Don’t blame the MLB playoff wild card format for the Dodgers’ and Orioles’ failures

The format is fine. The league’s best teams just aren’t playing well enough to win.

This is For The Win’s daily newsletter, The Morning Win. Did a friend recommend or forward this to you? If so, subscribe here. Have feedback? Leave your questions, comments and concerns through this brief reader survey! Now, here’s Mike Sykes.

Good morning, Winners! Thanks for taking some time and reading TMW today.

There’s been a lot of discussion surrounding rest versus rust in the MLB postseason so far. Now, with the Dodgers and Orioles both in 2-0 holes as the top seeds in the AL and NL, that conversation is heating up even more.

To be fair, what’s happening is very weird. In the first 118 MLB postseasons only three 100-win teams lost their first two postseason games at home, per ESPN. The Dodgers and Orioles have done it on consecutive nights here. That’s wild.

This strange phenomenon has led some people to question the league’s new playoff format. The Athletic’s Ken Rosenthal even wrote a column on what changes could be made to improve the format.

But do we really need to go that far?

The biggest problem here the best teams in baseball just aren’t winning right now. That’s not a playoff format problem — that’s an individual team problem.

The Braves certainly had no trouble digging a tough one out against the Phillies on Monday night. It took a bit of superhero work from Michael Harris II in the end, sure, but Atlanta made it happen.

That’s just sports, man. It’s the playoffs. Find a way to win. If you can’t? Tough. Go home.

It might be news to some, but the best teams in baseball don’t always win. Check this out from USA Today’s Gabe Lacques from last year

“The best team won’t win the World Series? Brother, that’s old news: Since divisional play began in 1969 through 2021, the team with the best record in baseball won the World Series just 14 times in 52 years – or 27% of the time. And since MLB split into a six-division format beginning with the 1995 playoffs, we’ve welcomed plenty of relatively middling champions.” 

Sure, sometimes we get juggernauts like last year’s Astros or the 2020 Dodgers who are very clearly head and shoulders above the rest of the teams in the league. But other times, we get teams like 2021’s 88-win Braves who manage to climb the mountaintop.

The fact that we can have both is what makes the sport — and this journey as a whole — beautiful. It’s imperfect and that’s awesome.


The NBA’s future is alien

TIMOTHY A. CLARY/AFP

That’s the only way possible to describe what we saw from Victor Wembanyama and Chet Holmgren on Monday night. Those dudes just don’t make any sense. Literally.

The two rookies squared off in a preseason game and I felt like I might has well been watching a Kaiju flick. A 7-5 big guard versus a 7-1 big guard. Basketball has never looked like this before.

I’ll let Bryan Kalbrosky tell you how wild it was.

“Both of these players did so many things we’re simply not used to seeing on the confines of an actual basketball court.

Holmgren is 7-foot-1 but scored as the ball-handler in a pick-and-roll set and nailed a 3-pointer using an off-ball screen. He also scored in more traditional ways like a big man would, including putbacks and basket cuts and rim rolls.

Wembanyama also managed some absurd scoring possessions. Some of his most impressive moments came after off-ball screens, dribble handoffs and transition leak-outs.

His offensive rebound putback scores were exciting but the finesse that he displayed on his layup package was fully unbelievable.”

My favorite part of the game was when Wembanyama basically stole the ball from Cason Wallace from the 3-point line (!!!!). It was unreal, man.

The next 10 years are going to be so fun, man. Please stay healthy, fellas.


Can we turn off injuries? Please?

Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports

Obviously, we hate to see injuries happen to anyone. But it always stings a bit more when you see some of the best players in the NFL go down.

It feels like we’ve gotten so many of those major injuries in the last few days. Just today we saw big news on the injury front with:

— Justin Jefferson being placed on injured reserve for the next month with a hamstring injury.

— Rookie standout De’Von Achane is reportedly out for multiple weeks with a knee injury

It’s football. We know injuries are going to happen. It’s part of the game. You just absolutely hate to see it.

Football gods, let’s just turn off injuries like we do on Madden. Please? Just this once? I would like to watch Justin Jefferson play football.


Quick hits: It’s the 49ers then everyone else in the NFL … Micah Parsons talks too much … and more

— Wake up, babe. Robert Zeglinski and Christian D’Andrea just dropped their Week 6 NFL power rankings and the 49ers are at the top of the top.

— Micah Parsons keeps talking about the 49ers and it’s really weird. He’s mad at George Kittle now. Cory Woodruff has more.

— Tyler Nettuno has winners and losers for Week 6 in the college football world. Shoutout Brent Venables and Oklahoma.

