Anytime the Red Sox and Mets play each other, it automatically brings back memories of the 1986 World Series and the infamous error that 1B Bill Buckner made. Mookie Wilson’s dribbler down the first-base line goes between Buckner’s legs, Ray Knight scores the winning run in the bottom of the 10th inning, and the Mets win Game 6 and go on to win Game 7.
There isn’t nearly as much on the line for these teams in the game on July 27 at Fenway Park, but there is plenty of sports betting action to get excited about, and in a shortened 60-game baseball season anything can happen.
Check out our sportsbook to look over all the current MLB betting odds.
Mets Hope to Contend for NL East Crown with Well-Balanced Team
N.Y. Mets Lineup
For the last few seasons, the Mets’ pitching is what has defined them. New York finally has a loaded offense to match. Unfortunately, the construction of this powerful lineup coincides with some major changes to the starting rotation. SP Noah Syndergaard had season-ending Tommy John surgery, SP Zack Wheeler went to the rival Phillies, and SP Marcus Stroman is on the shelf with a torn calf muscle.
Even though the Mets’ pitching staff is not quite as fearsome, they get to put the reigning Cy Young award winner, Jacob deGrom, on the mound every five games. He’s won the award in back-to-back seasons and has his eyes fixed on the hat trick. SP Steven Matz is a solid #2 and pitched well in a loss to the Braves on July 25, giving up one run on two hits over six innings, while striking out seven. The next day, SP Rick Porcello got smacked around and was forced to leave after two innings. We still don’t know what to expect from SP Michael Wacha, who is slated to start this game.
The Mets’ lineup can legitimately be projected in the top-10. All-Star 3B Jeff McNeil is an absolute hitting machine in the leadoff spot. RF Michael Conforto was productive in his first full season, bashing 33 homers and driving in 92 runs. 1B Pete Alonso bombed a league-leading 53 homers in his rookie campaign and looks to build on his successes. The Mets basically stole RF J.D. Davis from the Houston Astros, and if 2B Robinson Cano and Yoenis Cespedes can enjoy a resurgence, the lineup will be scary.
Red Sox Approach Rebuild: Pitching In Shambles, Feisty Offense
Boston Red Sox Lineup
The outlook for the Red Sox’ pitching staff couldn’t be much worse. SP David Price went to the Dodgers as part of the Mookie Betts trade, SP Chris Sale is missing the season following Tommy John surgery, and SP Eduardo Rodriguez is sidelined with heart issues that are believed to be a result of his bout with the coronavirus. Rodriguez had been slated to start Opening Day, but those duties fell to SP Nathan Eovaldi, who performed well in the win. After Eovaldi, it gets sketchy with Martin Perez and Ryan Weber, each of whom was lit up by the lowly Orioles hitters over the weekend.
Boston sends Josh Osich to the mound vs. New York, so the bullpen is guaranteed to get a lot of work. Their bats have been relatively sleepy so far, and this piecemeal pitching matchup may be just what they need to wake up.
The core of Boston’s lineup is still potent. In 2019, SS Xander Bogaerts (.309/33/117), 3B Rafael Devers (.311/32/115), and DH J.D. Martinez (.304/36/105) were a monster trio, and they’re at it again in 2020. If C Christian Vasquez remains steadily productive and RF Alex Verdugo performs at the level we expect him to, this lineup will give headaches to opposing pitchers.
Two-Pick Parlay: Red Sox vs Mets
Based on the overall uncertainty and weakness of the pitching on both sides, logic dictates a high-scoring affair. The Red Sox have a lively offense and the Mets have a powerful sleeping-dragon type of lineup that is due to awaken. Over 11½ (-105) runs is a safe bet in a slugfest that will produce a hard-fought victory for the home team in front of the invisible Fenway crowd. Boston will win the game, but take the 1.5 (-145) runs as a gift.
Putting $25 on this parlay will earn you $86.96 when it hits!
BetUS Free MLB Two-Pick Parlay:
Over 11.5 Runs (-105)
Boston Run Line +1.5 (-145)
