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5/9/2023 MLB Bets

Kyle Kennedy

9 picks for today's MLB slate. Odds according to BetSaracen from Saracen Casino Resort.

CLE Guardians ML -200

As the Cleveland Guardians and Detroit Tigers face off for the second game of their three-game series, it's clear that the Guardians are in desperate need of an offensive boost. After losing the series opener 6-2 on Monday, the Guardians have now scored three runs or fewer in 22 out of 35 games this season. But fear not, Cleveland fans, because tonight's game is shaping up to be a different story – and it's all thanks to one key matchup: Shane Bieber vs. the Detroit Tigers' lineup.


Shane Bieber, the 2020 AL Cy Young Award winner, has been a consistent force on the mound for the Guardians. With a 2-1 record and a 2.96 ERA this season, he's been doing his part to keep the Guardians in the fight. In his most recent outing, Bieber held the New York Yankees to just two runs and five hits in eight innings, proving that he can perform against top-tier competition. And let's not forget his impressive stats against the Tigers specifically – Bieber boasts an 8-4 record with a 2.39 ERA in 12 career starts against our feline foes.


On the flip side, the Detroit Tigers' lineup has been anything but intimidating. While the bottom two hitters, Andy Ibanez and Eric Haase, managed to go 5-for-7 with five runs in Monday's game, the rest of the lineup has been underwhelming at best. The top four hitters combined for a 6-for-17 performance with only five RBIs, hardly a stat line that strikes fear into the hearts of opposing pitchers. In short, the Tigers' offense is the perfect prey for Bieber's pitching prowess.


So, what does this mean for tonight's game? It's simple: Bieber should have no problem taming the Tigers' lineup, giving the Guardians' offense the breathing room they need to step up and deliver those much-needed runs. While Cleveland manager Terry Francona has acknowledged the team's frustration with their lack of scoring, he's also made it clear that they're working hard to turn things around. With Bieber on the mound and the team's determination to dig in and do better, tonight could be the night that the Guardians' offense finally breaks through.


But let's not forget the other side of this matchup – the Tigers' starting pitcher, Michael Lorenzen. With a 1-1 record and a 5.14 ERA, Lorenzen is coming off his best outing of the season, holding the New York Mets to just one run and four hits over seven innings. However, Lorenzen's track record against the Guardians leaves something to be desired. In nine appearances (one start) against Cleveland, he's posted a 2-1 record with a 3.00 ERA. While respectable, it's not exactly the kind of dominance that will strike fear into the Guardians' lineup.


In the end, the Bieber vs. Tigers matchup should give the Guardians' offense the opportunity they need to get back on track. And as the Guardians look to even the series against their American League Central rivals, you can bet that they'll be swinging for the fences – and hopefully, putting plenty of runs on the board. And if all goes according to plan, Cleveland will be one step closer to putting their offensive woes behind them and climbing back up the AL Central standings.


TOR Blue Jays ML +115

It's no secret that the Toronto Blue Jays have been on a roll lately. Fresh off a series sweep over the Pittsburgh Pirates, their bats have been sizzling, outscoring their opponents 22-3. And with Alek Manoah on the mound against the Philadelphia Phillies, it's time to buckle up for a thrilling showdown that could easily tip in favor of the Jays.


Alek Manoah, the young pitcher with a 1-2 record and a 4.71 ERA, has shown flashes of brilliance, and this matchup against the Phillies could be just the stage for him to make a statement. While his last start against the Boston Red Sox wasn't exactly a showcase of dominance (eight hits and five runs allowed, two earned, in five innings), it's important to note that the Blue Jays' defense didn't do him any favors with four errors. With a solid defensive effort behind him, Manoah's got the chops to shut down this Phillies lineup and rack up the strikeouts.


On the flip side, Aaron Nola will be taking the mound for the Phillies, sporting a 2-2 record and a 4.64 ERA. He's had some rough outings this season, particularly in his last start against the Los Angeles Dodgers where he allowed seven hits and four runs in 6 1/3 innings. Nola's career 0-2 record and 5.48 ERA against the Blue Jays doesn't inspire much confidence, and with the Jays' bats heating up, it's looking like a daunting task for the Phillies' hurler.


