BlackJack: Why I’m Betting the Red Sox in Game 1, Plus 2 Other Friday Plays
Credit: Brian Fluharty-USA TODAY Sports. Pictured: Boston Red Sox right fielder Mookie Betts (50) runs onto the field before a game against the New York Yankees at Fenway Park.
- BlackJack Fletcher's favorite games on the Friday slate include Yankees-Red Sox, Rockies-Brewers and Utah State-BYU.
It's Friday, it's autumn, we've got a change in seasons, and that means only one thing brother: More sports to bet on.
We're going to sample the fruits available to us today. We're going to delve into postseason baseball and we're even going to play some college football.
With a big weekend ahead of college football, NFL, MLB playoffs, and NHL action, we need to start this thing right, so let's get to it right now, baby.
WINNERS:
New York Yankees at Boston Red Sox (-181)
This is the series everyone will be paying attention to, the series everyone wanted to see.
The Yankees and Red Sox meet for the first time in the postseason since the miraculous Red Sox comeback in 2004 when they were down 3-0 in the ALCS.
The Sox start ace Chris Sale, while the Yankees counter with J.A. Happ.
Happ has been the Yankees' most consistent starter down the stretch, but that really isn't saying a whole lot.
He certainly isn't on Sale's level. I expect the Red Sox to come out and make a statement in Game 1.
Having said that, I trust Sale a lot more than the Sox bullpen and I don't love the juice, so I'll hedge a bit here.
THE PICK: Boston Red Sox -.5 1st 5 Innings (-125)
Colorado Rockies at Milwaukee Brewers (-155)
The Rockies dropped Game 1 after forcing extra innings with two runs in the top of the ninth inning. As much as I may not love Colorado starter Tyler Anderson, the Rockies know they need this game..
Having to win three in a row is a tall order for any team.
Meanwhile, the Brewers trot out Jhoulys Chacin on three days rest. I think that factor favors a Rockies lineup due to breakout.
I'll take the Rox to even this series up heading back to Denver.
THE PICK: Colorado Rockies (+140)
Utah State at BYU (-2.5)
Utah State is an impressive 3-1 on the season with its most recent game being a 10-point win against Air Force. BYU comes in at 3-2, but four of its games have been against Power 5 conference opponents.
The Cougars have played to the under in all five of these games. Utah State will give them all they can handle, but I also don't think the Aggies have faced a defense the caliber of BYU's.
Look for this game to stay safely under the total.
THE PICK: Under 55
Let's cash those tickets, baby!
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