I don’t know about you guys, but the weekend is when I do most of my MLB Series wagering. I like being able to sit down and watch the games that I am betting on, and that is not always easy to do during the week, when work and family commitments keep me away from the TV.
I have already started looking forward to this weekend’s action, and there are a couple of series that have caught my attention. The AL East has turned into a real dogfight this season, and there are two series that could have an impact on the standings as we head into the final week of the first half.
You have the resurgent Tampa Bay Rays going on the road to face the floundering Baltimore Orioles, and then you have the Boston Red Sox heading north to play the Toronto Blue Jays in a series that may be tougher than it appears on paper. Let’s take a closer look at both of these MLB series, and make some predictions as we go.
2017 MLB Series Expert Predictions and Winning Favorites
Tampa Bay Rays (41-39) at Baltimore Orioles (38-39)
When: Friday June 29 to Sunday July 2 Where: Camden Yards, Baltimore TV: MLBN Analysis: While much of the attention in this division has been on the battle between the Yankees and the Red Sox, the Rays have quietly pulled themselves right into the race, and are now just 2.5 games out of the lead. If they are to really close the gap heading into the All-Star Break, then they are going to need to find a way to beat the Orioles. These two teams have met 6 times this season, and it is Baltimore who have a 4-3 series edge. The Rays are playing much more consistent ball in the month of June, and have gone 12-7 in their last 19 games since getting the month off to a slow start. Their pitching still needs a little bit of work, but they are starting to move up the ranks offensively, and now boast a +19 run differential. The Baltimore Orioles started the season well, but they always looked like a team that was winning using smoke and mirrors. That eventually caught up to them, and they went on 7 and 6-game losing skids in May and June, which has pushed them down the standings in the East. The good news for the Orioles is that the division leaders have been struggling to stay consistent, too, leaving Baltimore just 4.5 games off the pace. A win in this MLB series could help get them closer to the top before the first half ends. Pick: Friday looks like a bit of a pitching mismatch, and I like the Rays to open the series with a win. I think the Orioles bounce back on Saturday with a win, but lose on Sunday.Rays win the MLB Series 2-1.
