By Betonline.com

MLB Playoff Betting – Wednesday Picks

MLB playoff odds are posted and it’s time to start wagering on the road to the Fall Classic. The postseason starts Wednesday; time to make some baseball picks.

Colorado Rockies @ Philadelphia Phillies
Ubaldo Jimenez (15-12, 3.47) vs Cole Hamels (10-11, 4.32)
Game 1: Wednesday, October 7, 2:37 p.m. ET
Sports book odds: Rockies +113, Phillies -133

The defending World Series champion Phillies are favorites at home in Game 1 — but not by much. That’s probably because the numbers don’t favor Phillies ace Cole Hamels. He got rocked for seven runs and 11 hits over 3.1 innings in his lone start against Colorado this season. He was also a bizarre 0-6 in day games with a 5.44 ERA and .326 opponents’ average. Interestingly, Hamels’ day-game woes may be a trend, as his career day-game ERA is 4.66 versus 3.27 at night. That said, Hamels is a proven playoff hero; he went 4-0 with a 1.80 ERA during last season’s title run, so it’s still risky to bet against him.

Colorado’s Ubaldo Jimenez, the majors’ hardest-throwing starter, certainly carries more momentum entering Game 1. He went 9-3 after the All-Star break and was a crucial contributor to the Rockies’ success this season. While he has an 8.10 ERA in two career starts at Philadelphia, it’s hard to assess the value of that stat since he really came into his own this season and didn’t face the Phillies. Two years ago, he pitched great for Colorado in the playoffs (2.25 ERA over three starts), so he’s a worthy counterpart to Hamels.

The matchup is a real coin toss but, since each guy has a strong playoff track record, I’d go with Jimenez. Hamels hasn’t quite been himself all season and it’s hard to ignore his day-game struggles. Use that information as your tiebreaker and pick the Rockies to steal Game 1.

Best betting management pick: Rockies +113

Please click HERE to ensure that you are eligible for all BETONLINE offers