Ryan Hodges
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All of a sudden, there are two division winners with their backs up against the wall in a win-or-go-home game. Tuesday’s wild-card game ones brought some fantastic pitching in three of the games and a home-run barrage in the other game. Each win was convincing enough that it is almost difficult to see the losing teams bouncing back, but that is the beauty of the postseason. Anything can happen. With each game bringing an opportunity to clinch on Wednesday, today’s playoff baseball will be loaded with drama.
If you’re looking to have some betting action, check out our MLB mega parlay at +814 odds below. You can also read our MLB predictions for picks on every game today.
Rangers vs Rays over 8 (-105)
Blue Jays vs Twins under 7.5 (-105)
Phillies -1.5 (+140)
MLB mega parlay odds: +814
Rangers vs Rays over 8 (-105)
This game features a strong pitching matchup between a couple of starters who have good numbers, but have not been stellar lately. Nathan Eovaldi will start for Texas and Zach Eflin will start for Tampa Bay. In his last 3 starts, Eovaldi has allowed 15 earned runs across 13.1 innings pitched. Eflin has not been too bad, but has not logged more than 5 innings in 4 of his last 5 starts. Considering the clinch and elimination scenario, these teams should come out with an aggressive approach to produce early and often.
The starting pitching was a primary reason for yesterday’s under between the Rangers and Rays. But it could be the primary reason for an over today. The over has been prominent with these teams all year despite strong pitching. The over has hit in 9 of the Rays’ last 11 games and in 5 of their last 6 at home. The combined over-under record of these teams this year is now 174-141-11. Look for Game 2 to bring a lot of run production.
Minnesota Twins vs Toronto Blue Jays under 7.5 (-105)
Tuesday’s Game 1 between the Blue Jays and Twins had a great starting pitching matchup that helped deliver a low total. Game 2 sets up for more of the same with Jose Berrios getting the start for the Blue Jays and Sonny Gray getting the start for the Twins. Berrios got knocked around in his last couple of starts. But has a very high ceiling and has been lights-out for stretches of the season, including last month. Minnesota’s lineup is a combined 5/41 against Berrios and didn’t exactly light up the scoreboard on Tuesday as much as they were picked up by pitching.
The narrative is similar on the opposite side of the diamond. Sonny Gray had a fantastic 2023 and faces a lineup that has not had much success against him. Toronto’s lineup is a combined 15/74 against Gray who ended the regular season with a 2.79 ERA across 184 innings pitched in 32 starts. The under hit comfortably on Tuesday. With even less margin for error and a solid pitching matchup in Game 2, the under looks a good play once again.
Phillies -1.5 (+140)
The Phillies picked up right where they left off from last year’s pennant win. Zack Wheeler was on cruise control, Philadelphia never trailed, and Craig Kimbrel locked down the game as Craig Kimbrel does. It is difficult to see the Marlins bouncing back. The Phillies were the better team, but did not play with any complacency, they have a true home-field advantage and the moment was not too big for them. Philadelphia just looks unflappable right now.
With Tuesday’s win, the Phillies have now won 9 of their last 12 games and 7 of their last 8 at home. In 2022, they found a way to peak at the right time and it took them to the World Series. With more experience under their belts, it looks like they are rinsing and repeating in 2023. Aaron Nola gets the ball in a clinching game on Wednesday and is in solid form lately. He gives his team a great chance to clinch and advance to the NLDS.
Check out our Same Game Parlays for Rangers vs Rays and Blue Jays vs Twins
