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Billie Weiss/Boston Red Sox/Getty ImagesThe American League champion Boston Red Sox will host Game 1 of the World Series against the NL champion Los Angeles Dodgers on Tuesday as solid home favorites at sportsbooks after taking four straight from the Houston Astros.The Red Sox took care of the defending World Series champs by sweeping them on the road in three games http://www.philliesfanproshop.com/authentic-scott-kingery-jersey , and they also had the best home record in MLB during the regular season at 57-24.MLB betting line: The Red Sox opened as -136 favorites (wager $136 to win $100); the total is at 7.5 runs, according to sportsbooks monitored by OddsShark. (Line updates and matchup report)MLB betting pick, via OddsShark computer: 5.5-2.1, Dodgers (MLB picks on every game)Check out the OddsShark podcast on iTunes or Spotify or at OddsShark.libsyn.com for more odds information, betting picks and a breakdown of this week鈥檚 top sports betting news.Why the Dodgers can pay on the MLB linesThe Dodgers showed a lot of poise and character in overcoming a 2-1 deficit versus the Milwaukee Brewers in the NL Championship Series and winning Game 7 on the road. That put Los Angeles back in the World Series again this year despite some bumps along the way dating back to the middle of May when they were 10 games under the .500 mark at 16-26.Now Los Angeles will send ace Clayton Kershaw to the mound (9-5, 2.73 ERA) in the series opener at Fenway Park even though he has continued to be up-and-down in the playoffs throughout his career. Why the Red Sox can pay on the MLB linesBoston is hoping ace Chris Sale (12-4 Odubel Herrera Jersey , 2.11 ERA) can overcome a rough start in Game 1 of the ALCS on October 13 when he gave up two runs in four innings with four walks and five strikeouts in an eventual 7-2 loss to Houston.The good news is that the 29-year-old only allowed one hit to the Astros, and he is over the stomach illness that reportedly plagued him that weekend. This is exactly why the Red Sox traded for Sale two years ago, to get back to the World Series and have a legitimate ace who can dominate.Smart betting pickThis will likely be a long series between two great teams where managing could well be the difference. How Los Angeles' Dave Roberts and Boston's Alex Cora handle their respective lineups and pitchers will be the key, starting right away in Game 1.Both teams have shown the ability to rebound from adversity, so the loser of this game is not out of it by any means. But Game 1 is more critical for Sale, who must prove he can pitch in the spotlight. The Red Sox have won seven of the past 10 meetings with the Dodgers http://www.philliesfanproshop.com/authentic-jorge-alfaro-jersey , according to the OddsShark MLB Database, so they are the play here.MLB betting trendsBoston is 6-1 in its last seven games.The total has gone over in four of Boston's last five games.Los Angeles is 3-7 in its last 10 games when playing Boston.All MLB odds and betting trends according to Bleacher Report's official odds partner, OddsShark. Check out OddsShark on Twitter and Instagram or head to YouTube for more betting picks and analysis on this week's top games. You can also download the free odds tracker app. New York Yankees pitcher Sonny Gray has drawn interest from teams ahead of the trade deadline but is reportedly unlikely to be traded.Jon Heyman of FanCred reported the Yankees' "main interest is in adding to rotation, not subtracting from it."Gray, 28, has been the subject of scorn all season from Yankees fans due to his poor performance. He's 7-7 with a 5.34 ERA and 1.49 WHIP Josh Bell Jersey , clearly struggling with the brighter New York spotlight.The Yankees are likely encouraged by his last two starts, both wins in which he allowed just three runs (two earned) over 11.1 innings of work. Equipped with perhaps the best lineup in baseball, the Yankees don't need Gray to do much; they just need him to get into quality start territory before turning the ball over to the bullpen."You go through things at times and it's how you respond," Gray saidtold reporters. "I feel like I'm a realistic person, I can read the writing on the wall. I feel like I'm somewhat of a smart guy. I'm not a baseball player. I'm a human being that plays baseball."It's the old cliche: The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results," he added. "When I say I'm learning to flush it and go to the next hitter http://www.piratesfanproshop.com/authentic-sean-rodriguez-jersey , I'm not letting things get to me."You have to learn to control it within the game, and that is very challenging."Odds are the Yankees will trade for another starter to lessen the burden onLuis Severinoand the aging CC Sabathia.Gray, who was supposed to be that fortifying rotation piece when he was acquired a year ago from the Oakland Athletics, could find himself on the outside of the rotation looking in if he struggles in the second half. But based on the reporting here, it doesn't appear the Yankees are prepared to give up on him just yet.