ALDS Game 4: Red Sox vs. Yankees Preview and Pick

Yankees on Brink of Elimination in ALDS

The ALDS had been more of the same from the regular season, so far. The Yankees look to avoid elimination when they host the Red Sox in Game 4 of the American League Division Series on Tuesday. Boston crushed New York 16-1 last night to take a 2-1 series lead.

Tuesday, October 9 at 8:07 PM ET on TBS.


Yankee Stadium

Mostly Cloudy 71°F

Wind: 4mph blowing Out to L

Odds: Yankees are -135-moneyline favorites. The total is 9.

Game 4 Pitching Matchup

Rick Porcello threw 2/3 of an inning in relief in Game 1 and surrendered a hit. He went 17-7 with a 4.28 ERA and a 1.18 WHIP in 191 1/3 innings over 33 starts this season. He was dominant against the Yankees.

He went 2-0 with a 2.31 ERA, an 0.65 WHIP and a complete game in four starts. Porcello is 10-8 with a 3.11 ERA and a 1.13 WHIP in 22 career starts against the Yankees. 

CC Sabathia had a decent season for the Yankees. He posted a 9-7 record with a 3.65 ERA and a 1.31 WHIP in 153 innings over 29 starts. He had mixed results in three starts against the Red Sox.

Sabathia posted a 1-0 record with a 4.50 ERA (giving up seven earned runs on 14 innings). The veteran lefty had a 1.64 WHIP in three starts this season.

Sabathia was just 2-2 with a 5.40 ERA and 1.60 WHIP in his last five starts this season. He's 18-13 with a 4.14 ERA, a 1.33 WHIP and a complete game in 42 career starts against the Red Sox.

 

MLB Trends:

The Boston Red Sox are:

1-4 in their last five postseason road games

2-5 in Porcello's last seven starts when their opponent scores two runs or less in their previous game

The New York Yankees are:

24-8 in Sabathia's last 32 home starts

22-9 in Sabathia's last 31 starts against a team with a winning record

4-1 in Sabathia's last five home starts against the Red Sox

6-0 in Sabathia's last six Tuesday starts

6-2 in Sabathia's last eight starts against the Red Sox

ALDS This and That

This is a must-win game for the Yankees. They should play with the sense of urgency they lacked last night. The home crowd will be behind them, firing them up along the way.

Last night's setback was a disgrace for New York. At the end of the day it only counts as one loss. It happens in all sports, and there's usually a chance for redemption. 

Porcello hasn't pitched well at Yankee Stadium, going 1-4 with a 5.56 ERA and a 1.42 WHIP in seven career starts. Sabathia is more proven in games like this and he has a 2.77 ERA in his last 13 starts against the Red Sox. 

Andrew Benintendi, Xander Bogaerts and J.D. Martinez are only hitting a combined .169 (11-for-65) in their career against Sabathia. Porcello gave up five earned runs on 5 1/3 innings in his only start at Yankee Stadium this season. 

MLB Pick: Yankees -135 at Jazz Sports

Check odds here: https://goo.gl/dVwAAb

 Odds as seen on ESPN Chalk: https://goo.gl/ji6GJZ

Detroit Red Wings vs. Anaheim Ducks Free NHL Pick

Anaheim Ducks Look to Stay Hot

The Detroit Red Wings look to get back on track from Sunday's 4-2 loss against the Los Angeles Kings when they visit the red-hot Anaheim Ducks.

Monday, October 8 at 10:00 PM ET

Honda Center

Odds: Ducks are -200-moneyline favorites. The total is 5.5 Under -125.

Detroit Red Wings

The Detroit Red Wings remained winless after a 4-2 road loss against the Los Angeles Kings last night. The Red Wings made 38 shots, limiting the Kings to just 25 and killed all three penalties. They couldn't find the back of the net on even-strength.

They netted on two of four power-play chances. Jimmy Howard is expected to start in Anaheim. He's 10-6-2 against the Ducks with a 2.28 GAA and a .926 save percentage.

The Red Wings are averaging 2.0 goals per game (22nd in the league) and 3.5 goals against (18th). They have a 42.9 power play percentage (3rd) and an 88.9 penalty kill percentage (9th).

Gustav Nyquist leads the team with three points and three assists and Dylan Larkin has one goal. Jimmy Howard is 0-0-1 with 2.89 GAA and a .923 save percentage. Jonathan Bernier is 0-1-0 with 3.09 GAA and a .875 save percentage.

Anaheim Ducks

The Anaheim Ducks are off to a 2-0-0 start after their 1-0 win against the Arizona Coyotes last Saturday. The Ducks were heavily outshot for the second consecutive game (41-20).

They held on in the last minute, when the Coyotes had a 5-on-3 power play. The Ducks pulled their goalie for the sixth attacker. Rookie Max Comtois scored the only goal in the last minute of the second period. This was after scoring his first career goal in the season opener against the Sharks.

The Ducks are averaging 3.0 goals per game (15th in the league) and 1.0 goals against (2nd). They have a 40.0 power play percentage (6th) and a 100.0 penalty kill percentage (1st).

Jakob Silfverberg leads the team with four points and four assists. Max Comtois has two goals. John Gibson is 2-0-0 with 1.00 GAA and a .973 save percentage. 

 



 

NHL Trends:

The Under is: 

18-7-1 in Detroit's last 26 games when their opponent scores two goals or less in their previous game

6-2 in Detroit's last eight games playing on zero days rest

10-4 in Anaheim's last 14 games when their opponent scores two goals or less in their previous game

33-16-2 in Anaheim's last 51 games following a win

11-5-2 in the last 18 meetings in Anaheim

Jimmy Howard and John Gibson have been outstanding early on so goals will be at a premium tonight. The Ducks allow many shots on goal this season but the Red Wings aren't exactly lighting the lamp so far, so a low-scoring game is highly likely.

