Best NRFI Bets Today: Back a Pair of Cy Young Contenders in Game 2 of Atlanta and Philadelphia

With Chris Sale and Zack Wheeler set to take the mound in game two of the series between Atlanta and Philadelphia, the top of their orders will struggle to make contact as both pitchers excel at generating Strikeouts. Later in the night, we turn our attention towards the Tampa Bay Rays and Houston Astros as both pitchers get the benefit of being supported by a pair of defenses who excel in coverage.

Odds provided by BetMGM Sportsbook. Get up to $1,500 back in the form of bonus bets should you lose your first wager after creating an account with the WSN promo code WSNSPORTS.

Atlanta Braves vs. Philadelphia Phillies - Chris Sale vs. Zack Wheeler (6:45 PM, EST)

Under 0.5 Run (-135) at BetMGM Sportsbook

After a rough start to the year, Chris Sale has started to recapture the same success he had last season when he won the NL Cy Young award as the Atlanta Braves ace is averaging an ERA of 3.36, a FIP of 3.04, and more than one Strikeout per Inning Pitched. His back end elevating their level of play has also played a major role in his recent success as the Braves defense currently ranks eighth overall in Defensive Efficiency and sixth in Fielding Percentage.

While a matchup against Philadelphia seems daunting on paper, the Phillies top of their order have actually struggled to provide a spark in their contests. Other than former Hits leader Trea Turner, Bryce Harper and Bryson Stott are averaging less than one Hit per game. Even though they do possess a high OPS, Sale is capable of neutralizing it as he averages less than two Walks per game. Barring an error, expect Sale to make quick work of the top of the Phillies order and keep a clean sheet in the first inning.

Like the Phillies, the Atlanta Braves top of their order have also struggled this season per their preseason projections as Michael Harris and Matt Olson both average less than one Hit per game and a Batting Average less than 0.240. Against Zack Wheeler, their struggles with making contact are poised to persist as the Phillies ace takes the mound averaging an ERA of 2.42, a WHIP of 0.877, and a FIP of 2.73. Philadelphia’s defense also excels in coverage as their back end ranks top-5 in Fielding Percentage.

Claim $1,500 in Bonus Bets at BetMGM

Tampa Bay Rays vs. Houston Astros - Shane Baz vs. Ryan Gusto (8:10 PM, EST)

Under 0.5 Run (-120) at FanDuel Sportsbook

Even though Shane Baz has struggled with keeping opposing runners out of scoring position, positive regression looms large over the Tampa Bay Rays pitcher as he has actually done a good job at avoiding contact by averaging less than one Hit Against per Inning Pitched. Baz also creates Whiffs at a high rate as he averages over five Strikeouts per game.

Against Houston, Baz will have the opportunity to improve on his ERA of 4.94 and WHIP of 1.390 as he faces off against an Astros offense who ranks below league average in RBIs and in Total Runs Scored. His back end also gives him a high level of support as the Rays defense currently ranks first overall in Defensive Efficiency and third in Fielding Percentage.

On the other side of the field, Ryan Gusto is in a far more favorable position to thrive as the Astros pitcher battles it out against a Rays offense who ranks below league average in Contact Rate, Total Runs Scored, RBIs, and in On Base Percentage. Expect Gusto to sustain his average of over one Strikeout per Inning Pitched and neutralize the Rays offense in the process.

Win a $5 Wager at FanDuel, Get $200 in Bonus Bets

Best YRFI Bets Today

• Washington Nationals vs. Seattle Mariners - MacKenzie Gore vs. Emerson Hancock - Expect the Washington Nationals to get into scoring position early on in their contest against Seattle as they face off against Emerson Hancock who is currently averaging an ERA of 5.95, a WHIP of 1.653, a FIP of 5.36, and over one Hit Against per Inning Pitched.

• Athletics vs. Toronto Blue Jays - Jacob Lopez vs. Jose Berrios - With both pitchers averaging a WHIP of 1.350 or higher, the Athletics and Toronto Blue Jays top of their orders are in a favorable position to succeed from the opening pitch as both lineups rank above league average in Contact Rate and in On Base Percentage.

Claim $1,500 Bonus Offer at BetMGM

More MLB Best Bets Today

• Best MLB Bets Today

• Best MLB Prop Bets Today

• Best MLB Parlay Picks Today

• Best MLB Home Run Props