Caleb Wilfinger
Show Bio
The MLB playoffs are finally here and with it comes multiple high-stakes games each day. One of the quickest MLB 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. 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 playoff game today.
There are 2 YRFI/NRFI bets I like on Friday, so let’s get right into it.
San Diego Padres vs New York Mets: NRFI (-155)
Odds available at FanDuel Sportsbook at time of publishing.
Both the Padres and Mets are limping into the postseason, but this series presents a fresh start for both teams. However, that doesn’t mean either lineup will get out to a quick start against these top-of-the-line starters. Max Scherzer needs no introduction for New York at this point. The Mets’ most experienced starter is no stranger to excelling in the playoffs and he shouldn’t have trouble with a Padres lineup that has struggled mightily against quality teams this season. Both Juan Soto and Manny Machado have poor career numbers off Scherzer, so he should be in total control early on.
Yu Darvish has plenty of postseason experience and I expect a solid outing from the Padres ace. Darvish has seen success against the Mets and New York’s lineup shouldn’t scare anyone at the moment. The Mets’ bats faded down the stretch and I’d be concerned about backing them to score a ton of runs, even at home. Furthermore, Pete Alonso and Brandon Nimmo are a combined 2-of-18 off Darvish in their careers, while Francisco Lindor is 5-of-19. That makes up the expected top of the lineup for New York, which shouldn’t intimidate Darvish. Look for a quick and efficient inning from both starters.
Be sure to check out our full San Diego Padres vs New York Mets predictions
Seattle Mariners vs Toronto Blue Jays: YRFI (+125)
Odds available at DraftKings Sportsbook at time of publishing.
Each of Friday’s games features a quality pitching matchup, so it’s up to picking out the best spot to find value. In this instance, I like getting this high-powered Blue Jays lineup at home at plus-money. Toronto will be facing Luis Castillo, who has been solid this season, but hard to trust of late. The Mariners ace has struggled against some of the league’s worst lineups in September, which isn’t a good sign. Castillo surrendered 4 runs in 4.2 innings to the A’s and 5 runs in 5.1 innings to the Royals in back-to-back starts to finish the season. Now against a Blue Jays lineup that has seen success against Castillo previously, a first-inning run could be in the cards.
On the other side, Alek Manoah has been absolutely rolling down the stretch. However, those came against familiar opponents in Boston, Tampa Bay and Baltimore. Manoah doesn’t have much experience against the projected top half of the Mariners lineup, which should give Seattle an advantage. Add in the fact that Manoah’s postseason experience is limited and I wouldn’t be surprised if we see some first-inning fireworks.
Be sure to check out our full Seattle Mariners vs Toronto Blue Jays predictions
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