Tag: MLB betting odds lines picks predictions best bets

NLDS Game 1: San Diego Padres at LA Dodgers odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Saturday’s San Diego Padres at LA Dodgers odds and lines, with MLB expert picks, predictions and best bets.

[gambcom-standard rankid=”4141″ ]

The LA Dodgers welcome the San Diego Padres to Dodger Stadium Saturday for the first of their best-of-5 NLDS series. First pitch is set for 8:38 p.m. ET (FS1). Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s MLB odds around the Padres vs. Dodgers odds and make our expert MLB picks and predictions for the best bets.

Playoffs series: 0-0; season series: Padres won 8-5

The Dodgers won the NL West and finished with the top seed in the entire league. Los Angeles finished the regular season on fire, winning 5 straight, 2 of those of which were against the Padres. It scored double digits in 2 of its last 3 games. The Dodgers were the second-best home team in the majors, ending with a 52-28 record. They won 5 of their last 7 at home. Los Angeles is led by DH Shohei Ohtani, who ended the season with a team-high 54 home runs and 130 RBIs.

The Padres, who finished 2nd in the NL West, had the best record of any non-division winner. They beat the Atlanta Braves in back-to-back games at home to advance to the NLDS. They won those games a combined 9-4 and have won 4 of their last 5 games, including the playoffs. They lost RHP Joe Musgrove in the process, though, and he’ll miss all of next season due to Tommy John surgery. San Diego has won 6 of its last 9 games on the road. It is led by 3B Manny Machado, who finished the regular season with 29 home runs and 105 RBIs.

Padres at Dodgers projected starters

RHP Dylan Cease vs. RHP Yoshinobu Yamamoto

Cease (14-11, 3.47 ERA) made 33 starts in 2024. He ended with a 1.07 WHIP, 3.1 BB/9 and 10.6 K/9 in 189 1/3 innings.

  • Last start: No-decision, 5 IP, 3 ER, 5 H, 3 BB, 4 K in 4-3 road loss to the Dodgers Sept. 25
  • 2024 away stats: 8-4, 3.83 ERA (103 1/3 IP, 44 ER), 1.11 WHIP, 10.5 K/9 in 19 starts
  • Career vs. Dodgers: 1-1, 2.61 ERA (20 2/3 IP, 6 ER), 1.45 WHIP, 12.2 K/9 in 4 starts

Yamamoto (7-2, 3.00 ERA) made 18 starts this season. He has a 1.11 WHIP, 2.2 BB/9 and 10.5 K/9 in 90 innings.

  • Last start: Win, 5 IP, 2 ER, 4 H, 0 BB, 6 K in 13-2 road win over the Colorado Rockies Saturday
  • 2024 home stats: 3-1, 3.88 ERA (46 1/3 IP, 20 ER), 1.17 WHIP, 10.7 K/9 in 10 starts
  • Career vs. Padres: 0-1, 12.00 ERA (6 IP, 8 ER), 1.67 WHIP, 12.0 K/9 in 2 starts

Padres at Dodgers odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list of MLB odds. Lines last updated at 12:30 p.m. ET.

  • Moneyline (ML): Padres +120 (bet $100 to win $120) | Dodgers -140 (bet $140 to win $100)
  • Run line (RL)/Against the spread (ATS): Padres +1.5 (-190) | Dodgers -1.5 (+155)
  • Over/Under (O/U): 7.5 (O: -115 | U: -105)

[gambcom-standard rankid=”4132″ ]

Padres at Dodgers picks and predictions

Prediction

Dodgers 4, Padres 2

Moneyline

BET DODGERS (-140).

The Dodgers have performed well recently with Yamamoto on the mound. They have won his last 3 starts. Los Angeles also has bats that are red hot, scoring a total of 26 in its last 3-game series and even putting up 11 on the Padres in their 2 games before that. The Dodgers have also been among the best in the country at home, so they should get a boost from that as well.

The Padres had the kryptonite for most of the season against the Dodgers, but they won just 2 of 5 to close the regular season and has their Wild Card series at home as well. San Diego has scored 5 or fewer runs in 9 straight games and has scored 3 or fewer in 3 of its last 7. Couple it all together and back DODGERS (-140).

Run line/Against the spread

PASS.

The Dodgers are the run-line favorite here, but 4 of the 13 games between the 2 teams were 1-run games. They aren’t worth playing on the spread. The Padres are far too expensive as a run-line underdog as well.

Avoid the spread and take a moneyline option.

Over/Under

BET UNDER 7.5 (-105).

At this level, both teams have strong starting pitchers taking the mound. That said, the Dodgers have gone Under in 3 of their last 6 games and have allowed 2 or fewer in 3 of their last 4.

While their offense has been hot, in their last series against the Padres, the Dodgers scored just 13 runs in all 3 games. The Padres split their Wild Card series 1-1 O/U and are 3-6 O/U in their last 9 games.

Take UNDER 7.5 (-105).

Play our free daily Pick’em Challenge and win! Play now!

[gambcom-standard rankid=”6305″ ]

For more sports betting picks and tips, check out SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW.

Follow @nathanbeighle_ on Twitter/X. Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter/X and like us on Facebook.

Fantasy baseball help from BaseballHQ.com:
Subscribe now to dominate the competition.

[lawrence-newsletter]

[lawrence-auto-related count=3 category=1372]

ALDS Game 1: Kansas City Royals at New York Yankees odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Saturday’s Kansas City Royals at New York Yankees odds and lines, with MLB expert picks, predictions and best bets.

[gambcom-standard rankid=”4141″ ]

The Kansas City Royals and New York Yankees meet Saturday as they swing into their best-of-5 ALDS. Game 1 at Yankee Stadium is slated for a 6:38 p.m. ET (TBS/Max) 1st pitch. Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s MLB odds around the Royals vs. Yankees odds and make our expert MLB picks and predictions for the best bets.

Regular-season series: New York won 5-2

Kansas City made the postseason field as a Wild Card, and the Royals advanced to the ALDS by sweeping 2 low-scoring games from the Baltimore Orioles in Wild Card Series play. Despite scoring just 2.38 runs per game along the way, Kansas City has gone 6-2 over its last 8 games.

The Yankees have been idle since closing out the regular season Sunday. New York had a solid enough final stretch in September — the Yanks went 14-8 after Sept. 6. In the regular season, they outscored Kansas City 42-24 over 7 meetings.

Royals at Yankees projected starters

RHP Michael Wacha vs. RHP Gerrit Cole

Wacha (13-8, 3.35 ERA) made 29 starts in the regular season. He registered a 1.19 WHIP, 2.4 BB/9 and 7.8 K/9 in 166 2/3 IP.

