At last, Yankee faithful, we’ve made it to the Wild Card round, and in the opposite dugout, a familiar foe awaits.
For the second straight postseason, the Yankees and Red Sox will battle it out in the Bronx to open the MLB playoffs.
Oddsmakers aren’t anticipating a high-scoring affair either, installing the total at 6.5 runs for Game 1, as the Pinstripes enter as -142 moneyline favorites at DraftKings Sportsbook.
An opportunity to up the score in the rivalry and, more importantly, a date with the division-leading Rays hang in the balance for the team that wins this best-of-three series.
Yankees vs. Red Sox Game 1 prediction, best bet
Aaron Boone and the Yankees’ coaching staff wasted no time, installing Cam Schlittler as the starter for the series opener, which spells trouble for Boston.
Schlittler is no stranger to the big moment, as the AL Cy Young favorite left 12 batters looking in his last playoff appearance against the BoSox.
In three regular-season games this season, Schlittler boasts a scorching 0.55 ERA and 22 strikeouts against the Red Sox.
He may not have to repeat his epic closeout performance from Game 3 of last season’s AL Wild Card round, but I’m expecting him to deliver seven or more strikeouts.
Among Boston’s starting rotation of hitters, Schlittler has struck out Wilyer Abreu, Willson Contreras,and Cedddane Rafaela five or more times in his career.
Expect the right-hander to completely neutralize Boston’s lineup, given that his .243 wOBA places him in the 96th percentile league-wide, according to Baseball Savant.
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Should the Yankees provide adequate run support, likely from Ben Rice and a slew of others alongside another brilliant outing from their young ace, taking the series opener is well within reach.
The Play: SGP (+146, DraftKings): Cam Schlittler 7+ strikeouts (-158) + Yankees moneyline (-142)
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Mike Turay is a sports journalist and editor who closely follows the NBA, NFL, college sports and UFC. He has demonstrated expertise in both NBA and NFL player prop bets for nearly three years. Mike is also highly knowledgeable about the sportsbook offer landscape, frequently trying and reviewing the latest apps and sites.
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