— Charles Curtis has the 6 best moments from the ManningCast. This is the content I look forward to every week.

— Mary Clarke and Charles have their NHL predictions ready to go for you.

Michael Harris II was so hyped after Austin Riley’s home run against the Phillies. This is the best.

That’s all for Tuesday, folks. Catch you again tomorrow! Thanks for reading. Have a fantastic day.

MLB playoff picture: A look at the spots left to be decided with under 1 week left in the 2023 season

The MLB playoff race is heating up!

The final week of MLB’s season is finally here and the regular season is nearly over.

But don’t get it twisted — there’s still plenty of intrigue along the way. The playoffs might be near but a lot of things still haven’t quite been figured out.

The standings across the league are still in flux. We don’t know who is going to play who. We don’t even know where the best teams in the AL are going to be playing at quite yet. It’s so exciting.

It’s also a lot, I know. But don’t you worry — you don’t have to keep up with all of it alone. We’re here to do that for you.

Here’s where everything stands as the final week of the regular season continues.

Gunnar Henderson hilariously passed up hitting for a cycle to take an extra base hit and his teammates were so baffled

Gunnar Henderson might unintentionally be the funniest player in baseball for this

Somebody needs to talk to Gunnar Henderson, man. He denied himself a pretty great achievement for no good reason at all. It’s actually pretty hilarious.

The Orioles were up 10-1 against the Oakland Athletics on Sunday and Henderson did the most ridiculous thing he could possibly do.

He was only one single away from hitting for a cycle against the A’s. He’d done the hard part of getting the homer, the triple and the double. And, finally, at the top of the 8th inning, Henderson got himself another base hit.

RELATED: Austin Hays hammered a homer that bizarrely got stuck in the A’s foul pole.

Now, one would think that he’d just stop at first base and get himself that elusive cycle that so many players would love to have. Nope. The dude scurries past first base and notches himself another extra-base hit.

The fact that he did this isn’t even the best part. It’s the fact that his teammates were baffled that really makes it great. Just look at their faces.

The best part is that he doesn’t even really care. Like, at all. You can see it in his face. As hilarious as this is, you can do nothing but respect it.

Honestly, he’s not wrong here! Look, I’m all for the cycle. And I certainly would’ve stopped here. But there’s no reason that this shouldn’t count as a cycle, right? It’s not a single, but he did get the base he needed.

It doesn’t count, but this is a cycle in all of our books, Gunnar. Don’t worry.

Kyle Hamilton throws out first pitch at Orioles game

It wasn’t thrown hard but it was certainly over the plate

It was a Notre Dame connection on Tuesday night at Camden Yards in Baltimore when Ravens first round draft pick [autotag]Kyle Hamilton[/autotag] threw out the first pitch ahead of the Orioles home game against the Washington Nationals.

Hamilton wasn’t the only Domer participating however as former Notre Dame baseball star and current Oriole [autotag]Trey Mancini[/autotag] caught the first pitch.  You can check out Hamilton’s toss below,

Hopefully Hamilton brings more luck to the Ravens this year than he did the Orioles as they fell 3-0 and recorded just three hits in the contest.

Related:

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Watch the awesome moment Adley Rutschman, baseball’s No. 1 prospect, finally gets called up to the Orioles

This is so awesome.

It was really only a matter of time for Adley Rutschman. Since being drafted as the No. 1 overall pick in the 2019 MLB draft, the clock has been ticking to the moment he’d finally get his shot to play in the majors.

Rutschman is a potential star for baseball. He’s the reward for Orioles fans after their dreaded 2019 season. They’re not as bad as they once were today, but at 16-24 they could certainly use an infusion of talent. They’re hoping Rutschman is that for them.

Obviously, it’s taken a while to get here given that the COVID-19 pandemic paused baseball for a while. But the moment is here. And it couldn’t have been sweeter.

We got a glimpse at the moment Rutschman got his call up and the joy he was overcome with was completely visible.

After his manager tells him “you’re going to Camden Yards and you’re going to play in the big leagues for the first time,” his face just lights up.

And then his teammates come out to hype him up and it’s just an awesome moment, man. This is what it’s all about.

Fans were so happy Rutschman was finally getting his moment.

Minnesota Twins vs. Baltimore Orioles odds, tips and betting trends

At Oriole Park at Camden Yards on Monday, the Baltimore Orioles (8-13) begin a four-game series versus the Minnesota Twins (13-9), at 7:05 PM ET. The Twins are favored away from home (-158) versus the Orioles (+136). The Twins will start Chris …

At Oriole Park at Camden Yards on Monday, the Baltimore Orioles (8-13) begin a four-game series versus the Minnesota Twins (13-9), at 7:05 PM ET.

