Best Bets - 8/22/2024

Good Morning!

We have predictions for all 10 of the MLB games going on today. Yesterday our A.I. cooled off just a bit going 5-5 on the day. Let’s see what today has in store.

Game Preview: Cleveland Guardians vs. New York Yankees

Date & Time: Thursday, 1:05 p.m. EDT

Location: New York, New York

Team Overview

New York Yankees

• Record: 74-53 (1st in AL East)

• Home Record: 33-28

• Recent Form: The Yankees have been consistent, with a .500 record (5-5) in their last 10 games. They have managed a .237 batting average and a 4.35 ERA during this stretch, being slightly outscored by two runs.

• Key Strength: When the Yankees score five or more runs, they are dominant, holding a 56-9 record in such games.

• Top Performers: Anthony Volpe has been solid with 25 doubles, seven triples, and 11 home runs. Juan Soto has been on fire, going 9-for-35 with a double and eight home runs in his last 10 games.

Cleveland Guardians

• Record: 73-53 (1st in AL Central)

• Road Record: 35-33

• Recent Form: The Guardians have been slightly better, going 6-4 in their last 10 games despite a low .200 team batting average. Their pitching has been a strength, with a 3.44 ERA during this period, helping them outscore opponents by two runs.

• Key Strength: The Guardians have the second-best team ERA in the AL at 3.77, reflecting their strong pitching staff.

• Top Performers: José Ramírez continues to be a powerhouse with 60 extra-base hits, including 32 home runs. Jhonkensy Noel has also contributed, hitting four home runs in his last 10 games.

Pitching Matchup

Yankees: Gerrit Cole (4-2, 4.15 ERA)

• Analysis: Cole has been reliable, though not as dominant as in previous seasons. With a 4.15 ERA and 60 strikeouts, he can still control a game, especially at home. His 1.36 WHIP suggests he has been giving up some baserunners, but he has the ability to pitch out of trouble.

Guardians: Gavin Williams (2-5, 5.02 ERA)

• Analysis: Williams has struggled this season with a 5.02 ERA and a 1.42 WHIP. Despite some difficulties, he has shown promise with 47 strikeouts. However, facing a powerful Yankees lineup at Yankee Stadium could be a challenge.

Favorite Bet: Yankees -1.5 Run Line (+120)

• Explanation: The Yankees, with Cole on the mound and their home advantage, are likely to cover the run line. If their offense clicks, they could win comfortably by more than one run.

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Game Preview: Colorado Rockies vs. Washington Nationals

Date & Time: Thursday, 1:05 p.m. EDT

Location: Washington, D.C.

Team Overview

Washington Nationals

• Record: 57-70 (4th in NL East)

• Home Record: 29-33

• Recent Form: The Nationals have struggled slightly over their last 10 games, posting a 4-6 record with a .260 team batting average. Their 4.03 ERA during this period has seen them being outscored by eight runs.

• Key Strength: When the Nationals out-hit their opponents, they are nearly unbeatable, holding a 42-9 record in such games.

• Top Performers: Keibert Ruiz has been a solid contributor with 12 doubles and 12 home runs. James Wood has been on a hot streak, going 14-for-37 with four doubles and two home runs over the last 10 games.

Colorado Rockies

• Record: 47-80 (5th in NL West)

• Road Record: 18-47

• Recent Form: The Rockies have matched the Nationals' 4-6 record over their last 10 games. Despite a decent .258 team batting average, their 5.74 ERA has led to them being outscored by 14 runs.

• Key Weakness: Colorado's struggles on the road are evident, with a dismal 18-47 record away from Coors Field.

• Top Performers: Brendan Rodgers leads the team with a .279 batting average, along with 24 doubles and 10 home runs. Brenton Doyle has also been effective recently, hitting 15-for-40 with a home run and four RBI over the past 10 games.

Pitching Matchup

Rockies: Cal Quantrill (8-8, 4.59 ERA)

• Analysis: Quantrill has been relatively consistent with an 8-8 record and a 4.59 ERA. His 1.41 WHIP suggests he allows baserunners, but he has the ability to work out of jams. Facing a Nationals lineup that can be streaky might offer him an opportunity to shine.

Nationals: Patrick Corbin (2-12, 5.92 ERA)

• Analysis: Corbin has struggled significantly this season, reflected in his 2-12 record and 5.92 ERA. His 1.57 WHIP indicates a high number of baserunners, which could spell trouble against a Rockies lineup that, despite its overall struggles, has some capable hitters.

Favorite Bet: Over 8.5 Total Runs (-125)

• Explanation: With both starting pitchers struggling this season, this game has the potential to be high-scoring. Both teams have shown they can put up runs, and with the pitchers' ERAs, the over is the safest play.

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Game Preview: Milwaukee Brewers vs. St. Louis Cardinals

Date & Time: Thursday, 2:15 p.m. EDT

Location: St. Louis, MO

Team Overview

Milwaukee Brewers

• Record: 73-53 (1st in NL Central)

• Road Record: 35-29

• Recent Form: The Brewers have been solid recently, posting a 6-4 record over their last 10 games. Despite a low team batting average of .211 during this span, their pitching has kept them competitive with a 3.20 ERA.

• Key Strength: Milwaukee's pitching staff has been excellent, boasting the second-best team ERA in MLB at 3.69. This has been a key factor in their success, especially in close games.

• Top Performers: William Contreras has been a key contributor with a .287 batting average, 34 doubles, 17 home runs, and 73 RBI. Jackson Chourio has also been in good form, going 11-for-38 with a home run and five RBI over the last 10 games.

St. Louis Cardinals

• Record: 62-64 (2nd in NL Central)

• Home Record: 33-30

• Recent Form: The Cardinals have struggled recently, going 3-7 over their last 10 games. Their pitching has been a weak spot, with a 5.17 ERA during this period, leading to them being outscored by 13 runs.

• Key Weakness: St. Louis' pitching has been inconsistent, as evidenced by their 5.41 team ERA, which is among the highest in the league.

• Top Performers: Brendan Donovan continues to be a solid contributor with 27 doubles, a triple, and nine home runs. Nolan Arenado has also been performing well, with three home runs in his last 10 games.

Pitching Matchup

Brewers: Freddy Peralta (8-7, 4.00 ERA)

• Analysis: Peralta has been a key part of Milwaukee's strong pitching staff. His 4.00 ERA and 1.21 WHIP suggest he's been fairly effective, and his 162 strikeouts indicate he's a strikeout pitcher who can dominate when on form. He will look to continue his solid season against a struggling Cardinals lineup.

Cardinals: Miles Mikolas (8-10, 5.41 ERA)

• Analysis: Mikolas has had a rough season, with a 5.41 ERA and 1.29 WHIP. His inconsistency has been a problem for the Cardinals, and he will need to be at his best to counter a Brewers team that, while not hitting particularly well, has been finding ways to win.

Favorite Bet: Brewers to Win (-130)

• Explanation: Milwaukee's pitching advantage, combined with their recent success against the Cardinals, makes them the safer pick. Peralta's ability to dominate on the mound should give the Brewers the edge they need to secure a win.

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