putting up 37 home runs and 91 RBI so far. They’re yet to announce a starting pitcher for this one.

Prediction: Cardinals

The Cardinals are still jockeying for playoff positioning, while a poor run from Chicago has taken them out of the mix. Hudson has been incredibly consistent this season, particularly in front of an excellent home crowd. With better talent across the board, more motivation, and a strong home field, I really like St Louis here.

Friday, September 27

San Francisco Giants vs Colorado Rockies, 5:45 am
Giants

SF Giants

A poor season sees the Giants third in their division at 76-82. They are just 34-43 at home this season, managing 5 wins in their last 10. Kevin Pillar continues to be the main man offensively, going for 21 home runs and 85 RBI this season. Tyler Beede is slated to pitch here, going 5-10 with a 5.23 ERA through 113 innings.

Colorado Rockies

Oakland now find themselves fifth in their division at 68-90. They are just 28-52 on the road this season, with 5 wins in their last 10 overall. Nolan Arenado is having another solid season, putting up 41 home runs and 118 RBI so far. Kyle Freeland will pitch here, going a poor 3-11 with a 6.84 ERA through 101 innings.

Prediction: Giants

The season is over for both of these sides, but San Fran are clearly the more talented team overall. They’ve got a deeper and more versatile offence and are coming up against a dreadful road side here. While Beede hasn’t been great this season, I think he offers better production than his opposite number, which should be enough.  

Chicago White Sox vs Cleveland Indians, 10:10 am
Indians

Chicago White Sox

The Cubs find themselves 69-88, good for third place in their division. They’re a poor 36-40 at home this season, winning only 4 of their last 10 overall. Jose Abreu is their main man offensively, going for 33 home runs and 122 RBI so far. Dylan Cease will pitch here, going 4-7 with a 5.79 ERA this season.

Cleveland Indians

The Indians are currently second in their division at 93-65. They’re a strong 44-33 on the road, going 7-3 over their last 10. Carlos Santana is their main man on offence, putting up 34 home runs and 93 RBI so far. Aaron Civale will pitch here, going 3-3 with a 1.82 ERA through 54 innings.

Prediction: Indians

Ultimately, the Indians are the significantly better side here with much more to play for. They are in a tense battle for a wildcard spot and have been in some excellent recent form. I like the way their offence has been performing of late and expect another strong day here. Civale has provided some quality innings as a starter and should contain this one-man offence comfortably.

Thursday, September 26

Texas Rangers vs Boston Red Sox, 10:05 am
Red Sox

Texas Rangers

The Rangers find themselves 75-82, good for third place in their division. They’re a decent 42-34 at home this season, despite winning only 3 of their last 10 overall. Rougned Odor is their main man offensively, going for 27 home runs and 81 RBI so far. Kolby Allard will pitch here, going 4-1 with a 4.25 ERA this season.

Boston Red Sox

The Brewers are currently third in their division at 82-75. They’re a strong 45-34 on the road, going .500 over their last 10. Rafael Devers is their main man on offence, putting up 31 home runs and an impressive 113 RBI. Rick Porcello will pitch here, going 13-12 with a 5.56 ERA through 168 innings.

Prediction: Red Sox

The season is over for both of these sides, but Boston are clearly the more talented team overall. Their offence has been very effective of late and I think they have enough depth to cause Allard some problems. Porcello has been surprisingly better on the road this season and should contain a top-heavy offence here.  

LA Angels vs Oakland A’s, 12:05 pm
A's

LA Angels

A poor season sees the Angels 4th in their division at 70-86. They are 36-39 at home this season, with just 3 wins in their last 10. Mike Trout continues to dominate offensively, going for 45 home runs and 104 RBI this season. Andrew Heaney is slated to pitch here, going 4-6 with a 5.1 ERA through 90 innings.

Oakland A’s

Oakland now find themselves 2nd in their division at 94-62. They are 42-33 on the road this season, with 8 wins in their last 10 overall. Matt Olson is having another solid season, putting up 35 home runs and 88 RBI so far. Frankie Montas will pitch here, going an impressive 9-2 with a 2.7 ERA through 90 innings.

