Best MLB Picks: 8/03
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!
New York Yankees at Baltimore Orioles
The Yankees are fresh off several high profile trades in which they acquired Rizzo and Gallo to bolster their already star studded hitting lineup. Hitting wasn’t their problem and they failed to address their actual main concern, their pitching. They might be able to outhit their sub par pitching but it could easily back fire in the postseason, if they make it.
The Yankees will send out their ace Gerrit Cole (10-6) who has suffered some since the substance ban but is still reliable. He has seen 130.1 innings striking out 176 while only walking 28 while maintaining an ERA of 3.11 and a WHIP of 0.99. Some solid numbers from the seasoned veteran.
The Orioles take game 1 of the series by a score of 2-0. The O’s past record shows that they do not win too many series and the Yankees are now all in meaning they will get maximum effort.
The O’s will send out Wells (1-1) to counter the Yankees in game 2. Wells has played fairly average so far this season. He has pitched 15.1 innings with 12 Ks and 9 BBs with an ERA of 5.28 and a WHIP of 1.70. The number of walks is very much a concern.
The Yankees are the heavy favorites here with a ML of -325. The O’s are over performing in their last 10 games and have to face Cole with a stacked lineup. I normally don’t suggest laying these high lines but go ahead. Should make great parley fodder as well.
New York Mets at Miami Marlins
The Marlins take game 1 of the series by a score of 6-3. The Marlins are 45-61 so far this season and it appears their playoff hopes are dead. However, the Marlins have shown some series progress and have plenty to build on next series.
The Mets are 55-50 and hold on to a tight lead in the NL East. They are now on a 2 game losing streak while going 4-6 over the last 10 games.
The Mets have announced that Walker (7-5) will take the mound. Walker has played 99.1 innings thus far with 97Ks and 38 BB while averaging an ERA of 3.72 and a WHIP of 1.20. Some decent numbers.
The Marlins have not announced their pitcher but I think it hardly matters as the Mets should win this game. They are hungry and every game now becomes crucial with two months left to play during the home stretch. The odds aren’t out either but take the Mets to win.
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