Wednesday Baseball Predictions

Guardians at Tigers Game 3, Series Tied 1-1

Pick: First 5 Innings Under 4 Total Runs (-125)

Score Prediction: Guardians 3 Tigers 2

With the exception of Cleveland’s 5 run first inning explosion in Game 1, offense has been pretty difficult to find in this series. Sharp pitching performances, coupled with strong afternoon shadows inhibiting batters’ vision, have largely contributed to that trend. I am predicting it to continue today. Cleveland will have an experienced, solid starting pitcher on the mound today in Alex Cobb and Detroit will likely lean into their bullpen depth to navigate this one. I think it sets up for another close, low scoring battle. I see the Guardians pulling out a close one.

Phillies at Mets Game 4, Mets Lead Series 2-1

Pick: Mets to Win (-110)

Score Prediction: Mets 7 Phillies 4

The writing is on the wall for the Philadelphia Phillies, and I have a feeling their season ends today. The Mets have all the momentum and I don’t see them taking their foot off the gas pedal with an opportunity to finish out the division series tonight on their home field. On top of that, I’d give New York the edge in the starting pitching matchup here. Philly’s Ranger Suarez is just not playing at 100% at the moment. He has not gone deeper than 5 innings in a game in months, which means Philly will likely have to depend on their bullpen yet again, which has allowed 13 earned runs in this series alone. Meanwhile, the Mets will start Jose Quintana, who’s been largely dependable this season and is another lefty, which is not a great matchup for the Philly lineup. Look for the Mets to win this game and head to the NLCS.

Yankees at Royals, Series Tied 1-1

Pick: First 5 Innings Royals Run Line +0.5 Run (-150)

Score Prediction: Yankees 5 Royals 3

The Royals have scored first in each of the two games this series and they also have the better starting pitcher in this matchup. I trust Seth Lugo to pitch well and navigate through the Yankees’ lineup a couple of times with minimal damage on the scoreboard. New York’s starter, Clarke Schmidt, is more of an unknown on the postseason stage. This gives me confidence that the Royals will be either winning or tied at the end of five innings. If the Yankees drop this game, they will be under incredible pressure the next few days the the American League playoff picture will be extremely chaotic.

Dodgers at Padres Game 4, Padres Lead 2-1

Pick: Dodgers to Win (+115)

Score Prediction: Dodgers 8 Padres 3

This series just has to go the full five games, right? These two rivals have clashed throughout the past week, but right now San Diego has the clear upper hand. Starting pitching has been a huge part of the equation. Once again today, the Dodgers are going to have the worse option on paper. I envision Landon Knack will be more of an opener for LA, and he will pitch 2 to 3 innings. They can turn over the rest of this to their bullpen depth. San Diego will start Dylan Cease. I envision the Dodgers’ offense stepping up and getting to Cease around the 3rd inning. I think these guys will stave off elimination and set up an awesome win or go home Game 5.