Best NRFI Bets Today, August 7

Los Angeles Dodgers vs San Diego Padres – Tony Gonsolon (R) vs Seth Lugo (R)

Over 0.5 Runs (-140 at DraftKings)

The NL West Divisional showdown between the Los Angeles Dodgers (64-46) and the San Diego Padres (55-57) reaches a big conclusion into the new week in San Diego. The Dodgers will look to complete the series by taking a 3-1 series win over the Padres while tying the series 2-2 would be a big win for San Diego. There is plenty of reasons to believe either the Dodgers or the Padres will get off to a good start on Monday's game.

The Dodgers rank second in the league in runs accounted for in the first inning (0.79), just behind the Atlanta Braves. The Padres are sixth in the league in runs accounted for in the first inning (0.62).

The Dodgers are one of the top batting teams in the MLB this season. Los Angeles ranks second in the NL in runs accounted for (616), second in home runs accounted for (176), first in walks accounted for (462), second in on-base percentage (.338), second in slugging percentage (.456) and second on OPS (.793). The Dodgers have no shortage of high-volume batters between Freddie Freeman, Mookie Betts, James Outman, Will Smith, and Max Muncy.

The Padres have seen their problems at the plate this season, but they still possess elite batters to account for a high-scoring game. San Diego is ranked seventh in the NL in runs accounted for (516), fourth in home runs accounted for (144), second in walks accounted for (460), fifth in on-base percentage (.329), seventh in slugging percentage (.415) and sixth in OPS (.744).

Washington Nationals vs Philadelphia Phillies – Trevor Williams (R) vs Ranger Suarez (L)

Over 0.5 Runs (-140 at DraftKings) 

The NL East Division is full of competitors where each wins and loss will make a significant impact in the NL Wildcard race. While the start of the four-game series between the Washington Nationals (49-63) at the Philadelphia Phillies (61-51) may not be a huge series, a few bad games by the Phillies could hinder their race for the NL East Divisional or, likely, an NL Wildcard spot.

The Phillies have been busy in the last few games as they have been getting off to a hot start in all three games at home against the Kansas City Royals. The Phillies have accounted for two runs each in the first inning of the first two games against the Royals followed by three runs in game three of the series.

Philadelphia started the season off to a slow start when it comes to scoring early. Throughout the season, especially when Bryce Harper returned to the lineup, the Phillies have become a more efficient batting team.

The Phillies rank 14th in the league in runs accounted for in the first inning (0.53). The Washington Nationals, on the other hand, have found more success in scoring early in games this season. Washington ranks fifth in runs accounted for in the first inning (0.63).

Philadelphia has also allowed teams to account for some runs early in the game. In the 8-4 win over the Royals, the Phillies allowed the Royals to score three runs in the first inning. This game could lead to some early scores to start the series.

Kansas City Royals vs Boston Red Sox – Cole Ragens (L) vs Brayan Bello (R)

Under 0.5 Runs (+105 at DraftKings)

Among one of the top games on Monday with the best and most likely under odds is the matchup between the Kansas City Royals (36-77) at the Boston Red Sox (57-54). Both the Royals and the Red Sox are among the bottom half of the league in runs accounted for in the first inning. The Red Sox are 18th in the league in runs in the first inning (0.51), while the Royals are 24th in runs in the first inning (0.44).

The Red Sox are coming into Monday's game as the heavy favorites. The Red Sox are the superior batting team and will have the better pitching matchup.

This series comes at a critical time for the Red Sox as they are coming off a four-game streak, including a sweep to the Toronto Blue Jays. They have lost seven of their last eight games. Boston hasn't scored in the first inning since the 6-2 loss at the Seattle Mariners six before. It is going to take some time for the Red Sox to adjust and find their rhythm after a bad setting of games.

Of course, there isn’t a lot of faith that the Royals are going to establish a rhythm early in the game no matter how much the Red Sox were struggling.

The Royals will start Cole Ragens (0.82 ERA in 11 innings pitched) at the plate. Ragens and minor league outfielder Roni Cabrera were traded from the Texas Rangers on June 30th. Boston will start their ace pitcher Brayan Bello (3.79 ERA in 102 innings pitched).

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