9/22 - Top Rated Plays + Special Release Betting Action & Game Breakdowns
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9/22 - Top Rated Plays + Special Release Betting Action & Game Breakdowns
9/22 - Top Rated Plays + Special Release Betting Action & Game Breakdowns
MAC's complete sports betting report, all MAC's specialty bets, prediction analysis, and gambling action for the week into the weekend.
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MAC's College Football Report + Plays - Week 4
Big Ten starts on Oct. 24 (News)
Oddsmakers installed Ohio State as a co-choice to win the College Football National Championship.
Teams will play eight game, conference only, schedules. The Big Ten Championship happens on Dec. 19 at Lucas Oil Stadium. Ohio State and Wisconsin are the favorites to play in the title game.
Going back to the Buckeyes, no season may have happened if not for OSU quarterback Justin Fields. The Heisman Trophy candidate argued that the conference shouldn’t allow fear to dictate whether or not they play.
College Football Playoff future handicappers side with Clemson, Buckeyes, and Bama
Clemson and Ohio State are co-choices at +250. Clemson has already played two games. The Tigers blew out Wake Forest 37-13. They dominated The Citadel 49-0.
On Oct. 3, Clemson takes on Virginia. On Oct. 10, they go against #12 Miami. Those two games will tell us more about Clemson. Three other games on the schedule could pose issues for the Tigers. Clemson faces #7 Notre Dame on Nov. 7. They finish the season with games against #21 Pittsburgh on Nov. 28 and #20 Virginia Tech on Dec. 5.
Alabama is third choice at +350. The Crimson Tide start their season on Sep. 26 against Missouri. Nick Saban’s squad plays against six Top 25 ranked teams during the regular season: #10 Texas A&M, #4 Georgia, #16 Tennessee, #6 LSU, #23 Kentucky, and #8 Auburn. If Alabama makes the CFP this season, they will have earned it.
Thereal2020 College Football Season starts Sep. 26
In addition to Alabama and Missouri starting up on Sep. 26, the rest of the Southeastern Conference gets it going as well on that day. On paper, the top matchup is #23 Kentucky versus #8 Auburn.
But the most intriguing SEC game could be Mississippi State at #6 LSU. Tigers coach Ed Orgeron said most Louisiana State players had contracted the coronavirus. He believed most of his players were over it. Testing this week will prove it.
Not only that, but Mike Leach now coaches Mississippi State. Leach convinced former Stanford quarterback K.J. Costello to play in Starkville. Miss State could be this year’s surprise team. Make sure to check that game out on Saturday and see if Leach has done enough for the Bulldogs to challenge the current champs.
2021 College Football National Championship Odds
Clemson +250
Ohio State +250
Alabama +350
Georgia +1600
Florida +1600
Oklahoma +1800
Texas A&M +2500
Texas +2500 (MAC's Power Pick)
Penn State +3000
Notre Dame +4000
LSU +5000
Wisconsin +5000
Auburn +6000
Michigan +6000
Miami +10000
Oklahoma State +10000
MAC's NCAAF Week 4 Special Release Moves
09/26-12:00PM - Backroom Info NCAAF Pick
Georgia State -2.5 vs Charlotte +2.5
Play: Georgia State -2.5
09/26 - 03:30 - Major Move NCAAF Pick
West Virginia +8 vs Oklahoma State -8
Play: West Virginia + 8
09/26 - MAC's NCAAF Parlay
09/26 - 08:00 PM NC State vs Virginia Tech
Play: Under 57
09/26 - 07:30 PM Kansas vs Baylor
Play: Baylor -16.5
Tennis - 2020 French Open
Odds To Win 2020 French Open
Rafael Nadal -120
Novak Djokovic +300
Dominic Thiem +300 (MAC's Top Pick)
Alexander Zverev +2000
Daniil Medvedev +2500
Stan Wawrinka +3300
Marin Cilic +4000
Juan Martin Del Potro +4000
Borna Coric +5000
Denis Shapovalov +6600
Milos Raonic +6600
Felix Auger-Aliasimme +6600
Kei Nishikori +6600
The Favorites
No. 6 Daniil Medvedev +2500
I know the world No. 5 has inexplicably struggled at Roland Garros by suffering a trio of surprising first round losses at Roland Garros, the last three years, but the cerebral Russian has the type of game that translates well on clay. Medvedev is 15-6 on the year and made an impressive run to the semifinals at the U.S. Open before losing to eventual champion Dominic Thiem and I believe he’s ready for his first deep run at this year’s French.