The Twins are favored away from home (-158) versus the Orioles (+136). The Twins will start Chris Paddack (0-2) versus the Orioles and Tyler Wells (0-2).

The Twins won their last game against the Rays yesterday by a 9-3 score. Jorge Polanco went 2-for-5 with two doubles and four RBI to lead them offensively. Josh Winder picked up the win on the strength of six innings without giving up an earned run on two hits, while striking out seven.

The Orioles took down the Red Sox 9-5 yesterday, with Jordan Lyles registering the win while pitching six innings, giving up one earned run on seven hits while striking out six. Rougned Odor went 2-for-5 with an RBI to pace the Orioles’ offense.

Here is everything you need to get ready for Monday’s Twins vs. Orioles contest.

Minnesota Twins vs. Baltimore Orioles Odds and Betting Lines

Major League Baseball odds courtesy of Tipico Sportsbook. Odds updated Sunday at 11:04 PM ET. For a full list of sports betting odds, access USA TODAY Sports Betting Scores Odds Hub.

  • Favorite: Twins (-158, bet $158 to win $100)
  • Underdog: Orioles (+136, bet $100 to win $136)
  • Over/under: 7.5

Deposit $10, GET $200 INSTANTLY: Get action on this game! Place your legal sports bets in CO and NJ at Tipico Sportsbook. Exclusive USA TODAY Network offer: Deposit $10, get $200 in betting credit instantly. 21+, terms and conditions apply. Bet now!

Twins Stats and Trends

Twins Betting Records

  • The Twins have won seven, or 63.6%, of the 11 games they’ve played as favorites this season.
  • Minnesota has played as a favorite of -158 or more once this season and won that game.
  • The moneyline for this contest implies a 61.2% chance of a victory for the Twins.
  • Minnesota and its opponents have hit the over in nine of their 22 games with a total this season.
  • The Twins are 11-11-0 against the spread this season.

Chris Paddack (Twins Probable Starter)

  • Paddack (0-2) will take the mound for the Twins, his fourth start of the season.
  • The right-hander gave up one earned run and allowed five hits in 5 2/3 innings pitched against the Detroit Tigers on Tuesday.
  • The 26-year-old has pitched to a 3.68 ERA this season with 8 strikeouts per nine innings compared to 0.6 walks per nine across three games.
  • Paddack has two starts in a row of five innings or more.
  • The Orioles are batting .219 this season, 24th in MLB. They have a team slugging percentage of .312 (29th in the league) with nine home runs.

Twins Batting Stats

  • The Twins have hit 24 homers this season, which ranks sixth in the league.
  • Hitters for the Twins combine for a team rank 11th of in the majors with a .383 team slugging percentage.
  • Minnesota’s .232 batting average ranks 17th in the league this season.
  • The Twins rank 12th in the league with 94 total runs scored this season.
  • Minnesota has an on-base percentage of .314 this season, which ranks 13th in the league.
  • The Twins rank 24th with an average of 9.1 strikeouts per game.

Orioles Stats and Trends

Orioles Betting Records

  • The Orioles have come away with eight wins in the 21 contests they have been listed as the underdogs in this season.
  • Baltimore has a mark of 6-10 in contests where sportsbooks favor them by +136 or worse on the moneyline.
  • The Orioles have an implied victory probability of 42.4% according to the moneyline set for this matchup.
  • Baltimore and their opponents have hit the over in five of their 21 games with a total set by oddsmakers this season.
  • The Orioles are 12-9-0 against the spread in their 21 games with a line set by sportsbooks this season.

Tyler Wells (Orioles Probable Starter)

  • Wells makes the start for the Orioles, his fifth of the season. He is 0-2 with a 5.54 ERA and 10 strikeouts in 13 innings pitched.
  • In his last time out on Wednesday, the right-hander went 5 2/3 innings against the New York Yankees, allowing two earned runs while surrendering three hits.
  • During four games this season, the 27-year-old has amassed a 5.54 ERA and 6.9 strikeouts per nine innings, while allowing a batting average of .280 to opposing batters.
  • Wells has pitched five or more innings in a game one time this season heading into this matchup.
  • He will face a Twins offense that is batting .232 as a unit (17th in the MLB). They are also slugging a collective .383 (11th in the league) with 24 total home runs (sixth in MLB play).

