2-0 in last week’s MLB betting tips with one postponed match to open our 2018 account. We’ll be looking to keep a perfect record as we preview some of the key matchups of the day this Thursday, the 26th of April below.
Los Angeles Angels at Houston Astros (4.10am AEST)
Houston currently hold a 16-8 record through the first few weeks of the season, which is the 2nd best record in all of baseball behind only the Red Sox. They’ll have Justin Verlander on the mound on Thursday, who has been practically unhittable through the post season last year and leading into this season. Verlander has a 10-0 record and a 1.23 ERA through his last 13 starts and has started the 2018 season with a 3-0 record.
He’ll be up against Nick Tropeano on Thursday, who has had a contrasting start to the 2018 season. He hasn’t got a decision in any of his starts so far this year and has a 3.86 ERA in two career starts against the Astros.
Mike Trout has been going off for the Angels, and he’s a major reason why they boast an impressive 15-8 record so far. However, with Verlander on the mound and the Astros bats playing extremely well at the moment, we can’t see them losing this one at home to an out of form Nick Tropeano.
Houston Astros -1.5
$1.91
Washington Nationals at San Francisco Giants (5.45am AEST)
The Nationals have gotten off to a bit of an inconsistent start to the season, going 10-13 through their opening games. One bright spot, however, is the pitching of Max Scherzer to start the season. He has a 4-1 record and a ridiculous 1.36 ERA and will be on the mound for the Nationals in San Fran on Thursday.
San Francisco starter Jeff Samardzija has pitched just 5 innings in 2018 and is yet to allow a run. However, with a 69-87 record and a 4.09 career ERA, he won’t be the Giants first choice this Thursday.
Scherzer has been lights out in his last two starts against the Giants, pitching 21 strikeouts and just one walk in two wins. The Nationals might be away from home on Thursday but shouldn’t lose with Max going up against a pitcher with limited recent work.
Washington Nationals to win
$1.62
Arizona Diamondbacks at Philadelphia Phillies (9.05am AEST)
Probably the pitching matchup of the day as two Cy Young award winners square off in Zack Greinke and Jake Arrieta. Arrieta has been fantastic for the Phillies so far this season, starting 2018 with a 2-0 record and a 2.04 ERA. In his last start vs the Pirates, he allowed just one hit and struck out 10 in seven scoreless innings and has been a big part in the Phillies 14-8 record so far.
While the Diamondbacks boast a fantastic 16-6 record on the season so far, Greinke hasn’t been his dominant self to start the season. He has a 2-1 record and a 4.13 ERA but is always a dangerous prospect for opposition bats and did bounce back to some degree in his last start, keeping the Giants to 3 runs through 7 innings.
Tough match to call here, both teams have been fantastic to start the season but it’s hard to look past Arrieta’s form, especially with the Phillies having the home field advantage here. We think they take this one in a close game.
Philadelphia Phillies to win
$1.85