  • Last outing: No-decision, 5 IP, 3 ER, 5 H, 1 BB, 2 K in 7-4 win at Washington Nationals Sept. 26
  • Career vs. Yankees: 2-1, 2.97 ERA (57.2 IP, 19 ER), 1.01 WHIP, 9.4 K/9 in 11 appearances (9 starts)
  • Last threw in postseason in 2021 (2 2/3 IP); owns 5.21 ERA across 38 career postseason innings

Cole (8-5, 3.41 ERA) made 17 starts in the regular season. He authored a 1.13 WHIP, 2.8 BB/9 and 9.4 K/9 across 95 IP.

  • Last outing: Win, 6 2/3 IP, 0 ER, 2 H, 1 BB, 5 K in 10-1 home victory vs. Baltimore Orioles Sept. 26
  • Career vs. Royals: 4-1, 2.77 ERA (52 IP, 16 ER), 0.86 WHIP, 9.0 K/9 in 8 starts
  • Owns 2.93 ERA in 104 1/3 career playoff innings

Royals at Yankees odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list of MLB odds. Lines last updated at 10:45 a.m. ET.

  • Moneyline: Royals +170 (bet $100 to win $170) | Yankees -210 (bet $210 to win $100)
  • Run line (RL)/Against the spread (ATS): Royals +1.5 (-130) | Yankees -1.5 (+110)
  • Over/Under (O/U): 7.5 (O: -115 | U: -105)

[gambcom-standard rankid=”4132″ ]

Royals at Yankees picks and predictions

Prediction

Yankees 5, Royals 2

Moneyline

New York (-210) took 2 of 3 from K.C. in a Yankee Stadium series last month (Sept. 9-11), and the Yankees are 6-3 across the last 9 series meetings.

The Yanks are a lean here, but there’s a better play on the run line: PASS.

Run line/Against the spread

New York’s regular-season run differential vs. Kansas City plays into a lean here. So does Cole’s line against current hitters. Per ESPN, the Yankee hurler has held Kansas City to an aggregate .559 OPS with a hefty strikeout rate.

Wacha logged some generous rates around the margins in posting his regular-season ERA, and his expected ERA numbers are not as tidy as Cole’s.

BACK THE YANKEES -1.5 (+110).

Over/Under

The Under is 3-1 across the last 4 meetings.

Both starters have fared well in long-rest situations in their careers. With rested bullpen arms and perhaps rusty bats getting back in the groove after some off days, the pitching should be tabbed ahead of the hitting in this spot.

TAKE THE UNDER 7.5 (-105).

Play our free daily Pick’em Challenge and win! Play now!

[gambcom-standard rankid=”6035″ ]

For more sports betting picks and tips, check out SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW. Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter/X and like us on Facebook.

Fantasy baseball help from BaseballHQ.com:
Subscribe now to dominate the competition.

[lawrence-newsletter]

[lawrence-auto-related count=3 category=1372]

NLDS Game 1: New York Mets at Philadelphia Phillies odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Saturday’s New York Mets at Philadelphia Phillies odds and lines, with MLB expert picks, predictions and best bets.

[gambcom-standard rankid=”4141″ ]

The New York Mets and Philadelphia Phillies meet in Game 1 of their best-of-5 NLDS Saturday. First pitch from Citizens Bank Park is slated for 4:08 p.m. ET (FOX). Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s MLB odds around the Mets vs. Phillies odds and make our expert MLB picks and predictions for the best bets.

Regular-season series: Phillies won 7-6

The Mets put together an impressive 40-27 run after the All-Star break to secure a spot in the postseason. Their momentum carried them into an NL Wild Card Series with the Milwaukee Brewers. In dramatic fashion, 1B Pete Alonso delivered a clutch 3-run homer in the top of the 9th inning, pushing New York to a thrilling victory. With the win, the Mets advanced to the divisional round for the first time since 2015, reigniting hopes of a deep playoff run.

The Phillies enjoyed an outstanding first half of the season. They posted a 62-34 record before the All-Star break, fueled by an impressive team batting average of .257. Unfortunately, a 33-33 finish after the break let the LA Dodgers surpass them for the best record in baseball. Still, Philadelphia has now reached the divisional round for the third year in a row, showing their consistent competitiveness. They’ll aim to rediscover their early-season success as they push for a deeper playoff run.

Mets at Phillies projected starters

RHP Kodai Senga vs. RHP Zack Wheeler

Senga made 1 start this season. He allowed 2 ER on 2 hits and 1 walk with 9 K’s in 5 1/3 innings in an 8-4 home win over the Atlanta Braves July 26.

  • Strained his left calf during his 2024 season debut
  • Missed 1st half of season due to shoulder and triceps injuries
  • Career vs. Phillies: 1-1, 1.46 ERA (12 1/3 IP, 2 ER), 0.73 WHIP, 10.9 K/9 in 2 starts
  • Has never pitched in postseason

Wheeler (16-7, 2.57 ERA) made 32 starts this season. He posted a 0.96 WHIP, 2.3 BB/9 and 10.1 K/9 through 200 innings.

  • Last start: No-decision, 6 1/3 IP, 2 ER, 3 H, 2 BB, 11 K in 6-3 loss at Washington Nationals Sept. 28
  • 2024 vs. Mets: 0-1, 1 road start (Sept. 22), 7 IP, 2 ER, 7 H, 1 BB, 8 K in 2-1 loss
  • Career vs. Mets: 5-5, 3.56 ERA (96 IP, 38 ER), 1.17 WHIP, 8.7 K/9 in 15 starts
  • Career postseason stats: 4-3, 2.42 ERA (63 1/3 IP, 17 ER), 36 H, 5 HR, 10 BB, 68 K in 11 games (10 starts)

Mets at Phillies odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list of MLB odds. Lines last updated at 10:25 a.m. ET.

  • Moneyline (ML): Mets +155 (bet $100 to win $155) | Phillies -185 (bet $185 to win $100)
  • Run line (RL/Against the spread (ATS): Mets +1.5 (-145) | Phillies -1.5 (+120)
  • Over/Under (O/U): 7 (O: -115 | U: -105)

[gambcom-standard rankid=”4132″ ]

Mets at Phillies picks and predictions

Prediction

Royals 3, Orioles 2

Moneyline

BET METS (+155).

Momentum is everything in the postseason, and right now, the Mets are riding a wave of it.

Philadelphia, on the other hand, has been idle for a week, which could leave it a bit rusty for Game 1.

The Mets have been battling with their backs against the wall for much of the second half, and they’ve proven time and again that they thrive under pressure. Their Game 3 win against the Brewers was nothing short of impressive; teams entering the 9th inning trailing in winner-take-all postseason games were 7-105 and just 2-82 when down multiple runs. The Mets turned those odds on their head.

While the Phillies did edge the regular-season series 7-6, the Mets had the edge down the stretch, taking 3 of the last 4 matchups. They even managed to beat Wheeler in his lone start against them this season.

With momentum on their side, grit, and something that feels like destiny, the Mets look primed to take Game 1. Plus, getting them at favorable odds makes this pick even more appealing.

Run line/Against the spread

PASS.

I’ll keep my bet to Mets ML getting plus odds.

Over/Under

PASS.

