By Albert Anderson

09/22/2017

Session 4 is already underway but I wanted to get my thoughts and predictions into the open and when this session completes I will have a detailed power rankings.

Detroit Tigers (3-0) at Philadelphia Phillies (2-1)

This matchup features 2 of the most prolific offenses in the MLR and I wouldn’t be surprised to see the highest scoring game in MLR history in this one. Big Tuna has been dealing in the first 3 sessions allowing a total of 3 runs in those games, but this is Detroit’s first real test on the season as the combined record of their previous 3 opponents is 0-9. Phillies on the other hand have had 1 real test this season so far in the now Oakland Athletics in which the Phillies lost the combined record of the Phillies opponents is 2-7.

My prediction: Phillies win 5-3

Atlanta Braves (2-1) at Houston Astros (2-1)

This is my pick for game of the week the Atlanta Braves come into this game under the radar to a lot of people and come into the game right in the middle of the pack with the 6th best team batting average of .271 while Houston comes in with the 8th best at .247 average. Both teams have some possible star power on the team in Buck Cheeks for the Astros and Cal Tiberius Jr or Forrest Gleeson on the Braves side. I think the underrated braves pull this one off.

My Prediction: Braves 4-1

Pittsburgh Pirates (2-1) at New York Mets (0-3)

This game features two of the loudest teams in MLR in social media presence but only one of them has been able to produce any results this could be due to the anemic pitching of former New York Met Hudson Quin now with the Minnesota Twins in a trade that featured two extremely underperforming pitchers get swapped. Hopefully the change of scenery will help both of them out. I don’t expect a lot of offense in this game as both have struggled on the season.

My Prediction: Pirates 3-1

Oakland Athletics (2-1) at Minnesota Twins (0-3)

This one features your hometown Oakland Athletics traveling to the Canada touchers that are the Minnesota Twins. I don’t see any way that the Twins can win this game they are out matched in every level. The Twins offense has managed just 4 runs on the season MVP Front runner Caleb VanVacter has scored that many runs himself. Sal Shark has a respectable 2.33 ERA over 18 innings, while the Twins pitcher has an ERA that will make you have to adjust column size to see the whole thing. I can see a breakout game happening for one of the other Athletics this game, keep an eye on Graham Othrie and Kid Notcher.

My Prediction: Oakland Athletics 5-2

Washington Nationals (3-0) at Baltimore Orioles (0-3)

This is another game that I only see ending one way and that is with a Nationals win. I think if the Orioles can keep this one close they should count it as a victory in the club house. Nationals have had a high powered offense all season and have the top team average at .378 and it doesn’t seem to be slowing down. I am excited to see the future for the Orioles though as they seem to be the best team at 0-3 currently and I believe when this team starts to click it will be a scary team.

My Prediction: Nationals 4-3

Arizona Diamondbacks (1-2) at Toronto Blue Jays (1-2)

The final game of session 4 features 2 solid teams that are having a lot of players perform well in games but they just can’t seem to do it at the same time. S.A.R. Dinka has been struggling on the mound this year while the Diamondbacks just keep coming up short despite consistently putting runs on the board. The Diamondbacks also have the 2nd best team batting average at .375, combine that with Dinka’s woes on the mound this season I see a D’Backs win.

My Prediction: Diamondbacks 6-2

Remember to be on the lookout for my power rankings following session 4.