BlackJack’s MLB Plays of the Day: Let’s Get Hot After the All-Star Break
Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports. Pictured: Yankees left fielder Brett Gardner after hitting his game tying two run home run against the Astros in the ninth inning.
- BlackJack Fletcher is back from a weeklong slumber induced by the MLB All-Star break.
- He's got three bets on Friday's MLB card, including two First 5 Innings plays.
All right baby, we're back out of this weeklong slumber that All-Star week produced. We've got a full card today, and we're going to take full advantage of it, brother. It's time to get back to the grind. It's time to get focused. And it's time to win. We're coming around the turn and into the home stretch of summer, and we need to find that next gear — that extra something deep inside our souls. It starts today.
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WINNERS
Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports. Pictured: Noah Syndergaard
New York Mets at New York Yankees (-173)
7:05 p.m. ET
Even with Noah Syndergaard on the mound, the Yankees are still a heavy favorite. That shows how wide the chasm between these two teams is. I think this game is going to be the lowest-scoring affair of their set together. Coming out of the All-Star break, hitters should have a little rust, and pitchers should be rested. I wouldn't blame you for going under for the full game here, but the play I like best is the first five.
THE PICK: First 5 Innings Under 4.5
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Gary A. Vazquez-USA TODAY Sports. Pictured: Khris Davis and Stephen Piscotty
San Francisco Giants at Oakland Athletics (-116)
9:35 p.m. ET
The Battle of the Bay features two teams that are both surprisingly in the playoff picture in mid-July. The Athletics have been on an absolute tear heading into the break, and the Giants have become a real threat in the National League West. The issue with San Francisco is that it's a much better team at home. Away from AT&T Park, the Giants are only 19-29. I think Edwin Jackson and the A's get the job done to start the second half.
THE PICK: Oakland ML
Jennifer Buchanan-USA TODAY Sports. Pictured: Wade LeBlanc
Chicago White Sox at Seattle Mariners (-200)
10:10 p.m. ET
The White Sox are awful away from home, going 14-33 on the road. Additionally, Chicago's James Shields' ERA is over 6 on the road. Wade LeBlanc, on the other hand is steady and reliable for Seattle, if not spectacular. The Mariners have been excellent at home and need to keep winning to hold the Athletics at bay for the second wild-card spot in the American League. I expect them to start the second half on a high note here at home.
THE PICK: Seattle -.5, First 5 Innings
Let's get out there, take care of business and cash these tickets, baby!
Editor’s note: The opinion on this game is from the individual writer and is based on his research, analysis and perspective. It is independent of, and may not always match with, the algorithm-driven Best Bets from Sports Insights.
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