Betting the total feels risky with the line set at 7 runs. Despite the Over hitting in 5 of the last 7 meetings and the Phillies ending the regular season on a streak of Overs, the playoffs are a different story. Postseason games tend to be tense, low-scoring affairs.

While my lean might be toward the Under given the circumstances, it’s not worth the gamble. I’d rather avoid the total altogether and stick to betting the ML.

Play our free daily Pick’em Challenge and win! Play now!

[gambcom-standard rankid=”6305″ ]

For more sports betting picks and tips, check out SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW.

Follow @DrewPhelps05 on Twitter/X. Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter/X and like us on Facebook.

Fantasy baseball help from BaseballHQ.com:
Subscribe now to dominate the competition.

[lawrence-newsletter]

[lawrence-auto-related count=3 category=1372]

ALDS Game 1: Detroit Tigers at Cleveland Guardians odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Saturday’s Detroit Tigers at Cleveland Guardians odds and lines, with MLB expert picks, predictions and best bets.

[gambcom-standard rankid=”4141″ ]

The Detroit Tigers and Cleveland Guardians meet in Game 1 of their best-of-5 ALDS Saturday at Progressive Field. First pitch is scheduled for 1:08 p.m. ET (TBS/truTV). Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s MLB odds around the Tigers vs. Guardians odds and make our expert MLB picks and predictions for the best bets.

Regular-season series: Guardians won 7-6

This is the 1st time the Tigers and Guardians have met in the postseason.

The Tigers picked up a pair of road victories to sweep the Houston Astros in an AL Wild Card Series. The Tigers won 3-1 as slight underdogs (+128) Tuesday in Game 1 behind SP Tarik Skubal in his postseason debut, and they completed the sweep with a 5-2 win Wednesday in Game 2 as moderate underdogs (+155). The Under — 6.5 and 7.5, respectively cashed in both games.

The last time these teams met at Progressive Field, they teams split a 4-game series in July with the favorite cashing in 3 of those 4 outings. The Over-Under also split 2-2. The favorite is 5-2 in 7 meetings this season in Cleveland, with the Over holding a slight 4-3 edge.

Despite losing the season series, Detroit outscored Cleveland 60-50 in the 13 games as 5 of the Guardians’ 7 wins were only by 1 run.

The AL Central Division champion Guardians, the No. 2 seed in the AL playoffs, went 7-3 in the final 10 home games in the regular season, while the Under cashed in the final 5 outings at Progressive Field. The Under went 20-3-3 in the final 26 regular-season games for Cleveland, too. However, the Guardians haven’t played since last Sunday.

Tigers at Guardians projected starters

LHP Tyler Holton vs. RHP Tanner Bibee

Holton (7-2, 2.19 ERA, 8 saves) made 9 regular-season starts and 57 relief appearances. He had a 0.78 WHIP, 1.6 BB/9 and 7.3 K/9 in 94 1/3 innings.

  • Last start: No-decision, 1 IP, 0 ER, 0 H, 0 BB, 1 K in 5-2 win at Astros in Game 2 of AL Wild Card Game Series Wednesday
  • 2024 road splits (regular season): 3-2, 1.54 ERA (52 2/3 IP, 9 ER), 3 HR, 0.65 WHIP, .158 OBA, 7.9 K/9 30 relief appearances (6 starts)
  • Last 7 games: 1-1, 2.07 ERA (8 2/3 IP, 2 ER), 0.46 WHIP, 10.4 K/9 in 4 relief appearances, 3 starts
  • Career vs. Guardians: 2-0, 0.93 (19 1/3 IP, 2 ER), 13 H, 3 BB, 13 K in 12 appearances (3 starts)
  • 2024 vs. Guardians: 2-0, 0.00 ERA (12 1/3 IP), 8 H, 1 BB in 6 games (3 starts)
  • Career postseason: 0-0, 0.00 ERA (1 1/3 IP), 0 H, 0 BB, 1 K in 1 start, 1 relief appearance — both last week vs. Astros

Bibee (12-8, 3.47 ERA) made 31 regular-season starts. He had a 1.12 WHIP, 2.3 BB/9 and 9.7 K/9 in 173 2/3 innings.

  • Last start: Win, 7 IP, 1 ER, 4 H, 2 BB, 7 K in 6-1 home victory vs. Cincinnati Reds Sept. 24
  • 2024 home splits: 5-4, 4.15 ERA (89 IP, 41 ER), 11 HR, 1.18 WHIP, .243 OBA, 10.0 K/9 in 16 starts
  • Last 7 games: 2-3, 3.92 ERA (41 1/3 IP, 18 ER), 1.23 WHIP, 9.4 K/9
  • Career vs. Tigers: 1-3, 5.28 (30 2/3 IP, 18 ER), 1.30 WHIP, 3 HR, 7.9 K/9 in 6 starts
  • 2024 vs. Tigers: 1-1, 4.50 ERA (22 IP, 11 ER), 1.05 WHIP, 7.8 K/9 in 4 starts
  • Has never appeared in postseason

Play our free daily Pick’em Challenge and win! Play now!

Tigers at Guardians odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list of MLB odds. Lines last updated at 5 a.m. ET.

  • Moneyline (ML): Tigers +130 (bet $100 to win $130) | Guardians -155 (bet $155 to win $100)
  • Run line (RL)/Against the spread (ATS): Tigers +1.5 (-185) | Guardians -1.5 (+150)
  • Over/Under (O/U): 7 (O: -115 | U: -105)

[gambcom-standard rankid=”4132″ ]

Tigers at Guardians picks and predictions

Prediction

Guardians 3, Tigers 2

Moneyline

The GUARDIANS (-155) are a safe play at home as moderate favorites.

Bibee makes his 1st postseason start, but he was arguably one of the team’s best members of the rotation. He also posted a 2.64 ERA (30 2/3 IP, 9 ER) in September, his best ERA of any month in the regular season. He also posted a 1.98 ERA (13 2/3 IP, 3 ER) in his final 2 starts.

The Tigers (+130) are steaming in with a lot of momentum after sweeping the Astros, so it won’t be easy.

Run line/Against the spread

If you’d rather have a little insurance, Tigers +1.5 (-185) is a little too expensive. Detroit will cost nearly 2 times your potential return. At that price point, it’s too much risk and not enough reward, even though 5 of Detroit’s 6 losses to Cleveland in the regular season were by a single run.

If you like Detroit, just play it straight up.

PASS.

Over/Under

UNDER 7 (-105) is worth a look in this series opener.

The total went Under both games for the Tigers down in Houston in the Wild Card Series, while the Guardians saw the Under cash at a phenomenal 20-3-3 clip in their final 26 regular-season games, while going 12-1-1 in the final 14 home outings.

[gambcom-standard rankid=”6305″ ]

For more sports betting picks and tips, check out SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW.

Follow Kevin J. Erickson on Twitter/X. Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter/X and like us on Facebook.

