Peterson pitches first career shutout

David Peterson lived out a childhood dream Wednesday night at Citi Field. He threw his first career shutout to lead the Mets to a  5-0 victoryover the Washington Nationals. After eight dominant innings and 97 pitches, He tried to avoid eye contact with manager Carlos Mendoza in the dugout. But Mendoza pulled him aside into the tunnel to talk. “Let me finish it,” Peterson insisted  twice. Mendoza relented: “It’s yours.” Peterson made the most of his moment, completing the first Mets shutout by a lefty since 2019 (Steven Matz). He scattered six hits, walked none, and used all five pitches effectively to keep Washington off balance. Now sporting a 2.49 ERA, the 6-foot-6 lefty reflected on the moment:“You dream of doing stuff like this.”

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Denver Broncos Add Evan Engram as Offensive “Joker”

Denver Broncos coach Sean Payton has designated tight end Evan Engram as his offensive “Joker”. Engram, however, prefers to call himself a “cleaner,”. Engram arrives after three seasons with Jacksonville, including a 2023 Pro Bowl appearance. Despite a down 2024 season due to injuries and limited production (365 yards on 47 catches), Engram was quickly pursued by the Broncos after being released by the Jaguars’ new management. Payton sees Engram as the ideal player to invigorate Denver’s tight end position, which struggled last year with veteran Adam Trautman leading. While Engram embraces the “Joker” label, he stresses that earning the role requires hard work, and building trust with the coaches and teammates, including QB Bo (Nix).

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MLB Predictions: Padres vs Brewers Sure Tips

The San Diego Padres and Milwaukee Brewers close out their tightly contested three-game series at American Family Field on Sunday afternoon. Check out our Padres vs Brewers prediction and best bet below.With both teams claiming one win apiece, Game 3 sets up a high-stakes showdown between a proven ace and a young rookie. Betting Preview For Padres vs Brewers Betting On San Diego Padres The Padres had Saturday’s game within reach before Luis Arraez tied it in the ninth, only for Caleb Durbin to walk it off for the Brewers. Despite the setback, San Diego remains a dangerous playoff contender with a balanced lineup and depth in the bullpen. They’ll send rookie Ryan Bergert to the mound for just his second career start, putting pressure on the offense to strike early and often. Bergert has promise, but facing the NL Central leaders on the road is a tall task. The Friars’ lineup, led by Arraez, Fernando Tatis Jr., and Manny Machado, must capitalize against Peralta early before Milwaukee’s elite bullpen takes over. Betting On Milwaukee Brewers The Brew Crew continue to show resilience, winning Saturday’s game on Caleb Durbin’s walk-off homer. They remain in control of the NL Central and send All-Star Freddy Peralta (6-3, 3.41 ERA) to the bump for the rubber match. Peralta has been a strikeout machine and dominates at home. Backed by a bullpen that ranks among MLB’s best, Peralta will aim to neutralize San Diego’s heavy hitters with high heat and pitch sequencing. Milwaukee’s offense is opportunistic, with all contributing RBIs in the comeback win on Saturday. MatchPlug Prediction For Padres vs Brewers The pitching mismatch is clear: Freddy Peralta vs. rookie Ryan Bergert gives the Brewers a decided edge. While the Padres are a quality opponent, Milwaukee should ride their ace to a series-clinching win. Final Prediction: Milwaukee Brewers 

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MLB Predictions: Chicago Cubs vs Detroit Tigers Sure Tips

