Four MLB teams are already facing elimination games (including three hosts) as we approach Day 2 of the MLB Wildcard round. Let’s see how sharps have been betting these return engagements so far. I’ll take ‘em in schedule order…
Detroit at Houston
Opening money line of Houston -165 nudged up to -170. It’s assumed that the public is going to bet the must-win home series favorite in the bounce back spot. There may have been some sharps who wanted to lay -165 with a better strikeout pitcher. They got in before the public. But, it’s safer to assume that dog lovers are biding their time to see what they can get with the Tigers. A line this high isn’t justified by team talent or recent form. “Home Field” plus “Must Win” doesn’t add up to that many cents.
Dog lovers that won with Skubal will take what they can get through the process. Maybe +150 is the best it will be. They have time to wait. Looks like some smart money laid -165. But we DIDN’T see a surge to -175 or -180. That would have happened if Houston was a “sharp” play at -170.