No. 5 Stan Wawrinka +3300
While no one is really talking about the 35-year-old world No. 17 heading into this year’s French Open, I like Stan Warinka’s chances of making a deep run at Roland Garros. Sure, Wawrinka is just 8-4 on the year with no titles, but the three-time grand slam champion has gone an impressive 42-14 all-time at Roland Garros and he reached the quarterfinals at this major year ago. Wawrinka won the 2015 French Open while dispatching the legendary Roger Federer and world No.1 Novak Djokovic along the way. Wawrinka also reached the final in 2017 and the semis in 2016, making me a believer that he’s got another good shot to upset the entire apple cart this year!
No. 4 Alexander Zverev +2000
Not only has the 23-year-old world No. 7 from Germany reached the quarterfinals in two straight years at Roland Garros, but the younger of the Zverev brothers comes into this year’s tournament off a fantastic run to the finals of the U.S. Open where he fell to Thiem in five sets in the finals. Zverev is 10-4 all-time at the French and has won two Masters 1000 events on clay (2017 Rome, 2018 Madrid). If he plays like he did in New York, Zverev could manage to claim the first major of his still-blossoming career.
No. 3 Novak Djokovic
The world No. 1 from Serbia may have been now, infamously defaulted at the recently completed U.S. Open, but the 33-year-old superstar is a near perfect 31-1 on the year with four titles. Djokovic took home the hardware at Roland Garros in 2016 by beating Andy Murray in four sets in the final and reached the semifinals at Roland Garros just last year. Not only that, but Djokovic, who has gone a stellar 68-14 all-time at Roland Garros, also made six consecutive appearances in the semis or better from 2011 to 2016 with four finals appearances along the way.
No. 2 Dominic Thiem
The 27-year-old Austrian won his first major at this year’s U.S. Open by coming back from two sets down against Zverev, so he should have a ton of confidence coming into this year’s French Open, In addition to that, Thiem has gone 24-6 all-time at Roland Garros while reaching the semis in each of the last four years and the finals in each of the last two years. Thiem took Rafael Nadal four sets in last year’s final and his next step looks to be winning it all.
No. 1 Rafael Nadal
The 34-year-old Spanaird has gone a mind-boggling 93-2 all-time at Roland Garros while winning an unprecedented 12 French Open titles, including each of the last three. The bad news however, is that Rafa got bounced out of the Italian Open this week in the quarterfinals by the diminutive Diego Schwatrzman in straight sets (6-2, 7-5). Could Rafa’s struggles on Clay in Rome be a precursor of things to come at Roland Garros or will his defeat on clay propel him on to another French Open title? While Nadal is the clear-cut prohibitive favorite, he’s not my top pick to win this year’s French as he succumbs to one of the other favorites on this list – before reaching the finals!
MAC's Special Release French Open Picks
MAC's going with Dominic Thiem +300 to get it done at Roland Garros
Play: Dominic Thiem +300
09/23 - MAC's Early Info Tennis Moves
09/23 -08:00 AM - Olivo, Renzo vs Chung, Hyeon
Play: Olivo, Renzo -149
09/23 -06:50 AM - Jacquet, Kyrian vs Bemelmans, Ruben
Play: Jacquet, Kyrian +135
09/23 - 06:50 AM - Bagnis, Facundo vs Sock, Jack
Play: Sock, Jack +181
USL & MLS Top Games of the Week, Highlights, and Predictions
MLS Matches
Montreal Impact(5-1-6) Vs New England Revolution (3-6-3)
Montreal is in sixth place in the Eastern Conference standings. The Impact have scored 18 goals this season while allowing 20 goals defensively. New England is in seventh place in the MLS ladder with 10 goals scored and 11 allowed defensively.
