After back-to-back 2-0 nights, we’ve hit 7 of our last 8 1st inning plays and we’re back with a full slate of action again today. There’s games beginning in the early afternoon, all throughout the day, and even late into the evening. That provides plenty of opportunities for profit. Just as the games are starting early, we can get things started with some early action. By predicting whether or not a run will be scored in the 1st inning, we can boost your bankroll in just about 15 minutes. Also, a quick note before we break things down: if you’re willing to pay the juice, the Cardinals and Rockies YRFI is a strong play. Now let’s get to it. Along with these early plays, be sure to check out our thoughts on the side and total for all of today’s games.

Let’s take a closer look at my 2 favorite YRFI bets for today.

We’re going to get things started up in the Pacific Northwest with a battle of lefties. The Mariners were expected to be excited about acquiring Robbie Ray from the Blue Jays this offseason to be their new ace. However, it’s likely the Yankees who will be excited to face their old divisional foe. Not only are they familiar with Ray, New York has been smashing lefties this season. They have the league’s highest OPS against such pitching, ahead of both the Dodgers and Braves. Along with AL MVP-favorite Aaron Judge’s league-leading 44 home runs, it’s no surprise they’re also the league’s highest-scoring team. After Ray avoided pitching against the Yankees when these teams met last week, he’ll be far from thrilled to face them tonight.

That’s especially true when it comes to Judge; in just 7 at-bats against Ray, he has 3 home runs. Sneaking by Judge doesn’t mean he’s out of the woods either. Anthony Rizzo could be returning, who has the 3rd-most homers in the American League with 27. Even without rookie Julio Rodriguez, the Mariners still scored in the 1st inning of both this series opener and the finale of their previous series. Seattle still has one of the league’s best hitters in Ty France batting 2nd. He can add to his 110 hits against Nestor Cortes, who has not looked as consistent as his start to the season. These teams have met 5 times in the past week and a half, with a 1st-inning run in all of them until last night, including each team having games of scoring 3 or more runs in the 1st frame. 

Be sure to check out our full game preview for the New York Yankees vs Seattle Mariners

Let’s continue on with another play out west, with several similarities outside of just the location. The next commonality is right off the bat with the Giants lineup. While they aren’t quite as strong as the Yankees, they’re still a top-10 team against lefties this season. That’s what they’ll be facing in a struggling Sean Manaea. He was just lit up for 8 runs in his last start, including 4 in the 1st inning. That was shortly after giving up 9 runs by the league’s lowest-scoring team, the Tigers. Just as the Yankees may welcome back Rizzo, the Giants recently welcomed back all-star 3rd baseman Evan Longoria. The similarities roll on, as the top of the Padres lineup names alone could be enough reason to expect a run in the 1st inning. 

The trio of Juan Soto, Manny Machado and Josh Bell is a nightmare for any opposing pitcher, and San Diego will be avoiding any of the Giants’ studs like Carlos Rodon. Rather than the ace, they’ll be facing their last option in the starting rotation, Jakob Junis. That should provide Soto and company an opportunity to begin living up to the hype. Taking on the league’s best pitching staff in the Dodgers as their 1st full series was not exactly optimal. Soto continues to be considered the future face of baseball, Machado is an NL MVP candidate, and Josh Bell has more hits than both of them. Expect them to come through if the Giants don’t do so again like they did last night. 

Be sure to check out our full game preview for the San Francisco Giants vs San Diego Padres

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