MLB betting odds lines picks best bets against the spread over-under

Tampa Bay Rays vs. Los Angeles Dodgers World Series Game 1 odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Tuesday’s Tampa Bay Rays vs. Los Angeles Dodgers World Series Game 1 sports betting odds and lines, with MLB betting picks and best bets.

The Tampa Bay Rays and Los Angeles Dodgers open the 116th World Series Tuesday at Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas. First pitch is scheduled for 8:09 p.m. ET (on FOX). As the top seed, the Dodgers will be the home team in the first two games of the 2-3-2 format. Below, we analyze the Rays-Dodgers World Series Game 1 MLB betting odds and lines, with picks and best bets.

The Rays (40-20 regular season) and Dodgers (43-17), the top seeds in their respective leagues, both needed seven games to win their League Championships. The Rays defeated the Houston Astros, while the Dodgers beat the Atlanta Braves.

L.A. is making its third World Series trip in the last four years but is seeking its first title since 1988 when Kirk Gibson hit one of the most memorable home runs in baseball history. Tampa Bay is 0-1 in the Fall Classic, losing its only appearance – 4-1 to the Philadelphia Phillies in 2008.

Rays vs. Dodgers: Projected starting pitchers

RHP Tyler Glasnow vs. LHP Clayton Kershaw

Glasnow finished the regular season 5-1 with a 4.08 ERA (57 1/3 IP, 26 ER) and 91 K in 11 starts. This postseason, he’s 2-1 with a 4.66 ERA (19 1/3 IP, 10 ER) and 25 K in 4 starts.

Last start: Loss, 6 IP, 4 ER, 8 H, 2 BB, 5 K vs. Astros in ALCS Game 4 last Wednesday – Rays lost 4-3
Career vs. Dodgers: 0-0, 13.50 ERA (4 IP, 6 ER) in 3 relief appearances as a member of the Pittsburgh Pirates in 2018
Career postseason: 2-3, 5.47 ERA (26 1/3 IP, 16 ER) in 6 starts

Kershaw went 6-2 with a 2.16 ERA (58 1/3 IP, 14 ER) in 10 regular-season starts in 2020. He’s 2-1 with a 3.32 ERA (19 IP, 7 ER) and 23 K in 3 playoff starts this fall.

Last start: Loss, 5 IP, 4 ER, 7 H, 1 BB, 4 K vs. Braves in NLCS Game 4 Thursday – Dodgers lost 10-2
Career vs. Rays: 2-0, 1.88 ERA (14 1/3 IP, 3 ER) in 2 starts
Career postseason: 11-12, 4.31 ERA (177 1/3 IP, 85 ER) in 28 starts and 7 relief appearances

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Rays vs. Dodgers: Key injuries

None

Rays vs. Dodgers: Odds, lines, picks and betting tips

MLB odds courtesy of BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports for a full list. Odds last updated Tuesday at 10:30 a.m. ET.

Prediction

Rays 5 Dodgers 2

Money line (ML)

The RAYS (+150) are the play. The price is a bit inflated because of Kershaw and the Dodgers (-167) being more famous, but Kershaw’s postseason struggles are no secret.

While the three-time Cy Young Award winner most likely will land in Cooperstown once his career is over, it won’t be because of his postseason performances. In his last 7 playoff outings, dating back to the 2018 World Series, he’s 2-4 with a blown save and a 5.20 ERA (36 1/3 IP, 21 ER).

Tampa Bay didn’t get here by accident – with a top-notch pitching staff and LF Randy Arozarena, the ALCS MVP, leading the offense. He’s hitting .382 (21-for-55) with 7 HRs and 10 RBIs in 14 postseason games this year.

New to sports betting? Every winning $1 bet on the Rays ML profits $1.50. It will take $1.67 to win $1 when backing the Dodgers ML.

Run line/Against the spread (ATS)

Rays +1.5 (-134) | Dodgers -1.5 (+110)

PASS since I’m focusing on the Rays ML and the Under.

Over/Under (O/U)

Back the UNDER 7.5 (-121). If it climbs to 8, make it a STRONG PLAY – 1.5 times your usual wager.

Both relief corps are among the best in baseball. Tampa Bay’s bullpen ranked second in the AL and third in the majors with a 3.37 ERA during the regular season; Dodgers relievers led the NL and were second in MLB with a 2.74 ERA. (The Oakland A’s were first at 2.72.)

Want some action on this game? Place a bet at BetMGM now. For more sports betting tips and advice, visit SportsbookWire.com. Please gamble responsibly.

Also see:

Johnny’s 2020 MLB record	79-56-1
2020 MLB postseason / Strongest plays	15-19 / 6-8
2020 overall record (all sports)	121-92-3
Strongest plays (all sports)	60-36-1

Follow @JohnnyParlay11 on Twitter. Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter and like us on Facebook.

Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services. Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.

