Tuesday Bets: Divisional Series Picks
Postseason Record: 5-0
Twitter: @backwardks
Tuesday’s slate features 4 matchups, with the first games opening pitch at 2:08 pm EDT. Houston/Oakland and New York/Tampa Bay are playing their second game in two days, while Miami/Atlanta and San Diego/Los Angeles begin their Best-of-Five series. After a perfect Wild Card Series, we look to continue our strikeout prop streak. Let’s get into it.
Miami Marlins @ Atlanta Braves
SP: Sandy Alcantara – 39 Strikeouts in 42 Innings
The righty from the Dominican Republic will attempt to get the Marlins off to a hot start versus their divisional rival. Atlanta struck out a whopping 35 times in just two games against the Cincinnati Reds. While Alcantara does not have the same “stuff” as Bauer and Castillo, he has emerged as the leader of this Miami rotation. He only had 4 strikeouts in his postseason debut against Chicago. However, he has proven durable and throws a lot of pitches in his starts. Additionally, he has recorded at least 4 punchouts in all but one start during the regular season. Don’t bet against the Marlins performing once the playoffs start; they have never lost a postseason series.
Pick: Over 4.5 Strikeouts (+105)
Houston Astros @ Oakland Athletics
SP: Framber Valdez – 76 Strikeouts in 70.2 Innings
After bouncing between the bullpen and rotation to begin his career, Valdez established himself as one of the Astros best pitchers. In his postseason debut last week, he came into the game in “relief” of Zack Greinke, throwing 5 shutout innings with 5 punchouts. Now he is facing a Oakland team that has been prone to strikeouts, striking out 10 times in yesterday’s opener. Astros starter Lance McCullers Jr. was able to get 5 strikeouts with only 75 pitches. Valdez routinely tops 100 pitches, and is well rested after finishing last week’s game against the Minnesota Twins with just 66 pitches. In his only start against Oakland this year, Valdez fanned 9 over 7 innings. Look for another dominant start today.
Pick: Over 5.5 Strikeouts (-125)