Mark Lammey
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After a very light Thursday slate, we’re back with a packed Friday. Teams are getting their weekend series started, providing plenty of opportunities for profit. There are several divisional battles going on, as well as some revenge games. If you’re someone who doesn’t prefer to sweat out a 3-hour long game, then these are the plays for you. It takes just 6 outs, or about 15 minutes, to boost your bankroll. Although it’s a large slate of games, we’ve narrowed down the best spots to target and start your weekend off strong. Along with these early plays, be sure to check out our thoughts on the side and total for all of today’s games.
Let’s take a closer look at my favorite YRFI bets for today.
New York Yankees vs Boston Red Sox YRFI (-125)
There’s no better way to get started than by targeting the best rivalry in the game. The Yankees and Red Sox are meeting up for their first series since the all-star break. Since then, New York has been in their roughest stretch of the season, while Boston has become one of the worst pitching staffs in the league. Along with incredible hitters at the top of both lineups, it’s a perfect combination for early action.
They’ll also be hitting in Fenway Park, which ranks 2nd for extra-base hits and 3rd for overall runs. The Red Sox have been able to prove that prowess for doubles with both Rafael Devers and Xander Bogaerts among the league-lead in that statistic. That pair are guaranteed an at-bat in the 1st inning, and will be facing Yankees starter Domingo German. He’s their last option in the rotation, and his 5.09 ERA proves that. The Sox also have newly-acquired Tommy Pham leading off the lineup, who has 8 RBI across their last 4 games.
That’s impressive, but is still nothing compared to Aaron Judge’s league-leading 99 RBI. He’ll be looking to add to his league-leading 45 home runs against Sox starter Nathan Eovaldi. He’s struggled since the all-star break, and was on the mound for the crazy 28-5 loss the first day back after the break. Eovaldi will also have to deal with Anthony Rizzo in the 1st inning, who has the 6th-most home runs in the league. There’s been a run scored in the 1st inning in each of the last 4 meetings between these teams, so expect more of the same.
Be sure to check out our full game preview for the New York Yankees vs Boston Red Sox
Cleveland Guardians vs Toronto Blue Jays YRFI (-120)
We’re going to transition to a game involving another AL East team in a hitter-friendly ballpark. Rogers Centre in Toronto ranks 5th for both extra-base hits and runs, as well as 10th for home runs. That’s great news for a Blue Jays lineup that is littered with power. Vladimir Guerrero Jr. is known for his deep bombs, and he’s become a very consistent contact hitter. He has the 4th-most hits in the American League, along with over 20 doubles and 20 home runs.
Vladdy also has all-star starter Alejandro Kirk hitting behind him, who just went 3-for-4 with an RBI in their most recent game. They helped produce runs in 3 of the 4 games the last time these teams met. The Guardians also contributed in the 1st inning in that series, and now face Jays starter Jose Berrios. He’s allowed the 5th-most runs of any pitcher this season. Cleveland’s Jose Ramirez is the perfect candidate to take advantage of the matchup, as he’s tied for the league-lead in doubles.
That’s helped him rack up 88 RBI, as Steven Kwan and Amed Rosario are great on-base hitters in front of him. Kwan also homered yesterday, and Ramirez drove him in for a run in the 1st inning the game prior. He and the Guardians have loved producing early for starter Cal Quantrill. They went on a 5-game stretch of scoring in the 1st inning when he was on the mound. Whether they continue that against Berrios, or Vladdy shows off for the home crowd, expect early action up in Toronto.
Be sure to check out our full game preview for the Cleveland Guardians vs Toronto Blue Jays
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