Best NRFI Bets Today & MLB Picks Including Brewers vs. Dodgers, August 17
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MLB Picks and Best NRFI Bets Today, August 17
- ⭐ Pick 1: Tarik Skubal vs Xavier Curry: Under 0.5 Runs (-120) at BetMGM
- ⭐ Pick 2: Corbin Burnes vs Lance Lynn: Over 0.5 Runs (-115) at FanDuel
- ⭐ Pick 3: Chris Sale vs Patrick Corbin: Over 0.5 Runs (-115) at bet365
Another day and another great slate of baseball action, not to mention more MLB picks as the race for the playoffs hots up.
We’ve put together our best NRFI bets today for some of the most fascinating pitching matchups taking place across all leagues.
We've also uncovered the best odds at some of the best online betting sites, such as BetMGM, FanDuel and bet365.
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Best NRFI Bets Today: Detroit Tigers vs Cleveland Guardians
⭐ Tarik Skubal vs Xavier Curry: Under 0.5 Runs (-120) at BetMGM
Both teams underperform when it comes to first-inning scores in baseball. Cleveland sits at 22nd in the majors in this regard, with Detroit lagging even further at 27th. Notably, the Tigers rank fifth in hitting NRFI. Both teams have a penchant for starting slow in terms of scoring. Given the matchup between Tarik Skubal and Xavier Curry, it's unlikely this trend will shift.
Although Curry primarily served in the bullpen this season, he recently transitioned to the rotation. Despite yielding five runs across five innings in his last outing against the Rays, he held a scoreless first inning. During his two previous encounters with the Tigers this season, Curry conceded only one run in four innings. Given Detroit's ongoing difficulties in early-game scoring, it seems plausible that Curry will maintain a clean first inning this Thursday.
Conversely, Skubal has showcased excellence during the initial innings this season. While he has made a mere seven starts in 2023, since his return from the IL in early July, he's permitted just one unearned run on three hits in the first inning across these starts. He's managed to maintain shutout innings for at least four innings in three of these seven starts, showing brilliance even with occasional missteps. Considering the Guardians don't boast the most formidable lineup, Skubal is well-poised to navigate Thursday's first inning without issues.
Best NRFI Bets: Tarik Skubal vs Xavier Curry: Under 0.5 Runs (-120) at BetMGM
CLICK HERE to bet on the Detroit Tigers vs Cleveland Guardians match!
Best NRFI Bets Today: Milwaukee Brewers vs LA Dodgers
⭐ Corbin Burnes vs Lance Lynn: Over 0.5 Runs (-115) at FanDuel
The Dodgers' games often hint at early scoring, particularly when betting odds hover around even. They dominate in first-inning runs and rank second in the majors for hitting YRFI, boasting a 57% rate. With Corbin Burnes pitching for Milwaukee, it doesn't diminish the Dodgers' potential for early scores. Although the Brewers aren't typically early scorers, facing Lance Lynn could amplify their chances.
The Dodgers hold the distinction of averaging a run in the opening inning per game, with this average rising to 1.37 runs when playing at home. Given the batting lineup that features talents like Mookie Betts and Freddie Freeman right off the bat, it's evident why they often pose a challenge to opponents early in games. As for Burnes, he's exhibited vulnerability in initial innings. Across his 24 starts this year, he's registered a 4.88 ERA and 1.33 WHIP in the first inning. The previous Cy Young recipient has faced both high and low points in 2023. Notably, he yielded two runs in the initial inning against the White Sox during his recent outing, which doesn't promise a silent inning for the Dodgers come Thursday.
Lynn might face a similar situation when up against the slightly less aggressive Milwaukee lineup. In his 24 starts this season, he's conceded 24 earned runs on 31 hits in the opening innings, resulting in a 9.00 ERA for that period. Batters have achieved a .301 average against him in the first inning, casting doubts on his early-game reliability, despite the Brewers' average first-inning performance. It's noteworthy that since joining the Dodgers, Lynn has managed to prevent first-inning runs, though his oppositions were the Athletics, Padres, and Rockies. Given Milwaukee's competent batting lineup, there's a fair chance they'll break this pattern, securing an early run against Lynn and the Dodgers.
Best NRFI Bets: Corbin Burnes vs Lance Lynn: Over 0.5 Runs (-115) at FanDuel
⭐ CLICK HERE to bet on the Milwaukee Brewers vs LA Dodgers match! ⭐
Best NRFI Bets Today: Boston Red Sox vs. Washington Nationals
⭐ Chris Sale vs Patrick Corbin: Over 0.5 Runs (-115) at bet365
While the game isn't guaranteed to see early scores, especially being a daytime match, the Nationals have shown a knack for early runs, securing the sixth rank in the majors this season. Patrick Corbin, on the other hand, hasn't always been solid during initial innings, providing the Red Sox with a potential early scoring opportunity. Given Chris Sale's limited performance data post-injury, it's likely we might witness some first-inning scores.
Boston's early batting hasn’t stood out this year, but they might find some leverage against Corbin, who's registered a 6.00 ERA and a 1.54 WHIP during the first innings of his 24 games. In Corbin's defense, he managed a respectable 2.38 ERA in his first couple of games in August, bringing his seasonal ERA down to 4.85. Yet, he did concede an early run in one of those matches. With players like Adam Duvall, Trevor Story, and Justin Turner having posed challenges for Corbin in the past, Boston might unsettle him at the outset.
On the flip side, it's hard to predict Sale's performance. He hasn't faced Washington's hitters much and has only been back for one game after an extended injury break. In that return, he maintained a clean slate for four innings before surrendering two runs in the fifth against the Tigers. Considering the Nationals' proficiency at early scoring, they might find an edge against Sale right from the start.
Best NRFI Bets: Chris Sale vs Patrick Corbin: Over 0.5 Runs (-115) at bet365
⭐ CLICK HERE to bet on the Boston Red Sox vs. Washington Nationals match! ⭐
As we look forward to these thrilling matchups, there's another exciting development on the horizon for sports betting enthusiasts. Come this September, Kentucky will be launching online sports betting, paving the way for the emergence of new Kentucky betting apps. This opens up a new realm of opportunities for fans and bettors alike. Stay tuned for more updates on this front.
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