Orioles Batting Stats

  • The Orioles have hit the fewest home runs in baseball this season (nine).
  • This season, the Orioles have the second-lowest slugging percentage in baseball (.312).
  • Baltimore’s .219 batting average ranks 24th in MLB.
  • The Orioles score the second-fewest runs in baseball (63 total, three per game).
  • Baltimore is 17th in the league with a .304 on-base percentage.
  • The Orioles strike out 9.8 times per game, the fourth-worst mark in the league.

Place your legal, online sports bets in CO and NJ at Tipico Sportsbook now.

Gannett may earn revenue from Tipico for audience referrals to betting services. Tipico has no influence over nor are any such revenues in any way dependent on or linked to the newsrooms or news coverage. See Tipico.com for Terms and Conditions. 21+ only. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER (NJ), 1-800-522-4700 (CO), 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA).

Boston Red Sox vs. Baltimore Orioles odds, tips and betting trends

At Oriole Park at Camden Yards on Sunday, the Baltimore Orioles (7-13) play the Boston Red Sox (9-13), with first pitch at 1:05 PM ET. The Orioles (+133 underdog moneyline odds) take the field at home against the Red Sox (-155). The Red Sox will …

At Oriole Park at Camden Yards on Sunday, the Baltimore Orioles (7-13) play the Boston Red Sox (9-13), with first pitch at 1:05 PM ET.

The Orioles (+133 underdog moneyline odds) take the field at home against the Red Sox (-155). The Red Sox will start Nick Pivetta (0-3) versus the Orioles and Jordan Lyles (1-1).

Jorge Lopez (2.0 IP, 0 R, 0 H, 1 K) was credited with a win in the Orioles’ 2-1 victory over the Red Sox yesterday. Cedric Mullins led the way offensively, going 2-for-4 with two doubles. Hirokazu Sawamura (0.0 IP, 0 R, 0 H, 0 K) took the loss for the Red Sox.

Here’s everything you need to get ready for Sunday’s Red Sox vs. Orioles contest.

Boston Red Sox vs. Baltimore Orioles Odds and Betting Lines

Major League Baseball odds courtesy of Tipico Sportsbook. Odds updated Sunday at 5:03 AM ET. For a full list of sports betting odds, access USA TODAY Sports Betting Scores Odds Hub.

  • Favorite: Red Sox (-155, bet $155 to win $100)
  • Underdog: Orioles (+133, bet $100 to win $133)
  • Over/under: 8.5

Deposit $10, GET $200 INSTANTLY: Get action on this game! Place your legal sports bets in CO and NJ at Tipico Sportsbook. Exclusive USA TODAY Network offer: Deposit $10, get $200 in betting credit instantly. 21+, terms and conditions apply. Bet now!

Red Sox Stats and Trends

Red Sox Betting Records

  • The Red Sox have been favorites in 10 games this season and won six (60%) of those contests.
  • Boston has played as a favorite of -155 or more once this season and lost that game.
  • Bookmakers have implied with the moneyline set for this matchup that the Red Sox have a 60.8% chance to win.
  • Games involving Boston have gone over the total set by oddsmakers in five of 22 chances this season.
  • The Red Sox have an ATS record of 13-9-0 in 22 games with a spread this season.

Nick Pivetta (Red Sox Probable Starter)

  • The Red Sox will send Pivetta (0-3) to the mound for his fifth start this season.
  • The right-hander’s last appearance was on Tuesday, when he threw 4 2/3 innings against the Toronto Blue Jays, giving up two earned runs while allowing three hits.
  • The 29-year-old has pitched in four games this season with an ERA of 8.27, a 1.231 strikeout-to-walk ratio and a WHIP of 1.959.
  • The Orioles rank 30th in MLB with 54 runs scored this season. They have a .211 batting average this campaign with eight home runs (29th in the league).

Red Sox Batting Stats

  • The Red Sox rank 25th in Major League Baseball with 12 home runs.
  • The offense for the Red Sox has a slugging percentage of .336 this season, 23rd in MLB.
  • Boston’s .225 batting average ranks 22nd in the league this season.
  • The Red Sox have scored 76 runs (3.5 per game) this season, which ranks 23rd in MLB.
  • Boston has an on-base percentage of .273 this season, which ranks 28th in the league.
  • The Red Sox are one of the most disciplined teams at the plate this season, ranking 10th with an average of 8.0 strikeouts per game.

