NRFI Picks Today: Vladdy & Jays Do Early Damage

It’s Monday, October 20, and all roads lead to Rogers Centre for a winner-take-all Game 7 between the Toronto Blue Jays and Seattle Mariners. Toronto has stormed back with two straight wins, one on the road and one at home, to force the finale in front of a raucous Canadian crowd.

Yesterday’s game featured plenty of fireworks: 11 hits, six runs, and a Blue Jays offense that’s peaking at the right time. The first inning went quietly, but don’t expect the same script tonight. Our play for Game 7: a YRFI at +102 odds.

YRFI Pick: Mariners vs Blue Jays (+102 at FanDuel)

Mariners vs Blue Jays Odds — ALCS Game 7, 8:08 p.m. ET

This is a rematch of the Game 3 showdown between Shane Bieber and George Kirby, and if history’s any indicator, we could see early fireworks again. In that meeting, Bieber surrendered two early runs while Kirby later unraveled for eight earned on three homers. Both right-handers can be vulnerable to power bats when they miss their spots, and neither features elite velocity to escape trouble if command falters early.

Toronto’s lineup has been punishing mistakes all series. Vladimir Guerrero Jr. has been unconscious at the plate, posting a 1.500 OPS these playoffs and going 5-for-12 with a homer lifetime vs Kirby. George Springer has also feasted on the Seattle righty, hitting 4-for-11 with a homer and 1.144 OPS. Those are the two of the first three hitters Kirby must face in the opening frame, a daunting task in front of 45,000 fans hungry for a fast start.

On the flip side, the Mariners’ top order has the potential to strike just as fast. Julio Rodriguez took Bieber deep in Game 3 and remains Seattle’s best early-inning spark. With both starters prone to longballs this postseason and both lineups red-hot, the conditions point to another early breakthrough rather than a pitchers’ duel.

At +102, the YRFI offers solid value in a Game 7 where adrenaline will be high, bats will be aggressive, and any first-inning mistake could swing the season. Don’t blink, as this one might explode early.