Mark Lammey
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After the small Monday slate, we’re absolutely packed with action today. There are 16 games, including 2 doubleheaders. Not only is that a beautiful thing overall, but it also provides even more opportunities for profit. One of those ways takes just about 15 minutes. By predicting if a run will be scored in the 1st inning or not, we can add to our bankroll without sweating out a 3-hour long game. Although so many games can seem overwhelming, we’ve found the best spots to target for that quick profit. We’re on fire with our YRFI/NRFI best bets too, having cashed 5 of our last 6 picks and being in the midst of a 40-20 run. Let’s keep the good times rolling!
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 2 favorite YRFI/NRFI bets for today.
Atlanta Braves vs Boston Red Sox: YRFI (-125)
Let’s get things started with 2 teams sporting red. However, that’s not the only thing the Braves and Red Sox have in common. They each have some of the best hitters at the top of their lineup. After Atlanta just had to face Max Scherzer and Jacob deGrom over the weekend, they have quite the relief as they take on 42-year-old Rich Hill. The lefty provides a great matchup, as the Braves are the 2nd-best lineup against left-handed pitching this season. As if that wasn’t already an advantageous enough matchup, their lineup is virtually matchup-proof.
Led off by former NL Rookie of the Year Ronald Acuna Jr, Dansby Swanson batting 2nd has the 5th-most hits in the league. One spot behind him is Matt Olson, tied for the most doubles in the league. All of that is cleaned up by Austin Riley, who is 1 home run shy of 30 doubles and 30 homers each. Hill just allowed 2 runs in the 1st inning in his last start, and his lineup can also produce early. They did so twice in his last 4 starts, which should not be surprising. While Riley leads the NL for total bases, Boston’s Rafael Devers has the 2nd-most in the AL, despite missing over a dozen games. Teammate Xander Bogaerts is right behind in both the lineup and the doubles leaderboard. With the Sox getting to take on another aging starter in 38-year-old Charlie Morton, both teams can start off hot.
Be sure to check out our full game preview for the Atlanta Braves vs Boston Red Sox
Cleveland Guardians vs Detroit Tigers: NRFI (-135)
We’re going to flip the script and predict there not to be a run scored in the 1st inning. The AL Central has been arguably the weakest division all season; the Guardians and Tigers should put that on display tonight. This play could almost be summarized as simply as keeping Cleveland’s Jose Ramirez in the yard, but let’s break it down. The Guardians have been worse at producing on the road, and this game will be at Comerica Park in Detroit. That hinders both teams, as the pitcher-friendly ballpark ranks 25th for home runs. Not only is that a factor for the Tigers being towards the bottom of the league in 1st-inning runs at home, but their lineup has also been the lowest scoring all season.
They’ve had the fewest runs scored throughout the year, and all they did at the trade deadline was send Robbie Grossman to the Braves. The Tigers were also just shut out in their last game, and now face Guardians ace Shane Bieber. He hasn’t been perfect this season, but he didn’t allow a run in either of his 2 starts in Detroit this season. Part of that success is also due to his history against the Tigers’ top few hitters. Javier Baez, easily their best opportunity at producing, is just 1-for-9 against Bieber. Similarly, Willi Castro is just 3-for-19 against him. With a batting average of just .135 between the 2, don’t expect early action in this series opener.
Be sure to check out our full game preview for the Cleveland Guardians vs Detroit Tigers
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