Two division leaders collide in an interleague showdown on Saturday afternoon as the Chicago Cubs face the Detroit Tigers at Comerica Park. Read on for our expert Cubs vs Tigers prediction and pick. First pitch is set for 1:10 PM EST, and both teams come into this matchup sitting atop their divisions.  Betting Preview For Cubs vs Tigers Betting On Chicago Cubs The Cubs are on fire, having won four of their last five, including a dominant 7-1 win over Washington. Pete Crow-Armstrong is emerging as a legit star, and Ian Happ has been a catalyst in the middle of the order. They’ll send James Taillon (5-3, 3.76 ERA) to the mound. He’s logged eight quality starts in 12 appearances, showing excellent control with a 1.01 WHIP and just 13 walks in 69.1 innings. He may be vulnerable to the long ball (16 HRs allowed), but his ability to eat innings is a major plus. Chicago has also won three of Taillon’s last five starts, and they’ll be looking to build on their 5-game lead in the NL Central. Betting On Detroit Tigers Detroit leads the AL Central by six games but just dropped a tight 3-2 contest in extras to the White Sox. The Tigers have been scrappy all season but lack explosive offense, often relying on small-ball and timely hits. They’ll counter with Keider Montero (2-1, 4.02 ERA), who’s still settling into his rotation role. While he hasn’t allowed many home runs, Montero has struggled with efficiency and hasn’t made it past the 5th inning often. He allowed seven hits in 4.2 shutout innings in his last start but needs to limit base traffic with a 1.46 WHIP. Tigers are 4-1 in his last five starts, but his limited innings put pressure on the bullpen. MatchPlug Prediction For Cubs vs Tigers This is a clash between two solid teams, but the pitching matchup clearly favors the Cubs. Taillon’s consistency and ability to pitch deep gives Chicago a major edge over the less-proven Montero.  Our prediction for Saturday’s clash is a narrow Cubs win, powered by Taillon’s steady arm and a clutch offensive performance from the heart of the lineup. Final Prediction: Chicago Cubs ML (-120)

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MLB Predictions: Diamondbacks vs Cincinnati Reds Sure Tips

It’s the middle game of a three-game weekend series between National League foes as the Arizona Diamondbacks take on the Cincinnati Reds at Great American Ball Park on Saturday afternoon. Read on for our expert Diamondbacks vs Reds prediction and betting breakdown. Both teams are eyeing momentum as they continue to hover around .500.  Betting Preview For Diamondbacks vs Reds Betting On Arizona Diamondbacks The Diamondbacks arrive in Cincinnati riding a four-game win streak, punctuated by a stunning comeback against the Braves in which they scored seven runs in the ninth inning to win 11-10. That kind of resilience shows this team’s offensive depth, with Ketel Marte, Lourdes Gurriel Jr., and Alek Thomas all contributing home runs in that thriller. Despite losing Corbin Burnes to season-ending Tommy John surgery, Arizona’s pitching has held up recently. Ryne Nelson has been excellent in his last three appearances (0.57 ERA) and will take the mound Saturday in search of his third win. Arizona’s offense is dangerous and has scored 31 runs over their last four games. Betting On Cincinnati Reds The Reds have dropped four of their last five and are struggling for consistency, especially on offense. They were held to just four hits in a 9-1 loss to Milwaukee on Wednesday and are averaging only 2.6 runs over their last seven games. Nick Martinez gets the nod for Cincinnati and enters with a 3-6 record and a 3.89 ERA. He was hit hard in his last start vs. the Cubs, giving up five earned runs in under five innings. While he’s been generally solid at home, he’ll need a much sharper outing to hold back a surging Arizona lineup. Cincinnati’s bats, especially Elly De La Cruz and Spencer Steer, need to wake up if the Reds hope to salvage this series. MatchPlug Prediction For Diamondbacks vs Reds Momentum matters in baseball, and right now the Diamondbacks have it. Their lineup is hot, and Ryne Nelson’s current form gives them a pitching edge. Cincinnati, meanwhile, is lacking offense and has been poor at stringing together quality at-bats. Final Prediction: Arizona Diamondbacks ML 

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MLB Predictions Today: Dodgers vs Cardinals Sure Tips

Busch Stadium sets the stage for a Saturday afternoon clash between the Los Angeles Dodgers and St. Louis Cardinals. Read our preview for the Dodgers vs Cardinals game. First pitch is scheduled for 2:15 p.m. ET in what should be a high-intensity matchup featuring two clubs with postseason aspirations. Below is our prediction, betting insights, and sure tips. Betting Preview For Los Angeles Dodgers vs St. Louis Cardinals Betting On Los Angeles Dodgers The Dodgers continue to live up to expectations after last season’s World Series triumph. With a deep lineup and strong rotation, Los Angeles sits atop the NL West, and their offense has consistently delivered. Yoshinobu Yamamoto will start, looking to bounce back from a rocky outing against the Yankees. Despite allowing four runs in 3.2 innings last time out, he’s been excellent overall with a 6-4 record and 2.39 ERA, including a 2.06 ERA in six road starts. The Dodgers’ bats are also heating up, with run totals soaring past totals in many recent games (37-26 O/U on the season). No new injuries are reported, and the Dodgers’ full-strength lineup is loaded with power and experience. Betting On St. Louis Cardinals The Cardinals are still in the thick of the NL Central race, but they enter this contest on a lukewarm 5-5 run over their last 10 games. They’ve dropped two of three to the Royals and now face a far more formidable opponent. Erick Fedde starts for the Cardinals, coming in with a 3-5 record and 3.82 ERA on the season. His 5.20 ERA at Busch Stadium in five home starts is a concern, especially against a potent Dodgers lineup. While he managed a solid six-inning, two-run performance against Texas last time out, Fedde’s inconsistency could haunt St. Louis in this spot. Like LA, the Cardinals have no new injuries, but they’ll need their best effort to keep pace. MatchPlug Prediction For Dodgers vs Cardinals Yamamoto’s impressive road splits and the Dodgers’ offensive firepower give them a clear edge, especially against a St. Louis starter who’s struggled at Busch Stadium.  LA has also dominated recent H2H history, winning 6 of the last 10 against the Cardinals. Final Prediction: Los Angeles Dodgers ML 

