I’m backing three team props in today’s MLB postseason quadruple-header.
The pregame narrative: Both the Baltimore Orioles and Milwaukee Brewers are worth a look to clear their team totals, which are set at 3.5 runs apiece. Later on, I think an even-money price on the San Diego Padres to score first as the home team is a strong choice.
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Best bet: Orioles over 3.5 runs (-109)
I initially liked the over on the game total (6.5 runs) but was scared off by Corbin Burnes’ scorching September and the fact that the Royals had MLB’s worst offence last month (.203 BA, 61 wRC+).
So instead, I’ll ride with the over on Baltimore’s run total alone. This is a very attainable number for the O’s.
Baltimore finished the regular season with the fourth-best team OPS (.750) and the second-most home runs (235). They also scored a hearty 4.9 runs per game.
Gunnar Henderson is the headliner, but Baltimore has enviable depth in its lineup, too. There are nine active O’s who’ve played 100-plus games this season and have a wRC+ above the league-average mark (100).
Kansas City Royals starter Cole Ragans saw Baltimore twice this season and the results couldn’t have been any more different. On April 3, he one-hit the O’s over 6.1 innings … but later than month, he allowed seven runs on nine hits in just 1.2 IP.
Baltimore finished over 3.5 runs in both games, as it did most of the season. And I have faith that the team O’s can cash again today.
Key stat: The Orioles have scored over 3.5 runs in eight of their past 10 games, as well as in 99 of 162 (61.1%) games this year.
Quick pick
Brewers over 3.5 runs (-136): There’s more juice on this total than on Baltimore’s but I’m still happy to buy in.
Luis Severino has made 31 starts this year, and his opponents have hit this over 17 times. That includes his start against the Brewers in the spring, when Milwaukee torched the righty for six runs on 11 hits over 5.0 innings.
The Brewers’ lineup is 15-for-45 (.333) against Severino with five extra-base hits. That’s not a huge sample, but it is an encouraging one.
Milwaukee’s bats went a bit cold in September, but they put together strong numbers throughout the season. The Brew Crew cashed this over in 92 of 162 (56.8%) games, averaging 4.8 runs per game.
Padres to score first (+100): Tonight’s Braves/Padres game is in San Diego, which means the Padres will be at a disadvantage to score first. But with Michael King in a groove, I think there’s some value here nonetheless.
King, who has a 2.07 ERA and a .565 opponent OPS since July, will face the Braves for the first time as a starter. In previous relief appearances against them, he held them to just three hits versus eight Ks over 28 at-bats.
Also, King has a 1.80 ERA in the first inning this year, and his Padres have averaged more first-inning runs (0.59) than the Braves (0.52).
At the time of this writing, the Braves haven’t announced their starting pitcher. But I know it won’t be any of their top three starters (Chris Sale, Max Fried or Reynaldo Lopez).
Backing the Padres to score first and win (+150) is within reason, too.
Picks made at 12:00 p.m. ET on 10/01/2024.
Jordan enjoys writing data-driven game previews and analysis articles — especially for MLB markets or NFL/NBA props. And as a proud Ohio University grad, he’ll always have a soft spot for college sports (especially if the Bobcats are involved). Previous stops include mlb.com, Sportsnet and The Athletic.