Mark Lammey
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We’re back with a full slate of games on Tuesday after the slower Labor Day Monday. It’s at the point in the season where teams are fighting for playoff berths, while others are simply seeing what they have. That can sometimes make betting sides and totals a bit more difficult. However, that’s why we have these 1st-inning plays. By predicting if a run will be scored in the 1st inning or not, we can profit in just about 15 minutes. That prevents us from having to sweat out a 3-hour long game, and we’ve broken down the best spots to target. Along with these early plays, be sure to check out our MLB picks for all of today’s games.
Let’s take a closer look at my 2 favorite YRFI/NRFI bets for today.
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Toronto Blue Jays vs Baltimore Orioles: YRFI (-115)
After the Orioles burned us yesterday, we’re going back to the well. Not only did they swap around starters between the 2 games of the doubleheader, they completely scratched Jordan Lyles for the second game.
Naturally, they scored in the 1st inning of the first game and not the second. Regardless, that does not take away from how often these teams have scored early runs against each other. Out of 11 meetings this season, there has been a 1st-inning run in 8 of them. That’s simply too much of a trend to ignore. It’s also one that should continue given the matchup on the mound. Blue Jays starter Mitch White came over from the Dodgers at the trade deadline, and has not impressed his new team. He’s 0-3 with the Jays, and just allowed 6 and 7 runs in his last 2 starts.
The most recent saw the Cubs score in the 1st inning. His best start was against the Guardians, and even they still scored in the 1st inning. Obviously, the O’s have the ability to do so, as they just did to get the day started yesterday against stud Kevin Gausman. The Jays’ bats still smacked around the O’s in that first game, which shouldn’t be too surprising with George Springer and Vladimir Guerrero Jr. leading off the lineup. That’s a tall task for a rookie in O’s starter Kyle Bradish. He’s been strong as of late, but there’s been a run scored in the 1st inning in all 3 of his starts against the Jays this season. They put up 11 runs on the O’s in his first start against them, so expect another fast start today.
Be sure to check out our full Toronto Blue Jays vs Baltimore Orioles predictions
Cincinnati Reds vs Chicago Cubs: YRFI (-105)
We’re going to continue rooting for runs with a game that gets started just after the O’s game. Windy Wrigley Field has been a great place for early runs, especially for the home team.
The Cubs may not be postseason-bound, but they’ve been great at producing runs in the 1st inning. They have the 5th-highest average overall in that regard, which only increases when at home. They’re above the likes of the Yankees and Astros, the 2 best teams in the AL. They’ll be looking to increase that average against Reds starter Justin Dunn. He came over from the Mariners in the Luis Castillo trade, and has had just 5 starts with Cincinnati. Dunn allowed 2 runs in his first start with his new team, and his second was against the Cubs. Although they didn’t score until the 2nd inning, Chicago smacked him around for 5 runs in just 3.2 innings.
The Reds also produced 4 runs in that 2nd inning, and have a solid opportunity to score even earlier given their matchup. They’re going to be facing their former teammate, Wade Miley. The lefty is making his first start after his second injury of the year. When he originally returned, he allowed 2 runs in the 1st inning to the Padres. He’s now been out for nearly 3 months, and the Reds are in the top half of the league against lefties. Leadoff man TJ Friedl just homered twice on Sunday, and number 2 hitter Jonathan India had 1 as well. There have been runs scored in the 1st inning in 4 of the last 5 meetings between these teams, and that trend should continue given the matchup.
Be sure to check out our full Cincinnati Reds vs Chicago Cubs predictions
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