Just Throw Strikes Blog

After a super-hot week 1, week 2 predictions went dead even to draw the season total to 19-10. A pretty good record to start the season, with more detailed analysis this week.

White Sox/Royals – White Sox 3-1. White Sox have been one of the most fun and hottest team as of late. Taking a series from the Blue Jays was HUGE for them and their pitching has found a new level. This is one of my favorite underdog picks of the weekend.

Yankees/Rays – Yankees 3-0. The Yankees have an excellent rotation going this weekend, highlighted by the return of Luis Gil. Gil is likely hungry after starting the season in AAA. Dont be worried by the Yankees lack of hitting lately. They still have been hitting balls hard and albeit forfeited the game Wednesday with their weak lineup they wheeled out. 

A’s/Mets – Mets 3-0. Mets pitching out matches a struggling hitting Athletics team. No Juan Soto, but it does not matter if Kurtz does not show up. Bangiliers is destined for another strong series, as he had an outstanding last series in Queens with multiple homers. Count on the Mets to sweep with Freddy on the mound Sunday. 

Nats/Brewers – Brewers 3-0. The Nationals have been one of the best teams at the plate thus far. They have scored the 3rd most runs in the league so they can hit. However, the Nats CANNOT pitch out of the bullpen. If they have a win, they are a great team to fade with a live bet.

Dodgers/Rangers –  Rangers 2-1. While I think the Dodgers are the best team in the league, I think the Rangers have their two best for this weekend with Degrom against Roki and Leiter throwing this weekend. You have to hope their bullpen can hold these boppers and that Rocker will give them a chance. 

Astros/Mariners – Tie 2-2. If I could pick both teams to lose I would. I think the Angels are a mediocre team with a couple good starters at the end of the series. On the other hand, I think the Mariners have been awful to start this season. Both teams could heat up this weekend but I believe that both will disappoint in big moments and this series will stay even.

Guardians/Braves – Braves 2-1. While the Guardians have been HOT and the Braves have been COLD. The Braves have been one of the unluckiest teams at the plate in this early season. Acuna has struggled the most but per analytics has over 2 homeruns less than expected. I would expect him to heat up soon and what better time to do that than at home.

Pirates/Cubs- Cubs 2-1. The Cubs got hot away from Chicago after destroying Joe Boyle in Tampa. Pirates have heavily cooled off at the plate and no Skenes on the mound this weekend. Chandler has not gotten to form yet, so I believe the Cubs have the edge in this series with Edward Cabrera on the mound Saturday who has looked MAGNIFICENT.

Dbacks/Phillies – Dbacks 2-1. I have not been impressed with the Phillies hitting this season, not counting  the obvious stat boost in Colorado. The Phillies have the rotation of DOOM and DESPAIR throwing this weekend with Taijuan, Painter, and a struggling Luzardo.

Twins/Blue Jays – Twins 3-0. The Twins have STRONG pitching this weekend with Joe Ryan and a hot Bradley. The Blue Jays have been struggling mightily, especially at the plate. They do not have a good rotation going, so I can see the Twins riding the POWER OF FRIENDSHIP to a series sweep.

Angels/Reds – Angels 2-1. Not my favorite pick this week. The Reds have been super hot lately. I think the Angels have the edge on starting pitching this week and they snag the series win.

Marlins/Tigers – Marlins 2-1. With a BANGER matchup Sunday, I think the Marlins being the hotter team take this one. 

Giants/Orioles – Orioles 2-1. I think the Giants STINK, but I do know for a fact they will win Saturday. Count on the Orioles to hit Friday and Sunday.

Red Sox/Cardinals – Cardinals 2-1. I think this series may be a snooze as the Red Sox have been real quiet at the plate. They eventually will make a turn for the better, but I believe the Cardinals have been too hot to lose this series at home with no Crochet to face.

Rockies/Padres – Tie 2-2. The Rockies have been HOT recently at the plate. Don’t count them out just yet. Padres are throwing an ugly rotation this weekend but cap it off with Pivetta on sunday to salvage a 4 game series.