NHL Pick: Under 5.5 (-125) Jazz Sports

Check odds here: https://goo.gl/dVwAAb

Odds as seen on ESPN Chalk: https://goo.gl/ji6GJZ

Washington Redskins vs. New Orleans Saints Monday Night Football Prediction

Saints Brees on Verge of Rewriting Record Books

We might witness history to close Week 5 when the Washington Redskins visit the New Orleans Saints. This showdown of NFC division leaders on Monday Night Football could see some records fall.

Saints quarterback Drew Brees needs 201 passing yards to become the all-time NFL leader. The record currently held by Peyton Manning with 71,940 yards. Brees is currently third on the all-time list and he needs just 99 yards to pass Brett Favre en route to Manning.

Monday, October 8 at 8:15 PM ET

Mercedes-Benz Superdome

Odds: Saints are 6.5-point favorites. The total is at 51.5.

Washington Redskins

The Washington Redskins took first place in the NFC East while enjoying their bye week. Now they're looking for back-to-back victories following a 31-17 Week 3 win over the Green Bay Packers on September 23.

The Redskins put a ton of pressure on Aaron Rodgers for most of the game. They sacked him four times, led by two from defensive end Jonathan Allen. 

Alex Smith was effective as he completed 12 of 20 passes for 220 yards, two touchdowns and one interception. He adding 20 yards on the ground on seven carries. Veteran running back Adrian Peterson played well with 120 rushing yards and two touchdowns on 19 carries.

Tight ends Vernon Davis and Jordan Reed combined to make six catches for 135 yards.

The Redskins are averaging 245.3 passing yards (18th in the NFL) and 137.7 rushing yards (5th). Washington ranks 23rd with 21.3 points per game and 2nd with 14.7 points against.

Alex Smith has passed for 767 yards, four touchdowns and one interception. Adrian Peterson has 236 rushing yards and three touchdowns on 56 carries. Jordan Reed has 14 receptions for 168 yards and one touchdown.

Mason Foster has 27 tackles and Matt Ioannidis has three sacks.

New Orleans Saints

The New Orleans Saints got back on track from a 48-40 Week 1 loss against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers with three straight wins. Last Sunday's 33-18 road victory over the New York Giants helped build confidence.

Drew Brees was the second quarterback in the history of the league to throw for over 5000 yards in a season after Dan Marino. He's one of only five signal-callers to reach that milestone. Brees is the only one to do so in multiple seasons with five.

The 39-year-old signal-caller has shown no signs of slowing down. Although his numbers against the Giants were not that impressive by his standards.

Brees completed 18 of 32 passes for a season-low 217 yards and no touchdowns. That ended a 10-game streak with at least one score. He was still effective enough with Alvin Kamara's rushing help to lead the Saints on three second half touchdown drives.

Kamara had career-highs of 134 rushing yards and three touchdowns.

The Saints are averaging 313.8 passing yards (7th in the NFL) and 104.5 rushing yards (18th). New Orleans ranks 3rd with 34.3 points per game and 29th with 30.3 points against.

Drew Brees has passed for 1,295 yards, eight touchdowns and no interceptions. Alvin Kamara has 275 rushing yards and five touchdowns on 56 carries. Michael Thomas has 42 receptions for 445 yards and three touchdowns.

Demario Davis has 37 tackles and Cameron Jordan has four sacks.

 



 

NFL Trends:

 The Washington Redskins are:

 4-0 ATS in their last four games after accumulating more than 350 total yards in their previous game

 6-2 ATS in their last eight road games against a team with a winning home record

 9-4 ATS in their last 13 games against a team with a winning record

6-0 ATS in their last six meetings

4-0 ATS in their last four meetings in New Orleans

The New Orleans Saints are:

1-4 ATS in their last five home games

1-4 ATS in their last five games following an ATS win

2-9 ATS in their last 11 games in Week 5

1-5 ATS in their last six Monday games

The underdog is 4-0 ATS in the last four meetings between these two teams and the Redskins have a strong defensive line led by Jonathan Allen that can generate enough pressure on Drew Brees. Alex Smith always takes care of the football and he keeps defenses alert while exploiting mismatches in the middle of the field. I like Brees to break the all-time record for passing yards and the Saints to win but the Redskins will cover the spread. 

NFL Pick: Redskins +6.5 (-110)

Check odds here: https://goo.gl/dVwAAb

Odds as seen on ESPN Chalk: https://goo.gl/ji6GJZ

 

NLDS Game 4: LA Dodgers vs Atlanta Braves

Braves Stay Alive and Look to Even NLDS

Game 4 of the NLDS will feature the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Atlanta Braves. They will play on Monday afternoon at SunTrust Park. First pitch is a few minutes after 4:30 pm EST. The Milwaukee Brewers await the winners series in the NLCS.

TV: 4:30 p.m. ET, Fox Sports 1  

PITCHING MATCHUP: Dodgers RH Rich Hill (2018: 11-5, 3.66 ERA) vs. Braves RH Mike Foltynewicz (0-1, 18.00)

ODDS: Dodgers are -143-moneyline favorites. The total is at 8 -1010.

Maybe the Atlanta Braves just needed to get home to find their footing in the National League Division Series. They find themselves still alive and hosting the Los Angeles Dodgers for Game 4 on Monday.

Gametime is less than 24 hours after staving off elimination with a 6-5 victory at SunTrust Park. Atlanta did not score a run in two losses at Los Angeles but rode a grand slam by Ronald Acuna Jr.

