MLB Lock Alert – Yankees to Cruise over Twins in ALDS Opener

The Minnesota Twins (87-76 SU, 82-81 RL, 73-79-11 O/U) reached the postseason by recording an absolutely thrilling 6-5 win over the Detroit Tigers in Tuesday’s one-game playoff matchup, but will have their hands full when they battle the New York Yankees (103-59 SU, 88-74 RL, 77-77-8 O/U) in Game 1 of their ALDS series which gets underway at Yankee Stadium tonight at 6 PM ET.

Alexei Casilla hit a run-scoring single in the bottom of the 12th inning to lift the Twins to a 6-5 win over Detroit on Tuesday, helping the Twins win the AL Central title and cash in for BetUS MLB sports betting members as -175 home favorites while the game’s final score played Over the 8.5-run O/U total.

While Minnesota will brings its red-hot five-game winning streak into tonight’s matchup, the Yankees will be looking to record their second straight win after spanking the Tampa Bay Rays 10-2 in their regular season finale on Sunday as Alex Rodriguez went 3-for-4 with two home runs and a whopping seven RBI’s.

New York cashed in for their betting backers as -105 road underdogs while the game’s 12 combined runs played Over the 9-run O/U total in the BetUS Sportsbook.

The Twins will give the ball to talented left-handed starter Brian Duensing (5-1, 2.73 ERA) in Game 1 while the Yankees counter with southpaw staff ace CC Sabathia (19-8, 3.36 ERA).

Here is a look at tonight’s key trends and MLB Odds, followed by my in-depth analysis and expert MLB Free Picks.

• Twins are 5-0 in their last 5 games vs. a left-handed starter.
• Twins are 17-4 in their last 21 overall.
• Twins are 17-38 in their last 55 road games vs. a left-handed starter.
• Twins are 3-13 in their last 16 playoff games.
• Twins are 0-6 in their last 6 Divisional Playoff games.
• Yankees are 45-14 in their last 59 home games vs. a team with a losing road record.
• Yankees are 41-13 in their last 54 home games.
• Yankees are 5-0 in Sabathia’s last 5 starts vs. American League Central.
• Yankees are 7-0 in Sabathia’s last 7 home starts.
• Under is 27-11-4 in the last 42 meetings in New York.
• Twins are 16-47 in the last 63 meetings.
• Twins are 5-25 in the last 30 meetings in New York.

MLB Odds

• Minnesota Twins +1½ +135
• Brian Duensing –L +280
• New York Yankees -1½ -155
• CC Sabathia –L -340
• Over 9½ Ev
• Under 9½ -120

The Starters: Brian Duensing has gone 2-1 over his last three starts with a 4.32 ERA while CC Sabathia has gone an identical 2-1 over his last three starts with a stellar 2.70 ERA.

Analysis: The Minnesota Twins are arguably the most scrappy team in all of baseball – and cashed in on Tuesday’s win just as I predicted, but I don’t think they have much of a chance of beating New York in this contest.

While the Twins have gone a perfect 5-0 in their last five games versus a left-handed starter and an impressive 17-4 in their last 21 games overall, several key factors will likely hold them back in their pursuit of a Game 1 win.

The Twins have gone a disappointing 17-38 in their last 55 road games against a left-handed starter, a dismal 3-13 in their last 16 playoff games and a pitiful 0-6 in their last six Divisional Playoff games.