The defending World Series champion New York Yankees open up the playoffs on the road on Wednesday but they are favored at Minnesota on Wednesday in baseball wagering because CC Sabathia is on the mound.
The Yankees have dominated the Twins in the postseason and they are favored again in MLB wagering in this series but unlike past years, this time the Twins have the home field advantage.
The matchup on Wednesday in Game 1 that can be seen on TBS is an interesting one. Sabathia is the New York ace and he goes up against Minnesota’s Francisco Liriano. The Yankees are favored but the Twins could get some action in this game because they are at home.
All Yankees – The Yankees have owned the Twins in the playoffs. The teams met last year and New York swept away Minnesota in three games. In fact, the Yankees have simply had the Twins number pretty much everywhere. They are 63-20 against the Twins since 2002. They are 9-2 against them in the playoffs including last year’s sweep.
Sabathia Must Win – If the Yankees are to win this series then they simply have to win Game 1. The Twins have the edge in pitching depth and if they get the win in Game 1 against the New York ace they would then have Carl Pavano and Brian Duensing against Phil Hughes and Andy Pettitte. You might think that Hughes and Pettitte would have the edge but neither has pitched well lately. If Sabathia doesn’t carry the Yankees to a Game 1 victory then New York is in real trouble.
Low Total – The total in this game at Sbgglobal is listed at seven. That might be too low considering the Yankees led the league in scoring. The Twins can hit as well with players like Joe Mauer and Delmon Young.
The Yankees went 3-8 in their last 11 games while the Twins went 2-8 in their last 10 games. Which team will turn things around and play well on Wednesday night? The Yankees are a -135 favorite in baseball wagering and the total on the game is 7. The Yankees are 10-1 in their last 11 playoff games as a favorite but caution should be advised as they are 0-9 in their last 9 games vs. a left-handed starter.