Fantasy baseball help from BaseballHQ.com:
Subscribe now to dominate the competition.

[lawrence-newsletter]

[lawrence-auto-related count=3 category=1372]

NL Wild Card Series Game 3: New York Mets at Milwaukee Brewers odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Thursday’s New York Mets at Milwaukee Brewers odds and lines, with MLB expert picks, predictions and best bets.

[gambcom-standard rankid=”4141″ ]

The Milwaukee Brewers welcome the New York Mets to American Family Field for the finale of a best-of-3 NL Wild Card Series. First pitch is set for 7 p.m. ET (ESPN). Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s MLB odds around the Mets vs. Brewers odds and make our expert MLB picks and predictions for the best bets.

Playoffs series: Tied 1-1; Regular-season series: Brewers won 5-1

The Mets opened the series with an 8-4 win Tuesday. They got out to a quick 3-1 lead after 2 innings Wednesday, but failed to seal the deal as the Brewers tallied 3 runs in the bottom of the 8th.

New York struggled down the stretch of the regular season, losing 4 of its last 6 games, all of which were on the road. The Mets were 84-78 against the spread (ATS) on the season and 44-38 ATS in away games.

The Brewers, who won the NL Central, played the Mets to close their regular seasons, winning the series 2-1. Milwaukee won 5 of 7 to close the regular season. It has closed as a favorite in both games in the series. The Brewers were 85-77 ATS on the season.

Mets at Brewers projected starters

LHP Jose Quintana vs. RHP Tobias Myers

Quintana (10-10, 3.75 ERA) made 31 regular season starts. He finished with a 1.25 WHIP, 3.3 BB/9 and 7.1 K/9 through 170 1/3 innings.

  • Last start: Loss, 4 1/3 IP, 2 ER, 5 H, 2 BB, 9 K in 6-0 defeat at Brewers Saturday
  • 2024 away stats: 5-5, 3.86 ERA (86 1/3 IP, 37 ER), 1.29 WHIP, 7.2 K/9 in 16 starts
  • Career vs. Brewers: 9-7, 2.98 ERA (130 IP, 43 ER), 1.08 WHIP, 9.1 K/9 in 22 starts and 1 relief outing

Myers (9-6, 3.00 ERA) made 25 starts and 2 relief appearances in 2024. He has a 1.17 WHIP, 2.3 BB/9 and 8.3 K/9 through 138 innings.

  • Last start: Win, 4 IP, 0 ER, 1 H, 0 BB, 5 K in Saturday’s home victory vs. Mets — his only career start vs. New York
  • 2024 home stats: 4-1, 2.86 ERA (69 1/3 IP, 22 ER), 1.02 WHIP, 9.2 K/9 in 12 starts and 1 relief appearance

Play our free daily Pick’em Challenge and win! Play now!

Mets at Brewers odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list of MLB odds. Lines last updated at 10:50 a.m. ET.

  • Moneyline (ML): Mets +110 (bet $100 to win $110) | Brewers -130 (bet $130 to win $100)
  • Run line (RL)/Against the spread: Mets +1.5 (-200) | Brewers -1.5 (+165)
  • Over/Under (O/U): 7.5 (O: -105 | U: -115)

[gambcom-standard rankid=”4132″ ]

Mets at Brewers picks and predictions

Prediction

Brewers 4, Mets 3

Moneyline

BET BREWERS (-130).

The Brewers have made American Family Field a fortress this season, posting the 5th-best home record in the majors. They are 48-35 at home in 2024. Similarly, the Mets were the 6th-best home team in MLB yet fell outside the top 8 in road wins with just 43.

Myers has also been far better at home, and the Brewers are 9-4 when he pitches at American Family. They were the more lethal team as the regular season closed and should be able to use that home strength to their advantage.

At these odds, take BREWERS (-130).

Run line/Against the spread

PASS.

There’s no good value on the spread. This is the final game for one of these 2 teams, and this should be a competitive battle. Expect it to be a 1-run game, but the Mets as run-line underdogs are far too expensive to take.

Over/Under

BET UNDER 7.5 (-115).

The Brewers and Mets have gone Over in both games this series, but this loser-goes-home game should be different. The Brewers were just 3-4 O/U in their last 7 games, having allowed 3 or fewer runs in 4 of the 7.

The Mets have gone 4-5 O/U in their last 9 games. They were held scoreless in 2 of their last 4 games and to 3 or fewer runs in 5 of their last 9. Both teams have a solid starter, and the last time they pitched — Saturday’s 6-0 Brewers home win — the total went Under.

With that in mind, play UNDER 7.5 (-115).

[gambcom-standard rankid=”6305″ ]

For more sports betting picks and tips, check out SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW.

Follow @nathanbeighle_ on Twitter/X. Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter/X and like us on Facebook.

Fantasy baseball help from BaseballHQ.com:
Subscribe now to dominate the competition.

[lawrence-newsletter]

[lawrence-auto-related count=3 category=1372]

NL Wild Card Series Game 2: New York Mets at Milwaukee Brewers odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Wednesday’s New York Mets at Milwaukee Brewers odds and lines, with MLB expert picks, predictions and best bets.

[gambcom-standard rankid=”4141″ ]

The New York Mets and Milwaukee Brewers meet Wednesday in Game 2 of a best-of-3 NL Wild Card Series. First pitch from American Family Field is at 7:30 p.m. ET (ESPN). Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s MLB odds around the Mets vs. Brewers odds and make our expert MLB picks and predictions for the best bets.

Playoff series: Mets lead 1-0; Regular-season series: Brewers won 5-1

The Mets took a 1-0 lead in Tuesday’s series opener despite playing a doubleheader Monday. They scored 5 runs in the 5th inning to take an 8-4 lead, and their bullpen pitched 3 scoreless innings to put them 1 win away from the NLDS.

The Brewers had won 2 of 3 home games over the Mets to close out their regular seasons.

Mets at Brewers projected starters

LHP Sean Manaea vs. RHP Frankie Montas

Manaea (12-6, 3.47 ERA) made 32 regular-season starts. He had a 1.08 WHIP, 3.1 BB/9 and 9.1 K/9 through 181 2/3 innings.

  • Last start: Loss, 3 2/3 IP, 5 ER (6 R), 7 H, 2 BB, 1 K in 8-4 defeat at Brewers Friday, his only start vs. Milwaukee this season
  • Mets went 8-1 in his final 9 starts
  • Career vs. Brewers: 1-2, 5.48 ERA (23 IP, 14 ER), 1.39 WHIP, 9.4 K/9 in 5 apperances (4 starts)
  • Has 15.26 ERA over 7 2/3 IP in 3 career postseason appearances in 2019, 2020 and 2022

Montas (7-11, 4.84 ERA) made 30 regular-season starts. He had a 1.37 WHIP, 3.9 BB/9 and 8.8 K/9 through 150 2/3 innings.

