Best YRFI Bets Today, October 3

Texas Rangers vs Tampa Bay Rays – Jordan Montgomery (L) vs Tyler Glasnow (R)

Over 0.5 Runs (+100 at DraftKings)

After an exciting 2023 MLB regular season, the 2023 MLB Postseason is set to kick off with a bang. Leading off for the beginning of the postseason is the AL Wildcard matchup between the Tampa Bay Rays (99-63) and the Texas Rangers (90-72). Both the Rangers and the Rays were, at one point, the teams to beat in the AL before the rest of the elite AL teams caught up to them.

This opening game for the postseason and wildcard series between the Rangers and the Rays has a chance to score early and often.

Through 162 regular season games this season, the Rangers ranked first in the AL in runs accounted for (881), first in hits accounted for (1470), second in second-base hits (326), first in home runs accounted for (233), first in walks (599), first in batting average (.263), first in on-base percentage (.337), first in slugging percentage (.452), first in OPS (.790) and first in total bases (2531).

The Rangers have a chance to score in the first inning, not without a challenge from the Rays' pitcher in Tyler Glasnow (3.53 ERA in 120 innings pitched). Rangers’ Jordan Montgomery (2.79 ERA in 67.2 innings pitched) is a pitcher who isn’t as efficient or experienced, but he is good in bursts. He could have some early problems with the efficient batting of the Rays, who could find their way to the scoreboard in the first inning. 

The Rays follow the Rangers as one of the most efficient batting teams in the AL. Tampa Bay ranks second in the AL in runs accounted for (860), fourth in hits accounted for (1432), fourth in home runs accounted for (230), second in stolen bases (160), second in batting average (.260), second in on-base percentage (.331), second in slugging percentage (.445) and second in total bases (2452).

Arizona Diamondbacks vs Milwaukee Brewers – Brandon Pfaadt (R) vs Corbin Burnes (R)

Over 0.5 Runs (-105 at DraftKings)

The AL is not the only conference that is set to have an exciting and highly anticipated matchup going into the first day of the 2023 MLB Postseason. The Arizona Diamondbacks(84-78) are set to go on the road to take on the Milwaukee Brewers (92-70). This is a game that could prove to be an underrated opportunity for a run in the first inning. 

The Brewers are tied with the Philadephia Phillies at ninth in the league in YRFI at 31.48%. You wouldn't be able to tell based on how the Brewers statistically throughout the season, but Milwaukee is more successful scoring early than at any in the other innings. 

The Diamondbacks, however, are a much more efficient scoring team than the Brewers. Arizona ranks seventh in the NL in runs accounted for (746), 10th in hits accounted for (1359), second in stolen bases (166), second in fewest strikeouts encountered (1247), seventh in batting average (.250), eighth in on-base percentage (.322), eighth in slugging percentage (.408) and eighth in OPS (.730).

One of the biggest reasons for the Diamondbacks' success this season is the 40-man active full of young, but elite playmakers. One of these players is outfielder Corbin Carroll, who is the clear favorite for NL Rookie of the Year. 

Outside of Walker, the Diamondbacks are putting their best two scorers in the second and third spot in the batting order. Arizona is going to be the best indication of whether or not a run will be scored in the first inning.

Miami Marlins vs Philadelphia Phillies – Jesus Luazardo (L) vs Zack Wheeler (R)

Over 0.5 Runs (-105 at DraftKings)

Finishing off the first day of the 2023 MLB Postseason is the matchup between the Miami Marlins (84-77) at the Philadelphia Phillies (90-72). 

The Phillies are a team that likes to start their scoring potential early in the game. Philadelphia is tied for ninth in the league in YRFI (31.48%) thanks to their high-caliber batting. The Marlins, on the other hand, are a team that takes their time, wins certain matchups and relies on their pitching to win them games. Miami is ranked 28th in the league in YRFI (24.22%).

The Phillies are a team that going to be dangerous during the postseason. Philadelphia ranks fourth in the NL in runs accounted for (1417), fourth in double-base hits (291), third in home runs accounted for (220), third in stolen bases (141), 10th in walks (539), fourth in batting average (.256), fifth in on-base percentage (.327), third in slugging percentage (.438), third in OPS (.765) and third in total bases accounted for (2426).

Philadelphia is coming into this matchup with the better pitching matchup. Phillies pitcher Zack Wheeler (3.63 ERA in 192 innings pitched) has a solid opportunity to suppress the Marlins' batting team that is already slow-starting at the plate.

See different MLB betting sites for more betting opportunities!