Pitching duel on tap in Big Apple
The Mets boast the majors’ best record since Aug. 21. But do they have enough offensive oomph to upend one of this generation’s greatest clutch performers?
Tonight, the defending National League champions collide with Madison Bumgarner’s Giants. Online sports book Bovada.lv actually gives Terry Collins’ gang odds of -120 to take the NL wild-card contest. San Francisco, on the other hand, enters Citi Field as a -110 underdog. The over/run total sits at six.
Discover an Easy Way to Make Big $$$$! Get 20% off. Call now! 1-866-491-0259
Most observers left New York (87-75) for dead at about the three-quarter mark of the season. With individuals like Seth Lugo and Robert Gsellman coming out of nowhere, though, the club pitched its way to a 26-13 finish. Only six squads posted a superior collective ERA than the Mets’ figure of 3.39 in September.
Of course, Wednesday’s stage belongs to a pair of undisputed aces. Collins sends Noah Syndergaard, who became a household name last fall, to the hill. The righty went 2-0 with a 1.11 WHIP in two home playoff appearances in 2015. He also owns a 2.51 ERA in 16 career starts made on extra rest. (Syndergaard’s final turn during the regular campaign occurred a week ago.)
Then there’s Bumgarner, an absolute magician at this time of year. Bruce Bochy’s main man in the rotation is 7-3 with a 2.14 ERA in 14 postseason affairs. Furthermore, the southpaw’s never lost in Flushing.
MLB Quick Links: Scores & Matchups | Injuries | Odds Comparison | Betting Trends | ATS Stats
Despite a lack of feared hitters from top to bottom, the Giants (87-75) always find different ways to manufacture runs against upper-echelon hurlers. Conversely, the Mets are too dependent on the long ball. We’ll lean toward the visitors in an ultra-tight one.
WEDNESDAY MLB FREE PICK: GIANTS +1.5