MIT Simulator - MLB Friday Dodgers @ Astros Winner
MIT Simulator Score - Los Angeles 5.18, Houston 5.17 - Projected Total Runs: 10.35 - Current O/U: 8 - Variance to O/U: 2.35 - MIT Simulator shows Edge Factor of 2.35 runs. Value in excess of 2 runs. Projected box-score shows Dodgers and Astros combining for 20.02 hits. Key factors noted: Roof will be closed in Houston for this one due to cool weather outside unlike the hot weather in Los Angeles. Ball carries well when roof is closed at Minute Maid Park and it will also make for a great atmosphere with crowd noise. Expecting a lively contest here after the dramatic home run infused extra innings affair in Game 2 Wednesday. Friday's match-up features Yu Darvish and Lance McCullers. Darvish has a 4.11 ERA in his last 46 innings versus the Astros. Solid but not spectacular and the Astros are riding high coming home after the very exciting Game 2 win. McCullers went 0-3 in his 7 starts from July onward in the regular season with an 8.53 ERA in those 7 outings. He did pitch well versus the Yankees in the post-season but the Dodgers hitters who have experience against him have, for the most part, been very successful. This is not as good of a match-up for McCullers as the Yankees were. Also, the Astros weakness is their bullpen and McCullers not known for pitching deep into games. Projected box-score shows Dodgers and Astros combining for 5.89 extra base hits. Combination of hits (including extra base hits) equating to 10.35 runs per MIT Simulator. Play: OVER