When: Wednesday, Sept. 23 at 5:00 PM ET
Where: Gillette Stadium, Foxborough, MA
Money Lines: Montreal Impact +355 / New England Revolution -144 / Draw +284
Total: 2.75 - 3
New England has one win in their last five games while Montreal has won two of its last three. More importantly, the Impact will be looking for revenge for their 1-0 home loss on July 9 but do not expect them to get it even with New England having trouble scoring this season.
Pick: Montreal 1 New England 2
FC Dallas (5-4-2) Vs Atlanta United FC (3-2-7)
Atlanta is in 12th place in the Eastern Conference standings with 12 goals scored and 17 conceded defensively. Dallas is in third place in the Western Conference standings. Dallas has scored 19 goals this season while allowing 12 goals defensively.
When: Wednesday, Sept. 23 at 7:00 PM ET
Where: Mercedes Benz Stadium, Atlanta, GA
Money Lines: FC Dallas +192 / Atlanta United FC -129 / Draw +241
Total: 2.5
While Dallas had their four-game winning streak snapped in their 2-0 loss to Philly the last time out, Atlanta has lost two straight and is winless over their last five. Dallas has won two straight in this rivalry and will make it three in a row by getting the win in this mid-week matchup.
MAC's Game total Prediction: Dallas 3 Atlanta 1
USL Matches
Indy Eleven (7-1-5) Vs Saint Louis FC (6-3-4)
Indy Eleven is in second place in group E while St. Louis is in third place. Indy has scored 18 goals while allowing 14 defensively. St. Louis has scored 19 goals while conceding 18 defensively.
When: Wednesday, Sept. 23 at 7:00 PM ET
Money Lines: Saint Louis FC +281 / Indy Eleven -121 / Draw +272
Total: 2.75
Indy will look to extract some revenge for their humbling 2-0 loss against…you guessed it – St. Louis last Wednesday. While Indy has lost three of its last four and St. Louis has won two of three, I’m going with the good ‘ol string theory to come into effect in this one as Indy gets the revenge they’re looking for!
Pick: Indy 2 St. Louis 1
Charlotte Independence (7-3-3) Vs Miami FC (2-7-3)
Charlotte is in second place in group G and has won four straight. The Independence can clinch a berth in the playoffs by beating Miami in this contest. Miami is in last place in group H and comes into this match riding a two-game losing streak. Charlotte has scored 22 goals this season while conceding 19. Miami has been limited to just 13 goals while allowing 29 defensively. Don’t think twice about this pick. Charlotte is too good – and Miami is too broken – for the Independence to lose this match, especially with a playoff berth on the line.
When: Wednesday, Sept. 23 at 7:00 PM ET
Money Lines: Miami FC +622 / Charlotte Independence -277 / Draw +386
Total: 3
Pick: Charlotte 3 Miami 1
MAC's Late Info Football/Soccer Action -
MAJOR LEAGUE SOCCER : MLS | SOCCER - Sep 23
09/23 -05:00 PM - Montreal Impact vs New England Revolution
Play: Under 3 -114
09/23 -07:30 PM - Houston Dynamo vs Chicago Fire
Play: Chicago Fire -103
09/23 -10:00 PM - Seattle Sounders vs Portland Timbers
Play: Seattle Sounders +138
MAC's Week 3 NFL Update & Game Predictions -
Week 2 in the National Football League was as wild as it gets. The Cowboys provided one of the greatest comebacks in history, and the injury bug hit the San Francisco 49ers.
