Tarik Skubal is set to take the mound against the Houston Astros in Game 1 of the AL Wild Card Series, and there's a compelling case for him to go over 5.5 strikeouts. Skubal has been a standout performer this season, boasting an impressive 18-4 record with a 2.39 ERA and 228 strikeouts over 192 innings. His ability to dominate on the mound is underscored by his league leading strikeout numbers and a WHIP of just 0.92. Skubal has also gone over the 5.5 K line in 9 of his last 10 games!

Historically, Skubal has shown effectiveness against the Astros. In his career, he has racked up 27 strikeouts over four games against Houston, with a solid ERA of 3.16. His past performances include outings with 9 strikeouts in two separate games against the Astros, indicating his capability to string together strikeouts against this lineup.

The Astros, while a formidable team, have had their struggles this season, particularly early on. Their lineup, though potent, has shown vulnerabilities. Skubal's ability to mix his pitches and keep batters off balance will be crucial in exploiting these weaknesses.

The narrative surrounding this matchup adds an extra layer of intrigue. Skubal is not only pitching for a long anticipated Tigers playoff win but also for personal redemption and to solidify his status as one of the best pitchers in the game. The Tigers' unexpected playoff run, fueled by Skubal's stellar second half performance, sets the stage for a high stakes postseason showdown.

Given Skubal's track record against the Astros, his current dominant form, and the high stakes of the playoff setting, betting on him to exceed 5.5 strikeouts is the absolute smart play. Let’s lock this up and get that DUB!

Pick: Tarik Skubal OVER 5.5 Strikeouts 

JP👊🏾🤑