Orioles’ Offensive Surge Sparks Excitement
The Baltimore Orioles have been electrifying the diamond with a scoring surge that has fans buzzing. In their last four games, the Orioles have managed to cross the seven-run threshold in three contests, showcasing a potent offense that is finding its stride at a critical juncture of the season.
Central to Baltimore's recent success is outfielder Anthony Santander, a player who has emerged as a pivotal force for the team. Santander's power was on full display in a spectacular victory over the Toronto Blue Jays, where he belted two home runs, further solidifying his status as a key contributor. Currently, Santander boasts an impressive 32 home runs and 75 RBIs, underlining his importance in the Orioles' lineup.
The Orioles' not-so-secret weapon also includes second baseman Jackson Holliday, whose return from Triple-A Norfolk has injected new life into the roster. Holliday has hit four home runs since his return, three of which came in a standout performance against the Blue Jays. His resurgence is a much-needed boost for a team looking to make a deep postseason run.
Pitching Woes for Opponents
While the Orioles are firing on all cylinders, their opponents are facing significant challenges on the mound. The Blue Jays' starter Kevin Gausman has struggled, amassing a record of 9-8 with an ERA of 4.56. Gausman's inconsistency has been a hurdle for Toronto, and it was evident in their recent matchups against Baltimore.
Across the league, other starters have also battled difficulties. Jordan Montgomery, now a member of the Arizona Diamondbacks, holds a record of 7-5 with an inflated ERA of 6.37. Montgomery's recent performances have been particularly troubling, as he has failed to pitch beyond five innings in each of his last four starts, leaving the Diamondbacks' bullpen to pick up the slack.
DFS Insights: McClure’s Picks Pay Off
In the world of daily fantasy sports (DFS), expert Mike McClure continues to prove why his proprietary projection model is one of the best in the business. Simulating each game 10,000 times, McClure's model has provided valuable insights for DFS enthusiasts. On Wednesday, he identified Jesse Winker as a top MLB DFS pick, and Winker delivered, going 3-for-5 with an RBI, amassing 12.5 points on FanDuel and 11 points on DraftKings.
As of Thursday, McClure has shifted his spotlight to Phillies third baseman Alec Bohm, priced at $4,200 on DraftKings and $3,300 on FanDuel. Bohm has been a consistent performer, leading Philadelphia's lineup with 128 hits this season. His current nine-game hitting streak and team-high 78 RBIs make him a strong candidate for DFS lineups.
Aaron Judge: A Consistent Force
The New York Yankees have leaned heavily on their star outfielder Aaron Judge this season, and he has not disappointed. Judge, priced at $5,400 on DraftKings and $3,900 on FanDuel for Thursday, showcased his elite skills once again in the Yankees' 5-2 victory over the Angels on Wednesday. In that game, Judge reached base four times, continuing a remarkable stretch where he batted .431 over his past 20 games.
Judge's plate discipline has also been noteworthy; he has drawn five intentional walks since Saturday, a testament to the respect he commands from opposing pitchers. With 41 home runs this season, Judge leads the MLB, providing the Yankees a consistent and formidable presence in their lineup.
Struggles for the Angels
On the other side of the diamond, the Los Angeles Angels have had their share of pitching struggles. Starter Tyler Anderson has posted a 0-2 record with a 4.18 ERA in his last four starts since July 6. The Angels will need improved performances from their pitching staff if they hope to contend in the highly competitive American League West.
The final stretch of the MLB season promises drama, excitement, and crucial matchups that will determine postseason fate. As the Orioles continue their offensive tear and other teams grapple with challenges, fans can expect a thrilling conclusion to the regular season.