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MLB Betting Odds, Picks & Predictions: Saturday (5/6)

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Today's a massive day in sports as the lineup features a pair of NBA Playoff games, an NHL Playoff tilt between the Oilers and Golden Knights, and a stacked UFC 288 card from New Jersey. I'm sticking to my bread and butter, which comes on the MLB diamond, where the league offers up a 15-game slate. Let's dive into my favorite three bets for today's action.

MLB YTD: 25-33 (+13.92 Units)

Today's Best MLB Bets

Odds courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook

Toronto Blue Jays (-146) vs. Pittsburgh Pirates (+124) | O/U 9.0 (-110/-110)

The Pirates dropped their fifth straight game last night when they lost 4-0 to the Blue Jays. The two sides are back at it this evening at 5:35 p.m. ET from PNC Park in Pittsburgh, PA.

Toronto opts for Jose Berrios to handle the starting pitching duties tonight, while Pittsburgh counters with Johan Oviedo. Neither starter has been excellent this season, but Berrios has been the worst of the two. The right-hander comes into this one at 2-3 with a 5.29 ERA and 1.29 WHIP over six starts.

I think this is a great chance for the Pirates to snap their five-game win streak at home. Berrios gives up a ton of hits - 37 to be exact (1.09 per inning). With Pittsburgh executing a small ball brand of baseball this year, it'll work in their favor nicely. Look for the Pirates to crowd the basepaths and use their speed to advance 90 feet at will, as they lead the league in stolen bases this year (45). Let's take a shot with the Pirates against a starting pitcher who simply hasn't been able to figure it out since coming to Toronto in 2021.

Bet: Pittsburgh Pirates Moneyline (+124)

Chicago White Sox (+110) vs. Cincinnati Reds (-130) | O/U 9.0 (-110/-110)

The White Sox have deservedly been the laughingstock of Major League Baseball to start the 2023 campaign. However, they've won four of their last five games, including a 5-4 victory over the Reds last night in their series opener. Game two of the interleague series is set for 6:40 p.m. ET from Great American Ballpark in Cincinnati, OH.

I'm going to ride with the hot hand in this spot and take the White Sox with a plus-money payout. They'll have a favorable matchup as they're running into Nick Lodolo, who's 2-1 but owns a 6.16 ERA and 1.73 WHIP. The left-hander is prone to giving up home runs, as he's already allowed eight over six starts this season.

Chicago will go with Mike Clevinger in game two tonight. The right-hander is currently 2-2 with a 4.60 ERA and 1.60 WHIP. I like his chances to turn in a quality start against a Reds team that's just 15th in team batting average (.243) and 22nd in OPS (.676) when facing righties. Let's take the White Sox tonight as slight underdogs.

Bet: Chicago White Sox Moneyline (+110)

Washington Nationals (+118) vs. Arizona Diamondbacks (-138) | O/U 9.5 (-110/-110)

The Diamondbacks notched a 3-1 win last night over the Nationals, improving their record to 18-14 on the year. They'll turn to Tommy Henry tonight as they go for their third consecutive win. Washington comes back with MacKenzie Gore in this National League matchup scheduled for 8:10 p.m. ET from Chase Field in Phoenix, AZ.

I'm locking in the over in this battle of the left-handers. Starting with Henry, he's 1-0 this year but brings in a 6.52 ERA and 1.66 WHIP. Washington is one of the better teams in baseball when facing left-handed pitching, where they're fifth in team batting average (.286) and 15th in OPS (.743).

Arizona is currently 13th (.261) and 17th (.729) in those respective categories. The Snakes are running into the southpaw, Gore, who is 3-2 with a 3.77 ERA and 1.42 WHIP. The 24-year-old wasn't sharp last time out against the Cubs, giving up four earned runs on seven hits and two walks over 4.0 innings pitched.

Even if both starters turn in respectable outings, we'll have opportunities to score runs late. Both bullpens are ranked in the bottom half this season, as Arizona is 24th in ERA (4.42) while Washington is 17th (3.91). In terms of WHIP, they're 18th (1.27) and 20th (1.29), respectively. All things considered, this feels like a game where we should see plenty of offense - let's take the over.

Bet: Over 9.5 Runs (-110)

Also, take a look at our other best bets for Tuesday:

Go premium to view top prop bets based on Cover Probability, Expected Value & Star Rating >>


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