Pick: Cleveland Indians
I’m a huge history guy. HUGE HISTORY guy. Whenever there’s a chance at a broken record, or a “never before seen” occurrence, I’m all about it. It’s a part of my love for sports; I want to see history happen live. So when Corey Kluber pitched a 5 hit, 8K shutout last night for the Indians, locking them their 20th straight victory, I woke up this morning excited as ever knowing the Indians would be a part of the weekly #BPS. You see, this afternoon, when the clock strikes 12:10, the Cleveland Indians will have the opportunity to break the MLB’s record for longest consecutive win streak (20 games). For those of you who saw the movie Moneyball, you know that the record is currently held by the 2002 Oakland Athletics during a season where Jonah Hill used a bunch of algorithms to convince Brad Pitt to sign a bunch of old heads to team friendly contracts (not the point, just an awesome funny part of the movie). This is an incredible feat for any team as it is hard enough to win a weekend series in the MLB let alone half a month of nothing but straight W’s. I’m rooting hard for the Indians today and I think you should to. For my more logical and less emotional fans however, there’s no need to fear. Streak aside, I believe Cleveland has this game in the bag. Detroit hasn’t scored a run on the Indians all series and it won’t be any easier for them today. Cleveland’s starting pitcher, Mike Clevinger hasn’t lost a game in nearly a month and is averaging 7K’s and 6 innings of work during his last 3 outings. The cherry on top? Clevinger’s handed the opposing teams goose eggs during that stretch. You couldn’t write this one up any better. Do the right thing, pick the Indians.
Pick: New York Yankees
After history is made at Progressive Field, our slate takes a trip to Queens, NY where the Tampa Bay Rays are Air BnB’ing Citi Filed due to the devastating effects of Hurricane Irma down in Florida. Our hearts will all be with those suffering the damages of such a catastrophic storm but don’t expect the Yankees to show the Rays any sympathy. The Bronx Bombers are in the thick of a scrappy AL playoff race and cannot afford a loss to a divisional foe. This game will essentially be a home game for them as they go up against a struggling pitcher in Chris Archer. Chris hasn’t picked up a win since the middle of August and is coming off two outings where the righty struggled to even reach 4 innings; giving up 11 hits and 8 runs in the process. The Yankees have won 7 of their last 10 and their offense is heating up again. I expect New York to upset the Rays today as Jamie Garcia gets his first win in pinstripes and the Yankees win the series.
Pick: Chicago White Sox
In today’s #BPS finale, the Chicago White Sox look to secure the rubber match game and upset the Kansa City Royals. Down 3 games in the AL Wildcard race, I’m sure Royal fans all across the country figured this early week matchup between the basement dwelling Chicago White Sox would be an opportunity for their team to gain ground, but boy were they wrong. In fact, if it wasn’t for a grand slam by DH, Brandon Moss the Royals would be facing the possibility of a sweep this afternoon. Unfortunately for them, I don’t see the luck continuing in game 3. That’s right ladies and gentlemen; we got our second upset of the day! Sox win it! I’ve loved everything Lucas Giolito has brought to the table in his first 4 starts since being traded to Chicago from the Nationals. The young pitcher is sporting a 2.84 ERA and an astonishing 0.91 WHIP. He’s shown the ability to pitch late into games and is giving up a measly 3 hits a game to his opponents. The Sox has proven so far this series they are not afraid of the Royals and are given a blessing today as Kansas City sends tee ball pitcher Eric Skoglund to the mound. Mr. Eric has been a disaster since his major league debut in May, climbing the latters to a 10.39 ERA while giving up an average 3 HITS AN INNING!! Stats you’d only print on a toilet paper roll. The Sox are taking this guy to pound town as the fans watch a record number of balls get hit off the crown in center field Bo Jackson style.