MLB Betting Preview: Phillies, Cards play Game 2, Sox visit Mets

Philadelphia Phillies (Z. Eflin 1-0) vs St. Louis Cardinals (C. Martinez 0-4)

On the mound for the Phillies tonight will be 27-year-old right-hander, Zach Eflin, who’s pitched admirably in four starts to begin the season.

Despite the low strikeout numbers, he’s gone 6.0 innings plus in each start, and is coming off a 1-run outing last Wednesday against the Giants.

This will be his second time facing the Cardinals, his lone win on the season, where he pitched 7.0 innings of two run ball, giving up six hits to go along with six strikeouts.

His 2.77 ERA is the best on the staff after Nola’s four run outing Saturday in Colorado, and he’ll look to continue his momentum when he squares off against the struggling Carlos Martinez.

Martinez has been an enigma throughout his career with St. Louis — going back and forth between starter and reliever the past few seasons. 

The Cards have deployed him in their rotation this season after being used in the bullpen in 2019 where he saved 24 games as their main closer.

Through four starts in 2021, Martinez has posted an uninspiring 6.00 ERA despite a strong start last Wednesday in Washington, throwing six one-run innings en route to an unfortunate 1-0 defeat.

He, much like Eflin, pitched against the Phillies two Fridays ago, struggling to the tune of six earned runs over 5.0 innings.

Given recent history, it’d be wise to back Eflin in this spot, as he’s been the more trustworthy starter to this point in the season.

 

Boston Red Sox (G. Richards 0-2) vs New York Mets (D. Peterson 1-2)

The first of a brief two game set sees the Sox travel to Flushing to take on the Mets.

At 14-9, Boston has been one of the pleasant surprises in MLB thus far, using a strong offense to overshadow some deficiencies in the rotation.

They are hitting a league best .274 as a team, and have already scored 119 runs — a whopping 63 more than the Mets. 

Garrett Richards is the expected starter for Boston, as he’s struggled mightily with command through four outings (13 BB in 16.2 IP). His 6.48 ERA and 1.86 WHIP are near the bottom of the majors for qualified starters, as well.

As for the Mets, young southpaw David Peterson will get his fourth start of 2021, as he’s yet to really build on his strong rookie season from a year ago.

He’s had one good start, and two bad ones, going just 3.1 IP in his last outing against Chicago.

Expect offense in this one, leaning me over the total wherever it may fall.