MLB 2017: Three-Match Series Preview

We preview this week’s back-to-back MLB action as teams face-off in a three-match series.

As the second stanza of the MLB season gets underway, teams are looking to claim top spot in their respective conference leagues.

Wednesday 19  July 

Boston Red Sox 7/10 vs Toronto Blue Jays 21/20

The Blue Jays scored two in the first innings as Smoak and Martin managed to get home after Morales hit hard to left center. Pearce then smashed a 132-km homer to score and take the lead 3 – 0 in the second inning.

The seventh inning saw more runs for the Red Sox as Vasquez, Benintendi, and Bradley Jr. all got home. Tied at three-all, the Blue Jays racked up their players to third and second base before a hit from Pearce helped Carrera score which gave the hosts a 4 – 3 win for Toronto. The Red Sox will want to put in a more polished performance and get a win in game two and draw level with their rivals.

Verdict: Boston Red Sox 7/10
The American League East Conference leaders should tie the series here. 

Cincinnati Reds 23/20 vs Arizona Diamondbacks 6/10

The Cincinnati Reds play hosts to the Diamondbacks in the opener of their four-game series. The Reds sit at the bottom of the NL Central League with 39 wins and 53 loses, and were recently smashed by the Washington Nationals 4 – 0. The Diamondbacks have 53 wins and 39 loses but more recently suffered 11 losses in their last 14 games. The Diamondbacks need to clinch this three-match series with easy in order to catch up to the Dodgers who are 11 wins ahead on the NL League.

Verdict: Arizona Diamondbacks 13/20
With a place in the National League still up for grabs, the Diamondbacks need to clinch the next two games.

St Louis Cardinals 15/20 vs New York Mets 19/20

The Cardinals won the opener 6 – 3 when Tommy Pham’s homer safely allowed himself and two of his teammates to round all the bases.

Cardinal’s opening pitcher Michael Wacha has an incredible 1.54 ERA from his last 11.2 innings. The New York Mets have endured an injury stricken season, and will hope their remaining players pull through for them ASAP.

Verdict: St Louis Cardinals 15/20
The Cardinals will unleash Wacha, their current star pitcher, and he’ll prove too much for the Mets. 

Philadelphia 11/10 vs Miami Marlin 13/20

Miami will play host to the Phillies and will want to make it two wins on the trot, following their 6 – 5 win on Monday. Starting pitcher, Adam Conley makes a return for the Marlins following a rise in form. The Marlins are 42 wins and 49 losses, while the Phillies are at the bottom of the National League Eastern conference.

Verdict: Miami Marlins 13/20
Back the Marlins as big hitters like Giancarlo Stanton will be available 

Chicago Cubs 8/10  vs Atlanta Braves 9/10

The Cubs lead the 3-game series 1 – 0, after beating Atlanta 4 – 3 in the opener. The Cubs bring back veteran pitcher John Lackey from injury, but critics are not too impressed by his selection, due to the amount of homers he’s allowed this season. The Cubs have won 47 and lost 45, while the Braves are 45 wins and 46 losses.

Verdict: Atlanta Braves  9/10
Back the Braves to tie the series 1 – 1.

New York Yankees 15/20 vs Minnesota Twins 1/1

The Yankees have taken a slight plunge going into the second half of the season after the Red Sox outperformed them. The New York outfit has only scored 13 runs from their last five games. The Twins won their opener on Monday 4 – 2.

Verdict: New York Yankees 15/20
Back the Yankees to get on top of this match following a not so impressive start to the second half – they will turn it around! 

Remaining Fixtures: Wednesday 19 July