In what is now becoming a nightly concern, the Yankees need to defeat the worst team in baseball to even their 4-game series, and limp out of Baltimore no worse than 3.5 games out of the AL East. Then it’s on to Cleveland to face the resurgent Indians, who are no doubt looking for some small measure of revenge for last season’s ALDS.
Gray vs The Birds
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In 5 career starts at Camden Yards, Gray in 2-3 with a 4.50 ERA, striking out 26 in 26 innings and allowing 3 home runs. Here’s who has done some damage against him in the past:
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Tim Beckham. The Baltimore second baseman pounds Gray at .438 clip with 7 hits in 16 at-bats including a double and 2 home runs. Beckham has been killing lefties (.326) so far in 2018, but manager Buck Showalter likes the matchup with Gray.
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Jonathan Schoop. While maybe not a full-fledged ‘Yankee Killer’, Schoop is a definitely a PIA. His smash off Betances last night (which Bird should have caught) which decided that terrible game was just the latest mayhem he’s caused. He hits Gray at a .308 rate with 4 hits in 13 ABs including a double. Schoop is one Oriole not named Machado who is waking up at the plate lately. A good price at $3,700 (Draft Kings).
The Dylan Bundy Stack
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If the pattern holds true to form, the Yankees win going away tonight — although Sonny Gray may alter that equation. The wise guys have New York at a -147 money line and a 9.5 over/under. These two teams have gone over in 8 of the last 10 matchups at Camden Yards, and with Gray and Bundy sharing the mound, we’re thinking the over wins tonight.
Which Bronx Bombers are waiting to tee off on Bundy?
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Aaron Hicks. Small sample, he’s 2-7 (.286) with a home run against Bundy, but mashing at the plate lately. Draft Kings finally caught on as his salary is now $5,000! A good investment however.
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Didi Gregoruis. Like Hicks, Didi is hitting Bundy at a .286 clip (4-14), also with a home run and also heating up with the bat. The star shortstop went 3-4 in yesterday’s 6-5 loss to the O’s.
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Miguel Andujar. The extra-base hitting machine third baseman is overdue for a big night at the plate, and why not tonight? Andujar has not faced Bundy yet loves hitting in Camden Yards (.417) with 5 hits including 2 doubles and a home run in 12 at-bats.
Buck Naked Loves Beating New York
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If Buck Showalter got his squad up to play the rest of the league like they play the Yankees, the Birds would be in the thick of the pennant race. Sure, divisional opponents are always tougher, everyone knows everyone inside out, etc. But c’mon, the Yankees should be beating Baltimore like they own them money! It does not help when New York stops scoring runs after they take a lead, no matter how early in the game that lead may occur, but that’s another rant.
Remember this is for speculation only, not meant to be taken as gospel. And don’t forget to double-check your lineup(s) just prior to game time as the weather may create havoc for you. We exist under the manta that “You can’t predict baseball” but it’s fun trying. Good luck with your lineup and let’s go Yankees!