The MLB season has reached the home stretch and playoff atmosphere is in the air. The AL West battle is epic, with three teams within a game of each other for the division lead. The Rangers host the Astros in a weekend clash for first place in the division. That game highlights a list of five we will review for September 4.
Houston Astros versus Texas Rangers
In the tightest division in the league, the Rangers host the Astros in an epic battle. Houston has won five of their last six games and “burning hot” on the Team Strength Oscillator. They have won five of the last seven games between the teams this season and are catching the Rangers who are in the midst of a 3-7 stretch. The Score Predictor has the Astors by an 11-6 score but with only 40 percent confidence. Note that Texas has been more stable at +22 to +10 on the Team Volatility Oscillator. The Astros have an impressive 42-27 road record. Look for that to improve even more in a game “over” the line.
San Francisco Giants versus Chicago Cubs
The two teams battle in the NL Wild Card race with the Cubs holding a narrow edge. Both teams are 4-2 over their last six games and the Cubs have a slim +19 to +18 advantage on the Power Ranks Indicator. The teams have been trending in games on opposite sides of the line. The Score Predictor has the Giants in a pitching duel but with only 46 percent confidence. Chicago took two of three games between the two teams back in June and San Francisco is a game under .500 on the road. I like the Cubs to broaden their lead over the Giants with a win but pass on the “over/under” bet.
Seattle Mariners versus Cincinnati Reds
Seattle looks to stay on top in the AL West and the Reds need to get on a roll in attempts to earn a wild card spot in the NL. Seattle is “burning hot” versus “ice cold up” on the Team Strength Oscillator and +21 versus +9 on the Power Ranks Indicator. The most eye-popping stat entering this game is Cincinnati’s poor home record of 31-34, while the Mariners are a solid 37-28 on the road. The teams have been trending in games “under” the line, but the Score Predictor has a reasonably high total of 13 runs. I would avoid the “over/under” bet on this one, but go with the Mariners to keep pace in their division.
Minnesota Twins versus Cleveland Guardians
Let’s face it, the AL Central is the weakest division in the league and only the winner will make the playoffs. The top two teams face off with the Guardians five games back. They are coming in “burning hot” and need a sweep to make things interesting coming down the stretch. Cleveland has won six of the ten games between the teams this season. The teams have been trending in games “over” the line but the Score Predictor is going “under” with 47 percent confidence. Minnesota still has a clear edge on the Power Ranks Indicator. I like Cleveland to come out on top at home in a game “under” the line.
Philadelphia Phillies versus San Diego Padres
In a rematch of last year’s NLCS, the two teams are heading in opposite directions. The Phillies are 7-3 over their last ten and “burning hot down” and the Padres are 3-7 during the same stretch. Philadelphia is predicted to win by a 9-0 margin with nearly 74 percent confidence. The teams have been trending in games “over” the line. The Phillies have won three of the four meetings between the teams this season and are getting red-hot with the bats. San Diego has little to play for down the stretch and the Phillies are looking for the top wild card in the NL. I expect a Phillies win in a game “over” the lnie.
Upgrade now and follow the winners!
P.S. Upgrade to Zcode VIP Club and Unlock All Winning Picks. Instant Access.