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Atlanta Braves vs. Los Angeles Dodgers NLCS Game 7 odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Sunday’s Atlanta Braves vs. Los Angeles Dodgers NLCS Game 7 sports betting odds and lines, with MLB betting picks and best bets.

The Atlanta Braves and Los Angeles Dodgers play for all the National League marbles in a deciding Game 7 of the NL Championship Series Sunday at 8:15 p.m. ET (on FOX and FS1) at Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas. As the top seed, the Dodgers are the home team. Below, we analyze the Braves-Dodgers MLB betting odds and lines, with picks and best bets.

Saturday: Dodgers won 3-1.

In the bottom of the first inning, SS Corey Seager and 3B Justin Turner hit back-to-back solo homers and CF Cody Bellinger added an RBI single as L.A. scored all the runs it needed. RHP Walker Buehler (6 scoreless innings) and three relievers took care of business on the mound.

Braves vs. Dodgers: Projected starting pitchers

RHP Ian Anderson vs. TBD

Anderson, who made his MLB debut Aug. 26, finished the regular season 3-2 with a 1.95 ERA (32 1/3 IP, 7 ER) in 6 starts. More impressive is that he’s 2-0 with a 0.00 ERA (15 2/3 IP) in 3 playoff starts, allowing just 6 hits and 8 walks with 22 K’s.

Last start: No-decision, 4 IP, 0 ER, 1 H, 5 BB, 5 K in Tuesday’s Game 2, his only career appearance vs. Dodgers – Braves won 8-7

Hasn’t allowed an earned run in his last 4 starts over a total of 21 1/3 innings
Including the postseason, allowed just one home run all season. That was in his MLB debut to eventual 2020 HR champ Luke Voit of the New York Yankees.

As of 2:15 p.m. ET, the Dodgers hadn’t announced a starting pitcher. Manager Dave Roberts did say RHP Tony Gonsolin (2-2, 2.31 ERA regular season) would “take down a good bit” of the innings. There is a chance LHP Clayton Kershaw (6-2, 2.16 ERA) could get the start.

Gonsolin was the losing pitcher in Game 2, allowing 5 runs in 4 1/3 innings on Tuesday.
Kershaw’s postseason struggles continued as he took the Game 4 loss, yielding 4 runs in 5 innings Thursday. His career postseason record fell to 11-12 with a 4.31 ERA.
Kershaw is 3-6 with a 4.84 ERA in 14 career NLCS outings.

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Braves vs. Dodgers: Key injuries

Dodgers

2B-OF Chris Taylor (ankle) questionable

Braves vs. Dodgers: Odds, lines, picks and betting tips

MLB odds courtesy of BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports for a full list. Odds last updated at 2:15 p.m. ET.

Prediction

Dodgers 4, Braves 2

Money line (ML)

The DODGERS (-143) are the play … because of Seager (.375, 5 HRs, 11 RBIs in this NLCS) and RF Mookie Betts. As I said before Game 6, “Betts just makes things happen.” Meanwhile, Seager is on fire, hitting two homers in Game 5 and setting the tone in Game 6 with his first-inning solo homer.

New to sports betting? Every winning $1.43 bet on the Dodgers ML profits $1. Every $1 bet on the Braves ML (+130) profits $1.30 if they prevail.

Run line/Against the spread (ATS)

No line posted as of this publishing, but I’ll PASS and focus on the Dodgers ML and the Under.

Over/Under (O/U)

The UNDER 8 (-121) is the STRONGEST PLAY – 1.5 times your usual wager. A low-scoring game can be expected in a Game 7.

Plus, both bullpens were among the best in baseball during the regular season. L.A. relievers posted a 2.74 ERA to lead the NL and rank second in the majors; Atlanta relievers were second in the NL and fourth in the majors with a 3.50 ERA.

Want some action on this game? Place a bet at BetMGM now. For more sports betting tips and advice, visit SportsbookWire.com. Please gamble responsibly.

Johnny’s 2020 MLB record	77-56-1
2020 MLB postseason / Strongest plays	13-19 / 5-8
2020 overall record (all sports)	119-90-3
Strongest plays (all sports)	59-35-1

Follow @JohnnyParlay11 on Twitter. Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter and like us on Facebook.

Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services. Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.

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Houston Astros vs. Tampa Bay Rays ALCS Game 7 odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Saturday’s Houston Astros vs. Tampa Bay Rays ALCS Game 7 sports betting odds and lines, with MLB betting picks, tips and best bets.

The Houston Astros and Tampa Bay Rays cap off the AL Championship Series with Game 7 Saturday night at San Diego’s Petco Park. First pitch is set for 8:37 p.m. ET and Tampa Bay will bat last as the home team at the neutral venue. Below, we analyze the Astros-Rays Game 7 MLB betting odds and lines, with picks and best bets.

Best-of-seven series: The Astros have fought their way back to force Game 7 after the Rays took Games 1, 2 and 3.