2021 Super Bowl LV Odds
Kansas City Chiefs +500
Baltimore Ravens +500
San Francisco 49ers +1200
New England Patriots +1800
New Orleans Saints +900
Pittsburgh Steelers +1800
Dallas Cowboys +1600
L.A. Chargers +5000
Green Bay Packers +2000
Seattle Seahawks +1200
Philadelphia Eagles +4000
L.A. Rams +2200 (MAC's Long shot)
Cleveland Browns +4000
Minnesota Vikings +4000
L.A. Raiders +5000 (MAC's Money Mover)
Indianapolis Colts +2500
Tennessee Titans +2200
Houston Texans +6600
Chicago Bears +5000
Atlanta Falcons +8000
Buffalo Bills +2200
Tampa Bay Buccaneers +1600
Denver Broncos +10000
Carolina Panthers +17500
New York Giants +15000
New York Jets +20000
Detroit Lions +10000
Arizona Cardinals +2000
Jacksonville Jaguars +17500
Cincinnati Bengals +20000
Miami Dolphins +15000
Washington Football Team +12500
San Francisco 49ers lose Nick Bosa and Solomon Thomas - The 49ers beat the New York Jets 31-13 in Week 2, but it came with a huge cost. The Niners two starting defensive-ends, Nick Bosa and Solomon Thomas, suffered ACL injuries. Both are out from 6 to 8 weeks. Quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo is questionable in Week 3 due to a knee injury. Running back Raheem Mostert is listed as doubtful due to an MCL sprain. The 49ers play the New York Giants in Week 3.
There’s a good likelihood the Niners sit both players even if either is ready to go. San Francisco is 1-1. Their next division game is in Week 6. That’s the battle coach Kyle Shanahan should circle for Mostert’s return. Garoppolo should be ready by Week 4. When it comes to Bosa and Thomas, other defenders must step it up. The 49ers have a good defense, but they lost Richard Sherman in the first week. The Giants, Philadelphia Eagles, and Miami Dolphins are there next three opponents. But, after that, the Niners play the Rams, New England Patriots, Seattle Seahawks, Green Bay Packers, and New Orleans Saints all in a row. Things could get tough for the SF defense unless a couple of players step it up.
Cowboys provide amazing comeback against Falcons - At halftime of Sunday’s win against the Atlanta Falcons, the Dallas Cowboys were down 29-10. Not only did the Cowboys come back and win, but they came back to win 40-39. The Boys got an onside kick, unheard of in today’s NFL, and then converted a field goal. What’s interesting about the onside kick is that instead of pouncing on the football, Falcon players waited for it to go out of bounds. That makes absolutely no sense and is the reason the Cowboys were able to notch their first win of the season. Atlanta’s defense is the worst in the NFL. Coach Dan Quinn is on the hot seat because of it. Boneheaded plays like the one that led to the loss at home won’t help Quinn’s case to keep his job.
Ravens and Chiefs on collision course in NFL Week 3 - There were other Week 2 highlights. The Las Vegas Raiders opened Allegiant Stadium with a solid 31-24 win over the New Orleans Saints while the Seattle Seahawks and Russell Wilson beat Cam Newton and the New England Patriots 35-30. Also, both the Ravens and Chiefs won their respective games. The Baltimore Ravens beat the Houston Texans 33-16 while the KC Chiefs required overtime to beat the Chargers 23-20. Los Angeles quarterback Justin Herbert played exceptionally well. Coach Anthony Lynn said Herbert would remain the backup if Tyrod Taylor were healthy enough to play in Week 3. We’ll see how long Lynn sticks with that plan. Next Monday night, the Chiefs and Ravens battle. Baltimore looks like the team to beat in the AFC. They were the team to beat last season as well. It will be interesting to see how the Ravens’ defense handles Patrick Mahomes.
MAC's Top Rated NFL Picks and Parlays -
09/27 -01:00 PM - Houston Texans vs Pittsburgh Steelers
Play: Pittsburgh Steelers -4
09/27 -01:00 PM - Chicago Bears vs Atlanta Falcons
Play: Over 47
09/27 -08:20 PM - Green Bay Packers vs New Orleans Saints
Play: New Orleans Saints -3
09/27 - MAC's NFL Parlay
09/27 - 04:25 PM Detroit Lions vs Arizona Cardinals
Play: Over 54.5
09/27 - 01:00 PM - Washington Football Team vs Cleveland Browns
Play: Over 44
2020 UFC/Boxing Betting Rumors, Predictions & News –
MAC's Backroom Info Boxing Action
MIDDLEWEIGHT - 12 ROUNDS @ MOHEGAN SUN CASINO - UNCASVILLE, CONNECTICUT
09/26 -03:00 PM - Jermall Charlo vs Sergiy Derevyanchenko
Play: Sergiy Derevyanchenko +160
11/28 -10:00 PM - Mike Tyson vs Roy Jones Jr.
