Raymond Report: Sunday, September 22nd, 2024 – MLB Preview & Recap

As the MLB regular season winds down, playoff spots are still up for grabs, and every game matters. Sunday's matchups are pivotal for several teams, while others look to finish strong or play spoiler. Here’s a breakdown of today’s key games and a recap of Saturday’s results.

Pittsburgh Pirates vs. Cincinnati Reds

• Time: 1:10 PM ET
• Venue: Great American Ball Park
• Odds: Pirates (-113) vs. Reds (-113), Total: 8

Pirates Recap: Pittsburgh took a 7-1 loss against Cincinnati yesterday, and they will try to regroup today with Paul Skenes on the mound. The Pirates are 72-83 SU and 3-7 SU in their last 10 games, currently in a bearish Value Index Cycle (VIC).

Reds Recap: Cincinnati handled business yesterday, winning 7-1, as Hunter Greene takes the mound today. The Reds sit at 76-80 SU and are looking to end the season on a strong note. They are neutral in the VIC and have split their last 10 games.

Raymond Report Prediction: The Reds have the momentum and edge in pitching today with Hunter Greene. Look for Cincinnati to capitalize on their home-field advantage.

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Detroit Tigers vs. Baltimore Orioles

• Time: 1:35 PM ET
• Venue: Oriole Park at Camden Yards
• Odds: Tigers (+120) vs. Orioles (-138), Total: 8.5

Tigers Recap: Detroit impressed with a 6-4 victory over the Orioles yesterday, improving their record to 81-74 SU. Casey Mize will be on the mound as the Tigers, riding a 7-3 SU streak, remain bullish in their VIC.

Orioles Recap: Baltimore struggled in yesterday’s game, losing to Detroit. With Albert Suarez pitching today, they’ll look to reverse their fortunes. The Orioles, now 86-69 SU, have gone 4-6 SU in their last 10 games and are in a neutral VIC.

Raymond Report Prediction: The Tigers present good value as underdogs, but the Orioles are capable of bouncing back at home, making this a closely contested game.

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Minnesota Twins vs. Boston Red Sox

• Time: 1:35 PM ET
• Venue: Fenway Park
• Odds: Twins (-126) vs. Red Sox (+110), Total: 7.5

Twins and Red Sox Recap: Yesterday’s game between Minnesota and Boston was rained out, leaving both teams rested and ready for today’s matchup. The Twins, with Pablo Lopez on the mound, will look to improve their 81-73 SU record. The Red Sox, sitting at 76-78 SU, need a win to avoid further slipping in the standings, but they’ve been bearish in their VIC.

Raymond Report Prediction: Minnesota has the pitching edge with Pablo Lopez, while Boston is trying to snap a two-game skid. Look for the Twins to take advantage of the Red Sox's struggles.

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Atlanta Braves vs. Miami Marlins

• Time: 1:40 PM ET
• Venue: Marlins Park
• Odds: Braves (-174) vs. Marlins (+160), Total: 9

Braves Recap: Atlanta powered past the Marlins 6-2 yesterday, bringing their record to 84-71 SU. Grant Holmes gets the start as the Braves aim to continue their solid form, despite being neutral in the VIC.

Marlins Recap: Miami continues to falter, dropping to 57-98 SU with their loss yesterday. Darren McCaughan will pitch today as they look to avoid being swept at home, but their bearish VIC makes this a tough ask.

Raymond Report Prediction: Atlanta should have little trouble dispatching the Marlins again, making them a strong play today.

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Saturday's Recap

• Pirates 1, Reds 7: Cincinnati’s offense erupted as they cruised to a 7-1 victory over Pittsburgh.
• Tigers 6, Orioles 4: Detroit continues to shine late in the season, notching another win over Baltimore.
• Braves 6, Marlins 2: Atlanta showed their class with a comfortable win over Miami.
• Yankees 10, Athletics 0: New York completely dominated the Athletics, posting a 10-0 shutout.
• Phillies 3, Mets 6: The Mets kept their playoff hopes alive with a critical win over Philadelphia.

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Final Thoughts

As the season wraps up, every game becomes more important for teams chasing playoff spots. Keep an eye on today’s matchups, especially teams like Cincinnati and Detroit, who present value in key spots. As always, check the Raymond Report for your daily insights and best bets!

Good luck with your picks!