The Wild Card round of the MLB Playoffs continues today with four games on tap, and here you can take a look at the MLB Picks for Wednesday 10/2/2024.
Detroit Tigers vs Houston Astros Prediction MLB Picks 10/2/24
Tigers at Astros at 2:32 PM ET
The anticipated starting pitcher for the Detroit team is Tyler Holton, who is designated to serve as an opener. He made a short appearance in Game 1, delivering two pitches and securing one out. Holton's record stands at 7-2 with a 2.19 ERA over 66 games, including 9 starts this season.
Hunter Brown is set to be the starting pitcher for Houston, boasting an 11-9 record, a 3.49 ERA, and a 1.27 WHIP over the course of 170 innings pitched this season. He has demonstrated strong performance recently, allowing two earned runs or fewer in four of his last five starts.
The Pick:
As Detroit approaches this game, they find themselves in need of just one more win to move forward in the playoffs, but they must improve their offensive output. On Tuesday afternoon, the Tigers only managed to score in a single inning and left several runners stranded as the game progressed. Houston has maintained a robust home record all season and brings a wealth of playoff experience, ensuring they remain composed in this situation. Hunter Brown has performed admirably for the Astros this year, while Detroit features one of the premier pitching staffs in the MLB. It would be smart to bet on the Under in this matchup.
Kansas City Royals vs Baltimore Orioles Prediction MLB Picks 10/2/24
Royals at Orioles at 4:38 PM ET
Seth Lugo is set to pitch for the Kansas City Royals, currently holding a record of 16-9, a 3.00 ERA, and 181 strikeouts this season. In the postseason, he has not yet secured a win or loss, with a perfect 0.00 ERA and 3 strikeouts to his name. When facing the Baltimore Orioles, Lugo's career statistics indicate a record of 0-1, a 3.86 ERA, and 4 strikeouts.
The Baltimore Orioles will have Zach Eflin as their starting pitcher, who currently has a season record of 10 wins and 9 losses, a 3.59 ERA, and 134 strikeouts. In the postseason, Eflin has yet to secure a win, holding a record of 0-1, with a 5.17 ERA and 15 strikeouts. Furthermore, his career statistics against the Kansas City Royals reflect an 0-1 record, a 3.86 ERA, and 4 strikeouts.
The Pick:
The Kansas City Royals have struggled to generate consistent offensive production in recent weeks; however, they continue to secure victories. The Baltimore Orioles possess the capability to improve their performance, yet their inconsistency has been evident, leading to significant frustration in both their offensive and defensive plays yesterday. My confidence in the Orioles is lacking. Additionally, Seth Lugo has demonstrated superior performance compared to Zach Eflin this season, and it is noteworthy that this will be Eflin's second career postseason start, despite being his twelfth appearance overall. The value lies with the Royals and the favorable odds.
New York Mets vs Milwaukee Brewers Prediction MLB Picks 10/2/24
Mets at Brewers at 7:38 PM ET
The New York Mets will have Sean Manaea as their starting pitcher, who currently holds a record of 12 wins and 6 losses, along with an ERA of 3.47. In his most recent appearance against the Milwaukee Brewers, he faced difficulties, lasting only 3.2 innings while allowing seven hits and five earned runs.
Frankie Montas is set to start for the Brewers, boasting a 7-11 record alongside an ERA of 4.84. In his previous game against the New York Mets, he managed to pitch four innings, during which he conceded two hits and two runs.
The Pick:
Montas's limited performance in his last game suggests he may face challenges in this encounter. Manaea's previous start resulted in seven hits and five earned runs against the Brewers. With 12 runs scored on Tuesday, expectations are set for an even higher total in this matchup. It is reasonable to predict that the game will conclude with a minimum of 10 or 11 runs. While there is a slight preference for the Mets to emerge victorious, a better choice is to go with Over.
Atlanta Braves vs San Diego Padres Prediction MLB Picks 10/2/24
Braves at Padres at 8:38 PM ET
The Atlanta Braves will have Max Fried as their starting pitcher, who currently has an 11-10 record, a 3.25 ERA, and 166 strikeouts this season. Throughout his postseason career, Fried has recorded 2 wins and 4 losses, with a 4.57 ERA and 64 strikeouts. Against the San Diego Padres, he has performed well, holding a 3-1 record, a 2.30 ERA, and 23 strikeouts.
The San Diego Padres will have Joe Musgrove as their starting pitcher, who has a season record of 6-5, a 3.88 ERA, and 101 strikeouts. In the postseason, Musgrove's record stands at 2-1, with a 4.26 ERA and 21 strikeouts to his name. Furthermore, he has faced the Atlanta Braves in his career, achieving a record of 3-1, with a 4.29 ERA and 41 strikeouts.
The Pick:
I viewed this matchup as a three-game series from the outset, and I believed that Tuesday presented a challenging situation for the Braves following the emotional doubleheader on Monday. However, the current circumstances favor Atlanta, as they have shown improved performance against right-handed pitchers in recent games, while Musgrove has encountered significant difficulties at home. The Padres should brace themselves for a decisive game three. I am going with the Braves in this contest.
AUTHOR: Oliver Zivic
