Another good day in MLB betting last Thursday as we hit on 2 out of 3 bets for a nice profit. Quietish day this Tuesday, the 22nd of August with ‘only’ 9 games on the schedule, however, it should be enough to find some value as we preview some of the key matchups and offer our tips below.
Boston Red Sox at Cleveland Indians (9.05am AEST ESPN2)
Eduardo Rodriguez gets the start once again for Boston here. He almost lost us our bet on Thursday after giving up four runs in the second innings against the Cardinals but was stellar after that as the Sox kept St Louis scoreless before scoring three in the bottom of the ninth to pinch victory. Rodriguez didn’t look like giving up a run post the second inning and should come into this matchup with a little more confidence with one more start under his belt since coming off the DL a few weeks ago.
He comes up against Mike Clevinger Tuesday who has a 6-5 record on the year with a 3.75 ERA. Has been starting and coming out of the bullpen throughout the year so has struggled to get into a real rhythm and allowed 2 earned runs in just over 2 innings in his last outing. It’s a massive game for both teams as they look set to playoff in the first round of the post season for the second year in a row. At the moment the Sox batting line-up is firing on all cylinders, scoring 32 runs through their last six games and we think they could be too strong away from home here.
TIP: Boston to win - $2.10 at Ladbrokes
Los Angeles Dodgers at Pittsburgh Pirates (9.05am AEST)
Alex Wood will be on the mound for the Dodgers here as he looks to firm his case to be considered for the NL Cy Young award. The lefty has been absolutely lights out this season with a 14-1 record through 19 starts and a 2.30 ERA. The funny thing is, Wood likely sits behind two Dodgers teammates in the race for the award, with ace Clayton Kershaw and closer Kenley Jansen both having ridiculous seasons.
Bit of a mismatch here as Wood comes up against Gerrit Cole of the Pirates who is 10-8 through 25 starts with a 4.04 ERA. The Pirates have also been one of the worst scoring teams in the majors this season with bottom ten figures in both runs and stats. Given the history making year the Dodgers are having and the form that Wood is in we see this game going only one way.
TIP: Dodgers -1.5 runs - $2 at Sportsbet
Seattle Mariners at Atlanta Braves (9.35am AEST)
Left handed Mariner Andrew Albers made his 2017 starting debut last week and was terrific against a dangerous Baltimore line-up, holding them to one run through five innings. He’ll get anouther chance to prove himself tomorrow in place of the injured James Paxton. Seattle big hitter Nelson Cruz will likely miss the game as the Mariners staff have been hesitant to play him in the outfield when playing at National League ballparks.
The betting has opened fairly even for this game but there is always a slight advantage when a National League team goes to play in an American League ballpark of vice versa. Albers is still pretty untested after not having started since 2013 so we think the Braves could pinch this one at home with Mike Foltynewicz on the mound.
TIP: Atlanta Braves to win - $1.91 at Ladbrokes
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