Caleb Wilfinger
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With more than a dozen MLB games taking place each day, one of the quickest bets you can make is if a run will be scored in the first inning. There is value to be had and this market has become very popular over time. If you don’t like sweating out your bets for 3 hours, this one will only take about 15 minutes.
Before we dive in, don’t forget to check out our free picks on the side and total for every MLB game.
There are 2 NRFI/YRFI bets I like on Friday, so let’s get right into it.
Colorado Rockies vs Arizona Diamondbacks: YRFI (-113)
Odds available at FanDuel Sportsbook at time of publishing.
This NL West matchup is one that looks to be a shootout. Both the Rockies and Diamondbacks aren’t bringing their best to the mound, and the scoring could get started early on. For the hosts, Madison Bumgarner’s xERA of 5.00 suggests that serious regression is coming. He’s also in the bottom 10 percentile in xSLG and whiff percentage. The Rockies’ top of the order has had Bumgarner’s number, including Charlie Blackmon and CJ Cron. Look for Colorado to pounce in the top half of the first.
Even if the Rockies are unable to score, the Diamondbacks should see success against German Marquez. Marquez holds a 5.29 ERA on the season, with 68 ER in just 20 starts. Furthermore, the likes of Ketel Marte and Josh Rojas have had success off Marquez, and they should be at the top of Arizona’s order on Friday. I’m expecting a high-scoring affair and it should get started quickly.
Be sure to check out our full game preview for Colorado Rockies vs Arizona Diamondbacks
Los Angeles Angels vs Seattle Mariners: NRFI (-140)
Odds available at FanDuel Sportsbook at time of publishing.
Unlike the previous contest, this AL West matchup should feature strong pitching from both teams. At the very least, we should have a clean first inning. While this game doesn’t feature either team’s best pitcher, both are still solid. For the Mariners, Robbie Ray got off to a slow start but has pitched better in his last 10 starts, lowering his ERA over 1.00 point in that span. In fact, prior to his last outing against the Astros, Ray hadn’t surrendered a first-inning run in the previous 9 starts. Look for him to get off to another quick start.
On the other side, the Angels will counter with Patrick Sandoval. While Sandoval’s advanced metrics are nothing to write home about, he’s been effective early on. The left-hander hasn’t allowed a first-inning run in 8 of his last 12 starts, and he should be effective in a pitcher friendly ballpark. The top of the Mariners lineup has experienced mixed results against Sandoval, and I like his chances to get a simple 3 outs on Friday.
Be sure to check out our full game preview for LA Angels vs Seattle Mariners
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