MLB Postseason Predictions: Day 2

Picks went 3-1 on Postseason Day 1

2:32 PM ET - Detroit Tigers at Houston Astros

DET Starter: Tyler Holton 7-2, 2.19 ERA, 77 K

HOU Starter: Hunter Brown 11-9, 3.49 ERA, 179 K

I am going right back to the well and predicting another under in this series. The Tigers are going to utilize their bullpen in this game, which should limit Houston's offensive output by throwing off hitters' rhythm. They could see something different every at bat, and Detroit will not hesitate to turn to the next arm if any of their pitchers runs into trouble. On Houston's side, I like Hunter Brown. He has been very sharp over the past couple of months. And, on sort of the same line of thinking, with Houston facing elimination, I think manager Joe Espada will act quickly if Brown gets into a jam. I think we will see another tight game with baserunners coming at a premium.

Pick: Under 7.5 Total Runs (-115)

Score Prediction: Astros 3 Tigers 2

4:38 PM ET - Kansas City Royals at Baltimore Orioles

KC Starter: Seth Lugo 16-9, 3.00 ERA, 181 K

BAL Starter: Zach Eflin 10-9, 3.59 ERA, 134 K

I think the pressure on the Orioles is mounting. They've lost nine straight postseason games, and their bats never made an impact yesterday afternoon. Going up against Seth Lugo and an effective Kansas City bullpen, I do not see them staving off elimination. Just like the NFL Playoffs, expect the Kansas City team to send the Baltimore team packing. I see the Royals winning this one.

Pick: Royals Moneyline (+125)

Score Prediction: Royals 5 Orioles 3

7:38 PM ET - New York Mets at Milwaukee Brewers

NYM Starter: Sean Manaea 12-6, 3.47 ERA, 184 K

MIL Starter: Frankie Montas 7-11, 4.84 ERA, 148 K

I wonder how Oakland A's fans feel about this one. Their team is moving away, and here two of their former pitchers are facing off in a pivotal playoff game. I am going to pick the Mets' offense to keep rolling. I just do not trust Montas on the mound for Milwaukee. Expect the Mets to score early and potentially shock the world with an easy sweep of one of the NL's best teams on their home field.

Pick: Mets Team Total Over 3.5 (-130)

Score Prediction: Mets 5 Brewers 1

8:38 PM ET - Atlanta Braves at San Diego Padres

ATL Starter: Max Fried 11-10, 3.25 ERA, 166 K

SD Starter: Joe Musgrove 6-5, 3.88 ERA, 101 K

This is definitely my favorite game of the day. The shorthanded Braves have their backs against the wall, on the road, with their best available pitcher on the mound. I envision a close, exciting game with Atlanta earning the win to stay alive for a Game 3. I think some of Atlanta's key bats like Ozzie Albies and Matt Olson can beat Musgrove for a couple of runs, and Fried will hold up his end of the bargain by quieting the Padres' potent offense.

Pick: Braves Moneyline (+100)

Score Prediction: Braves 6 Padres 4