Astros vs. Rays: Projected starting pitchers

RHP Lance McCullers, Jr. vs. RHP Charlie Morton

McCullers logged a 3.93 ERA with a 1.16 WHIP in 11 regular-season starts (55 IP).

Allowed three unearned runs in the opening inning of Game 2 and then hung zeroes until allowing a fourth run on a two-out home run in the 7th inning. Has allowed 5 ER (9 total) over 11 IP this October and owns a 2.93 ERA over 43 career postseason innings.
Has held current Tampa Bay bats to a whiff-laden .459 OPS with no walks and a .121 ISO (60 plate appearances).

Morton notched a 4.74 ERA and 1.39 WHIP in 9 regular-season starts (38 IP).

Pitched five scoreless frames in Game 2 (5H, 1 BB, 5 K). Has allowed just 1 ER in 10 playoff innings this fall and owns a 3.16 ERA over 51 1/3 career postseason innings.
Current Houston bats own a .799 OPS against Morton.

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Astros vs. Rays: Odds, lines, picks and betting tips

MLB odds courtesy of BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports for a full list. Odds last updated 11:30 a.m. ET.

Money line (ML)

This pitching matchup is a rematch of Game 2, a contest which Tampa Bay took by a 4-2 score. The McCullers-Morton battle was well-pitched on both ends. The play here is McCullers with a fade of the too-far-over-their-skis Rays, but McCullers needs to wriggle his change-up (a pitch Tampa Bay struggles against) and curve (a pitch they hammer) in perhaps 6 or more innings.

Going back into September regular-season starts, McCullers has been the more consistent of these two starters, and he has swing-and-miss, no-hit stuff that could avoid unlucky contact for longer stretches. The more talented Tampa Bay bullpen is in better shape to do some heavy lifting in the later innings of the game.

BACK HOUSTON (+105).

Run line/Against the spread (ATS)

Astros -1.5 (+155) | Rays +1.5 (-189)

Avoid the juice and SKIP THIS ONE. The overall calculus of the game sets up for the Astros and the Over if you were inclined to line-watch for a Houston tag near +165 or so.

Over/Under (O/U)

The Under went 5-0 through the first five games of this ALCS, and then Friday’s game set up as a solid zag (and did hit the Over). Saturday’s tilt doesn’t have as much lean but that lean is toward OVER 8 (-115).

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Atlanta Braves vs. Los Angeles Dodgers NLCS Game 6 odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Saturday’s Atlanta Braves vs. Los Angeles Dodgers NLCS Game 6 sports betting odds and lines, with MLB betting picks, tips and best bets.

The Atlanta Braves will try once again to finish off the Los Angeles Dodgers in the NL Championship Series, this time in Game 6 on Saturday at 4:38 p.m. ET (on FS1). As the top seed in the 2-3-2 format, the Dodgers are the home team at the neutral site of Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas. Below, we analyze the Braves-Dodgers MLB betting odds and lines, with picks and best bets.

Best-of-seven series: Braves lead 3-2. The Dodgers staved off elimination with a 7-3 victory Friday. C Will Smith had the big hit, a three-run, two-out HR in the top of the sixth inning for a 4-2 lead, a lead L.A. wouldn’t relinquish.

Braves vs. Dodgers vs. Braves: Projected starting pitchers

LHP Max Fried vs. RHP Walker Buehler

Fried went 7-0 with a 2.25 ERA (56 IP, 14 ER) in 11 regular-season starts. This postseason, he’s 0-0 with a 2.65 ERA (17 IP, 5 ER) in 3 starts with the Braves winning all 3 games. He also has 18 strikeouts and just two walks.

Last start: No-decision, 6 IP, 1 ER, 4 H, 2 BB, 9 K in Game 1 of NLCS on Monday – Braves won 5-1
Career vs. Dodgers: 0-2, 6.55 ERA (11 IP, 8 ER) in 3 regular-season starts; 0-0, 2.16 ERA (8 1/3 IP, 2 ER) in 5 playoff games, including 1 start
Career postseason: 0-0, 3.86 ERA (23 1/3 IP, 10 ER) in 3 starts and 8 relief appearances

Buehler was 1-0 with a 3.44 ERA (36 2/3 IP, 14 ER) in 8 starts this season. He’s 0-0 with a 2.77 ERA (13 IP, 4 ER) in 3 playoff starts with the Dodgers going 2-1. He has struck out 23 batters, but he has walked 11. Those 11 walks matched what he gave up during the season in 36 2/3 innings.

Last outing: No-decision, 5 IP, 1 ER, 3 H, 5 BB, 7 K in Dodgers’ Game 1 loss on Monday
Career vs. Braves: 2-0, 2.92 ERA (12 1/3 IP, 4 ER) in 2 regular-season starts; 0-0, 5.40 ERA (10 IP, 6 ER) in 2 postseason starts.
Career postseason: 1-1, 2.74 ERA (49 1/3 IP, 15 ER) in 9 starts

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Braves vs. Dodgers: Key injuries

Dodgers

2B-OF Chris Taylor (ankle) questionable

Braves vs. Dodgers: Odds, lines, picks and betting tips

MLB odds courtesy of BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports for a full list. Odds last updated at 8:35 a.m. ET.

