Mark Lammey
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Unfortunately, MLB Thursdays generally have fewer games. That’s the case again today, but it doesn’t mean we can’t make it a profitable day. We also still have games all throughout the day. It’s a bit more difficult to find the best value, but that’s what we’re here for. We’ve broken down each of the matchups for the best 1st inning plays. That means we can boost your bankroll in just about 15 minutes! 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 NRFI bets for today.
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Los Angeles Angels vs Tampa Bay Rays: NRFI (-140)
It’s only fitting that we get our early plays started with the first game of the day. We also have an Angels vs Rays same game parlay for you to get started with, so be sure to check that out. There hasn’t been a run scored in the 1st inning of this series so far, and there’s no reason that should change today. The Angels have been one of the worst offensive teams this season, especially on the road. Their 3.42 runs per game away from home is the 4th-worst in the league, and they now face Rays starter Drew Rasmussen.
After facing lefty ace Shane McClanahan last night, it may seem there is a significant drop-off with Rasmussen. However, that is not the case. He was just 2 outs away from a perfect game 2 starts ago, and has led the team to 3 straight wins. In those wins, there wasn’t a run scored in the 1st inning. Opposite him will be lefty Patrick Sandoval for the Angels. He’s been one of the only bright spots for the Angels outside of Shohei Ohtani, and is coming off of a complete game shutout. Obviously, there was no run in the 1st inning of that game, and he’s looking to make that the case for 5 straight starts. With the Rays being mediocre at best against lefties and Wander Franco still out of the lineup, neither team looks set for a strong start.
Be sure to check out our full game preview for the Los Angeles Angels vs Tampa Bay Rays
Cleveland Guardians vs Seattle Mariners: NRFI (-120)
We’re headed out west for this play, but still don’t have to wait for the late night start. The Guardians and Mariners are getting things started with another afternoon game that should hopefully allow you to roll over the profit from the previous game. There should be even more confidence with this play, as Triston McKenzie will be on the mound for the Guardians. He frustrated many by surprisingly allowing a 1st-inning run his last time out, but there should be no concern for him to avenge that.
McKenzie went on to absolutely dominate, not allowing another run and striking out 14 batters. He’s shut down both the Blue Jays and Astros in the 1st inning recently, also leading the team to shutout wins over both the Yankees and those Astros. His 0.96 WHIP is among the best in the league, and should prove that against a Mariners team who couldn’t even score a 1st-inning run against the league-worst Nationals at home the past 2 days. Seattle will also be giving the Guardians a terrible matchup with lefty Marco Gonzales. Cleveland is awful at hitting lefties this season, as they have the 2nd-worst OPS against them. They’re above only the Marlins, which is never a good company to be in when it comes to offensive production. With both teams hitting in T-Mobile Park, which ranks next-to-last for runs, early action should not be expected.
Be sure to check out our full game preview for the Cleveland Guardians vs Seattle Mariners
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