Caleb Wilfinger
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The MLB playoffs are in full swing and with it comes multiple high-stakes games each day. One of the quickest MLB 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. 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 playoff game today.
There are 2 YRFI/NRFI bets I like on Tuesday as the LDS gets started, so let’s get right into it.
Seattle Mariners vs Houston Astros: NRFI (-150)
Odds available at FanDuel Sportsbook at time of publishing.
Justin Verlander has routinely dominated opposing teams in the first inning this season and I don’t anticipate that stopping on Tuesday. It was a tremendous regular season for Verlander, who posted a stellar 1.75 ERA in 175 innings pitched. The Astros ace got better with time, as he had a 1.51 ERA while limiting hitters to a .170 batting average in the second half of the campaign. Verlander allowed 2 or fewer runs in 5 of the 6 starts he made against the Mariners this season, and his numbers against the likes of Julio Rodriquez and Cal Raleigh are strong. He should start the game off with a quick first frame.
On the other side, Logan Gilbert has exceeded expectations in his sophomore season. Gilbert posted an ERA of 3.20 and a 1.18 WHIP in 185.2 innings over the course of the campaign. Gilbert had an excellent end to the regular season, as he recorded a 2.00 ERA in his final 6 starts. And while his xERA indicates that he’s due for regression, Gilbert should still be able to stymie the Astros bats for one inning. Houston hasn’t played in nearly a week and the offense could take a few innings to warm to the task. Back this NRFI with confidence on Tuesday.
Be sure to check out our full Seattle Mariners vs Houston Astros predictions
San Diego Padres vs Los Angeles Dodgers: YRFI (+110)
Odds available at DraftKings Sportsbook at time of publishing.
With each of these games featuring quality pitching, it’s difficult to find spots to back a first-inning run. However, this NLDS opener between the Dodgers and Padres offers great value to the YRFI at plus-money. Julio Urias will be greeting a Padres offense that hasn’t had success against him to this point. However, one hitter who has seen Urias well is Manny Machado. Machado will get an at-bat in the top of the 1st and he has 10 hits and 4 career home runs off Urias in 29 at-bats. If there is one hitter who could do damage early on, it’s Machado.
Even if the Padres don’t score in the top half of the inning, there is evidence to suggest the Dodgers can grab one off Mike Clevinger. Los Angeles has had no trouble hitting Clevinger this season, tallying a whopping 14 runs and 16 hits, including 5 home runs in 13 innings. And look no further than the top of the Dodgers’ lineup for guys with success off Clevinger. Mookie Betts is hitting nearly .500 lifetime off Clevinger, while Trea Turner has a .400 career batting average against the Padres starter. Look for Los Angeles to do damage in the first inning.
Be sure to check out our full San Diego Padres vs Los Angeles Dodgers predictions
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