It’s Thursday, which means several clubs across Major League Baseball have earned some rest. Still, nine games between 18 teams are on tap, giving baseball fans and bettors plenty of options. The fun gets started this afternoon, with an NL Central clash between the Brewers and the Cubs. Later, ancient rivals face off once more when the Yankees host the Red Sox. Elsewhere, the struggling Astros look to pick up a much-needed win against the Orioles at Camden Yards.
Even with a modest slate of games on tap, there’s plenty of enticing wagers on the board. Before the start of Thursday’s matchups, here are two MLB bets to consider on DraftKings Sportsbook.
Nationals ML (+109)
What a tumultuous few weeks its been for the Mets. This month, New York has put up a lackluster 5-12 record, falling well behind the NL East-leading Phillies. At this point, reaching the wildcard round is no guarantee. A series win against the Nationals would go a long way in helping the Amazins regain their footing. Still, that’s easier said than done.
Washington’s ace, MacKenzie Gore, is set to take the mound tonight. Over 138.0 innings of work, the southpaw has notched a 4.04 ERA, 1.32 WHIP and 165 strikeouts. When he last faced the Mets, on June 10th, the 26-year-old delivered a six-inning, two-run outing. New York’s hitters have a paltry .226 batting average against lefties, tied for the fifth-worst mark in baseball.
For the visitors, it’ll be Sean Manaea taking the hill. The veteran righty has coughed up 13 earned runs over his last 14.2 innings pitched (7.98 ERA). On the season, he’s delivered a 4.78 ERA, 1.16 WHIP and 37 strikeouts through seven appearances. It’s not as if this Nationals lineup is a cakewalk. Washington has some impact bats, including All-Stars James Wood and CJ Abrams. Considering their edge on the mound, I’ll back Gore and the Nats as home underdogs tonight.
Astros vs. Orioles under 8.5 total runs (+102)
Thursday’s probable starters at Camden Yards aren’t exactly aces. The visiting Astros will send out Jason Alexander, making his seventh start of the season. Through 43.2 innings this year, the 32-year-old owns a 4.74 ERA, 1.33 WHIP and 35 strikeouts. Those numbers don’t inspire much confidence. However, the veteran has been in a groove as of late. Over his last three starts, Alexander has allowed a combined total of just two runs (1.00 ERA). That includes a six-inning, two-run outing last week against the Orioles.
Baltimore will attempt to counter Alexander with an inconsistent arm of their own. Brandon Young’s season-long numbers are lackluster, at best (5.68 ERA, 1.49 WHIP). Still, the 27-year-old has shown flashes of potential. That includes his most recent outing, an eight-inning, one-hit masterpiece last week against the Astros. It helps that Houston enters this contest on a major cold streak at the plate. This month, the team has scored a meager total of 59 runs, the third-worst mark in baseball. The Orioles haven’t been much better in that regard, scoring the league’s fourth-fewest runs during that time (65). Both of tonight’s projected starters enter this one with some confidence. Expect another quality outing from both hurlers against these struggling lineups.
