Best NRFI Bets Today, October 20

Philadelphia Phillies vs Arizona Diamondbacks

Over 0.5 runs (-130 at Caesars Sportsbook)

While the bats were quiet for both teams last night, we see a very different game unfolding today. One reason for that is that the Phillies will be playing their second game in Arizona. Chase Field is a unique park for opposing hitters, and the Phillies make the trip to the Valley of the Sun only once a year. Their offense has been red-hot in the postseason, and they will break out early tonight after adjusting to the park last night.

The other reason we love this YRFI bet is the pitching matchup. The Phillies will have reliever Joe Mantiply making the start. We saw him in Game 2 of this series when he surrendered three runs and recorded just one out. While he will have the advantage of being at home for his appearance, you can bet this Phillies lineup will come in with a lot of confidence against him. Considering their top three hitters are Kyle Schaweber, Trea Turner, and Bryce Harper, it will take just one swing of the bat to cash in on this bet.

The Phillies will have 26-year-old Cristopher Sanchez making his first-ever playoff start tonight. He went 3-5 with a 3.44 ERA during the season and was a reliable back-end arm for this team. However, he will be playing in his first career playoff game. The playoffs are a big stage, and this will be a road start in Game 4 of the NLCS. Considering Arizona finally has some momentum, we think he will buckle under the pressure early tonight. 

Houston Astros vs Texas Rangers

Under 0.5 Runs (-111 at FanDuel Sportsbook)

This AL West matchup has been as good as we had hoped. Houston tied the series up last night, thanks to their red-hot offense. Meanwhile, the Rangers offense seems to be starting to cool off. They were incredible through the first two rounds but could be slumping at the worst possible time. Houston has been going in the opposite direction, but they will face a much stiffer challenge in a crucial Game 5 tonight. 

Justin Verlander will be getting the start tonight for the Astros. The 40-year-old is no longer the ace he once was, but he has been fantastic in the postseason. Verlander has allowed two runs in two starts (12 ⅔ innings). One of those came in Game 1 against the Rangers, where he allowed two runs on six hits across 6 ⅔ innings. Considering that he has fared well in the past against Corey Seager (.261 BA) and leadoff man March Semien is batting .179 in the postseason, we love his chances for a quiet first inning tonight.

The Rangers will turn to Jordan Montgomery to attempt to regain the series lead tonight. The lefty has been incredible since being traded to Texas at the deadline, and he has a 2.08 ERA across three postseason starts. One of those was game one against Houston, where he threw 6 ⅓ scoreless innings. As well as the Astros have been hitting over the last two games, we think Jordan cools them off with a 1-2-3 first inning. 

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