New York is set for yet another subway series as the Yankees head to Queens. The Yankees bring with them a hold on a wildcard spot and an 80-65 record with $183 earned on the moneyline. The Mets are in a better position, holding the top spot in the NL East with an 83-63 record and up $1,308 on the moneyline.
ODDS ANALYSIS
The Mets have dropped their last two games after winning eight straight to all but clinch the division title.
The two losses to the Marlins show a bit of a letdown, but with the Yankees coming to town this weekend, that letdown should go away.
The fact that this game is at Citi Field gives the Mets a clear edge; at least according to the trends with Terry Collins’ squad winning 46 of 72 at home.
For the Yankees, they’re 39-33 away from home and while they’ve won three of their last four games, they’re just 3-6 over their last nine.
PITCHING MATCHUP
With the innings limit controversy going on, Matt Harvey will return for a hiatus to make this premier start against the cross-town rivals.
The young right-hander relishes the big stage and will get a chance to step up although he’ll likely be subjected to a tight pitch count.
On the season, Harvey is 12-7 with a 2.88 ERA and 1.037 WHIP in 171 2/3 innings. The month of August was particularly impressive as the youngster allowed one run in four August starts, spanning 27 innings.
Since then, Harvey has made just two starts and neither was particularly good. The Phillies hung a four spot on him on September 2 while the Nationals scored seven in five and a third back on September 8.
While Harvey has been quiet and struggling in September, the Yankees have a veteran starter pitching his best ball of the year right now in C.C. Sabathia.
Sabathia has allowed just three runs—one earned—in 11 1/3 innings in September and that’s following up a solid 3.80 ERA in August.
While the recent numbers are good, Sabathia hasn’t shown an ability to pitch very well for a long stretch over the last few years. This season, his overall numbers have him at 4-9 with a 4.92 ERA and 1.423 WHIP.
QUOTE TO NOTE
The Mets have hit a bit of a roadblock over the last couple games and David Wright spoke about that, saying:
“We had a long road trip, and an emotional road trip, but that’s no excuse for going out there and losing games. We have to find ways to win games down the stretch.”
LIVE/SITUATIONAL BETTING
Since the break, the Mets have been a completely different team offensively. Yoenis Cespedes has given them a legitimate bat in the middle, but the return of David Wright and Travis d’Arnaud have been huge.
In addition, Wilmer Flores is playing like a different player and Michael Conforto has been a real difference maker.
The Mets now not only have a solid—or better—answer at every position in the lineup, they’ve also got a deep bench with tons of talent.
The Yankees, meanwhile, are dealing with slumps from a number of players. They’re also without Mark Teixeira who’s been their best offensive weapon. Greg Bird, however, has filled in remarkably well and is hitting big homers and driving in big runs. In just 29 games, he’s got seven homers and 21 RBIs.
PROP TALK
Most Yankees haven’t had too many at bats against Harvey, but on the other side, a few Mets players have seen Sabathia quite frequently.
Unfortunately for the Mets, however, most of those players with a lot of at bats against Sabathia have struggled. Michael Cuddyer has the most at bats, going 12 for 58 with 12 strikeouts.
Juan Uribe and Curtis Granderson each have at least 22 at bats with a sub-.200 average as well.
ANALYSIS AND PREDICTION
The Mets’ offense since the break has been amazing and Sabathia will have a hard time holding them down. Still, few Mets players have had much success against him in their careers and Sabathia is pitching the best he’s pitched over the last few years.
Meanwhile, the Mets send a very talented pitcher to the hill, but one that hasn’t pitched in a while and who will be limited due to innings concerns. Like most teams, the Mets middle relief is weak and may be over exposed.
Yankees 6, Mets 4
The MLB odds for this game will be available first at BookMaker Sportsbook. Since this game can be seen by anyone with a TV, BookMaker will have a multitude of wagering options available for it. Outside of the normal lines, you can gamble on real-time moneylines, player props and inning totals. Live betting is open during every commercial break!
Load your betting bankroll from your smartphone with BookMaker’s new cashier feature! Depositing and withdrawing funds from your account has never been easier. BookMaker's live betting platform means you always have access to odds and lines to every sporting event. Click here and start wagering today! First pitch for the game between the New York Yankees and New York Mets is scheduled for Sunday, September 20, 2015, at 8:05 p.m. ET at Citi Field. The matchup can be seen live on ESPN.
