By Albert Anderson

Session 5 is still going on as I write this but session 6 has begun already. If the final game ends as it currently stands I will be 3-3 on the session and 9-3 overall in predictions and I have yet to get a score exactly right. But let us get to the predictions.

Baltimore Orioles (1-4) at Atlanta Braves (4-1)

This game features an underrated Braves squaring off against the Orioles coming off their first win. The Braves have quietly racked up a 4-1 record on the season but I don’t think they will be able to avoid the spotlight for too much longer. The Orioles were able so squeak by the Blue Jays in an offensive game 6-5 but I am just not sure they have what it takes to match the Braves in this one.

My Prediction: Braves 5-3

Arizona Diamondbacks (2-3) at Detroit Tigers (3-2)

This is an interesting matchup to me as the D’Backs has been underperforming all season and the Tigers have had a fairly easy schedule so far. D’Backs were held scoreless against Minnesota in the last session but I don’t see that happening again as they are one of the best hitting teams in the league. The Tigers are close in team batting average and seem to be able to get more people across the plate when it matters, but are currently on a 2-game losing streak.

My Prediction: Diamondbacks 4-1

Washington Nationals (4-1) at Pittsburgh Pirates (3-1*)

This is the game of the session for me it looks like the Pirates will be 4-1 after session 5 comes to an end and Washington is coming off their first loss. Pirates have put up some good offensive numbers recently and the Nationals have consistently put up big numbers and both feature some solid pitching. This looks to be a statement game for Pittsburgh to see if they can hang with the best the NL has to offer.

My Prediction: Nationals 6-4

Minnesota Twins (1-4) at Houston Astros (2-2*)

Minnesota got its first win last session against what many consider an underperforming Arizona team. Hudson Quin came in as relief instead of starting like he is used to and that may be a recipe for success for the Twins. On the other side is a struggling Astros team that really needs a win and even though both team’s records are sub 500 currently this looks like it could be a good game.

My Prediction: Twins 3-2

New York Mets (1-4) at Oakland Athletics (3-2)

This game features the New York Mets coming off their first win against Oakland who lost a close one in session 5. Sonny Streaker has been unimpressive for the most part this season and he didn’t look much better in the last session in which he gave up 4 runs and his offense carried him to a win. The Mets scoring 6 runs seems like an anomaly this season too. Meanwhile Oakland is dealing with a GM change which saw their second-best hitter in Rick Gymnast becoming GM and former GM who is now going by Grey Goose McGillicuddy took Rick’s spot in CF. Oakland really needs someone to step it up other than Caleb VanVacter in the batter’s box if they want to win games.

My Prediction: Athletics 5-2

Toronto Blue Jays (1-4) at Philadelphia Phillies (4-1)

This game features one of the hottest teams in the MLR right now, the Phillies, playing a slumping Toronto team. Right now, the game is in the bottom of the 1st and the Blue Jays put up 3 in the top of the frame. I think that this is a very important game for the Jays and that will motivate them to win this one over the red-hot Phillies.

My Prediction: Blue Jays 7-2