The MLB Championship Series are set. Over in the National League, the Los Angeles Dodgers battle the Atlanta Braves while in the American League the Houston Astros take on the Tampa Bay Rays. Check out a recap of what happened last week along with looks at each of the league championship series so you start preparing your bets against their MLB odds!
MLB COVID-19 Update – October 12th Edition
2020 Major League Baseball Playoffs
- When: Sep. 28 – November
- Where: Various Venues
2020 World Series Futures
- Los Angeles Dodgers +160
- Houston Astros +500
- Atlanta Braves +425
- Tampa Bay Rays +525
Astros prove they mustn’t cheat to win in the postseason
The talk this entire season was whether the Houston Astros could win without cheating. Okay, that’s not exactly the only talk that happened this season. After the coronavirus pandemic, though, whether or not the Stros could have the same success was foremost on most every baseball fans’ mind.
It turns out, the Houston Astros are a pretty good squad even when they don’t steal opponents’ signs. Houston swept the Minnesota Twins and then beat AL West Division winner Oakland 3 times in 4 games to notch a trip to their fourth straight ALCS.
Houston’s pitching, even with Gerrit Cole in New York and Justin Verlander out of commission, has been stellar. Framber Valdez is a revelation while Zack Greinke is throwing great. Pitching and hitting make the Astros a true World Series contender.
Tampa Bay Rays beat Yankees for ALCS berth
But before trying for a World Series win, the Astros must get by the Tampa Bay Rays. Tampa beat the New York Yankees 2-1 in a deciding Game 5. NYY fans can’t blame Gerrit Cole for the loss. The top offseason acquisition was fantastic throwing 5.1 innings, striking out 9, and allowing just a single earned run.
The reason Tampa took Game 5 is because they’ve got the best bullpen in baseball. If the Rays’ starters can keep them in the game, down by no more than 2 runs after the fifth, Tampa could be very tough to beat. The Astros had better keep that in mind during the 7-game American League Championship Series.
Dodgers and Braves head to NLCS with undefeated records
Over in the National League a couple of undefeated teams face off in what’s sure to be a dynamite series. Both the L.A. Dodgers and Atlanta Braves have played perfect baseball in the postseason.
Although the Dodgers are big time favorites, baseball handicappers can definitely make a case for the ATL. The Braves swept the Reds and Marlins. Atlanta pitchers provided 4 shutouts in The ATL’s five wins during the postseason. Like the Houston Astros, the Atlanta Braves are a legit contender to win the World Series.
Who do you like to win the MLB Championship Series?
The Houston Astros and Tampa Bay Rays played Game 1 of their series on Sunday, October 11. Game 2 happens on Monday. The Dodgers and Braves start their series on Monday, October 12.
Expect both series to last at least 5 games. Because all four teams can pitch and hit well, the 2020 MLB Championship Series could go to 7 games in both leagues.
Have a great week!
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