Prediction

Dodgers 4, Braves 2

Money line (ML)

The DODGERS (-150) are the play. RF Mookie Betts and SS Corey Seager (2 HRs Friday) give L.A. the edge. Betts, the best player on either team, just makes things happen, while Seager is having a historic series. His 4 homers and 10 RBIs already tied NLCS records.

New to sports betting? Every winning $1.50 bet on the Dodgers ML profits $1. Every $1 bet on the Braves ML (+135) profits $1.35 if they prevail.

Run line/Against the spread (ATS)

Braves +1.5 (-167) | Dodgers -1.5 (+140)

The Dodgers are tempting, but I’ll PASS. There hasn’t been a one-run game in this NLCS yet. It’s sort of due.

Over/Under (O/U)

The UNDER 8 (-106) is the STRONGEST PLAY – 1½ your usual wager. With this being a rematch of the pitchers’ duel from Game 1 – Fried vs. Buehler – expect a similar result.

Want some action on this game? Place a bet at BetMGM now. For more sports betting tips and advice, visit SportsbookWire.com. Please gamble responsibly.

Johnny’s 2020 MLB record	75-56-1
2020 MLB postseason / Strongest plays	11-19 / 4-8
2020 overall record (all sports)	117-90-3
Strongest plays (all sports)	58-35-1

Follow @JohnnyParlay11 on Twitter. Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter and like us on Facebook.

Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services. Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.

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Los Angeles Dodgers vs. Atlanta Braves NLCS Game 5 odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Friday’s Los Angeles Dodgers vs. Atlanta Braves NLCS Game 5 sports betting odds and lines, with MLB betting picks, tips and best bets.

The Atlanta Braves look to finish off the Los Angeles Dodgers in Game 5 of the NL Championship Series Friday at 9:08 p.m. ET at Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas (on FS1). Atlanta will be the home team one more time in the 2-3-2 format. Below, we analyze the Dodgers-Braves MLB betting odds and lines, with picks and best bets.

Best-of-seven series: Braves lead 3-1 after Thursday’s 10-2 win. Rookie SP Bryse Wilson (6 IP, 1 ER, 1 H) and four relievers combined to 3-hit Los Angeles, while Atlanta’s offense knocked out SP Clayton Kershaw during a 6-run sixth inning. DH Marcell Ozuna ripped two solo home runs.

Dodgers vs. Braves: Projected starting pitchers

RHP Dustin May vs. LHP A.J. Minter

May went 3-1 with a 2.57 ERA (56 IP, 16 ER) in 10 starts and two relief appearances in 2020. He’s 1-0 with 4 2/3 scoreless innings this postseason in one start and two bullpen outings.

Last outing (NLCS Game 1 on Monday): Entered in top of seventh with game tied 1-1. Pitched 1 2/3 scoreless innings of relief, allowing just 1 hit and 1 BB with 2 K’s. Braves scored 4 in the ninth to win 5-1.
Career vs. Braves in regular season: 0-1, 18.00 ERA (2 IP, 4 ER) in 1 relief appearance.
Career postseason: 1-0, 1.13 ERA (8 IP, 1 ER) in 5 games, including 1 start.

This is a bullpen game for the Braves as Minter will make his first career start. He was 1-1 with a 0.83 ERA (21 2/3 IP, 2 ER) in 22 regular-season games out of the bullpen. The lefty is 1-0 with a 3.86 ERA (2 1/3 IP, 1 ER) in 3 playoff games this fall.

Last outing (NLCS Game 2 on Tuesday): Surrendered a 3-run HR to Dodgers SS Corey Seager, the first batter he faced after entering with 2 runners on and 1 out with the Braves up 7-0 in the bottom of the 7th inning. Retired the next two batters to end the inning and didn’t return.
Career vs. Dodgers: 0-0, 10.13 ERA (2 2/3 IP, 3 ER) in 3 regular-season games; 0-0, 3.37 ERA (2 2/3 IP, 1 ER) in 3 playoff outings.
Career postseason: 1-0, 2.08 ERA (4 1/3 IP, 1 ER) in 5 games.

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Dodgers vs. Braves: Odds, lines, picks and betting tips

MLB odds courtesy of BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports for a full list. Odds last updated at 3:45 p.m. ET.

Prediction

Braves 5, Dodgers 3

Money line (ML)

Back the BRAVES (+160) with a small-unit play – half your usual wager. The price is too good to pass up even with the Dodgers (-176) facing elimination.

New to sports betting? Every winning $1 bet on the Braves ML profits $1.60. Every $1.76 bet on the Dodgers ML profits $1 if they force a Game 6.

Run line/Against the spread (ATS)

The BRAVES (+1.5, -106) are the play. This will come down to the bullpens with the Braves going the opener route and May on a short leash for the Dodgers (-1.5, -115).

