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  • expert headshot
    Matt Snyder
    +230
    (64%)
    7-4 in Last 11 MLB ML Picks
    CHW
    +128
    Money Line
    Picked: Sep 30 @ 12:18am

    Analysis

    The Astros don't belong here. The White Sox actually should've scored more runs in Game 1. The pitching matchup appears to favor the Astros, but Hunter Brown has mostly been a five-inning pitcher of late and hasn't finished the seventh since July 25. Meanwhile, Sean Burke had a disaster of an outing on Sept. 8 but has otherwise been very good this month. I like the number here and the White Sox's chances.
  • expert headshot
    Micah Roberts
    +771
    (53%)
    31-27-2 in Last 60 MLB Picks
    CHW
    +128
    Money Line
    Picked: Sep 30 @ 12:23am

    Analysis

    Hunter Brown hasn't been his same dominant self from the past three seasons. He's been ordinary and very beatable, as the Astros have lost seven of his last 10 starts. He only had 20 starts in the regular season, and his strikeout ratio was the lowest of his career. The Astros have as a whole, have struggled all season but survived the AL West at 81-81, the worst record of any postseason team in MLB history. Wednesday is about the White Sox.
  • expert headshot
    Prop Bet Guy
    #2
    +2559
    (60%)
    132-88 in Last 220 MLB Player Props Picks
    player headshot
    H. Brown
    Over 6.5
    +111
    Pitcher Strikeouts
    Picked: Sep 30 @ 11:17am

    Analysis

    Caesar’s. Even in a do-or-die spot, I’m riding Hunter Brown to notch at least seven strikeouts today. He’d been on a tear with five straight games clearing this line before a tough spot in Sacramento for his last start. But he’ll now be in the more comfortable confines of Daikin Park where his strikeout rate jumped to 30% this season. He gets a good matchup against the lefty heavy White Sox, who are very swing and miss prone, something that plays to the pitcher’s favor in the postseason. Yes, Brown will be on a short leash, but he’s also clearly the Astros best option to get the job done.
  • expert headshot
    Matt Snyder
    Stick With What Works
    Atlanta
    Over 3.5
    +106
    Runs
    LOSS
    Picked: Sep 30 @ 12:10am

    Analysis

    Cristopher Sanchez has a 5.12 ERA in his five September starts, which included him giving up three runs in six innings against the Braves on Sept. 4. The bullpen in front of Jhoan Duran is a mess right now and he threw 27 pitches in Game 1, giving up a three-run shot to Austin Riley. I love the low number and plus money here.
  • expert headshot
    Matt Severance
    #4
    +938
    (66%)
    47-24 in Last 71 MLB ATS Picks
    ATL +1.5
    -175
    Spread
    WIN
    Picked: Sep 30 @ 12:15pm

    Analysis

    Playoff games are usually low-scoring and decided by a run. Tuesday was bizarre. I expect normalcy to return starting with this matinee. Also don't think the Phillies should be favored, so I'll take the gift. How do you de-flatline mentally less than 24 hours after what happened? Don Mattingly used All-Star closer Jhoan Duran two innings, so now he's probably not available. Today's starter Cristopher Sanchez has been great in 2026 but not nearly as good away, in the day or in September overall (too many innings?). Tyler Mahle has been great for the ATL since coming over via trade. An ideal scenario is a Phillies one-run win so we see a winner-take-all Thursday between these bitter rivals.

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