A busy weekend begins tonight, one that will have massive implications for the postseason race. With every team in action, there are plenty of bets to make all night long. However, these are the three MLB best bets at September’s midway point.
MLB Best Bet #1: New York Yankees -1.5 (+105)
Gerrit Cole is starting for the Yankees, is there any more to say? The AL Cy Young frontrunner leads the AL in multiple pitching categories. He has also led the Yankees to four straight wins, including a game where New York was no-hit into the 11th.
The Pittsburgh Pirates begin the night 23rd in runs per game. Offensively, they will struggle to muster anything against Cole or a Yankees bullpen that leads the majors in ERA. New York should only need a few runs, fresh off an eight-run game, and Johan Oviedo isn’t known for shutout performances. Take the Bronx Bombers by multiple runs tonight.
MLB Best Bet #2: Atlanta Braves Over 5.5 Runs Scored (+105)
The Atlanta Braves have MLB’s best offense, putting up 5.84 runs per game this season. The Atlanta Braves are playing the Miami Marlins tonight. The Atlanta Braves are averaging 8.3 runs per game against Miami after 10 battles.
Only once, Miami’s lone win in 10 tries, did the Braves score fewer than six runs against the Marlins this year. Miami is starting Johnny Cueto tonight, with a 6.15 ERA in 2023. See where this is headed? Atlanta isn’t sitting its regulars yet, so expect the bats to explode again.
MLB Best Bet #3: Chicago Cubs Over 4.5 Runs Scored (-110)
Another team that should score a lot tonight, the Cubs have made their playoff push through an offense averaging the seventh-most runs per game this year. They faced Arizona last week and struggled to score against every pitcher but one. What are the chances that that man, Brandon Pfaadt, is starting tonight?
Arizona tried something new, bringing Pfaadt in for relief last time out. He pitched 6.0 innings and gave up four runs, bringing his season ERA down to 6.25. That was at Wrigley, whereas his putrid 7.30 home ERA will be put to the test tonight. Of course, he’s far from alone, as the Diamondbacks also have a weak bullpen and allow the 10th-most runs per game. Arizona’s staff has allowed at least five runs in four of their past five games. Add another to the tally tonight.
(All odds via DraftKings Sportsbook)