Iron Mike’s Other Mentor – Jim Jacobs
The first, Cus D’Amato, is more famous than the second, Jimmy Jacobs. But Jim Jacobs was not only one of the most important individuals in Mike Tyson’s life, he was also one of the most important persons in boxing history.
When most fight fans think of Mike Tyson, they remember the negative. No doubt, there are plenty of things Mike has done in his life that he regrets. But before Don King entered the picture, before Tyson turned into an angry young man that could bite off the ear of an opponent, Iron Mike was a young individual who looked up to a couple of much older men.
Play:Iron Mike -180
#MACFACT - Jim Jacobs was the greatest handballer to ever live
Born in 1930, Jacobs grew up in Los Angeles. While growing up, Jacobs became interested in all sports, including basketball, boxing, and handball. Some claim that Jacobs was such a fantastic athlete that he could run 100 yards in under 10 seconds. At one point, the U.S. Olympic Committee offered Jimmy a chance to try out for the Olympic basketball team. He declined to concentrate on his favorite sport, handball. Most consider Jacobs the greatest handball player of all time.
UFC 2020 Rumors, Predictions & News | MMA Betting
One of the most commonly asked questions that we here is whether or not Nick Diaz will return to the octagon. All signs would appear to be point towards yes being the answer, with Dana White coming out and saying that it will indeed happen. If Diaz does return, who will he take on first? The most likely scenario is that he would have a rematch with Jorge Masvidal before anything else happens, but it really is all about timing here.
After his win over Tyron Woodley on Saturday night, Colby Covington threw his hat in the ring for a shot at Diaz. Covington has stated that he and Diaz were slated to fight back in 2018 at Madison Square Garden, but that bout never materialized. Diaz is talking about a return to action in the early part of next year, so we are going to need to wait and see what happens then.
Dana White believes that Covington is back in contention for another shot at the title, but he also believes that Gilbert Burns is the next man up to face Usman, so a Covington/Diaz bout would appear to make perfect sense.
White has stated in the past that he will never force a fighter to retire, but he is also not shy about letting them know that their time should probably be coming. In a press conference after the Vegas event on Saturday night, White stated that he thought it is time that Donald Cerrone and Tyron Woodley thought about calling it a career. Both men are certainly not getting any younger plus their losses are beginning to pile up. Woodley was forced to retire in the final round versus Covington with a rib injury, so he may well wait until he recovers from that before making any sort of decision.
One rumor that will not go away is in regard the return of Conor McGregor in 2021. The Irishman has “officially” retired from the UFC on 3 separate occasions, citing a lack of fighting opportunities, but the latest news is that he and Dana White have had a chat about his future. This is where things get a little complicated, though. While White has said that McGregor will indeed be back in 2021, he also stated that he is not guaranteeing that it will be in the capacity of a fighter. The reality here is that fans of the sport want to see McGregor in the ring going toe to toe, so anything other than that will likely be considered a bit of a disappointment.
09/26 - 10:00 PM - MAC's Late Info UFC Picks
Jeff Hughes vs Juan Espino
Play: Over 1.5 (-145)
Sijara Eubanks vs Ketlen Vieira
Play: Sijara Eubanks +155
MAC's NBA Playoff Red Alert Report + Picks, Prop Trends & Odds
In the NBA Western Conference Finals, the Los Angeles Lakers are in a tougher fight against the Denver Nuggets than it appears.
Over in the Eastern Conference Finals, the Celtics and Heat appear set for a long, drawn out, series.
NBA Championship Odds
Los Angeles Lakers -425
Boston Celtics +650 (MAC's Backdoor Payoff)
Denver Nuggets +3300
Miami Heat +5503
Jimmy Butler and the Heat blasted Giannis and the Milwaukee Bucks 4 games to 1.
