We have ourselves a series.
The Brewers made quick work of the Dodgers in four games to reach the World Series, but the ALCS is playing out a little differently.
After a rain delay pushed Game 4 to Saturday, Junior Caminero and the Rays beat the Guardians 7-3, setting up a pivotal Game 5 in Cleveland on Sunday.
Rays vs. Guardians ALCS Game 5 prediction, props
Parker Messick returns to the mound four days after pitching five innings in Tuesday’s Game 2 loss, allowing six hits and three runs while striking out three.
The southpaw got off to a strong start, until a disastrous fourth inning. The hope is that he can sustain a high level of play to pave the way for Gavin Williams to return in the latter half of the series.
Tampa Bay will hand the ball to Drew Rasmussen, who comes off a six-inning outing in the Guardians’ Game 1 win. He gave up eight hits, struck out seven, and posted a 1.29 ERA.
The two-time All-Star went 1-1 with a 1.50 ERA and 15 strikeouts in two regular-season appearances against Cleveland.
The Guardians’ consistent hitters, Jose Ramirez and Game 3 hero Petey Halpin, were both hitless in Saturday’s loss. They’ll certainly be in position to bounce back, but Rasmussen has shown time and time again that he’s up for the moment.
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He put the Yankees on notice during the ALDS, fanning 10 batters to tie a Tampa Bay franchise postseason record.
Relying heavily on his primary cutter (28.9%) and effective four-seamer (28%) per Statcast, the right-hander looks primed to produce another big performance for the Rays.
I’m targeting his pitching prop and taking the over on 5.5 strikeouts.
The Play: Drew Rasmussen over 5.5 strikeouts (+108, FanDuel)
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Mike Turay is a sports journalist and editor who closely follows the NBA, NFL, college sports and UFC. He has demonstrated expertise in both NBA and NFL player prop bets for nearly three years. Mike is also highly knowledgeable about the sportsbook offer landscape, frequently trying and reviewing the latest apps and sites.
