We are back with a favorable matchup on a calm and relaxing Saturday night.
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Both of these teams have performed poorly in the first inning this season, so we’re looking at the NRFI. The Phillies rank 24th in first inning runs (41 total runs) this season, while the Pirates rank 27th. (31 total runs).
Philadelphia has scored in the first inning just once in their last seven games. The Pirates have only done so once in their last eight games. They have yet to score in their first batting attempt in this series. The Phillies will be without Bryce Harper, who is on the IL and will be facing Mitch Keller.
Keller has been great recently, not allowing a first inning run in four straight starts. In his previous three outings, he has allowed a combined 4 earned runs in 19 innings pitched. The Phillies will have Ranger Suarez on the mound. Suarez has not allowed a run in his last 10 innings pitched. He also has not allowed a first inning run in five straight starts.
The Pirates are tied for the 2nd worst batting average against LHP this season. (.221 BA) They also rank 28th in runs per game overall, and 29th in hits per game. It feels as if the Pirates will provide three easy outs in the first inning tonight, allowing this wager to rely on the Phillies. I love this matchup and I am expecting a low scoring game tonight, especially with the Vegas implied total at 8 runs. Six outs to glory! Let’s cash.
