After a small Monday MLB slate, we’re back with a loaded Tuesday. There’s no NFL for a couple of days, so let’s take advantage of some MLB markets. One of which is simply predicting whether or not a run will be scored in the 1st inning. We can profit in just about 15 minutes, rather than sweating out a 3-hour long game. There’s plenty to choose from today, which can sometimes seem overwhelming. However, we’ve broken down the best spots to target and boost your bankroll! 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 favorite YRFI/NRFI bets for today.

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It’s always nice when we can start up our early 1st-inning plays with an early afternoon game. This is the first game of the day, and the first of a doubleheader between these teams. Therefore, be sure to target the correct game for this play. These NL Central rivals got things started last night with the Pirates’ Bryan Reynolds homering in the 1st inning. They’re poor teams overall, but it also means their pitching staffs are among the worst in baseball. It also helps that they’re playing this series in the Great American Ball Park. The Reds home field ranks 1st for home runs and 5th for overall runs. That puts Cincy starter Luis Cessa in a tough spot. That’s also due to the Pirates recently adjusting their lineup. They moved their stud rookie Oneil Cruz to the leadoff spot. 

The 6’7″ shortstop should be back in that spot after a rest day against a lefty last night. He recently hit a pitch with an exit velocity of 122mph, which is the fastest in the Statcast era (2015). Pittsburgh starter Johan Oviedo isn’t set up for success either. He’s a rookie who’s made just 2 starts since spending time in the bullpen. The Pirates have lost those games by a combined score of 14-0. The Reds may not have the league’s deepest lineup, but the top of the order is solid. TJ Friedl recorded an RBI in all 3 games against the Brewers this past weekend, and Jonathan India is the reigning NL Rookie of the Year. There’s been a 1st-inning run in each of the Reds last 4 games, so expect more of the same on Tuesday.  

We’re going to wrap things up with a play that absolutely screams early production. The only thing that would make this play even better would be this series being played out in Coors Field.

Regardless, Guaranteed Rate Field in Chicago is still a great location for a 1st-inning run. It ranks 3rd for home runs, and there’s plenty of power in both lineups. Let’s first concentrate on the primary factor supporting this play. That is Rockies starter Chad Kuhl. He’s allowed first-inning runs in 6 of his last 8 starts. They also haven’t been just solo home runs. He just allowed 3 runs to the Brewers in his most recent start, the second time he’s done so against Milwaukee in that span. He also gave up a 5-run 1st inning to the Padres, and a couple more against the Dodgers. 

Now Kuhl faces a White Sox lineup with Jose Abreu, who leads the AL in hits. Eloy Jimenez is hitting .317 on the year, and Luis Robert may be ABC in the lineup. Those studs will be supporting Michael Kopech. He’s allowed 1st-inning runs in 2 of his last 3 starts. That includes a bad Royals team smashing him for 4 early runs. These teams have met for only 2 other games this season, but the Rockies scored 3 runs in the 1st inning of one of those games. With the White Sox having home-field advantage and great matchup against Kuhl, both lineups should be in store for early success. 

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