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  • expert headshot
    Micah Roberts
    +523
    (58%)
    25-18 in Last 43 MLB ML Picks
    CHW
    +116
    Money Line
    Picked: Sep 28 @ 3:25pm

    Analysis

    The Astros have won seven of their last nine meetings against the White Sox, including three or four to start September. But both teams are in different places right now from September 3rd. The White Sox have won six of their last eight, getting their hitting practice against the Rockies and the Royals. Confidence should be high compared to the Astros, who finished the year limping in at 81-81. I don't think there's ever been a team to make the postseason with a .500 or worse record. The Astros beat the White Sox 5 games to 2 this season, but right now I think the White Sox are playing better baseball. White Sox to win Game 1 and the series.
  • expert headshot
    Eric Cohen
    +2682
    (61%)
    77-49 in Last 126 MLB Picks
    ATL -1.5
    +119
    Spread
    WIN
    Picked: Sep 28 @ 12:54pm

    Analysis

    I'll lay the -1.5 run line for the home team in Game 1 of this short series. Chris Sale is 3-0 vs. Philadelphia this season with a 2.08 ERA in four starts. In those first three games, Atlanta won each by multiple runs. Meanwhile, Philadelphia starts Jesus Luzardo in Game 1, though I'm not sure how much length they'll give him after coming off the Injured List on Sunday. Luzardo through a two-hit shutout vs. Atlanta in September, but is he 100% now. Who knows? Either way, I think the Braves win Game 1 by a score of 5-2 and sweep the Phillies, who look to be on a downward trajectory at this point.
  • expert headshot
    Micah Roberts
    +380
    (51%)
    28-27-2 in Last 57 MLB Picks
    Under 7
    -127
    Over/Under
    LOSS
    Picked: Sep 28 @ 3:53pm

    Analysis

    The Braves went 9-4 against the Phillies this season, and the Phillies needed all 162 games to prove they were a playoff team. The Phillies come stumbling in, but they get a big boost on Tuesday when Jesus Luzardo starts his first game since September 7th, beating the Braves 1-0. The Phillies have won his last seven starts while allowing only one run between his last three starts. Luzardo hasn't started a game since September 7th due to inflammation in his left shoulder, but pitched one inning of relief in Sunday's clinching win against Tampa Bay. The Braves won three times this season against Philly with Chris Sale starting the game. I like the Phillies to win, but I like the under a little better.
  • expert headshot
    Prop Bet Guy
    #2
    +2559
    (60%)
    132-88 in Last 220 MLB Player Props Picks
    player headshot
    C. Sale
    YES
    +113
    Pitcher to Record a Win
    LOSS
    Picked: Sep 29 @ 8:29am

    Analysis

    DraftKings. Not the prop I was expecting to be on to start the playoffs, but I love the value here. Chris Sale has been dominant at home this season, pitching to a 1.66 ERA and winning 8/14 starts. He’s also dominated this lineup with six runs and 15 hits allowed in 26 innings, winning three of four starts. The Phillies also come into this one with their bats ice cold and their pitching depleted. Jesus Luzardo will open, with Andrew Painter likely handling bulk relief duties. Painter has been better since being recalled, but is still a rookie making his first playoff start. Atlanta mashed at home in the second half (115 wRC+), and the back end of their bullpen is on fire.
  • expert headshot
    Adam Thompson
    +420
    (86%)
    6-1 in Last 7 MLB Game Props Picks
    Under 3.5
    -114
    First 5 Innings Total Runs
    WIN
    Picked: Sep 29 @ 9:18am

    Analysis

    Chris Sale has faced the Phillies four times, including twice in September. All were quality starts, all resulted in Braves wins. Combined, Sale allowed six runs over 26 innings (2.08 ERA). Jesus Luzardo on the road is 9-0 with a 1.76 ERA. In his last seven games, he has a 1.26 ERA. That includes a two-hit, complete-game shutout of the Braves last week. Offensively, both teams were slightly below average the last couple weeks.

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