Hill Hot at Right time for Dodgers in NLDS

Los Angeles is trying to reach the NL Championship Series for the third consecutive year. They received 15 scoreless innings from its starters in the first two games.

Rookie Walter Buehler issued a bases-loaded walk to counterpart Sean Newcomb in the second inning of Game 3. He then served up Acuna's blast that put the Braves ahead 5-0.

Los Angeles battled back to tie it thanks to homers by Chris Taylor and Max Muncy. The HR's gave the team seven blasts in the series. Freeman's sixth-inning leadoff shot for Atlanta gave him hits in seven of his eight career postseason contests.

Hill ended the regular season with a flourish, winning all five of his turns in September. All the while posting a 3.90 ERA and a .174 opponents batting average. The 38-year-old made five starts in last year's playoffs for the Dodgers. He allowed five earned runs and 13 hits in 17 2/3 innings.

Hill scattered three hits over seven scoreless frames en route to victory on July 26. It was his only appearance against Atlanta this season.

Muncy has recorded two hits - both homers - in the series while driving in four runs.

Folty Looks to Redeem Himself after Game 1 Debacle

Freddie Freeman's hit the game-winning solo homer to cut the Dodgers' best-of-five series lead to 2-1.

Acuna is the favorite to be the NL Rookie of the Year. He became the youngest player in postseason history to belt a grand slam at 20 years, 293 days old. He has recorded three of the Braves' 15 hits in the series.

Foltynewicz fizzled in his postseason debut in the series opener. He surrendered four runs and three hits in just two innings. He allowed homers by Joc Peterson and Muncy. The 27-year-old registered five strikeouts but issued three walks and hit a batter.

Foltynewicz finished the regular season 13-10 with a 2.85 ERA. He had 202 strikeouts in 183 innings while earning his first career All-Star appearance.

RF Nick Markakis went 0-for-3 in Game 3 and is just 1-for-10 in the series.

NLDS Betting Odds & Trends

Los Angeles Dodgers
Dodgers is 6-1 ATS in its last 7 games
LA Dodgers is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games
Dodgers is 8-4 ATS in its last 12 games on the road
LA Dodgers is 8-4 SU in its last 12 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 4 of LA Dodgers's last 5 games on the road
LA Dodgers is 6-2 ATS in its last 8 games when playing Atlanta
LA Dodgers is 6-2 SU in its last 8 games when playing Atlanta
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of LA Dodgers's last 6 games when playing Atlanta
LA Dodgers is 4-2 ATS in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Atlanta
LA Dodgers is 7-3 SU in its last 10 games when playing on the road against Atlanta
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of LA Dodgers's last 9 games when playing on the road against Atlanta

Atlanta Braves
Braves are 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games
Atlanta is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Atlanta's last 5 games
Atlanta is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games at home
Atlanta is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 7 of Atlanta's last 9 games at home
Atlanta is 2-6 ATS in its last 8 games when playing LA Dodgers
Atlanta is 2-6 SU in its last 8 games when playing LA Dodgers
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Atlanta's last 6 games when playing LA Dodgers
Atlanta is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games when playing at home against LA Dodgers
Atlanta is 3-7 SU in its last 10 games when playing at home against LA Dodgers
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Atlanta's last 9 games when playing at home against LA Dodgers

 

Next up:
Los Angeles home to Atlanta Wednesday, October 10

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Louisville Cardinals Host Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets Friday Night

Jackets Look to Stay on Track visiting the Louisville Cardinals

The Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets and the Louisville Cardinals battle on Friday Night at Papa John's Stadium. Both teams are fighting for survival to make the postseason after slow starts to the season.

TV: 7 p.m. ET, ESPN. LINE: Georgia Tech -5.5

Georgia Tech suffered through a miserable start to the season. They lost three of their first four contests. The team hopes to continue taking advantage of a soft spot in its schedule Friday at Louisville. This is the first-ever matchup between the ACC teams.

The Yellow Jackets have struggled to get their running game on track at times this season. They piled up 372 yards on the ground in a 63-17 rout of Bowling Green last week. Now they aim for their first road victory since the 2016 Tax Slayer Bowl.

The Cardinals held a three-point lead against Florida State with two minutes remaining last week. Coach Bobby Petrino called for a pass that was intercepted that set up the game-winning touchdown in a crushing 28-24 defeat.

Georgia Tech Looks for Consistent Offensive Play

Georgia Tech is 2-3 overall and 0-2 ACC action. The Yellow Jackets were far smoother running the triple-option last week than in a blowout loss to Clemson in their previous game. They certainly benefited from the caliber of the opposing defense.

Quarterback TaQuon Marshall ran for two touchdowns and completed 5-of-6 passes for 160 yards. Backup Tobias Oliver added 115 yards rushing and two scores.

Linebacker Brant Mitchell recorded a season-high eight tackles last week.

The Yellow Jackets already have matched last season's total of 10 forced turnovers and are tied for 13th in the nation in that category.

Louisville Cardinals Have to Play Better Overall

There were some positives for Louisville last week, as former starting quarterback Jawon Pass regained his job by throwing for 306 yards and two touchdowns.

Louisville is 2-3 overall and 0-2 in ACC play. Pass completed 24-of-45 attempts and rushed for a score last week. He missed several open targets and threw interceptions on the Cardinals' final two drives.

Louisville is 113th in the nation in rushing offense. They are averaging just 120 yards. Hassan Hall finished with 57 on 11 carries. Linebacker P.J. Blue finished with eight tackles, bringing his total over the last two games to 14.

