MLB Best Bets for Every Game Today (October 18)
Rain cost a chance to watch playoff baseball on Monday, but now we get double the fun on Tuesday.
Game 5 of the ALDS between the New York Yankees and Cleveland Guardians takes place this afternoon, and it will be followed by the Philadelphia Phillies and San Diego Padres in the NLCS.
If you’re looking to bet on these matchups, look no further, as the BetSided team has a best bet for each contest on Tuesday, Oct. 18:
Cleveland Guardians vs. New York Yankees Prediction and Best Bet
- Pick: Austin Hedges UNDER 0.5 Hits (-150)
Austin Hedges is just 1-for-14 for the Guardians this postseason, and the team has pinch hit for him in multiple games since they are carrying three catchers on the roster.
That means Hedges could only see two at bats in this matchup, and he’s put together just two hits dating all the way back to Sept. 14.
There’s a good chance Hedges only plays half the game, and the Yankees now have Nestor Cortes on the bump, a much better starter than Jameson Taillon. Hedges hit .163 this season, don’t overthink this.
Philadelphia Phillies vs. San Diego Padres Prediction and Best Bet
- Pick: Phillies Moneyline (+102)
Yu Darvish struggled in Game 2 against the Los Angeles Dodgers, allowing three home runs on seven hits in five innings of work, but the San Diego Padres were still able to get the win. However, Darvish has now allowed four big flies in two postseason starts, and that can be problematic against a Philadelphia team that can send balls over the fence.
The Phillies were sixth in slugging percentage this season (far better than the Padres 22nd ranking for that matter), and can put pressure on Darvish's vulnerability.
On the other side, Zack Wheeler enters in fine form after missing a month this summer. While he allowed three earned runs in six innings of work in the Phillies only loss in the NLDS, it was on four hits and zero home runs. The Padres may be hitting well right now, but I question if they can handle Wheeler, who tossed seven innings of shutout baseball against San Diego earlier this season.
There is a very small difference between the two teams and I'm interested in backing either team at dog money, which in this case is the Phillies in Game 1. I give the edge to Wheeler on the mound and think they jump out to a 1-0 start. – Reed Wallach
Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change.