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MLB Predictions: Phillies vs Pirates Sure Tips

The battle for Keystone State bragging rights continues on Saturday afternoon as the Philadelphia Phillies face the Pittsburgh Pirates in Game 2 of their three-game set at PNC Park. Catch our Phillies vs. Pirates prediction and best bet below. Both teams are looking to bounce back after rough series losses earlier in the week. Betting Preview For Phillies vs Pirates Betting On Philadelphia Phillies The Phillies are slumping, having lost six of their last seven, including a 9-1 blowout in Toronto. But Ranger Suarez (4-0, 2.72 ERA) offers hope. The lefty has been dominant in recent outings, posting a 0.48 ERA over his last three starts and owns a career 4-0 record with a 2.19 ERA vs. the Pirates. Despite the losing streak, Philly still sits just 1.5 games back in the NL East and has the bats to erupt at any time. Nick Castellanos remains a spark plug, collecting three hits in the latest defeat. Suarez has also been excellent at PNC Park, allowing 0 earned runs over 8 IP in his career there. Betting On Pittsburgh Pirates The Pirates are buried at the bottom of the NL Central and just dropped two of three to Houston. Andrew Heaney (3-4, 3.39 ERA) will try to keep Pittsburgh afloat, but his career 6.08 ERA vs. the Phillies doesn’t inspire much confidence. The Bucs managed just five hits in their last outing and struck out 16 times — a glaring sign of an inconsistent offense that doesn’t back up its pitching. Pittsburgh has lost three of their last four and remains one of the weakest lineups in baseball. Heaney has been serviceable lately but struggles with deep outings and lacks run support. MatchPlug Prediction For Phillies vs Pirates This matchup clearly tilts in the Phillies’ favor thanks to Ranger Suarez’s elite form and a Pittsburgh offense that’s been lifeless. With Philly’s pitching advantage and urgency to rebound in the standings, expect them to take command early and cover the spread. Our prediction for Saturday’s clash is a solid Phillies win. Final Prediction: Philadelphia Phillies -1.5 (-105)

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MLB Predictions Today: Phillies vs Blue Jays Sure Picks

The Philadelphia Phillies and Toronto Blue Jays meet on Thursday afternoon to close out their three-game interleague series at Rogers Centre. With each team claiming a win so far, this rubber match is set to be decisive. Below is our Phillies vs Blue Jays prediction, complete with betting insights. Betting Preview For Philadelphia Phillies vs Toronto Blue Jays Betting On Philadelphia Phillies The Phillies have been one of the most complete teams in the majors this season. They’ve leaned on their power at the plate and strong rotation to post 37 wins. Jesus Luzardo takes the mound with a 5-1 record and a 3.58 ERA, giving Philadelphia a quality edge on the hill. He’s been excellent at suppressing hard contact and could dominate a Blue Jays team that’s struggled with consistency. Offensively, Kyle Schwarber is tearing the cover off the ball with 19 home runs, and Bryce Harper’s return adds even more depth and danger to the lineup. Philadelphia’s offense is hot, and they’ve scored five or more runs in six of their last nine games. Betting On Toronto Blue Jays The Blue Jays have shown flashes but have lacked firepower. George Springer leads with eight home runs, and Vladimir Guerrero Jr. remains a key player who’s yet to fully ignite this season. That said, they’ve managed to keep this series close and have strong home splits. Chris Bassitt (5-3, 3.80 ERA) is a steady veteran presence who can go deep into games, but he’ll need run support, which hasn’t always come easy. Toronto’s offense ranks near the middle of the pack, and that could be a problem against a pitcher like Luzardo. MatchPlug Prediction For Phillies vs Blue Jays This game may start tight, but the Phillies have the offensive edge and the better starter on the mound. Luzardo has been dominant, and with Harper and Schwarber swinging hot bats, expect Philadelphia to take control late. Final Prediction: Philadelphia Phillies Moneyline

