Best NRFI Bets Today: Strider and Alcantara Headline Thursday

Thursday’s MLB slate features several strong pitching matchups, but nothing is better than Sandy Alcantara and Spencer Strider. These two have been dominant this season, keeping them both firmly positioned in the latest Cy Young odds, and runs will likely be scarce in the Braves vs. Marlins contest.

Looking for more MLB betting insights? Check our selection of the Best MLB Home Run Predictions Today.

Best NRFI Bets for Thursday, May 21

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Braves vs. Marlins - Spencer Strider vs. Sandy Alcantara (6:40 PM EST)

The Atlanta Braves are the best team in baseball, and they have proven this in multiple ways. Their starting pitching has been dominant, and they’ve been the most consistent offensive team in MLB. 

Under 0.5 Run (-130) at Caesars Sportsbook

Sandy Alcantara will certainly be tested by their powerful lineup, which is headlined by Matt Olson.

Olson has been fantastic, slashing .281 with 14 home runs and 42 RBIs and we’re barely a quarter of the way through the season. Despite his power, I trust Alcantara to work around the top of the order, as he is 3-2 with a 3.53 ERA and a 1.26 WHIP.

Alcantara has a veteran savvy on the mound which will play dividends against Atlanta’s offense. Strider has been even better than Alcantara this season, which gives me confidence in the NRFI.

Strider has been even better than Alcantara this season, carrying a 2.45 ERA and a 1.23 WHIP with well over a strikeout per frame. This elite pitching combination sets up nicely for NRFI bettors on Thursday.

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Pirates vs. Cardinals - Braxton Ashcraft vs. Dustin May (1:15 PM EST)

The Cardinals have been one of the best stories in baseball, with a passionate fanbase that has made the “Tarps Off” celebration a signature moment. 

Whether you like the NRFI or not, the Cardinals are turning into must-watch television.

Under 0.5 Run (-150) at Caesars Sportsbook

Dustin May has had a winding road through MLB, bouncing from the Dodgers to the Red Sox and now the Cardinals, but he is finding a legitimate home in St. Louis. 

He is difficult to hit early in games due to his unorthodox approach, and the Pirates’ tendency to take early strikes gives him a nice opportunity to work the zone.

May carries a 4.81 ERA and a 1.42 WHIP, and his ability to limit hard contact is the best weapon against a NRFI being derailed. 

Braxton Ashcraft counters for Pittsburgh at 2-2 with a 3.09 ERA and a 1.05 WHIP, averaging a strikeout per inning to keep the Cardinals in check.

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Guardians vs. Tigers - Joey Cantillo vs. Casey Mize (1:10 PM EST)

The Tigers have underperformed drastically, getting outplayed by nearly every team in the AL Central due to their inconsistent offense. 

Their struggles make a first-inning NRFI relatively straightforward, something that hasn’t always been the case.

Under 0.5 Run (-130) at Caesars Sportsbook.

Their most dangerous hitter is Kevin McGonigle, but beyond him, I believe a NRFI is very achievable with Joey Cantillo on the mound. 

Cantillo carries a 3.40 ERA while Casey Mize counters with a 2.43 ERA and a 1.05 WHIP, making run-scoring in the first inning unlikely.

Mize has pitched like a former top prospect, and he should carry his early-season momentum into Thursday’s start. 

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Best YRFI Bets Today

• Athletics vs. Angels - Luis Severino vs. Jose Soriano: It would be surprising if the Angels didn’t get to Severino early, as he is 2-5 with a 4.45 ERA and a 1.57 WHIP. Both teams are known for starting fast, making this a strong lean toward a YRFI bet.

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