Orioles Stats and Trends

Orioles Betting Records

  • The Orioles have won in seven, or 35%, of the 20 contests they have been named as odds-on underdogs in this year.
  • This season, Baltimore has come away with a win six times in 16 chances when named as an underdog of at least +133 or worse on the moneyline.
  • Sportsbooks have implied with the moneyline set for this matchup that the Orioles have a 42.9% chance of pulling out a win.
  • Baltimore and their opponents have gone over in four of their 20 games with a total set by sportsbooks this season.
  • The Orioles have an against the spread mark of 11-9-0 in 20 games with a line this season.

Jordan Lyles (Orioles Probable Starter)

  • Lyles (1-1) gets the starting nod for the Orioles in his fourth start of the season. He’s put together a 3.52 ERA in 15 1/3 innings pitched, with 12 strikeouts.
  • The right-hander’s most recent time out was on Wednesday, April 20 against the Oakland Athletics, when he threw five scoreless innings while allowing five hits.
  • In three games this season, the 31-year-old has an ERA of 3.52, with 7.0 strikeouts per nine innings. Opponents are hitting .305 against him.
  • Lyles will look to pitch five or more innings for his fourth straight appearance. He’s averaging 5.0 frames per outing.
  • He meets a Red Sox offense that ranks 23rd in the league with 76 total runs scored while batting .225 as a squad. His opponent has a collective .336 slugging percentage (23rd in MLB action) and has hit a total of 12 home runs (25th in the league).

Orioles Batting Stats

  • The Orioles are second-worst in MLB play with eight home runs.
  • So far this year, the Orioles have the lowest slugging percentage in the league (.302).
  • Baltimore ranks 27th in the league with a .211 batting average.
  • The Orioles score the fewest runs in baseball (54 total, 2.7 per game).
  • Baltimore’s .296 on-base percentage ranks 22nd in the league.
  • Orioles batters strike out 10.0 times per game, the most in baseball.

Place your legal, online sports bets in CO and NJ at Tipico Sportsbook now.

Gannett may earn revenue from Tipico for audience referrals to betting services. Tipico has no influence over nor are any such revenues in any way dependent on or linked to the newsrooms or news coverage. See Tipico.com for Terms and Conditions. 21+ only. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER (NJ), 1-800-522-4700 (CO), 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA).

Boston Red Sox vs. Baltimore Orioles odds, tips and betting trends

The Boston Red Sox (9-12) will visit the Baltimore Orioles (6-13), Saturday at 7:05 PM ET, with the Orioles on a three-game losing skid. The Red Sox are favored away from home (-178) versus the Orioles (+157). The scheduled starters are Nathan …

The Boston Red Sox (9-12) will visit the Baltimore Orioles (6-13), Saturday at 7:05 PM ET, with the Orioles on a three-game losing skid.

The Red Sox are favored away from home (-178) versus the Orioles (+157). The scheduled starters are Nathan Eovaldi (1-0) for the Boston Red Sox, and Spenser Watkins for the Baltimore Orioles.

Tanner Houck (3.0 IP, 0 R, 2 H, 4 K) was credited with the win in the Red Sox’s 3-1 victory over the Orioles yesterday. Christian Arroyo led the way offensively, going 1-for-3 with a home run and two RBI. Kyle Bradish (6.0 IP, 2 R, 5 H, 2 K) took the loss for the Orioles.

Prepare for the Red Sox vs. Orioles with everything you need to know before Saturday’s baseball action.

Boston Red Sox vs. Baltimore Orioles Odds and Betting Lines

Major League Baseball odds courtesy of Tipico Sportsbook. Odds updated Saturday at 5:06 AM ET. For a full list of sports betting odds, access USA TODAY Sports Betting Scores Odds Hub.

  • Favorite: Red Sox (-178, bet $178 to win $100)
  • Underdog: Orioles (+157, bet $100 to win $157)
  • Over/under: 8.5

Deposit $10, GET $200 INSTANTLY: Get action on this game! Place your legal sports bets in CO and NJ at Tipico Sportsbook. Exclusive USA TODAY Network offer: Deposit $10, get $200 in betting credit instantly. 21+, terms and conditions apply. Bet now!

Red Sox Stats and Trends

Red Sox Betting Records

  • This season, the Red Sox have won six out of the nine games in which they’ve been favored.
  • Boston has not entered a game this season with shorter moneyline odds than -178.
  • Sportsbooks have implied with the moneyline set for this matchup that the Red Sox have a 64% chance to win.
  • So far this season, Boston and its opponents have hit the over in five of their 21 games with a total.
  • The Red Sox have an ATS record of 13-8-0 in 21 games with a spread this season.