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MLB Predictions Today: Cardinals vs Orioles Sure Tips

Wednesday’s MLB action rolls into Oriole Park at Camden Yards as the St. Louis Cardinals and Baltimore Orioles wrap up their three-game interleague series. Read our preview for the Cardinals vs Orioles.  The Orioles took the opener and aim to win the set in front of their home crowd. Read on for our prediction and betting insights. Betting Preview For Cardinals vs Orioles Betting On St. Louis Cardinals The Cardinals saw their three-game winning streak snapped with a quiet night at the plate on Monday, managing just four hits and committing two key defensive errors. St. Louis is still riding a strong May and remains in contention in the NL Central, just behind the Cubs. Miles Mikolas gets the nod, bringing a 4-2 record and 3.51 ERA into his 11th start of the season. He’s been in great form recently, giving up just two earned runs in his last 17.1 innings. While the Cardinals’ offense has been top-10 overall, it has slumped hard against left-handed pitching, hitting just .556 OPS over the past 10 days. Betting On Baltimore Orioles The Orioles may be having a disappointing season overall, but they’ve picked up momentum with a three-game win streak. A key swing by Dylan Carlson powered them past St. Louis in the opener, and they’ll aim to continue riding that wave. Cade Povich starts for Baltimore, carrying a 1-3 record and 4.86 ERA. While his season stats are mediocre, he’s looked sharper lately, allowing only three earned runs over his last 10.2 innings. The Cardinals have never faced Povich, and Baltimore’s offense has performed well against righties recently, logging a .734 OPS over the last 10 days. MatchPlug Prediction For Cardinals vs Orioles The Orioles have the edge here thanks to their current offensive form against right-handers and the Cardinals’ struggles against southpaws. Cade Povich has shown signs of improvement and faces a St. Louis lineup that hasn’t figured out lefties lately. With Baltimore showing fight and home-field advantage, we’re backing the O’s to win the rubber match. Final Prediction: Baltimore Orioles Moneyline (-115)

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MLB Predictions Today: Giants vs Twins Sure Tips

The San Francisco Giants aim to avoid a sweep as they face the surging Minnesota Twins on Sunday afternoon in the series finale at Target Field. Read our preview for the Giants vs Twins.Minnesota has won seven straight games, including the first two of this series, while San Francisco looks to rebound behind one of their promising young arms. First pitch is scheduled for Sunday at 2:10 PM EST. Check out our Giants vs Twins prediction below, and don’t forget to follow MatchPlug for more Free MLB Picks and betting tips. Betting Preview For Giants vs Twins Odds provided by 1XBet Betting On San Francisco Giants San Francisco enters the game with a strong 22-14 record and a notable 22-7 mark against right-handed starters, making them a live underdog here. Their offense has gone cold this series, with just two total runs in the first two games, but they remain dangerous, especially with righty bats like Matt Chapman and Wilmer Flores looking to break out. Rookie starter Landen Roupp gets the nod after an impressive showing against the Angels where he struck out nine over seven innings. His curveball has been his out pitch, and with a developing cutter and changeup, he has the tools to compete with a confident Twins lineup. Betting On Minnesota Twins Minnesota is red-hot with seven consecutive wins and a dominant home record of 14-6. Their pitching has led the way during this stretch, allowing just two runs combined in the first two games against San Francisco. Pablo López starts for the Twins and has been excellent this year, posting a 3–2 record and a sharp 2.18 ERA. He went seven innings of one-run ball in his last outing against Baltimore and will be tasked with keeping the Giants’ righty-heavy lineup in check. MatchPlug Prediction For Giants VS Twins This is a classic value spot. The Twins are rolling, but the Giants have played close games all series and thrive against right-handed pitching. Landen Roupp is ascending, and with the Giants catching +120 odds, the risk-reward angle favors backing San Francisco to snap Minnesota’s streak. Final Prediction: San Francisco Giants Moneyline

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