The ALDS is back on Sunday for Game 2s of their respective series.
We’ve got two afternoon games to break down, so let’s get right into it with out predictions and best bets!
Texas Rangers @ Baltimore Orioles
Pitching Matchup
- Texas Rangers: Jordan Montgomery
- Baltimore Orioles: Grayson Rodrigues
Game Information
- Venue & Location: Camden Yards (Baltimore, MD)
- Date: Sunday, October 8th, 2023
- First Pitch: 4:07pm Eastern
- Broadcast: FS1
Bettings Odds
Runline
- Rangers +1.5 (-200)
- Orioles -1.5 (+180)
MoneyLine
- Rangers -101
- Orioles -119
Total
- Over 7.5 (-115)
- Under 7.5 (-105)
MLB Top Picks: Rangers vs Orioles
The Pick: TEX/BAL Under 7.5 (-105) Bovada
Playoff baseball is here, and these teams do not mess around.
Montgomery shutout the Rays on the AL Wild Card, and even though the Orioles numbers increase against lefties, I think he mows them down today.
Texas won Game 1 yesterday, 3-2, a tough low scoring battle. I think we see something similar today with these guys on the bump. What the Orioles lack is postseason experience, and I think it comes into play today.
They looked a little rattled yesterday, and with their backs against the wall at home, it’s now or never for the O’s. They can’t afford another loss, as heading to Texas down 0-2 would be catastrophic for this historic season.
I lean Baltimore to bounce back, but think this easily stays under the 7.5 number.
Minnesota Twins @ Houston Astros
Pitching Matchup
- Minnesota Twins: Pablo Lopez
- Houston Astros: Framber Valdez
Game Information
- Venue & Location: Minute Maid Park (Houston, TX)
- Date: Sunday, October 8th, 2023
- First Pitch: 8:03pm Eastern
- Broadcast: FS1
Bettings Odds
Runline
- Twins +1.5 (-185)
- Astros -1.5 (+160)
MoneyLine
- Twins +109
- Astros -131
Total
- Over 8 (-110)
- Under 8 (-110)
MLB Top Picks: Twins vs Astros
The Pick: MIN/HOU F5 Under 4 (-115) Bovada
Again, I’m focusing on these pitchers in the playoffs. Lopez pitched very well in his Wild Card outing, and we know what kind of stuff Valdez can do.
Minnesota strikeouts a ton against LHP, doing do 27% of the time throughout the season. With Valdez’ line priced at 4.5 today, much lower than his season average of 6.5, I am a little turned off.
Instead, I like him to keep guys off the bases. Lopez gave up just 1 ER in his playoff start, and I think he keeps the good pitching going on the road.
Let’s get sweaty and hope both these MLB games are low scoring today!
Interested in More Content?
Get FREE Picks and Props Weekly
Sign up for
THE WEEKENDER NEWSLETTER
Follow me on X @Shaggy_Bets for all of my picks and sports opinions!
Be sure to check out all things Betting News on X and Twitch!
Tune in to one of our several weekly streams! You won’t regret it!
And go get some MERCH at our Betting News Store!
In need of a sportsbook? Check out one of our favorites below and sign-up for a bonus!
Still Here?
Check out everything we have to offer at Betting News!
We really are All About the Game!