Offense in Arlington: Expert Picks in the MLB (9/16)

Final couple weeks of the MLB Regular season and I have my eye on two very important series. The first is Red Sox-Rangers where Texas is 1.5 games back of the final wild card sport. The other is Braves and Cubs where Atlanta can continue their pursuit for the NL East crown. Let's dive into my MLB best bets for Wednesday, September 16th.

MLB Best Bets for Wednesday, September 16th

• Red Sox -Rangers Over 8 (-110) ( at Lucky Rebel)
• Braves ML (+133) ( at Lucky Rebel)

Boston Red Sox vs Texas Rangers

 

If you like offense in baseball then I have a feeling that tonight's Red Sox-Rangers matchup might be for you. Overall, both of these teams have been towards the bottom of the league in offense all year. The Red Sox were towards the bottom of the league the first few months of the season, but are now 19th in runs scored (665). Texas, meanwhile is 25th (628). Both teams have good pitching which is why Boston will make it to the playoffs and Texas is hoping they can sneak in.

Tonight's matchup specifically though is why I like the over. Jake Bennett takes the mound for Boston and MacKenzie Gore takes the mound for the Rangers. Both are lefties and both have struggled here as of late. Bennett in his last 9 starts has given up at least three runs in 8 of them. In his last start vs the Angels he gave up a season high 6 runs. Tonight, he faces a Rangers offense that has the 4th highest OPS vs left handed pitching. They also rank 4th in batting average and 4th in slugging vs lefties.

On the other side is Mackenzie Gore, who was acquired via trade this offseason from the Nationals. Gore has been okay this season for the Rangers. 8-11 with a 4.62 ERA. He also has struggled here in recent starts. 4 earned runs or more given up in 3 of his last 4 starts and in those starts failed to go past 4 innings pitched. He faces a Red Sox offense tonight that also mashes left handed pitching. Boston is 5th in the MLB in OPS vs lefties.

Both pitchers are not in good form and both are facing offenses that normally do well vs left handed pitching. Feels like the over is a good look tonight.

Bet: Red Sox & Rangers Over 8 (-110) Lucky Rebel 

Atlanta Braves vs Chicago Cubs

 

Last night's game featured a great Braves comeback in the late innings, we will see what tonight provides. This is definitely a potential playoff series between two really good teams. Tonight, the Cubs are a decent sized favorite because they are at home and have a clear pitching advantage on the mound with Shota Imanaga going up against JR Ritchie.

Even though on paper this definitely looks like the Cubs have an advantage I do have my conerns about Imanaga vs this Braves offense. The Cubs southpaw is tied with Aaron Nola amongst starting pitchers for most home runs given up this season with 34. He has given up the long ball all year. What helps him tonight is the fact the wind is blowing in so the ball won't carry too much. The Braves have hit the 7th most home runs in baseball this season and have big boppers up and down their order. For the most part Shota has been good this season, but I think it's a huge help to the Braves that they have already seen him this season.

The price I feel like is to good to pass up here as well. Braves are +133 on the ML. Not often you get Atlanta at that price. I see Imanaga giving up a couple deep balls tonight and the Braves finding a way to win the game.

 

Bet: Braves ML (+133) Lucky Rebel

 

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