Another day, another chance to put your baseball predictions to the test! Tuesday will feature a pair of crucial MLB games that could make the race for the postseason even tighter than it is now.
Our first game is between the New York Mets and Miami Marlins, a matchup in which both teams are basically in a must-win situation. Shortly after, the St. Louis Cardinals, who are just half a game short of the final NL wildcard spot, battle again the Cincinnati Reds in the third meeting of a four-game series at Busch Stadium. Read on below for a quick look at both contests.
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New York Mets vs. Miami Marlins (7:10 PM ET)
Line: New York Mets (-120) at Miami Marlins (+110); total: 8.5 – view all MLB lines
A ticket to the postseason is still far from a sure thing for the Mets. Yes, they currently hold the first wildcard spot in the National League, but a loss tonight or in any of their remaining regular-season games could change that.
Hence, New York really needs Seth Lugo (4-2, 2.61 ERA) to put on a show on the mound later. It will be his final start of the regular season, and what better way to end with a bang than getting the win, right? That might just be the case since Lugo’s form has been phenomenal lately, going 4-0 with a 2.31 ERA in his last three starts.
The Marlins, meanwhile, are 4.5 games behind of the final NL wildcard spot. Losing cannot be an option for them obviously, and Jose Urena (4-8, 5.95 ERA) is definitely aware of that. But he’s struggled on the mound as of late, yielding 11 hits and 12 earned runs in his past two starts. Urena carries a 1-1 record with a 3.00 ERA through four career games (two starts) versus New York, though.
Writer’s Prediction
Mets (-120) win it, 6-3.
Cincinnati Reds vs. St. Louis Cardinals (8:15 PM ET)
Line: Cincinnati Reds (+145) at St. Louis Cardinals (-160); total: 8.5 – view all MLB lines
The Reds already said goodbye to their playoff hopes weeks ago, making their main goal for tonight’s game is to play spoilers. Taking the mound for them is Anthony DeSclafani (8-5, 3.38 ERA), who’s on a three-game slide. A start against the Cards might just be what he needs to end the bleeding. DeSclafani is 3-1 with a 2.25 ERA through six career games (five starts) versus St. Louis.
The Cards, on the other hand, are putting their trust on the experienced hands of Mike Leake (9-11, 4.72 ERA). He’s been winless, however, in four starts since coming off the disabled list. And what’s worse, Leake usually struggles against Cincy, and his career 8.31 ERA in this matchup would agree to that. St. Louis might have to save its butt with some major production at the plate.
Writer’s Prediction
Leake breaks off his slump, leading the Cards (-160) to a crucial 5-2 win.
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