Who is ready for the playoffs? And Football?
Noon ET Maryland vs. Ohio State
1pm ET Orioles vs. Rangers
4:45 ET Twins cs, Astros
What a Saturday!!
A good Pregame: Maryland vs, Ohio State
Taulia Tagovailoa needs to have the best game of his career. Bottom Line: Maryland's chances are on his shoulders. Ohio State's schedule, aside from beating Notre Dame, has played noone. Their defense has not faced a mobile QB like Taulia.
Maryland's defense has held their opponents to 13.2 points per game (5th ranked in the Big Ten). They are giving up 3.5 rushing yards per game. If Ohio State can't run the ball, Maryland has a chance.
Maryland will keep this game close, unfortunately I think the Buckeyes will pull it out in the end, 37-30
Orioles hosting the ALDS vs. the Rangers
The Orioles are a scary team and with rest, they should be ready for a playoff run.
Can't wait to see the crowd today at Camden Yards
When the Orioles finally returned to the playoffs in 2012, hosting Game 1 of the ALDS, the crowd was electric. My son and I were at that game and I will always remember the feeling I had when the tarp was removed from the field. There was an hour plus rain delay and the crowd was ready to blow up. If the crowd is like that again (I would be in that insanity if I wasn't in the hospital ☹️), the Orioles will feed on that energy.
Great time with my son 11 years ago (what?). Lost to the Yankees in the ALDS, but it still was a great time.
Starters for Game 1: Andrew Heaney vs. Kyle Bradish
So I've never heard of Heaney, 4.15 ERA for the season, but in his last 15 games his ERA is 3,35. I'm not sure what the Rangers plan is here. He has only started one game out of his last four appearances. Is he an opener? Guessing he will be a short rope. Meanwhile it is a chance for Bradish to shine on a national stage. Bradish, with a 2.38 ERA, is ranked 4th in all of MLB. If Bradish can go deep in this game, through 6 or 7 innings, the Orioles win this game.
Orioles offense ready to explode
Offensively, manager Hyde has been making all the right moves as they were trying to win the AL West during the game, with pinch hitters. I think Mateo will play a role in this series. starting lineups are not posted as of press time. If Mateo is not in the lineup, I see him pinch running at some point and causing havoc on the base paths. Stealing bases, making fielders and pitchers make bad decisions.
Twins on the road at Houston ALDS
Winning their first playoff series since 2002 is one thing, now facing the defending champions is another. We will see if their momentum can continue.
Twins won the season series 4-2. Not that that matters much in the postseason. Obviously Houston has a ton of postseason experience with Altuve, Verlander, Tucker, Alvarez, etc, etc. But don't forget about Minnesota: Correa, Gray and Maeda.
Twins pitching vs. Houston bats
Twins pitchers gave up 1 run vs. the Blue Jays in the Wild Card series. I don't think they will be able to continue that against Houston, especially in that stupid stadium, Minute Maid ballpark. It is straight up dumb. I mean 315 feet down the left field line then 409 to center? You know how many Altuve pop flies to left have turned into homers?
Ober starts for the Twins. We'll see how he handles the pressure. Guessing Baldelli will have a quick hook on him. If Ober can get deep in the game, the Twins back end bullpen can turn the lights out.
Did Stevie Wonder design this outfield?
Twins offense vs. Verlander
Well, everyone knows how great Verlander has been in the postseason. He has a 3,.22 ERA this season. Three-time Cy Young award winner, MVP, etc, etc. Definitely a Hall of Famer. If the Twins can knock him out of the game and get into the middle of the bullpen, the Twins can beat Houston.
I would love to see Correa light up Verlander. Correa's postseason numbers are pretty damn good: 81 games, 37 Runs, 85 hits, 18 HR, 60 RBI, .276 Avg. .348 OBP, .503 Slug., .851 OPS.
Prediction:Twins win 1 game in Houston. Hoping they win the series
Would love to see this
in the ALCS!
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