WR Jaylen Smith recorded his sixth 100-yard receiving performance of his career last week. That ties him for 10th on the school's all-time list.

The Cardinals are 12-5 at home in ACC play since joining the league in 2014.

PREDICTION: Georgia Tech 23, Louisville 17

ACC Football Betting Odds & Trends

Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets
Georgia Tech is 1-6 ATS in its last 7 games
Georgia Tech is 2-5 SU in its last 7 games
Georgia Tech is 0-4-1 ATS in its last 5 games on the road
Georgia Tech is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games on the road

Louisville Cardinals
Louisville is 1-5 ATS in its last 6 games
Louisville is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games
Louisville is 3-9 ATS in its last 12 games at home
Louisville is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games at home

 

Next up:
Georgia Tech home to Duke Saturday, October 13
Louisville at Boston College Saturday, October 13

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NLDS Game 2: Braves vs Dodgers Preview and Pick

Braves Look to Rebound after Shutout in NLDS Game 2

NLDS Game 2 at Dodger Stadium will feature two crafty veterans on the mound. The Atlanta Braves and the Los Angeles Dodgers face off in the night cap in a day of MLB Playoff games.

TV: 9:37 p.m. ET, FS1  

PITCHING MATCHUP: Braves RH Anibal Sanchez (7-6, 2.83 ERA) vs. Dodgers LH Clayton Kershaw (9-5, 2.73)

ODDS: The Dodgers as -225-moneyline favorites. The game's total sits at 7.

The Los Angeles Dodgers led the National League and finished second in the majors in homers this season. They enter Game 2 of the NL Division Series at home Friday against the Atlanta Braves after an impressive power display in the series opener.

The Dodgers slugged homers in each of the first two innings to build a four-run lead. They finished the night with three blasts to cement things. The defending NL champions posted a 6-0 victory over Atlanta in Game 1 on Thursday.

Braves Need Sanchez to Come up Big in NLDS Game 2

The Braves are in the playoffs for the first time in five years and are very young. They have to quickly forget a forgettable start from ace Mike Foltynewicz. He allowed a leadoff homer to Joc Pederson in the first inning.

Then the big blow came with a hit batsman and walk set up Max Muncy's three-run shot with two outs in the second.

Sanchez makes his eighth career postseason appearance (seventh start) tonight. It will continue a remarkable season in which he was signed by the Braves in spring training. He recovered from a hamstring injury to help anchor Atlanta's youthful rotation.

The 34-year-old is 2-4 with a 2.79 ERA and a 1.16 WHIP in the playoffs. He held left-handed batters to a .191 average in the regular season and went 5-2 with a 2.67 ERA in 13 road starts.

Sanchez went 1-1 in two starts against the Dodgers. He gave up two runs on three hits in 5 1/3 innings at Los Angeles to get the win on June 9.

The only positive for the Braves was the performance of left-handers Sean Newcomb and Max Fried. They combined to strike out three and allow one hit in 3 1/3 scoreless innings after Foltynewicz lasted just two innings.

Freddie Freeman, the only position player left from the 2013 playoff team, singled in the first inning of Game 1.

Dodgers Expect Kershaw to be .... Well Kershaw

Los Angeles is an overwhelming favorite to win the series and advance to the NL Championship Series. They never were threatened as starter Hyun-Jin Ryu pitched seven innings and saved the Dodgers' bullpen.

Enrique Hernandez added a solo homer as the Dodgers have belted 31 in their past 16 games. They finished the regular season with 235 homers.

Many people were surprised when the Dodgers started Hyun-Jin Ryu in the series opener. This was even though Kershaw allowed three runs or more three times in six starts in September. He finished the month 3-0 with a 3.89 ERA and a 1.19 WHIP.

Kershaw makes his 20th career postseason start tonight. In 24 overall games he is 7-7 with a 4.35 ERA with 139 strikeouts in 122 innings. Kershaw beat the Braves in his only start against them in 2018. He struck out eight with no walks and one run allowed in 7 2/3 innings on July 27 in Atlanta.

Muncy hit only five homers in 96 games across two seasons in Oakland. He belted 35 this season and has three homers and nine RBIs in his past four games.

PREDICTION: Dodgers 3, Braves 1

NLDS Game 2 Betting Odds and Trends

Atlanta Braves
Braves are 1-5 ATS in its last 6 games
Atlanta is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Atlanta's last 6 games
Atlanta is 1-5 ATS in its last 6 games on the road
Atlanta is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Atlanta's last 6 games on the road
Atlanta is 1-5 ATS in its last 6 games when playing LA Dodgers
Atlanta is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games when playing LA Dodgers
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Atlanta's last 5 games when playing LA Dodgers
Atlanta is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games when playing on the road against LA Dodgers
Atlanta is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games when playing on the road against LA Dodgers
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Atlanta's last 5 games when playing on the road against LA Dodgers

Los Angeles Dodgers
LA Dodgers is 5-0 ATS in its last 5 games
Dodgers are 5-0 SU in its last 5 games
LA Dodgers is 7-1 SU in its last 8 games at home
Dodgers are 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games when playing Atlanta
LA Dodgers is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing Atlanta
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of LA Dodgers's last 5 games when playing Atlanta
LA Dodgers is 4-2 ATS in its last 6 games when playing at home against Atlanta
LA Dodgers is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing at home against Atlanta
The total has gone OVER in 4 of LA Dodgers's last 5 games when playing at home against Atlanta

 

Next up:
Atlanta home to Los Angeles Sunday, October 7

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ALDS Game 1: Yankees vs Red Sox Preview and Pick

ALDS Game 1 Showcases Baseball's Fiercest Rivalry

New York Yankees and Boston Red Sox renew hostilities in ALDS Game 1. The game will be played at Fenway Park. This is the oldest, and fiercest rivalry, in Major League Baseball. This should be a heavyweight battle from first pitch to last.

