Bet MLB Friday: @RicksPicks44 returns with early inning calls on Phillies vs Mets and Athletics vs Giants
Philles @ Mets 4:10pm EDT
Aaron Nola vs. Taijuan Walker
Pick: Mets F5 ML -125
The Phillies come to the Big Apple on the back of three consecutive losses where they allowed a whopping 27 runs, getting outscored by 11 runs in the process. A seemingly mediocre season seems inevitable as they sit five games out of the first place Mets with a 34-37 record on the year.
Insert Aaron Nola (4.22 ERA, 1.22 WHIP) to start today. While he’s been a solid starter in rotation for the Phillies throughout the year, he’s been poor as of late, giving up a 5.85 ERA in his last 20 innings pitched. On top of that, he’s been abysmal on the road, posting a 2-3 record and 6.00 ERA.
On the mound in the top half of the innings will be Taijuan Walker (2.42 ERA, 1.21 WHIP). He on the other hand has been exceptional lately, posting a 3.09 ERA in his last 20 IP. In addition, he’s been one of the best pitchers in the majors at home, posting a 1.49 ERA and 0.91 WHIP at Citi Field this year.
Expect the Mets to do enough behind a strong outing from Walker against a struggling Phillies team with Nola on the mound.
Athletics @ Giants 9:45 pm EDT
Sean Manaea vs. Johnny Cueto
Pick: A’s F5 +0.5 -165
Two of the best teams in baseball meet for the first time this season in The Golden City for a late evening must-see matchup. On the mound for the A’s is Sean Manaea, posting a 3.01 ERA and 1.21 WHIP this year. Manaea is scolding hot right now with a 1.19 ERA in his last 6 games, allowing only 5 total runs.
On the flip side, Johnny Cueto has had a very solid season posting a 4.05 ERA to go along with a 1.32 WHIP. However, Cueto has been in a bit of a slump lately, allowing at least 3 runs in 4 of his last 5 starts. This includes a 6 ERA in his last 3 starts. While the Giants ride a three-game winning streak heading into this matchup, it must be said that the pitching matchup leans in the favor of the A’s.
Expect the A’s to get back on track in this matchup after splitting the series 2-2 with the Rangers. A lot of juice in this pick, but Manaea has been exceptional and should get a couple of runs in support.