Be sure to check out the latest info before game time as this article is written the night before and picks may be subject to change!
Atlanta Braves at Washington Nationals
The Nationals will appear to make their season debut after going into Covid protocol. The Nationals will send out their reliable ace Scherzer to the mound to kick things off at home. When Scherzer steps on the mound, it will be a team record of 6 opening-day starts.
The Braves will counter the three-time Cy Young winner with Smyly, who will make his start with his new ball club. Through 13 2/3 innings, the 31 year-old slinger gave up 7 runs with 16 Ks and only 2 BBs. Not a half-bad Spring Training as he adjusts to the Braves.
The Nationals have lost some talent from their championship run a few years ago but remain a fairly decent team. The Nationals are favorites at home with a line of -125. The Braves are a solid team but remain winners and can’t get their bats going. The Nats likely win but I am riding the Braves +105 due to the likelihood of a breakout. The Braves +1.5 might be the safer play.
Baltimore Orioles at New York Yankees
The Yankees are back to .500 after taking game 1 in this series 7-0. The Os take their first loss after sweeping the Red Sox. The Os will send out Kremer to the mound. He had a spring training that was less than average. He saw 15 2/3 innings of work, he let up 11 runs, 8 BB, and 16 Ks. The strikeouts help but he will need to stop giving up runs against a power hitting Yankees team.
The Yankees have gone through their rotation and Gerrit Cole will get his second start of the season. In his first start against the Jays, he let up 5 hits, 2 runs, 1 HR, 2 BB but did strike out 8 batters.
The Yankees are the heavy favorite at -285 on the money line. Not hard to see why as they send out their best pitcher at home. The Yankees should easily win here and even cover the -1.5 run line.
New York Mets at Philadelphia Phillies
The Mets lose their season opener to the red hot Phillies who remain undefeated. Their pitching and defense has been stellar and they are getting just enough runs to take the win. To continue their streak, they will send out Anderson who get his first start after leaving the Blue Jays. The 33-year-old pitcher had a great spring training. With 15 2/3 innings of action, he only let up 5 runs with 4 of then coming in one game. He also had 15 Ks and maybe a few to many walks with 9.
The Mets will also send out a former Blue Jay in Stroman. Stroman saw 22 1/3 innings letting up 7 runs while striking out 19 batters and only letting up only 2 BB. He is primed to have a great season.
The Mets are actually the favorite on the road at -130 to win. The Phillies can’t win forever and the bookmakers are starting to bet against their streak. It’s time to start betting against Philly’s win streak.
Honorable Mentions
Rays -150
Athletics +140
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Brewers -110
Diamondbacks EVEN
White Sox -150
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