With only a couple of weeks remaining in the MLB regular season, playoff positions are still up in the air. Teams are battling until the end, which makes for some exciting action down the stretch. Let’s take a look at five games for September 18 with the Astros hosting the Orioles headlining the action.
Philadelphia Phillies versus Atlanta Braves
The Phillies come in just 2-4 over their last six and have the unenviable task to try to take down the Braves in Atlanta. The Braves are 4-2 over their last six and have the best record in the league. Zack Wheeler is going for the Phillies and he got lit up the last time he faced Atlanta. He has a 3.70 ERA for the season but is a poor bet at -$245 on the Pitcher Profit Oscillator. Both teams have been trending in games “over” the line and the score prediction is for another Atlanta blowout but with only 39 percent confidence. I think Wheeler will be better this time out, but the Braves will win at home. I am not feeling the over/under so will pass on that bet for this game.
Minnesota Twins versus Cincinnati Reds
Minnesota enters in clear control of the AL Central and the Reds are battling for a wild card spot in the NL. The Twins are “burning hot” after winning three of their last four, while the Reds are “average up” after winning four of their last six. Both teams have been trending in games “over” the line and the score prediction has the Twins by an 8-6 margin. Minnesota has the edge on the Power Ranks Indicator. The teams haven’t met since 2021. I like the Twins in a slugfest, so pick the “over” in this one.
Milwaukee Brewers versus St. Louis Cardinals
In this NL Central battle, the first-place Brewers take on the last-place Cardinals. Milwaukee is “burning hot” versus “average down” on the Team Strength Oscillator and +26 to +10 on the Power Ranks Indicator. The teams have split the six meetings this season, both winning two of three at home. Look for a lower-scoring game with both teams trending in games “under” the line. I like the Brewers on the road to inch closer to wrapping up the division.
Baltimore Orioles versus Houston Astros
The Orioles have stumbled to 1-5 over their last six, but at still tied for first on the AL East, while the Astros have edged into the lead in the AL West. The teams are trending on opposite sides of the “over/under” line. Houston has a narrow +25 to +22 edge on the Power Ranks Indicator. Houston took two of three in Baltimore in early August, outscoring the Orioles 17-13. Baltimore has been performing more consistently with regard to their favorite/underdog status. The score predictor likes Baltimore by a 7-5 score but the confidence is hovering around 50 percent. Baltimore needs to come out of their slump at some point, why not on the road against the defending champions? Let’s go with the upset, but pass on the over/under bet.
Detroit Tigers versus Los Angeles Dodgers
Detroit is out of the playoff picture, while the Dodgers are in complete control in the NL West. The Tigers are playing well lately, “burning hot” on the Team Strength Oscillator and 4-2 over their last six games. Los Angeles is 5-5 over their last ten and cruising to the finish line and getting ready for a playoff run. The Dodgers have a +24 to +7 advantage on the Power Ranks Indicator. With both teams trending in games “over” the line lately, betting “over” is a wise move. The Tigers have little chance to take down the Dodgers, so pick Los Angeles with confidence.
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