Nathan Eovaldi (Red Sox Probable Starter)

  • The Red Sox’s Eovaldi (1-0) will make his fifth start of the season.
  • The right-hander’s last appearance was on Monday, when he threw seven innings against the Toronto Blue Jays, giving up two earned runs while allowing five hits.
  • The 32-year-old has pitched in four games this season with an ERA of 3.32, an 8 strikeout-to-walk ratio and a WHIP of 1.108.
  • The Orioles rank 30th in MLB with 52 runs scored this season. They have a .215 batting average this campaign with eight home runs (29th in the league).
  • Among qualified pitchers in the majors this year, the 32-year-old ranks 40th in ERA (3.32), 32nd in WHIP (1.108), and 10th in K/9 (10.0).

Red Sox Batting Stats

  • The Red Sox rank 24th in Major League Baseball with 12 home runs.
  • The offense for the Red Sox has a slugging percentage of .342 this season, 22nd in MLB.
  • Boston’s .226 batting average ranks 20th in the league this season.
  • The Red Sox rank 22nd in the league with 75 total runs scored this season.
  • Boston has an OBP of just .273 this season, which ranks 29th in MLB.
  • The Red Sox rank 14th with an average of 8.0 strikeouts per game.

Orioles Stats and Trends

Orioles Betting Records

  • The Orioles have won in six, or 31.6%, of the 19 contests they have been named as odds-on underdogs in this year.
  • Baltimore has a mark of 3-7 in contests where oddsmakers favor them by +157 or worse on the moneyline.
  • Oddsmakers have implied with the moneyline set for this matchup that the Orioles have a 38.9% chance of pulling out a win.
  • Baltimore and their opponents have hit the over in four of their 19 games with a total set by oddsmakers this season.
  • The Orioles have posted a record of 10-9-0 against the spread this season.

Spenser Watkins (Orioles Probable Starter)

  • The Orioles are sending Watkins (0-0) out to make his fourth start of the season. He is 0-0 with a 2.77 ERA and five strikeouts through 13 innings pitched.
  • The right-hander’s last appearance came on Sunday against the Los Angeles Angels, when he threw five innings, surrendering two earned runs while giving up three hits.
  • In three games this season, the 29-year-old has an ERA of 2.77, with 3.5 strikeouts per nine innings. Opponents are hitting .184 against him.
  • Watkins will look to pitch five or more innings for his third straight appearance. He’s averaging 4.1 innings per outing.
  • He will face a Red Sox team that is batting .226 as a unit (20th in the MLB). They are also slugging a collective .342 (22nd in the league) with 12 total home runs (24th in MLB play).

Orioles Batting Stats

  • The Orioles have hit the second-fewest home runs in MLB action this season (eight).
  • So far this season, the Orioles’ .307 slugging percentage is the lowest average in baseball.
  • Baltimore’s .215 batting average ranks 24th in MLB.
  • The offense for the Orioles is No. 30 in baseball scoring 2.7 runs per game (52 total runs).
  • Baltimore ranks 19th in baseball with a .303 on-base percentage.
  • Orioles batters strike out 10.1 times per game, the most in baseball.

Place your legal, online sports bets in CO and NJ at Tipico Sportsbook now.

Gannett may earn revenue from Tipico for audience referrals to betting services. Tipico has no influence over nor are any such revenues in any way dependent on or linked to the newsrooms or news coverage. See Tipico.com for Terms and Conditions. 21+ only. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER (NJ), 1-800-522-4700 (CO), 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA).

Boston Red Sox vs. Baltimore Orioles odds, tips and betting trends

On Friday, a matchup of AL East rivals is on the docket, with the Boston Red Sox (8-12) visiting the Baltimore Orioles (6-12) at 7:05 PM ET. As the favorite, the Red Sox (-145 moneyline odds to win) take the field at the Orioles (+120). The Boston …

On Friday, a matchup of AL East rivals is on the docket, with the Boston Red Sox (8-12) visiting the Baltimore Orioles (6-12) at 7:05 PM ET.

As the favorite, the Red Sox (-145 moneyline odds to win) take the field at the Orioles (+120). The Boston Red Sox will give the start to Rich Hill (0-1), but the Orioles’ starter has not been announced yet.

The Red Sox lost 1-0 to the Blue Jays yesterday, with Garrett Whitlock (three innings without giving up an earned run on four hits, while striking out two) on the hook for the loss. Christian Arroyo went 1-for-3 to lead the Red Sox offensively in the defeat.

