We hit on 2 out of 3 bets in Tuesday’s MLB tips to make it two profitable days in a row. We’ll be aiming for another winning day here as we preview some of the key games on Thursday, the 3rd of August including the ESPN televised Cleveland Indians at Boston Red Sox.
Cleveland Indians at Boston Red Sox (9am AEST ESPN2)
The 2016 AL Cy Young award winner Rick Porcelo will be on the mound for the Red Sox in the 3rd of their ten game home stand. Definitely not having the year he did last season, the right hander leads the MLB in losses with his 4-14 record and a 5.01 ERA. Luckily the Red Sox haven’t had to rely on him as much this year with the addition of Chris Sale and the lights out pitching by Drew Pomeranz.
Regardless, Porcello gets a pretty good matchup here against Trevor Bauer, who is 9-8 on the season so far with a 5.25 ERA. Was very impressive in his last outing but doesn’t have the best record against the Red Sox. Boston second baseman Dustin Pedroia was placed on the 10-day DL Wednesday which could hinder their chances. Regardless, Boston need to make a massive run on this ten game home stand to set themselves up to win the AL East, so we like them here.
TIP: Boston to win - $1.78 at Sportsbet
Tampa Bay Rays at Houston Astros (10.10am AEST)
If it wasn’t for the ridiculous season by Boston’s Chris Sale, Dallas Keuchel of the Houston Astros would likely be a lock for this season’s AL Cy Young award. Pitched in his first game since June 2nd last week and was a bit shaky but prior to that, was the best pitcher in baseball with a 9-0 record through 12 starts maintaining a 1.67 ERA. Should take another step towards his best here.
Not a usual starter, Austin Pruitt stepped into the starting rotation for injured Jake Odorizzi recently. Has made just two starts this season and has a fairly undesirable ERA at 6.63. Houston leads the league by a fair stretch in runs and hits and has been absolutely on fire with the bat throughout the season. Tough to see them dropping this one at home with their ace on the mound.
TIP: Houston Astros -1.5 – $1.97 at Sportsbet
Detroit Tigers at New York Yankees (3.05am)
Super early start for this one with the 3am time slot but should be a pretty interesting matchup as the Tigers travel to New York to face the Yankees. The Yankees have been on an absolute tear over the last week, scoring 40 runs in their last 7 games including 12 home runs. Aaron Judge leads the league in home runs with 34 on the season so far and will be important for the Yankees here.
Tanaka vs Zimmerman in the pitching matchup doesn’t scream mismatch, with 6-8 and 8-9 records on the year respectively and both maintaining an ERA around 5, it’ll likely be the bat that wins this game. Hard to look past the Yankees line-up at the moment, especially on the home run friendly Yankee Stadium.
TIP: New York -1.5 - $1.82 at Ladbrokes
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