  • Last start: No-decision, 4 IP, 2 ER, 2 H, 3 BB, 6 K in Friday’s home victory over Mets
  • Was 3-3 with 4.55 ERA and 1.26 WHIP in 11 starts for Brewers after being acquired from Cincinnati Reds
  • Career vs. Mets: 0-0, 5.06 ERA (10 2/3 IP, 6 ER), 1.31 WHIP, 11.8 K/9 in 3 appearances (2 starts)
  • Has 9.45 ERA over 6 2/3 IP in 3 career postseason appearances in 2020 and 2022

Mets at Brewers odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list of MLB odds. Lines last updated at 10:06 a.m. ET.

  • Moneyline (ML): Mets -105 (bet $105 to win $100) | Brewers -115 (bet $115 to win $100)
  • Run line (RL)/Against the spread (ATS): Mets -1.5 (+165) | Brewers +1.5 (-200)
  • Over/Under (O/U): 7.5 (O: -115 | U: -105)

[gambcom-standard rankid=”4132″ ]

Mets at Brewers picks and predictions

Prediction

Brewers 6, Mets 4

Moneyline

Manaea has not been good in the postseason in his career and struggled in his last outing against the BREWERS (-115).

The Brewers are at home facing elimination. We can expect both bullpens to be involved early, and Milwaukee’s pen was better than the Mets’ (3.15 ERA vs. 4.02).

BET BREWERS (-115).

Run line/Against the spread

So far, 6 of 7 games between these teams have been decided by more than 1 run. Four of the Brewer’s 5 wins over the Mets have been by 2 or more runs.

You want to avoid the -200 odds for the Brewers to cover as underdogs, but the alternate spread is worth betting a little on with big plus odds.

BET BREWERS ALTERNATE SPREAD -1.5 (+180).

Over/Under

Four of 7 games between these teams have stayed below 8 total runs. In Tuesday’s games, only the Mets and Brewers had more than 4 total runs.

But the Mets have scored 5 or more runs in 3 of their last 4 games and the Brewers have scored 4 or more in 4 of their last 5.

BET OVER 7.5 (-115).

Play our free daily Pick’em Challenge and win! Play now!

[gambcom-standard rankid=”6305″ ]

For more sports betting picks and tips, check out SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW.

Follow Jess Root on Twitter/X. Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter/X and like us on Facebook.

Fantasy baseball help from BaseballHQ.com:
Subscribe now to dominate the competition.

[lawrence-newsletter]

[lawrence-auto-related count=3 category=1372]

AL Wild Card Series Game 2: Kansas City Royals vs. Baltimore Orioles odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Wednesday’s Kansas City Royals at Baltimore Orioles odds and lines, with MLB expert picks, predictions and best bets.

[gambcom-standard rankid=”4141″ ]

The Kansas City Royals look to advance and eliminate the Baltimore Orioles in Game 2 of their best-of-3 Wild Card Series Wednesday. First pitch from Oriole Park at Camden Yards is slated for 4:30 p.m. ET (ESPN). Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s MLB odds around the Royals vs. Orioles odds and make our expert MLB picks and predictions for the best bets.

Playoff series: Royals lead 1-0; Regular-season series: Orioles won 4-2

Kansas City took Tuesday’s opener 1-0 as +125 road underdogs with the Under (7) easily cashing. Royals SP Cole Ragans was brilliant, striking out 8 over 6 shutout innings. MLB batting champ SS Bobby Witt Jr. brought home the game’s lone run in the 6th inning with a 2-out, RBI single. RP Lucas Erceg closed the door on the Orioles, striking out 2 of the game’s final 3 batters after allowing a leadoff walk in the bottom of the 9th.

The Orioles are on the brink of getting eliminated for the 2nd consecutive year in their 1st-round matchup. The bats fell silent Tuesday, mustering only 5 hits and stranding 3 runners in scoring position — Baltimore finished 1-for-7 with runners in scoring position. SP Corbin Burnes was the hard luck loser, allowing just 1 run on 5 hits and a walk over 8 innings with 3 strikeouts.

Royals at Orioles projected starters

RHP Seth Lugo vs. RHP Zach Eflin

Lugo (16-9, 3.00 ERA) made 33 starts in 2024 with a 1.09 WHIP, 2.1 BB/9 and 7.9 K/9 through 206 2/3 innings. With a playoff spot clinched, the 9-year veteran only worked 2 innings as a tuneup for Wednesday’s start.

  • Last start: No-decision, 2 IP, 0 ER, 1 H, 1 BB, 3 K in 2-1 loss at Atlanta Braves Saturday
  • 2024 road splits: 9-3, 2.62 ERA (99 2/3 IP, 29 ER), 1.03 WHIP, 8.8 K/9 in 16 starts
  • Career vs. Orioles: 0-1, 3.86 ERA (9 1/3 IP, 4 ER), 11 H, 2 HR, 1 BB, 4 K in 3 games, including 1 start
  • 2024 vs. Orioles (1 start): Loss, 5 1/3 IP, 4 ER, 9 H, 2 HR, 1 BB, 1 K in 5-0 home defeat April 21
  • Career postseason: 0-0, 1 save, 0.00 ERA (2 IP, 0 ER), 2 H, 1 BB, 3 K in 3 relief outings for Mets in 2022

Eflin (10-9, 3.59 ERA) made 28 starts between the Orioles and Tampa Bay Rays this season. He posted a 1.15 WHIP, 1.3 BB/9 and 7.3 K/9 through 165 1/3 innings.

  • Last start: No-decision, 4 2/3 IP, 3 ER, 4 H, 5 BB, 1 K in 9-7 victory at New York Yankees Sept. 25
  • 2024 vs. Royals (1 start): Win, 5 IP, 5 ER (6 R), 7 H, 1 BB, 3 K in 10-8 road victory as member of Rays July 4
  • Career vs. Royals: 3-1, 5.09 ERA (23 IP, 13 ER), 1.22 WHIP, 17 K in 4 starts
  • Career postseason stats: 0-1, 5.17 ERA (15 2/3 IP, 9 ER), 22 H, 3 HR, 4 BB, 15 K in 11 games (1 start) for Phillies in 2022 and Rays in 2023

Play our free daily Pick’em Challenge and win! Play now!

Royals at Orioles odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list of MLB odds. Lines last updated at 2:25 a.m. ET.

  • Moneyline (ML): Royals +130 (bet $100 to win $130) | Orioles -155 (bet $155 to win $100)
  • Run line (RL/Against the spread (ATS): Royals +1.5 (-165) | Orioles -1.5 (+140)
  • Over/Under (O/U): 7.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

[gambcom-standard rankid=”4132″ ]

Royals at Orioles picks and predictions

Prediction

Royals 3, Orioles 2

Moneyline

BET ROYALS (+130).

The young Orioles are still searching for that elusive postseason breakthrough. After winning 101 games last year, they were swept in a best-of-5 ALDS by the Texas Rangers, and the playoff pressure seems to be getting to them again. They needed to make a statement in Game 1 vs. the Royals, especially at home with their ace Burnes on the mound, but they couldn’t get it done. It’s starting to feel like the moment is still too big for this young Orioles squad.

