MLB Lines: ALDS Game 1

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MLB Lines: AMERICAN LEAGUE DIVISIONAL SERIES GAME 1

This weekend brings exciting MLB postseason matchups, with four games set to take place as teams continue their journey toward the World Series. With teams like the Detroit Tigers, Cleveland Guardians, New York Mets, Philadelphia Phillies, Kansas City Royals, and New York Yankees in action, here’s a breakdown of each matchup, analyzing key statistics, players, and MLB Lines. 

Detroit Tigers vs Cleveland Guardians

The Detroit Tigers and Cleveland Guardians are set to clash in the first game of the ALDS this Saturday at 1:08 p.m. ET from Progressive Field. 

After an impressive sweep of the Houston Astros in the Wild Card round, the Tigers will face a formidable Guardians team that finished their regular season strong, clinching the AL Central division with a 92-69 record. 

The Guardians have the home-field advantage and a 50-30 record at Progressive Field this year. The upcoming game marks a continuation of a competitive regular-season series, with Cleveland narrowly winning 7 out of the 13 games against Detroit.

The Tigers have become a force to be reckoned with, gaining momentum by finishing the second half of the season with a 39-26 record, which secured their first playoff appearance since 2014. Their bullpen, with a season-long 3.55 ERA, will likely be essential in game one, as Detroit is expected to use a combination of pitchers, possibly starting with Tyler Holton or Reese Olson.

The Cleveland Guardians, on the other hand, secured a first-round bye after finishing the regular season with a 92-69 record and winning the AL Central by 6.5 games. They come into this game with a 50-30 home record and strong pitching led by Tanner Bibee, who had a 3.47 ERA this season. However, Detroit’s offense has proven tough against Bibee, and with the Tigers riding high on momentum, this game could be closer than anticipated.

Detroit’s bullpen and clutch hitting will continue their hot streak, giving them a slight edge in game one.

Prediction: Detroit Tigers Money Line. 

New York Mets vs Philadelphia Phillies

At 4:08 p.m. EST on Saturday, the New York Mets and Philadelphia Phillies will meet in game one of the NLDS at Citizens Bank Park. 

The Mets advanced to this stage after a dramatic Wild Card series win over the Brewers, highlighted by Pete Alonso’s clutch home run in game three. The Mets finished the season 89-73, and while they just announced Kodai Senga as the starter for this game, they are expected to rely heavily on their bullpen after using David Peterson to close out the ninth inning in the Wild Card round. Senga hasn’t pitched since July. 

The Philadelphia Phillies, who earned a bye in the first round with a 95-67 record, are well-rested and will send their ace Zack Wheeler (2.57 ERA) to the mound. Wheeler has been dominant all season and finished third in MLB in strikeouts. 

Philadelphia’s lineup, led by Kyle Schwarber and Bryce Harper, has plenty of power and will be tough to stop. However, there may be concerns about rust due to the extended break since the Phillies haven’t played since September 29th.

With Wheeler on the mound and their rested lineup ready to produce, the Phillies should have the upper hand in game one.

Prediction: Philadelphia Phillies Money line. 

Kansas City Royals vs New York Yankees

The Kansas City Royals will face the New York Yankees in another ALDS matchup on Saturday, with the first pitch set for 6:38 p.m. EST. Kansas City, which won 86 games this season, comes into this series after sweeping the Orioles in the Wild Card round. 

The Royals, led by Bobby Witt Jr., who won the AL batting title, will count on veteran pitcher Michael Wacha (13-8, 3.35 ERA) to keep the Yankees’ potent offense at bay. Wacha has playoff experience and has been strong on the road this season, with a 3.78 ERA.

The Yankees, who finished the regular season with 94 wins, will counter with ace Gerrit Cole (8-5, 3.41 ERA), last year’s AL Cy Young winner. Cole has regained form in recent weeks despite dealing with injuries this season. 

However, the Yankees will be without first baseman Anthony Rizzo, who is out due to injury, which could leave them vulnerable. Kansas City’s bullpen has been lights-out recently, posting a 1.73 ERA since September, and could play a key role in game one.

With Wacha’s playoff experience and a strong bullpen, Kansas City has the tools to pull off the upset in game one.

Prediction: Kansas City Royals MoneyLine. 

San Diego Padres vs Los Angeles Dodgers

The final matchup on Saturday will be between the San Diego Padres and the Los Angeles Dodgers at 8:10 p.m. EST. 

The Padres are coming off a sweep of the Atlanta Braves in the Wild Card round and will start Dylan Cease in game one. Cease has had a stellar season, posting a 3.47 ERA, and has been incredibly effective against the Dodgers, holding them to four runs in 10.2 innings this year.

The Los Angeles Dodgers, who finished the regular season with 98 wins, will send rookie sensation Yoshinobu Yamamoto to the mound. Yamamoto has been solid in his debut MLB season but struggled against the Padres earlier this year, allowing eight runs in six innings. With the Dodgers being swept in the Wild Card last season, there will be plenty of pressure on Yamamoto to deliver in this game.

Cease’s strong track record against the Dodgers and the Padres’ momentum from the Wild Card round gives them an excellent shot to take game one.

Prediction: San Diego Padres Moneyline.