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Today's Top Free Expert Picks

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  • expert headshot
    Eric Cohen
    +2510
    (61%)
    77-50 in Last 127 MLB Picks
    Under 7.5
    -118
    Over/Under
    Picked: Sep 30 @ 7:21pm

    Analysis

    Since the new MLB playoff format was introduced in 2022, Game 3 of Wild Card series' have proven to be low-scoring. In fact, four of the five Game 3s saw six or less total runs. We should see a combination of Aaron Nola and Zack Wheeler for the Phillies, so don't expect the chilly Atlanta offense to score at will. And with all hands on deck for the Braves (minus ace Chris Sale likely), expect a flurry of pitching changes to play the matchups. This feels like a 3-2 or 4-2 game either way.
  • expert headshot
    Matt Severance
    #5
    +938
    (66%)
    47-24 in Last 71 MLB ATS Picks
    ATL +1.5
    -166
    Spread
    Picked: Sep 30 @ 10:42pm

    Analysis

    I'm not saying -166 is a cheap number but on +1.5 for a division winner at home that mostly dominated the regular-season series and has the better lineup? To me, that's a cheap number and I don't understand why the Braves are home dogs just like I didn't Wednesday. That +1.5 sure came in handy, though, and what a fun series already. This utterly screams another one-run, lower-scoring game with all arms on deck for the most part. BTW, as I write this the Padres are probably eliminating my Cubs late Wednesday. That would mean this moves game from 2 p.m. ET to 8 (as only series left), and I think that only benefits the home side.
  • expert headshot
    Angelo Magliocca
    +293.5
    (57%)
    30-23 in Last 53 MLB Player Props Picks
    player headshot
    A. Nola
    Over 3.5
    -113
    Hits Allowed
    Picked: Oct 1 @ 1:33pm

    Analysis

    If Aaron Nola is pulled after just a couple of innings, this could be tough to win, but even with there being workload questions, I'm thinking they leave Nola in as long as he's doing well. He projects for over four hits allowed even on a lower workload (around four innings), and if he's pulled early for poor play then we hopefully hit the over as he's whacked around. If he's good, we hope he stays in long enough to allow an extra hit or two. Also 1+ walk is very intriguing even at the current price.
  • expert headshot
    Micah Roberts
    #4
    +1161
    (56%)
    34-27-2 in Last 63 MLB Picks
    Over 7.5
    +101
    Over/Under
    Picked: Oct 1 @ 3:08pm

    Analysis

    We've got Game 3 in the National League best-of-three wild-card series, and it's expected to be 82° with winds blowing in at 7 mph and no chance of rain. The total is 7.5, and it's moving closer to 7, but my only problem with the number is that Aaron Nola is the starter for the Phillies, who have lost four of his last five starts. No Zack Wheeler, who pitched Sunday. Nola's faced the Braves three times this year, and the Braves won all three games with all three going over the total. I think Nola will give up three to four runs, and the Phillies bats make a run for it against the opener and likely Grant Holmes in the middle innings. Over.
  • expert headshot
    Zack Cimini
    Contrarian with Chutzpah
    player headshot
    M. Olson
    Over 1.5
    +131
    Bases
    Picked: Oct 1 @ 5:25pm

    Analysis

    Matt Olson has not had the start to the postseason that he would of liked. He is just 1 for 8 at the plate, but in a close out game I expect Olson to show up. He has 5 career home runs off of Aaron Nola, along with three doubles. This included a first inning home run the last instance he saw Nola on September 11th. Take Olson over on his combination line.

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