The postseason is so close, Major League Baseball fans can basically taste it. As we enter the home stretch of the regular season, every game matters for the teams still in contention. While some clubs have locked in their spots in the playoffs, others are still fighting. With that said, we have our MLB picks for key games this weekend, with our focus on the AL Wild Card Race.
It goes without saying, but Seattle will need to take down Arizona on Friday night in the first game of their three-game series. After sweeping the Diamondbacks in Arizona, the Mariners traveled to Houston for a huge series against the Astros. Unfortunately, the Ms struggled, and they suffered a heartbreaking loss on Tuesday night with the game basically in their hands.
Seattle was up 4-2 entering the bottom of the ninth, but Alex Bregman tied things up with a massive two-run homer. Mariners fans couldn’t believe it, as the victory truly was there for the taking. To make things even worse, Carlos Correa delivered a walk-off hit in the bottom of the 10th to give Houston an unforgettable victory. Meanwhile for Seattle, it was yet another late-inning blunder.
| MLB picks |  |  |  |  |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Seattle to win | TBD | TBD | TBD | TBD |
| Arizona to win | TBD | TBD | TBD | TBD |
| Yankees to win | TBD | TBD | TBD | TBD |
| Mets to win | TBD | TBD | TBD | TBD |
The Mariners haven’t been to the postseason since 2001, meaning it has been a long 20 years of suffering for their fans. This series against Arizona is massive if they want to keep pace in the AL Wild Card race. Plain and simple, Seattle needs to win this series and they can’t allow the D-Backs to get off to a quick start at T-Mobile Park once Friday arrives.
While the MLB odds are yet to be released for this one through the Las Vegas Sportsbooks, Seattle is expected to be the favorite to beat Arizona in Game 1 of this series. Scott Servais knows his club’s back is against the wall a bit right now. There’s plenty of pressure on the Ms to step up and deliver. With that said, our pick is for the Mariners to get back on track and beat Arizona on Friday night. Do you agree? Check out our betting sites, like Bovada, and place a wager.
Here we are in early September and things aren’t looking good for the Boston Red Sox down the stretch. After playing so hot in the spring and the early summer, Boston has really taken some steps back, with their pitching really dropping the ball here. Early in the year, it looked like the Red Sox were a lock to win the AL East. Now, they’re hoping to snag one of the WC spots. Oh, how things can change.
This weekend, things won’t be easy for the Red Sox as they’re traveling to Guaranteed Rate Field for a series with the Chicago White Sox. Chicago is in the middle of an incredible season under new manager Tony La Russa, as the team is on its way to winning the AL Central title. While there has been plenty of drama with La Russa, the team has more than exceeded expectations.
The same can’t be said for Boston, as the second half of the season has been a huge bummer. While they did finish in last place of the AL East last year, the return of Alex Cora figured to get this team back to playing quality ball. The inconsistency has been a major issue for them, which has not only been concerning for the fans, but the front office as well.
On Saturday, these two clubs will face off in a massive game. For the Red Sox, they can’t afford to lose multiple games to Chicago this weekend. They’ve got Oakland, Seattle and Toronto on their backs in the Wild Card hunt. With that said, Chicago has been outstanding this year and they’ll use the home-field advantage to their benefit. We’re going with the White Sox to beat the Red Sox on Saturday.
In primetime, the Yankees will take down the Mets in Sunday Night Baseball. While everyone will be focused on the NFL on Sunday, that doesn’t mean this won’t be a monster showdown for both New York teams. With that said, the Yankees have had the Mets number and that should continue this weekend when the two teams face off for their series.
For the Bronx Bombers, they’ve really heated up after the trade deadline. The additions of Anthony Rizzo and Joey Gallo have been incredible for Aaron Boone. Before the deadline, it was up in the air if New York would even make the postseason. Now, this team is looking like a serious contender in the American League. However, if Gerrit Cole is injured, that all changes.
The hope is that his hamstring injury is nothing serious and he’ll be back in the bump in no time. The Yankees have what it takes to go on a strong postseason run. However, with them clinging to one of the two AL Wild Card spots, they’re going to have to close the season out on the right foot. There’s no room for error. And on Sunday night, they’ll make the Mets pay. The Yankees are our pick.
