The playoff picture is shaping up for MLB, and every series is becoming amplified in importance. With that in mind, let’s take a look at the best MLB games to bet on for Friday, August 5th, 2022.
Tampa Bay trying to build momentum
The Rays need to continue to keep pace with a number of teams nipping at their heel for the third American League Wild Card. Tampa Bay is 4-6 over its past ten games but was able to collect a 6-2 win over Detroit Thursday. Rays’ starting pitcher Corey Kluber has had an interesting last month.
Kluber has picked up decision wins in four of their past starts despite allowing four earned runs in each of his last three starts. Tampa Bay has leaned heavily on its pitching this season as the Rays’ offense ranks 22nd in the league as they score 4.10 runs per game. Tampa Bay also doesn’t have much power in its bats, ranking 24th in the league with 95 home runs.
The Tigers will counter with Bryan Garcia on the mound. Garcia only has thrown 3.2 innings thus far this season and has allowed a home run, and has an ERA of 4.91.
Detroit’s offense has also had issues scoring run, ranking 30th in the league by scoring 3.2 runs per game. This is a good spot for the Rays to take advantage of a pitcher with not a lot of work.
Prediction: Tampa Bay -1.5.
Minnesota ready for Mahle’s debut
The Twins are hoping Tyler Mahle will be a key cog in their pitching staff for an American League Central Division title run. Mahle is 5-7 this season with a 4.40 ERA. Minnesota has started slowly in the second half, compiling a 5-6 record.
The Twins dropped the first game of a four-game series to fellow playoff hopeful the Toronto Blue Jays. The Blue Jays’ offense has been outstanding throughout the season.
Toronto leads the league with a .264 batting average and also has plenty of power. The Blue Jays have hit 133 home runs this season, which ranks sixth in the league.
Mahle has allowed 12 home runs in 104.1 of work. The new Twin has allowed at least one home run in six of his past eight starts. If Mahle can stay away from Toronto’s power, this could be a good spot for Mahle to cement himself in the Twins’ rotation.
Prediction: Minnesota +108.
Dodgers ready for NL team with the most hype
Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Tony Gonsolin has hit some adversity since he allowed five runs to St. Louis on July 13th in his last start before the All-Star break.
Gonsolin, who is 12-1 with a 2.41 ERA, has allowed three or more earned runs in four straight starts. Los Angeles is hoping he can recapture some of his old forms as they enter a series with second-place San Diego.
The Padres made major waves at the trade deadline by acquiring Josh Hader, Juan Soto, and Josh Bell. With all the reinforcements, San Diego is ready to make a run at the National League pennant. While it is unlikely the Padres can catch the Dodgers for first place, they will want to start making waves now.
San Diego will send Sean Manaea to the mound against the Dodgers. He has a 6-5 record and a 4.25 ERA. Los Angeles leads the series 5-2 so far this season.
Prediction: Padres +130.
Barry Devoe
Barry Devoe can regularly be found rocking the sticks on League of Legends, Rocket League, and CS:GO, but he loves his traditional sports as well. Barry is a Chicago sports fan through and through, but his knowledge of the game is second-to-none. When he's not watching or playing, he works as a baseball umpire and football referee.
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