MLB predictions: Yankees and Pirates open season with five-game winning streaks

While the New York Yankees are renowned for their storied history, including 27 World Series victories, it's been over three decades since they've kicked off a Major League Baseball season with a streak of five consecutive wins.

The Yankees' recent victories, all away from home, with the initial four against the Houston Astros, who were just a whisker away from the Yankees in the pre-season odds for the World Series victory.

The Yankees ( +868* for the World Series championship) proceed with their away games this Tuesday, facing a tough battle in Arizona, with Nestor Cortes Jr. pitching against the Diamondbacks' top player, Zac Gallen.

The Yankees' swift start might catch some off guard, but the Pittsburgh Pirates leading the National League Central with a 5-0 streak is downright baffling.

The Pirates managed to clinch two of their initial victories in Miami through extra innings and triumphed in the first game of their Washington series on Monday.

Despite their unexpected lead, the Pirates are still seen as long shots, with odds of +15892* for the World Series win.

BEST MONEY LINE BET

The Colorado Rockies' start to the MLB season hasn't been exactly promising, having been outplayed 37-14 and securing just one victory out of five games.

Kyle Freeland, the Rockies' pitcher for Tuesday, faced a tough game previously, conceding 10 earned runs within just 2 1/3 innings at Arizona.

Despite a commendable performance in the spring and maintaining an ERA+ of 100 or better over four seasons, suggesting his competence as a pitcher, the Rockies are up against a Chicago Cubs team with a 2-2 record, having been outscored by just a run. Javier Assad, facing the Rockies, boasts a 2.99 ERA across 18 career starts but has clinched only five wins in these matches. The game's outcome may well be decided after Assad's exit.

This scenario banks on the Rockies performing better than they have so far, making them appealing underdogs at a favourable price.

Rockies ML (+166*)

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BEST RUN LINE BET

Last year, the Atlanta Braves boasted the most formidable lineup in baseball. This year, with a +147 Weighted Runs Created Plus (wRC+), they once again top the offensive charts in the league, scoring 34 runs in just four games.

The Braves are set to play against the struggling Chicago White Sox, who have an intriguing pitcher starting for them. Garrett Crochet, a 24-year-old left-hander, has shifted from the bullpen to start, allowing just one earned run and achieving eight strikeouts in six innings against the Tigers on Opening Day.

Despite Crochet's potential, the Tigers' lineup pales in comparison to the Braves', who are likely to secure a significant win.

Braves -1.5 (-126*)

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The Boston Red Sox have had a modest start to the season but have shown promise, allowing only eight runs in five games, leading to a 3-2 record. Their impressive early-season pitching gives them an advantage over Oakland.

The Athletics have scored a mere 11 runs in five games, ranking 23rd with a 73 wRC+. The lack of firepower from Oakland, combined with Boston's unexpectedly strong pitching, suggests this match is likely to favor the Under.

Red Sox-Athletics Under 8 (+102*)

BEST PLAYER PROP BET

Cleveland Guardians' top pitcher Shane Bieber started the season with an 11-strikeout game in six innings against Oakland. Last season, Bieber's strikeouts fell to 7.5 per nine innings, the lowest in his career.

The 2020 American League Cy Young awardee is up against the Seattle Mariners, a team struggling with their batting early this season. The Mariners have a strikeout rate of 31.2 percent, the highest in the league so far.

This sets up a favorable scenario for Bieber, suggesting he'll continue to excel in striking out batters in his upcoming game.

Shane Bieber Over 6.5 strikeouts (-126*)

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