TV: 7:32 p.m. ET, TBS  

PITCHING MATCHUP: Yankees LH J.A. Happ (17-6, 3.65 ERA) vs. Red Sox LH Chris Sale (12-4, 2.11)

ODDS:  The Red Sox as -170-moneyline favorites. The game's total opened at is at 7.5 Under -115.

The Boston Red Sox set a franchise record for wins during the regular season. They ran away with the American League East. The New York Yankees will not be intimidated.

The Red Sox will start LHP David Price in Game 2 and RHP Rick Porcello in Game 3 while the Yankees counter with RHP Masahiro Tanaka in Game 2 and have yet to announce a Game 3 starter.

Boston lost in the Division Series in each of its last two trips to the postseason and is 1-6 in seven playoff games since winning the 2013 World Series.

Yankees Look for Happ to Keep up Solid Performances in ALDS Game 1

New York won 100 games during the regular season but still needed to survive the one-game wild card playoff on Wednesday. They beat the Oakland Athletics 7-2 to earn a trip to Fenway Park.

Happ went 7-0 with a 2.69 ERA in 11 starts after being acquired from the Toronto Blue Jays. He closed strong with a 1.86 ERA in five September outings. Happ went 1-1 with a 1.99 ERA in four starts against Boston this season.

He was not as effective at Fenway Park. Happ surrendered nine runs - four earned - and nine hits over 9 2/3 total innings. Happ last pitched in the postseason with the Blue Jays in 2016. He is 1-1 with a 3.72 ERA in 10 career playoff games - three starts.

New York set a major league record for home runs during the regular season (267) and added two more in Wednesday's wild card win.

Red Sox Hope Sale is Recovered Fully for ALDS

Boston (108-54) will start ace Chris Sale opposite New York lefty J.A. Happ in Game 1. The Red Sox led the majors in runs scored (876) and batting average (.268). MVP candidates Mookie Betts and J.D. Martinez led the way.

Sale spent September trying to build up his pitch count and strengthen his shoulder. This was the result of two trips to the disabled list. He struggled in his last two outings. The Lefty allowed a total of five runs and nine hits across eight innings.

Sale made his postseason debut in 2017 and struggled in two appearances against Houston in the ALDS. He made one start, and went 0-2 while surrendering nine runs and 13 hits over 9 2/3 total innings. He gave up for dingers.

Sale had little trouble against the Yankees in 2018. He struck out 19 while yielding one run in 13 innings over two starts.

PREDICTION: Red Sox 4, Yankees 2

ALDS Game 1 Betting Odds and Trends

New York Yankees
Yankees is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games
NY Yankees is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games
The total has gone OVER in 5 of NY Yankees's last 5 games
NY Yankees is 5-2 ATS in its last 7 games on the road
NY Yankees is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 5 of NY Yankees's last 5 games on the road
NY Yankees is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games when playing Boston
The total has gone OVER in 5 of NY Yankees's last 5 games when playing Boston
NY Yankees is 2-6 SU in its last 8 games when playing on the road against Boston

Boston Red Sox
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Boston's last 5 games
Boston is 5-10 ATS in its last 15 games at home
Boston is 9-4 SU in its last 13 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Boston's last 5 games at home
Boston is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games when playing NY Yankees
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Boston's last 5 games when playing NY Yankees
Boston is 6-2 SU in its last 8 games when playing at home against NY Yankees

 

Next up:
New York at Boston Saturday, October 6

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ALDS Game 1: Indians vs Astros Preview and Pick

ALDS Game 1 between the Cleveland Indians and the Houston Astros will kick off this afternoon. Minute Maid Park in Houston will host the action. If history between these clubs holds true this will be a great series from start to finish. The Game 1 pitching matchup is going to be a great one.

TV: 2:05 p.m. ET, TBS  

PITCHING MATCHUP: Indians RH Corey Kluber (20-7, 2.89 ERA) vs. Astros RH Justin Verlander (16-9, 2.52)

ODDS: The Astros are -155-moneyline favorites. The game's total is 6.5 Over -125.

Two former Cy Young Award winners go at it this afternoon. Both pitchers finished the regular season strong and are prepared to face dangerous lineups today.

Cleveland's Corey Kluber was unbeaten in his last six starts. He went 1-0 with a 1.35 ERA against Houston this year. Justin Verlander gave up four runs across 33 innings in September for the Astros.

The Indians eased to their third straight AL Central title. They have strung three 90 plus-win seasons together (91 in 2018) for the first time since 1999-2001. The defending World Series champion Houston set a franchise record with 103 victories.

Kluber Looks to Pitch Well in ALDS Game 1

Kluber did not pitch well in the playoffs last season. He gave up nine runs over 6 1/3 innings. BUT he was outstanding in 2016 during the Indians' run to the World Series (4-1, 1.83 ERA).

The 32-year-old won his final four decisions in the regular season. He recorded a 2.80 ERA during that six-game stretch to reach 20 victories for the first time. Kluber struck out at 200 for the fifth straight year (222, 2018).

Marwin Gonzalez is 9-for-20 with a pair of homers versus Kluber. The Indians ace is 6-3 with a 2.83 ERA in 10 career appearances (nine starts) against Houston.

Indians shortstop Francisco Lindor launched 38 homers in the regular season. He only went 3-for-31 against the Astros. Cleveland slugger Edwin Encarnacion was 9-for-26 versus Houston with two of his 32 blasts.

