Prediction: Baltimore Orioles VS New York Yankees 2025-06-21
The Yankees vs. Orioles Showdown: A Tale of Two Teams (and a Lot of Runs)
By The Handicapper with a Taser
The Setup
The New York Yankees (-171) are the bookmakers’ darlings, but the Baltimore Orioles (+2.4) have been the darlings of the American League in recent weeks. After a 14-6 tear in their last 20 games, the O’s are coming off a clutch 5-3 win over the Yanks where RamĂłn UrĂas’ eighth-inning moonshot silenced the Bronx. Meanwhile, the Yankees are 7-1 in their last eight, including a brutal 3-2 loss to the same team they’re now favored against. It’s like watching a soap opera where the protagonist keeps forgetting their lines.
Key Stats to Know
- Yankees: 3rd in MLB in scoring (5.1 R/G), but their pitching staff is leaking oil (10th in ERA).
- Orioles: 23rd in runs scored, but 1st in “clutch heroics” (14-6 in 1-run games).
- Cowser’s Hot Streak: Colton Cowser has homered in three straight games, including a walk-off last week. He’s the kind of player who makes you forget his name five minutes later.
- Judge’s Struggles: Aaron Judge is 0-for-10 in his last three games against Baltimore. The universe is toying with him.
Injuries & Matchup Notes
- The Yankees’ pitching staff is a patchwork quilt. Clarke Schmidt (2.85 ERA) starts for NY, but the Orioles have hit .312 against him in his career.
- The Orioles will counter with Zach Eflin (3.90 ERA), who’s been a mixed bag this season but has a 4.12 ERA in road games.
- Luke Weaver’s return from injury was a disaster last time (3 ER in ⅔ innings), but he’s not starting this one. Phew.
Odds Breakdown
- Moneyline: Yankees -171 (58.8% implied), Orioles +2.4 (41.7% implied).
- Spread: Yankees -1.5 (-110), Orioles +1.5 (-110).
- Total: 9.5 runs (Over -105, Under -105).
The Math of Madness
Let’s calculate the Expected Value (EV) for both teams using the underdog win rate (41%) and the Yankees’ 61.5% favorite win rate.
1. Yankees EV:
- Implied probability: 58.8%
- Actual probability (as favorites): 61.5%
- EV = (0.615 * 100) - (0.385 * 171) = -4.49 (Negative EV).
2. Orioles EV:
- Implied probability: 41.7%
- Historical underdog win rate: 41.9%
- EV = (0.419 * 240) - (0.581 * 100) = +42.46 (Positive EV).
The Verdict
The Orioles are a slightly overvalued underdog (41.7% implied vs. 41.9% historical), but their recent dominance (14-6 in 20 games) and the Yankees’ shaky pitching make this a no-brainer. The Yankees’ 61.5% favorite win rate is also overvalued given their 7-1 slump.
Best Bet: Baltimore Orioles +2.4 (+42.46% EV)
- Why? The Orioles’ offense is hot, the Yankees’ pitching is cold, and the EV is screaming “Bet the underdog!”
- Alternate Play: Over 9.5 Runs (-105) – With Cowser, Judge, and the Yankees’ leaky bullpen, this game could blow the roof off the stadium.
Final Thought
The Yankees are the “favorites,” but favorites don’t win 41% of the time in baseball. The Orioles are the smarter play here, even if they’re not the sexier one. And if you’re betting on the Yankees, may your patience be as long as a reliever’s leash.
“The game is 90% mental and the rest is physical. You need to be 100% mental.” – Babe Ruth (probably).
Created: June 21, 2025, 5:46 a.m. GMT