The Heat kept the good times rolling in the first couple of games against the Boston Celtics. In Game 1, JB scored just 17 points, but he also grabbed 10 boards and dished 6 assists in Miami’s 103-94 victory. After Game 2, it looked as if the Heat were going to run away with the series. In the second contest, Goran Dragic scored 25 to key a 106-101 come from behind Miami Heat win.
Boston held a 60-47 halftime lead. Miami outscored the Celtics 37-17 in the third quarter. The Celtics played a complete game in the third contest. They outscored Miami 31-22, 32-28, and 26-24 in the first three quarters. The Heat won the fourth quarter 32-28, but it wasn’t nearly enough to beat the Celtics. Boston won Game 3 117-106. It’s Miami’s turn to counter in Game 4 on Wednesday. If they don’t, Boston could even the series. Expect the Celtics to do exactly that. Boston required a couple of games to recharge their batteries after the tough series against the Toronto Raptors. The win showed that the Celtics have hit their stride. They won’t look back after the victory and instead will continue to challenge the Heat.
Lakers aren’t locks against the Nuggets Sure, the Los Angeles Lakers dominated the Denver Nuggets 126-114 to win Game 1.
LAL required a last second three from Anthony Davis to win Game 2, though. And, the Lakers won Game 2 105-103, which means the -425 favorite to win the NBA Championship were in a desperate spot. Game 3 happens on Tuesday night. Before jumping on the Lakers at -6.5, realize that they have yet to stop, or even contain, Nikola Jokic. Denver’s best player had 21 points and 10 boards in the first game. In the second game, Nikola stepped it up big time. He had 30 points, 9 assists, 6 rebounds, and 4 steals. Expect Jokic to be even more involved in Game 4. Nikola knows that if the Lakers go up 3-0, the series is over. He’ll do whatever he can to make sure that doesn’t happen.
Quick Trends:
Celtics are 5-0 ATS in their last 5 road games vs. a team with a home winning % of greater than .600.
Celtics are 6-2 ATS in their last 8 after allowing 100 points or more in their previous game.
Heat are 1-7 ATS in their last 8 Wednesday games.
09/23 -NBA PLAYOFFS - EASTERN CONFERENCE FINALS
08:30PM -Boston Celtics -3 vs Miami Heat +3
Play: Boston Celtics -3
Play: 1st Quarter Miami Heat +110
Play:Celts/Heat 1st Quarter Over 52.5
09/24 -09:00 PM - Los Angeles Lakers vs Denver Nuggets
Play: Under 215
09/23 - 06:10 PM - MAC's MLB Major Move & Red Alert Picks
White Sox vs Indians Major Move Alert
The Chicago White Sox have clinched a playoff berth, but they want more: The top seed in the American League and the AL Central title. They can take another step toward both with a win at division-rival Cleveland on Wednesday.
Game Odds & TV Info
When: Wednesday, 6:10 PM ET
Where: Progressive Field
Probable pitchers (away/home): Lucas Giolito/Zach Plesac
TV: MLB Extra Innings
Stream/gameday audio: ESPN+; https://www.mlb.com/live-stream-games/
Opening MLB Lines: Chicago +135 - Cleveland -155 - Total - 7
Money on Chicago?
One of Chicago’s top relievers, Aaron Bummer made a simulated appearance on Monday. That’s a big step in the right direction for the rehabbing left-hander, who’s been sidelined since early August because of a left biceps strain and nerve issues around that same muscle. Bummer could potentially return to the White Sox bullpen before the end of this week.
Bummer is 1-0 with a 1.23 ERA, 12 strikeouts and three holds in seven appearances this season. Bummer, who tied for sixth in the American League with 27 holds in 2019, agreed to a five-year, $16 million contract with the Sox during spring training.
Outfielder Luis Robert got off to a great start this season and looked like he would win AL Rookie of the Year, but he has been slumping big time of late. In July and August, in his first 33 games in the big leagues, he slashed .298/.348/.612 with 10 homers, eight doubles and 24 RBIs.
And Robert’s not the only one slumping. Yoán Moncada is hitting .185 in September. Edwin Encarnación is hitting well below .200 on the season.
