MLB Lines: October 17th Highlights

Share News

MLB Lines: October 17th Highlights

On this day, two crucial games occurred in the American and National League Championship Series. Review the MLB Lines and the best bets identified for both contests.

New York Yankees vs. Cleveland Guardians Game 3

The New York Yankees and Cleveland Guardians headed to Cleveland for Game 3 of their best-of-seven American League Championship Series (ALCS). The Yankees held a 2-0 series lead after a 6-2 victory in Game 2 on Tuesday night.

In Game 3, Yankees’ right-hander Clarke Schmidt (5-5, 2.85 ERA) faced Guardians’ lefty Matthew Boyd (2-2, 2.72 ERA) with the first pitch scheduled for 5:08 pm EST.

New York Turns to Schmidt

The Yankees had taken control of the series with their Game 2 win, driven by Gerrit Cole’s gritty performance and Aaron Judge’s long-awaited postseason home run. Cole worked through 4.2 innings, giving up two runs, while Judge’s two-run shot in the seventh inning provided a comfortable lead for New York.

Judge’s homer, his first of the postseason, gave the team “a cushion,” as Yankees manager Aaron Boone noted.

In Game 3, New York relied on Clarke Schmidt, who aimed to extend their series lead to 3-0. Schmidt had made his postseason debut earlier, going 4.2 innings against the Royals, allowing four hits and two runs while striking out two. He had also been effective on the road, boasting a 3-3 record with a stellar 1.39 ERA in eight road starts.

Schmidt had faced the Guardians once during the regular season, allowing three hits and five walks over five innings without a decision. With the day off, the Yankees’ bullpen was fully rested and prepared to support Schmidt if needed.

Guardians Look to Boyd for a Lifeline

The Cleveland Guardians returned home with their backs against the wall after dropping both games in New York. Game 2 saw the Guardians leave 11 runners on base and go 0-for-7 with runners in scoring position.

Starting pitcher Tanner Bibee lasted only 1.1 innings, and the typically reliable Guardians’ defense committed two errors, forcing the bullpen to cover 7.2 innings and allowing three additional runs.

In Game 3, Cleveland turned to left-hander Matthew Boyd, who had been solid in his postseason appearances, allowing no runs in 6.2 innings with 10 strikeouts. Boyd had faced the Yankees once during the regular season, giving up four hits and three runs, including two home runs over 5.1 innings. Given the stakes, manager Stephen Vogt kept a tight leash on Boyd, using the bullpen to keep the game close.

Prediction Recap

Cleveland’s offense struggled throughout the series, with only 1-for-11 with runners in scoring position. However, a ninth-inning home run by José Ramírez in Game 2 hinted at a possible turnaround for the Guardians’ star third baseman.

Starting Boyd, who hadn’t allowed a run in the postseason, offered Cleveland a chance to keep things tight early on. If Boyd could deliver a few scoreless innings, the Guardians had an opportunity to play from ahead and keep their postseason hopes alive.

Los Angeles Dodgers vs. New York Mets Game 4 Preview

On Thursday night, the Los Angeles Dodgers (98-64) played the New York Mets (89-73) in Game 4 of the NLCS.

The Dodgers took a 2-1 series lead after an 8-0 victory in Game 3. Los Angeles planned to start Yoshinobu Yamamoto (3.00 ERA) against Mets starter José Quintana (3.75 ERA), with the first pitch scheduled for 8:08 EST at Citi Field.

Los Angeles Reclaims Momentum

The Dodgers regained control of the series with a dominant Game 3 win in New York. Los Angeles put together a balanced offensive effort, with contributions from multiple players, while Shohei Ohtani’s three-run home run in the eighth inning extended the lead to 8-0.

Walker Buehler’s four scoreless innings and six strikeouts were crucial, especially after escaping a bases-loaded jam in the second inning, which manager Dave Roberts highlighted as a momentum-shifting moment.

For Game 4, Los Angeles turned to Yoshinobu Yamamoto, who ended the season with a 7-2 record and a 3.00 ERA. Despite mixed postseason results, Yamamoto rebounded in his last outing, delivering five scoreless innings, which the Dodgers hoped would continue.

Mets’ Stars Needed to Rebound

The Mets struggled offensively in Game 3, managing just four hits. Star players Pete Alonso and Francisco Lindor combined 0-for-8 with four strikeouts. Manager Carlos Mendoza stayed optimistic, noting the Mets still generated baserunners but hadn’t found timely hits.

While providing power at times, Alonso and Lindor had been batting under .215 in the playoffs, a concern the Mets needed to overcome to stay competitive.

José Quintana, who had been influential in the postseason with scoreless outings against the Brewers and Phillies, took the mound in Game 4. Quintana faced a Dodgers lineup that had found its power and looked to extend their series lead.

Prediction Recap

The Dodgers came into Game 4 with momentum and an advantage on the mound. Despite injuries, Los Angeles took a 2-1 series lead and had a strong pitcher in Yamamoto for the next game.

With the Mets’ offense cooling off, especially with Alonso and Lindor struggling, the Dodgers were well-positioned to capitalize and push closer to a World Series appearance.