Ryan Hodges
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The final weekend of the regular season is here and what a weekend it will be. There are still 2 divisions up for grabs as well as up to 4 wild card spots. There will be no shortage of drama this weekend with several teams already playing playoff-style baseball out of necessity. The games involving contenders will be intense and the action will be non-stop all weekend. Make an appointment with your favorite viewing spot and enjoy a great Friday night of baseball.
If you’re looking to have some betting action, check out our MLB mega parlay at +993 odds below. You can also read our MLB predictions for picks on every game today.
Phillies -1.5 (+140)
Reds -1.5 (+130)
Astros vs Diamondbacks under 8.5 (-102)
MLB mega parlay odds: +993
Philadelphia Phillies -1.5 over New York Mets (+140)
The Phillies are buzzing lately. Their recent stretch has looked very similar to last year’s run where they were not in contention to win the division, but entered the playoffs at the top of their game. Philadelphia has won 7 out of their last 9 games. Included in that week and a half was a 4-game sweep over these Mets by a combined score of 22-15. The Phillies have a favorable matchup yet again to end the regular season.
The Mets enter Thursday having lost 5 out of their last 6 games. The season cannot end fast enough for this Mets team that had one of the more disappointing years right from the jump. The Phillies do not need the win per se considering they locked up a playoff spot a while ago. But they know the importance of peaking going into the postseason. Look for Philadelphia to come out looking to stay hot.
Check out our full Philadelphia Phillies vs New York Mets prediction
Cincinnati Reds -1.5 over St. Louis Cardinals (+130)
The Cardinals, similar to the Mets, are another team whose season cannot end fast enough. Also similar to the Mets, they were projected to win or at least compete for their division. But instead, they were very disappointing and are limping through the finish line of the regular season. The Cardinals have lost 7 out of their last 9 games and the matchups have not been particularly close. This team is a punching bag right now regardless of their opponent, let alone a playoff contender.
The Reds sit 1.5 games out of the wild card entering this final weekend of the season. They need to sweep this series or, if nothing else, take at least 2 out of 3. The Reds are already the far better team in this game and will play with plenty of urgency with their playoff lives on the line. Cincinnati should run up the score on a weak St. Louis team on Friday.
Get our MLB picks for all today’s games
Houston Astros vs Arizona Diamondbacks under 8.5 (-102)
This series will have a playoff feel as both the Astros and Diamondbacks narrowly occupy the 2nd wild-card spot in the AL and NL respectively. While it looks good for both teams to make the playoffs, it is not a formality for either team. Obviously, one of these teams will lose which will make the next game even more vital if the teams nipping on their heels in the standings win. That makes the stakes on Friday all the higher.
With such a slim margin for error, these teams will likely play more conservatively so as to not make a mistake. That typically makes for a low total. The starting pitching matchup only gives the under more appeal. J.P. France will start for the Astros and Zac Gallen will start for the Diamondbacks. These are two very good pitchers in a high-leverage start. They should bring their A-game which means runs may be few and far between. The under looks good for this one.
Our expert has a YRFI/NRFI best bet for this game and is on a 35-19 run!
