Xam’s Daily Gems:
Astros Money Line -142 FanDuel 1 Unit
The Tigers went on a great Cinderella run to make the playoffs, but now they face a team that’s been more battle tested than ANY playoff team. The Astros have been LIVING in the playoffs for the last decade or so and know what it takes to win October baseball. When Skubal faced the Astros in Houston back in June, he gave up 4 runs in just 6.1 innings. In2 starts, spanning 12.2 innings, he’s surrendered 13 hits and 16 total baserunners, showing they know how to produce against a great pitcher like Skubal. Meanwhile, Houston’s southpaw today, Framber Valdez has been EXCELLENT for the Astros at home. He pitched to a SPARKLING 2.53 ERA, .216 batting average against, and 1.05 WHIP at Minute Maid Park. Valdez also has PLENTY of postseason experience, so the moment won’t be too big for him. The Astros have the battle tested team, better lineup, and FULLY RESTED ELITE back of the bullpen. It’s all shaping up to be a BIG DAY for the Astros!
Orioles Money Line -152 FanDuel 1 Unit
The Orioles get their playoff run started against a team that REALLY struggled in September. The Royals were under .500 in the month of September and now face Corbin Burnes on the road, who was EXCELLENT at home this season. He pitched to a 2.94 ERA, .260 batting average against, and 1.28 WHIP. Most of the Royals struggles came from their hitting in September, and that’s BAD NEWS when having to face Corbin Burnes. It’s also bad news when you consider the Orioles have a GREAT lineup that can in droves at home! Cole Ragans will make his first playoff start and it’s going to be a RAUCOUS crowd at Camden Yards. The Orioles are a confident bunch that will have FULLY RESTED bullpen they can deploy. If they can produce some runs early, they will be in a GREAT spot to take Game 1!
Brewers First 5 Innings Money Line -145 FanDuel 1 Unit
The Mets just played an incredibly emotional doubleheader yesterday in Atlanta to clinch a playoff spot, while the Brewers sat at home and rested. The Brewers just got done winning a series against the Mets at American Family Field, and ace pitcher Freddy Peralta didn’t even go in the series! Peralta is coming off a ROCK SOLID last 7 starts where he pitched to a 2.48 ERA and 1.24 WHIP. The Brewers also have a DEEP lineup filled with speed and power bats that SHOULD let them get things going against Mets starter Luis Severino. Severino pitched to an UGLY 5.00 ERA, .255 batting average against, and 1.30 WHIP on the road. That’s not going to get it done against a team like this. If Peralta can keep the Mets quiet offensively, the Brewers SHOULD be able to score early and often!
Padres -1 -124 DraftKings 1 Unit
The Braves come into this game EXHAUSTED, having sweated through a doubleheader against the Mets. They choked away Game 1 of the doubleheader and needed to go all out to win Game 2 just to sneak into the playoffs. Now, they have to travel across the country to face a rested Padres team. Michael King takes the ball for the Padres tonight, and he’s been nothing short of FANTASTIC for the Padres this season. He pitched to a sparkling 2.11 ERA and 1.25 WHIP over his last 7 starts, and gave up just 3 earned runs over his last 3 outings combined! This is a pitcher who’s LOCKED IN, and the Padres have arguably the best bullpen in baseball that will be ready to lock down this game! AJ Smith-Shawver goes for the Braves tonight, and this will be a monumental task for him. He’s only pitched in 7 games in his big-league career, and just 1 game this season! The Padres have a BRUTAL lineup that can smash the baseball. Don’t be surprised to see a COMPLETELY uncompetitive game tonight.
Lynx Money Line -210 FanDuel 1 Unit
The Lynx lost Game 1 at home to the Connecticut Sun, and now effectively face a MUST WIN situation in Game 2 to avoid going down 0-2 in this best-of-5-series. The Lynx had the lead in Game 1 going into the 4th quarter, but somehow scored a measly 8 points in the entire quarter. They picked a TERRIBLE time to have arguably their WORST quarter offensively of the season. Having said that, Lynx’s offense is just too good to be held down. They led the league in 3-point shooting this year. The Lynx NEEDS superstar Napheesa Collier to step up tonight. She’s their main offensive threat. Simply put, Minnesota has too many deep threats to go 5-20 from beyond-the-arc again and they will play with an intensity that the Sun just won’t be able to match.