Diamondbacks To Go 2 of 2 Against Mets on Tuesday
Who: Arizona Diamondbacks v. New York Mets
When: Tuesday August 22nd, 2017 7:10PM EST
Where: Citi Field—New York, New York
The Mets and the Diamondbacks are two drastically different teams, but you wouldn’t have realized this if you tuned into Monday night’s series opener. The low-scoring affair saw the game tied after 9 innings, but it did not take too much longer than that for the game to be decided. A homer in the top of the 10th put the D-Backs in front, and the rest was history. For the Mets, what happened on Tuesday was a microcosm for their entire season. Their inability to close out close games has resulted in countless losses, the likes of which will likely prevent them from making a post-season appearance in this campaign.
If the Mets had any lingering hopes of making the playoffs a week and a half ago, they might have just flown out the window once and for all. The reason for this being that the Mets have gone 2-8 over their last ten games. What’s more, they posted that dismal run against weaker teams like the Marlins and Phillies. Add a 4-game sweep at the hands of the New York Yankees, and the Mets look to be just about as far from a playoff contender as they have looked all season long.
The Diamondbacks have struggled a bit over the last week or so as well, but at more than 3 games ahead of the nearest Wild Card team, the D-Backs have a bit more margin for error than the Mets. With that being said, the duration of this series is being viewed as must-wins for the Diamondbacks as the Mets are, really, a team they should be beating. If last night was any indication, however, the next few games are going to be worth the watch.
Game Overview and Analysis
Starting on the mound for the Diamondbacks (-170) will be Patrick Corbin (10-11 4.25 ERA). The 4-year veteran may have a losing record and an ERA that is creeping up closer to 5, he has been on a tear over his last few starts. In fact, his previous 2 starts were both wins, and in both games Corbin was not responsible for any of the runs scored. While it may be far-fetched to expect him to throw another shutout, Corbin seems to be playing his best baseball at the moment.
What worries me heading into tonight is what has not really worried me with the Diamondbacks all year long. Last night saw the Diamondbacks struggle to get runs on the board, and that was unusual. If they have the same problems on Tuesday night the game might be yet another close one, but if the Diamondbacks can do what they have done all year and get runs across the plate, they should have no problems winning this game, and winning it easily.
For the Mets (+145), Tommy Milone (1-2 7.91 ERA) will be making the start. To find Milone’s last action, you have to go all the way back to the end of May because he has been sidelined with a hamstring problem. While it wouldn’t be fair to judge MIlone on what happened prior to his return from injury, it is worth mentioning that his most recent outing is one that left a lot to be desired. To make a long story short, Milone gave up 7 earned runs in a little over 1 whole inning pitched. You would have to look far and wide to find a pitcher who has emitted a performance worse than that this year.
Hopefully his recovery went smoothly, but that is something we will really only find out when he takes the mound. Regardless of how well or poorly Milone does, there is no doubt in my mind that he will need at least some offensive help, of which is difficult to come by for the Mets and has been all season long.
Betting Prediction
Considering Corbin’s performances over his last 2 starts, I think there is no choice but to take the Diamondback’s moneyline in this one. Corbine’ strength combined with the fact that Diamondbacks’ hitters will be facing off against a pitcher who has been on the DL since May gives me a lot of reason to hammer the Diamondbacks, even if they are listed at -170 odds.
The Diamondbacks are listed on the point spread by Bovada as -1.5 runs favorites (-110), and I also think this is a bet you should make. Though the D-Backs did not cover this spread Monday night, I think Tuesday is going to be an entirely different story. I think the Diamondbacks’ bats will hit Milone all over the park and ultimately earn their team a win.
The over/under is listed at an even 9 runs (-115/-105), but I am staying away from that one tonight. In my mind, this game can just as easily go over as it can stay under, so it is truly a toss-up.