MLB: Games for Wednesday, Sept. 16
Angels at Red Sox: An early playoff preview? Unless something drastically changes in the AL landscape, that’s exactly what it’ll be. Yanks will end up playing, and likely crushing, the Tigers. With nearly identical records and similar team makeups, this will be an exciting series. Joe Saunders pitches for the Angels, with a 12-7 record and rather high ERA at 5. He’s got good control, and LA has won 7 out of the last 10 he’s started, so even with the questionable numbers, the team gives him enough run support to get over the hump. But of those 10 teams, only 2 (Yanks, Rangers) were playoff contenders. So how will he fare against the hard-hitting Red Sox? Boston throws Jon Lester, who has an identical record with an ERA about 1.5 lower. He will K at least seven in this baseball betting game. And with Boston’s consistent offense, they’ll be a slight favorite against their disciplined, experienced opponents. A great game to watch either way if it’s on TV, plus it’ll give you an early chance to scout for playoff wagers. Red Sox -115, Angels +110. Bet the Red Sox, and the over.
I’m trying to find the juiciest NL matchup across the league, and it appears Marlins at Cardinals is the best we’re going to get. The Marlins are all but out of the playoff hunt this year (spending their final weeks pickering amongst themselves) but are still probably interested in playing spoiler. The only thing they can spoil for the Cards is home field advantage. St. Louis is playing possessed right now, though, and it’s unlikely the Marlins will be able to put up much resistance. Wainwright goes, and has been lights out for the birds. 2.6 ERA? Ridiculous. Throw in 175 K’s and a 1.21 WHIP and you’ve got a pitcher who’s team has won an astounding nine out of the last 10 times he’s started. He’ll shut the Marlins down – plan on seeing no more than 6 hits. Sean West and his ho-hum numbers go for Florida. He doesn’t K much, and has a high WHIP, so you can bet veterans like Pujols and Holliday are salivating at the opportunity to sink into this guy. And they will. This one won’t be pretty. Cardinals -175, Marlins +160. The thought of an off-day is always there, but St. Louis should destroy these guys at home. Bet the Cardinals.