Jose Ramirez is 11-for-27 with three doubles and two homers against Verlander. Michael Brantley ended the regular season with a nine-game hitting streak and batted .341 in September to finish at .309 overall.

Astros Expect to Pitch and Hit Well in ALDS

Verlander went 3-0 with a 1.09 ERA in five September starts. This was after struggling a bit in August while registering a 5.29 ERA in six outings. The 35-year-old struck out a career high 290 batters this season without facing the Indians.

He went 4-1 with a 2.21 ERA during Houston's run to the World title in 2017. Verlander is 11-6 with a 3.07 ERA lifetime in the postseason.

Verlander is 4-7 with a 2.84 ERA at home this season while giving up 19 of his 28 homers at Minute Maid Park.

Marwin Gonzalez is 9-for-20 with a pair of homers versus Kluber.

Jose Altuve hit .300 for the fifth straight year (.315, 2018). He was an outstanding 15-for-32 against the Indians during the regular season. Alex Bregman went 8-for-31 with two of his career-best 31 homers.

Yuli Gurriel hit .291 this season overall. He was 23-for-56 with 15 RBIs while hitting safely in 13 of his last 14 contests.

PREDICTION: Indians 4, Astros 3

ALDS Game 1 Betting Odds Trends

Cleveland Indians
Cleveland is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games
Clev is 6-3 SU in its last 9 games
Clev is 4-9 ATS in its last 13 games on the road
Cleveland is 8-4 SU in its last 12 games when playing Houston
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Cleveland's last 6 games when playing Houston
Cleveland is 4-2 ATS in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Houston
Cleveland is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Houston
The total has gone UNDER in 11 of Cleveland's last 16 games when playing on the road against Houston

Houston Astros
Hou is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games
Houston is 8-2 SU in its last 10 games
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Houston's last 5 games
Houston is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games at home
Hou is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games at home
Houston is 4-8 SU in its last 12 games when playing Cleveland
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Houston's last 6 games when playing Cleveland
Houston is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games when playing at home against Cleveland
Houston is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games when playing at home against Cleveland
The total has gone UNDER in 11 of Houston's last 16 games when playing at home against Cleveland

 

Next up:
Cleveland at Houston Saturday, October 6

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Thursday Night Football: Colts vs Patriots Preview and Pick

Patriots Get Some Firepower Back for Colts

The Indianapolis Colts and the New England Patriots will meet on Thursday Night Football. Gillette Stadium in Foxborough will host this primetime affair. FOX and NFL Network will have the coverage. Kickoff is set for around 8:20 pm EST.

Oddsmakers opened the Patriots as -10.5-point favorites versus the Colts, while the game's total opened at 53.5. The line is holding steady, but the total is down to 50.

Patriots quarterback Tom Brady will see a familiar face re-enter the huddle tonight. Julian Edelman returns from a four-game suspension. Edelman, was banned for violating the NFL's performance-enhancing substances policy.

He rolled up a career-best 1,106 receiving yards in 2016 before a preseason knee injury caused him to miss the 2017 campaign. His leadership should make a big difference in the locker room and on the field.

Brady Getting back on Track

Brady struggled to find chemistry with his wide receivers in the first three contests. Former Colt Phillip Dorsett and Cordarrelle Patterson each reeled in a touchdown reception in a 38-7 romp over Miami on Sunday.

Brady ranks outside the top 20 in completion percentage (64.4 percent; 21st among QBs), passing yards per game (230; 24th) and yards per attempt (6.8; tied for 27th). Brady and his slow start has been crucial in the Pats 2-2 start.

Edelman is guaranteed to be in the huddle, but Rob Gronkowski isn't a slam dunk to be by his side. The mammoth tight end is dealing with an ankle injury.

The 29-year-old Gronkowski was absent from Tuesday's walk-through. He leads the Patriots with 233 receiving yards in four games. His 17 catches are second on the team to versatile running back James White.

Sony Michel answered a pair of lackluster performances with a stellar one on Sunday. He rushed 25 times for 112 yards and a touchdown. Michel became the second Patriots running back to eclipse 100 yards rushing in a game since 2016. He joined Dion Lewis, who did it twice in 2017.

Colts Look to Take Advantage of Patriots Defense

Colts quarterback Andrew Luck rebounded from a pair of subpar performances. He completed 40 of 62 passes for 464 yards and four touchdowns in Sunday's 37-34 overtime setback to Houston. That is a big reason for the Colts' 1-3 start to the season.

Luck owns an 0-5 career mark versus New England. He has completed just 48 percent of his pass attempts and thrown nine interceptions in three games at Foxborough, Mass.

Luck likely is to be without star wideout T.Y. Hilton (chest, hamstring) on Thursday. He will look to distribute the ball to a wide receiver corps of Ryan Grant, Chester Rogers and Zach Pascal.

The former top overall pick has found a convenient outlet in running back Nyhiem Hines (team-leading 22 catches). He led the club with nine receptions for 63 yards and two touchdowns last week.

Eric Ebron has made the most of fellow tight end Jack Doyle's absence due to injury. He reeled in a team-leading three touchdown receptions in his last four games.

Indianapolis has gotten next-to-nil from its 29th-ranked ground game. Jordan Wilkins leading the club with just 136 rushing yards.