The Blue Jays' lineup has been electric as of late, with Whit Merrifield, Daulton Varsho, and Kevin Kiermaier all going yard in their recent 10-1 victory over the Pirates. Merrifield has been particularly impressive, hitting .291 through the first 35 games and swiping seven bags. Add to that the resurgence of Brandon Belt, who went 6-for-9 with three doubles and three walks in the last series, and the Jays' offense looks poised to pounce on Nola.


Furthermore, the Phillies have been dealing with a slew of injuries, and while Bryce Harper's early return from Tommy John surgery has provided a boost, they still need players like Kyle Schwarber to step up consistently. Schwarber's recent breakout performance (two hits and three RBIs in a 6-1 victory over the Red Sox) snapped a 0-for-21 slump, but it remains to be seen if he can build on that momentum. Against a focused Manoah, Schwarber and the rest of the Phillies' bats might find it difficult to get going.


In the end, it boils down to the Blue Jays' explosive lineup going up against Aaron Nola, and Alek Manoah's potential shutdown performance against the Phillies' inconsistent offense. With Manoah looking to bounce back after a shaky outing and the Jays' bats staying red-hot, it's hard not to see them flying high over the Phillies in this matchup.


Of course, there are no guarantees in baseball, but the combination of Manoah's potential dominance on the mound and the Blue Jays' lethal lineup make them a compelling pick for the win. If you're looking for a game that showcases the talent and excitement of the young generation of MLB stars, this Toronto-Philadelphia showdown should be on your radar. So grab your popcorn, sit back, and watch the Blue Jays take flight as they aim for another victory.


NYM Mets ML -200

As the slumping New York Mets and Cincinnati Reds face off in a three-game series, it's time to put our hard-earned cash on the Mets to cruise to a win in today's matchup. Both teams are coming off brutal blowout losses, but the Mets have the edge in this battle, and here's why.


First and foremost, let's talk about the man on the mound for the Mets: Max Scherzer. With a 2-2 record and a 5.56 ERA this season, Scherzer might not seem like a lock, but bear with me. Sure, he had a rough outing in his last start against Detroit, giving up six earned runs on eight hits over just 3 1/3 innings. But let's not forget he was coming off a 10-game suspension for violating MLB's foreign substance policy, and we all know how important it is for a pitcher to get into a groove.


Now, let's consider Scherzer's history against the Reds. He's got a 6-2 lifetime record with a 1.67 ERA in 10 starts against them. But wait, it gets even better. In five starts in Cincinnati, Scherzer has an insane 0.27 ERA. That's right, the man is virtually untouchable when he's pitching at Great American Ball Park. So, we can expect him to be in top form today and silence those Reds bats.


On the flip side, we've got Luke Weaver taking the mound for the Reds. With an 0-2 record and a 7.88 ERA this season, Weaver has been struggling since being promoted from Triple-A Louisville. In three starts with Cincinnati, he's given up 14 runs on 21 hits in just 16 innings. That's not the kind of performance you want to see when you're facing a Mets lineup that's hungry for a win.


Speaking of that Mets lineup, they've got some serious firepower just waiting to erupt. They might have lost 11 of their last 14 games, but they're starting to get healthy and have key players returning to the lineup. Designated hitter Daniel Vogelbach said it best: "We're starting to get healthy, we're starting to get guys back, so we just have to stick together." This group doesn't point fingers or separate when times get tough, which is a crucial quality in a successful team.


As if the pitching matchup and the Mets' lineup weren't enough, there's one more stat that should have you feeling confident in this pick: the Mets' winning percentage at Great American Ball Park. They've got a 38-22 record in 60 games at this stadium, which translates to a .633 winning percentage. That's the highest winning percentage of any National League team since the stadium opened in 2003.


The Mets are primed for a resounding victory over the Reds today. Max Scherzer is set to dominate on the mound, backed by a potent Mets lineup that's ready to make Luke Weaver's life miserable. Don't let their recent slump fool you; the Mets have the tools and the talent to turn things around, starting with a big W in Cincinnati today.


