Javan Shouey
Wednesday’s slate of MLB postseason action is loaded with 4 massive games. That is 36 innings of must-see baseball, but this article focuses on just the first inning of those games. Let’s dive into our MLB YRFI/NRFI best bets for Wednesday, October 8. You can also get our MLB picks for EVERY GAME today, with our experts on an INSANE 18-3 run with their postseason predictions!
YRFI/NRFI Best Bet: Milwaukee Brewers vs Chicago Cubs – NRFI (-146)
Odds available at FanDuel Sportsbook at time of publishing. Playable to -150 odds.
The Milwaukee Brewers have jumped out to a 2-0 series lead over the Chicago Cubs in dominant fashion, winning those games by a combined 16-6 margin. In Game 3 they are turning to Quinn Priester as the right-hander looks to make his 1st postseason appearance. Priester took a major step forward for the Brewers in 2025, posting a 3.32 ERA in his 157.1 innings of work. He pitched with consistency and allowed his team to compete each time he took the mound. The result was a stretch of 19 consecutive starts where the Brewers won the game. Priester is on extended rest with his last appearance coming 12 days ago, but he should be well rested and fired up for this start. He struggled in his first outing against the Cubs this season but rebounded nicely in his last 2 outings, and I expect a scoreless first inning from his side in this spot.
Jameson Taillon is the scheduled starter for the Cubs as they look to win a much-needed game to get back in this series. Chicago is trusting their veteran right-hander after Taillon delivered 4 scoreless frames against the Padres in his first postseason appearance of the year. Taillon tossed 129.2 innings during the regular season while maintaining a very solid 3.68 ERA. He faced the Brewers often in the regular season which may help them the 2nd time through the order, but I expect a clean first inning from the seasoned veteran as his team desperately needs it.
Find out our experts’ MLB best bets for today — they’re on a 54-34 run!
YRFI/NRFI Best Bet: Toronto Blue Jays vs New York Yankees – NRFI (-106)
Odds available at FanDuel Sportsbook at time of publishing. Playable to -110 odds.
Our 2nd NRFI bet of the day comes in the next game. Toronto jumped out to an early 6-1 lead in Game 3 Tuesday night, leading by that scored following the top of the 3rd inning. New York showed resiliency, however, battling back and keeping their season alive. Now with a 2-1 series lead, Toronto will look to regain momentum in the series by grabbing a commanding win in Game 4. Louis Varland is scheduled to open the game for Toronto, making his 4th appearance of this series already. Varland is clearly someone the Blue Jays want in this series despite allowing 2 solo home runs in last night’s game. During the regular season Varland allowed just a 2.97 ERA across his 72.2 innings of work, and the home run ball was rarely an issue with just 6 allowed in that span. Look for Varland to bounce back with a scoreless first before handing the ball off to another Toronto arm.
Cam Schlittler has made headlines with his performance against the Red Sox in the Wild Card Series. The rookie right-hander tossed 8 scoreless frames against a postseason rival, recording 12 strikeouts with 0 walks issued. He was absolutely dominant in the effort and will look to continue that momentum in this spot. Schlittler posted a 2.96 ERA in his 73 innings of work during his rookie campaign, and that performance gained the trust of Aaron Boone. If able to replicate his command from his last start, Schlittler should present the Yankees with a chance to tie this series up. Given current pricing I side with the NRFI in this game.
Read our full Blue Jays vs Yankees prediction
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