Recent Form

Name	Record	ATS	Offense	Defense	Diff	ATS Home	ATS Away	OU Record	OU Home	OU Away
Indianapolis	1-3	2-2	23.50	25.00	-1.5	0-2	2-0	2-2	2-0	0-2
New England	2-2	2-2	23.75	21.00	2.75	2-0	0-2	1-3	0-2	1-1

Power Stats

Yards Per Point

Name	Offense	Defense	Differential
IND	14.34	15.09	-0.75
NE	14.2	16.57	-2.37

Yards Per Pass

Name	Offense	Defense	Differential
IND	8.48	9.93	-1.45
NE	10.13	10.30	-0.17

Yards Per Rush

Name	Offense	Defense	Differential
IND	3.60	3.90	-0.3
NE	4.11	4.46	-0.35

Team Records

Indianapolis Colts

Name	Record	Home	Away	ATS	ATS Home	ATS Away	Offense	Defense	Diff
Overall	1-3	0-2	1-1	2-2	0-2	2-0	23.50	25.00	-1.50
vs Conf	0-2	0-2	0-0	0-2	0-2	0-0	28.50	35.50	-7.00
vs Div	0-1	0-1	0-0	0-1	0-1	0-0	34.00	37.00	-3.00
Last 3	1-2	0-1	1-1	2-1	0-1	2-0	23.67	22.00	1.67

New England Patriots

Name	Record	Home	Away	ATS	ATS Home	ATS Away	Offense	Defense	Diff
Overall	2-2	2-0	0-2	2-2	2-0	0-2	23.75	21.00	2.75
vs Conf	2-1	2-0	0-1	2-1	2-0	0-1	28.33	19.33	9.00
vs Div	1-0	1-0	0-0	1-0	1-0	0-0	38.00	7.00	31.00
Last 3	1-2	1-0	0-2	1-2	1-0	0-2	22.67	21.33	1.34

Supergrid

Title	Stat	Rank	Stat	Rank
Away Team Overall Scoring vs Home Team Overall Defense	23.50	16	21.00	13
Awy Team Road Passing vs Home Team Home Passing Defense	159.00	27	137.00	4
Away Team Road Rushing vs Home Team Home Rushing Defense	86.00	26	111.50	19
Home Team Overall Scoring vs Away Team Overall Defense	23.75	13	25.00	19
Hme Team Home Passing vs Away Team Road Passing Defense	270.50	16	248.00	11
Home Team Home Rushing vs Away Team Road Rushing Defense	148.50	6	108.50	21

Head To Head Summary

Name	Record	ATS	OU	Score	Rush	YPR	PA	CP	PY	TY	TO +/-
Indianapolis	2-8	4-6	7-3	22.50	83.70	3.74	40.20	60.95	288.10	371.80	2.10
New England	8-2	6-4	7-3	35.80	148.50	4.54	33.40	67.66	256.40	404.90	1.00

Head To Head Detail

Date	Away	Home	Score	Line	Total	OU Result	ARY	APY	ATY	ATT	HRY	HPY	HTY	HTT	Away Team Attempts	Home Team Attempts	Away Team Completions	Home Team Completions
Oct 18, 2015	NE	IND	34-27	116	301	417	1	120	289	409	0
Jan 18, 2015	IND	NE	7-45	83	126	209	3	177	220	397	1
Nov 16, 2014	NE	IND	42-20	244	257	501	2	19	303	322	1
Jan 11, 2014	IND	NE	22-43	69	317	386	4	234	185	419	0
Nov 18, 2012	IND	NE	24-59	119	329	448	4	115	331	446	0
Dec 4, 2011	IND	NE	24-31	99	338	437	2	73	289	362	0
Nov 21, 2010	IND	NE	28-31	71	396	467	3	168	178	346	0
Nv 15, 2009	NE	IND	34-35	113	364	477	2	91	316	407	2
Nov 2, 2008	NE	IND	15-18	140	202	342	2	47	254	301	0
Nv 4, 2007	NE	IND	24-20	105	237	342	2	119	213	332	2

NFL Betting Odds and Trends

Indianapolis Colts
Ind is 4-2 ATS in its last 6 games
Indianapolis is 2-9 SU in its last 11 games
The total has gone UNDER in 10 of Indianapolis's last 12 games
Indianapolis is 5-2 ATS in its last 7 games on the road
Indianapolis is 2-9 SU in its last 11 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Indianapolis's last 5 games on the road
Indianapolis is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games when playing New England
The total has gone OVER in 7 of Indianapolis's last 8 games when playing New England
Indianapolis is 4-7-1 ATS in its last 12 games when playing on the road against New England
Indianapolis is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against New England
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Indianapolis's last 5 games when playing on the road against New England

New England Patriots
NE is 12-5 ATS in its last 17 games
New England is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games
NE is 15-4 SU in its last 19 games
The total has gone UNDER in 13 of New England's last 19 games
New England is 8-2 ATS in its last 10 games at home
New England is 9-1 SU in its last 10 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of New England's last 6 games at home
New England is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games when playing Indianapolis
New England is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing Indianapolis
The total has gone OVER in 7 of New England's last 8 games when playing Indianapolis
New England is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Indianapolis
The total has gone OVER in 4 of New England's last 5 games when playing at home against Indianapolis

Team Last 5 Games

Indianapolis Colts

Date	Opponent	score	Result	line	ATS Result	offensive rush yards	offensive passing yards	offensive total yards	defensive rush yards	defensive passing yards	defensive total yards	turnovers	Location
Sep 30, 2018	HOU	34-37	L	1/48.5	L/O	41	437	478	119	347	466	1	H
Sp 23, 2018	PHI	16-20	L	6.5/45.5	W/U	68	141	209	152	227	379	-2	A
Sp 16, 2018	WAS	21-9	W	6/48	W/U	104	177	281	65	269	334	1	A
Sep 9, 2018	CIN	23-34	L	1/47.5	L/O	75	305	380	101	229	330	0	H
Dec 31, 2017	HOU	22-13	W	-5.5/41	W/U	146	104	250	85	124	209	-1	H