The Orioles were handed a 10-5 loss to the Yankees yesterday. Austin Hays (4-for-3 with three doubles and an RBI) led the way offensively, while Bruce Zimmermann got the loss on the mound after going 4 1/3 innings without giving up an earned run on five hits, while striking out five.

Ahead of the Red Sox vs. Orioles matchup, here is everything you need to prepare for Friday’s baseball action.

Boston Red Sox vs. Baltimore Orioles Odds and Betting Lines

Major League Baseball odds courtesy of Tipico Sportsbook. Odds updated Thursday at 11:03 PM ET. For a full list of sports betting odds, access USA TODAY Sports Betting Scores Odds Hub.

  • Favorite: Red Sox (-145, bet $145 to win $100)
  • Underdog: Orioles (+120, bet $100 to win $120)
  • Over/under: 9

Deposit $10, GET $200 INSTANTLY: Get action on this game! Place your legal sports bets in CO and NJ at Tipico Sportsbook. Exclusive USA TODAY Network offer: Deposit $10, get $200 in betting credit instantly. 21+, terms and conditions apply. Bet now!

Red Sox Stats and Trends

Red Sox Betting Records

  • The Red Sox have won five of the eight games they’ve played as favorites this season.
  • Boston has not been a bigger favorite this season than the -145 moneyline set for this game.
  • The Red Sox have a 59.2% chance to win this game based on the implied probability of the moneyline.
  • So far this season, Boston and its opponents have hit the over in five of their 20 games with a total.
  • The Red Sox are 12-8-0 against the spread this season.

Rich Hill (Red Sox Probable Starter)

  • The Red Sox will send Hill (0-1) to the mound for his fourth start this season.
  • The 42-year-old has pitched in three games this season with an ERA of 4.85, a 1.167 strikeout-to-walk ratio and a WHIP of 1.615.
  • The Orioles have scored 51 runs this season, which ranks 30th in MLB. They have 130 hits, 22nd in baseball, with seven home runs (30th in the league).

Red Sox Batting Stats

  • The Red Sox’s 11 home runs rank 25th in Major League Baseball.
  • Hitters for the Red Sox combine for a team rank 21st of in the majors with a .344 team slugging percentage.
  • Boston has a team batting average of .229 this season, which ranks 17th among MLB teams.
  • The Red Sox have scored 72 runs (3.6 per game) this season, which ranks 17th in MLB.
  • Boston has an on-base percentage of .275 this season, which ranks 26th in the league.
  • The Red Sox rank 16th with an average of 8.3 strikeouts per game.

Orioles Stats and Trends

Orioles Betting Records

  • The Orioles have won in six, or 33.3%, of the 18 contests they have been named as odds-on underdogs in this year.
  • Baltimore has a win-loss record of 5-10 when favored by +120 or worse by bookmakers this year.
  • The moneyline set for this matchup implies the Orioles have a 45.5% chance of walking away with the win.
  • Contests with Baltimore have gone over the total set by sportsbooks in four of 18 chances this season.
  • In 18 games with a line this season, the Orioles have a mark of 10-8-0 against the spread.

Orioles Batting Stats

  • The Orioles have hit the fewest home runs in baseball this season (seven).
  • So far this year, the Orioles have the fourth-lowest slugging percentage in baseball (.309).
  • Baltimore’s .217 batting average ranks 22nd in the league.
  • The Orioles score the fewest runs in baseball (51 total, 2.8 per game).
  • Baltimore’s .305 on-base percentage ranks 18th in baseball.
  • The Orioles strike out 10.1 times per game, the second-worst mark in baseball.

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New York Yankees vs. Baltimore Orioles odds, tips and betting trends

At Yankee Stadium on Thursday, the New York Yankees (11-6) take on the Baltimore Orioles (6-11), with first pitch at 1:05 PM ET. The Orioles (+183 underdog moneyline odds) visit the Yankees (-220). The New York Yankees will give the start to Jameson …

At Yankee Stadium on Thursday, the New York Yankees (11-6) take on the Baltimore Orioles (6-11), with first pitch at 1:05 PM ET.

The Orioles (+183 underdog moneyline odds) visit the Yankees (-220). The New York Yankees will give the start to Jameson Taillon (1-1, 1.20 ERA) looking for win No. 2 on the season, and the Orioles will turn to Bruce Zimmermann (1-0, 1.20).

Yesterday, the Yankees picked up a 5-2 victory over the Orioles, with Michael King (2.1 IP, 0 R, 1 H, 2 K) earning the win for the Yankees. Giancarlo Stanton went 2-for-3 with a home run and three RBI to lead the offensive attack. Joey Krehbiel (0.1 IP, 1 R, 1 H, 1 K) picked up the loss for the Orioles.