All the pressure is on L.A., which is a plus for a really good Atlanta team.

Over/Under (O/U)

The UNDER 9 (-106) is worth a small-unit play – half your usual wager. While relievers have struggled in the NLCS … :

Dodgers: 15 2/3 IP, 13 ER – 7.47 ERA
Braves: 19 1/3 IP, 15 ER – 6.98 ERA

… both bullpens ranked among the best in the majors in the 2020 regular season:

Dodgers (1st in NL, 2nd in MLB): – 2.74 ERA
Braves (2nd, 4th): – 3.50 ERA

Want some action on this game? Place a bet at BetMGM now. For more sports betting tips and advice, visit SportsbookWire.com. Please gamble responsibly.

Johnny’s 2020 MLB record	75-53-1
2020 MLB postseason / Strongest plays	11-16 / 4-8
2020 overall record (all sports)	117-87-3
Strongest plays (all sports)	58-35-1

Follow @JohnnyParlay11 on Twitter. Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter and like us on Facebook.

Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services. Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.

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Houston Astros vs. Tampa Bay Rays ALCS Game 6 odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Friday’s Houston Astros vs. Tampa Bay Rays ALCS Game 6 sports betting odds and lines, with MLB betting picks, tips and best bets.

The Houston Astros and Tampa Bay Rays tee it up for Game 6 of the AL Championship Series Friday at 6:07 p.m. ET at San Diego’s Petco Park. As the No. 1 seed, Tampa Bay will bat last as the home team at the neutral venue. Below, we analyze the Astros-Rays Game 6 MLB betting odds and lines, with picks and best bets.

Best-of-seven series: The Rays lead 3-2 after the Astros staved off elimination with back-to-back, one-run victories.

Astros vs. Rays: Projected starting pitchers

LHP Framber Valdez vs. LHP Blake Snell

Valdez made 10 starts and one relief appearance during the regular season, clocking a 3.57 ERA and 1.12 WHIP along the way. The 26-year-old port-sider has notched a 2.00 ERA over three starts this postseason. Valdez allowed two runs over six frames in the series opener against Tampa Bay.

Dating back to his last two starts in the regular season, Valdez owns a 1.72 ERA over his last 33 1/3 IP.
The typical Tampa lineup vs. left-handers leans more to the left than most (41% of PA). That’s a boon for Valdez who has held lefty bats to a minuscule .602 OPS (with a 30% SO rate) over his career.

Snell logged a 3.24 ERA and 1.20 WHIP over 11 regular-season starts. He owns a 2.57 ERA over six career postseason games (4 starts) over 21 IP. Snell allowed 1 ER on 6 H and 2 BB in 5 IP in the first game of this series, which the Rays won 2-1.

Astros batters own a comfortable, high-walk .942 OPS against the Tampa lefty.

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Astros vs. Rays: Odds, lines, picks and betting tips

MLB odds courtesy of BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports for a full list. Odds last updated Thursday at 11 p.m. ET.

Money line (ML)

Over his last seven starts overall, Snell’s walks have been up a tick, and his perhaps flattening fastball has been tagged as part of a few too many crooked-number innings. Houston isn’t a club that terrorizes lefty pitching (.703 OPS regular season), but the Astros do have a solid line against Snell. Houston is also decent against flyball types, and Snell fits that bill.

Valdez’ numbers from the regular season are undersold due to some BABIP and left-on-base leverage that swings the other way. HOUSTON (+115) is a decent play, but it’s worth a line-watch in a hunt for +120.

Run line/Against the spread (ATS)

Astros +1.5 (-189) | Rays -1.5 (+155)

AVOID … but with a slight lean on Houston. A line move toward the -160s would make for some action here.

Over/Under (O/U)

The Under is 5-0 in this ALCS. This tag – Over 7.5 (-121)/Under 7.5 (+100) –is accordingly low, but the signals underlying a possible play are mixed at best. Peg a lean on the Over 7.5 (-121), though. There is some negativity on the Snell side and some tired bullpens feeding the weightier total.

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Tampa Bay Rays vs. Houston Astros ALCS Game 5 odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Thursday’s Tampa Bay Rays vs. Houston Astros ALCS Game 5 sports betting odds and lines, with MLB betting picks, tips and best bets.

The Tampa Bay Rays look for a knockout punch against the Houston Astros in the AL Championship Series Thursday at 5:07 p.m. ET at San Diego’s Petco Park. Houston will bat last as the home team at the neutral venue. Below, we analyze the Rays-Astros Game 5 MLB betting odds and lines, with picks and best bets.

Best-of-seven series: The Rays lead, 3-1. The Astros fought off elimination with a tense 4-3 victory Wednesday night.

Rays vs. Astros: Projected starting pitchers

RHP John Curtiss vs. RHP Luis Garcia

Curtiss made three starts and 14 relief appearances in the regular season, logging a 1.80 ERA and 0.96 WHIP. The 27-year-old right-hander has made four relief appearances this postseason with 10.38 ERA over 4 1/3 innings.

Will be the Rays’ opener in this bullpen game. Relievers Aaron Loup, Ryan Thompson, Jose Alvarado, and Aaron Slegers figure to be prominently featured in the mix as the game marches through the middle innings.

Garcia is a 23-year-old rookie who registered 12 1/3 innings pitched in the regular season (one start, four relief appearances). He clocked a 2.92 ERA and 0.97 WHIP.

The Venezuelan righty has not pitched in the postseason and made his last regular-season start Sept. 9, so it’s expected the Astros counter with an all-hands-on-deck approach to get to a Game 6.

Get some action on this game or any other matchup with an MLB bet at BetMGM, the King of Sportsbooks, in NJ, IN, CO and WV. Bet now!

Rays vs. Astros: Odds, lines, picks and betting tips

MLB odds courtesy of BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports for a full list. Odds last updated at 2:50 p.m. ET.

Money line (ML)

The Astros (+125) bullpen is in better shape to take on this type of game, but a rookie who hasn’t pitched above A-ball makes for a bit too much risk. The Rays (-139) figure as a decent fade candidate in the go-forward, but that will involve action against National Leaguers. STEER CLEAR OF RAYS -139/ASTROS +125.

Run line/Against the spread (ATS)

Rays -1.5 (+105) | Astros +1.5 (-125)

AVOID … but with a slight lean on Houston in a contest where there is value on the Under.

Over/Under (O/U)

Wednesday, the Rays failed in their quest to win for a fourth straight time in this series. The Under did not. The low side of game totals is now 4-0 in the ALCS. Through four games, Houston and Tampa pitchers have combined for a 2.48 ERA. Have we reached a point where the scales tip into different parts of both pitching staffs?

Not yet. These two teams are capable of penning their way to 2-4 runs allowed in a win and often enough to consider 9 a value number to shade on the low side. Wind in from left and low humidity in the forecast are plusses. The price here doesn’t hurt either. BACK THE UNDER 9 (+100).

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Los Angeles Dodgers vs. Atlanta Braves NLCS Game 4 odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Thursday’s Los Angeles Dodgers vs. Atlanta Braves NLCS Game 4 sports betting odds and lines, with MLB betting picks, tips and best bets.

The Los Angeles Dodgers look to even things up with the Atlanta Braves in the NL Championship Series Thursday at 8:08 p.m. ET at Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas (on FS1). As the top seed, L.A. will be the visiting team for two more games in the 2-3-2 format. Below, we analyze the Dodgers-Braves MLB betting odds and lines, with picks and best bets.

Best-of-seven series: Braves lead 2-1 after getting pummeled 15-3 in Game 3 Wednesday. The Dodgers scored a postseason, single-inning record 11 runs in the top of the first. They hit three home runs and had nine consecutive batters reach base after two outs.

Dodgers at Braves: Projected starting pitchers

LHP Clayton Kershaw vs. RHP Bryse Wilson

Kershaw went 6-2 with a 2.16 ERA (58 1/3 IP, 14 ER) in 10 regular-season starts in 2020. The three-time Cy Young winner – a late scratch from Tuesday’s Game 2 start due to back spasms – is 2-0 with a 1.93 ERA (14 IP, 3 ER) and 19 K in 2 postseason starts this fall.

Last start (Oct. 7): Win, 6 IP, 3 ER, 6 H, 0 BB, 6 K vs. San Diego Padres in Game 2 of the NLDS – Dodgers won 6-5
Career vs. Braves in the regular season: 5-0, 1.78 ERA (75 2/3 IP, 15 ER) in 11 starts
Career vs. Braves in playoffs: 2-0, 0.43 ERA (21 IP, 1 ER) in 3 starts
Career postseason: 11-11, 4.23 ERA (172 1/3 IP, 81 ER) in 27 starts and 7 relief appearances

The rookie Wilson went 1-0 with a 4.02 ERA (15 2/3 IP, 7 ER) in 6 regular-season games, including 2 starts. This will be his first career postseason appearance.

Last start (Sept. 27): No-decision, 3 IP, 1 ER, 5 H, 2 BB, 2 K vs. Boston Red Sox – Braves lost 9-1
Career vs. Dodgers: 0 appearances

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Dodgers vs. Braves: Odds, lines, picks and betting tips

MLB odds courtesy of BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports for a full list. Odds last updated at 6:15 a.m. ET.

Prediction

Dodgers 7, Braves 1

Money line (ML)

The Dodgers (-223) are more than 2-1 favorites, which is no surprise considering Kershaw’s historical dominance of the Braves in both the regular season and playoffs, but the price is too high. I’ll PASS.

New to sports betting? Every winning $2.23 bet on the Dodgers ML profits only $1, where every $1 bet on the Braves ML (+195) profits $1.95 if they prevail.

Run line/Against the spread (ATS)

Dodgers -2.5 (+105) | Astros +2.5 (-129)

With L.A. being such a big favorite, BetMGM posted a +/- 2.5 run line, which I won’t mess with. I will back the DODGERS’ -1.5 (-139) alternate line as my STRONGEST PLAY – which should be 1.5 your usual wager.

Over/Under (O/U)

The UNDER 9 (-106) is a small-bet suggestion – half your usual wager. Small only because of Kershaw’s back issue. The future Hall of Famer will dominate the Braves again and even this series at 2 games apiece.

Want some action on this game? Place a bet at BetMGM now. For more sports betting tips and advice, visit SportsbookWire.com. Please gamble responsibly.

Johnny’s 2020 MLB record	75-51-1
2020 MLB postseason / Strongest plays	11-14 / 4-7
2020 overall record (all sports)	117-85-3
Strongest plays (all sports)	58-34-1

Follow @JohnnyParlay11 on Twitter. Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter and like us on Facebook.

Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services. Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.

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Los Angeles Dodgers vs. Atlanta Braves NLCS Game 3 odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Wednesday’s Los Angeles Dodgers vs. Atlanta Braves NLCS Game 3 sports betting odds and lines, with MLB picks, tips and best bets.

Game 3 of the NLCS between the Atlanta Braves and Los Angeles Dodgers goes Wednesday with a 6:05 p.m. ET first pitch at Globe Life Field (on FS1). This is considered a home game for the Braves in the neutral site of Arlington, Texas. Below, we analyze the Dodgers-Braves Game 3 MLB betting odds and lines, with picks and best bets.

Series: Braves lead 2-0.

Dodgers vs. Braves: Projected starting pitchers

LHP Julio Urias vs. RHP Kyle Wright

Urias: 3-0 with a 3.27 ERA, 1.15 WHIP, 7.4 K/9 and 2.9 BB/9 in 55 IP over 11 games (10 starts).

2020 postseason: 2-0 with a 0.00 ERA (1 unearned run), 4 H, 11 K and 1 BB in 8 IP (2 games).
Urias has made just two relief appearances against the Braves in his career and Atlanta hitters have just one hit off of him in 12 plate appearances.

Wright: 2-4 with a 5.21 ERA, 1.55 WHIP, 7.1 K/9 and 5.7 BB/9 in 38 IP across 8 starts.

2020 postseason: 1-0 with a 0.00 ERA, 3 H, 7 K and 2 BB in 6 IP (1 start).
Wright has been in the majors for three seasons but has never pitched against the Dodgers.

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Dodgers vs. Braves: Key injuries

(Get the latest injury news here.)

Dodgers

1B Edwin Rios (groin) questionable

Braves

OF Adam Duvall (oblique) out

Dodgers vs. Braves: Odds, lines, picks and betting tips

MLB odds courtesy of BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports for a full list. Odds last updated at noon ET.

Prediction

Braves 8, Dodgers 5

Money line (ML)

The Dodgers (-182) nearly pulled off a miraculous comeback with three- and four-run rallies in the bottom of the 7th and 9th innings of their 8-7 Game 2 loss. The LA-playoff woes have carried into the 2020 postseason as SP Clayton Kershaw was surprisingly scratched from his Game 2 start just hours before the first pitch due to back spasms.

The BRAVES (+160) continue to truck-stick their way right through the NL playoffs as Game 2’s victory marked their seventh in a row in the postseason (7-0).

It doesn’t show up in the winning percentages but Urias’ splits as a starter and a reliever indicate he’s much better out of the bullpen. Urias has a career 3.61 ERA and 1.31 WHIP in a starting role compared to a 2.15 ERA and 1.09 WHIP in relief duty. Opposing batters hit 51 points higher and get on base 45 points higher when Urias starts vs. his bullpen appearances.

Atlanta had the best lineup in MLB this season with a ton of right-handed mashers and we’re using the hot-hand theory to BET BRAVES (+160) to take a commanding 3-0 lead in the NLCS.

New to sports betting? A $50 bet on the Braves (+160) returns an $80 profit if Atlanta upsets the Dodgers.

Run line/Against the spread (ATS)

As much as I hate the Braves’ +1.5 (+100) run line splits, there’s too much value not to grab the run and a half of insurance. It’s even-money and we saw the Dodgers -1.5 (-121) cut the one-time Game 2 7-run lead to just a 1-run loss, so I like paying no vig for the run line.

Also, given how great Atlanta looks, I cannot help myself from BETTING BRAVES -1.5 (+300) on the alternate run line.

My play(s) on run line stuff is putting $100 on Braves +1.5 (+100) to win $100 if Atlanta wins outright or loses by a single run. Plus, I’ll splash $25 on Braves -1.5 (+300) alternate run line to win $75 should Atlanta beat the Dodgers by more than 2 runs.

Over/Under (O/U)

We gotta take OVER 9.5 (-115). The Over is 7-0-2 in the last nine Urias starts. Atlanta has scored 5 or more runs in five of its seven playoff games and I like the matchup against Urias. The Dodgers’ late rally in Game 2 might give them a jolt in and I could see a carry-over effect against a shaky Braves starter (Wright).

Want some action on this game? Place a bet at BetMGM now. For more sports betting tips and advice, visit SportsbookWire.com. Please gamble responsibly.

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Tampa Bay Rays vs. Houston Astros ALCS Game 4 odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Wednesday’s Tampa Bay Rays vs. Houston Astros ALCS Game 4 sports betting odds and lines, with MLB betting picks, tips and best bets.

The Tampa Bay Rays go for a sweep of the Houston Astros in the AL Championship Series Wednesday at 8:40 p.m. ET at San Diego’s Petco Park (on TBS). As the top seed, Tampa Bay will be the visiting team in Game 4 – and Game 5 if necessary. Below, we analyze the Rays-Astros MLB betting odds and lines, with picks and best bets.

Best-of-seven series: Rays lead 3-0. They won 5-2 Tuesday thanks to a 5-run sixth inning and some phenomenal defense.

Rays vs. Astros: Projected starting pitchers

RHP Tyler Glasnow vs. RHP Zack Greinke

Glasnow went 5-1 with a 4.08 ERA (57 1/3 IP, 26 ER) and 91 K in 11 regular-season starts. This postseason, he is 2-0 with a 4.05 ERA (13 1/3 IP, 6 ER) and 20 K in 3 starts.

Last start: No-decision (on two days’ rest), 2 1/3 IP, 0 ER, 0 H, 2 BB, 2 K vs. Yankees in ALDS Game 5 Friday – Rays won 2-1
Career vs. Astros in regular season: 1-0, 1.80 ERA (5 IP, 1 ER) in 1 start last year
Career vs. Astros in playoffs: 0-2, 7.71 ERA (7 IP, 6 ER) in 2 starts – both in last year’s ALDS
Career postseason: 2-2, 5.31 ERA (20 1/3 IP, 12 ER) in 5 starts

Greinke went 3-3 with a 4.03 ERA (67 IP, 30 ER) in 12 regular-season starts, while he’s 0-0 with a 5.19 ERA (8 2/3 IP, 5 ER) in 2 playoffs starts with Houston winning both games.

Last start: No-decision, 4 2/3 IP, 4 ER, 5 H, 1 BB, 4 K, 2 HR vs. Oakland A’s in Game 4 of the ALDS last Thursday – Astros won 11-6
Career vs. Rays in regular season: 4-6, 3.36 ERA (96 1/3 IP, 36 ER) in 14 starts and 3 relief appearances
Career vs. Rays in playoffs: 0-1, 14.73 ERA (3 2/3 IP, 6 ER) 5 H, 3 HR, 1 BB, 5 K in 1 start – Game 3 of the 2019 ALDS
Career postseason: 3-6, 4.29 ERA (100 2/3 IP, 48 ER) in 18 starts

Get some action on this game or any other matchup with an MLB bet at BetMGM, the King of Sportsbooks, in NJ, IN, CO and WV. Bet now!

Rays vs. Astros: Odds, lines, picks and betting tips

MLB odds courtesy of BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports for a full list. Odds last updated at 7:45 a.m. ET.

Prediction

Astros 5, Rays 2

Money line (ML)

I’m sticking with the ASTROS (+125) despite losing on them the last three games. And yes, I’m going with a STRONGEST PLAY again – 1½ times my usual wager. The Astros will not let their season end in a 4-game sweep.

New to sports betting? Every winning $1 bet on the Astros ML profits $1.25 Every $1.39 bet on the Rays ML (-139) profits $1 if they come out on top.

NOTE: One of the biggest mistakes a gambler makes is chasing when on a losing streak. This isn’t a blackjack or roulette table. Don’t double your bet, hoping to get your previous loss(es) back in one fell swoop. Bad streaks will happen. but doubling down is just bad gambling management.

Run line/Against the spread (ATS)

Rays -1.5 (+115) | Astros +1.5 (-139)

AVOID. I’m in a current skid, so I’m not going to push it. Let’s just focus on the Astros ML and the Under (below).

Over/Under (O/U)

The Under is 3-0 in this series. I wouldn’t be surprised to see the bats finally break out in Game 4, but I’m willing to stay on the “Under Train.” Just make it a small bet this time – half your usual wager.

Back the UNDER 8 (-115), but wait it out to see if it climbs to 8.5.

Want some action on this game? Place a bet at BetMGM now. For more sports betting tips and advice, visit SportsbookWire.com. Please gamble responsibly.

Johnny’s 2020 MLB record	73-51-1
2020 MLB postseason / Strongest plays	9-14 / 3-7
2020 overall record (all sports)	115-85-3
Strongest plays (all sports)	57-34-1

Follow @JohnnyParlay11 on Twitter. Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter and like us on Facebook.

Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services. Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.

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