Mark Lammey
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Mondays in the MLB always provide fewer games, but that doesn’t mean there isn’t value to be had. Better yet, there’s profitable plays without having to sweat out a 3-hour long game. Instead, we can predict if a run will be scored in the 1st inning or not. It takes just about 15 minutes to boost your bankroll. Even with just a handful of games, we’ve targeted the best spots for you to profit. Along with these early plays, be sure to check out our MLB picks for all of today’s games.
Let’s take a closer look at my 2 favorite YRFI bets for today.
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Tampa Bay Rays vs Toronto Blue Jays: YRFI (-120)
The early afternoon game doesn’t look to be a great spot for a 1st-inning play, so we’re going to get this started with this AL East rivalry. The Rays and Blue Jays are separated by just a game, making this series all the more interesting.
It should get started with some early action given the situation. Both teams had to travel up to Toronto immediately following their series finales on Sunday. Therefore, we could see some sluggish arms to begin this game. The Jays will have Berrios on the mound. He’s certainly an established starter, but he’s allowed the most runs in the entire American League. Granted, it doesn’t help that he often pitches at Rogers Centre in Toronto. The Jays’ home ballpark ranks 4th for runs, 5th for extra-base hits and 9th for home runs. The Rays recently welcomed back Wander Franco, and he’s looked great. All he did was record at least an RBI in each of his first 2 games back with the team.
Of course, such a hitter-friendly ballpark helps the team that calls it home as well. Toronto has 1 of the best leadoff men in MLB history with George Springer. His 51 leadoff home runs are the 4th-most ever. He’s followed up by the infamous power of Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and a hot Bo Bichette. Bichette recently just had 5 homers in a 4 game stretch. With Rays lefty ace Shane McClanahan on the injured list, they’re having another one of their “opener” days. Today they’re giving rookie Cooper Criswell his 2nd career start. That means both teams with the ability to produce in the 1st inning.
Be sure to check out our full Tampa Bay Rays vs Toronto Blue Jays predictions
Los Angeles Dodgers vs Arizona Diamondbacks: YRFI (+100)
We’re going to close things out with the nightcap between the Dodgers and Diamondbacks. Los Angeles has owned the season series, but we’re only concerned about a 1st-inning run.
That’s been quite common between these teams, as there’s been one scored in 4 of their last 6 meetings. With this series being in Arizona, that should continue. Coors Field in Colorado may get all of the attention for hitting conditions, but Chase Field should not be overlooked. The Diamondbacks’ home ballpark ranks 1st for extra-base hits and 2nd for overall runs. It’s primarily been the Dodgers doing the early damage, and they should once again. They’ll be facing a rookie starter in Ryne Nelson, who just made his MLB debut a week ago. Now the youngster has to face 3 NL MVP candidates as his first 3 batters.
Mookie Betts has already won the award, and his 33 home runs are the 4th-most in the NL. Freddie Freeman has also won an MVP award, and leads all of baseball with 180 hits. Just behind him with 173 hits is Trea Turner. Such a stacked lineup is why the Dodgers have scored the most runs in the league by far with 756. Therefore, it’s no surprise why we’re focused on L.A. However, the Diamondbacks are not hopeless. They’re solid at home, and put up 2 runs in the 1st inning the first time they faced Dodger starter Tyler Anderson this season. With Arizona’s Christian Walker just 1 homer behind Betts, both teams can contribute in this game as well.
Be sure to check out our full Los Angeles Dodgers vs Arizona Diamondbacks predictions
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