O’s’ Machado to bully Twins’ ace prospect?
Minnesota holds the American’s League worst record at 8-23 in large part due to its unsightly staff ERA of 5.05. The organization remains nothing but ecstatic, though, about tonight’s immensely raw, talented starter.
Jose Berrios gets the call in the series opener against Baltimore, with an 8:10 p.m. ET first pitch at Target Field. Oddsmakers at online sports book BetDSI aren’t quite as high on the top-flight prospect at present, listing the Twins as 1.5-run underdogs. The over/under figure rests at 8.5 runs.
Having lost nine of 10, Paul Molitor’s club already seems to be turning its attention to the future. That means plenty of trial-by-fire work for Berrios. Last week, the 21-year-old outdueled Dallas Keuchel in his second MLB start. Berrios walked five, but the Astros reached him for a mere three hits in the contest.
The Puerto Rico native better feature superior command vs. the Orioles, though, if he hopes to prevail again. Buck Showalter’s club smashed a season-high six homers in yesterday’s 11-3 triumph over Oakland. White-hot third baseman Manny Machado rippled a grand slam and a two-run shot, while Mark Trumbo and Jonathan Schoop also assaulted the fences.
MLB Quick Links: Free Matchup Reports | Injuries | Odds Comparison | Scoreboard | Betting Trends
Interestingly, Machado’s massive success in Minnesota hasn’t rubbed off on any of his teammates. Despite the two-time All-Star’s .410 average in nine contests there, the O’s are in the midst of a five-game losing streak in the Twin Cities. Baltimore even went winless in seven overall meetings with Minnesota last season.
Still, Machado could singlehandedly ensure a turnaround in several hours. Berrios must endure growing pains at some juncture, so why not now? Lean toward the 18-12 O’s to keep making waves in the AL East.
MONDAY MLB FREE PICK: ORIOLES/TWINS OVER 8.5 RUNS
Want More Picks, Predictions & Odds From The Spread.com? Follow on Twitter and Facebook or Subscribe to Our News Feeds!