New England Patriots

Date	Opponent	score	Result	line	ATS Result	offensive rush yards	offensive passing yards	offensive total yards	defensive rush yards	defensive passing yards	defensive total yards	turnovers	Location
Sep 30, 2018	MIA	38-7	W	-6.5/50.5	W/U	175	274	449	56	116	172	0	H
Sp 23, 2018	DET	10-26	L	-7/55	L/U	89	120	209	159	255	414	0	A
Sep 16, 2018	JAC	20-31	L	-2/44.5	L/O	82	220	302	104	377	481	-1	A
Sp 9, 2018	HOU	27-20	W	-6.5/49.5	W/U	122	267	389	167	158	325	1	H
Feb 4, 2018	PHI	33-41	L	-4.5/49	L/O	113	500	613	164	374	538	0	H

Next up:
Indianapolis at New York Sunday, October 14
New England home to Kansas City Sunday, October 14

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2018 NLDS Game 1: Braves vs Dodgers Preview and Pick

Braves vs. Dodgers NLDS Game 1 Should be a Doozy

NLDS Game 1 of the best-of-five National League Division Series starts on Thursday Night. Dodger Stadium hosts the Atlanta Braves and the Los Angeles Dodgers in what should be a good pitching matchup.

Thursday, October 4 at 8:37 PM ET

Dodger Stadium

Clear 74°F

Wind: 1 mph will be blowing Out

Odds: The Dodgers are -180-moneyline favorites. The total is at 7 Under -120.



 

Foltynewicz ends the season strong

Mike Foltynewicz (13-10, 2.85 ERA, 1.08 WHIP) allowed one earned run on one hit in his last outing. He no walks with nine strikeouts over five innings in a 10-2 win against the Phillies last Friday.

Foltynewicz's 2.85 ERA and 1.08 WHIP are a large reason for the success of the Braves. He led the National League with two complete games and broke the 200 strikeout plateau for the first time at 202.

The Braves scored 759 runs (10th in the majors). They are putting up 4.69 runs per game (10th), hitting .257 (5th) with 175 home runs (19th).

Atlanta ranked 7th with a 3.75 ERA, 13th with a 1.28 WHIP and 10th with 1423 strikeouts. Their bullpen ranked 17th with a 4.15 ERA.

Ronald Acuna Jr. led the Braves with 26 home runs. Freddie Freeman had team-bests with a .309 batting average, 98 RBI, a .388 OBP and 191 hits. He was third on the Braves with 23 home runs and Ozzie Albies had 24 home runs and 72 RBI. 

Ryu rewarded with Game 1 start

Hyun-Jin Ryu (7-3, 1.97 ERA, 1.01 WHIP) gave up one earned run on four hits (one home run) in his last start. He also had two walks with three strikeouts over six innings in a 3-1 win against the Giants last Friday.

Ryu has pitched fantastic since coming off the disabled list in mid-August. Since then he has a 1.88 ERA, a 1.08 WHIP and a 10.6 strikeout-to-walk ratio (K/BB) over 52 2/3 innings.

He's 3-0 with an 0.47 ERA and an 0.74 WHIP in his last three starts.  Ryu has allowed just one earned run over 19 innings

The Dodgers scored 804 runs (5th in the majors). They are putting up 4.93 runs per game (5th), hitting .250 (14th) with 235 home runs (2nd).

Los Angeles ranked 2nd with a 3.38 ERA, 2nd with a 1.15 WHIP and 3rd with 1565 strikeouts. Their bullpen ranked 8th with a 3.72 ERA.

Max Muncy led the Dodgers with 35 home runs and was second on the team with 79 RBI. Cody Bellinger and Joc Pederson had 25 home runs each and Matt Kemp had 21 home runs. Kemp also had a team-bests with a .290 batting average and 85 RBI.



 

MLB Trends:

The Atlanta Braves are:

3-9 in their last 12 games against a left-handed starter

1-4 in their last five road games

 3-8 in Foltynewicz's last 11 starts after scoring two runs or less in their previous game

1-4 in Foltynewicz's last five starts against a team with a winning record

2-8 in Foltynewicz's last 10 starts when their opponent allows two runs or less in their previous game

 1-5 in Foltynewicz's last six starts when their opponent scores five runs or more in their previous game

1-6 in Foltynewicz's last seven starts against National League West opponents

10-25 in the last 35 meetings

1-4 in the last five meetings in Los Angeles

The Los Angeles Dodgers are:

7-0 in their last seven home games against a team with a winning road record

6-1 in their last seven home games

4-1 in Ryu's last five starts against a team with a winning record

4-1 in Ryu's last five home starts

10-4 in Ryu's last 14 starts

The Dodgers scored seven runs in 11 1/3 innings against Mike Foltynewicz, they're very dangerous against right-handed pitchers, as they led the National League with a .796 OPS against right-handers and they also led the league with 168 home runs against righties. 

Hyun-Jin Ryu posted a 1.15 ERA and an 0.90 WHIP in nine home starts and a 1.50 ERA and a 1.11 WHIP in his last five starts while Mike Foltynewicz gave up four earned runs on six hits (two home runs) and three walks with five strikeouts in a 4-1 loss against the Dodgers on July 27 and this will be his first career postseason start. 

NLDS Game 1 Pick: Dodgers -180 at Jazz Sports

Check odds here: https://goo.gl/dVwAAb

Odds as seen on ESPN Chalk: https://goo.gl/ji6GJZ