Best NRFI Bets Today: Phillies and Cubs Facing Elimination

The Phillies and Cubs both won on Wednesday, forcing Game 4’s in their respective National League Division Series. The pitching matchups for Phillies vs Dodgers and Cubs vs Brewers are both star studded. 

There is a lot of value for the NRFI in each game, and I’m placing these bets on Hard Rock Sportsbook.

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Phillies vs. Dodgers - Cristopher Sanchez vs. Tyler Glasnow (6:08 PM, EST)

Under 0.5 Run (-145) at Hard Rock Sportsbook

Baseball is very unpredictable, but it’s always hard to score when two strong pitchers are on the mound. Tyler Glasnow and Cristopher Sánchez are the definition of elite pitchers, and they will take the mound for their respective teams on Thursday.

Both pitchers enter with strong regular season numbers and reputations for commanding their stuff early. Glasnow posted a 3.19 ERA and 1.10 WHIP in 2025 while Sanchez had a 2.50 ERA and 1.06 WHIP.

We often see elite pitchers be at their sharpest in the first inning, before fatigue, scouting adjustments, or bullpen matchups later in the game.

Sanchez first-inning splits have been excellent, which gives me added confidence. In the first inning this season, he has allowed just two home runs.

That early strength gives him a chance to set the tone and avoid allowing a run. His career postseason appearances also show he’s up for the task.

Glasnow has an elite arsenal which should confuse the Phillies offense. In a postseason game, hitters may be more cautious early, and Glasnow can take advantage of their hesitation.

The combination of two strong starters who are usually solid early makes this a great NRFI wager.

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Cubs vs. Brewers - TBD vs. TBD (4:00 PM, EST)

Under 0.5 Run (-140) at Hard Rock Sportsbook

The Cubs and Brewers haven’t named a starting pitcher. This could be a game time decision, but I know neither NL Central manager will risk throwing an incompetent pitcher early in this game.

In Game 4 of the NLDS, it’s critical to start strong. Chicago is facing elimination and Milwaukee doesn’t want this to become a do-or-die Game 5.

With no confirmed starter, both teams may lean conservative early. Hitters may take more time looking at pitches, especially if they get lost in the magnitude of the game.

Every at-bat matters, so hitters will be much more intentional. This will give each pitchers more chances to stack early strikes and get up in counts.

Now, Game 1 saw big first-inning offense when Milwaukee scored six runs. In Game 2, both teams scored as well, but the wind will be blowing in at Wrigley Thursday which supports the NRFI.

There are a few players to watch out for at the top of the Cubs lineup. Michael Busch had a leadoff home runs for the Cubs on Wednesday, so the Brewers should be ready to counter this athlete.

If both pitchers locate early in the game, there shouldn’t be many runs scored overall.

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