OAK A's F5 ML +165

As the Oakland Athletics gear up to face the New York Yankees in a three-game series, one thing's for sure: the A's are ready to capitalize on the Yankees' weaknesses, particularly the less-than-stellar performance of Clarke Schmidt this season. It's time to ride the Oakland wave and cash in on their imminent success.


Let's dive into Clarke Schmidt's struggles this season. The guy hasn't exactly been setting the world on fire, and with a shaky track record, it's hard to see things turning around in today's matchup against the Athletics. Schmidt's inconsistency on the mound has left the door wide open for Oakland to build a solid lead and secure the win.


The A's, on the other hand, are looking to make a statement in this series. While they haven't been lighting up the scoreboard this season, their offense has a prime opportunity to shine against Schmidt's shaky pitching. And let's not forget they're coming off the back of a solid performance by their starter, JP Sears, who managed six scoreless innings against the Seattle Mariners.


The Yankees' offense has taken a hit, too, with big hitters like Aaron Judge and Giancarlo Stanton sidelined due to injury. This means the A's have a golden chance to exploit the weakened Yankees lineup and pile on the runs. Oakland won't need to put up massive numbers to secure the win; they just need to capitalize on the opportunities presented by Schmidt's struggles.


The stats don't lie: Schmidt's ERA of 4.14 is nothing to write home about. In his recent outing against the Texas Rangers, he gave up a five runs and ten hits in just 5 innings. The A's hitters must be salivating at the prospect of facing a pitcher who's been struggling to find his groove all season long.


Oakland may not boast the most potent offense in the league, but they've got a solid core of players who can get the job done. With the likes of Matt Chapman, Ramon Laureano, and Matt Olson ready to pounce on any mistakes, the A's have the firepower to take advantage of the Yankees' beleaguered pitching staff.


So why should you be backing the Oakland Athletics in this matchup? It's simple: Clarke Schmidt's ongoing struggles present a golden opportunity for the A's to take the win. With a favorable moneyline and the prospect of cashing in on Schmidt's woes, there's no better time to ride the Oakland wave and grab a piece of the action.


BOS Red Sox/ATL Braves o9.5 -120

As we gear up for tonight's highly anticipated matchup between the Boston Red Sox and Atlanta Braves, it's time to dig into the stats and trends that could turn this showdown into a high-scoring slugfest.


First, let's talk about market value and efficient bullpens. The Red Sox are part of a trio of teams, including the Baltimore Orioles and Pittsburgh Pirates, that have combined for a 63-42 record this season, making bettors a collective 27.8 units. That's $2,780 for those wagering $100 per game. Not too shabby, right? A key factor in this success is their rock-solid bullpen ERA, which can be tracked for free on sites like StatFox and FanGraphs. These resources are an invaluable part of any savvy bettor's toolkit, and they'll come in handy as we analyze tonight's matchup.


The Braves, on the other hand, are no slouches themselves. They've been holding their own in recent MLB Power Rankings, jostling for position with the Tampa Bay Rays for the top two spots. This is a team that knows how to bring the heat, and tonight's game will be no exception.


So, what does all this mean for tonight's battle between these two powerhouse squads? High-scoring action, that's what. Both teams have been flexing their offensive muscles this season, and we expect to see plenty of runs crossing the plate.


Let's dive a little deeper into the numbers. The Red Sox have been lighting up the scoreboard with standout performances from players like Masataka Yoshida and Anthony Santander. These guys are a big reason why the Sox have been making bettors some serious cash this season. Meanwhile, the Braves have been racking up runs thanks to their potent lineup, which includes stars like Freddie Freeman and Ronald Acuña Jr.


When these two offensive juggernauts collide, sparks are bound to fly. It's not hard to envision a scenario where both teams put up crooked numbers on the scoreboard, sending the game total soaring over the pre-game projections.


Now, before you start counting your winnings, it's important to remember that baseball is a fickle beast. No outcome is ever set in stone, and there's always the potential for a late-game collapse or a surprise pitching gem. But based on the trends and data we've examined, it's hard not to get excited about the prospect of a high-scoring extravaganza in tonight's Red Sox vs. Braves showdown.


