The first day of games is in the books and four teams will be looking to advance to the Division Series. The Guardians, Phillies, Padres and Mariners would certainly love to move on without being forced into a winner-take-all affair on Sunday.
I wrote a lot about my MLB postseason strategies yesterday, so I will ask you to refer to that and will look ahead to the Saturday games. There are a couple of changes to the schedule today, as the Phillies and Cardinals play the late game and the Padres and Mets were moved up a half hour. Games are once again listed in chronological order with odds from DraftKings, but shop around for the best prices, as some could be out there in the market.
After an avalanche of money came in on Under 6.5 and Under 6, we saw our first 5.5 total in a regulation MLB game since 2016 and the first playoff 5.5 since 2015 (2020 and 2021 had the seven-inning doubleheaders). The weather conditions, home plate umpire (Doug Eddings) and the teams created a perfect storm to get the low total. I’m not sure Game 2 warranted a 5.5 right away, but I don’t really want to bet the over either. Some of the market is up to 6 now.
One of the biggest keys to the season for Cleveland has been the emergence of Triston McKenzie. With Aaron Civale out for two extended periods of time and Zach Plesac not taking a step forward, the Guardians desperately needed what they got from McKenzie and also Game 3 (if necessary) starter Cal Quantrill.