Prediction: A’s

Ultimately, the A’s are the significantly better side here with much more to play for. They are fighting tooth and nail for a wildcard spot and have been in some excellent recent form. I like the way their offence has been performing of late and expect big days from both Olson and Chapman here. Montas is also providing quality innings as a starter and should contain this one-man offence comfortably.

Wednesday, September 25

Cincinnati Reds vs Milwaukee Brewers, 8:40 am
Brewers

Cincinnati Reds

The Reds find themselves 73-83, good for fourth place in their division. They’re a decent 41-37 at home this season, winning 6 of their last 10 overall. Eugenio Suarez has easily impressed the most offensively, going for 48 home runs and 102 RBI so far. Sonny Gray will pitch here, going 11-7 with a 2.80 ERA this season.

Milwaukee Brewers

The Brewers are currently second in their division at 86-70. They’re 37-38 on the road, managing an impressive 8 wins in their last 10. Christian Yelich is their main man on offence, going for a team-leading 44 home runs and 97 RBI. Adrian Houser will pitch here, going 6-7 with a 3.83 ERA through 101 innings.

Prediction: Brewers

Cincinnati’s season is already over, while Milwaukee are fighting hard for that first wildcard spot. Their offence has been very effective so far and I think they have enough depth to cause Gray some problems. Houser has been better than his numbers suggest and likely does enough here to seal the road underdog win.

Washington Nationals vs Philadelphia Phillies, 9:05 am
Nationals

Washington Nationals

A solid season sees Washington 2nd in their division at 86-69. They are 43-31 at home this season, with 5 wins in their last 10. Anthony Rendon continues to dominate offensively, going for 34 home runs and 122 RBI this season. Joe Ross is slated to pitch here, going 3-4 with a 6.17 ERA through 54 innings.

Philadelphia Phillies

Philadelphia now find themselves 4th in their division at 79-76. They are 36-41 on the road this season, with 4 wins in their last 10 overall. Bryce Harper is having another solid season, leading the way with 33 home runs and 108 RBI. Aaron Nola will pitch here, going 12-6 with a 3.76 ERA through 196 innings.

Prediction: Nationals

Ultimately, the Nationals are the significantly better side here with much more to play for. I like the way their offence has been performing of late and expect big days from both Rendon and Soto here. Joe Ross has looked relatively good at home and even an average display from him likely gets the job done here.

Tuesday, September 24

New York Mets vs Miami Marlins, 9:10 am
Mets

New York Mets

The Mets find themselves 81-74, good for third place in their division. They’re a decent 43-31 at home this season, winning 6 of their last 10 overall. Pete Alonso has easily impressed the most offensively, going for 50 home runs and 115 RBI so far. Steven Matz will pitch here, going 10-9 with a 4.16 ERA this season.

Miami Marlins

The Marlins are currently last in their division at 54-101. They’re just 24-50 on the road, managing only 3 wins in their last 10. Starling Castro is their main man on offence, going for a team-leading 21 home runs and 83 RBI. Caleb Smith will pitch here, going 9-10 with a 4.24 ERA through 144 innings.

Prediction: Mets

Neither of these sides has any chance at the playoffs, but New York is just a considerably stronger side. Matz has been very effective for New York this season, and should outduel his opposite number here. The Mets’ offence has been much improved of late and likely has enough to get the job done.

Arizona Diamondbacks vs St Louis Cardinals, 11:40 am
Cardinals

Arizona Diamondbacks

An average season sees Arizona 2nd in their division at 80-76. They are 39-36 at home this season, with 5 wins in their last 10. Eduardo Escobar continues to dominate offensively, going for 35 home runs and 117 RBI this season. Alex Young is slated to pitch here, going 7-4 with a 3.27 ERA through 74 innings.

St Louis Cardinals

St Louis now find themselves 1st in their division at 89-67. They are 40-38 on the road this season, with 7 wins in their last 10 overall. Paul Goldschmidt is having another solid season, leading the way with 31 home runs and 92 RBI. Adam Wainwright will pitch here, going 13-9 with a 3.83 ERA through 162 innings.

Prediction: Cardinals

Ultimately, the Cardinals are the much better side here with much more to play for. They’ve got a significant edge in the pitching matchup and I think Wainwright can really shut the D-Backs offence down. Combine that with a strong day from a versatile batting lineup and they should win this handily.