MLB Best Bets for Thursday, September 9, 2021
Going into the bottom of the eighth, there were five runs scored in the under bet on the Royals vs. Orioles. We then had 12 runs scored in the last six outs. So, that was fun. We ended the night 1-2. A bit of a short slate today, so let’s see where there are opportunities to make some money.
Dodgers vs. Cardinals
The Dodgers don’t seem too sure of what they have in Tony Gonsolin. Either that or they have him on an extremely short leash. He has started nine games for them and only appeared in one additional. In those appearances, his ERA is pretty low overall, it is 2.78. However, in those 10 appearances, he’s only pitched about 36 innings. Which means he really doesn’t go deep into games. The Dodgers bullpen is good, but it is probably their biggest weakness – if they have one. Jake Woodford is starting for the Cardinals, something they appear to be trying to get him used to. Woodford is coming off his best start of the season, a 5.1 inning scoreless outing against the Brewers. He’s only faced the Dodgers hitters seven times and he allowed two hits. I’m going to play the over 9 on this game at -110.
Rockies vs. Phillies
The Rockies come to town where they have an atrocious road record. They are 32 games under .500 on the road. Rockies starter Antonio Senzatela is pitching today and he has been worse on the road than he has at home, which coincides with the rough road record. Senzatela has a road and evening ERA of over 4.50. Phillies hitters are batting .221 against him though, so there is some cause for optimism. Ranger Suarez is throwing for the Phillies. Over 18 home appearances, he is throwing to the tune of a 1.40 ERA. In his last three starts, he has gone at least five innings and has not given up more than one earned run in any of those starts. He’s only pitched against three Rockies hitters and has not given up anything to them. Play the game to under 8 at -105.
Blue Jays vs. Yankees
The Blue Jays are clinging on for dear life to any hopes of the playoffs. Tonight, they have Jose Berrios, their mid-season addition, throwing against the Yankees. Berrios is a mid-3’s ERA pitcher that has good stuff and can keep his team in just about any game. He seems to be improving lately with back-to-back quality starts. The Yankees hitters have seen him numerous times over their careers, going 13-for-51. This will be his first appearance against the Yankees this season. Nestor Cortes Jr. pitches for the Yankees and he has been very strong. He has nine starts on the season and is at a 2.67 ERA. Over his last seven starts, he’s thrown at least five innings and allowed over three earned runs only once. Play the Yankees to win at -120.