Javan Shouey
Game 5 between the Chicago Cubs and the Milwaukee Brewers is set to be a classic with 2 intense fanbases and 2 quality teams. There have been 35 total runs scored through 4 games by the 2 teams combined, but the majority of those runs have come in the first inning. Among those 35 runs scored, 21 have come in the first inning of those 4 games with at least 3 runs scored in each 1st inning.
Let’s dive in as we preview the first inning of Game 5!
YRFI/NRFI Best Bet: Milwaukee Brewers vs Chicago Cubs – YRFI (+102)
Odds available at FanDuel sportsbook at time of publishing. Playable to -110 odds.
It is challenging to predict a first-inning outcome without knowing who will start the game on either side from a pitching perspective. That being said, I lean toward the YRFI in Game 5 of the NLDS regardless of who starts. Among the 35 runs scored through the first 4 game of this series, 21 have come in what has been some electric first innings. Both offenses were successful in the regular season against either handedness of pitching, and both units were good at striking early. This has continued in the postseason, and yet we are still getting plus money odds in Game 5.
Both Aaron Civale and Shota Imanaga are well rested for this Game 5 matchup, and I would expect both pitchers to be used for multiple frames. Imanaga is my expected starter for the Cubs in this spot, as I don’t see them shifting his role this late in the season. The southpaw was wrecked in Game 2, allowing 4 earned runs in 2.2 innings. That was his 11th straight start with at least 1 home run allowed. If Imanaga is the starter, I love the YRFI — but even if they switch it up, the Brewers are still more than capable of striking early.
Milwaukee could go several different directions with its starter in Game 5. Jacob Misiorowski could be used to open the game, but I find it more likely he enters in a high-leverage spot. There are numerous other options, as well, but my guess is Aaron Ashby opens another game in this series — as he did in Game 2. He did allow 3 earned runs in 1.2 innings, leaving the door open to a change of strategy this time around. Once again, I like the price on the YRFI regardless of starters in this game as both offenses have shown a propensity to plan and execute well in the opening frame.
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