7:05PM ET NY Mets (+140) vs NY Yankees (-165)
Sean Manaea vs Gerrit Cole
Tonight's Subway Series matchup between the New York Mets and the New York Yankees finds both teams vying for crucial wins as the season progresses. But one side of this game may yield an edge over the other, let's dive in:
On the Mound
Gerrit Cole will take the mound for the Yankees. The star righty has been in excellent form recently, allowing just one run per start in three of his past four appearances. The Yankees have won four straight games when Cole pitches, showcasing his ability to control the game from the start. After back-to-back great games, Cole seems to be back in peak form, ready to lead the Yankees in this crucial matchup.
Sean Manaea will start for the Mets. Despite coming off one of his worst starts of the season, Manaea has had a solid July, posting a 3.24 ERA in four starts. However, the Yankees' bats have historically hit Manaea hard, and the lefty might struggle in the hitter-friendly confines of Yankee Stadium. He also pitched very well against the Yankees the last time he faced them, but that came during the lowest point of the Yankee season as they were struggling mightily. Another look at the lefty could help the bombers.
At the Plate
A few months ago, the Yankees were one of baseball's hottest teams, but they have struggled to maintain that momentum. Their 27-22 record at home has kept them in the division race, just 1.5 games behind the Orioles for the top spot. Yankee Stadium has been a fortress for the team's offense, which ranks No. 1 in baseball in runs scored at home. This offensive prowess, combined with their strong pitching staff boasting a team ERA of 3.56, makes the Yankees a formidable opponent, especially when both units are firing on all cylinders.
The Mets started the 2024 season slowly but have turned things around significantly. They are now in third place in the NL Wild Card race, just 2.5 games back from the top spot. While their rotation ranks in the bottom third of the league in team ERA, their lineup has been heating up, ranking 11th in baseball in total offense. If the Mets continue their momentum into the trade deadline, they could be serious contenders.
The Situational Spot
The Yankees are 0-3 against the Mets this year, making tonight's game their last chance to secure a win against their crosstown rivals. Given the urgency and the presence of Gerrit Cole on the mound, the Yankees are likely to come out strong. Cole's recent form and the Yankees' offensive capabilities at home provide a solid foundation for them to take an early lead.
Best Bet
Considering Gerrit Cole's dominance and the Yankees' offensive power at home, the best bet for tonight's game is Yankees First 5 Innings -0.5. The Yankees need to make a statement early, and with Cole's strong performances and the Mets' historical struggles against him, this bet offers good value.
PICK: YANKEES FIRST 5 -0.5 (-120)