On the other hand, the Royals are rolling out their best starter in Lugo for Game 2. Lugo has been impressive, allowing 2 or fewer earned runs in 5 of his last 6 starts. He’s the kind of reliable arm you want in a game like this. Meanwhile, Baltimore’s Eflin hasn’t looked good against the Royals, giving up 5 earned runs in each of his last 2 starts against them.

With the Royals coming in as underdogs and considering the recent form of both teams, TAKING KANSAS CITY (+130) on the moneyline feels like the right move. The Orioles (-155) still need to prove they can handle the postseason spotlight.

Run line/Against the spread

PASS.

I’ll keep my bet to the Royals on moneyline getting those plus odds.

Over/Under

BET UNDER 7.5 (-110).

Playoff baseball is a different beast — players are more cautious, the intensity is higher and runs are often harder to come by. That’s why it’s wise to lean toward the Under in these kinds of games.

The recent trends are also in our favor. The Under has hit in the last 2 meetings between these teams and is 3-2-1 in the last 6.

The Royals have been in a low-scoring groove, with the Under hitting in 7 of their last 8 games. Lugo has been a big part of that trend, with the Under cashing in 5 of his last 6 starts. The Orioles are also coming off 2 straight Under games.

With both sides likely to lean on strong pitching and playoff nerves in play, UNDER 7.5 (-110) is the smart choice here.

[gambcom-standard rankid=”6305″ ]

For more sports betting picks and tips, check out SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW.

Follow @DrewPhelps05 on Twitter/X. Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter/X and like us on Facebook.

Fantasy baseball help from BaseballHQ.com:
Subscribe now to dominate the competition.

[lawrence-newsletter]

[lawrence-auto-related count=3 category=1372]

NL Wild Card Series Game 2: Atlanta Braves at San Diego Padres odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Wednesday’s Atlanta Braves at San Diego Padres odds and lines, with MLB expert picks, predictions and best bets.

[gambcom-standard rankid=”4141″ ]

The Atlanta Braves and San Diego Padres meet Wednesday in Game 2 of their best-of-3 NL Wild Card Series. First pitch is scheduled for 8:30 p.m. ET (ESPN2). Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s MLB odds around the Braves vs. Padres odds and make our expert MLB picks and predictions for the best bets.

Playoffs series: Padres lead 1-0; Regular-season series: Padres won 4-3

The Braves were running on fumes after playing a makeup doubleheader in Atlanta against the New York Mets Monday just to get into the postseason. After a cross-country flight, the Braves seemed to be lacking energy in a 4-0 loss to the Padres Tuesday in Game 1 of this series. Atlanta, which was a +170 underdog, had just 1 extra-base hit — a double — and 6 singles in the loss.

With ace Chris Sale dealing with back spasms, the Braves called up Triple-A SP AJ Smith-Shawver to make just his 2nd start this season for the big-league club in Tuesday’s Wild Card opener. It didn’t go well as he 21-year-old Texan gave up a leadoff single to NL batting champ DH Luis Arraez and a 2-run homer to RF Fernando Tatis Jr. to the Padres’ first 2 batters. Smith-Shawver allowed another run in the 2nd after hitting a batter followed by a single and a sacrifice fly to the first 3 batters of the inning before being removed. His final line: 1 1/3 IP, 3 ER, 4 H, 0 BB, 1 K, throwing only 19 of 29 pitches for strikes.

On the flip side, Padres SP Michael King scattered 5 hits across 7 scoreless innings with 12 K’s while throwing 65 of his 89 pitches for strikes for his 1st-career postseason victory. His only previous playoff appearance came in 2 innings of relief for the New York Yankees in a 2020 ALDS.

The Padres were the only home team to win Tuesday out of the 4 Wild Card Games. C Kyle Higashioka had the Padres’ other 2 RBIs behind the 2nd-inning sacrifice fly and an 8th-inning solo homer..

Atlanta is still 8-4 across the past 12 games.

Braves at Padres projected starters

LHP Max Fried vs. RHP Joe Musgrove

Fried (11-10, 3.25 ERA) made 29 regular-season starts. He had a 1.16 WHIP, 2.9 BB/9 and 8.6 K/9 in 174 1/3 innings with 1 complete game.

  • Last start: Win, 8 2/3 IP, 0 ER, 3 H, 2 BB, 9 K in 3-0 home victory vs. Kansas City Royals Friday
  • 2024 road splits: 7-6, 3.26 ERA (99 1/3 IP, 36 ER), 10 HR, 33 BB, 99 K, .215 opponents batting average (OBA), 1.12 WHIP in 17 starts
  • Last 7 starts: 4-3, 2.36 ERA (45 2/3 IP, 12 ER), 1.00 WHIP, 47 K
  • 2024 vs. Padres: 1 road start, loss, 4 1/3 IP, 3 ER, 9 H, 3 BB, 2 K in 3-1 defeat May 17
  • Career vs. Padres: 3-1, 2.30 (31 1/3 IP, 8 ER), 1.09 WHIP, 23 K, 1 complete game in 5 starts
  • Career postseason: 2-4, 4.57 ERA (65 IP, 33 ER), 1.42 WHIP, 64 K in 11 starts and 8 relief appearances

Musgrove (6-5, 3.88 ERA) made 19 regular-season starts. He had a 1.17 WHIP, 2.1 BB/9 and 9.1 K/9 in 99 2/3 innings.

  • Last start: No-decision, 6 1/3 IP, 2 ER, 5 H (1 HR), 1 BB, 6 K in 7-2 loss at LA Dodgers Sept. 26
  • 2024 home splits: 4-4, 3.86 ERA (65 1/3 IP, 28 ER), 12 HR, 11 BB, 70 K, .241 OBA, 1.07 WHIP in 12 starts
  • Last 7 starts: 3-1, 2.38 ERA (41 2/3 IP, 11 ER), 0.86 WHIP, 50 K
  • Career vs. Braves: 3-1, 4.29 (42 IP, 20 ER), 1.21 WHIP, 41 K in 8 starts — last facing Atlanta in 2022
  • Career postseason: 2-1, 4.26 ERA (25 1/3 IP, 12 ER), 21 K, 1.11 WHIP in 3 starts and 7 relief appearances

Play our free daily Pick’em Challenge and win! Play now!

Braves at Padres odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list of MLB odds. Lines last updated at 5:32 a.m. ET.

  • Moneyline (ML): Braves +100 (bet $100 to win $100) | Padres -120 (bet $120 to win $100)
  • Run line (RL)/Against the spread (ATS): Braves +1.5 (-250) | Padres -1.5 (+175)
  • Over/Under (O/U): 6.5 (O: -120 | U: +100)

[gambcom-standard rankid=”4132″ ]

Braves at Padres picks and predictions

Prediction

Braves 3, Padres 2

Moneyline

The BRAVES (+100) are worth a look at even-money behind the southpaw Fried.

