Top MLB Picks and Predictions Today (Yankees Sweep, Twins Stay Hot and One Total to Play Sunday)
There are a whopping 18 games going on in Major League Baseball on Mother's Day, and we've got a pick for each matchup over at BetSided.
Iain MacMillan, Ben Heisler and Peter Dewey have put together some of their favorite plays for the action on Sunday, May 8, with all odds via WynnBET:
Texas Rangers vs. New York Yankees Prediction and Pick
The Yankees should be able to come away with Game 1. Cole is on the mound and he’s been solid in his last two starts, tossing 12.2 innings of scoreless baseball and striking out 15 batters.
If you look at the stats for the Yankees entering this game, they truly are one of the best teams in baseball, ranking No. 1 in the league in OPS, No. 2 in ERA, No. 1 in slugging percentage, No. 3 in home runs and No. 2 in both hits allowed and earned runs allowed.
As for the Rangers, the start to the season hasn’t been as pretty.
Texas ranks 24th in baseball in ERA and 24th in OPS, and it has a negative-3 run differential through its first 24 games.
Both Dunning and Otto have ERA’s under four this season, but the biggest difference between these two teams may be their bullpens.
The Yankees are No. 1 in baseball in bullpen ERA at 2.30, while the Rangers come in the bottom half of the league at 3.68. While it’s not terrible, Texas is going to need to score off of Cole and Montgomery early if it wants a chance in this doubleheader.
In Game 1, I don’t mind taking the under with Cole on the mound, as the Yankees are one of the best UNDER teams in the league (15-10) and have had a few days off in between games. If Cole stays hot, I could see a low-scoring Yankees win.
As for Game 2, I’m going to be safe and take the Yanks on the moneyline with a little less juice now that Montgomery will get the start. I also wouldn’t mind bettors who wanted to parlay a Yankees sweep in this doubleheader.
Lean(s): Game 1: UNDER 7 (-110) | Game 2: Yankees Moneyline (-185)
Find Peter Dewey’s full betting record here.
Oakland Athletics vs. Minnesota Twins Prediction and Pick
The Oakland Athletics are desperate for a win after losing eight-straight games heading into their series finale with the Minnesota Twins today.
The Twins, on the other hand, are 7-3 in their last 10 games and are sitting firmly in first place in the AL Central.
Daulton Jefferies (4.81 ERA) will get the start for the Athletics, and he'll face Twins start Chris Paddack (3.15 ERA).
The Twins have been on fire in recent weeks, and it's largely due to their offense. Dating back to April 23, the Twins are third in both batting average (.268) and OPS (.792). Meanwhile, the Athletics are dead last in both of those statistics during the same stretch.
It's not just their offense that's been on fire. The Twins also rank first in bullpen ERA dating back to April 23rd.
I see no reason to stop betting on Minnesota. Continue to wager on the Twins until further notice.
Lean: Twins -1.5 (+112)
You can track Iain's bets on Betstamp here.
Toronto Blue Jays vs. Cleveland Guardians Prediction and Pick
At first glance, the auto-pick in my head leans towards taking Toronto on the run line as they ride their one of their top starters to even the series.
However, the Blue Jays have a knack for playing in a lot of one-run games particularly in the last week. Since last Saturday, Toronto has played eight games; five of which have been of the one-run variety.
To Pilkington's credit, he's been very solid in his limited appearances so far this year. Through five innings, he is yet to allow a run while striking out five. As the Guardians look to mix and match matchups against a dangerous Blue Jays' lineup, having the advantage of not having anyone go more than two times through the lineup does provide an advantage to their staff.
Manoah should be a lock for a quality start, but I'm also backing on Cleveland to get through on getaway day and keep the Blue Jays' bats at bay.
LEAN: UNDER 7.5 (-120)
Follow all of Ben Heisler's betting plays in real-time HERE