Mark Lammey
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We’ve got a full MLB slate on Wednesday, including a doubleheader. There are some lopsided matchups, and some heated divisional battles. Rather than sweating out if a huge favorite will cover the run line or a close game, we can profit in just 6 outs. By predicting if a run will be scored in the 1st inning or not, it takes just 15 minutes to boost your bankroll. A big slate of games may seem overwhelming. However, we have the best spots targeted.
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/NRFI bets for today.
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Boston Red Sox vs Tampa Bay Rays: YRFI (-105)
The Red Sox and Rays opened up their series by each scoring in the 1st inning, and the Rays just did again last night. They’re AL East rivals that are all too familiar with each other. There’s been a run scored in 4 of their last 5 meetings, and that trend should continue tonight. Despite not having the season they expected, the Sox still have some of the best hitters in baseball. They have 3 players tied for the 2nd-most doubles in the AL, most of which will see the plate in the 1st inning. Even Alex Verdugo’s 34 are the 4th-most in the AL.
Along with Xander Bogaerts leading the AL with his .315 batting average, they should produce against Rays starter Jeffrey Springs. He just faced the Sox 2 starts ago and allowed 4 runs in the 1st inning. Boston seems to have his number, as he also allowed 2 runs in his first start against them. That was also a game in which Sox starter Nick Pivetta was on the mound. The Rays scored 3 runs on him, meaning there were 5 total runs in that 1st inning. He also allowed 1st-inning runs to the Orioles, Royals, and Brewers in a 5-start span recently. With his most recent start against the Rays being a 12-4 loss, both teams have the ability to produce early tonight.
Be sure to check out our full Boston Red Sox vs Tampa Bay Rays predictions
Texas Rangers vs Houston Astros: YRFI (-110)
We’re going to have to wait a bit longer for this next play, but the Rangers and Astros should make it worth it. They too are divisional opponents with plenty of familiarity between them. The Astros continue to be the best team in the AL, while the Rangers are 27.5 games behind them in the division. That may make it seem surprising that Texas has a solid opportunity to produce in the 1st inning. Despite their struggles, they have some incredible hitters at the top of their lineup. Corey Seager’s 29 home runs are the 5th-most in the AL, Nathaniel Lowe’s 150 hits are the 4th-most in the AL and Marcus Semien had 45 homers just a season ago.
Those sluggers will be facing Astros starter Cristian Javier. His most recent start was against the Rangers, in which he allowed 2 runs in the 1st inning. The Astros also scored in that 1st inning, which should not be as surprising. They have 1 of the league’s best leadoff men in Jose Altuve, and an AL MVP candidate in Yordan Alvarez batting third. Along with other stars like Alex Bregman and Kyle Tucker, they should have no problem against Rangers rookie starter Cole Ragans. He’s had just 4 career starts, one of which was him giving up 5 runs to the Astros. He followed up that performance by allowing a 1st-inning run to the AL-worst Athletics, so the AL’s best team can certainly do the same.
Be sure to check out our full Texas Rangers vs Houston Astros predictions
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