Ricky Dimon
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Opening Day is here. Major League Baseball is getting started about a week later than expected and it begins with a traditional afternoon game at Wrigley Field. The Chicago Cubs are hosting the Milwaukee Brewers in a National League Central showdown. Here is a look at the best same game parlay option for this rivalry matchup, and also be sure to check out our full game preview for picks on the side and total.
Brewers -2.5 (+134)
Kolten Wong to record 2+ hits (+150)
Hunter Renfroe to hit a home run (+320)
Parlay odds: +1391
Part of the value in same game parlays, of course, is that all of its components can be correlated if you so choose. That is the entire plan here, as Kolten Wong recording multiple hits and Hunter Renfroe going deep would work well with a big win for Milwaukee. Let’s break down each of the legs.
Brewers -2.5 (+134)
The Brewers enter the season with high expectations and the 7th-shortest odds to win the World Series at +1400. Much of their success rides on the arms of their starting rotation, which features 3 serious Cy Young contenders in Corbin Burnes, Brandon Woodruff and Freddy Peralta, plus a bullpen consisting of Devin Williams and Josh Hader. Milwaukee is built on dominant pitching from top to bottom and on Thursday Burnes – the 2021 Cy Young winner – will be toeing the rubber. He began last season by striking out 58 batters before issuing a single walk, an all-time MLB record. Offensively, the Brewers have added Renfroe and Andrew McCutchen, who combined for 58 home runs last season. Chicago is countering with Kyle Hendricks. The right-hander struggled last season, compiling a 6.23 ERA over his first 7 appearances and finishing at 4.77. Look for the Brew Crew to win by multiple runs on Opening Day.
Kolten Wong to record 2+ hits (+150)
Hendricks was all over the place last year, with periods of success and disaster. Which Hendricks will show up on Thursday? Based on Spring Training returns, you can’t be too confident about him pitching well in this one. In 11.1 spring innings he posted a 9.53 ERA. Wong will be chomping at the bit, also because he has always enjoyed hitting in this particular head-to-head matchup. The second baseman is 17-for-47 lifetime against Hendricks (.362 average) with 2 homers and 4 doubles. Count on Wong keeping it up.
Hunter Renfroe to hit a home run (+320)
Renfroe is 3-for-7 lifetime against Hendricks. Although he has not gone deep, he does have a pair of extra-base hits. The 30-year-old is coming off a career-best season in which he left the yard 33 times for the Red Sox. Don’t be surprised if he gets off to a fast start with his new team by hitting a homer.
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