“What is our hope? Our hope is that between now and the time we actually start to make that run (in the playoffs) … that they start to take off again and be as impactful as we need them to be,” Sox manager Rick Renteria said recently.
It’s ace Lucas Giolito (4-3) on the mound and his next start after this will be Game 1 of the Sox’s playoff series. Giolito went six innings while allowing three runs in a loss to the Twins last Wednesday. Giolito allowed only three hits, and he struck out four against three free passes. While he limited the baserunners — for the most part — he did allow two homers; a solo shot to Eddie Rosario and a two-run blast to Byron Buxton. It’s the third straight start that the 26-year-old has allowed three runs. He has posted an 86/25 K/BB mark with a 3.53 ERA in 66 1/3 innings over 11 starts.
Giolito last faced the Indians on Aug. 9. He yielded two earned runs across seven innings in a no-decision. Cleveland would go on to win 5-4 in extra innings. Giolito scattered five walks and four hits while striking out nine batters, including all three batters he faced in the top of the seventh. Chicago was up 3-2 when he departed.
Money on Cleveland?
If all goes well, they will most likely find themselves as the No. 7 seed in the playoffs. There’s a possibility that the White Sox will be the No. 2 seed, meaning a rematch of this series in a three-game Wild Card starting in Chicago on Sept. 29.
The Tribe remain without manager Terry Francona due to some health issues and he will not be back with the club before Thursday at the earliest. It remains unknown if the 61-year-old will manage Cleveland for a weekend series with the Pittsburgh Pirates or the playoffs. Francona missed a portion of the pandemic-shortened campaign in early August due to a gastrointestinal issue that has reportedly bothered him for nearly a year. First base coach Sandy Alomar Jr. has served as Cleveland’s interim manager throughout Francona’s absences.
A late-season push by José Ramírez has the Indians boasting not one, but two MVP candidates along with starting pitcher Shane Bieber. Bieber probably wins the Cy Young. Ramirez has been raking of late and recently had 16th career multi-home run game and his fourth this season, the most in the majors.
Indians starting pitchers have tossed a league-leading 36 quality starts this season. They are 23-13 when a starter records a quality outing. It’s scheduled to be Zach Plesac (4-2) here. Plesac matched his season high with 11 strikeouts over 7 2/3 scoreless innings in a dominant victory over the Tigers last Friday.
After surrendering three home runs in his previous start at Minnesota, Plesac kept the Tigers off balance and rendered them helpless against his changeup in his second-longest outing of the season. He retired 13 batters in a row and 16 out of the last 17 he faced before a two-out single in the eighth by Victor Reyes ended his night. The 25-year-old right-hander allowed just five hits on the night while walking one.
“My direction was good towards home, me and (catcher Roberto Pérez) had a good mix, I really am just feeling comfortable with all my pitches right now,” Plesac said. “I feel like I can throw it at any time in the count and it’d be effective.”
He has been outstanding through his first seven starts this season, compiling a minuscule 1.85 ERA, 0.78 WHIP and 50/4 K/BB ratio across 48 2/3 innings. Plesac has faced the White Sox twice this year and not allowed a run in 14 innings.
MAC's Final Score Prediction - Indians 5, White Sox 3
MAC'S MAJOR MOVE ALERT - Chi White Sox L GIOLITO -R vs Cle Indians S BIEBER -R
Play: Over 7
09/23 MAC's MLB Red Alert Picks -
06:40 PM - Hou Astros Z GREINKE -R vs Sea Mariners N MARGEVICIUS -L
Play: Under 8.5
07:30 PM - Bal Orioles D KREMER -R vs Bos Red Sox N EOVALDI -R
Play: BOSTON RL-1.5 (+125)
MAC Attack Free Picks -
12/01 - 2020 CHESS WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP
Play: FIELD +200
10/04 -11:30 AM - 2020 PRIX DE L'ARC DE TRIOMPHE
Play: Enable +175
Want Top Rated Stock Plays go over to The Stock Report on Reddit - MAC's Stock Market Tips