Here’s everything you need to get ready for Thursday’s Yankees vs. Orioles game.

New York Yankees vs. Baltimore Orioles Odds and Betting Lines

Major League Baseball odds courtesy of Tipico Sportsbook. Odds updated Thursday at 5:04 AM ET. For a full list of sports betting odds, access USA TODAY Sports Betting Scores Odds Hub.

  • Favorite: Yankees (-220, bet $220 to win $100)
  • Underdog: Orioles (+183, bet $100 to win $183)
  • Over/under: 8.5

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Yankees Stats and Trends

Yankees Betting Records

  • The Yankees have been favorites in 16 games this season and won 10 (62.5%) of those contests.
  • New York has played as a favorite of -220 or more once this season and won that game.
  • The moneyline for this contest implies a 68.8% chance of a victory for the Yankees.
  • New York and its opponents have gone over the total this season in five of their 16 opportunities.
  • The Yankees have an ATS record of 8-8-0 in 16 games with a spread this season.

Jameson Taillon (Yankees Probable Starter)

  • The Yankees will send Taillon (1-1) to the mound for his fourth start this season.
  • The right-hander gave up one earned run in five innings pitched on Friday in his last outing, a matchup with the Cleveland Guardians.
  • The 30-year-old has an ERA of 3.07, a 13 strikeout-to-walk ratio and a WHIP of 1.091 in three games this season.
  • The Orioles are batting .208 this season, 27th in MLB. They have a team slugging percentage of .294 (30th in the league) with seven home runs.
  • The right-hander has allowed the Orioles to go 3-for-16 with a home run and two RBI in 4 2/3 innings this season.

Yankees Batting Stats

  • The Yankees rank ninth in Major League Baseball with 19 home runs.
  • Hitters for the Yankees combine for a team rank 12th of in the majors with a .384 team slugging percentage.
  • New York has a team batting average of .236 this season, which ranks 12th among MLB teams.
  • The Yankees rank 23rd in the league with 63 total runs scored this season.
  • New York has the 11th-best on-base percentage in MLB this season (.313).
  • The Yankees rank 11th in strikeouts per game (8.8) among MLB offenses.

Orioles Stats and Trends

Orioles Betting Records

  • The Orioles have been underdogs in 17 games this season and have come away with the win six times (35.3%) in those contests.
  • Baltimore has a mark of 1-2 in contests where oddsmakers favor them by +183 or worse on the moneyline.
  • The Orioles have an implied victory probability of 35.3% according to the moneyline set by oddsmakers for this matchup.
  • Baltimore and their opponents have hit the over in three of their 17 games with a total set by oddsmakers this season.
  • The Orioles are 10-7-0 against the spread in their 17 games with a line set by sportsbooks this season.

Bruce Zimmermann (Orioles Probable Starter)

  • Zimmermann makes the start for the Orioles, his fourth of the season. He is 1-0 with a 1.20 ERA and 16 strikeouts in 15 innings pitched.
  • In his last appearance on Saturday, the left-hander tossed six innings against the Los Angeles Angels, giving up two earned runs while surrendering five hits.
  • The 27-year-old has an ERA of 1.20, with 9.6 strikeouts per nine innings in three games this season. Opponents are batting .231 against him.
  • Zimmermann heads into the game with one quality start under his belt this season.
  • Zimmermann is looking for his third straight appearance lasting five or more innings. He averages 5.0 innings per start.
  • He will face off against a Yankees offense that is hitting .236 as a unit (12th in the MLB). They are also slugging a collective .384 (12th in the league) with 19 total home runs (ninth in MLB action).
  • Zimmermann has thrown five innings without giving up an earned run on four hits, while striking out six against the Yankees this season.

Orioles Batting Stats

  • The Orioles have hit the fewest home runs in baseball this season (seven).
  • This season, the Orioles have the lowest slugging percentage in baseball (.294).
  • Baltimore ranks 27th in the league with a .208 batting average.
  • The Orioles score the fewest runs in baseball (46 total, 2.7 per game).
  • Baltimore’s .298 on-base percentage is 20th in baseball.
  • The Orioles strike out 9.9 times per game, the No. 24 mark in the league.

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Gannett may earn revenue from Tipico for audience referrals to betting services. Tipico has no influence over nor are any such revenues in any way dependent on or linked to the newsrooms or news coverage. See Tipico.com for Terms and Conditions. 21+ only. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER (NJ), 1-800-522-4700 (CO), 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA).