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MLB Wild Card Bets

The 2023 MLB season has come to an end, now it is time for what some call the most majestic baseball to ever be played. October baseball.

It feels like any one of these wildcard teams can make it to the divisional round. Also, once there either one of the 8 teams can make a run at a title.

How about the Astros swooping in on the final day of the season to steal the AL West division and a wildcard bye.

I talked all season about liking either the Astros, Dodgers, and mostly the Braves as the best team in baseball. This is where they prove who is the best. I can not lie looking at the potential matchups in this bracket, there is no such thing as an easy road.

MLB Wild Card Bets

This is what I am betting in the Wild Card round, and why.

Miami Marlins vs Philadelphia Phillies

This series is fun for a few reasons. You have the cinderella story from last post season taking on a team who could be called the cinderella story of this season’s regular season.

The Phillies have been hot down the stretch coming into the post season. While the Marlins have been under the radar all season long. Miami has even been counted out a few times.

I hate when people say teams should just be happy they made it. Because while that is true, now that we made it, let’s try to make it further instead of settling.

While the Phillies on paper and to the eye test have the advantage here, they better not take the Marlins lightly.

Pitching:

While the Phillies have the better starters in Zach Wheeler and Aaron Nola, this season that is. The Marlins have two pitchers in their own right who deserve some respect.

Jesus Luzardo has been getting praise from myself all season long for what he has been doing in Miami. He has been rewarded for his season’s performance with the game one start in this series. Game two will bring out the former Cy Young winner from last season, Sandy Alcantara. Who has looked like a shell of his former self.

However down the stretch there were glimpses of the Cy Young award winner still in that body down the stretch of this season. He will be a huge part any success the Marlins have in this series.

Batting:

While the Phillies have the big names, do not sleep on this Marlins lineup who continued to get better as the season went on. Jorge Soler has been on a tear when healthy this season and the trade for Jake Burger at the deadline looks to be a fruitful one.

Do not forget they also have Luis Arraez who only won the batting title two years in a row.

While Bryce Harper, Trea Turner, Klye Swarber, JT Realmuto and company are household names. They will need to show up and show off their superstar power to win this series.

It doesn’t hurt that they will be in Philadelphia, which is maybe the craziest sports city in the country. Rivaling soccer fans from other countries with their passion for Philadelphia sports.

MLB Wild Card Bets: The Red Beard: Marlins vs Phillies

While I do believe the Marlins have a fighting chance to take this series, they would have to catch the Phillies lacking.

Which is something I do not see happening, I believe Phillies come out with a point to prove. Philadelphia Phillies +184 to win the series 2-0. To sweep the Marlins.

(Take all wagers at your own risk, Please gamble responsibly)
(Odds provided by FanDuel Sports Book)

Rowan Donaghey is a Sports and Betting insider for Stare Down Sports. You can follow him on twitter via @RowanDonaghey

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