MLB Championship Series: Expert Picks and Analysis
The 2024 MLB championship series is underway, with two thrilling best-of-seven matchups. Our expert analyst, Todd Zola, provides his insights and picks for each series.
New York Mets vs. Los Angeles Dodgers
Series Line: Mets (+260), Dodgers (-320)
Zola’s Series Pick: Mets to win in six games (+550)
The Mets’ pitching staff is currently outperforming the Dodgers’, thanks in part to Yoshinobu Yamamoto’s impressive five scoreless innings in Game 1. With the pitching lines up, Yamamoto will only appear in one more game, giving the Mets an edge.
Game 2: Dodger Stadium, Los Angeles, Monday, Oct. 14, 4:08 p.m.
Game 2 Run Line: Mets +1.5 (-175), Dodgers -1.5 (+145)
Zola’s Pick: Mets to send the series to Citi Field tied 1-1 (Mets +120)
With Jack Flaherty delivering seven frames in Game 1, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts opted to save Walker Buehler for Game 3. The Mets counter with their ace, LHP Sean Manaea, who has a 2.25 ERA over 12 NLCS innings.
Prop Bet: Francisco Lindor to go over 2.5 total hits + runs + RBI (+140)
Despite a 0-for-3 effort in Game 1, Lindor has a 52% hard-hit rate in the playoffs. Our expert is sticking with the Mets’ switch-hitting leadoff man.
Cleveland Guardians vs. New York Yankees
Series Line: Guardians (+170), Yankees (-200)
Zola’s Series Pick: Yankees to win in seven games (+380)
Gerrit Cole’s performance in the series-clinching Game 4 in Kansas City tips our expert toward a subway World Series. However, the Guardians won’t go down easy, making this series a close one.
Game 1: Yankee Stadium, New York, Monday, Oct. 14, 7:38 p.m.
Game 1 Run Line: Guardians +1.5 (-155), Yankees -1.5 (+130)
Zola’s Pick: Over 7.5 total runs (Even)
The Yankees and Guardians are averaging a combined 7.3 runs per game in the postseason. With a gametime temperature in the low 50s, our expert expects the offense to come alive.
Prop Bet: Aaron Judge to go over 1.5 total bases (+135)
Despite being limited by the Royals in the ALCS, Judge has shown signs of breaking out. Our expert is taking the over on his total bases.
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