T-minus four days left in the MLB regular season and still so much to play for. Here are five of the most exciting baseball games to bet on for today.
The wild-card hopefuls in the AL and NL are in action today with a lot on the line. The Mariners try to keep their faint hopes of catching either the Royals or Athletics alive, while the Pirates and Giants jockey for homefield advantage.
See our breakdown of the tight AL Wild Card race here, and read on for more on these five intriguing games.
[sc:MLBArticles ]MLB Picks and Predictions for Thursday, September 25, 2014
Seattle Mariners vs. Toronto Blue Jays (4:00 PM ET)
Line: Seattle Mariners (+114) at Toronto Blue Jays (-124); total 9.0 – see all MLB lines
[sc:MLB240banner ]With both teams starting relief pitchers tonight, the difference could come down to the offenses, which is decidedly in favor of Toronto. The Blue Jays have outscored the capitulating Seattle Mariners, 25-6, in the first three games of their series, all of which have resulted in wins. The Blue Jays have now knocked in five or more in seven of their last 10 home games. Toronto went 8-2 in those 10 games.
Writer’s Prediction: The Blue Jays hand the Mariners another loss.
Pittsburgh Pirates vs. Atlanta Braves (7:00 PM ET)
Line: Pittsburgh Pirates (-150) at Atlanta Braves (+135); total 7.0 – see all MLB lines
The Pirates lost to the Braves yesterday, but it was only their fourth defeat in the last 19 games. Tonight they send out veteran Edinson Volquez, who’s sporting a miniscule 1.81 ERA since the start of August. Meanwhile, the out-of-contention Braves counter with reliever David Hale, who hasn’t made a start since the end of June.
Writer’s Prediction: Volquez leads the Pirates to another victory.
Kansas City Royals vs. Chicago White Sox (8:00 PM ET)
Line: Kansas City Royals (-136) at Chicago White Sox (+126); total 7.0 – see all MLB lines
Jason Vargas couldn’t deliver for the Royals last night, as he lasted just four innings while giving up four runs. With a division title still within reach, expect a much bigger game from ace James Shields. Through four starts this September, Shields has a shiny 1.86 ERA. Furthermore, the Royals are an amazing 14-4 this season when Shields has started on the road.
Writer’s Prediction: Shields delivers as the Royals whup the White Sox.
Create a betting account now and cash in on the MLB games as the season goes down to the wire.
Oakland Athletics vs. Texas Rangers (8:00 PM ET)
Line: Oakland Athletics (-142) at Texas Rangers (+132); total 8.5 – see all MLB lines
In all fairness to Jason Hammel, he’s pitched much better since his disastrous start as an Athletic. After accruing a 9.53 ERA in his first four starts, Hammel has a earned a much more respectable 2.62 ERA in the eight starts since. He’ll take on the Rangers’ Colby Lewis, who’s coming off one his worst outings of the season. Lewis gave up seven runs – and three home runs – in five innings to the Angels.
The A’s are 8-2 in their last 10 games in Texas.
Writer’s Prediction: Hammel and the A’s hammer the Rangers in Texas.
San Diego Padres vs. San Francisco Giants (10:15 PM ET)
Line: San Diego Padres at San Francisco Giants – see all MLB lines
After another demoralizing 9-1 loss to the Dodgers last night, the San Franciso Giants have now dropped five of their last six games. They face the Padres tonight after getting swept in San Diego just a few days ago. Andrew Cashner and Yusmeiro Petit, tonight’s pitching matchup, went at it then, with Cashner and the Padres coming out on top. Cashner has been absolutely dealing in his last four starts, with three straight wins and a 1.74 ERA.
Writer’s Prediction: The Padres trip up the Giants in San Francisco.
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