Key Games in the MLB Playoff Picture in the National and American Leagues Tuesday Night
MLB Preview
As the hunt for October begins, it’s do or die for many teams in the MLB. As some games are more important than others, here are a couple of game previews to help you place your bets this week.
Baltimore Orioles vs. Tampa Bay Rays
Sports line: Rays are -122/+112 and Total is 7 1/2U -120
Tonight will be Tampa Bay’s chance to get a playoff sport against the Orioles. Currently Tampa Bay is sitting out of the playoff picture thanks to Oakland’s win in Texas last night. However, the Rays still have a chance to catch the Yankees for a playoff spot. That being said the Rays are going to have to fight a strong Oriole’s team who are fighting to take the AL East.
Baltimore will be starting Miguel Gonzalez who is 8-4 this season with a 3.61 ERA. Although Baltimore lost their last game against the Rays 5-3, and Gonzalez’s last start (against Toronto) was less than stellar, the Oriole’s should still be able to take the Rays according to many online betting sites.
Tampa Bay will be starting James Shields, who will be playing his last game of the season. The righthander is 15-9 with a 3.62 ERA. Although the Rays have not lost to the Orioles since 2007, their record this year has been 9-7. The Rays need to win the next two games in order to make a split record. Shields is 1-1 against the Oriole’s this year.
Many have listed the Oriole’s to take the AL East tonight, but it is important not to count the Rays out.
San Francisco Giants vs. LA Dodgers
Sports line: Dodgers are -180 and Total is 8 1/2 U -125
The Dodgers are facing a must win situation tonight against the Giants. Los Angeles was able to keep their playoff dream alive by beating the Giants last night with a 3-2, but will need another in order to earn a playoff spot. In fact, they need to win the next two games in order to force a one game elimination playoff scheduled for Thursday if need be.
The Giants will be starting Barry Zito as he has a 14-8 record and a 4.19 ERA. He currently is set with four consecutive wins, and will need that momentum going into tonight’s game. San Francisco is confident that their third spot in the NL will not be changed after tonight’s game.
Of course, the Dodgers have other ideas. They will be starting Chris Capuano with his close 12-11 record and 3.69 ERA. Los Angeles has won their last six straight games, and will need to keep winning in order to get into the post season. It is sure to be a close match, so be sure to check for the latest odds.
Read more here for more details on tonight’s MLB games.