The Padres (-120) use the hometown pitcher Musgrove, who is from nearby El Cajon, Calif. Like Fried, he has pitched well down the stretch. The difference is that the lefty Fried has handled himself a little better over the years against San Diego.

Run line/Against the spread

The Braves +1.5 (-200) will set you back 2 times the potential return. That’s too much risk for a little insurance. AVOID.

Over/Under

UNDER 6.5 (+100) might be the best play on the board. I’d wait it out to see if the O/U line jumps to 7 though.

The Atlanta bats were asleep after the double dip Monday, overnight travel, quick turnaround and scrambling to find a starter for Game 1. Things are a little more back to normal with Fried toeing the slab.

The Under is 8-1-1 in the past 10 games for Atlanta, while going 4-1-1 in the past 6 games on the road.

For San Diego, the total has gone low at an 11-2-1 pace in the past 14 outings, while cashing at a 6-0-1 clip in the past 7 at Petco Park.

[gambcom-standard rankid=”6305″ ]

For more sports betting picks and tips, check out SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW.

Follow Kevin J. Erickson on Twitter/X. Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter/X and like us on Facebook.

Fantasy baseball help from BaseballHQ.com:
Subscribe now to dominate the competition.

[lawrence-newsletter]

[lawrence-auto-related count=3 category=1372]

AL Wild Card Series Game 2: Detroit Tigers at Houston Astros odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Wednesday’s Detroit Tigers at Houston Astros odds and lines, with MLB expert picks, predictions and best bets.

[gambcom-standard rankid=”4141″ ]

The Houston Astros and Detroit Tigers continue their best-of-3 AL Wild Card Series with Game 2 in Houston Wednesday. First pitch from Minute Maid Park is scheduled for 2:30 p.m. ET (ABC). Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s MLB odds around the Tigers vs. Astros odds and make our expert MLB picks and predictions for the best bets.

Playoff series: Tigers lead 1-0; Regular-season series: Astros won 4-2

The Tigers took Game 1 of the series 3-1 Tuesday — as +128 road underdogs — behind a sensational performance from SP Tarik Skubal and 4 relievers. Detroit’s ace tossed 6 shutout innings around 4 hits and 1 walk with 6 K’s before the bullpen finished the job, holding Houston to 1 run over the final 3 innings as the Under (6.5) cashed.

The Astros scored in the bottom of the 9th — C Yainer Diaz RBI single — and had the tying run on 2nd with 1 out, but a flyout to left and a lineout to 1st base 2 batters later with the bases loaded ended the game.

Detroit scored all 3 of its runs in the top of the 2nd inning on consecutive, 2-out RBI singles by C Jake Rogers, SS Trey Sweeney and 3B Matt Vierling off of Houston SP Framber Valdez (4 1/3 IP, 3 ER, 7 H, 2 BB, 3 K).

The Tigers, who made the playoffs for the first time in 10 years, were among the hottest teams in baseball over the last few months — 17-11 in August and 17-8 in September. They won 10 of their last 13 games, including 6 of the last 8, to close out the season. The Tigers finished 88-74 against the spread (ATS) in the regular season, tying for 2nd best in the majors, according to Teamrankings.com. Cincinnati was 1st (90-72), followed by Detroit, Baltimore, Kansas City and Washington — all 88-74.

The AL Central champion Astros, who are in their 8th consecutive postseason and 9th in the last 10 years, now have their backs up against the wall in this best-of-3 setup. While they finished 83-78 ATS, they also ended the regular season on a high note, beating the Cleveland Guardians in the final 2 games and winning 6 of their last 9.

Houston was 46-35 at home before Tuesday’s loss, while Detroit was 43-38 on the road.

Tigers at Astros projected starters

LHP Tyler Holton vs. RHP Hunter Brown

Holton (7-2, 2.19 ERA), set to make his playoff debut, made 66 appearances, including 9 starts in 2024. He has a 0.78 WHIP, 1.6 BB/9 and 7.3 K/9 across 94 1/3 innings.

  • Last outing: No-decision, 1 IP in relief, 0 ER, 0 H, 1 BB, 1 K in 4-1 home win vs. Chicago White Sox Friday
  • Last start: No-decision, 2 IP, 0 ER, 0 H, 1 BB, 4 K in 4-3 victory at Baltimore Orioles Sept. 22
  • 2024 road stats: 3-2, 1.54 ERA (52 2/3 IP, 9 ER), 0.65 WHIP, 7.9 K/9 in 36 appearances, including 6 starts
  • Career vs. Astros: 0-0, 6.35 ERA (5 2/3 IP, 4 ER), 6 H, 2 HR, 0 BB, 3 K in 3 appearances
  • 2024 vs. Astros: 0-0, 0.00 ERA (4 IP, 0 ER), 1 H, 0 BB, 3 K in 2 relief outings

Brown (11-9, 3.49 ERA) made 31 appearances and 30 starts this season. He has a 1.27 WHIP, 3.2 BB/9 and 9.5 K/9 through 170 innings.

  • Last start: Loss, 6 IP, 1 ER, 3 H, 3 BB, 8 K in 6-1 home loss vs. Seattle Mariners Sept. 23
  • 2024 home stats: 5-5, 3.35 ERA (86 IP, 32 ER), 1.19 WHIP, 9.3 K/9 in 15 starts
  • Career vs. Tigers: 3-0, 2.93 ERA (27 2/3 IP, 9 ER), 1.16 WHIP, 11.7 K/9 in 4 starts and 1 relief outing
  • 2024 vs. Tigers: 1-0, 0.75 ERA (12 IP, 1 ER), 10 H, 1 HR, 0 BB, 16 K in 2 games, including 1 start (7 IP, 0 ER, 5 H, 9 K in 4-0 home shutout June 14)
  • Career in postseason: 0-0, 1.69 ERA (10 2/3 IP, 2 ER), 8 H, 1 HR, 4 BB, 7 K in 7 relief appearances since 2022

Play our free daily Pick’em Challenge and win! Play now!

Tigers at Astros odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list of MLB odds. Lines last updated Tuesday at 10:50 p.m. ET.

  • Moneyline (ML): Tigers +140 (bet $100 to win $140) | Astros -165 (bet $165 to win $100)
  • Run line (RL)/Against the spread: Tigers +1.5 (-160) | Astros -1.5 (+135)
  • Over/Under (O/U): 7.5 (O: -115 | U: -105)

[gambcom-standard rankid=”4132″ ]

Tigers at Astros picks and predictions

Prediction

Astros 4, Tigers 1

Moneyline

PASS.

There’s no value here. Houston (-165) is too expensive of a favorite to play to win outright on the moneyline. Similarly, Detroit (+140) is a bit risky of an underdog to play as well.

Look to the spread for better value.

Run line/Against the spread

BET ASTROS -1.5 (+135).

