Caleb Wilfinger
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With more than a dozen MLB games taking place each day, one of the quickest bets you can make is if a run will be scored in the first inning. There is value to be had and this market has become very popular over time. If you don’t like sweating out your bets for 3 hours, this one will only take about 15 minutes.
Before we dive in, don’t forget to check out our free picks on the side and total for every MLB game.
There are 2 NRFI/YRFI bets I like on Saturday, so let’s get right into it.
LA Angels vs Toronto Blue Jays: NRFI (-125)
Odds available at DraftKings Sportsbook at time of publishing.
Shohei Ohtani is languishing on the Angels. Los Angeles is one of the worst teams in the AL, despite having arguably the two best players in baseball. To Ohtani’s credit, the struggles of his team are independent of his excellent 2022 campaign. He’s as fearsome as ever at the plate, but it’s been his strong efforts on the mound that matter for this wager. Not only does Ohtani hold a 2.83 ERA and one of the best strikeout rates in the league, but his xERA, xSLG and xWOBA all rank in the top 20% of qualified starters. And while the top of the Blue Jays order does have solid numbers against him, Ohtani has pitched a scoreless opening frame in 9 of his last 12 starts. Look for that to continue today.
The case against the Angels offense scoring a run is much simpler; it’s the Angels. Los Angeles’ offense has been horrendous in August, and that shouldn’t change against Toronto ace Alek Manoah. Manoah has had great success at home and another clean first inning should be in the cards in this one.
Be sure to check out our full game preview for Angels vs Blue Jays
LA Dodgers vs Miami Marlins: NRFI (-140)
Odds available at DraftKings Sportsbook at time of publishing.
Sandy Alcantara takes the mound for the Marlins as he looks to keep his Cy Young-caliber season going against the Dodgers. The Miami ace has been excellent in 2022, particularly in the opening frame. However, that was not the case in his last outing, which came against Los Angeles. Alcantara surrendered 6 runs in 3.2 IP, which was his shortest start of the season. Still, Alcantara has allowed a first-inning run in just 1 of his last 10 starts. He’s been able to stymie plenty of good offenses this season, and I’m expecting a bounce-back effort today. Even against an in-form Dodgers lineup, look for the right-hander to get back on track.
Dustin May should also be expected to start strongly for the Dodgers. May’s first start in more than a year came against Miami last weekend, and he made quick work of the Fish. The young right-hander tossed 5 innings of 1-hit ball while striking out 9 in a victory. I’m expecting a similar effort against a Marlins offense that is one of the worst in baseball. May’s stuff is unhittable at its best, but he won’t even need to be perfect to work a clean first inning.
Read our Angels vs Blue Jays same game parlay
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