2021 MLB Playoffs: ALDS Game 1 - Boston Red Sox vs. Tampa Bay Rays: Betting Picks: Thursday October 7, 2021

The Red Sox are still riding high after their Tuesday night Wild Card victory over their bitter rivals, New York - but they'll need to lock in again as they come up against one of the strongest teams in baseball in Tampa Bay for this Division Series.

Game 1 of the 2021 American League Division Series takes place on Thursday October 7, 2021, between the Boston Red Sox and Tampa Bay Rays. As we do with every game, we've simulated this game 10,000 times to determine where the value lies for baseball bettors across the United States.

With MLB betting picks, probabilities, odds and predicted scores featured each and every day, check out our top plays for Thursday's MLB game by reading this article.

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Free MLB Picks For Thursday October 7, 2021

Red Sox vs. Rays

BEST BET: Total runs UNDER 7.5 with BetRivers (-115)

The Red Sox were able to find some form at the right time with a resounding victory over the Yankees at Fenway on Tuesday, but it's going to be a whole different beast coming up against the Rays. One thing on their side is that they've got some starting pitchers who are in form - including Game 1's ace, Eduardo Rodriguez. The left-hander has been efficient, giving up a 2.51 ERA over his last three starts despite allowing around 10 hits per nine innings pitched which is also a testament to this Boston outfield, too. 

Tampa Bay are well rested and are leading off with their big guns on the mound as well, sending out Shane McClanahan. The Red Sox have found things tough against left-handed pitching in their last ten games, averaging just 3.50 runs per nine inning. Additionally, the Rays have conceded no more than four runs in each of their last ten, making them a defensive powerhouse. Already this postseason we've seen some really tough, tense baseball and that looks like continuing with this series opener.

BEST PROP: Shane McClanahan OVER 4.5 Strikeouts with BetRivers (+100)

Given Boston's struggles against lefites and McClanahan's efficiency as of late, there's every chance the Rays could get a decent amount of innings out of their star man, making this spot perfect for a double up of your stake. In games where McClanahan has pitched five innings or more this season (18 times), he has hit this mark 72% of the time. In his two appearances against the Sox this year, he has notched seven and eight Ks respectively - the most recent of those just a month ago.

MORE: Red Sox vs. Rays simulator

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MLB Same Game Parlay For Thursday, October 7, 2021

🔥 Total runs UNDER 7.5
🔥 McClanahan o4.5 Strikeouts
🔥 Rays -1.5

Parlay Odds +797

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