SD Padres ML -105

When it comes to this upcoming MLB matchup between the San Diego Padres and Minnesota Twins, there's no denying that the stars are aligning for the Padres. Michael Wacha, the Padres' right-hander, is here to prove that he's got what it takes to keep the Twins' offense in check, while San Diego's own lineup is ready to go all-out against the Twins' Louie Varland.


Let's break down why Wacha is the guy to watch in this face-off. The Twins' lineup, while undoubtedly talented, is about to meet its match in Wacha. He's been on a roll lately, showcasing his ability to limit the damage from opposing batters. By keeping the Twins' big bats at bay, he's setting the stage for a Padres win. Wacha's experience and recent performances have shown that he's got the tools to handle the pressure and deliver a strong outing against the Twins.


On the flip side, let's talk about Louie Varland, the man tasked with facing the Padres' explosive lineup. Varland may have potential, but is he really the guy you want to back when going up against a team like San Diego? The Padres have shown time and time again that they can put up runs when it matters most, and it's hard to imagine Varland being able to contain their firepower. It's not that Varland is a bad pitcher, but the Padres' lineup is just that good.


Speaking of that explosive Padres lineup, let's dive into what makes them so dangerous. With powerhouse hitters like Fernando Tatis Jr., Manny Machado, and Trent Grisham, there's no shortage of talent on this team. These guys have been tearing it up lately, putting up impressive numbers and showing no signs of slowing down. Against a pitcher like Varland, who is still finding his footing in the big leagues, the Padres have a golden opportunity to unload on offense and secure a win.


The recent Padres-Dodgers series was an excellent example of San Diego's resilience and ability to bounce back. Even after a tough loss, the Padres proved that they can hold their own against top-tier teams like the Dodgers. This experience has only fueled their determination heading into this upcoming series against the Twins. With their sights set on victory, it's hard to imagine the Padres letting this one slip away.


To sum it up, the Padres have all the ingredients for success in this matchup against the Twins. Michael Wacha is set to keep the Twins' offense in check, while San Diego's own lineup is ready to make Louie Varland's day a challenging one. If you're looking for a team to back in this game, the San Diego Padres are the squad to watch. After all, when you've got a team this talented and determined, it's hard not to have confidence in their ability to come out on top.


CWS White Sox/KC Royals o8.5 -120

It's hard to ignore the potential for an absolute avalanche of runs. The Chicago White Sox and Kansas City Royals both possess the firepower necessary to make this game an explosive, high-scoring spectacle, and savvy bettors should be eyeing that over 8.5 total with confidence.


First and foremost, we need to address the undeniable offensive prowess of both squads. The White Sox have been crushing it at the plate lately, with sluggers like Jose Abreu, Tim Anderson, and Eloy Jimenez consistently delivering the goods. These heavy hitters have been racking up RBIs and launching moonshots with reckless abandon, and there's no reason to believe they'll slow down against the Royals.


On the other side of the diamond, the Royals have their own arsenal of offensive weapons. With stars like Salvador Perez, Whit Merrifield, and Nicky Lopez leading the charge, Kansas City has been putting up some impressive run totals all season long. Add in the recent emergence of youngsters like MJ Melendez and Nick Pratto, and you've got a lineup that's more than capable of hanging with the big boys.


Now, let's talk pitching. While both teams have had their fair share of quality outings from their respective staffs, it's no secret that neither the White Sox nor the Royals boast airtight rotations. In fact, both teams have been known to give up runs in bunches, with their bullpens often struggling to hold leads late in games.


Another factor to consider is the current form of both teams. The White Sox and Royals have been trading wins and losses in recent contests, with neither side able to establish a dominant run of form. This back-and-forth pattern suggests that we're in for a tightly contested battle tonight, with both teams eager to assert themselves and pile on the runs.


Of course, no discussion of a high-scoring game would be complete without mentioning the potential for some late-inning heroics. Both teams have demonstrated a propensity for staging dramatic comebacks and piling on runs in the final frames, with clutch hits and game-changing plays becoming almost routine.


