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Later tonight, the Yankees will host the Athletics in the American League Wild Card Game. The winner advances to the ALDS for a match with Boston, while the loser goes home for the winter. Although the two teams boast excellent records, finishing with 100 and 97 wins, respectively, evaluators like the Bombers’ odds.
According to ESPN, the Yankees are the favorites to win the Wild Card Game by 1.5 runs. They set the over/under at 8.5 runs, predicting a slugfest in the Bronx. This isn’t too surprising. The Yankees finished the season with a league-leading 111 wRC+, breaking the single-season team home run record in the process. The A’s finished right behind them though, at a 110 wRC+. Just think about it. Giancarlo Stanton, Aaron Judge, and Khris Davis will all hit inside the friendly confines of Yankee Stadium tonight. This game has the potential to turn into a home-run derby real fast.
I know that our community would probably appreciate it if the Yankees lived up to expectations early on. Putting a few runs on the board in the first few innings would certainly lower the stress levels involved with a one-game playoff. The odds favor the Bombers, so let’s hope they deliver.