What’s going on, everybody? Eric Lindquist here, and let me tell you, after losing by the hook last night, I’m tilting hard. But you know what? That’s the grind. You show up, you do the work, and today — with a full MLB slate on deck — we’re locking in. Let’s talk about Paul Skenes and the Pittsburgh Pirates first five moneyline for today’s best Pirates-Rays MLB bet today.
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Pirates-Rays Pick: Best MLB Bets Today
I know, I know — Skenes’ first outing didn’t exactly light the world on fire. He gave up more than he should have to a Miami lineup where, let’s be real, I can name maybe 2 1/2 hitters. But the advanced metrics tell the real story.
Skenes had just an 18.2% hard-hit rate, a .216 expected wOBA and a 35% strikeout rate in that debut. That’s dominant stuff. He was just unlucky to give up anything at all. And now, we get another opportunity to back one of the most electric young arms in the game — before sportsbooks start pricing him like the ace he clearly is.
The Pirates are taking on the Rays, and Skenes gets the ball against Ryan Pepiot. Now, Pepiot actually looked really good himself — 31.3% hard-hit rate, 30.8% strikeout rate — but this Pittsburgh lineup is brutal, and that’s not the side that’s going to do damage here. I want Skenes, and I want to isolate his performance.
That’s why we’re going with the Pittsburgh Pirates first five moneyline at -120.
And if you’re wondering why I’m so focused on first five bets today, it’s pretty simple: I don’t trust these bullpens, especially not this early in the season. I’d rather ride with my guy for five innings, push if it’s tied and move on with my day.
Best Pirates-Rays Bet Today: Pirates First 5 Moneyline (LIKE)
