Xam’s Gem(s):
Rays Money Line -152
It was a comedy of errors yesterday for the Rays. They had 4 errors in the game and were lackluster on offense. Now, their season is squarely on the line. Zach Eflin has been the model of consistency this year, pitching to a 3.50 ERA this year. Eflin may have a short hook, as manager Kevin Cash won’t hesitate to go right to his elite bullpen at the first sign of trouble. Nathan Eovaldi had a good year overall, but has struggled recently. In his last 15 games, he has a 4.58 ERA, and in his last 7, he has a ghastly 7.18 ERA! Obviously, the Rangers don’t need this game as bad as the Rays do, so Texas may be more willing to let Eovaldi go longer and avoid using their questionable bullpen.
Twins Money Line -144
After winning their first playoff game since 2004, the Twins are looking to lock up a date in the Division Series with the Houston Astros. Sonny Gray had an excellent season for the Twins, pitching to a 2.79 ERA. He’s also had postseason success, pitching to a 2.95 ERA. His ERA was even better at home this year, as he pitched to a sparkling 2.67 ERA at Target Field. Jose Berrios, on the other hand, has had an up and down year. Overall, he was good this year. However, in his last 7 games, he pitched to a 4.53 ERA. He gave up 8 runs in his last 2 starts, and he had just under a 4 ERA on the road this year. It’ll likely be a short leash for Berrios, given Toronto’s season is on the line.
Brewers Money Line -132
Freddy Peralta has been tasked with keeping Milwaukee’s season alive tonight. He pitched to a 3.86 ERA this year, but in his last 15 starts he stepped it up a notch, pitching to a 3.09 ERA. At home this year, he pitched to a 3.44 ERA. Zac Gallen had a great year for the Diamondbacks, but he struggled as the year came to a close. In his last 15 games, he pitched to a 4.03 ERA, and in his last 7 starts, he pitched to an unsightly 4.93 ERA. He was ineffective on the road as well this year, with a 4.42 ERA. Milwaukee will surely use every elite bullpen arm they have to do whatever they can to force Game 3.
Phillies Money Line -148
The Phillies are sending Aaron Nola to the mound to try and send them back to the Divisional Round of the playoffs. Nola had an up and down year, but at home he was quite good, with a 3.29 ERA. He’s also coming off 2 straight quality starts, giving up 3 runs in 12.2 innings. The Marlins are countering with youngster Braxton Garrett. The lefty burst onto the scene this year, pitching to an impressive 3.66 ERA and 2.87 ERA in his last 7 starts. However, this is his first playoff game, and it’s coming in a raucous environment. The Phillies have been there and done that before. The Marlins just have a vibe of being happy to be there. They didn’t score a lot of runs in the regular season, and they will need to score runs tonight to win on the road. Garrett will have a very short leash tonight, and that Marlins bullpen is iffy. They pitched to a 4.22 ERA as a unit this year.
Xam’s Prop(s):
Aaron Nola Over 5.5 Ks -150
Nola has 16 strikeouts in his last 2 games. Nola averaged just under 7 strikeouts per game this year at home as well. Given that Philly doesn’t have to win tonight and Nola has playoff experience, he should be given a longer leash to try and save some of that bullpen. Nola has pitched in big games like this before, and he will be ready for this moment.