Best MLB Same-Game Parlay for Opening Day
By Quinn Allen in MLB Baseball
Published:
- MLB Opening Day is finally here, with a plethora of exciting games on the schedule for Thursday
- Below, see an intriguing MLB same-game parlay for Opening Day
- Keep reading for the best MLB Opening Day SGP
The 2023 MLB season officially begins on Thursday, with all 30 teams in action. Down in Arlington, the Philadelphia Phillies will visit the new-look Texas Rangers for the start of a three-game set as Aaron Nola and Jacob deGrom face off on the hill.
Below, find the odds for an intriguing Opening Day same-game parlay for this contest.
Phillies vs Rangers Same-Game Parlay Odds
| Pick | Odds |
|---|---|
| Texas Rangers Runline | -1.5 (+155) |
| Total Runs – 1st Inning | Un 0.5 (-155) |
| SAME GAME PARLAY ODDS | +340 |
We’re not getting too risky here and just sticking to a two-leg parlay with the Rangers covering the 1.5 runline at +155 odds, while both teams will hit under 0.5 in runs in the first inning. That bet sits at -155. Overall, the parlay comes in at +340 at DraftKings Sportsbook. A $50 wager would result in a $170 profit.
Why This Same-Game Parlay Is Worth a Bet
The Rangers and Phillies don’t typically play each other too often. In fact, they’ve only met nine times since 2014. However, Texas has won every single matchup and actually swept Philadelphia last season in a four-game set. That would cover the moneyline, but how about the runline, which is the focus in this same-game parlay?
Aaron Nola career on Opening Day: 2-1 with a 3.68 ERA (29 1/3 IP over five starts)
Jacob deGrom career on Opening Day: 1-0 with a 0.00 ERA (17 IP over three starts)
— Tim Kelly (@TimKellySports) March 29, 2023
Well, in seven of those meetings, the Rangers have covered. We also have to remember who is on the mound here. deGrom is making his season debut for Texas and knows this Phils lineup inside out after pitching against them for many years in the National League East with the New York Mets.
He also boasts an impressive 9-1 record and 2.17 ERA versus last year’s World Series representatives from the NL. There’s a very good chance the hard-throwing righty dominates and puts his ballclub in the best possible position to grab a win. He’s the AL Cy Young odds frontrunner for a reason.
Now with Nola, he’s never pitched against the Rangers in his career. That could be a good thing and a bad thing. That being said, that’s why we’re eyeing the under 0.5 runs in the first inning. deGrom is typically lights out from the get-go and I don’t expect that to be any different Thursday, especially in front of the home crowd.
As for Nola, he’s one of the most elite arms in the big leagues. Yes, Texas has a potent lineup that is poised to really do some damage in 2023, but I believe it will take them time to figure out the 29-year-old.
With Opening Day approaching, here's Aaron Nola striking out Corey Seager (LAD).
The Rangers are just one of three teams that Nola has yet to face in his eight-year career. #Phillies #MLBOpeningDay #RingTheBell pic.twitter.com/rUVJPNw9x6
— Tommy Orme (@t_orm3) March 29, 2023
Also, the Rangers and Phillies both ranked around the middle of the pack last year in first-inning runs with 0.48 and 0.49, respectively. That’s more evidence of why this is a worthy pick.
Even just a smaller bet on this Opening Day same-game parlay should instill confidence. There is no shortage of optimism around these two wagers given the recent history between the two organizations. You can always believe in deGrom as well, even though he’s in a new uniform now.
The first pitch is scheduled for 4:05 PM ET at Globe Life Field.
Sports Writer
Quinn Allen is a sports journalist, with a background and education in broadcast journalism (BCIT '17). He is a full-time associate editor at ClutchPoints by day, where he writes about soccer, baseball, basketball, football, and more. At night, Quinn is a frequent contributor at SBD.