So, when you take all of these factors into account - the powerful lineups, the shaky pitching, the recent form, and the penchant for late-game fireworks - it's hard not to get excited about the prospect of a high-scoring clash between the White Sox and Royals. And with the over/under set at a tantalizing 8.5, the smart money should be on the over.


Tonight's matchup between the Chicago White Sox and Kansas City Royals has all the makings of a high-octane, run-fueled slugfest. Both teams boast potent offenses, and with the pitching staffs prone to lapses, we should be in for a rollercoaster ride of scoring.


HOU Astros/LAA Angels u7.5 +100

The Houston Astros are all set to kick off a high-stakes three-game series against their divisional rival, the Los Angeles Angels, in what promises to be a thrilling West Coast showdown. With the first pitch scheduled for 9:38 p.m. ET at Angel Stadium, fans and bettors alike are in for an electrifying night of baseball.


Enter Shohei Ohtani, the Angels' two-way phenom who's been making waves and turning heads across the league. This season, Ohtani has been nothing short of dominant on both sides of the ball, with his explosive hitting prowess and lightning-fast pitching putting the league on notice. With his incredible skillset, there's no doubt that Ohtani will be a force to reckon with for the Astros' offense.


The Astros, despite their recent struggles, always have the potential to put on an offensive showcase. However, when it comes to Ohtani, there's no denying that his dominance could limit the Astros' offense and tilt the game in the Angels' favor.


It's worth noting that the Angels have been putting up some impressive numbers in recent games, and with Ohtani's continued dominance, they could very well give the Astros a run for their money. The righty-heavy L.A. lineup is primed to face off against Framber Valdez, and if Ohtani can continue to deliver on both offense and defense, the Angels might just pull off an upset.


This highly anticipated matchup is a must-watch for baseball fans and bettors alike, as it promises to be a nail-biter with plenty of twists and turns. While the odds may currently favor the Astros, don't sleep on the Angels, especially with Ohtani in the mix. His unstoppable presence on the field could very well be the deciding factor in this game, and if there's one thing we've learned from watching him this season, it's to never underestimate the power of Shohei Ohtani.


So, as you gear up for this epic clash between the Houston Astros and Los Angeles Angels, keep your eyes peeled for Ohtani's show-stopping performance. Whether he's crushing home runs or striking out batters, there's no doubt that he'll be a key player in this game. Astros, be warned: Ohtani's showtime is just getting started, and he's ready to make his mark on this crucial series. I like the under.


SF Giants ML -230

If you're looking for an MLB game to keep an eye on tonight, look no further than the matchup between the San Francisco Giants and the Washington Nationals. With Logan Webb on the mound for the Giants, this game has all the makings of a one-sided affair. The Nationals lineup is in trouble, and Webb's ability to thwart their offense is a crucial factor in the Giants' potential victory.


The Giants have been crushing right-handed pitching this season, boasting a 119 wRC+ and .463 slugging percentage, both ranking fourth-best in baseball. Their lineup is set to face off against Patrick Corbin.


Enter Logan Webb, the Giants' starting pitcher for this matchup. Webb has been a force on the mound, and his arsenal of pitches should have no problem shutting down the Nationals' subpar offense. The Nationals' lineup has been struggling, and Webb's ability to keep them in check will be crucial to the Giants' success in this game.


Moreover, the Nationals' offensive struggles are not limited to just one or two players. Rather, their entire lineup has been a disappointment thus far, and their inability to make consistent contact has hampered their run-scoring potential. Webb's pitching skillset is perfectly suited to exploit these weaknesses and keep the Nationals at bay.


On the other side of the ball, the Giants' offense is poised to capitalize on Corbin's shaky start to the season. San Francisco's lineup has been hitting well, and their balance of power and speed should make life difficult for the Nationals' pitcher.


With Logan Webb on the mound for the Giants and the Nationals' lineup floundering, San Francisco is in a prime position to seize victory tonight. Webb's pitching prowess should suppress the Nationals' offense, while the Giants' lineup is eager to feast on Corbin's shaky pitching. This matchup is shaping up to be a clear advantage for the Giants, and it's hard not to see them coming out on top in this one.

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