Best MLB Picks: 8/05
Be sure to check out any relevant information before game time as this article is written the night before and picks may be subject to change!
Boston Red Sox at Detroit Tigers
The Red Sox have been a formidable team capable of throwing up runs in a hurry. They are second in the 2nd AL East with a record of 64-45 and are a legitimate World Series contender.
The series is split and both games were relatively close. The Red Sox will give the nod to Perez (7-7). Through 98.2 innings of play, he has 83 Ks and 32 BB under his belt while averaging an ERA of 4.56 and a WHIP of 1.48.
The Tigers have been somewhat of a surprise on how well they have been playing despite still having a losing record. This progress shows the rebuild may only have a season or two left until they start contending again. They own a record of 52-58 and are 5-5 in their last 10 games.
The Tigers will send out Skubal (6-10) in an attempt to take the series. He has played way better than his record suggests. Through 105.1 innings, he has 117 Ks and 39 BBs while maintaining 1.32 WHIP and an ERA of 4.53.
The Boston Red Sox are the favorite with a -135 ML. Vegas suggests a close game which they may be right but I think the -135 has value in a split series.
Atlanta Braves at Saint Louis Cardinals
Both of these teams are sitting in the same boat. Nearly identical .500 records and 3rd in their respective conferences. The Braves have taken the first two games at Busch Stadium and will look to complete the sweep.
The Braves will send out Toussaint (1-2) to the mound. The gun slinger has only pitched 17.0 innings but hasn’t been too bad with 20 Ks and 4 BB with an ERA of 4.77 and a WHIP of 1.06.
The Cardinals will counter with LeBlanc (0-2). The 36 year old pitcher has seen 47.2 innings with the Cards and has 33 Ks and 12 BB with an ERA of 4.17 and a WHIP of 1.53.
The Braves are the favorite with a line of -120. The Cardinals play their best ball at home and even though they may not win this game. They should cover the +1.5 RL.
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