Several MLB series are heading into the fourth and final games on Thursday, giving fans enough sample size to judge the teams’ chemistry and make their picks.
5 Best MLB Bets & Predictions, May 21
Run Line: Yankees -1.5 (+123)
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It has been a season where the Toronto Blue Jays have looked far from their division rivals, the New York Yankees’ quality. But the Blue Jays got an underdog win on Wednesday with Trey Yesavage besting Cam Schlittler with the help of just two runs from their offense.
The Yankees will hope to get back in the series finale, but the oddsmakers feel there is a risk factor attached to favoring New York’s multi-run win. Still, the Yankees should complete the series win at home.
Under 9: Diamondbacks vs Rockies (+100)
The Arizona Diamondbacks are clear favorites to win their series opener against the Colorado Rockies. They will start Eduardo Rodriguez on the mound, who carries a 2.53 ERA this season. The D-backs, having a four-game win streak, should restrict the Rockies’ offense for a routine win.
Money Line: Mets (-115)
The New York Mets teased a sort of comeback with nine wins in their previous 14 games heading into the series on the road to Washington. New York won the series opener before the Nationals fought back to take a 2-1 lead coming into the series finale on Thursday.
The Mets scored 10 runs in the loss, in a continued resurgence of the offense. A sustained pitching effort could give them the win, even though they are starting as close underdogs.
Money Line: Tigers (-122)
Another game that the oddsmakers aren’t clearly calling is the series finale between the Cleveland Guardians and the Detroit Tigers. Both teams have had opposing fates, with the Guardians winning their last five while the Tigers are on a five-game losing streak. In fact, Detroit has lost 13 of its last 15 games. Choosing the Tigers to avoid a series sweep at home could get a better payout.
Over 7.5: Marlins vs Braves (-114)
Braves’ Spencer Strider (1-0, 2.45 ERA, 1.23 WHIP, 18 strikeouts) and Marlins’ Sandy Alcantara (3-2, 3.53 ERA, 1.26 WHIP, 45 strikeouts) will start on the mound for the two teams. Oddsmakers have chosen a modest total, but with the Marlins staff carrying a 5.07 ERA in their last ten games and the Braves having scored 17 runs in the previous two games, the total looks on track to be breached.
Edited by R. Nikhil Parshy