The Astros won and covered in 4 of their last 8 home games. Their offense struggled Tuesday, but they have scored at least 4 runs in 6 of their last 9 games. They should be able to find some traction Wednesday, especially as they’re set to take on many Tigers relievers. Even more impressive regarding the run line: Houston is 14-1 ATS in its last 15 wins.

The Tigers lost their last 2 games of the regular season — as big favorites vs. the lowly Chicago White Sox — yielding 13 runs in those 2 games. They received a masterpiece from Skubal in Game 1, which will be tough to repeat.

Expect Houston to prevail behind its pitching advantage Wednesday. TAKE ASTROS -1.5 (+135).

Over/Under

BET OVER 7.5 (-115).

The Astros didn’t get much going Tuesday, but they have had a consistent offense over the last several weeks. In 3 of their last 8 regular-season games, they scored at least 8 runs and went 4-3-1 O/U.

The Tigers have a similar story. While they only scored in 1 inning Tuesday — though the 3-run inning was enough — they have been more consistent as of late, scoring at least 4 runs in 4 of the last 5 regular-season games.

Look for both offenses to find some rhythm in Game 2. BACK OVER 7.5 (-115).

[gambcom-standard rankid=”6305″ ]

For more sports betting picks and tips, check out SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW.

Follow @nathanbeighle_ on Twitter/X. Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter/X and like us on Facebook.

Fantasy baseball help from BaseballHQ.com:
Subscribe now to dominate the competition.

[lawrence-newsletter]

[lawrence-auto-related count=3 category=1372]

NL Wild Card Series Game 1: Atlanta Braves at San Diego Padres odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Tuesday’s Atlanta Braves at San Diego Padres odds and lines, with MLB expert picks, predictions and best bets.

[gambcom-standard rankid=”4141″ ]

The Atlanta Braves and San Diego Padres meet in Game 1 of the NL Wild Card Series on Tuesday. First pitch is scheduled for 8:30 p.m. ET (ESPN). Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s MLB odds around the Braves vs. Padres odds and make our expert MLB picks and predictions for the best bets.

Regular-season series: Padres won 4-3

The Braves saved their best for last. In a makeup doubleheader against the New York Mets on Monday, Atlanta lost 8-7 in a wild Game 1. In Game 2, the Braves needed a win, and they notched a 3-0 victory as a heavy favorite (-275) as the Under (9) cashed.

Atlanta wrapped up the regular season 8-3 in the final 11 games, while the Under went 7-1-1 in the last 9 outings. The Braves allowed 1 or 0 runs in 4 of the final 6 contests, too.

LHP Chris Sale missed the regular-season finale due to back spasms, and he will not be available to pitch until at least the NLDS, should the Braves qualify.

The Braves have not yet announced a starter for Game 1 at the time of publishing.

The Padres lost 11-2 on Sunday to the Arizona Diamondbacks in the regular-season finale, but they managed an 11-4 record since Sept. 13. The Under went 10-2-1 in the final 13 contests.

Braves at Padres projected starters

TBD vs. RHP Michael King

The Braves have 3 options for Game 1. RHP Ian Anderson, RHP Bryce Elder and RHP AJ Smith-Shawver.

  • Anderson (4-0, 1.26 ERA) 35 2/3 IP, 5 ER, 20 H (1 HR), 17 BB, 40 K, .159 opponents’ batting average (OBA), 0.94 WHIP in 8 postseason starts. Hasn’t appeared in MLB since 2022
  • Elder (2-5, 6.52 ERA) 49 2/3 IP, 36 ER, 64 H (8 HR), 17 BB, 46 K, .311 OBA, 1.63 WHIP in 10 MLB starts in 2024
  • Smith-Shawver (0-0, 0.00 ERA), 4 1/3 IP, 3 H, 2 BB, 4 K, .188 OBA, 1.15 WHIP in 1 MLB start in 2024

King (13-9, 2.95 ERA) made 30 regular-season starts and 1 relief appearance. He had a 1.19 WHIP, 3.3 BB/9 and 10.4 K/9 in 173 2/3 IP.

  • Last start: Win, 5 IP, 1 R (0 ER), 3 H, 2 BB, 3 K in 4-2 road victory vs. LA Dodgers Sept. 24
  • 2024 home splits: 4-5, 3.32 ERA, 78 2/3 IP, 29 ER, 8 HR, 29 BB, 109 K, .223 OBA, 1.22 WHIP in 14 starts
  • Last 7 games: 3-3, 2.11 ERA (38 1/3 IP, 9 ER), 32 H, 16 BB, 40 K, 1.25 WHIP
  • Career vs. Braves: 0-0, 0.00 (3 2/3 IP, 0 ER), 1 H, 1 BB, 3 K in 1 relief appearance in 2023
  • Career postseason: 0-0, 0.00 ERA, 2 IP, 0 ER, 0 H, 0 BB, 1 K in 1 relief appearance with New York Yankees in 2020

Play our free daily Pick’em Challenge and win! Play now!

Braves at Padres odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list of MLB odds. Lines last updated at 6:28 a.m. ET.

  • Moneyline (ML): Braves +140 (bet $100 to win $140) | Padres -165 (bet $165 to win $100)
  • Run line (RL)/Against the spread (ATS): Braves +1.5 (-160) | Padres -1.5 (+135)
  • Over/Under (O/U): 7 (O: +100 | U: -120)

[gambcom-standard rankid=”4132″ ]

Braves at Padres picks and predictions

Prediction

Padres 4, Braves 2

Moneyline

The PADRES (-165) are a moderate favorite against the Braves (+140), who are feeling fortunate to have made the postseason, but they’re likely to be a bit exhausted, too.

Atlanta had to expend a lot of energy to split a doubleheader against the Mets just to get into the postseason, and then it jumped a Delta Airlines charter flight which left Atlanta at 10:19 p.m. ET, arriving into San Diego at 2:24 a.m. ET. That’s a super-tough turnaround.

Run line/Against the spread

If you’re a little more ‘brave’, forget the moneyline and go straight to the PADRES -1.5 (+135) at plus-money.

Adrenaline will only go so far for the Braves +1.5 (-160), and they’re facing a tough customer in King. While the San Diego right-hander doesn’t have the postseason experience, he was red-hot down the stretch. And, Atlanta is scrambling for a starter after using top-tier pitching in the double dip just to get here.

Over/Under

UNDER 7 (-120) is the lean, but go with a half-unit play.

The Padres didn’t have to travel far from Arizona on Sunday, and they’ll likely have their hitting shoes on. However, expect the Braves to be a bit sluggish after the double dip, and the overnight travel. It’s a good combination to go low.

[gambcom-standard rankid=”6305″ ]

For more sports betting picks and tips, check out SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW.

Follow Kevin J. Erickson on Twitter/X. Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter/X and like us on Facebook.

Fantasy baseball help from BaseballHQ.com:
Subscribe now to dominate the competition.

[lawrence-newsletter]

[lawrence-auto-related count=3 category=1372]