MLB predictions, picks, best bets for Mets vs. Brewers: Why Jackson Chourio can shine again in decisive Game 3

On each of the last two days, I recommended everyone prepare for multiple screens to ensure maximum visibility in the MLB playoffs. That won't be a problem on Thursday as three teams weren't cooperative enough to force Game 3. The Brewers came through late Wednesday, ensuring we won't have a day without baseball just two days into the playoffs. Kudos to her.

Unfortunately, this ruined my game here at Best Bets. The Mets won this game. Of course that was my only mistake. I was six outs away from a 4-0 day. As it turns out, we're happy to take the 3-1 win and are 6-3 in the playoffs so far. Not too shabby.

Let's keep the good vibes going.

LHP Jose Quintana versus RHP Tobias Myers

The Mets defeated the Brewers in Game 1 of the Wild Card Series, right on the heels of their stunning comeback in Game 1 of Monday's doubleheader, which was essentially a play-in day. In Game 2 of the WCS, they had a 3-1 lead through two innings, but the offense couldn't get going and it cost them dearly. The Brewers stormed back with a three-run eighth inning to win the game and force a winner-take-all Game 3.

Since there is only one game, let's go a little deeper into the pitching.

On the Brewers side, Myers had an excellent rookie year. He hasn't gone more than four innings in his last three games, and it's possible manager Pat Murphy has an equally quick hook in this one, too. Myers saw the Mets just last Saturday and allowed just one hit in four scoreless innings. Have they seen enough of him to be able to see him better now after the quick turnaround? It's hard to say.

All important aids have worked so far. Joel Payamps pitched twice and was worked off, while Aaron Ashby was poor in his outing. Trevor Megill and Devin Williams were brilliant in Game 2 and should provide backup in Game 3. Williams hasn't pitched multiple innings in an outing all season, but last night he threw just 10 pitches, moving up to 32 this season. If the Brewers find themselves in a desperate situation, he can certainly go two innings.

On the Mets' side, they are more compromised, although starter Quintana has the same balance of Myers. Quintana went 4 1/3 innings and allowed two runs on five hits, although he had nine strikeouts. Given that the Brewers have already done well on offense and have the quick turnaround, he probably won't do much for them. The Mets' bullpen as a whole is not a strength and Phil Maton – their No. 2 reliever – was shelled in his inning in Game 2. Edwin Díaz had a heavy workload on Sunday and Monday but has yet to make a pitch in the series. He's certainly available for two innings, but that can be a roller coaster ride.

The piece: Brewer -130

It really feels like the Mets had to get the last six outs in Game 2. I could be wrong, of course, since these playoff games are so often crapshoots – except for the Braves-Padres series, where the betting going 2-0 felt like free money. I've heard the opinion that playoff games are so unpredictable that we should always just grab the plus money, but I have a pretty strong opinion on the Brewers here. I had it in three games before the series and shouldn't have deviated from it in Game 2. That was my mistake. I won't be able to do it again.

I have another one.

The piece: Jackson Chourio, over 1.5 hits + runs + RBI (-130)

When Christian Yelich went down, the Brewers lost their superstar. But they also simply replaced it with a new one. Happy coincidence? No, they planned for Chourio to happen. He signed an eight-year contract last spring before even seeing an MLB spot. He struggled in the first half of the season and who can blame him? He's only 20. However, in the second half, Chourio hit .310/.363/.552 with 17 doubles, four triples, 12 home runs, 44 RBI, 39 runs scored and 12 steals in 63 games (61 starts).

He scored two goals in each of his first two career playoff games. In games combined, he is 4-of-8 with three runs and three RBI. He became the first Brewers player ever with a two-homer playoff game.

I'm using the momentum for Game 3. He's in a comfortable lineup position to score runs since he's the leader. All he needs is a single, steal and score in one of his four or five plate appearances. He could take care of this prop alone with another Homer. He could put someone at the bottom of the Brewers' very capable batting order in their place.

There are many ways to win this game. We need him to keep us from running and getting stranded, but at this point in his career he rarely goes for walks. Swing away, boy, swing away.