In a season where not one but two teams completed a pair of the most improbable comebacks to earn their respective league Wild Card spots, another team filed for bankruptcy in the same year they reached the ALCS, and another team showcased the antics of one of its star outfielders and one of the breakthrough personalities of the year, there is one common MLB betting theme that has prevailed: Not everything happens the way that it is expected to happen. The same can be said about the respective championship series, as both continue to wind down on Monday.
St. Louis Cardinals @ Milwaukee Brewers
Sunday, 4:05 PM ET
There could not have been a better ending to an NLDS than Nyjer Morgan pumping one in to the outfield for a walk off victory, and it will be interesting to see if the Brewers can provide their fans with another incredible finish. Milwaukee earned the chance to finish the series at Miller Park where they led the majors in home wins this season, and they got the pitching matchups that they wanted as well. Whether or not they can now turn those advantages into something tangible and end the Cardinals’ improbable run only time will tell, as players like Albert Pujols fight with everything they have in what could be their final game in a Cardinals’ uniform. Pujols is among a couple of potential free agents on the roster, and if he is going to go out then he might as well go out in style. The Brewers however have taken nothing for granted and have persevered every step of the way, and it wouldn’t be a major surprise if St. Louis’ magical MLB betting run ends in Milwaukee.
MLB Betting Free Pick: Milwaukee Brewers
Detroit Tigers @ Texas Rangers
Sunday, 8:05 PM ET
It is no surprise that if it reaches game seven the Tigers will want to give the ball to Doug Fister, who pitched them to a memorable sports betting bonus win in game seven of the ALDS against the New York Yankees, and proved that he can handle the pressure. Texas will counter with Colby Lewis if it gets to that decisive game, although the Rangers would be happy to put it away in six if they can get the job done in the first of consecutive games at home. The Tigers have proven to be a worthy opponent so far, but Texas has been here before and have every intention of getting the job done. The way that players like Nelson Cruz have delivered in the clutch just makes you believe that this is a team of destiny, although Delmon Young and company may have something to say about that. The Rangers and Tigers both deserve their chance in the World Series but only one team can advance, and in this case experience and home field advantage will make the difference.
MLB Betting Free Pick: Texas Rangers
