It’s Game 5 of the MLB ALDS. The Guardians are alive, and can the Tigers survive? The games mean more in the MLB Postseason, and even more with DraftKings Sportsbook action. DraftKings offers plenty of ways to play, from betting on the Moneyline to the Run Line and even dabbling in Player Props, if that’s what you’re into.
Here are my favorite DraftKings Sportsbook picks for Saturday’s MLB Postseason betting card on October 12.
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Cleveland Guardians vs. Detroit Tigers
The Pick: Guardians Moneyline (+105)
“It’s Deja Vu all over again.” Saturday’s do-or-die Game 5 is a rematch of Game 2. The likely-Cy-Young-winner Tarik Skubal will face the former Tiger Matthew Boyd. These two pitchers initiated a pitchers’ duel that stretched eight scoreless innings. The Tigers hit a three-run home run in the ninth and, finally, a crooked number was hung on the board and possible-Cy-Young-winner Emmanuel Clase was hung with the loss.
This game opened — Guardian’s official pitcher unknown — with a six-run total. Tarik Skubal is that good. He’s so good that the Tigers are road favorites against the best home team in the AL. Progressive Field was not a problem for Skubal on Monday afternoon. The story should be different on Saturday night. Cleveland will be rocking.
The Tigers’ win on Monday (Game 2) seems solid on the surface. It was a 3-0 win. That win was a squeaker. The Tigers hit two singles with two outs in the ninth. The Guardians’ closer was dealing — peppering the plate with 100 mph fastballs — but he felt the pressure and made a mistake. Clase hung a slider and a three-run homer sealed the deal. Boyd and the Bullpen held the Tigers to four hits through eight innings. The Tigers rank 23rd against left-handed pitching — 88 wRC+, .132 ISO, .289 wOBA and a 24.6% K-Rate.
Skubal will take the Guardians to school on Saturday. No one wants school on Saturday. The Guardians will struggle despite their studies. It’s okay. School sessions have schedules. The bell rings and school is out. Skubal can’t pitch every inning. The Tigers have the No. 4 bullpen in baseball but their relievers are not Skubal. The Guardians burst out of their slump in Game 4. They will get to Detroit’s pitchers.
Momentum is with Cleveland. The Tigers’ dream run hit a wall on Thursday. Detroit had a chance to advance to the ALCS. They were up 2-1 at home and then they woke up. Detroit is down and out with their chances in doubt. Can they really beat the Guardians? Do they deserve to be here? Did the Tigers just get hot? Doubt is powerful. There’s no doubt on the Cleveland side. They don’t quit. They went to Detroit and took care of business.
The Pick: Tarik Skubal 7+ Strikeouts (+120)
School on Saturday? Skubal on Saturday. The Guardians will be schooled and fooled for the majority of the day. No recess. Lunch detention. Skubal lectured the Guardians in Game 2. He’s been known for his discipline all season. The principal is going to win the Cy Young. His spectacular season will continue and end on Saturday.
Skubal’s fastball and sinker lived in the hi-90s in Game 2. His changeup sat under the zone. He struck out eight batters (35% K-Rate) across seven innings. The Guardians managed three hits with a 29% HardHit%. Skubal succeeds but Cleveland proceeds.
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All odds provided by DraftKings Sportsbook and all odds subject to change.
I am a promoter at DraftKings and am also an avid fan and user (my username is greenflagradio2) and I may sometimes play on my personal account in the games that I offer advice on. Although I have expressed my personal view on the games and strategies above, they do not necessarily reflect the view(s) of DraftKings and I may also deploy different players and strategies than what I recommend above. I am not an employee of DraftKings and do not have access to any non-public information.
